Experience the cultural richness of Bosnia and Herzegovina through its vibrant national holidays, a harmonious blend of tradition and celebration.
| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | Public holiday |
| Monday | Jan 02,2023 | New Year's (Day 2) | Public holiday |
| Tuesday | Jan 03,2023 | New Year Holiday | Local holiday |
| Friday | Jan 06,2023 | Orthodox Christmas Eve | Optional Holiday |
| Saturday | Jan 07,2023 | Orthodox Christmas Day | Optional Holiday |
| Monday | Jan 09,2023 | Day of the Republika Srpska | Local holiday |
| Saturday | Jan 14,2023 | Orthodox New Year | Local holiday, Orthodox |
| Tuesday | Feb 14,2023 | Valentine's Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Mar 01,2023 | Independence Day | Public holiday |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | Mothers' Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | Brčko District Establishment Day | Local holiday |
| Thursday | Mar 23,2023 | Ramadan Start | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | Optional Holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 08,2023 | Holy Saturday | Observance |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Optional Holiday |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | Optional Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Orthodox Good Friday | Optional Holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 15,2023 | Orthodox Holy Saturday | Observance, Orthodox |
| Sunday | Apr 16,2023 | Orthodox Easter Sunday | Optional Holiday |
| Monday | Apr 17,2023 | Orthodox Easter Monday | Optional Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 21,2023 | End of Ramadan | Optional Holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 22,2023 | End of Ramadan Holiday | Optional Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day | Public holiday |
| Tuesday | May 02,2023 | Labor Day (Day 2) | Public holiday |
| Tuesday | May 09,2023 | Victory Day | Working holiday |
| Tuesday | May 09,2023 | Victory Day | Local holiday |
| Sunday | Jun 18,2023 | Fathers' Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Feast of the Sacrifice | Optional Holiday |
| Tuesday | Oct 31,2023 | Halloween | Observance |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | All Saints' Day | Local holiday |
| Tuesday | Nov 21,2023 | Dayton Peace Agreement Day | Local holiday |
| Saturday | Nov 25,2023 | Statehood Day | Local holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Optional Holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Optional Holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
Orthodox Christmas Eve, celebrated on January 6th, is a solemn and sacred occasion for Bosnian Serbs. It commemorates the night before the birth of Jesus Christ. Families gather for a traditional dinner, and a Yule log is burned to symbolize the light of Christ. This holiday holds deep cultural and religious significance, fostering a strong sense of heritage and faith among Orthodox Christian communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On January 7th, Orthodox Christmas Day is observed, marking the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar. It is a day of religious services, prayer, and sharing the joy of Christ's birth with loved ones. The holiday holds immense cultural importance as it unites Orthodox Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina in their faith and traditions, reinforcing their sense of identity and spirituality.
The Day of the Republika Srpska is celebrated on January 9th, commemorating the establishment of the Republika Srpska entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's a day of cultural and regional pride, marked by various events and ceremonies. For the Serb population, this holiday symbolizes their historical and cultural presence in the region.
On January 14th, the Orthodox New Year is celebrated. It's a time to welcome the new year according to the Julian calendar. While not as widely observed as the Gregorian New Year, it holds cultural significance for Orthodox Christian communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who use this occasion for reflection and renewal of faith and commitments.
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day for expressing love and affection to partners and friends. It's a day filled with romantic gestures, exchanging gifts, and heartfelt messages. While not a traditional Bosnian holiday, it has gained popularity among the younger generation, reflecting the global celebration of love and connection.
Independence Day, celebrated on March 1st, commemorates the declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1992. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural events. Independence Day holds immense cultural importance as a symbol of Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and identity.
Mothers' Day, celebrated on the second Sunday in May, is a heartfelt tribute to mothers and mother figures. It's a day to honor and express gratitude to mothers for their love and sacrifices. While not exclusive to Bosnia and Herzegovina, it holds deep cultural significance as a time to celebrate the importance of family and maternal bonds in Bosnian society.
The Brčko District Establishment Day, celebrated on April 8th, commemorates the establishment of the Brčko District as a special administrative unit in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's a day to celebrate local identity and the unique status of Brčko. The holiday holds cultural importance as it marks a significant administrative milestone in the region.
Ramadan Start, also known as the beginning of the Islamic holy month of fasting, is determined by the lunar calendar. It is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The cultural significance lies in the deep spiritual connection and the sense of unity among the Muslim community during this sacred time.
