Bosnia and Herzegovina Public Holidays
Bosnia and Herzegovina Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina? All public holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Bosnia and Herzegovina employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina 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 1st, is a national public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It marks the beginning of the new year in the Gregorian calendar and is a widely celebrated day in the country. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina also celebrates Orthodox New Year later in the year, January 1 is the universally recognized day for most citizens.
Celebrations
The celebrations for New Year’s Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina typically include fireworks, concerts, and large family gatherings. People often celebrate with friends and loved ones, sharing festive meals and offering well-wishes for the coming year. In the capital, Sarajevo, there are large public celebrations, including fireworks and musical performances. The mood is joyous, and many people take the opportunity to relax and unwind.
Days Off
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and most employees are given the day off. Government offices, businesses, and schools are closed, and people have the day to celebrate, attend gatherings, or spend time with family.
Orthodox New Year (January 14)
Overview
Orthodox New Year is celebrated on January 14th and is recognized by the Serbian Orthodox community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This holiday follows the Julian calendar and is significant for the Orthodox Christian population, particularly in the Republika Srpska entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Celebrations
On Orthodox New Year, families gather for large meals and celebrations that reflect their religious and cultural traditions. Church services are held in Orthodox communities, and special prayers are said for the New Year. In addition to religious observances, the day is marked by social gatherings, dancing, and regional celebrations that bring together families and friends.
Days Off
Orthodox New Year is a public holiday for the Serbian Orthodox community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in Republika Srpska. Government offices and businesses may be closed for the day, and Orthodox Christians are given the day off to participate in religious services and celebrations.
International Workers’ Day (May 1)
Overview
International Workers’ Day, or Labour Day, is celebrated on May 1st and is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The day is dedicated to honoring workers and their rights. It is recognized as a holiday across the country, and it has significant historical and cultural importance, especially for the labor movements.
Celebrations
International Workers’ Day is celebrated with parades, rallies, and speeches, particularly in the larger cities such as Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Mostar. The day is marked by celebrations of workers’ rights and solidarity, with political speeches and public gatherings that highlight the importance of labor rights. Many people also take the day off to enjoy outdoor activities, have picnics, or attend concerts. There are typically trade union-organized events, and political groups often make their presence known on this day.
Days Off
International Workers’ Day is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and most workers are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses close for the day, while many people take part in events, rallies, or simply relax with family and friends.
Independence Day (March 1)
Overview
Independence Day is celebrated on March 1st, commemorating the day in 1992 when Bosnia and Herzegovina declared its independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It is a key national holiday, reflecting the country’s sovereignty and the beginning of its journey as an independent state.
Celebrations
Independence Day is marked with national ceremonies, including speeches by political leaders, military parades, and cultural performances. The capital, Sarajevo, hosts large-scale events, with citizens proudly celebrating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence. There are also smaller celebrations and gatherings in towns and villages across the country, where people reflect on the struggles and achievements of the nation.
Days Off
Independence Day is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and most citizens are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and many people participate in public events or enjoy time with family.
Orthodox Easter (Date varies)
Overview
Orthodox Easter is one of the most important religious holidays for the Serbian Orthodox community in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is observed according to the Julian calendar, which usually places it later than Western Christian Easter.
Celebrations
Orthodox Easter is a deeply religious holiday, with church services held throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Orthodox communities. The celebration begins on Holy Saturday with church vigils, followed by Easter Sunday services, where the resurrection of Christ is commemorated. Families gather for meals, often featuring traditional dishes such as lamb, eggs, and pastries. People exchange gifts and visit relatives, and it is a time for joy and religious reflection.
Days Off
Orthodox Easter is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the areas where Orthodox Christians live, such as Republika Srpska. Government offices and businesses may close for the day, and Orthodox Christians are given the day off to attend church services, visit family, or participate in cultural activities.
Statehood Day (November 25)
Overview
Statehood Day, celebrated on November 25, marks the day in 1943 when the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was established during World War II. It is a day to celebrate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historical fight for independence and its sovereignty.
Celebrations
Statehood Day is marked by official ceremonies, speeches by political leaders, and cultural events. There are often exhibitions about the country’s wartime history, and the day is an occasion to reflect on the achievements of the Bosnian state. The capital city, Sarajevo, hosts the main ceremonies, while smaller celebrations take place in towns and cities across the country. The day is marked by national pride and remembrance of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s fight for independence.
Days Off
Statehood Day is a public holiday, and most workers are given the day off. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and many people attend state-sponsored events or enjoy personal time with family.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Overview
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25th by Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is an important religious holiday for Christians in the country. It is celebrated with both religious observances and family traditions.
Celebrations
On Christmas Eve, many people attend Midnight Mass, and on Christmas Day, families gather to celebrate. Traditional meals, such as roast meats and various pastries, are shared with loved ones. Many Bosnian homes are decorated with Christmas trees, and people exchange gifts as a part of the holiday tradition. Public Christmas events, such as concerts and festivals, are also common in major cities, especially in Sarajevo.
Days Off
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Roman Catholics and Protestants. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed for the day, and many people attend church services, enjoy meals with family, and participate in public events.
Eid al-Fitr (Date varies)
Overview
Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, is one of the most important religious holidays for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Muslim population. It is celebrated after a month of fasting and prayer, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
Celebrations
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with special prayers at mosques, family gatherings, and festive meals. Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina exchange gifts, visit the graves of loved ones, and enjoy special dishes such as “sufganiyah” (doughnuts) and “burek.” The holiday is also a time for charity, with many people giving gifts or donating to the poor as part of the tradition of Zakat al-Fitr, the charity given at the end of Ramadan.
Days Off
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Muslims, and most Muslim workers are given the day off. Government offices and schools may close, especially in areas with a significant Muslim population, allowing people to attend prayers, visit relatives, and participate in celebrations.
Eid al-Adha (Date varies)
Overview
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is another important Islamic holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. The holiday involves animal sacrifice, which is then distributed to family, friends, and the needy.
Celebrations
Eid al-Adha is marked by prayers at mosques, followed by the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep or cow. The meat is shared among family members, neighbors, and those in need. The day is a time for reflection, charity, and family gatherings. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, many people visit relatives, attend meals, and participate in various cultural activities.
Days Off
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina for Muslims, and most Muslims are given the day off. Government offices and businesses may close, and citizens take time to participate in prayers, family activities, and community events.
Table: Public Holidays in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Days Off
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Orthodox New Year | January 14 | 1 day off | Serbian Orthodox Christians |
| International Workers’ Day | May 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Independence Day | March 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Orthodox Easter | Date varies | 1 day off | Serbian Orthodox Christians |
| Statehood Day | November 25 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day off | Catholics and Protestants |
| Eid al-Fitr | Date varies | 1 day off | Muslim citizens |
| Eid al-Adha | Date varies | 1 day off | Muslim citizens |
