Iran Public Holidays

Iran Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Iran? All public holidays in Iran are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Iran employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Iran and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Iran, an ancient country with a rich cultural and religious heritage, celebrates a wide array of public holidays. These holidays are deeply rooted in Iran’s history, religion, and culture, reflecting the nation’s Islamic and pre-Islamic traditions. Most of Iran’s public holidays are influenced by the Islamic calendar, particularly the Shia branch of Islam, with a few holidays based on the Persian solar calendar. From religious observances to historical commemorations, these holidays are occasions for national reflection, religious devotion, and family gatherings.

Religious Public Holidays

1. Nowruz (March 20th or 21st)

According to printerhall.com, Nowruz, which means “New Day,” is the Iranian New Year and one of the most important holidays in Iran. It coincides with the spring equinox, marking the start of the Persian calendar.

Significance

• Celebrates the beginning of the Persian New Year, symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and the rejuvenation of nature.
• Rooted in Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz has been celebrated for over 3,000 years and is recognized as a UNESCO cultural heritage.
• Nowruz also marks the start of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian calendar.

Celebrations

• Families thoroughly clean their homes in a tradition known as khaneh-tekani (house cleaning), symbolizing the removal of old, negative energies and preparing for a fresh start.
• People set up a Haft-Seen table, which includes seven symbolic items, each beginning with the Persian letter “S,” such as sabzeh (sprouted wheat or barley) representing growth, and seer (garlic) symbolizing medicine and health.
• Nowruz is a time for visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with special meals such as sabzi polo (herbed rice) with fish.
• The holiday spans 13 days, with the last day, Sizdah Bedar, spent outdoors in nature, where people picnic and celebrate the end of the Nowruz period.

2. Eid al-Fitr (Varies)

Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting in the Islamic calendar. This holiday is widely celebrated across Iran, though it holds special significance for Shia Muslims.

Significance

• Celebrates the conclusion of Ramadan and the return to normal life after a month of spiritual reflection and fasting.
• A time of gratitude for the strength to complete the fast and a period of forgiveness, charity, and renewal of faith.

Celebrations

• Iranians begin the day by attending communal prayers at mosques or public prayer grounds.
• Zakat al-Fitr, a charitable donation, is given to the poor to ensure that everyone can partake in the celebrations.
• Families gather to enjoy large meals after a month of daytime fasting, with sweets and desserts like shirini (pastries) playing a central role.
• It is a day of visiting relatives and neighbors, exchanging gifts, and offering blessings to one another.

3. Eid al-Adha (Varies)

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

Significance

• Highlights the virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and compassion, as well as the importance of charity.
• Reminds the faithful of the story of Ibrahim’s devotion to God and the subsequent provision of a ram for sacrifice instead of his son.

Celebrations

• Families that can afford it sacrifice an animal, usually a sheep or goat, in memory of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
• A portion of the meat is distributed to the poor and needy, while the rest is shared among family and friends.
• Many people attend special prayers at mosques and make donations to charity.
• Similar to Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha is also a day for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and communal feasts.

4. Ashura (Varies)

Ashura is one of the most important religious holidays in Iran, particularly for Shia Muslims. It marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Significance

• Ashura commemorates the sacrifice of Imam Hussein, who fought against the tyrannical rule of Yazid, and symbolizes the struggle for justice and resistance against oppression.
• It is a time of mourning and reflection for Shia Muslims, who revere Imam Hussein as a symbol of righteousness and martyrdom.

Observances

• For the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram, culminating on Ashura, processions and mourning rituals are held across the country.
• Devotees dress in black and take part in public processions, chanting elegies and reenacting the events of Karbala in ta’ziyeh (passion plays).
• Many Iranians participate in matam (self-flagellation or chest-beating) as a sign of grief.
• Charity is a central part of the observance, with food and drinks distributed freely to all as an act of devotion.
• Families visit local shrines, and in some regions, public recitations of the story of Karbala are held.

5. Arba’een (Varies)

Arba’een is a religious observance that takes place 40 days after Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein and his followers.

Significance

• Arba’een serves as a time of continued mourning for Imam Hussein, reinforcing the values of sacrifice, justice, and loyalty.
• It marks the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura.

