Jordan Public Holidays
Jordan Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Jordan? All public holidays in Jordan are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Jordan employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Jordan and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Jordan, a country located in the Middle East, has a rich cultural and religious heritage reflected in its public holidays. These holidays celebrate significant moments in Jordan’s history, religious events, and national pride. The public holidays in Jordan are often observed with festivities, family gatherings, and national reflections. Below is a comprehensive list and description of the public holidays in Jordan, categorized by type and significance.
1. New Year’s Day (يوم رأس السنة, Yawm Ra’s al-Sanah) – January 1
Description
New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1 in Jordan, marking the start of the year. It is a day for reflection and a fresh start, where people make resolutions for the year ahead. While New Year’s Day has a secular theme, it is also observed by Christian communities in Jordan with church services, family gatherings, and prayers.
Observance
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Jordan. Government offices, schools, and businesses are generally closed. Many Jordanians spend the day with their families or enjoy the festivities in the capital, Amman. Public transport operates on a reduced schedule, and many people attend church services in the Christian community.
2. Orthodox Christmas Day (عيد الميلاد المجيد, Eid al-Milad al-Majid) – January 7
Description
Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated by the Christian Orthodox community in Jordan to mark the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. It is a religious holiday for many Jordanians, observed with church services, feasts, and family gatherings.
Observance
Orthodox Christmas is a public holiday for the Christian community in Jordan. The holiday is celebrated with Mass and other religious activities in churches across the country. Government offices and most businesses are closed, though essential services may operate. Many Christian families spend the day together, enjoying meals and exchanging gifts.
3. Labor Day (عيد العمال, Eid al-‘Amal) – May 1
Description
Labor Day is celebrated to honor the contributions of workers and the labor movement in Jordan. It is a day dedicated to advocating for workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and recognizing the importance of labor in the economy. The day also highlights social issues affecting workers and labor rights.
Observance
Labor Day is a public holiday in Jordan. The day is marked by parades, rallies, and speeches, often organized by trade unions and political groups. Many Jordanians participate in the demonstrations and activities, advocating for labor reforms. Government offices, schools, and businesses are typically closed, although some essential services remain operational.
4. Independence Day (عيد الاستقلال, Eid al-Istiqbal) – May 25
Description
Independence Day celebrates Jordan’s independence from British rule, which was achieved on May 25, 1946. This day is a significant occasion in Jordan’s history, and it is a time to reflect on the country’s journey to sovereignty and self-determination. The day is marked by national pride, with parades and ceremonies across the country.
Observance
Independence Day is a national holiday and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. The day is marked by official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural performances. In Amman, the capital, there are often large celebrations with music, speeches, and national displays. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed, and the entire country observes the day in unity.
5. Jordanian Army Day (يوم الجيش, Yawm al-Jaysh) – June 10
Description
Jordanian Army Day commemorates the establishment of the Jordanian Armed Forces in 1921. This day honors the military’s contributions to the country’s security and sovereignty. It is an occasion to recognize the sacrifices of the armed forces and celebrate their role in maintaining peace and stability.
Observance
Jordanian Army Day is a public holiday in Jordan. The day is marked by military parades, ceremonies, and speeches by military leaders and government officials. In Amman, there are grand celebrations, including displays of military strength and national pride. Most government offices and schools are closed, while businesses generally operate as usual.
6. Islamic New Year (رأس السنة الهجرية, Ra’s al-Sanah al-Hijriyah) – Date Varies
Description
The Islamic New Year marks the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It commemorates the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. The day is a time for Muslims to reflect on the Hijra’s significance in Islamic history and to renew their spiritual commitments.
Observance
The Islamic New Year is a public holiday in Jordan, but it is observed with more spiritual significance rather than large celebrations. Many Muslims take time for prayer and reflection, attending mosque services. The holiday is typically marked by quieter observances, and government offices and schools are closed. Most businesses, especially those in the retail sector, remain open.
7. Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (مولد النبي, Mawlid al-Nabi) – Date Varies
Description
The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims to honor the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a day to reflect on his teachings and his contributions to Islam. Many Muslims participate in religious activities, including prayers, lectures, and charity.
