Understanding the official public holidays in Azerbaijan is essential for effective planning, whether you’re scheduling business operations, coordinating travel arrangements, or organizing personal events. This comprehensive guide covers all nationwide public holidays recognized by the government of Azerbaijan for 2026, helping you stay informed and prepared throughout the year.
Azerbaijan observes a diverse range of public holidays that reflect its rich cultural heritage, historical milestones, and religious traditions. From New Year celebrations to Victory Day commemorations, these holidays create opportunities for rest, reflection, and celebration across the nation. However, knowing these dates in advance becomes crucial when planning important activities or coordinating with Azerbaijani businesses and institutions.
Official Public Holidays in Azerbaijan 2026
Below is the complete list of confirmed nationwide public holidays for Azerbaijan in 2026. These dates are recognized as non-working days throughout the country, and most businesses, government offices, and institutions will be closed.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| January 2 | Friday | New Year Holiday |
| January 20 | Tuesday | Martyrs’ Day |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day |
| March 9 | Monday | Day off for Women’s Day |
| March 20 | Friday | Ramadan Holiday (Tentative) |
| March 20-24 | Friday-Tuesday | Nowruz (Spring Holiday – 5 days) |
| March 23 | Monday | Day off for Ramadan Holiday |
| May 9 | Saturday | Victory Day over Fascism |
| May 11 | Monday | Day off for Victory Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Gurban Bayrami – Day 1 (Tentative) |
| May 28 | Thursday | Republic Day / Gurban Bayrami – Day 2 |
| June 15 | Monday | National Salvation Day |
| June 26 | Friday | Armed Forces Day |
| November 8 | Sunday | Victory Day of Azerbaijan |
| November 9 | Monday | State Flag Day / Day off for Victory Day |
| December 31 | Thursday | World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day |
Note: Religious holidays such as Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) and Gurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha) follow the Islamic lunar calendar. Consequently, exact dates are determined by moon sightings and will be officially confirmed by Azerbaijani authorities closer to each observance.
Understanding Azerbaijan’s Holiday Landscape
Azerbaijan’s public holiday calendar reflects the nation’s unique position at the crossroads of cultures. The country celebrates secular national holidays commemorating historical events alongside Islamic observances, creating a diverse holiday schedule. Moreover, the government ensures that when holidays fall on weekends, compensatory days off are provided on the following Monday, thereby giving citizens extended periods for rest and celebration.
The longest holiday period in 2026 will be Nowruz, spanning five consecutive days from March 20 to March 24. This ancient Persian spring celebration holds special significance in Azerbaijani culture and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Meanwhile, religious holidays provide two-day breaks, allowing Muslims throughout Azerbaijan to observe their faith traditions properly.
Key Planning Insights for 2026
Extended Weekends and Long Breaks
Several holidays in 2026 create attractive long weekend opportunities. For instance, Victory Day over Fascism falls on Saturday, May 9, with a compensatory Monday off on May 11, creating a three-day weekend. Similarly, when International Women’s Day occurs on Sunday, March 8, Azerbaijanis receive Monday, March 9, as an additional day off.
The most significant extended period comes during Nowruz, which offers five consecutive non-working days. This presents an ideal opportunity for domestic travel or family gatherings. Furthermore, business travelers should note this period when scheduling meetings or expecting responses from Azerbaijani partners.
Religious Observances
Religious holidays in Azerbaijan follow the Islamic lunar calendar, making their exact dates subject to change based on lunar observations. Ramadan holiday is tentatively scheduled for March 20, while Gurban Bayrami (Feast of Sacrifice) is expected around May 27-28. These dates should be confirmed with official government announcements as they approach, especially if you’re planning critical business activities or travel during these periods.
Business and Travel Considerations
When planning business trips to Azerbaijan, consider that government offices, banks, and many businesses close during public holidays. International travelers should book accommodations well in advance for major holiday periods, particularly during Nowruz, when domestic tourism peaks significantly. On the other hand, these periods can offer unique cultural experiences for visitors interested in witnessing traditional celebrations.
