Eritrea Public Holidays
Eritrea observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Eritrea observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Eritrea by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Eritrea.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year |
| Jan 7 | Wednesday | Orthodox Christmas Day |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Timket |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 8 | Sunday | Women's Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Apr 10 | Friday | Coptic Good Friday |
| Apr 12 | Sunday | Coptic Easter |
| May 1 | Friday | International Workers' Day |
| May 24 | Sunday | Independence Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha |
| Jun 20 | Saturday | Martyrs' Day |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Aug 26 | Wednesday | The Prophet's Birthday |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Eritrea
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Eritrea for 2026. Holidays are observed on fixed dates or according to lunar calendars, and some may vary year to year. For a comprehensive list of all holidays and their specific dates, please refer to our full holiday calendar for Eritrea.
Understanding these holidays can help you plan your year effectively. For general information on what constitutes a public holiday, please see our definitions page.
Major public holidays in 2026
Eritrea observes a variety of religious and national holidays throughout the year. Key observances in 2026 include New Year's Day, Orthodox Christmas, and Independence Day.
Other notable holidays include Timket, Ramadan Start, Eid al-Fitr, and International Workers' Day. For a complete listing of all public holidays in Eritrea for 2026, please visit the Eritrea holidays 2026 page.
- New Year — 1 January 2026. Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Orthodox Christmas Day — 7 January 2026. Celebrated by the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church.
- Timket — 19 January 2026. A major religious festival commemorating the baptism of Jesus Christ.
- Independence Day — 24 May 2026. Celebrates Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia.
- Martyrs' Day — 20 June 2026. A day to honor those who sacrificed their lives for Eritrea's freedom.
- Commencement Day of Eritrean Armed Struggle — 1 September 2026. Commemorates the start of the armed struggle for independence.
- Geez New Year — 11 September 2026. The Eritrean New Year according to the ancient Geez calendar.
- Meskel — 27 September 2026. A religious holiday commemorating the finding of the True Cross.
Planning around holidays
Eritrea's public holidays are a mix of fixed Gregorian dates, Islamic lunar dates, and Coptic Christian observances. This means that while some holidays fall on the same date each year, others, particularly those tied to the lunar or Coptic calendars, will shift annually. Planning travel or business operations requires checking the specific dates for the year in question.
- Religious Observances: Many holidays are religious, with dates determined by lunar cycles (like Ramadan and Eid) or specific church calendars (Orthodox Christmas, Coptic Easter). These dates can vary significantly year to year.
- National Observances: National holidays, such as Independence Day, are typically fixed on the Gregorian calendar, making them easier to anticipate.
- Seasonal Patterns: The timing of holidays can influence travel patterns. Major religious festivals may see increased local travel, while national holidays might lead to closures of businesses and government offices.
- Check Specific Year: Always verify the exact dates for the specific year you are planning for, especially for holidays that follow a lunar or ecclesiastical calendar.
Plan Your Year Around ER Holidays
View Eritrea holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.