Somalia Declares Three-Day Eid al-Adha Holiday for Public and Private Sectors

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has declared a three-day national holiday for both public and private sector workers to mark Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important festivals.

The holiday will run from Saturday, June 7 to Monday, June 9, 2025. The ministry said the decision aligns with Somalia’s labor law, which mandates time off during Eid celebrations for all employees across the country.

Under Article 65 of Labor Law LR.36, Eid al-Adha is recognized as a statutory national holiday. A specific provision in the law also ensures that if such a holiday falls on a Friday, the official break begins the following Saturday to maintain consistency and provide uninterrupted time off.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. The holiday coincides with the final days of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and is traditionally observed through prayers, charitable giving, animal sacrifice, and family gatherings.

The Ministry extended best wishes to workers nationwide, encouraging them to spend the holiday in peace and unity with their families. Officials emphasized that such observances not only uphold religious values but also strengthen national cohesion and social well-being.