List of Bahrain Public Holidays in 2022

As the year 2021 draws to a conclusion, many Filipinos are adjusting to life overseas in the midst of a pandemic. Because the majority of the year has been spent inside houses, many activities and plans have been either postponed or canceled entirely.

ALSO READ: Reasons Why OFWs Work in Bahrain

However, most people who prefer spending the holidays traveling did not have their regular holiday plans come to fruition. If you are one of them, don’t worry; the arrival of the New Year will bring renewed hopes and plans for better days spent with family or friends.

Bahrain Public Holidays in 2022

This guide will go over all of the official public holidays that will be commemorated in the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2022. If you are visiting or live in Bahrain, take note of this page and plan your holidays to match the dates indicated below.

Before we begin, keep in mind that Muslim holidays are established by local observations of certain phases of the moon, and the dates shown below are only estimations. This implies that the dates of the Islamic holidays on the list are subject to change. Furthermore, depending on whether you work in the public or private sector, the number of holidays recognized in the kingdom varies.

For 2022, here are the gazetted public holidays in the kingdom of Bahrain:

January 1 (Saturday) – New Year’s Day

Although it uses the Islamic lunar calendar, Bahrain also observes New Year’s Day according to the Gregorian calendar.

Like most things in Bahrain, New Year’s Eve festivities are done big. This includes various feasts and fireworks displays.

Several luxury hotels in Bahrain host various events. They organize various types of shows and events, such as music festivals and cultural programs.

City Centre Bahrain and other shopping malls also organize special events for New Year’s Eve.

Much of the celebration in Bahrain is focused on replicating the Western lifestyle, but it also features unique local flavors and cultures.

It’s not surprising that Bahrain is becoming more of a destination for people who want to see the old year end and the New Year in.

As a Muslim nation, Bahrain holidays are usually focused on Islam. They can also change year-to-year depending on the lunar calendar.

Eid al-Adha is the biggest annual event in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of the most solemn periods of the year for Muslims.

As Islam is a religion centered on the family, it is very important that these occasions are celebrated behind closed doors.

May 1 (Sunday) – Labour Day

Labour Day in Bahrain is celebrated on May 1.

Bahrain’s Prime Minister issued a proclamation declaring that this is a non-working public holiday.

The first May Day celebrations were held on May 1, 1890, in Paris, France. It was declared as the International Workers Day by the Socialist Parties of Europe on July 14th.

Due to events in other parts of the Atlantic, it was chosen as the date for the event.

In 1886, a general strike and the Haymarket Riot occurred in Chicago. It led to the establishment of the eight-hour workday.

All government establishments and state bodies in Bahrain will be closed on May 1.

On Labour Day, many workers spend the day with their families and neighbors. They organize meals and gatherings.

In most cases, it’s a day where workers come together for various events and speeches. This allows individuals to reflect on the country’s recent advancements in terms of labor.

May 2-4 (Monday to Wednesday) – Eid Al Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a major Muslim celebration in Bahrain. It is widely celebrated and marked with religious fervour.

Like other predominantly Muslim nations, Bahraini Muslims also celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated after the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the month Shawwal.

This is a big shopping season in Bahrain. People in the country buy new clothes to wear for Eid.

While most girls are dressed in traditional outfits, some young ones are also wearing colored hands and wrists with intricate designs.

It’s also a custom to clean the house before Eid al-Fitr to make it look fresh and clean. You want to make sure that everyone is happy and has a good time.

On the first day of Shawwal, Muslims perform various rituals, such as attending a khutba or sermon. These are usually conducted outside or in large arenas.

On this day, some communities organize various festivities, such as holding a communal meal for children.

Zakat al-fitr is a form of charity that involves giving a certain amount of food or money to the poor. This can be given on Eid-al-Fitr.

Many Muslims prepare special meals to share with family and friends. They also visit relatives and give presents to children.

July  9 (Saturday) – Arafat Day

Arafat Day is the second day of the pilgrimage to Mecca. It falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

On this day, Muslims will start their journey from Mina and visit a region known as Mount Arafat. This area is where the prophet Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon.

The Hajj is a religious obligation that all Muslims must perform once in their lifetime. Being able to perform the pilgrimage requires a person to be referred to as a mustati.

The pilgrimage is considered the biggest religious event in the world. It attracts over two million people from various countries each year.

