Holidays in Iran 2025; Persian holidays and traditions

Publish Date: 2018-12-08

Iran, a country steeped in history and rich cultural traditions, offers yearly public holidays. Persian holidays and traditions are integral to Iranian society and reflect its spiritual, cultural, and historical landscape. Whether you’re interested in religious observances, ancient Persian festivals, or national commemorations, holidays in Iran 2025 promise to be vibrant and diverse. This article will explore the most significant holidays, their cultural importance, and how they are celebrated nationwide.

Most Important Holidays in Iran

Iran’s holidays combine ancient Persian traditions, religious observances, and national milestones. Some are celebrated nationwide, while others are more regional. The following holidays are among the most significant and are enthusiastically and widely celebrated.

The Table below details the Most Important Holidays in Iran 2025

Date	Day	Holiday	Type	Significance	Observed By	Date Calculation
14 Jan	Tuesday	Birthday of Imam Ali	Religious	Birth of the first Imam in Shia Islam	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
28 Jan	Tuesday	Prophet’s Ascension	Religious	Marks the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to the heavens	Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
10 Feb	Tuesday	Revolution Day	National	Commemorates the 1979 Islamic Revolution	All Iranians	Solar Calendar
14 Feb	Friday	Imam Mahdi’s Birthday	Religious	Celebrates the birth of the 12th Imam in Shia Islam	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
19 Mar	Wednesday	Oil Nationalization Day	National	Commemorates the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry in 1951	All Iranians	Solar Calendar
21 Mar	Friday	March Equinox	Seasonal	Marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere	All Iranians	Solar Calendar
21 Mar	Friday	Martyrdom of Imam Ali	Religious	Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
31 Mar	Monday	Eid-e-Fetr (End of Ramadan)	Religious	Marks the end of the month of fasting during Ramadan	All Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
1 Apr	Tuesday	Islamic Republic Day	National	Marks the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979	All Iranians	Solar Calendar
1 Apr	Tuesday	Eid-e-Fetr (Additional Holiday)	Religious	Second day of Eid after Ramadan’s conclusion	All Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
2 Apr	Wednesday	13 Bedar (Nature Day)	National	Celebrates spending time in nature with family and friends	All Iranians	Solar Calendar
24 Apr	Thursday	Martyrdom of Imam Sadeq	Religious	Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Sadeq, the 6th Shia Imam	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
4 Jun	Wednesday	Demise of Imam Khomeini	National	Marks the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1989	All Iranians	Solar Calendar
5 Jun	Thursday	Khordad National Uprising	National	Commemorates the uprising against the Pahlavi regime in 1963	All Iranians	Solar Calendar
6 Jun	Friday	Eid-e-Ghorban (Feast of Sacrifice)	Religious	Marks the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim in Islamic tradition	All Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
14 Jun	Saturday	Eid-e-Ghadir	Religious	Celebrates Imam Ali’s appointment as the Prophet’s successor	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
5 Jul	Saturday	Tassoua	Religious	Marks the day before Ashura, a day of mourning for Imam Hussein	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
6 Jul	Sunday	Ashura	Religious	Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
14 Aug	Thursday	Arbaeen	Religious	Marks 40 days after Ashura, commemorating the death of Imam Hussein	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
22 Aug	Friday	Demise of Prophet Muhammad and Martyrdom of Imam Hassan	Religious	Commemorates Prophet Muhammad’s death and Imam Hassan’s martyrdom	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
24 Aug	Sunday	Martyrdom of Imam Reza	Religious	Marks the martyrdom of Imam Reza, the 8th Shia Imam	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
1 Sep	Monday	Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari	Religious	Commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari, the 11th Shia Imam	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
10 Sep	Wednesday	Birthday of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadeq	Religious	Celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadeq	All Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar
24 Nov	Monday	Martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima	Religious	Marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Fatima, daughter of Prophet Muhammad	Shia Muslims	Islamic Lunar Calendar

Ancient Persian Events in Iran

ancient Persian holidays hold a special place in Iranian culture, with festivals and observances that date back thousands of years. These events honor the seasons and natural cycles and reflect ancient Persia’s deep spiritual and philosophical traditions. Here are some of the most important ancient Persian holidays still celebrated in Iran today:

Nowruz (Persian New Year)

Nowruz, the ancient Persian New Year, is celebrated on the spring equinox and marks the beginning of the Persian calendar year. This festival, which has roots in Zoroastrianism, symbolizes the renewal of life and the triumph of light over darkness. It is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and various customs, such as the Haft-Seen table, where seven symbolic items representing health, prosperity, and happiness are displayed.

