Bahrain Public Holidays
Bahrain Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Bahrain? All public holidays in Bahrain are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Bahrain employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Bahrain 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, celebrated on January 1, marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. While the holiday does not have deep religious significance in Bahrain, it is widely recognized as a public holiday and is celebrated by many residents, both Bahrainis and expatriates.
Celebrations
In Bahrain, New Year’s Eve is often marked by family gatherings and private celebrations. While fireworks and large public parties are less common than in other parts of the world, restaurants and hotels may host special New Year’s Eve events. People also reflect on the past year, make resolutions, and gather with family and friends to welcome the new year.
Days Off
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Bahrain, and most employees receive the day off to rest and spend time with family and friends. However, some sectors such as hospitality and healthcare may continue to operate.
Labour Day (May 1)
Overview
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors workers and their rights worldwide. In Bahrain, it is a public holiday dedicated to acknowledging the contribution of workers to the economy and society. This holiday is recognized in many countries, and Bahrain is no exception.
Celebrations
On Labour Day, there are usually speeches by government officials, and some companies may hold ceremonies to honor employees. However, the holiday is relatively low-key in Bahrain compared to other countries with larger labor movements. In some cases, trade unions and workers’ groups organize marches or events to celebrate workers’ rights.
Days Off
Labour Day is a public holiday, and most employees are given a day off. Government offices, banks, and many private businesses are closed, while essential services such as hospitals may remain open.
Eid al-Fitr (Date varies, based on the Islamic calendar)
Overview
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important holidays in Bahrain, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The holiday is a celebration of the completion of fasting and a time for Muslims to gather with family, give charity, and participate in community events.
Celebrations
The Eid celebrations begin with a special prayer at the mosque, followed by visits to relatives and friends. People dress in new clothes, exchange gifts, and enjoy elaborate meals. One of the key traditions is giving Zakat al-Fitr (charity) to help those in need. There are also public events, concerts, and cultural festivities that take place during the holiday. The entire nation engages in the joyous celebration of Eid.
Days Off
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Bahrain, and the country generally observes two to three days off for the holiday, depending on the moon sighting and the government’s official declaration. This is a major public holiday, and most businesses, government offices, and schools close for the duration of the celebration.
Eid al-Adha (Date varies, based on the Islamic calendar)
Overview
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is another major Islamic holiday in Bahrain. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha is one of the holiest holidays in the Islamic calendar.
Celebrations
Eid al-Adha begins with a special prayer at the mosque. The holiday is marked by the ritual sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep, goat, or cow, which is shared among family members, friends, and the needy. People also visit each other’s homes to exchange food and gifts. Much like Eid al-Fitr, this holiday also emphasizes charity and solidarity, with a strong focus on giving to the less fortunate.
Days Off
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday, and most employees receive the day off. Like Eid al-Fitr, the holiday lasts for two to three days, depending on the moon sighting. During this time, many businesses, government offices, and educational institutions close.
National Day (December 16)
Overview
National Day in Bahrain is celebrated on December 16th to mark the anniversary of Bahrain’s independence from British protection in 1971. It is a national holiday that commemorates the country’s sovereignty and progress.
Celebrations
National Day is marked by a range of patriotic celebrations throughout Bahrain. There are parades, concerts, fireworks displays, and exhibitions, where people gather to celebrate their country’s history and achievements. The streets are decorated with flags and lights, and government buildings often host large events. Many people enjoy spending time with family and attending public festivities.
Days Off
National Day is a public holiday in Bahrain, and employees typically receive the day off. The celebrations often extend into the following day, which is marked by additional events. In addition, some employees may enjoy extended time off due to the proximity of the holiday to other important religious holidays like Eid.
Bahrain’s Accession Day (December 17)
Overview
Bahrain’s Accession Day, celebrated on December 17, commemorates the day in 1961 when His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s grandfather, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, became the ruler of Bahrain. This day marks an important milestone in the kingdom’s modern history.
Celebrations
The day is celebrated with official ceremonies and events, including speeches from the royal family and government officials. Patriotic displays are common, with people showing their national pride through decorations and public festivities. The royal family plays a prominent role in the ceremonies, reflecting on the nation’s achievements under their leadership.
Days Off
Bahrain’s Accession Day is a public holiday, and most citizens are given the day off to participate in celebrations or reflect on the country’s progress. Some sectors, such as the government and hospitality industries, may have special events or closures during this holiday.
Islamic New Year (Date varies, based on the Islamic calendar)
Overview
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the new lunar year in the Islamic calendar. The holiday is celebrated in Bahrain and other Islamic countries, although it is not as widely celebrated as other religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Celebrations
The Islamic New Year is typically observed with prayers at mosques and quiet family gatherings. While it is not a public celebration filled with large events or public displays, it is a time for reflection and renewal for the Muslim community. People take the opportunity to reflect on the passing year and pray for blessings in the year ahead.
Days Off
The Islamic New Year is a public holiday in Bahrain, but the government typically grants only one day off, and the observance is more subdued compared to other Islamic holidays. Government offices and some businesses may close for the day, but many businesses remain open.
Ashura (Date varies, based on the Islamic calendar)
Overview
Ashura is a significant day of mourning for Shia Muslims, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. In Bahrain, where there is a significant Shia population, Ashura is observed with deep reverence.
Celebrations
On Ashura, Bahrain’s Shia community participates in mourning rituals, including processions and recitations of elegies. People gather to commemorate the sacrifice of Imam Hussain and reflect on his stand for justice. The mourning is often accompanied by religious rituals and public gatherings at mosques. There are also charity events where food and drinks are distributed to the less fortunate.
Days Off
Ashura is a public holiday in Bahrain, and most Shia Muslims are given the day off. Government offices, businesses, and educational institutions may close for the day. Public processions and religious ceremonies take place throughout the country.
Table: Public Holidays in Bahrain and Days Off
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Eid al-Fitr | Date varies | 2-3 days off | Muslims |
| Eid al-Adha | Date varies | 2-3 days off | Muslims |
| National Day | December 16 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Bahrain’s Accession Day | December 17 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Islamic New Year | Date varies | 1 day off | Muslims |
| Ashura | Date varies | 1 day off | Shia Muslims |
