January

Muharram

This is the beginning of the Muslim New Year, and is cause for many celebrations across the country, in towns both large and small.

King Abdullah II’s birthday

As the current reigning king, the citizens of Jordan hold celebrations and special events to honour his birthday.

February

Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival

Aqaba plays host to this large festival which brings the traditional crafts of Bedouin and other people to the seaside town for all to admire and purchase.

Azraq Festival

This local festival showcases the culture and crafts of the town of Azraq with food, drink and music.

March

Mawoulid An-Nabawi

The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday is the cause of massive celebrations across the country according to Islamic tradition.

April

Amman International Theatre Festival

This annual event is the only theatre festival organised by an independent theatre company in the Middle East or North Africa with performances in both Arabic and English.

May

Independence Day

This day of national celebration commemorates the Treaty of 1946 and is combined with the Arab Renaissance Day.

The Jordan Rally

This motorcar race is one of several which brings the lovers of fast cars to the desert, where there is a large fan base.

June

Army Day

This national holiday celebrates the Jordanian military and the role it plays in protecting the country, with parades and displays of patriotism.

August

Coronation Day

This national holiday celebrates King Hussein’s ascension to the throne with several events in the capital Amman.

Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts

This fun cultural festival is held among the ruins of Jordan’s 2000 year old Roman city with music, dancing, poetry, handicrafts and merry people.

September

Ramadan

This important month in the Muslim calendar is devoted to fasting and is observed by Muslims throughout the world as one of the five pillars of Islam.

Eid Al-Isra wa Al-Miraj

This feast day celebrates the nocturnal visit of the Prophet Mohammed to heaven.

October

Eid Al-Fitr

This important feast day marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most festive occasions of the year for Muslims in Jordan.

November

King Hussein Day

This national holiday celebrates the birthday of King Hussein with special events planned around the country.

December

Eid Al-Adha

Known as the feast of sacrifice, this important day falls at the end of the month of the pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Abraham’s offering of his son for sacrifice to his god.

Jordanian Theatre Festival

Theatre companies from across the country and the world come to Amman and other major sites in Jordan to celebrate the art of theatre.

National Holidays

New Year’s Day: 1 January

Muharram (Islamic New Year): 20 January

King Abdullah II’s Birthday: 30 January

Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet): 31 March

Good Friday: date varies each year

Easter Monday: date varies each year

Labour Day: 1 May

Independence Day: 25 May

Army Day: 10 June

Prophet’s Ascension: 11 August

Ramadan: date varies each year

Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan): date varies each year

King Hussein Remembrance Day: 14 November

Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice): 20 December

Christmas: 25 December