Observances

• Pilgrimages to Karbala in Iraq are common, where millions of Shia Muslims from around the world, including Iranians, visit the shrine of Imam Hussein.
• In Iran, processions and gatherings similar to those of Ashura are held, where elegies are recited, and people pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala.
• Charitable acts, including the distribution of food and alms, are central to the observance.

6. Martyrdom of Imam Ali (Varies)

The martyrdom of Imam Ali, the first Imam of Shia Islam and the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, is a major religious holiday in Iran.

Significance

• Commemorates the assassination of Imam Ali during the Islamic month of Ramadan.
• Imam Ali is revered for his wisdom, piety, and leadership, and his death is a time of deep mourning for Shia Muslims.

Observances

• Special religious ceremonies are held at mosques, with sermons focusing on the life and legacy of Imam Ali.
• Many people take part in processions and recite elegies to honor his memory.
• Acts of charity and kindness are emphasized, in keeping with Imam Ali’s teachings.

National Holidays

7. Islamic Revolution Victory Day (February 11th)

Islamic Revolution Victory Day marks the anniversary of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Significance

• Celebrates the victory of the Islamic Revolution, which brought about a significant political and social transformation in Iran.
• Honors the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini and the efforts of the Iranian people to establish a government based on Islamic principles.

Celebrations

• Nationwide parades, marches, and rallies are held to celebrate the revolution’s victory.
• Public speeches by government officials and religious leaders highlight the revolution’s legacy and importance.
• Public spaces are adorned with flags, banners, and posters commemorating the revolution.
• People gather in public squares to listen to patriotic music and participate in fireworks displays in the evening.

8. Nationalization of the Oil Industry Day (March 20th)

Nationalization of the Oil Industry Day commemorates Iran’s decision in 1951 to nationalize its oil industry, led by then-Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.

Significance

• A day of national pride, reflecting Iran’s assertion of control over its natural resources and rejection of foreign domination.
• Honors the efforts of Mossadegh, who is seen as a symbol of independence and resistance against foreign interference.

Commemorations

• Government officials and citizens hold ceremonies and discussions on the significance of oil nationalization for Iran’s economy and sovereignty.
• Educational programs in schools and universities explore the historical and economic impact of the oil nationalization movement.
• Public speeches and events are held to honor the legacy of Mossadegh and the struggle for national independence.

9. Republic Day (April 1st)

Republic Day marks the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, following a national referendum where the majority of Iranians voted in favor of replacing the monarchy with an Islamic Republic.

Significance

• Celebrates the birth of the Islamic Republic and the establishment of a new political system based on Islamic governance.
• Marks a defining moment in Iran’s modern history, signifying the end of centuries of monarchy.

Celebrations

• Public celebrations and speeches are held across the country, particularly in Tehran, where key government buildings and public spaces host events.
• Fireworks and parades mark the festivities, with people gathering to express national pride and loyalty to the Islamic Republic.
• Religious and political leaders give speeches emphasizing the values of the revolution and the importance of Islamic governance.

10. Nature’s Day (April 2nd)

Nature’s Day, also known as Sizdah Bedar, is celebrated on the 13th day of Nowruz and marks the end of the Persian New Year celebrations.

Significance

• An ancient tradition, Sizdah Bedar encourages Iranians to spend the day outdoors, reconnecting with nature and bidding farewell to the Nowruz holiday season.
• It is believed that staying indoors on this day brings bad luck, as the number 13 is considered unlucky in Persian culture.

Celebrations

• Families and friends head to parks, mountains, and rural areas for picnics and outdoor activities.
• Traditional games, sports, and folk music are part of the day’s festivities.
• People throw sprouted wheat (sabzeh) into rivers or lakes, symbolizing the casting away of negative energy and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

Other Notable Holidays

11. Death of Imam Khomeini (June 4th)

This public holiday commemorates the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in 1989.

Significance

• Honors the life and legacy of Imam Khomeini, who is regarded as the father of the Islamic Republic.
• Marks a period of national mourning, reflecting on his role in shaping modern Iran.

Commemorations

• Nationwide memorial services are held, with speeches by political and religious leaders recounting his contributions to the revolution and Islamic governance.
• The shrine of Imam Khomeini in Tehran becomes a focal point for pilgrimages and ceremonies.
• Schools and media broadcast programs that highlight his teachings and leadership.