Planning your work schedule, travel itinerary, or business meetings in Algeria requires accurate knowledge of the country’s official public holidays. Understanding these nationwide observances helps you organize your calendar effectively, avoid scheduling conflicts, and respect cultural traditions. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Algeria for 2026, excluding regional or local celebrations.
Algeria Public Holidays 2026
Algeria recognizes both fixed and Islamic holidays throughout the year. However, several dates depend on lunar calendar calculations and moon sightings, which means they may shift by one or two days. Consequently, the Algerian government typically announces the exact dates for Islamic holidays at the end of December preceding the new year.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 12 | Monday | Berber New Year (Yennayer) |
| March 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr (Tentative)* |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative)* |
| March 22 | Sunday | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (Tentative)* |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day / May Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Eid al-Adha (Tentative)* |
| May 28 | Thursday | Eid al-Adha Holiday (Tentative)* |
| June 17 | Wednesday | Muharram – Islamic New Year (Tentative)* |
| June 26 | Friday | Day of Ashura (Tentative)* |
| July 5 | Sunday | Independence Day |
| August 26 | Wednesday | The Prophet’s Birthday – Mawlid (Tentative)* |
| November 1 | Sunday | Anniversary of the Revolution |
*Islamic holidays are based on lunar calendar observations and are subject to change based on moon sighting. The government confirms exact dates in late December.
Key Features of Algeria’s 2026 Holiday Calendar
Long Weekend Opportunities
Several holidays in 2026 create extended breaks for workers and travelers. Meanwhile, the Eid al-Fitr celebration spans three consecutive days from Friday to Sunday (March 20-22), providing an excellent opportunity for short trips or family gatherings. On the other hand, Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, which naturally extends into the weekend. Additionally, Independence Day occurs on Sunday, July 5, though some businesses may observe it on the following Monday.
Multi-Day Religious Celebrations
Islamic holidays in Algeria traditionally extend over multiple days. For instance, both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated across two to three days, allowing families to visit relatives, exchange gifts, and participate in communal prayers. Furthermore, these extended celebrations align with Algeria’s labour laws, which require employers to provide paid time off for all national holidays.
Planning Tips
When scheduling business meetings or travel, consider that government offices, banks, and many businesses close during public holidays. Therefore, it’s advisable to check with specific organizations about their operating hours during holiday periods. Moreover, transportation services may operate on reduced schedules, particularly during multi-day celebrations. You can check current local times around the world to coordinate international calls and meetings effectively.
For time-sensitive activities, using tools like a 5-minute timer or 15-minute timer can help you manage your schedule efficiently around holiday preparations and transitions.
Understanding Algeria’s Holiday System
Algeria’s national holiday calendar reflects the country’s cultural heritage and Islamic traditions. The framework was established under Law No. 63/278, published on July 26, 1963, which designated nine official holidays. However, over the years, amendments have been made, including the addition of Yennayer (Berber New Year) as a national holiday in 2018.
The majority of Algeria’s public holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar. Consequently, dates shift by approximately 10-12 days earlier each year compared to the Gregorian calendar. This means that Islamic holidays will occur in different seasons over a 33-year cycle. Nevertheless, fixed holidays like New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Revolution Day remain on consistent dates annually.
Algerian labour law mandates that all workers receive paid leave on public holidays. Furthermore, if a holiday falls on a weekend, employees typically still receive the benefit, though alternative compensation arrangements may vary by employer. For more information on managing schedules and holidays, visit our comprehensive time management guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Algeria?
All 13 holidays listed in this guide are recognized nationwide. These include New Year’s Day, Berber New Year (Yennayer), Labour Day, Independence Day, Anniversary of the Revolution, and various Islamic observances including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Muharram, Ashura, and the Prophet’s Birthday. Every citizen and worker across Algeria is entitled to observe these days.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays offer extended break opportunities in 2026. Eid al-Fitr creates a three-day weekend from Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22. Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, extending naturally into the weekend. Eid al-Adha spans Wednesday and Thursday (May 27-28), which could be combined with the weekend for travel. Independence Day on Sunday, July 5, may result in Monday off for some workers.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Yes, all Islamic holidays marked with an asterisk (*) in the table are tentative. These dates depend on lunar calendar calculations and official moon sighting announcements. The Algerian government confirms the exact dates for these holidays in late December 2025. Fixed holidays such as New Year’s Day, Yennayer, Labour Day, Independence Day, and Revolution Day will not change.
Do businesses close on all public holidays?
Generally, government offices, banks, schools, and most businesses close on all national public holidays. However, essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and some restaurants may remain open with reduced hours. Private companies sometimes have different policies, so it’s best to verify with specific organizations ahead of time.
How do Islamic holidays shift each year?
Islamic holidays follow the lunar Hijri calendar, which is approximately 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar. Therefore, each Islamic holiday occurs about 10-12 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Over a 33-year cycle, these holidays rotate through all seasons.
Conclusion
Understanding Algeria’s public holidays for 2026 is essential for effective planning, whether you’re a resident, business professional, or traveler. By keeping this holiday calendar handy, you can avoid scheduling conflicts, respect cultural observances, and make the most of long weekends throughout the year. Remember that Islamic holiday dates remain tentative until officially confirmed by the government in late December 2025.
For more helpful resources on time management and planning, explore our current local times tool, utilize our countdown timers, and browse our collection of practical guides. Stay informed about public holidays worldwide to optimize your schedule and enhance your productivity.