There are several holidays celebrated in Jordan throughout the year, both religious ones and more celebratory ones. During public holidays, you can expect government offices and banks to close. Shops, currency exchange locations, and restaurants will usually stay open on public holidays, and public transportation should run as usual. Here are some of the most significant and popular holidays celebrate in Jordan.MuharramMuharram is the Islamic New Year. It is celebrated all across Jordan. The specific date of the holiday changes on a yearly basis, as it follows the lunar calendar and not the Gregorian one. Muharram signifies the first month of the Islamic calendar, one of the four sacred months in Islam. It is considered a public holiday in Jordan and is the second holiest after Ramadan.Mawlid (also called Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif)Mawlid celebrates the birth of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad. The holidays falls in the third month of the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated differently all over the world. The holiday typically includes reading from the Quran, songs and poems in honor of the prophet, and feasts to honor Muhammad to be enjoyed with family and friends. Mawlid is celebrated on different days around the world. It is a public holiday in Jordan.RamadanRamadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to engage in personal reflection. During Ramadan, observers fast from sunrise to sunset. The month includes a lot of visits to the mosque, donating to charities, and doing good things for others. If you are in Jordan during this time, know that some stores may not sell alcohol during the holiday. You might be able to find alcohol at hotels. Business hours during the month may differ from the norm, although most tourist attractions and hotel restaurants remain open and public transportation generally functions as usual. If you visit Jordan with a tour, we will make sure that everything is still taken care of for you even during the month of Ramadan. The holiday ends with Eid Al Fitr (see below).Eid Al FitrEid Al Fitr is a time for celebration in Islam. Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The holiday begins with the spotting of the new moon at sunset. Families and friends will gather together to enjoy a good meal. They may also give food to those who are less fortunate. It is a cheerful celebration which lasts for several days. It is a great time to be in Jordan, to experience the celebrations and culture and eat a lot of good food. As a tourist, you may find that many shops close as the owners join their family for the celebrations.Eid al-AdhaEid al-Adha is the “Festival of Sacrifice.” It honors the sacrifice that Ibrahim was willing to make, to show his dedication to God. If you are in Jordan during this time, you will probably notice wooden lamb displays on the streets. Muslims celebrate the holiday by splitting a lamb up into three parts, one for the family to eat together, one for friends and relatives, and the third part for the needy. During this time, Muslims may also donate clothing. Shops may close as the owners spend the time celebrating and feasting with their families.
