Brunei Public Holidays
Brunei Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Brunei? All public holidays in Brunei are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Brunei employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Brunei 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 first day of the Gregorian calendar year. While it is widely recognized around the world, Brunei’s celebrations are relatively subdued. This public holiday is an opportunity for people to reflect on the past year and look forward to new beginnings.
Celebrations
In Brunei, New Year’s Eve is marked by smaller, family-oriented gatherings. Unlike other countries where public events and fireworks are a common feature, the day typically involves quieter, more intimate celebrations. Families often come together for dinner, and people reflect on the achievements of the past year while making resolutions for the year ahead.
Days Off
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Brunei, and most people are given the day off. Government offices, businesses, and schools are closed for the day, allowing employees to spend time with family or engage in personal activities.
Chinese New Year (Date varies, January/February)
Overview
Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays for the Chinese community in Brunei, celebrating the start of the lunar new year. It marks a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and participating in various cultural festivities. The date varies every year, typically falling between late January and early February.
Celebrations
Chinese New Year is celebrated with family gatherings, large feasts, and the giving of “ang pao” (red envelopes with money) to children and unmarried adults. In Brunei, the celebrations include dragon dances, lion dances, fireworks, and other cultural performances. Many families also clean their homes as a symbolic gesture to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune.
Days Off
Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Brunei, and it is typically observed for two days. Government offices, businesses, and schools are closed, particularly in areas with a significant Chinese population. Many Chinese families use this time to visit relatives and celebrate together.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr, Date varies)
Overview
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, or Eid al-Fitr, is one of the most significant holidays in Brunei, marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. This holiday is celebrated by Muslims across the country with prayers, feasts, and charitable giving. The exact date varies depending on the sighting of the moon, but it typically falls in May or June.
Celebrations
Eid al-Fitr in Brunei is a grand celebration. The day begins with early morning prayers at mosques across the country. Afterward, families gather for large meals, often featuring traditional dishes such as “ketupat” (rice cakes), “rendang” (spicy meat stew), and various sweets. People also dress in new clothes, visit friends and family, and give zakat (charitable donations) to those in need.
Days Off
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a public holiday in Brunei, and it is celebrated for two days. Government offices, schools, and many businesses are closed, allowing families to spend time together. The days off vary slightly depending on the local government and employer, but it is widely observed across the country.
National Day (February 23)
Overview
National Day, celebrated on February 23, marks the anniversary of Brunei’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. This holiday is a celebration of the country’s sovereignty and national pride. The holiday is marked with patriotic events, ceremonies, and festivities that highlight Brunei’s history and culture.
Celebrations
National Day celebrations are centered around a large, state-sponsored parade that takes place in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. The parade includes military personnel, government officials, and civilians participating in various performances, reflecting the country’s unity and pride. People also gather to watch fireworks displays, and there are cultural performances showcasing Brunei’s heritage. The Sultan and the royal family play a significant role in the day’s events.
Days Off
National Day is a public holiday, and most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed. Citizens typically spend the day attending the parade or watching public events. Many families also use the day to reflect on Brunei’s progress since independence.
Hari Raya Aidiladha (Eid al-Adha, Date varies)
Overview
Hari Raya Aidiladha, or Eid al-Adha, is the second of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated in Brunei. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is a time for family, reflection, and charitable giving.
Celebrations
Eid al-Adha is marked by communal prayers at mosques, followed by the sacrificial slaughter of animals such as sheep, cows, or goats, which are then distributed to the less fortunate. After the prayers, families gather for large meals, where traditional dishes like “nasi himpit” (compressed rice) and “satay” (grilled skewers of meat) are served. The holiday emphasizes charity, and many people use the occasion to donate to those in need.
Days Off
Hari Raya Aidiladha is a public holiday in Brunei, and it is celebrated for one day, though in some years, an additional day may be observed. Government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, and Muslims take the day to observe the religious rites and participate in social gatherings.
Sultan’s Birthday (July 15)
Overview
Sultan’s Birthday is a national holiday celebrated on July 15, marking the birthday of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the current ruler of Brunei. This day is significant for Brunei’s citizens, as it honors the Sultan’s leadership and contributions to the country.
Celebrations
The Sultan’s Birthday is marked by grand celebrations, including a state banquet, speeches, and various public ceremonies. There is a royal procession, and the Sultan often addresses the nation, reflecting on Brunei’s achievements and its future. Fireworks displays, concerts, and cultural performances are held in major cities, and people celebrate by flying the national flag and participating in community events.
Days Off
Sultan’s Birthday is a public holiday in Brunei, and most government offices, schools, and businesses are closed. Citizens celebrate the day by attending royal ceremonies, community events, and reflecting on the leadership of the Sultan.
National Religious Day (Date varies)
Overview
National Religious Day, also known as “Hari Agama,” is a public holiday in Brunei that focuses on the importance of Islam in the country’s culture and society. The day is celebrated with religious observances and educational events, underscoring the significance of faith in Brunei’s national identity.
Celebrations
On National Religious Day, Brunei’s citizens participate in religious activities such as prayers and lectures. The government often organizes talks and community discussions about Islam’s role in public life. People visit mosques for special prayers, and some regions also host public performances and cultural events that highlight Brunei’s Islamic heritage.
Days Off
National Religious Day is a public holiday in Brunei, and most government offices and schools are closed. The day is observed primarily with religious observances, and many people participate in prayers or attend community events.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Overview
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is recognized as a public holiday in Brunei, though it is primarily observed by the Christian community. The holiday marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a significant religious observance for Christians in Brunei.
Celebrations
On Christmas Day, Christians in Brunei attend church services, where they celebrate the birth of Christ through hymns, prayers, and Bible readings. After the services, families gather for festive meals, often featuring traditional dishes such as roast meats and Christmas cakes. In some areas, there are public events and concerts celebrating the holiday season.
Days Off
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Brunei for Christians, and most government offices and schools are closed. Many people spend the day attending church services, enjoying meals with family, and participating in Christmas-related activities.
National Constitution Day (Date varies)
Overview
National Constitution Day is observed to commemorate the establishment of Brunei’s constitution, which is a crucial document outlining the governance and structure of the country. The day is dedicated to reflecting on the importance of the constitution and the country’s legal framework.
Celebrations
On National Constitution Day, Brunei’s government typically holds ceremonies to highlight the significance of the constitution. The day may include speeches by officials, discussions on the nation’s legal and political system, and other educational events. It is a day for the public to reflect on the rule of law and the importance of governance in Brunei.
Days Off
National Constitution Day is a public holiday in Brunei, and most government offices and schools are closed. People observe the day through reflection and participation in educational or governmental activities.
Table: Public Holidays in Brunei and Days Off
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups of People Recognized |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Chinese New Year | Date varies | 2 days off | Chinese community |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Date varies | 2 days off | Muslim citizens |
| National Day | February 23 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| Hari Raya Aidiladha | Date varies | 1 day off | Muslim citizens |
| Sultan’s Birthday | July 15 | 1 day off | All citizens |
| National Religious Day | Date varies | 1 day off | Muslim citizens |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day off | Christian citizens |
| National Constitution Day | Date varies | 1 day off | All citizens |
