Iraq Public & National Holidays (2026)

Iraq is home to diverse ethnic groups, with its population size at 39,309,783. Its coastline measures 58km on the northern Persian Gulf and encompasses the Mesopotamian Alluvial Plain, the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range and the eastern part of the Syrian Desert. The total land area of Iraq is 437,072 km².

Public holidays in Iraq consist of religious and national holidays observed by Iraqis across the country.

When are public holidays in Iraq?

Which are public holidays in Iraq?

New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Iraq, marking the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.

Iraqi Army Day
The Iraqi Army Day marks the activation of the Iraqi Army on 6 January 1921.

Eid Norooz
Translating to “New Day”, Eid Norooz celebrates the Persian New Year in Iraq, as well as the beginning of Spring.

Labor Day
Labor Day in Iraq celebrates the achievements of the labor movement and is celebrated in over 80 countries.

Eid-al-Fitr
An Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated in Iraq and by Muslims worldwide.

Republic Day
The Iraqi Republic Day is a public holiday in Iraq which commemorates the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy in 1958.

Eid-al-Adha
Eid-al-Adha is celebrated in Iraq and other Muslim countries as a commemoration of the sacrifice to God made by Prophet Muhammad.

Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the new Hijri year, symbolizing the beginning and the journey from Mecca to Medina.

Ashura
In Iraq, Ashura marks the Remembrance of Muharram, marking the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Independence Day
Iraq’s Independence Day is a public holiday in Iraq, signifying Iraq’s independence from Britain in 1932.

Mawlid al-Nabi
In Iraq, Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the anniversary of the birth of the founder of Islam and the proclaimer of the Qu’ran.

Victory Day
Iraq’s Victory Day commemorates Iraq’s victory over the Islamic State in December 2017.

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