Yalda Night (Shab-e-Yalda)

Yalda Night is celebrated on the winter solstice and is one of Iran’s most cherished ancient festivals. It marks the longest night of the year and celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Iranians gather with family and friends, enjoy pomegranates and other seasonal fruits, and read poetry by Hafez to usher in the lengthening days and the start of winter’s end.

Mehregan Festival

Mehregan is one of the oldest Persian festivals. It is dedicated to Mithra, the god of the sun. It is celebrated on the 16th day of the seventh month of the Persian calendar and is similar to the harvest festivals of ancient Iran. Mehregan celebrates the autumn equinox and symbolizes the power of light and warmth. It marks a time of thanksgiving and feasts. People gather to enjoy special foods, wear new clothes, and celebrate the changing seasons.

Tirgan Festival

Tirgan is an ancient festival celebrated in honor of Tir, the ancient Persian god of rain. It takes place in mid-July and marks the arrival of the rainy season, which is crucial for agriculture. The festival includes water-related activities, such as pouring water on one another, feasts, and dances. It is also a time for renewal and purification, with people often jumping over fires to cleanse themselves and bring good luck.

Charshanbe Suri (Festival of Fire)

Charshanbe Suri is celebrated last Wednesday before Nowruz. It is a festival of fire and purification. People jump over bonfires to symbolize burning away the old and welcoming the new. The flames represent the victory of light over darkness, and the rituals are meant to purify participants physically and spiritually, ensuring a prosperous year ahead.

Religious Public Holidays in Iran

Iran’s religious holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and are primarily centered around Shia Islamic observances. Some of the key religious public holidays in Iran include:

Eid-e-Fitr (End of Ramadan)

Eid-e-Fitr is one of the most important religious holidays in Iran. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, and is a time for celebration, prayer, and feasting. The holiday is marked by special prayers at mosques, family gatherings, and charity giving (known as Zakat al-Fitr).

Eid-e-Ghorban (Feast of Sacrifice)

Eid-e-Ghorban commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Iranians celebrate it with prayers at mosques, animal sacrifices (usually sheep or cattle), and the distribution of meat to the poor and needy. This holiday reflects themes of faith, obedience, and sacrifice.

Imam Ali’s Birthday

The birthday of Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam, is an important religious holiday in Iran. Prayers, lectures, and religious gatherings mark it. Imam Ali is revered not only for his leadership but also for his teachings on justice, equality, and charity.

Tasua and Ashura (9th and 10th of Muharram)

Tasua and Ashura, observed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, are deeply significant for Shia Muslims in Iran. They honor Imam Hussein’s martyrdom at Karbala, symbolizing sacrifice and justice. Mourning rituals, elegies, and processions reflect themes of resistance against oppression, drawing millions to commemorate these sacred days.

Shab-e-Qadr (Night of Decree)

Shab-e-Qadr (Night of Decree) falls during the last ten days of Ramadan. It is believed to be the night the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It is considered the holiest night of the Islamic year. On this night, it is believed that God decrees the upcoming year. Iranians spend the night in prayer, reciting the Quran, and reflecting on their deeds, seeking mercy and forgiveness.

Mawlid al-Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad)

Another important religious holiday in Iran is the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, known as Mawlid al-Nabi. It is observed with prayers, religious lectures, and celebrations marking the Prophet’s birth. While the date of this holiday varies according to Islamic traditions, in Iran, it is generally celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar.

National Public Holidays in Iran

In addition to religious observances, Iran also celebrates national public holidays, commemorating historical events that shaped the country’s identity. These holidays often involve government-sponsored events and public celebrations.

Islamic Republic Day (April 1)

Islamic Republic Day marks the anniversary of the 1979 revolution when the Islamic Republic of Iran was established. It is a day for Iranians to reflect on the political changes that led to the creation of a new republic founded on Islamic principles. Public speeches, demonstrations, and celebratory events mark the holiday.

Revolution Day (February 11)

This national holiday commemorates the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. On this day, Iranians remember the overthrow of the monarchy and the triumph of the people’s revolution. Large parades, speeches, and patriotic displays mark the day.

Oil Nationalization Day (March 19)

Oil Nationalization Day commemorates the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry in 1951, a key moment in the country’s modern history. This event symbolizes the country’s attempt to assert control over its natural resources, leading to political and economic changes.

Cultural and Regional Celebrations

Iran is home to a rich tapestry of cultural and regional celebrations that vary from province to province. These holidays highlight the diversity of Iran’s regions and the traditions specific to various ethnic and cultural groups.

13 Bedar (Nature Day)

13 Bedar is a day of celebration dedicated to spending time outdoors in nature. It falls on the 13th day of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, and is commonly celebrated by families who go on picnics, enjoy nature, and engage in social activities. This day is an opportunity for Iranians to appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings and celebrate spring’s arrival.

Kurdish New Year (Newroz)

The Kurdish New Year, or Newroz, is celebrated alongside the Persian New Year in regions with Kurdish populations. It is particularly significant for the Kurdish people, marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Traditional Kurdish music, dances, and feasts characterize the holiday.

Tashrifat (Gilan Region)

Tashrifat is a regional agricultural festival in the Gilan Province in northern Iran. It marks the arrival of spring and is deeply connected to the region’s agrarian cycles. Farmers express their gratitude during the festival for the year’s harvest and pray for good crops in the upcoming season. The event is celebrated with vibrant local dances, music, and feasts that bring together families and communities to celebrate the abundance of nature.

Kharabat (Isfahan Region)

Kharabat is a cultural festival held in Isfahan, one of Iran’s most historically significant cities. The festival celebrates the local culture, traditions, and craftsmanship for which Isfahan is famous. It focuses on traditional arts and crafts, including carpet weaving, pottery, and the famous Isfahan miniature art. People also gather in the city’s grand squares and gardens for street performances, traditional music, and local foods, which both locals and visitors enjoy.

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

Conclusion

The holidays in Iran 2025 reflect the nation’s deep cultural and religious roots. From the ancient festivals of Nowruz and Yalda Night to religious observances like Ashura and Eid-e-Fitr, these holidays offer a window into the heart of Iranian society.

Whether you are exploring Iran’s ancient Persian traditions or participating in religious and national celebrations, the holidays in Iran reflect the country’s rich and diverse heritage. These celebrations foster a sense of unity and pride among Iranians, allowing them to come together to honor their past and look toward the future.

FAQ about public holidays in Iran

How many holidays are there in Iran?

Iran has a variety of public holidays, including religious, national, and cultural observances. Typically, around 25-30 official holidays each year, depending on the Islamic lunar calendar and regional variations.

What are some important holidays in Iran?

Some of the most important Persian holidays and traditions are Nowruz (the Persian New Year), Revolution Day, Ashura, Eid-e-Fitr, and Eid-e-Ghorban.

How are religious holidays determined in Iran?

The Islamic lunar calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar, determines religious holidays in Iran. As such, the dates of these holidays shift each year.

What is the significance of Ashura in Iran?

Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala. It is a day of mourning and reflection, especially for Shia Muslims, and is marked by processions, rituals, and prayers.

Do all regions in Iran celebrate the same holidays?

While many holidays are celebrated nationwide, there are regional variations. Sadeh is mainly celebrated in areas with Zoroastrian communities, and Newroz holds special significance in Kurdish regions.

Is Friday a day off in Iran?

Yes, Friday is the official weekly holiday in Iran, much like Sunday in many Western countries. It is a rest day, and many businesses and offices are closed.

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!