| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Feb 18,2023 | Isra and Miraj | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Mar 23,2023 | Ramadan Start | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 21,2023 | Eid al-Fitr | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 22,2023 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day / May Day | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Jun 27,2023 | Arafat Day | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Jun 27,2023 | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Eid al-Adha | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Independence Day Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Jun 29,2023 | Eid al-Adha Holiday | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jul 19,2023 | Muharram | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Sep 27,2023 | Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) | Public Holiday |
New Year's Day, known as "Sannad Cusub" in Djibouti, is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of a new year. It is a globally recognized holiday when people come together with family and friends to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. Djiboutians celebrate by hosting parties, enjoying festive meals, and watching fireworks displays. While not deeply rooted in tradition, New Year's Day is an opportunity for cultural exchange and unity, as people from diverse backgrounds come together to embrace the promise of a fresh start.
Isra and Miraj, also known as "Al-Isra Wal Mi'raj" in Arabic, is a significant Islamic holiday in Djibouti. It commemorates the night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to the heavens. Believers reflect on this miraculous event through prayers and recitations from the Quran. The holiday promotes spiritual reflection and a deepening of faith, strengthening the cultural ties that unite the Muslim community in Djibouti. It is a time for Muslims to draw inspiration from the Prophet's journey and seek spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Ramadan, known as "Ramadan" in Djibouti, is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and its start varies each year. It is a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, Muslims in Djibouti abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset and engage in increased acts of worship and charity. The cultural importance of Ramadan lies in its promotion of self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual growth within the Djiboutian Muslim community. It is a time when families and communities come together to break their fasts and strengthen their bonds.
Eid al-Fitr, known as "Eid al-Fitr" in Djibouti, marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most significant Islamic holidays. It is a festive occasion characterized by communal prayers, feasting, and giving to charity. Families exchange gifts, and special meals are prepared, including traditional dishes like "sambusa" and "haleem." Eid al-Fitr fosters a strong sense of community and cultural unity among Djiboutian Muslims, emphasizing the importance of compassion and gratitude. It is a time of joy and celebration after a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
Labor Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated on May 1st in Djibouti and is referred to as "Fête du Travail." It honors the contributions and rights of workers and laborers. On this day, labor unions organize parades, demonstrations, and discussions about labor-related issues. Labor Day underscores the cultural significance of fair labor practices and social justice in Djibouti. It serves as a reminder of the importance of workers' well-being and their role in the nation's development.
Arafat Day, known as "Yawm Arafah" in Arabic, is an important Islamic holiday observed on the 9th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah. It is the day when Muslim pilgrims on Hajj gather at the plain of Arafat, seeking forgiveness and supplicating to Allah. While not a public holiday in Djibouti, it holds cultural significance for Muslims who commemorate it with fasting and prayers. Arafat Day symbolizes unity, humility, and devotion to Allah, reinforcing the cultural ties that bind the Muslim community in Djibouti.
Independence Day, known as "Fête de l'Indépendance" in Djibouti, is celebrated on June 27th. It commemorates Djibouti's independence from French colonial rule in 1977. The day is marked by patriotic ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays. Independence Day is a symbol of Djibouti's sovereignty and the nation's cultural identity. It fosters a sense of pride and unity among Djiboutians, emphasizing their shared history and the enduring spirit of the nation.
Eid al-Adha, known as "Eid al-Adha" in Djibouti, is another significant Islamic holiday, often referred to as the "Festival of Sacrifice." It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families in Djibouti mark the occasion by attending special prayers at the mosque and sacrificing animals, with the meat distributed to the needy. Eid al-Adha promotes compassion, solidarity, and devotion within the Muslim community, reinforcing the cultural importance of faith and generosity. It is a time of shared blessings and communal celebration.
Independence Day Holiday is an extension of Djibouti's Independence Day celebration, allowing people to enjoy an additional day of festivities, relaxation, and cultural events. Djiboutians often use this holiday to participate in various recreational activities, picnics, and family gatherings. It reinforces the cultural significance of independence and serves as a time for reflection on the nation's achievements and aspirations. The holiday promotes unity and pride among Djibouti's citizens, emphasizing the value of freedom and national identity.
Muharram, known as "Muharram" in Djibouti, is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While not a public holiday, it holds cultural and religious significance for Muslims. Muharram marks the beginning of the Islamic year and is a time for reflection, fasting, and remembering the historical events of the Islamic calendar. It reinforces the cultural ties that bind the Muslim community in Djibouti, emphasizing the importance of faith, unity, and devotion to Islamic traditions.
Milad un Nabi, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. While not a public holiday, it is observed with reverence and cultural importance by the Muslim community in Djibouti. Devotees engage in special prayers, recitations from the Quran, and gatherings to learn about the life and teachings of the Prophet. Milad un Nabi reinforces the cultural ties that unite Djiboutian Muslims, fostering a deep sense of devotion and strengthening the community's connection to Islamic traditions and values. It is a time for spiritual reflection and cultural enrichment.
