Holidays in Jordan occur throughout the year and range from both religious to celebratory, but always with a keen focus on Jordanian culture. There are many traditions that continue to be upheld that can be seen in both holidays and festivals that serve to preserve Jordanian culture. Here are some of the most important or influential Jordanian holidays.
Eid Al Fitr
One of the biggest celebrations and holidays in Islam, Eid Al Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The holiday in Jordan commences with the sight of the new moon at sunset, is a joyous celebration, and takes place over several days. If you happen to be traveling in Jordan, partaking in Eid Al Fitr celebrations is an exciting and memorable experience, complete with plenty of food, as it is not permitted to fast once Eid Al Fitr starts.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is also referred to as the “Festival of Sacrifice” and commemorates the sacrifice that Ibrahim made, honoring his willingness and obedience to God. If you are in Jordan during Eid al-Adha, you will likely see a variety of wooden lamb displays throughout the streets to celebrate the holiday is coming. This holiday is also known as “The Big Feast” or Eid Al Kabeer and is celebrated with a large meal with many Jordanian main dishes. The large feast eaten during Eid al-Adha often re-enacts the sacrifice that was made by sacrificing an animal, such as a co,w to eat with family and friends. Additionally, a key component of the holiday is charity and sharing, as most Jordanians donate clothing, money or food to those less fortunate.
Independence Day:
is a national holiday that is celebrated in Jordan on May 25 which commemorates the Jordanian Parliament‘s ratification of the Treaty of London on 25 May 1946. The act represented the end of the Emirate of Transjordan as a British protectorate and the declaration of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The holiday is usually marked with official ceremonies attended by members of the House of Hashim, as well as civil and military officials. Award presentations, political speeches, and diplomatic visits are commonplace on the holiday. In the Jordanian Armed Forces, Presentation of Colors ceremonies and national/unit military parades are common during the day, as well as a 21-gun salute in the capital. On the civilian level, festive events and activities, including a fireworks display and special religious services are held.
Christmas
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25, as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. A feast central to the Christian liturgical year, it is preceded by the season of Advent or the Nativity Fast and initiates the season of Christmastide, which historically in the West lasts twelve days and culminates on Twelfth Night in some traditions. Christmastide includes an octave. Christmas Day is a public holiday in many of the world’s nations, is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians as well as culturally by many non-Christians, and forms an integral part of the holiday season centered around it.