Festivals in Iran

Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country

Asia / Western Asia/Middle East

Festivals

Nowruz

Season or date: Around March 21

Iranian calendar New Year beginning at spring equinox; families decorate Haft-sin and celebrate for 13 days

Chaharshanbe Suri

Season or date: Wednesday night before Nowruz

Eve festival jumping over fires to ward off evil before New Year

Tasua

Season or date: 9th of Islamic month Muharram

Religious event mourning eve of Imam Hussein's martyrdom

Ashura

Season or date: 10th of Muharram

Major Shia mourning day commemorating Tragedy of Karbala

Sizdah Bedar

Season or date: 13th day of Nowruz

Day to ward off bad luck by picnicking outdoors with family

Eid al-Fitr

Season or date: End of Ramadan

Islamic festival celebrating end of fasting month

Eid al-Adha

Season or date: 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah

Feast of Sacrifice; confirming faith by offering livestock

Mehregan

Season or date: Early October

Ancient festival celebrating autumn harvest and angel of light Mithra

Public holidays

  • Nowruz
  • Islamic Republic Day
  • Martyrdom Commemoration Days (Tasua/Ashura)
  • Eid al-Fitr
  • Eid al-Adha

Back to list