Iran Public & National Holidays (2026)

With a population size of over 81 million, Iran is the second-largest country in the Middle East and the 17th largest in the world with its territory spanning 1,648,195 km². It is well-known for its stunning architecture that combines modern buildings with past landmarks, with cities such as Tehrān, Eṣfahān and Shīrāz serving as major hubs for education, culture, and commerce.

Public holidays in Iran consist of religious and national holidays observed by Iranians across the country.

When are public holidays in Iran?

Which are the public holidays in Iran?

Islamic Revolution Day
The Islamic Revolution Day is a public holiday in Iran which marks the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Every year on this day, large rallies and marches take place in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the struggle for independence and to pay tribute to Ayatollah Khomeini and his role in liberating the country.

Oil Nationalization Day
This holiday in Iran marks the anniversary of the nationalization of the oil industry in 1951, which is seen as an important step in Iran’s independence from the West.

Imam Ali’s Birthday
Imam Ali’s birthday is a public holiday in Iran that commemorates the birthday of Ali ibn Abu Talib, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad who is considered to be the first Imam by the Shia Muslims.

Nowruz
Nowruz in Iran celebrates the Persian New Year and the beginning of Spring.

Islamic Republic Day
The Islamic Republic Day in Iran marks the anniversary of the 1979 establishment of the Islamic Republic.

Nature Day
Nature Day marks the 13th day of Nowruz, and is celebrated by leaving homes to join nature and spending the day outdoors.

The Prophet’s Ascension
The Prophet’s Ascension in Iran marks the Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and the ascent into heaven.

Imam Mahdi’s Birthday
This holiday in Iran celebrates the birthday of the 12th and Last Imam of Twelver Shia Islam.

Martyrdom of Imam Ali
This day commemorates the Martyrdom of Ali ibn Abu Talib, who was the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and considered to be the first Imam by Shia Muslims.

Demise of Imam Khomeini
This public holiday commemorates the demise of Imam Khomeini, who was an Iranian Shia Muslim religious leader, the founder of Iran as the Islamic Republic and leader of its 1979 Iranian Revolution.

Khordad National Uprising
The Khordad National Uprising holiday marks the 1963 protests in Iran against the arrest of Ayatollah Khomeini after his denouncement of the Shah.

Eid-al-Fitr
Eid-al-Fitr, the “Festival of Fast Breaking”, marks the end of Ramadan and is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world.

Martyrdom of Imam Sadeq
This day commemorates the death of Imam Sadeq, who died on 25th Shawwal, 148 AH after being poisoned by Al-Mansur

Eid-e-Qorban
Commonly known as Eid-al-Adha, this “Feast of Sacrifice” celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to God.

Eid-e-Ghadir
Eid-e-Ghadir is a public holiday in Iran and commemorates the appointment of Ali as Muhammad’s successor, an important event to Shia Muslims.

Tasoua Hosseini
This public holiday in Iran commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Mohammed.

Ashoura
Ashura in Iran is dedicated to mourning the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 AH (AD 680).

Death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) /Martyrdom of Imam Hassan
This public holiday in Iran commemorates the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Martyrdom of Imam Hassan.

Martyrdom of Imam Reza
The Martyrdom of Imam Reza anniversary is a national holiday which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Reza in the year 818.

Martyrdom of Imam Hassan Asgari
The Martyrdom of Imam Hassan Asgari commemorates Imam Hassan Asgari, the 11th Imam of Twelver Shia Islam, who was poisoned in 874 AD.

Birthday of Muhammad
Also known as Mawlid, this day commemorates the anniversary of the birth of the founder of Islam and the proclaimer of the Qurʾan.

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