Iraq is a country with many different cultures and religions. People have many public holidays in Iraq in 2025 to celebrate its traditions. The happy festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha bring people together and help them appreciate their cultural roots. Iraq also celebrates Army Day and Republic Day with pride for the nation.
Important religious festivals like Ashura and the Prophet’s Birthday are observed, too. International days like Labour Day and Christmas Day are also marked. This mix of celebrations shows how inclusive Iraqi society is. It highlights how important it is to keep their special identity alive.
| Also Read: Public Holidays In Iran In 2025 |
Public Holidays In Iraq In 2025
In 2025, Iraq will have 18 public holidays for everyone to celebrate, with five holidays falling on weekends, Fridays, and Saturdays.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Army Day | Jan 06, 2025 | Monday |
| Nowruz | Mar 21, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 30, 2025 | Sunday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 06, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
| Ashura | Jul 06, 2025 | Sunday |
| Republic Day | Jul 14, 2025 | Monday |
| Islamic New Year | Jul 26, 2025 | Saturday |
| Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 04, 2025 | Thursday |
| National Day | Oct 03, 2025 | Friday |
| Anniversary of Victory over ISIS | Dec 10, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
New Year’s Day
According to the Gregorian calendar, the New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year. In Iraq, it is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and gatherings with family and friends. It symbolizes a fresh beginning, a time for making resolutions and setting new goals for the upcoming year.
Many Iraqis decorate their homes and exchange gifts, particularly with children. Although New Year’s Day is not an official public holiday in Iraq, it is widely celebrated by people of all backgrounds and religions.
Army Day
Army Day is a national holiday in Iraq that honors the country’s armed forces. It is celebrated on January 6th, marking the establishment of the Iraqi Army in 1921. On this day, military parades and ceremonies are held nationwide, particularly in Baghdad.
Army Day recognizes the sacrifices and bravery of Iraqi soldiers. It is a source of national pride and unity, reminding Iraqis of the importance of their military in defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Nowruz
Nowruz, also known as the Persian New Year, is a widely celebrated public holiday in Iraq, particularly among the Kurdish community. It marks the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature.
Nowruz is a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and preparing unique dishes like samoon (a type of bread) and sabzi polo (herb rice). Homes are cleaned, and new clothings are worn to symbolize a fresh start. The holiday carries significant cultural and traditional values, promoting unity, peace, and harmony.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is one of Iraq’s most important religious holidays. It honors the end of the blessed month of Ramadan and is a joyous occasion celebrated by Muslims across the country.
On this day, families gather for special prayers, exchange gifts, and enjoy elaborate feasts. Children often receive new clothes and sweets, adding to the festive atmosphere. Eid al-Fitr is a time for forgiveness, charity, and strengthening community ties.
Labour Day
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday in Iraq that celebrates workers’ achievements and rights. Trade unions and labor organizations organize rallies, marches, and events to mark the occasion.
Labour Day reminds people of the importance of fair working conditions, job security, and workers’ contributions to the nation’s development. It also serves as a platform for workers to voice their concerns and demand better rights and protections.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is another significant Islamic holiday in Iraq. It celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son to obey God.
On this day, Muslims perform special prayers, exchange greetings, and sacrifice livestock (usually sheep or goats). The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate. Eid al-Adha is a time for hospitality, generosity, and strengthening family and community bonds.
Ashura
Ashura is an important public holiday in Iraq commemorating an Islamic history event. It marks the day when Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was martyred in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Shia Muslims observe Ashura by mourning and participating in processions to honor Imam Hussein’s sacrifice.
The holiday reminds people of the values of justice, resistance against oppression, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs. It is a deeply revered occasion for the Shia community in Iraq, which makes up a significant portion of the population.
Republic Day
Republic Day in Iraq celebrates the monarchy’s overthrow and the republic’s establishment in 1958. National official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural events mark it. Republic Day highlights Iraq’s journey towards independence and self-governance and the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation’s freedom. It is a source of national pride and a reminder of the importance of democracy and sovereignty.
Islamic New Year
The Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram, marks the beginning of the new year according to the Islamic calendar. While not a major public holiday in Iraq, it holds religious and cultural significance for Muslims.
Some families exchange greetings and sweets, and mosques may host special prayers or lectures. The Islamic New Year is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewing one’s commitment to faith and spiritual growth.
Prophet’s Birthday
The Prophet’s Birthday, or Mawlid, is a public holiday in Iraq commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated with religious lectures, poetry and prayer recitations, and the distribution of sweets and food.
Homes and mosques are often decorated, and special events are organized to honor the Prophet’s life and teachings. The Prophet’s Birthday is a joyous occasion that promotes unity, compassion, and the spread of Islamic values.
National Day
National Day in Iraq celebrates the country’s independence from British rule in 1932. Official ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the nation mark it. National Day is a source of pride and unity for Iraqis, reminding them of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their freedom. It is a time to reflect on the nation’s history, achievements, and aspirations for the future.
Anniversary of Victory over ISIS
The Anniversary of Victory over ISIS on December 10th is an important public holiday in Iraq. It celebrates the country’s triumph over the brutal terrorist group ISIS after years of intense fighting. This victory marked the end of ISIS’s oppressive control over large parts of Iraq.
The holiday honors the courage and sacrifices of Iraq’s security forces, allied troops, and civilians who liberated their nation from the Islamic State’s reign of terror and violence. It symbolizes Iraq’s resilience and determination to overcome extremism and build a more peaceful future.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Iraq, celebrated by the Christian minority community. It honors the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for religious services, family gatherings, and festive celebrations.
Christian households decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and nativity scenes. Special feasts are prepared, and gifts are exchanged, particularly among children. Christmas Day is a reminder of the diversity and inclusivity of Iraqi society.