Eritrea is a special country in the Horn of Africa area. People celebrate many public holidays in Eritrea in 2025. From the happy times of the New Year to the sad remembrance of Martyrs’ Day. These holidays show Eritrea’s culture, religion, and history.
Whether it’s the fun festivities of Orthodox Christmas, the religious observance of Eid al-Fitr, or the patriotic celebrations of Independence Day, each holiday is essential for the Eritrean people. Let’s look at the different public holidays in Eritrea for 2025 that make it a unique and exciting place to visit.
Public Holidays In Eritrea In 2025
In 2025, there are 16 public holidays in Eritrea, with six falling on weekends. Below is a list of public holidays in Eritrea in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Orthodox Christmas Day | Jan 07, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Orthodox Epiphany | Jan 19, 2025 | Sunday |
| Women’s Day | Mar 08, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Orthodox Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| International Workers’ Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Independence Day | May 24, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Martyrs’ Day | Jun 20, 2025 | Friday |
| Revolution Day | Sep 01, 2025 | Monday |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 05, 2025 | Friday |
| Geez New Year | Sep 11, 2025 | Thursday |
| Meskel | Sep 27, 2025 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
These are the public holidays in Eritrea. Below, you will find the traditions, meanings and significance of each of the public holidays.
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on Jan 01 in Eritrea. It marks the beginning of a new year on the Gregorian calendar. It is a time for people to come together with family and friends, reflect on the past, and look forward to the future.
It is a day of celebration, feasting, and exchanging gifts. It is also considered an important cultural tradition in Eritrea.
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Orthodox Christmas Day
Orthodox Christmas Day falls on Jan 07 in Eritrea. It is a day of great significance for the country’s Christian population. It marks the Jesus Christ’s birth, the Son of God.
It is a day of sharing, and families gather to attend special church services. They exchange Christmas cards and gifts and enjoy traditional meals and festivities. This holiday is a time of spiritual reflection and community bonding.
Orthodox Epiphany
Orthodox Epiphany, or Epiphany, falls on Jan 19 in Eritrea. This day celebrates the three king’s visit. It is a colorful and vibrant celebration with parades, music, and the blessing of holy water.
Eritreans of the Orthodox Christian faith take part in this event, which is a testament to their rich cultural and religious heritage.
Women’s Day
Eritrea celebrates Women’s Day on Mar 08 to honor the important role women play in society. This day recognizes the contributions and achievements of Eritrean women in various fields, including politics, education, and economic development.
It is a time to reflect on the progress made in gender equality and to support continued empowerment and equal opportunities for women.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a significant Muslim holiday in Eritrea. It marks the end of the month of fasting, Ramadan. This celebration is a time for families to come together, share meals, and exchange gifts. It falls on March 31, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar.
Orthodox Good Friday
Eritrea’s Christian population observes Orthodox Good Friday as a day of solemn reflection and commemoration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.
It is a time for prayer, fasting, and attending special church services. This holiday holds deep spiritual significance for the Orthodox Christian community in Eritrea.
Orthodox Easter Sunday
Orthodox Easter Sunday is a joyous celebration in Eritrea, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Families gather to attend church services, share traditional meals, and exchange gifts. This holiday is a time of renewed hope, forgiveness, and the celebration of new beginnings.
International Workers’ Day
International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day, is celebrated on May 01 in Eritrea. This holiday honors workers’ contributions to the country’s economic and social development.
It is a time to recognize the rights and struggles of the working class and promote the importance of fair labor practices. The holiday comes from a movement that wanted people to work for eight hours, have eight hours of free time, and get eight hours of rest.
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Independence Day
Eritrea’s Independence Day is celebrated on May 24, marking the country’s independence from Ethiopia in 1991.
This national holiday is a time of great pride and celebration, with parades, cultural performances, and speeches honoring the sacrifices made by the Eritrean people during the long struggle for independence.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is also called Feast of the Sacrifice and is a significant Muslim holiday in Eritrea. It celebrates when Prophet Ibrahim listened to God and was ready to sacrifice his son.
Eritrean Muslims celebrate by spending time with family, giving gifts, and praying together. Eid al-Edha falls on June 7.
Martyrs’ Day
Martyrs’ Day in Eritrea is observed on Jun 20 to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the country’s struggle for independence.
This solemn occasion is a time for Eritreans to reflect on the sacrifices made by their compatriots and to renew their commitment to the ideals of freedom, justice, and national unity.
Revolution Day
Revolution Day in Eritrea is celebrated on September 1. It marks the beginning of the country’s armed struggle for independence from Ethiopia in 1961.
It honors the bravery and determination of the Eritrean people in their fight for self-determination. This holiday is a time of patriotic celebration and reflection.
The Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid, is a Muslim holiday in Eritrea that celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a time for religious observation, with special prayers, gatherings, and celebrations to honor the Prophet’s life and teachings.
Geez New Year
The Geez New Year, known as Enkutatash, is celebrated in Eritrea on Sep 11. According to the Geez calendar, which is used by the country’s Orthodox Christian population, this holiday marks the beginning of a new year. It is a time of renewal, reflection, and the exchange of good wishes and blessings.
Meskel
Meskel is a significant religious festival in Eritrea, celebrated on Sep 27. It celebrates the discovery of the true cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. This colorful celebration involves the burning of a large bonfire, known as the “Demera,” and is an important part of the country’s Orthodox Christian tradition.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on Dec 25, is a major holiday in Eritrea for the Christian population. Families gather to attend special church services, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional Christmas meals and festivities. This holiday is a time of joy, celebration, and the renewal of faith and community.