Festivals & Holidays

The most important festivals of the year are Islamic celebrations, including the holy month of Ramadan (approx. Feb. 11-March 13 in 1994), the three-day Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice, May 18-21 in 1994), and the Islamic New Year (June 21). Jordan’s other major holidays are New Year’s Day, Mawlid an-Nabi (Muhammad’s Birthday, Aug. 30), the feast of Isra Mi’raj (commemorating Muhammad’s Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem), Arab Revolution and Army Day (June 10, marking the 1916 Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule), Labor Day (May 1), Independence Day (May 25), and, of course, King Hussein’s Accession Day (Aug. 11) and Birthday (Nov. 14).

Muslim holidays, determined according to the lunar calendar, differ every year. Expect difficulties in making international flights between Muslim countries during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. Note also that Muslims traditionally count years beginning with the Hijra, or Muhammad’s emigration from Mecca to Medina. Therefore, 1994 is 1414 AH in the Muslim world. The Western calendar is used in daily life. Government offices and banks close on national holidays. For the Christian community, the Easter Celebrations (some following the Gregorian calendar, others the Julian) are the most spectacular of the year. Christmas is a smaller feast, especially for the Coptic and Abyssinian Churches, which celebrate the holiday during the second week of January rather than on December 25.

The two-week Jerash Festival is held every year during July or August (in 1994, following the World Cup in August). Amidst brilliantly illuminated Roman ruins and inside ancient amphitheaters, visitors witness performances by international artists. For more information, contact the Jerash Festival Office in Amman (tel. 67 51 99).