Iran Public Holidays 2026
Iran has 24 public holidays and 0 observances in 2026. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri | Mabaas of Muhammad | public | |
| Tue | Birthday of Imam Mahdi | public | |
| Wed | Anniversary of Islamic Revolution | public | |
| Tue | Martyrdom of Imam Ali | public | |
| Fri | End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) | public | |
| Fri | Nationalization of the Iranian oil industry | public | |
| Sat | Holyday for Fetr Eeid | public | |
| Tue | Nowruz | public | |
| Wed | Islamic Republic Day | public | |
| Thu | Sizdah Bedar | public | |
| Mon | Martyrdom of Imam Jafar | public | |
| Wed | Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) | public | |
| Thu | Eid al-Ghadeer | public | |
| Thu | Imam Khomeini's Demise | public | |
| Fri | Revolt of Khordad 15 | public | |
| Wed | Tasoua | public | |
| Thu | Ashoura | public | |
| Mon | Arbaeen-e Hosseini | public | |
| Tue | Demise of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Hassan (Mujtaba) | public | |
| Thu | Martyrdom of Imam Reza | public | |
| Fri | Martyrdom of Imam Hassan | public | |
| Sun | Birthday of Muhammad Prophet | public | |
| Fri | Martyrdom of Fatima-Zahara | public | |
| Tue | Birthday of Imam Ali | public |
About Iran's Holidays
Iran mixes ancient Persian and Islamic holidays, plus state commemorations. The biggest cultural festival is Nowruz at spring equinox, a family and renewal time with several days off. Banks and schools usually close for major celebrations.
Religious holidays follow the Islamic calendar and move each year. Major ones include the end of Ramadan, the pilgrimage feast, and the solemn month of Muharram with Ashura. These bring prayers, gatherings, and public mourning or festive meals depending on the event.
Political holidays mark 20th century events such as the 1979 Revolution and the founding of the Islamic Republic. On those days many offices, banks, and schools are closed for official ceremonies and nationwide observances.
Holiday Traditions
In Iran holidays are full of warm family time. People visit relatives, bring gifts and sweets, and share big meals. Older family members are honored and children receive small treats. Homes are cleaned and decorated before many celebrations.
Food is important and varies by occasion. You will often see rice dishes, stews, flatbreads, fresh herbs, nuts, and sweet pastries. Tea is served all the time. Cooking together is a way families show love and pass down recipes.
Public life changes on holidays. Markets fill with color, music plays in streets, and some celebrations include parades, fireworks, or public prayers. Acts of charity and helping neighbors are common customs that strengthen community ties.
Travel Tips
During holiday season many government offices and banks close for several days. Some shops and museums also have reduced hours. Major tourist sites may stay open but can have limited services and unusual opening times.
Trains, buses and flights get very busy. Roads between cities become crowded and there can be traffic jams. Book tickets and intercity travel early and expect longer wait times for public transport.
Plan with flexibility. Check opening times before you go and carry some cash in local currency. Dress modestly and respect local customs. Keep a local SIM or roaming for updates and save embassy contact details in case of trouble.