According to the Quran, God asked the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son to prove his faith. As the devil tried to dissuade him, the prophet Ibrahim threw rocks at him.

Part of the pilgrimage is viewed as equal in the eyes of God. Men and women are required to wear white sheets so that everyone’s social status and wealth is equal.

Unlike other Islamic rites, women and men are not segregated at the Hajj. They can still stand by side by side.

Eid al-Adha is the last day of the pilgrimage. It commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God.

July 9-11 (Saturday to Monday) – Eid Al Adha

Eid al-Adha is Bahrain’s most important Islamic holiday. It falls on the tenth day of the Islamic calendar, which is known as Dhu al-Hijjah.

On Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world celebrate. In Bahrain, there are many festivals and events for everyone.

Most Muslims will attend a mosque if they can afford it. They will also spend a lot of time with their families and friends.

During this period, many Muslims attend a sermon at a mosque. They also visit family and friends and symbolically sacrifice an animal.

In some countries, such as Australia and Canada, people can buy an animal called udhiya and sacrifice it. However, this is not allowed in many other countries.

In some countries, groups of people can buy a whole carcass from a butcher or a slaughterhouse and divide it among themselves. They can also give money to help people in need around the world.

During this period, many Muslims travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Many Muslims planning their vacations can save for years so they can participate in the event.

July 30 (Saturday) – Islamic New Year

On Islamic New Year, which is also known as Eid al-Adha, all Muslims in Bahrain are required to observe it.

One of the most anticipated events of the year is the ban on alcohol, which is enforced to promote purity.

The Islamic New Year is celebrated just as the Christian New Year. Both events are often celebrated together in one month.

During the early days of Muharram, there are various Shiite events held in various parts of Bahrain.

Since the majority of Muslims in the country are Shiites, Islamic New Year is observed differently in neighboring countries.

On the day of Ashura, which is also known as Ramadan, many in Bahrain will fast and mourn the death of Husayn Ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad.

During the days of Muharram, which are usually preceded by Awal, the fast begins on the first day and continues until Ashura.

The Islamic New Year begins with a time of reflection, prayer, and the Koran. It is also forbidden to commit any sinful acts during this period.

August 8-9 (Monday-Tuesday) – Ashura

Ashura is celebrated in Bahrain as nowhere else in the Gulf. The country’s rulers are Sunni Muslims.

This event brings thousands of Shias from various countries, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to join in with the festivities.

Ashura is a 2-day public holiday in Bahrain. It falls on the ninth and tenth day of Muharram, which varies depending on the Gregorian calendar.

The government of Bahrain provides food and funds to the matams during the month-long Ashura event.

Ashura occurs on the 10th day of Muharram, which is a month-long mourning period for Shias. The day is significant due to the Battle of Karbala, which led to the death of Imam Hussein.

During this period, Shias teach about the life of Imam Hussein in their mosques.

Food is also distributed to the poor and people on the streets during Ashura.

Bahraini flags are transformed into white-and-black flags for Ashura. They are hung over public streets.

The flags of Bahrain are also transformed into white-and-black flags for Ashura. They are hung over public streets and are accompanied by other Ashura Day banners.

The right to display Bahraini flags and banners is included in the country’s constitution.

October 8 (Saturday) – The Prophet’s Birthday

In Bahrain, the Muslim population is large enough that some people will observe both the Shiite and Sunni calculations for celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

Most Muslims do not object to celebrating the prophet’s birthday. Both the main sects of Islam do it the same way: with parades and other festivities.

In Bahrain, the festivities surrounding the birthday of Prophet Muhammad are observed on the following weekends: Friday and Saturday.

The day off that is associated with the prophet’s birthday is also a public holiday. In 2022, it falls on a Saturday.

On the other hand, there are people who believe that celebrating the birthday of Muhammed is a worthy event.

Others consider the celebration of birthday parties to be contrary to Islamic law.

On the other hand, those who believe in the prophet’s importance do not shy away from celebrating his birthday with festivities.

As for the celebration of the prophet’s birthday, some people organize a special event where they read poems about his life.

Although some Muslims do not participate in the festivities surrounding the birthday of the prophet, they still mark it by reading the Koran.

According to some scholars, the prophet was born on a Monday. This is also the reason why many people fast on Mondays to commemorate his birth.

December 16-17 (Friday-Saturday) – National Day

Some people believe that celebrating the birthday of the prophet Muhammed is worthy of praise.

