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Somalia Public Holidays

Somalia observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.

Overview

Somalia 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 Somalia by year below.

2026 holidays

A quick look at upcoming holidays in Somalia.

DateDayHoliday
Jan 1ThursdayNew Year
Jan 16FridayIsra and Mi'raj
Feb 18WednesdayRamadan Start
Mar 20FridayEid al-Fitr
Mar 20FridayMarch Equinox
Mar 21SaturdayEid al-Fitr Holiday
May 1FridayMay Day
May 18MondayRestoration of Somaliland Sovereignty
May 19TuesdayRestoration of Somaliland Sovereignty Holiday
May 27WednesdayEid al-Adha
May 28ThursdayEid al-Adha Holiday
Jun 17WednesdayMuharram
Jun 21SundayJune Solstice
Jun 26FridayAshura
Jun 26FridayIndependence Day

Holiday calendar by year

Years are listed in ascending order.

About public holidays in Somalia

This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Somalia for 2026. Holidays are a mix of national observances, religious festivals, and international days. For a comprehensive list of all holidays and their observance dates, please refer to the full holiday calendar for Somalia in 2026.

Understanding these holidays can help you plan your year. For definitions of public holidays and how they are determined, consult our general guide to public holidays. You can find a complete, dated list of all holidays in Somalia for 2026 on our dedicated year page.

Major public holidays in 2026

Somalia observes a number of significant public holidays throughout 2026, reflecting its cultural and religious heritage, as well as national milestones. Key observances include religious festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and national days such as Independence Day and Republic Day.

Other notable holidays in 2026 include New Year, Ramadan Start, and The Prophet's Birthday. For a complete listing of all holidays and their specific dates, please visit the Somalia public holidays page for 2026.

  • New Year1 January 2026. Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
  • Ramadan Start18 February 2026. The commencement of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
  • Eid al-Fitr20 March 2026. A major Islamic festival celebrating the end of Ramadan.
  • Restoration of Somaliland Sovereignty18 May 2026. Commemorates the restoration of sovereignty in Somaliland.
  • Eid al-Adha27 May 2026. The Festival of Sacrifice, another significant Islamic holiday.
  • Independence Day26 June 2026. Celebrates Somalia's independence.
  • Republic Day1 July 2026. Marks the establishment of the Somali Republic.

Planning around holidays

Public holidays in Somalia often cluster around significant religious observances, which follow the lunar calendar and can shift each year. National holidays are fixed on specific dates. Planning travel or business activities around these times can help avoid disruptions and take advantage of potential observances.

  • Religious Festivals: Major Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are key observances and may affect business operations. Their dates vary annually based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
  • National Days: Fixed national holidays, such as Independence Day and Republic Day, are important for understanding the national calendar.
  • Seasonal Patterns: While not strictly tied to seasons, the timing of religious holidays can influence periods of higher or lower activity.
  • Observance Variations: Some holidays may have associated "holiday" days that extend the observance period, as seen with some religious and national commemorations.

Plan Your Year Around SO Holidays

Calendar Tool

View Somalia holidays in calendar mode

Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.

Frequently asked questions