Official Holidays in Iran That May Affect Your Trip

Iran, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offers a unique experience for tourists. To make the most of your visit, it is essential to be aware of the official holidays in Iran that may impact the availability of services and attractions during your trip. There are many holidays but all are not affecting your visit. Saying in short the holidays that may affect your visit are listed in the below box; only on these dates all the tourist attractions and museums are NOT working:

Occasion	2024
Martyrdom of Imam Ali	1st of April
Martyrdom of Imam Jafar	5th of May
The demise of Imam Khomeini	3th-4th of June
Tasooa and Ashoora	16th-17th of July
Arba’in	25th of August
Demise of Prophet	2nd of September

Here is a guide to some of the other significant official holidays in Iran that you need to be aware of to book the services in advance:

Nowruz (Persian New Year)

Another official holidays in Iran is Nowruz. Nowruz is a 13-day celebration that marks the beginning of the Persian New Year. Falling on the first day of spring, usually around March 20th, Nowruz is the most important holiday in Iran. During this time, Iranians engage in various customs and traditions that create vibrant street festivities, including music, dancing, and traditional performances. Nowruz is the time when most travels of Iranians happen, so all the tourist infrastructures are busy.

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. The date of this holiday varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar. The 2-day official holidays of Eid al-Fitr is a good opportunity for Iranians to travel, so think about booking your services before.

Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)

Eid al-Adha, known as the “Sacrifice Feast,” commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This holiday also follows the Islamic lunar calendar, falling approximately 70 days after Eid al-Fitr. This feast is mostly celebrated by the Sunni people of the south of Iran. So if you are visiting Qeshm island, you can celebrate it with locals and participate in charitable activities during this time.

Ashura & Tasua

Ashura & Tasua is a significant day of mourning for Shia Muslims, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Falling on the 9th & 10th day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, Ashura is observed with processions, and passion plays called “Ta’zieh.” Ashura offers tourists a chance to witness the religious rituals of the Shia people.

Read more: Dress code in Iran: Unveil or not?

It is important to note that during official holidays, some businesses, government offices, and tourist attractions may have altered schedules or be closed. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly and make necessary arrangements in advance.

By being aware of these official holidays in Iran, tourists can immerse themselves in the cultural fabric of the country, witness traditional celebrations, and create unforgettable memories during their visit.

What to visit in Iran?

Iran World Heritage Tour, Iran Cultural Tours, and Iran Budget Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region, including the stunning World Heritage monuments at reasonable rates.

If you’re interested in exploring more of Iran’s cultural and historical treasures, there are many other destinations worth visiting. Here are a few suggestions:

Tehran: The capital city of Iran is a vibrant metropolis with many cultural and historical attractions, including the National Museum of Iran, and the Golestan Palace.

Kashan: This historic city is home to some of Iran’s most beautiful traditional houses, as well as the stunning Fin Garden and the Agha Bozorg Mosque.

Yazd: This desert city is famous for its unique architecture and historical sites, including the Jameh Mosque and the Zoroastrian Fire Temple.

Persepolis: Located in the southwestern province of Fars, Persepolis is an ancient city that was once the capital of the Achaemenid Empire. The city is home to stunning ruins, including the Gate of All Nations, the Apadana Palace, and the Hall of 100 Columns.

Isfahan: Known as the “half of the world,” Isfahan is a beautiful city with a rich history and stunning architecture. Highlights include the Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the Chehel Sotoun Palace, and the Shah Mosque.

Shiraz: Located in the southern province of Fars, Shiraz is known for its beautiful gardens, historic mosques, and vibrant bazaars. Highlights include the gardens of Eram and Narenjestan, the Vakil Mosque, and the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque.

Let us know your experiences of visiting or your questions about the Persian holidays in Iran in the comment box below, we will be happy to hear from you!