Saudi Arabia has a rich history and traditions that are celebrated through its national holidays. From time-honored religious celebrations to commemorations, these holidays bring people in the country together, fostering a sense of joy and national pride. Let’s take a look through the Kingdom’s calendar and explore the significance of each public holiday.
On the 22nd of February, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates its founding day. The day when the cornerstone of the nation was laid, security and stability were gained in 1727 under the leadership of Imam Mohammed bin Saud.
Ramadan is one of the most sacred months in Islam, and it is observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection. The exact dates of Ramadan depend on the lunar calendar, and in 2024, it will span from around March 10 to April 8. Eid al-Fitr, which follows Ramadan, is a grand celebration marked by feasts and prayers, bringing families and friends together.
The Day of Arafah is an Islamic holiday that falls on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic Calendar. It is the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage and is followed by the holiday of Eid al-Adha. The Day of Arafat is a day of fasting and reflection for Muslims worldwide.
Eid Al Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, occurs on the tenth day of the Islamic calendar’s last month, Dhu al-Hijjah, and occurs around two months after Eid Al Fitr, which marks the culmination of the Hajj trip to the holy city of Makkah.
Saudi Arabia’s National Day, September 23, commemorates the union of Najd and Hijaz. The combined states were renamed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932 after King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud’s dynasty, the House of Saud.
Saudi National Day, or Al Yom Al Watany, is celebrated with fireworks, parades with floats showing the attractions of each area, music and traditional attire, and Saudi flags filling the streets to honor the event. Special cultural activities are conducted, and there is a strong sense of national pride everywhere, from individuals adorning their vehicles and houses to buildings turning green for the day.