Eritrea Public Holidays
Eritrea Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Eritrea? All public holidays in Eritrea are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Eritrea employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Eritrea and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa, is a country that has a rich history shaped by its struggle for independence and its diverse cultural and religious heritage. Public holidays in Eritrea reflect this history and celebrate key events in the country’s path to independence, as well as religious and cultural traditions. The public holidays are observed with national pride, especially those that commemorate Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia and other historical milestones. Eritrea also celebrates a range of religious holidays, particularly those rooted in Christianity and Islam, reflecting the religious makeup of the country.
National Holidays in Eritrea
1. New Year’s Day (Enkutatash) – September 11
Date: September 11
Description: Enkutatash is the traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean New Year, celebrated on September 11 according to the Gregorian calendar. It marks the first day of the year in the Ethiopian calendar and is celebrated with much festivity. The day is a public holiday in Eritrea, observed with church services, family gatherings, and national pride. People celebrate with traditional music, dancing, and feasts. Enkutatash is an important holiday for reflecting on the past year and beginning the new year with hopes for prosperity.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day in Eritrea is celebrated to honor the working class and the contributions of workers to the country’s economy and development. It is a day for solidarity, reflecting on the rights and conditions of workers. While Labour Day is celebrated with various public events, speeches, and demonstrations, it is also a time to recognize the struggles of the working population, including those who fought for independence. The holiday is widely observed across the country, with most businesses and government offices closed.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Independence Day (Festa della Liberazione) – May 24
Date: May 24
Description: Independence Day is one of the most significant national holidays in Eritrea. It marks the day in 1991 when Eritrea officially gained independence from Ethiopia after a long and brutal war for freedom. The day is celebrated with parades, speeches, and ceremonies that commemorate the sacrifices made during the 30-year struggle for independence. The holiday includes military and cultural events that reflect on Eritrea’s history and the importance of sovereignty. It is a day of national pride and reflection on the journey to freedom.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Martyrs’ Day (Festa dei Martiri) – June 20
Date: June 20
Description: Martyrs’ Day honors the Eritrean men and women who lost their lives in the struggle for independence. The day commemorates the sacrifices made by Eritrean fighters and civilians who were part of the liberation movement. National ceremonies take place at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Asmara, where fallen heroes are remembered. The holiday is marked by somber reflections, speeches, and ceremonies that highlight the importance of national unity and patriotism.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Filseta) – August 15
Date: August 15
Description: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is an important religious holiday in Eritrea, particularly for the Eritrean Orthodox Christian community, which constitutes a significant portion of the population. The holiday commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken up into heaven at the end of her earthly life. The day is marked with church services, prayers, and religious processions. Many Eritreans attend Mass and reflect on the significance of the Virgin Mary’s role in Christianity.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Orthodox Christians
Days Off: 1
6. Christmas Day (Genna) – January 7
Date: January 7
Description: Christmas, or Genna in Tigrinya, is celebrated on January 7 in Eritrea, following the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. The holiday marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a deeply religious occasion. In Eritrea, Christmas is celebrated with church services, feasts, and family gatherings. Special foods like “himbasha” (a type of bread) are prepared, and communities come together for celebrations. The day also serves as a time for charitable giving, with people donating food and gifts to those in need.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
7. Epiphany (Timkat) – January 19
Date: January 19
Description: Timkat is one of the most important religious holidays in Eritrea, particularly for Orthodox Christians. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River and is observed with great devotion. Timkat is marked by colorful processions, church services, and celebrations that include the blessing of water, symbolizing Christ’s baptism. The holiday is a major event in Eritrean communities, with many people attending church ceremonies and enjoying traditional foods and dances.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Orthodox Christians
Days Off: 1
8. All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) – November 1
Date: November 1
Description: All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday that honors all saints, both known and unknown. In Eritrea, it is a day for church services and prayers to remember the saints and martyrs of the faith. The day is marked by solemn observances, with many people visiting churches and cemeteries to reflect on the lives of the faithful. It is a day of reverence and respect for the Christian community, particularly the Orthodox Christians in Eritrea.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
9. National Flag Day (Día de la Bandera) – December 15
Date: December 15
Description: National Flag Day is a celebration of Eritrea’s national flag, which was adopted after independence. The flag symbolizes the country’s sovereignty, unity, and the struggles endured during the fight for freedom. The day is observed with flag-raising ceremonies, speeches, and public events that emphasize the importance of national identity and unity. People across Eritrea participate in ceremonies, displaying the flag with pride.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Eritrea
1. St. George’s Day (Día de San Jorge) – April 23
Date: April 23
Description: St. George’s Day is celebrated in Eritrea by the Orthodox Christian community, especially in areas where the saint is venerated. St. George is one of the most popular saints in Eritrea, known for his courage and faith. The holiday is marked by church services and prayers in his honor. Eritreans celebrate with feasts and traditional music, reflecting the saint’s importance in their religious life.
Observance: Nationally, especially in Orthodox Christian communities
Days Off: 1
2. Orthodox Good Friday (Kidane Meheret) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April)
Description: Good Friday is observed by the Eritrean Orthodox Church to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The holiday is marked by solemn religious observances, including church services and processions. Eritreans participate in fasting, prayer, and reflection on Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. Good Friday is part of the greater Easter observance in Eritrean Christian communities.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Orthodox Christians
Days Off: 1
3. Easter Sunday (Fasika) – Varies (April)
Date: Varies (April)
Description: Fasika, or Orthodox Easter, is one of the most important religious holidays in Eritrea. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is marked by joyous celebrations, church services, and family gatherings. Eritreans observe Easter with traditional rituals, including breaking the fast with a large feast, attending Mass, and participating in cultural events. The day is filled with festive music, dances, and expressions of joy.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Orthodox Christians
Days Off: 1
4. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Filseta) – August 15
Date: August 15
Description: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a significant feast day in Eritrea, particularly among Orthodox Christians. The day celebrates the belief that Mary was taken into heaven. It is marked by church services, processions, and prayers. The holiday is widely observed across Eritrea, with many people visiting churches to honor the Virgin Mary.
Observance: Nationally, especially among Orthodox Christians
Days Off: 1
5. St. Michael’s Day (Día de San Miguel) – September 29
Date: September 29
Description: St. Michael’s Day is celebrated by the Eritrean Orthodox Church to honor Saint Michael, the archangel. The day is marked by religious observances, church services, and prayers. Saint Michael is considered the protector of the faithful, and his feast day is an important occasion for many Eritreans.
Observance: Nationally, especially in Orthodox Christian communities
Days Off: 1
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Día de Año Nuevo) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Labour Day (Día del Trabajo) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Festa della Liberazione) | May 24 | 1 | Nationally |
| Martyrs’ Day (Festa dei Martiri) | June 20 | 1 | Nationally |
| Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Filseta) | August 15 | 1 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
| Christmas Day (Navidad) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) | December 31 | 1 | Nationally |
| Holy Week (Semana Santa) | Varies (March/April) | 2 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
| Ascension of Christ (Ascensión de Cristo) | Varies (May/June) | 1 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
| Feast of the Assumption of Mary (Asunción de la Virgen María) | August 15 | 1 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
| All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) | November 1 | 1 | Nationally, Catholic communities |
| National Flag Day (Día de la Bandera) | December 15 | 1 | Nationally |
| St. George’s Day (Día de San Jorge) | April 23 | 1 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
| Orthodox Good Friday (Kidane Meheret) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
| Easter Sunday (Fasika) | Varies (April) | 1 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
| St. Michael’s Day (Día de San Miguel) | September 29 | 1 | Nationally, Orthodox Christians |