Observance
Mawlid al-Nabi is a public holiday in Jordan, and it is observed with prayers, sermons, and gatherings at mosques. It is a day of spiritual reflection for Muslims, and many Jordanians participate in religious events. Government offices and schools are closed, while businesses operate as usual. The day is quieter than other religious holidays but remains an important occasion for the Muslim community.
8. Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر, Eid al-Fitr) – Date Varies
Description
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant Islamic holidays, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. It is a day of celebration, feasting, and community prayers. Muslims celebrate Eid by giving zakat (charity), visiting family, and enjoying festive meals.
Observance
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Jordan, and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. The day begins with special prayers at mosques, followed by visits to family and friends. People often wear new clothes and exchange gifts. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed, and public transport runs on a limited schedule. The holiday lasts for several days, and the atmosphere is festive throughout the country.
9. Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى, Eid al-Adha) – Date Varies
Description
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha involves prayers, feasts, and the sacrifice of animals, which are distributed among the poor.
Observance
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Jordan, and it is marked by large family gatherings, prayers at mosques, and sacrifices. Many Jordanians participate in charity and provide food to those in need. The day is celebrated with festive meals, and many families travel to visit relatives. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed, and public transport operates on a limited schedule.
10. Ashura (عاشوراء, Ashura) – Date Varies
Description
Ashura is observed by Muslims as a day of fasting and reflection, marking the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in Karbala. For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning, while Sunni Muslims observe it by fasting and reflecting on the significance of the day. The day is a reminder of justice, sacrifice, and the moral struggle for truth.
Observance
Ashura is observed primarily by Shia Muslims in Jordan, but it is also recognized by Sunni Muslims as a day of reflection and fasting. The day is marked by religious ceremonies, with Shia Muslims participating in processions and rituals to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Most government offices, schools, and businesses are open, but some may close for religious observances.
11. The Great Arab Revolt Day (يوم الثورة العربية الكبرى, Yawm al-Thawra al-Arabia al-Kubra) – June 10
Description
The Great Arab Revolt Day commemorates the start of the Arab Revolt in 1916 against Ottoman rule, which played a pivotal role in the establishment of the modern Arab world and the foundation of Jordan. The revolt was a significant event that united Arabs in the fight for independence and sovereignty.
Observance
The Great Arab Revolt Day is a public holiday in Jordan. It is celebrated with national pride, reflecting on the importance of the revolt and its role in shaping the nation’s history. The day is marked with military parades, speeches, and public celebrations. Schools and government offices are closed, and public transport operates on a limited schedule.
12. Christmas Day (عيد الميلاد, Eid al-Milad) – December 25
Description
Christmas Day is celebrated by the Christian community in Jordan to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for family gatherings, church services, and festive meals. Christmas in Jordan is a religious holiday, but it is also enjoyed by many Jordanians regardless of their faith.
Observance
Christmas Day is a public holiday for the Christian community in Jordan. Churches across the country hold special Masses and services, and many people gather with family and friends to celebrate. Most businesses and government offices are closed, and public transport operates on a reduced schedule. It is a time for reflection, feasting, and enjoying the holiday spirit.
Table: Public Holidays in Jordan and Observance
| Holiday | Date | Observed By | Public Sector | Private Sector | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Orthodox Christmas Day | January 7 | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Independence Day | May 25 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Jordanian Army Day | June 10 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Islamic New Year | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Eid al-Fitr | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Eid al-Adha | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Ashura | Date Varies | Muslim Community | Closed | Open | Open |
| The Great Arab Revolt Day | June 10 | Nationwide | Closed | Open | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian Community | Closed | Open | Closed |
13. Other Observances
1. Muwahhidun Day (يوم الموحدين, Yawm al-Muwahhidun)
Muwahhidun Day celebrates the unification of the various tribes and regions that eventually became Jordan. It marks a significant turning point in the country’s history, especially during the early 20th century.
2. National Prayer Day (يوم الصلاة, Yawm al-Salah)
This day is a religious observance for Jordanians of all faiths to come together for collective prayer and reflection. It is often used as a day to seek guidance and blessings for the nation.
3. Jordanian Women’s Day (يوم المرأة الأردنية, Yawm al-Mar’ah al-Urduniyah)
Jordanian Women’s Day is observed to honor the contributions of women to the country’s development. Various events and activities are held to celebrate women’s achievements in all aspects of society.