The Prophet’s birthday is a public holiday. Most schools and businesses close on that day. In 2022, it falls on a Saturday.

National Day is a public holiday that most schools and businesses close. In 2022, it falls on a Friday.

On December 16, 1971, Bahrain gained independence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This occasion is also known as National Day in the country.

Prior to 1971, Bahrain was known for its ancient Dilmunization. It also experienced a period of Arab rule during the 600’s.

In 1521, the Persians, followed by the British, took over the country. Eventually, after the British left, a treaty of friendship was signed.

National Day in Bahrain is widely celebrated throughout the month of December. Various events are held in different parts of the island.

Various festivities are held in celebration of the country’s independence. Some of these include street parties, fireworks displays, and various other attractions.

Popular Festivals Observed in Bahrain

One of the nations that has a lot to offer is Bahrain. There are a lot of festivals in the country, and it’s no surprise that tourists love them.

Each festival below highlights the culture of this country and can help visitors make the most of their time in Bahrain:

Bahrain Jazz Festival

The Jazz Festival in Bahrain is a yearly event that draws renowned musicians from all around the world.

This event provides visitors with an opportunity to see some of the world’s finest modern jazz musicians while also getting to meet local Bahraini artists.

Since its launch in 2007, the festival has attracted over 8000 visitors from various countries. Over 30 local and international artists have also been featured at the event.

The Bahrain Jazz Festival is held in November every year.

When the festival is held: November

Festival of Lights

The Bahrain Light Festival is a yearly event that features various light displays in the city of Manama.

The Bahrain Light Festival is regarded as one of the most popular festivals in the country. It features light displays all throughout Manama.

Since the event was last held in 2021, it’s not clear when it will be held again. This is also an important note to note as it’s the last festival that’s held in 2021.

When the festival is held: The last time the annual festival was held was in 2021. It’s not clear when it will be held again.

Gergaoon

Gergaoon is a celebration that’s held mid-month during the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a time for families to come together and distribute gifts.

The Gergaoon festival is a common event in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It involves the passing of certain songs to the generations.

For children and adults, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities presents Gergaoon, a celebration of mid-Ramadan. This event includes various activities and gifts.

The occasion is part of the Bahraini heritage that families can still celebrate with the same songs and costumes.

When the festival is held: It occurs midway during the holy month of Ramadan.

Independence Day

After Bahrain gained independence from the UK in 1971, it became a protectorate state.

Bahrain is a third-smallest island nation in Asia. Despite this, it still has a lot of international financial firms operating in it.

Since it gained independence from the Kingdom of Bahrain in 1953, it has been a member of various international organizations.

One of the most important events that people in Bahrain do is to attend the festivities surrounding the Independence Day. During this period, they forget about their religion and caste.

During this time, there are various festivals and events that take place in various regions. These are memorable for tourists.

Since its independence, Bahrain has established strong ties with various countries, including India. Its growing stature has also helped boost regional diplomacy.

To commemorate the occasion, various events are held across the country. There are grand fireworks displays in the capital, and various other festivities are held throughout the year.

When the festival is held: June

Marassi Diving Festival

During the Marassi Diving Festival, which is held every year in Bahrain, divers from all around the world compete for the chance to participate.

This occasion is a time for divers to experience the beautiful marine life in the country. For seasoned professionals, this is an opportunity to share their passion with others.

The Sea Festival aims to shed light on the history and culture of Bahrain’s divers and traders at sea.

Head to Marassi Beach for an adventure filled with sea-themed activities and events.

When the festival is held: On World Diving Day

Shop Bahrain

The Bahrain Shopping Festival is a spectacular event that provides a shopping treat to its visitors. It also features various entertainment activities for travelers.

Aside from traditional attractions, such as food and beverage outlets, the event also features various video games and virtual reality experiences.

Aside from classical music, the festival also features Indian and ballet shows. Plan your visit to see the various attractions that are held during this event.

When the festival is held: The dates of the festival are unknown and travelers are required to confirm the date and timings from the concerned authorities

Whether you want to visit your family in another country or bring them to Bahrain, keeping the above-mentioned dates in mind may help you better schedule your holiday travels and vacation plans. And with that, let us all hope that the New Year will be a lot better in every manner for all of us.

ALSO READ: 21 Places to Visit in Bahrain