Christmas Day in Eritrea
Eritrea lists Christmas Day on December 25 as a public holiday. Eritreans also celebrate Christmas on January 7, following the Geez calendar.[1]
Public holiday and worker rights
The Labour Proclamation says that public holidays recognized by law are paid holidays; employees who work on one are entitled to holiday-rate pay. The calendar lists no substitute day when December 25 falls on a rest day.[2]
Two Christmas dates
Christmas on December 25 is observed alongside the January celebration. An Eritrean Ministry of Information feature describes younger people celebrating on December 25 and some older people following the Geez calendar, with Christmas a week after New Year. It explains that the calendar difference places the celebration on January 7 in the Gregorian calendar.[1]
The Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church describes Nativity as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and identifies January 7 as the date of the church’s Christmas celebration.[3]
December customs and celebrations
A Ministry of Information article describes December decorations around cafés and restaurants, including Christmas trees, lights and posters. It also reports Christmas Eve events and performances at recreational places, as well as cards and gifts exchanged by some people.[4]
The same article describes the January celebration after a fasting period, with a long church service and a feast. These customs relate to the Geez-calendar Christmas.[1]
Planning around the holiday
Travellers and residents should check directly with specific services before making plans.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas Day in Eritrea?
Christmas Day is on December 25. Many Eritrean Christians also celebrate Christmas on January 7 according to the Geez calendar.[1]
Is December 25 a public holiday?
Yes. Eritrea lists December 25 as a public holiday. The Labour Proclamation says public holidays recognized by law are paid holidays for employees.[2]
Is there a substitute day if December 25 falls on a rest day?
The Labour Proclamation describes holiday pay for employees who work on a public holiday that falls on a rest day; it does not specify a replacement weekday.[2]
Are offices, banks and shops closed?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Shops set their own hours, so check with them before visiting.
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Eritrea:
- Celebrating Christmas on the 25th of December and the 7th of January- Eritrea Ministry of Information
- The Labour Proclamation of Eritrea No 118 of 2001- Government of Eritrea
- General Fasts & Feasts- Eritrean Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Diocese of the U.S.A. and Canada
- The Holiday Season- Eritrea Ministry of Information