Good Friday is a Christian holiday observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of solemn reflection, prayer, and attending church services. While not a public holiday, it holds cultural significance for Bosnian Christians as a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus and the importance of faith.
Holy Saturday falls on the day before Easter Sunday and is a day of anticipation and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It involves religious services and rituals. Holy Saturday is culturally significant for Bosnian Christians as it marks the culmination of Holy Week and the beginning of Easter celebrations.
Easter Sunday, celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a joyous day of worship, family gatherings, and festive meals. Easter Sunday is culturally significant as one of the most important Christian holidays, symbolizing hope and new life.
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a continuation of Easter celebrations. It is a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing people to extend their Easter gatherings with family and friends. The cultural importance lies in the continuation of Easter traditions and the emphasis on togetherness.
Orthodox Good Friday is celebrated according to the Julian calendar and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of prayer, reflection, and attending church services for Orthodox Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The holiday holds cultural significance for the Orthodox community, emphasizing their unique traditions and faith.
Orthodox Holy Saturday is observed on the day before Orthodox Easter Sunday. It is a day of profound significance, marked by religious services and rituals, including the midnight liturgy. The holiday reinforces the rich cultural and religious heritage of Orthodox Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Orthodox Easter Sunday, following the Julian calendar, celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a day of great joy, with church services, feasting, and traditional gatherings with family and friends. The holiday holds cultural importance as it reaffirms the Orthodox Christian identity and traditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Orthodox Easter Monday continues the celebrations of Orthodox Easter. It is a day of relaxation, family visits, and enjoying leftover Easter treats. The cultural significance lies in the extension of Easter traditions and the sense of unity among Orthodox Christians in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
End of Ramadan, also known as Eid al-Fitr or Ramazanski Bajram, marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is a time of celebration, communal prayers, and feasting with family and friends. This holiday holds deep cultural significance as it highlights the unity and charity within the Muslim community in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors the achievements and contributions of workers. It is marked by various events, parades, and rallies advocating workers' rights and social justice. Labor Day holds cultural significance as a day to reflect on the labor movement's history and the importance of workers in the country's development.
Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, commemorates the victory over fascism in World War II. It is a day of remembrance for the sacrifices made during the war and a tribute to veterans. Victory Day holds cultural importance as a time to honor the country's history of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Fathers' Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in June, is a day to express appreciation and love for fathers and father figures. It's a time for family gatherings and thoughtful gestures. While not a traditional holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it holds cultural significance as an occasion to celebrate fatherhood and familial bonds.
The Feast of the Sacrifice, known as Eid al-Adha or Kurban Bajram, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. It commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma'il, in obedience to God's command. It involves communal prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the distribution of meat to the needy. The holiday holds deep cultural and religious significance for Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is not a traditional Bosnian holiday but has gained popularity in recent years. It is a day of costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky decorations. Halloween represents a cross-cultural exchange, bringing elements of Western traditions into Bosnian society and offering a fun and imaginative experience for all.
All Saints' Day, celebrated on November 1st, is a Christian holiday honoring all saints, known and unknown. It is a day for attending church services and visiting the graves of loved ones. While not a public holiday, it holds cultural significance for Bosnian Christians as a time to remember and pray for departed souls and reflect on the afterlife.
Dayton Peace Agreement Day, celebrated on November 21st, commemorates the signing of the Dayton Accords in 1995, which ended the Bosnian War. It is a day of reflection on the country's path to peace and reconciliation. This holiday holds immense cultural importance as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy and unity in overcoming conflict.
Statehood Day, celebrated on November 25th, marks the date when the modern-day constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina was adopted in 1943. It is a day of national pride, with flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events. Statehood Day holds cultural significance as a symbol of the country's historical and political development towards sovereignty.
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, is a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ. It involves fasting and attending church services. Christmas Eve holds cultural importance for Bosnian Christians as a sacred and reflective evening leading up to Christmas Day.
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a day of joyous celebration, with church services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Christmas Day holds deep cultural and religious significance as one of the most important Christian holidays, symbolizing the birth of the Savior and the hope He brings.
New Year's Eve, also known as "Nova Godina," is celebrated on December 31st, bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one with grand parties, fireworks, and festivities. It is a time for joy and optimism, as people look forward to new beginnings. New Year's Eve holds cultural significance as a universal celebration of hope and renewal.
