Lebanon Public Holidays
Lebanon Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Lebanon? All public holidays in Lebanon are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Lebanon employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Lebanon and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Lebanon, located at the crossroads of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, has a rich history and diverse cultural heritage. The public holidays in Lebanon reflect its religious pluralism and national pride. With a population composed of Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups, Lebanon’s public holidays represent a blend of religious observances and national events. These holidays can be categorized into national holidays, religious holidays, and commemorative days.
National Public Holidays
National holidays in Lebanon are dedicated to celebrating the country’s independence, its military, and significant historical events that have shaped its political landscape. These holidays are observed across the nation, bringing together people from different religious and cultural backgrounds in unity.
Independence Day (22nd November)
According to healthinclude.com, Independence Day is one of the most important national holidays in Lebanon, celebrated on the 22nd of November each year. It commemorates Lebanon’s independence from French colonial rule in 1943.
Celebrations:
- Military Parade: The main event on Independence Day is the military parade held in Beirut. High-ranking officials, including the President, Prime Minister, and members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, attend the parade.
- Flag Hoisting: Across the country, the Lebanese flag is raised, and schools, government buildings, and private homes display the national colors.
- Public Events: In addition to official events, local communities often hold cultural celebrations, including concerts, folk dancing, and traditional food fairs to mark the day.
Labour Day (1st May)
Labour Day, celebrated on the 1st of May, is an international holiday that honors workers’ contributions and the labor movement. In Lebanon, it is recognized as a public holiday, giving workers a day off to rest and reflect.
Traditions:
- Trade Union Rallies: Various trade unions in Lebanon use the day to organize rallies and demonstrations to highlight workers’ rights and labor issues.
- Family Time: Many families take advantage of the day off to spend time together, with some opting for picnics or outings in Lebanon’s scenic parks and nature reserves.
Martyrs’ Day (6th May)
Martyrs’ Day is a solemn national holiday observed on the 6th of May, commemorating Lebanese and Syrian nationalists who were executed by the Ottoman Empire in 1916 during World War I for their involvement in uprisings against the Ottoman rule.
Key Events:
- Memorial Ceremonies: Official ceremonies are held at Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut, where the fallen are honored with speeches by political leaders and military officials.
- Wreath Laying: The President, along with other high-ranking officials, typically lays wreaths at the Martyrs’ Monument in Beirut.
- Public Reflection: The day is a time for citizens to reflect on Lebanon’s struggle for independence and honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Liberation and Resistance Day (25th May)
Liberation and Resistance Day, observed on the 25th of May, marks the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in 2000 after nearly two decades of occupation. It is a day of pride for many Lebanese, symbolizing national sovereignty and resistance against foreign occupation.
Celebrations:
- Patriotic Events: Government-sponsored events take place to celebrate the liberation, with speeches that emphasize the themes of resistance and sovereignty.
- Public Gatherings: In southern Lebanon, where the withdrawal had the most immediate impact, people gather to celebrate with marches, parades, and patriotic performances.
Religious Public Holidays
Lebanon’s religious public holidays are a reflection of its diverse religious communities, which include Christians (mainly Maronite Catholics, Greek Orthodox, and Armenian Apostolics) and Muslims (Sunni, Shia, and Druze). These holidays are rooted in both the Islamic and Christian calendars and are observed with deep religious devotion and community participation.
Islamic Religious Holidays
Islamic holidays in Lebanon are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, so their dates vary each year. These holidays are widely observed by Lebanon’s Muslim population and involve specific rituals, prayers, and family gatherings.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most important Islamic holidays and marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In Lebanon, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with great joy and is a time of community bonding.
Traditions:
- Eid Prayers: Muslims gather in mosques for special prayers early in the morning.
- Charitable Giving: One of the key components of Eid al-Fitr is giving Zakat al-Fitr (charity) to the needy, ensuring that everyone can participate in the celebrations.
- Feasting: After a month of fasting, families come together to enjoy festive meals that typically include sweets such as ma’amoul (a type of stuffed cookie) and savory dishes.
- Gift Giving: It is traditional to exchange gifts, particularly for children, who often receive new clothes or money.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is celebrated by Muslims to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is observed about 70 days after Eid al-Fitr and is one of the holiest days in Islam.
Celebrations:
- Animal Sacrifice: Families that can afford it sacrifice a goat, sheep, or cow, symbolizing Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the poor.
- Prayers and Feasts: Similar to Eid al-Fitr, the holiday begins with a special prayer, followed by gatherings and feasts.
- Charity and Giving: The theme of generosity continues, with many people donating to charity and providing for the less fortunate.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year, or Hijri New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and commemorates the migration (Hijra) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. In Lebanon, it is a day of reflection for Muslims.
