Islamic New Year in Algeria
In Algeria, Islamic New Year, also called Awal Moharram, begins on the first day of Muharram and marks the start of a new Hijri year. It is a nationwide paid legal holiday for workers across public administration and businesses, including hourly and daily-paid employees.[1]
A legal public holiday
Algeria’s Ministry of Labour lists Awal Moharram as a one-day legal holiday during which work is suspended and paid. The ministry says the holiday applies to public administrations, public offices, delegated services, local authorities and businesses, including workers paid by the hour or day.[1]
A joint announcement reported by Radio Algérienne says the paid day off covers staff of public institutions and administrations, public and private establishments and offices, and public and private companies across sectors and legal statuses. It also includes hourly and daily-paid staff.[2] The rule makes the holiday relevant to workers and residents throughout the country, rather than only to people who observe it religiously.[1]
Meaning and date
The holiday falls on 1 Muharram, which the Algerian labour ministry identifies as Awal Moharram, or Islamic New Year. An announcement by Algeria’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has described the first day of Muharram as announcing the new Hijri year.[1][2]
The Gregorian date changes from year to year. Algeria’s Ministry of Religious Affairs issues announcements identifying the Gregorian date that corresponds to the first of Muharram; its announcement reported by Radio Algérienne also distinguishes that date from Ashura, which falls on 10 Muharram.[2] For the date applicable to a particular year, check the official announcement and local calendar listing.[2]
Services and planning
The paid holiday affects ordinary work schedules, but some services continue. The reported joint announcement directs public institutions, administrations, establishments, offices and companies that operate on a shift basis to take measures to maintain continuity of service.[2] This means essential or shift-based services may still operate while other workplaces suspend work for the holiday.[1][2]
The Ministry of Labour’s general holiday listing does not specify opening hours for individual banks, schools, shops or transport services. Their schedules can vary, so residents and visitors should check directly with the service they plan to use.[1] The available sources also do not establish a standard national programme of ceremonies, meals or family customs for Awal Moharram; this guide does not assume that particular observances are shared across Algeria.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a paid day off in Algeria?
Yes. The Ministry of Labour lists Awal Moharram as a one-day legal holiday during which work is suspended and paid, covering public administrations, local authorities and businesses, including hourly and daily-paid workers.[1]
When does Islamic New Year fall?
It begins on 1 Muharram. The Gregorian date changes each year, and Algeria’s Ministry of Religious Affairs announces the date corresponding to the first day of the month.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in Algeria:
- Labour Legislation- Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security
- La journée du 1er Moharam chômée et payée- Radio Algérienne (reporting a joint Ministry of Labour and General Directorate of the Public Service announcement; credited to APS)