Iraq Public Holidays
Iraq observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Iraq 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 Iraq by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Iraq.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 6 | Tuesday | Army Day |
| Feb 19 | Thursday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 5 | Thursday | Rebellion Anniversary |
| Mar 6 | Friday | National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence |
| Mar 11 | Wednesday | Anniversary of Signing of the March 11, 1970 Agreement |
| Mar 14 | Saturday | Birth Anniversary of the Immortal Barzani |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr holiday |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Nowruz |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr holiday |
| Mar 22 | Sunday | Nowruz Holiday |
| Mar 23 | Monday | Nowruz Holiday |
| Apr 1 | Wednesday | Yazidi New Year |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Iraq
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Iraq for 2026. Holidays are observed nationwide, though some may have regional significance. For a comprehensive list of all holidays, including those with less common observance, please visit our full Iraq public holidays list for 2026. For general information on what constitutes a public holiday, see our definitions page.
Iraq observes a mix of religious, national, and historical holidays. Many Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates can shift annually. This guide highlights key observances to help you plan.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Iraq observes a number of significant public holidays. These include major religious festivals, national commemorations, and international observances.
Key holidays in 2026 include New Year's Day on January 1, Army Day on January 6, and Eid al-Fitr which begins on March 20. Following this is Nowruz on March 21, and Eid al-Adha starting on May 27. Later in the year, Republic Day is celebrated on July 14, and Iraqi Independence Day falls on October 3. The year concludes with Christmas Day on December 25.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Army Day — 6 January 2026. Commemorates the establishment of the Iraqi Army.
- Ramadan Start — 19 February 2026. The beginning of the Islamic holy month of fasting.
- Eid al-Fitr — 20 March 2026. The festival marking the end of Ramadan.
- Eid al-Adha — 27 May 2026. The Festival of Sacrifice, a major Islamic holiday.
- Republic Day — 14 July 2026. Celebrates the establishment of the Republic of Iraq.
- Iraqi Independence Day — 3 October 2026. Commemorates Iraq's independence.
Planning around holidays
When planning travel or business in Iraq, it's helpful to be aware of the holiday schedule. Many businesses and government offices may close or operate with reduced hours during major public holidays. Islamic holidays, in particular, can affect daily life and business operations due to their observance.
- Religious Observances: Many holidays are tied to the Islamic lunar calendar, meaning their dates shift each year. It's advisable to check the specific dates for the year you are planning.
- National Celebrations: National holidays often involve public gatherings and ceremonies, which may impact transportation and local services.
- Extended Closures: Be aware that some holidays, especially religious ones like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, may result in several consecutive days of closures.
- Variable Schedules: Some holidays may have official dates, but associated celebrations or observances might extend over a few days.
Plan Your Year Around IQ Holidays
View Iraq holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.