Syria Public Holidays
Syria Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Syria? All public holidays in Syria are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Syria employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Syria and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
National Public Holidays in Syria
Syria, located in the heart of the Middle East, celebrates several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s Islamic traditions, its cultural heritage, and significant historical events. Syrian public holidays serve as a means to reflect on national identity, cultural pride, and religious observance. Below is a detailed list of the key public holidays in Syria, their significance, how they are celebrated, and which groups of people observe them.
New Year’s Day – January 1
Date: January 1
Observance: Nationwide
New Year’s Day is celebrated across Syria as the first day of the Gregorian calendar year. Although Syria predominantly follows the Islamic lunar calendar for religious observances, New Year’s Day is still widely observed. It is a day for family gatherings, parties, and community events. People in Syria enjoy festive meals and reflect on the year past and the year to come. In major cities, there are celebrations with fireworks, concerts, and other cultural performances.
Significance:
New Year’s Day symbolizes a new beginning, providing an opportunity for individuals and families to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. It is a day of renewal and hope for many Syrians.
Day Off:
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for all citizens.
Labour Day – May 1
Date: May 1
Observance: Nationwide
Labour Day is an important public holiday that celebrates the contributions of workers to Syria’s economy and society. On this day, rallies and parades are held to honor the working class. It is also an opportunity to highlight labor rights, including fair wages, better working conditions, and the importance of social justice. Labour unions and political organizations are often involved in the celebrations, with speeches and events that emphasize workers’ contributions.
Significance:
Labour Day serves to recognize the value of workers in shaping Syria’s economy and social fabric. It also advocates for the protection of workers’ rights and social equality.
Day Off:
Labour Day is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for all workers, both in the public and private sectors.
Independence Day – April 17
Date: April 17
Observance: Nationwide
Independence Day commemorates Syria’s full independence from French colonial rule in 1946. This holiday is a significant national event, marked by celebrations, speeches, and parades that reflect on Syria’s sovereignty and its journey toward self-governance. The day is a reminder of Syria’s struggles for independence and the sacrifices made by its people. Independence Day celebrations focus on national pride and unity.
Significance:
Independence Day marks Syria’s liberation from French colonial rule and the establishment of the Syrian Arab Republic. It serves as a reminder of the country’s struggle for freedom and the importance of self-determination.
Day Off:
Independence Day is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for all citizens to celebrate the nation’s independence.
Eid al-Fitr – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide (Muslim communities)
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is one of the most significant religious holidays for Muslims in Syria, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and family gatherings. The holiday is marked by special prayers at mosques, charity (zakat al-fitr), and meals that feature traditional Syrian dishes. Eid al-Fitr is a time for Muslims to come together in community, share meals, and reflect on the spiritual significance of Ramadan.
Significance:
Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. It is a joyous occasion that symbolizes the triumph of spiritual growth, self-discipline, and charity.
Day Off:
Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for all Muslim citizens to observe the religious practices and festivities.
Eid al-Adha – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide (Muslim communities)
Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. Muslims in Syria celebrate Eid al-Adha by performing special prayers, sacrificing animals (usually sheep, goats, or cows), and distributing the meat to family, neighbors, and those in need. It is a day of thanksgiving, charity, and devotion.
Significance:
Eid al-Adha honors the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim. It is a day for reflection, gratitude, and the sharing of blessings with others, especially the poor and needy.
Day Off:
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for Muslim citizens to observe religious ceremonies and celebrate the occasion with family and community.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide (Muslim communities)
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It is a day of reflection for Muslims in Syria, a time to recall the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra. The day is often observed with prayers, family gatherings, and quiet reflection, though it is not as widely celebrated as other Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha.
Significance:
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar year and is associated with the Hijra, the journey of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a day for personal reflection, spiritual renewal, and contemplation of the past year.
Day Off:
Islamic New Year is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for Muslim citizens to observe the day through prayer and reflection.
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) – Varies (Islamic Holiday)
Date: Varies annually (Based on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Observance: Nationwide (Muslim communities)
Mawlid al-Nabi is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. In Syria, it is a major religious holiday marked by special prayers, religious lectures, and festivities. The day is celebrated with gatherings at mosques, recitations of the Quran, and feasts. Mawlid al-Nabi is a day to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad and his contributions to Islam.
Significance:
Mawlid al-Nabi honors the birth of Prophet Muhammad, whose teachings form the foundation of Islam. The day is a time for Muslims to gather in reverence, reflect on his teachings, and engage in acts of charity.
Day Off:
Mawlid al-Nabi is a public holiday in Syria, and it provides a day off for Muslim citizens to participate in the religious and cultural observances.
Labour Day – May 1
Date: May 1
Observance: Nationwide
Labour Day in Syria is a day to honor workers and their contributions to the country’s economy and society. The day is celebrated with rallies, speeches, and demonstrations that emphasize labor rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions. Labour Day serves as a reminder of the importance of workers in shaping Syria’s future and advancing social justice.
Significance:
Labour Day serves to recognize the contributions of workers to the country’s development. It highlights the importance of protecting workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and promoting social equality.
Day Off:
Labour Day is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for all workers across the country, both in the public and private sectors.
Revolution Day – March 8
Date: March 8
Observance: Nationwide
Revolution Day in Syria commemorates the 1963 coup that brought the Ba’ath Party to power. The holiday marks the establishment of the Ba’ath government in Syria, a pivotal event in the country’s modern political history. The day is marked by speeches, parades, and various government-led activities that reflect on the revolution’s impact on the country.
Significance:
Revolution Day honors the political and social changes that took place after the Ba’ath Party came to power. It reflects on Syria’s modernization efforts and the ongoing evolution of its political landscape.
Day Off:
Revolution Day is a public holiday in Syria, providing a day off for all citizens to reflect on the historical significance of the revolution.
Table of Public Holidays in Syria
Below is a table summarizing the key public holidays in Syria, the number of days off, and the groups of people who benefit from these holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observed |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 | Nationwide (All workers) |
| Independence Day | April 17 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Eid al-Fitr | Varies annually | 2 | Nationwide (Muslim communities) |
| Eid al-Adha | Varies annually | 2 | Nationwide (Muslim communities) |
| Islamic New Year | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Muslim communities) |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | Varies annually | 1 | Nationwide (Muslim communities) |
| Revolution Day | March 8 | 1 | Nationwide (All citizens) |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 | Nationwide (Christian communities) |
