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JPY (¥)Holidays in Jordan occur throughout the year and range from both religious to celebratory, but always with a keen focus on Jordanian culture. Jordanian holidays and festivals actively celebrate and preserve the country’s culture through traditions passed down for generations. In this article, we describe some of the most important and influential Jordanian holidays.
Muharram
This holiday unites people across Jordan in celebration as they mark the start of the Islamic New Year. Muharram follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian one, so the specific date changes each year as the holiday follows the lunar calendar. Muharram marks the first month of the Islamic calendar and ranks among the four sacred months in Islam. Jordan recognizes Muharram as a public holiday.
Mawlid (Also Called Mawlid Al-Nabi Al-Sharif)
A holiday that notes the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, this holiday takes place in the third month of the Islamic calendar. Although people celebrate it differently around the world, in Jordan, the holiday brings families and friends together to read from the Quran, prepare food in honor of the Prophet, and share meals with those less fortunate. Songs, poetry, and readings all uphold Muhammad’s virtues. Different countries celebrate Mawlid on different days, and Jordan designates it as a public holiday.
Ramadan
Taking place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is significant to Muslims around the globe. Muslims celebrate Ramadan each year by fasting from sunrise to sunset for a full month. During this month, many observe the holiday in Jordan by promoting charity and reading the Quran. If you travel to Jordan during Ramadan, note that authorities prohibit some restaurants and shops from selling alcohol during the holiday. For travelers navigating drinking alcohol in Jordan during this period, it’s best to plan ahead and respect local customs. Some hotels will continue to serve alcohol during Ramadan. Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid Al Fitr, described below.
Eid Al Fitr
One of the biggest celebrations and holidays in Islam, Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The holiday in Jordan commences with the sight of the new moon at sunset and is a joyous celebration that takes place over several days. If you happen to be traveling in Jordan, partaking in Eid Al Fitr celebrations is an exciting and memorable experience, complete with plenty of food, as it is not permitted to fast once Eid Al Fitr starts.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is also referred to as the “Festival of Sacrifice” and commemorates the sacrifice that Ibrahim made, honoring his willingness and obedience to God. If you are in Jordan during Eid al-Adha, you will likely see a variety of wooden lamb displays throughout the streets to celebrate the holiday. This holiday is also known as “The Big Feast” or Eid Al Kabeer and is celebrated with a large meal with many Jordanian main dishes. The large feast eaten during Eid al-Adha often re-enacts the sacrifice that was made by sacrificing an animal, such as a cow, to be eaten with family and friends. Additionally, a key component of the holiday is charity and sharing, as most Jordanians donate clothing, money, or food to those less fortunate.
Discover the Spirit of Jordan
Experiencing Jordan during its holidays is a unique way to connect with the country’s rich culture, traditions, and cuisine. From the vibrant celebrations of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha to the reflective observances of Ramadan and even the festive Christmas season in Jordan, visiting during these times offers unforgettable memories. Before your visit, check out our Jordan travel resources, featuring expert tips, suggested itineraries, and insider guidance to help you plan a culturally immersive and seamless trip.
To truly immerse yourself in Jordanian life, join one of our Jordan day tours, where expert guides take you to iconic sites, local markets, and cultural experiences, helping you witness these traditions up close and safely. For an even richer journey, our multi-day Jordan Package Tours combine multiple destinations and experiences into one seamless itinerary. You’ll discover all of Jordan’s impressive highlights with a local guide, while also having lots of free time to take in the sights. Also, we plan all your hotels, transfers, and exciting guided excursions, ensuring you enjoy a stress-free, unforgettable adventure from start to finish.