Observances:
- Quiet Reflection: Unlike other Islamic holidays, the Islamic New Year is not celebrated with grand festivities. It is a more solemn occasion, often marked by prayers and reflection on the Prophet’s journey.
- Mosque Attendance: Some Muslims attend special prayers at mosques and listen to sermons that recount the significance of the Hijra.
Mawlid al-Nabi
Mawlid al-Nabi, the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, is observed by Muslims with special prayers and gatherings.
Celebrations:
- Religious Gatherings: Mosques hold special services where the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad are recounted through sermons and recitations.
- Charity and Feasting: Families and communities often prepare food and distribute it to the needy as part of the celebration.
- Decorations: Some Muslim households and mosques are decorated with lights and banners to celebrate the occasion.
Christian Religious Holidays
Christian holidays in Lebanon are celebrated with equal importance, reflecting the large Christian population. These holidays follow the Gregorian and Julian calendars, with various Christian denominations observing their respective traditions.
Christmas Day (25th December)
Christmas Day, celebrated on the 25th of December by Roman Catholics and many Protestant denominations, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is one of the most widely observed Christian holidays in Lebanon, marked by religious services and festive gatherings.
Key Traditions:
- Midnight Mass: On Christmas Eve, many Lebanese Christians attend midnight mass in churches, which is the central religious observance of the holiday.
- Family Gatherings: Christmas is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and share a festive meal. Traditional dishes such as roast meats, pastries, and sweets are commonly enjoyed.
- Decorations: Homes, streets, and churches are adorned with Christmas trees, lights, and nativity scenes, creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the country.
Easter
Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Lebanon, both Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter, though the dates may differ depending on which calendar is followed.
Celebrations:
- Holy Week Services: The week leading up to Easter, known as Holy Week, is filled with church services, including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
- Midnight Mass: Easter Sunday typically begins with a midnight mass or sunrise service, celebrating the resurrection.
- Feasts and Family Gatherings: After a period of Lent and fasting, families gather to enjoy lavish meals, with lamb and ma’amoul (date or nut-filled cookies) being traditional foods.
- Easter Eggs: The tradition of dyeing and decorating Easter eggs is popular among Lebanese Christians, symbolizing new life and rebirth.
Assumption of Mary (15th August)
The Feast of the Assumption, celebrated on the 15th of August, marks the belief in the Virgin Mary’s ascension into heaven. It is a significant holiday for Catholics and Orthodox Christians in Lebanon.
Traditions:
- Mass and Processions: Many Christians attend mass on this day, and in some regions, processions honoring the Virgin Mary are held.
- Cultural Celebrations: In addition to religious observances, some areas of Lebanon hold fairs and festivals, with music, food, and social gatherings.
Saint Maroun’s Day (9th February)
Saint Maroun’s Day is a public holiday celebrated on the 9th of February, primarily by the Maronite Christian community in Lebanon. It honors Saint Maroun, the founder of the Maronite Church.
Observances:
- Church Services: Maronite Christians attend mass to commemorate the life and teachings of Saint Maroun.
- Community Gatherings: The day is also marked by family gatherings and communal meals, reflecting the strong sense of community among Maronites.
Commemorative Days
In addition to national and religious holidays, Lebanon observes other important commemorative days that honor its rich history and international significance.
New Year’s Day (1st January)
New Year’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of January, marking the start of the Gregorian calendar year. In Lebanon, it is a festive occasion enjoyed by people of all religious backgrounds.
Celebrations:
- Fireworks: On New Year’s Eve, fireworks light up the skies over Beirut and other major cities, signaling the start of the new year.
- Parties and Gatherings: Many Lebanese people celebrate New Year’s Eve with family and friends, enjoying music, food, and drinks.
- Resolutions: As in many countries, New Year’s Day is a time for reflection and making resolutions for the year ahead.
Armed Forces Day (1st August)
Armed Forces Day, celebrated on the 1st of August, honors the Lebanese military and its role in protecting the country’s sovereignty and peace.
Observances:
- Military Parades: The Lebanese Armed Forces organize parades and events to showcase their strength and unity.
- Public Ceremonies: High-ranking officials give speeches, and awards are presented to soldiers for their service and bravery.
Observance of Public Holidays in Lebanon
Public holidays in Lebanon are observed with a mix of religious devotion, family gatherings, and national pride. The unique aspect of Lebanon’s public holidays is their ability to bring together people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the country’s pluralistic society. While some holidays are specific to certain religious groups, they are generally respected and observed by the entire nation.
Work During Public Holidays
In Lebanon, public holidays are official non-working days for most employees, including those in government institutions, schools, and businesses. Essential services, such as hospitals and emergency services, continue to operate, while employees working during public holidays are often entitled to extra compensation or time off in lieu.
