Public HolidayHighest Significance
Arba'een
أربعينية الإمام الحسين
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Details
- Country
- 🇮🇶 Iraq
- Type
- Public Holiday
- Gazetted
- Yes
- Date Uncertainty
- ±1 days
Business Impact
- Impact Level
- High Impact
- Impact Description
- All offices and businesses closed; the world's largest annual gathering; roads between Najaf, Karbala, and Baghdad closed for pilgrim processions; entire southern Iraq mobilized for pilgrims; plan nothing during this period
- Planning Lead Time
- Start 3 months before
Notes
40th day after Ashura. The world's largest annual pilgrimage — up to 20 million pilgrims walk to Karbala. Entire cities mobilize to provide food and shelter to pilgrims.