Syrian Arab Republic Travel Guide - Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year's Day. 
10 Jan Islamic New Year.
8 Mar Revolution Day.
20 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
21 Mar Mother's Day. 
23 Mar Easter.
17 Apr Independence Day.
28 Apr Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labour Day.
6 May Martyrs' Day.
2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
6 Oct October Liberation War. 
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
29 Dec Islamic New Year.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day. 
20 Jan Islamic New Year.
8 Mar Revolution Day.
9 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
21 Mar Mother's Day. 
12 Apr Easter.
17 Apr Independence Day.
20 Apr Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labour Day.
6 May Martyrs' Day.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
6 Oct October Liberation War. 
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
29 Dec Islamic New Year.

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and working hours are 0900-1400. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking.