In Somalia, there are 11 public holidays in Somaliland in 2023 and eight public holidays in other regions. Two of them fall on weekends: Friday.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Prophet's Ascension
The holiday, observed on February 18, 2023, celebrates the night Prophet Muhammad was carried to the Heavens. The traditions and celebrations vary in different Islamic communities, but many Muslims will attend prayer services and sermons at Islamic centers or mosques.
Eid al-Fitr
This is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide celebrating the end of a month of fasting. The holiday falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday falls on April 22, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Somaliland Sovereignty Day
Somaliland Sovereignty Day is a public holiday in Somaliland only, observed on May 18, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the former State of Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia on this day in 1991.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Somalia on June 26, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the State of Somaliland achieved its independence from the United Kingdom on June 26, 1960.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday falls on June 29, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
Republic Day
Republic Day is a public holiday in Somalia on July 1, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary when the State of Somaliland and the Trust Territory of Somalia were united, forming the Somali Republic in 1960.
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year, and it is observed on the first day of the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It falls on July 19, 2023.
Ashura
Ashura means "tenth" in Semitic languages, and it marks the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea. The holiday falls on July 29, 2023.
The Prophet's Birthday
The holiday, observed on September 27, 2023, commemorates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad was born around 570 AD in Mecca and was a deeply spiritual man spending time in meditation.
The following is the list of public holidays in Somalia 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | except Somaliland |
| Prophet's Ascension | Feb 18, 2023 | Saturday | Somaliland |
| Eid al-Fitr | Apr 22, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 23, 2023 | Sunday | Somaliland |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Somaliland Sovereignty Day | May 18, 2023 | Thursday | Somaliland |
| Somaliland Sovereignty Day Holiday | May 19, 2023 | Friday | Somaliland |
| Independence Day | Jun 26, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 29, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 30, 2023 | Friday | Somaliland |
| Republic Day | Jul 01, 2023 | Saturday | except Somaliland |
| Islamic New Year | Jul 19, 2023 | Wednesday | Somaliland |
| Ashura | Jul 29, 2023 | Saturday | except Somaliland |
| The Prophet's Birthday | Sep 27, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Somalia in 2023.