Each country in the world has its own national holidays. So, Kuwait has them too. Before or after moving to Kuwait, you should explore them. Since national holidays in Kuwait are a new thing for you, doing research about it will be fun and exciting. It will be much easier for you if you are prepared for a move. That includes packing, learning a new language, researching, etc. We recommend you to do this research after you have hired a moving company for your move to Kuwait, in order to be prepared.
The Islamic calendar
The Islamic or Muslim calendar is different from the Gregorian calendar (because it is a lunar calendar) which is the most used calendar in the world. Kuwait also uses the Gregorian calendar, but for the religious holidays, they (and all Muslims in the world) are using the Islamic calendar. That is why it is important to know some facts about this calendar, and you will better understand some holidays.
- It has 12 months but the year has 354 or 355 days.
- Names of the months are Muharram (the first month in the year), Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi ath-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Akhirah, Rajab, Sha’ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa’dah and the last month but not least is Dhu al-Hijjah.
- One week also has seven days. And days are al-Ahad (Sunday – the first day), al-Ithnayn (Monday), ath-Thulatha (Tuesday), al-Arba’a (Wednesday), al-Khamis (Thursday), al-Jum’ah (Friday – gathering day) and as-Sabt (Saturday – the day of rest)
- This calendar was established in 622 AD.
- Some national holidays in Kuwait and other Middle East countries are calculated according to this calendar.
The list of national holidays in Kuwait
When you are relocating to Kuwait from abroad you should know their tradition and history. Luckily for you, Kuwait has a rich and interesting history. Like any other country, Kuwait has also national holidays.
New Year (Gregorian calendar)
They celebrate a new year like every other country. It is always on January 1. As you know already, it is the first day in the year. The January 1st is a national holiday in Kuwait and for most of the people a non-working day. In Kuwait, you have a lot of fun things to do, especially when it is a holiday.
National Day Kuwait
The National Day of Kuwait is on 25th February, and it is always on that day. People mark this day because it is a day when Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah ascended to the throne in 1950 and now, it became a national holiday. You can see the beautiful fireworks in the sky at night. People are having fun with their friends and family. Many people will dress in traditional clothing and celebrate this day. Kuwait is amazing on February 25th because it is decorated with a lot of lights, flags and patriot emblems.
Kuwait Liberation Day
One day after National Day is Liberation Day. Each year on 26th February, people in Kuwait celebrate Liberation Day. It is a day when Kuwait became independent from Iraq after the first Gulf War. That officially happened on February 26, 1991. The whole Kuwait is celebrating this day. They are proud because they can run the country on its own.
The Prophet’s Ascension
This day can vary each year because of the Islamic calendar. As we mentioned before, according to this calendar, one year is 10 days shorter. For example, in 2018 The Prophet’s Ascension was on April 13, but in 2019 it will be on April 3. The difference is about 10 days each year. It is a public holiday in Kuwait and schools and many companies are closed on that day. This day marks the night that Allah (Islamic God) took the prophet Mohammad on a journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven, and that is why this day is very important in the Islamic religion.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a month when the majority of Muslims are fasting, not just in Kuwait. It is not a national holiday, but the atmosphere during the whole month is amazing, especially at night when people are allowed to eat and drink. Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days. The first day of Ramadan is important for Kuwait and the rest of the Muslim countries.
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr lasts 3 days, and it starts right after the last day of Ramadan. All Muslims in the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr. On the other hand, Eid al-Adha is a festival of sacrifice.
During these national holidays in Kuwait (because they are the most important religious holidays in Islam) and schools and many businesses are not working on the first day of Eid. In the morning, people are going to the Mosque to pray and after that, they spend time with their friends and family eating delicious food and sharing gifts.
Islamic New Year
A date of Islamic New Year is not the same each year. In 2018 it was on September 12, and in 2019 it will be on August 31. Muharram is the first month in the year and it means “forbidden”. That means that sins are forbidden in this month.
If you want to keep up, because some of the important holidays are changing due to the lunar calendar, follow the Kuwaiti calendar.
Moving to Kuwait
Now, when you are thinking about moving to Kuwait, then you should do what you can to move properly and stress-free. For that job, you will need a reliable moving company you can trust. It is not simple to move all your items, that is why you should hire one of the top freight forwarders in Kuwait. You can choose between sea, air or land freight forwarding. It depends on where are you from.
Learning what the National holidays in Kuwait are and why people celebrating them is interesting, as you can see. These were some of the most important holidays in Kuwait people mark each year.