Iraq declares national holiday for Arbaeen commemorations on August 3-4, 2026

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Council of Ministers has declared Monday and Tuesday, August 3-4, 2026, official public holidays nationwide to mark the Arbaeen commemorations of Imam Hussein, according to provincial announcements carried by local media. The decision allows citizens to travel to Karbala for the annual pilgrimage, which marks the 40th day after Ashura. Several provincial councils moved to extend the holiday within their own jurisdictions. Najaf's provincial council extended the local holiday from Tuesday, July 28, through Sunday, August 2. Diwaniyah's provincial council announced that its holiday would run from Wednesday, July 29, through Sunday, August 2. Dhi Qar provincial council spokesman Ahmed Salim al-Ibrahimi said on Sunday that the province would also observe a holiday the following Sunday. The provincial measures build on the central government's two-day national holiday and are intended to facilitate residents' participation in the Arbaeen commemorations in Karbala. No further details on additional provincial extensions were immediately available.