Public Holidays in Lebanon

Summary:

The article outlines Lebanon's public holiday system, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and diverse religious communities. It lists the public holidays for the year 2025 and offers methods for checking holiday hours for various transportation and logistics providers in Lebanon.

Overview

Lebanon boasts a rich cultural heritage and diverse religious communities, reflected in its numerous public holidays throughout the year. These holidays commemorate significant religious events, national milestones, and labor movements.

1. New Year's Day (January 1)

Marking the start of a new calendar year, New Year's Day is a joyous occasion celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and fireworks displays.

2. Armenian Orthodox Christmas (January 6)

This holiday commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ for adherents of the Armenian Orthodox Church. It is observed with special church services, traditional Armenian cuisine, and family gatherings.

3. St. Maron's Day (February 9)

Honoring the patron saint of Lebanon, St. Maron's Day is celebrated by Maronite Catholics. Religious ceremonies, processions, and special masses are held to commemorate St. Maron's life and teachings.

4. Good Friday (Western Churches) (March 29)

Observed by Western Christian denominations, Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of solemn remembrance and reflection, often observed with church services, fasting, and special prayers.

5. Easter Sunday (Western Churches) (March 31)

Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter Sunday is a joyous occasion for Western Christian denominations. Church services, family gatherings, and festive meals are common traditions associated with this holiday.

6. Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) (April 10)

Marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is a significant celebration for Muslims. Festivities include special prayers, family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional Eid delicacies.

7. Labor Day (May 1)

International Labor Day recognizes the contributions and rights of workers worldwide. In Lebanon, Labor Day is celebrated with parades, demonstrations, and speeches highlighting workers' issues and achievements.

8. Orthodox Easter Sunday (May 5)

Commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Orthodox Easter Sunday is observed by Eastern Christian denominations. The exact date varies according to the Orthodox calendar, typically falling in April or May.

9. Ascension Thursday (40 days after Easter)

This Christian holiday marks the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is observed with special church services and prayers commemorating this significant event.

10. Pentecost (50 days after Easter)

Celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, Pentecost is a major holiday for both Western and Eastern Christian denominations. Church services, special prayers, and festive gatherings are common traditions associated with this holiday.

11. Assumption of Mary (August 15)

This Catholic holiday commemorates the assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. It is observed with special church services, processions, and prayers honoring Mary's role in Christianity.

12. The Prophet's Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi)

Observed by Muslims, Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. The date varies according to the Islamic calendar, typically falling in September or October. Special prayers, religious gatherings, and public celebrations mark this occasion.

13. Independence Day (November 22)

Lebanon's Independence Day commemorates the country's liberation from French colonial rule in 1943. Official ceremonies, parades, and patriotic celebrations are held nationwide to mark this significant historical event.

14. Christmas Day (December 25)

Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas Day is a major holiday for Christians in Lebanon. Church services, family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive decorations are common traditions associated with this holiday.

Special statutory holidays in Lebanon

Independence Day:

November 22nd, commemorating the independence of Lebanon from French rule in 1943.

Liberation Day:

May 25th, commemorating the withdrawal of French troops from Lebanon in 1943.

Holiday Name	Date
New Year's Day	January 1, 2025
Armenian Orthodox Christmas	January 6, 2025
St. Maroun's Day	February 9, 2025
Rafic Hariri Memorial Day	February 14, 2025
Feast of the Annunciation	March 25, 2025
Labor Day	May 1, 2025
Resistance and Liberation Day	May 25, 2025
Eid al-Fitr	Expected in April or May 2025
Eid al-Adha	Expected in July or August 2025
Islamic New Year (Awal Muharram)	June 27, 2025
Assumption Day	August 15, 2025
Independence Day	November 22, 2025
Christmas Day	December 25, 2025

How to Check Holiday Hours for Various Transportation and Logistics Providers in Lebanon

Shipping Companies:

Contact the shipping company directly: This is the most direct and reliable way to get accurate information about their holiday hours. They can provide you with specific details about their operations during public holidays.
Check the company's website or social media pages: Many shipping companies post their holiday schedules on their websites or social media pages. This can be a convenient way to find out if they will be open or have limited services during specific holidays.
Use online ship tracking services: Online ship tracking services like MarineTraffic or Vesselfinder can show you the current location and estimated arrival time of your shipment. This can give you an idea of when it might be delivered, even if the shipping company's offices are closed.

Airlines:

Check the airline's website or social media pages: Airlines often publish their holiday schedules on their websites or social media pages. This can help you plan your travel accordingly and avoid any surprises at the airport.
Use online flight tracking services: Online flight tracking services like FlightAware or FlightStats can show you the status of your flight, including any delays or cancellations due to holidays.
Contact the airline directly: If you have booked a flight over a holiday, it's always a good idea to contact the airline directly to confirm their holiday hours and any potential disruptions to your travel plans.

Freight Forwarders:

Contact the freight forwarder directly: Similar to shipping companies, contacting the freight forwarder directly is the most reliable way to get accurate information about their holiday hours.
Check the freight forwarder's website or social media pages: Many freight forwarders post their holiday schedules on their websites or social media pages. This can be a convenient way to find out if they will be open or have limited services during specific holidays.
Some freight forwarders may list their holiday hours on their websites: Check the company's website for any specific information they may have regarding their holiday operations.

Railways:

Check the website of Lebanon's national railway company: The national railway company should have information about their holiday schedules posted on their website.
Contact the railway station directly: If you're unsure about the holiday hours of a specific railway station, contact them directly for confirmation.

Courier Companies:

Contact the courier company directly: The courier company can provide you with the most up-to-date information about their holiday hours and any service disruptions.
Check the courier company's website or social media pages: Many courier companies post their holiday schedules on their websites or social media pages.
Some courier companies may list their holiday hours on their websites: Check the company's website for any specific information they may have regarding their holiday operations.

Logistics Companies:

Contact the logistics company directly: The logistics company can provide you with the most up-to-date information about their holiday hours and any service disruptions.
Check the logistics company's website or social media pages: Many logistics companies post their holiday schedules on their websites or social media pages.
Some logistics companies may list their holiday hours on their websites: Check the company's website for any specific information they may have regarding their holiday operations.