For those coordinating projects with Azerbaijani partners, it’s advisable to avoid scheduling important deadlines or meetings during extended holiday periods. Instead, plan critical activities for the weeks following major holidays when businesses resume normal operations. Additionally, check whether your specific industry observes different holiday schedules, as some sectors may have modified arrangements.
Making the Most of Your Holiday Planning
Effective time management starts with knowing when these holidays occur. By utilizing tools like current local time converters, you can coordinate across time zones when working with international partners. Additionally, setting up timer reminders for upcoming holidays ensures you never miss important planning deadlines.
For comprehensive guidance on time management and scheduling strategies, explore our collection of practical guides designed to help you optimize your calendar throughout the year. These resources provide valuable insights for both personal and professional planning needs.
Important Observances (Non-Public Holidays)
While not official public holidays with days off, Azerbaijan also recognizes several important observances in 2026. Constitution Day falls on November 12, National Revival Day on November 17, and National Independence Day on October 18. Although these are working days, they hold significant national importance and may feature ceremonial events or commemorative activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which holidays are recognized nationwide in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan recognizes 17 confirmed nationwide public holidays in 2026, including New Year’s Day, Martyrs’ Day, International Women’s Day, Nowruz, Victory Days, Republic Day, National Salvation Day, Armed Forces Day, State Flag Day, and World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day. Religious holidays including Ramadan and Gurban Bayrami are also observed nationally, though their exact dates depend on lunar calendar calculations.
Which holidays create long weekends in 2026?
Several holidays create extended breaks in 2026. The most notable is Nowruz, offering five consecutive days off from March 20-24. Victory Day over Fascism provides a three-day weekend (May 9-11), as does International Women’s Day (March 8-9). Victory Day of Azerbaijan on November 8-9 also creates a weekend extension. These long weekends provide excellent opportunities for travel or extended family gatherings.
Are any holidays subject to change?
Yes, religious holidays following the Islamic lunar calendar are tentative and subject to official confirmation. Ramadan holiday (tentatively March 20-21, 23) and Gurban Bayrami (tentatively May 27-28) depend on moon sightings. The Azerbaijani government officially announces these dates in late December of the preceding year. Therefore, it’s advisable to verify these dates closer to the actual observances, especially when planning important events or travel.
Do businesses close on all public holidays?
Generally, yes. Public holidays in Azerbaijan are non-working days when government offices, banks, and most businesses close. However, essential services like hospitals, public transportation, hotels, and some restaurants typically remain operational. Retail establishments in tourist areas may also maintain limited hours. If you need specific services during holidays, it’s best to confirm availability in advance.
How does Azerbaijan handle holidays that fall on weekends?
According to Azerbaijan’s Labor Code, when a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the following Monday becomes a compensatory day off. This ensures workers receive their entitled rest days. For example, International Women’s Day falls on Sunday, March 8, 2026, so Monday, March 9, is designated as an official day off.
Are regional holidays included in this list?
No, this guide exclusively covers nationwide public holidays recognized throughout Azerbaijan. Some regions may observe additional local celebrations or commemorative days, but these are not included here as they don’t apply countrywide. For regional-specific holidays, consult local government sources or regional administrative offices.
Stay Informed and Plan Ahead
Marking these public holidays on your calendar now will help you stay organized throughout 2026. Whether you’re a business professional coordinating with Azerbaijani partners, a traveler planning your itinerary, or simply someone who values efficient time management, this comprehensive list serves as your authoritative reference guide.
Remember to revisit this information periodically, especially regarding religious holidays whose dates may be adjusted based on official announcements. By staying informed about Azerbaijan’s public holidays, you can make better decisions, avoid scheduling conflicts, and ensure smooth operations throughout the year.
For more time management resources and helpful scheduling tools, visit our homepage to explore current local times worldwide, set up custom timers, and access our full library of planning guides.