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Iraq public holiday scenery, Asia
Asia
RegionAsia
CapitalBaghdad
Currencyุน.ุฏ IQD ยท Iraqi dinar
Time zoneUTC+3 ยท Arabia Standard Time (AST)

Public Holiday Calendar

Public Holidays in Iraq for 2026

Planning ahead? See all Iraq public holidays on one page, or choose another year above.

Holiday dates


Date Holiday Type
2026-01-01 New Year's Day National
2026-01-06 Army Day National
2026-03-16 Commemoration of the Saddam Baath crimes against the Iraqi people National
2026-03-20 Eid al-Fitr (estimated) National
2026-03-21 Eid al-Fitr (estimated); Nowruz National
2026-03-22 Eid al-Fitr (estimated) National
2026-05-01 Labor Day National
2026-05-26 Day of Arafah (estimated) National
2026-05-27 Eid al-Adha (estimated) National
2026-05-28 Eid al-Adha (estimated) National
2026-05-29 Eid al-Adha (estimated) National
2026-06-04 Eid al-Ghadir (estimated) National
2026-06-16 Islamic New Year (estimated) National
2026-06-25 Ashura (estimated) National
2026-08-25 Prophet's Birthday (estimated) National

About these holidays in Iraq (2026)

Our Iraq public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.

Eid al-Fitr (estimated)

Eid al-Fitr is the festival that ends Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and begins on the first day of Shawwal. It is a two or three day public holiday across much of the Muslim world. The date depends on the sighting of the new moon, so published calendars mark it as estimated until it is confirmed. Families gather for prayer, shared meals and charitable giving before the fast was broken each evening of Ramadan.

Labor Day

Labor Day honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement. Most countries observe it on 1 May, known internationally as May Day or International Workers' Day, which grew out of the campaign for an eight hour working day. Others, including the United States and Canada, hold it on the first Monday of September. Typical events include trade union marches, rallies and public speeches on working conditions.

Day of Arafah (estimated)

The Day of Arafah falls on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha, when pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat near Mecca for the central rite of the Hajj. For Muslims not performing the pilgrimage it is a recommended day of fasting. It is a public holiday in several countries, and because the Islamic calendar is lunar the Gregorian date is estimated.

Eid al-Adha (estimated)

Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Muslims who can afford it sacrifice an animal and share the meat with family, neighbours and the poor. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date moves about ten days earlier each year and is listed as estimated.

Official sources & last checked

Holiday dates on this page are compiled from public holiday datasets and reviewed by our editorial team. Last checked: .

Holiday observance can vary by region and employer. Confirm critical dates with the relevant authority.