| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Jan 07,2023 | Orthodox Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Jan 19,2023 | Timket | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | Women's Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Coptic Good Friday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 16,2023 | Coptic Easter | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 21,2023 | Eid al-Fitr | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | International Workers' Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | May 24,2023 | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Jun 20,2023 | Martyrs' Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Jun 28,2023 | Eid al-Adha | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Sep 01,2023 | Commencement Day of Eritrean Armed Struggle | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Sep 12,2023 | Geez New Year | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Sep 27,2023 | The Prophet's Birthday (Tentative Date) | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Sep 27,2023 | Meskel | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | Public Holiday |
New Year, known as "Tsbri Hqwet" in Tigrigna, is celebrated on January 1st in Eritrea with enthusiasm and cultural significance. It marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is a time for families and friends to come together, exchange well-wishes, and celebrate. Traditional music, dance, and delicious Eritrean cuisine play a central role in the festivities. New Year is not only a time for renewal but also a culturally important occasion that fosters unity and a sense of community among the people of Eritrea.
Orthodox Christmas Day, also known as "Ledet," is celebrated on January 7th in Eritrea. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ based on the Julian calendar. The day begins with a church service, followed by feasting and communal gatherings. Eritrean Orthodox Christians take part in colorful processions and hymn singing, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Orthodox Christmas Day is a significant religious and cultural event that reaffirms the faith and traditions of the Orthodox Christian community in Eritrea.
Timket, also called "Epiphany," is a Christian holiday celebrated on January 19th. It marks the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The day begins with a colorful and elaborate procession to a nearby river or water source, symbolizing the baptism. Eritrean Orthodox Christians immerse themselves in the water as a form of purification. Traditional dances, music, and cultural displays enhance the celebration. Timket is a culturally important holiday that strengthens the bond within the Orthodox Christian community and showcases Eritrea's rich religious heritage.
Women's Day, known as "Fito" in Tigrigna, is celebrated on March 8th in Eritrea. It honors the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day is marked by various events and activities that empower women and raise awareness about gender equality. Communities organize parades, seminars, and discussions to address women's issues and celebrate their contributions to society. Women's Day is a culturally significant occasion that highlights the importance of gender equality and the role of women in Eritrean culture and society.
Coptic Good Friday, known as "Tena Yisus," is a significant Christian holiday observed in Eritrea. It falls on a date corresponding to the Friday before Easter Sunday in the Coptic Orthodox Church. On this day, Eritrean Christians participate in church services, processions, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ. It's a time for reflection and spiritual contemplation, strengthening the cultural and religious ties within the Christian community. Coptic Good Friday holds great cultural importance in Eritrea as it commemorates the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity.
Coptic Easter, known as "Fasika," is one of the most important Christian holidays in Eritrea. It corresponds to the Easter Sunday date in the Coptic Orthodox Church and is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Eritrean Orthodox Christians attend church services, engage in festive meals, and participate in religious processions. The holiday represents the pinnacle of the Christian calendar and holds immense cultural significance, fostering a sense of community and spiritual unity among Eritrean Christians. Coptic Easter is a time of joy, hope, and renewal.
Eid al-Fitr, known as "Aynfitr" in Tigrigna, is a significant Islamic holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It is a time of thanksgiving, feasting, and community gatherings. Eritrean Muslims come together for special prayers, share meals, and exchange gifts. One of the central traditions is giving to the less fortunate. Eid al-Fitr promotes unity, compassion, and devotion within the Muslim community, making it a culturally important religious observance in Eritrea. It symbolizes the end of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
International Workers' Day, celebrated on May 1st, is known as "Feker Libi" in Tigrigna. It honors the contributions of workers to society and serves as a reminder of the importance of labor rights and social justice. Eritrean workers, labor unions, and activists organize parades, rallies, and discussions about workers' rights and labor-related issues. It's a day that emphasizes the cultural significance of fair labor practices and social equality. International Workers' Day highlights the role of workers in Eritrea's development and underscores the value of labor and workers' well-being.
Independence Day, celebrated on May 24th, marks Eritrea's independence from Ethiopian rule in 1991. The day is known as "Fenkil" and is observed with patriotic ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances that showcase Eritrea's heritage. Independence Day instills a sense of national pride and unity among the people of Eritrea. It's a culturally significant occasion that commemorates the country's hard-fought struggle for independence and its enduring spirit. Eritreans celebrate their sovereignty and the cultural diversity that defines their nation.
Martyrs' Day, celebrated on June 20th, is known as "Haddish Eritrea." It commemorates the sacrifices made by Eritreans during the struggle for independence. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries to honor fallen heroes. Martyrs' Day is a deeply cultural and emotional occasion that reinforces the collective memory of the Eritrean people, paying tribute to those who gave their lives for the nation's freedom. It underscores the importance of courage, resilience, and unity in Eritrea's cultural identity.
Eid al-Adha, known as "Aynadha" in Tigrigna, is a significant Islamic holiday that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eritrean Muslims participate in special prayers, share meals, and distribute meat to the needy. Eid al-Adha promotes solidarity, compassion, and devotion within the Muslim community, making it a culturally important religious observance. It symbolizes the importance of faith and sacrifice in the Eritrean Muslim culture.
Commencement Day, celebrated on September 1st, marks the start of the Eritrean armed struggle for independence in 1961. It is known as "Bahti Meskerem" and is observed with patriotic events, parades, and cultural displays that highlight the history of the struggle. Commencement Day is a culturally significant occasion that pays homage to Eritrea's journey toward independence, instilling a sense of national pride and unity among its people. It commemorates the sacrifices made by Eritreans to secure their freedom.
Geez New Year, known as "Ri'ese Awde Amet" in Tigrigna, is celebrated on September 11th. It marks the beginning of the Geez calendar year. The day is observed with religious ceremonies, feasts, and cultural festivities. Eritreans use this occasion to reaffirm their cultural heritage and strengthen their sense of identity. Geez New Year holds cultural importance as it connects Eritreans to their historical roots and traditions. It's a time for reflection, renewal, and celebration of Eritrea's rich cultural heritage.
The Prophet's Birthday, known as "Maulid al-Nabi" in Islam, is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar. The date varies each year based on the lunar calendar. Eritrean Muslims observe this day with special prayers, religious lectures, and communal meals. It's a time to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. The celebration fosters a sense of cultural and religious unity within the Muslim community in Eritrea. The exact date may vary, but the cultural significance remains constant.
Meskel, also known as "Finding of the True Cross," is a Christian holiday celebrated on September 27th. It commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. Eritrean Orthodox Christians participate in church services, processions, and the lighting of a large bonfire, known as the "Demera." Meskel is a culturally significant holiday that showcases the deep-rooted Christian heritage in Eritrea. It symbolizes the triumph of Christianity and holds great cultural importance.
Christmas Day, known as "Ledet" in Tigrigna, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th. Eritrean Orthodox Christians attend church services, processions, and engage in festive meals and cultural activities. The holiday brings families and communities together, fostering a sense of unity and joy. Christmas Day is a culturally important occasion that reaffirms the faith and traditions of the Christian community in Eritrea. It represents the culmination of the Christmas season and the birth of hope and salvation.
