Azerbaijan Public Holidays
Azerbaijan Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Azerbaijan? All public holidays in Azerbaijan are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Azerbaijan employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Azerbaijan and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Overview
New Year’s Day in Azerbaijan is a widely celebrated holiday, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year. This day is recognized by both the government and citizens as a public holiday and is a time for families to come together, reflect on the past year, and welcome the new one with hope and joy.
Celebrations
New Year’s Eve, or “Şən Yeni İl,” is celebrated with grand enthusiasm across Azerbaijan. People decorate their homes with festive lights, exchange gifts, and prepare for New Year’s Eve dinners, which include traditional foods and drinks. In the capital city of Baku, large public celebrations, concerts, and fireworks displays occur. The celebration is often marked by family gatherings, and Azerbaijani citizens also take part in various cultural events. The tradition of “Ded Moroz” (Father Frost) and his companion, “Snegurochka” (the Snow Maiden), is common in many families, where children receive gifts.
Days Off
New Year’s Day is a public holiday, and most people in Azerbaijan are given the day off to spend time with family and friends. Public offices, schools, and businesses are generally closed for the day, allowing citizens to enjoy the festivities.
International Women’s Day (March 8)
Overview
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, is an important holiday in Azerbaijan that honors the achievements, contributions, and struggles of women. While it is celebrated around the world, Azerbaijan particularly emphasizes the role of women in society.
Celebrations
On International Women’s Day, men in Azerbaijan express appreciation for the women in their lives, often presenting flowers, chocolates, and gifts. It is a day filled with admiration, respect, and recognition of women’s accomplishments in various sectors of society, including politics, education, science, and arts. Many workplaces and schools hold special events to mark the day, celebrating the progress of women’s rights and gender equality.
Days Off
International Women’s Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan, and most employees are given the day off, though this may vary in certain sectors. For women, it is a special day of recognition, and they often enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by family and friends.
Novruz Bayram (March 20–21)
Overview
Novruz Bayram, the Persian New Year, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated holidays in Azerbaijan. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year in the Persian calendar, typically falling on March 20th or 21st. The celebration of Novruz has ancient roots and is closely linked to Zoroastrianism, celebrating the renewal of life, nature, and the triumph of good over evil.
Celebrations
Novruz Bayram lasts for several days, and each day of the celebration is marked by distinct rituals and customs. Homes are cleaned and decorated, symbolic foods such as “shekerbura” (sweet pastries), “pakhlava” (baklava), and “sumakh” are prepared, and families visit one another. Traditional music, dancing, and fireworks are an integral part of the celebrations. People gather around bonfires to jump over flames, a symbol of purification, and to welcome the new season.
Days Off
Novruz Bayram is a major public holiday in Azerbaijan, and people are given multiple days off, typically from March 20th to March 23rd, depending on the year. This holiday is a time for family reunions and cultural festivities.
National Independence Day (October 18)
Overview
National Independence Day, observed on October 18, marks the day Azerbaijan declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. This holiday commemorates the country’s sovereignty, freedom, and the establishment of a democratic republic.
Celebrations
National Independence Day is marked by official events, including speeches by government leaders, parades, concerts, and cultural exhibitions. There are often displays of Azerbaijani flags and symbols of national pride. Citizens celebrate the day by reflecting on the country’s journey towards independence and participating in cultural festivities that showcase Azerbaijan’s history, heritage, and achievements.
Days Off
National Independence Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan, and most citizens are given the day off to participate in the events or spend time with their families. Many people use this day to reflect on Azerbaijan’s historical struggles for independence.
Gurban Bayram (Date varies)
Overview
Gurban Bayram, also known as Eid al-Adha, is a major Islamic holiday observed by Azerbaijan’s Muslim population. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. In Azerbaijan, the day is marked by prayers, feasts, and charitable acts.
Celebrations
Gurban Bayram begins with a special prayer at the mosque, followed by the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep or goat, which is then distributed among family, friends, and the needy. This act of charity is central to the holiday’s meaning. It is also a time for family gatherings, special meals, and honoring the values of sacrifice and unity.
Days Off
Gurban Bayram is a public holiday in Azerbaijan, and most people are given a day off. For Muslims, it is a day of prayer, reflection, and family celebrations. Public offices and businesses are typically closed for the day.
Republic Day (May 28)
Overview
Republic Day, celebrated on May 28th, marks the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in 1918. It is the first democratic republic in the Muslim world and an important milestone in Azerbaijan’s history. This day is celebrated with a sense of national pride and appreciation for the country’s political evolution.
Celebrations
Republic Day is observed with various cultural and historical events. There are speeches by political leaders, exhibitions, and discussions about Azerbaijan’s history and its journey towards democracy. In larger cities, such as Baku, public concerts, parades, and fireworks take place to mark the occasion.
Days Off
Republic Day is a public holiday, and people are given the day off to participate in celebrations and reflect on the achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
State Independence Day (December 31)
Overview
State Independence Day, observed on December 31st, commemorates the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. This day marks the recognition of Azerbaijan as a sovereign nation in the international community.
Celebrations
State Independence Day is celebrated with ceremonies, concerts, and events that highlight the country’s sovereignty and global recognition. Official celebrations include speeches from political leaders, reflecting on the country’s journey towards independence and its achievements since then.
Days Off
State Independence Day is a public holiday, and most citizens enjoy a day off to reflect on Azerbaijan’s independence. Cultural events and gatherings are common on this day, with many people spending time with family.
National Revival Day (November 17)
Overview
National Revival Day, observed on November 17th, is a public holiday that celebrates Azerbaijan’s cultural and national awakening. It commemorates the efforts of Azerbaijanis to assert their cultural identity and national pride during the Soviet era.
Celebrations
National Revival Day is a day of remembrance and reflection. Various cultural institutions organize events, and there are public speeches about the importance of preserving Azerbaijani traditions, language, and culture. Educational institutions hold lessons on Azerbaijan’s history and cultural heritage.
Days Off
National Revival Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan, and citizens typically have the day off to attend cultural events or spend time reflecting on the significance of the day.
Table: Public Holidays in Azerbaijan and Days Off
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | 1 day off | All citizens, especially women |
| Novruz Bayram | March 20-21 | 3-4 days off | All citizens |
| National Independence Day | October 18 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Gurban Bayram | Varies (Islamic calendar) | 1 day off | Muslims |
| Republic Day | May 28 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| State Independence Day | December 31 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| National Revival Day | November 17 | 1 day off | All citizens |
