Holidays in Saudi Arabia

Until now, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, closed to representatives of other religious denominations. Access to it is restricted to a limited number of foreigners, including pilgrims. Islamic traditions subordinated to themselves and the order, according to which festivals are celebrated in Saudi Arabia.

Until now, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country, closed to representatives of other religious denominations. Access to it is restricted to a limited number of foreigners, including pilgrims. Islamic traditions subordinated to themselves and the order, according to which festivals are celebrated in Saudi Arabia. Regardless of the nature of the solemn event, national or religious, its celebration lasts from sunset to its next sunset.

List of holidays in Saudi Arabia

For today in the calendar of this kingdom there are no more than 10 dates, which are celebrated by the whole country. Among the national and religious holidays in Saudi Arabia are:

  1. Teacher's Day (February 28). The date may vary from year to year, but from this the significance of the event does not diminish. The role of teachers in the kingdom is very high, and their participation in the education and development of the younger generation is invaluable.
  2. Mother's Day (March 21). The holiday was introduced as a tribute to the unselfish love and great work of mothers.
  3. Leylat al-Qadr (June 22). Night of power or predestination. The date of the celebration of this event is also changing every year. On this day, residents of the country and Muslims around the world celebrate the gift of the first suras of the Holy Quran, which the Prophet Muhammad sent from heaven to earth.
  4. Uraza-Bayram (July 25). Ramadan Bayram, Id ul-fitr or the Feast of "breaking up", symbolizing the end of the month of Ramadan.
  5. Day of Arafat (September 1). The holiday is the culmination of Hajj. On this day, pilgrims who arrived in Mecca , go to the mountain Arafat to read the prayer.
  6. Feast of Sacrifice (September 2). Kurban Bayram, or Eid al-Adha. Solemn completion of the hajj, in honor of which the believers can make a full bath and change into clean festive clothes.
  7. National holiday (September 23). It is celebrated in honor of the unification of Nedj, Hijaz, Al-Khas and Qatif into the united Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  8. Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (December 22). The third revered date for Muslims. On this day, believers invite guests to the house, give alms, read stories about the life of the prophet and his sayings (hadiths).

Many Muslim celebrations are celebrated on a mobile date. In this list, it is listed for 2017, and only such holidays in Saudi Arabia as Lyallat Al-Qadr, Kurban Bayram and the Prophet's Birthday are celebrated from year to year on the same day.

About other holidays in Saudi Arabia

As stated above, most of the activities of this country are religious. The only more or less secular holiday in Saudi Arabia is Ginadria. In fact, it is a festival of culture and folklore, which begins in February and lasts two weeks. At this time, the best works of masters for the manufacture of knives, jewelry, dishes and carpets are celebrated. The main event is the Race of the Royal Camels. Except for representatives of diplomatic missions, foreigners are not allowed to celebrate.

Among the least popular holidays in Saudi Arabia is Valentine's Day. On this day in the country it is forbidden to wear red clothes, buy or sell flowers and accessories of red color. It is believed that this holiday cultivates extramarital relations and debauchery among the youth.