Islamic New Year

Islamic New Year is a public holiday in Algeria. It takes places on the first day of the first month Muharram on the Islamic calendar. In 2026, Islamic New Year falls on Tuesday 16 June. The holiday will be on Sunday 6 June in 2027. The date of first day of (Awal) Muharram varies on the Gregorian Calendar since the Islamic Calendar is lunar-based and has only 354 days. The Islamic Calendar is known as the Hijri Calendar, and the first month of Muharram marks the moment in history when Muhammad fled from Mecca to Medina in C.E. 622. This trip is known as the “Hijira”, hence the “Hijri Calendar”. On Awal Muharram, Algeria’s Muslims will attend mosque, pray, and spend time with family. It is generally a day off work for people across the country.