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Qatar observes several public holidays. The two weekend days are Friday and Saturday, similarly to other Islamic countries. Annual public holidays include:
| Date | English name | Local (Arabic) name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Tuesday in February | National Sports Day | اليوم الوطني للرياضة | A public holiday. Started in 2012.[1] |
| 18 December | Qatar National Day | اليوم الوطني لقطر | National Day of Qatar.[2][3] |
| 1st, 2nd, 3rd Shawwal | Eid al-Fitr | عيد الفطر | Commemorates end of Ramadan.[2][3] |
| 10th, 11th, 12th Zulhijjah | Eid al-Adha | عيد الأضحى | Commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Also known as the Big Feast (celebrated from the 10th to 13th).[2][3] |
Several holidays are celebrated by the government or banks as well.[2]
Garangao[edit]
Garangao is a traditional celebration observed on the 15th night of Ramadan, marking its midpoint. Rooted in the Islamic calendar, the festival is derived from the Arabic word "garqaa," signifying a rattling or shaking motion. Celebrated throughout the Middle East, Garangao holds cultural and historical significance in the region. On Garangao night, children don colorful traditional attire and visit homes in their neighborhoods, singing traditional songs and receiving sweets and gifts from residents. This exchange symbolizes the spirit of generosity central to the holy month of Ramadan. The festival is also characterized by unique songs sung by children, invoking blessings for health and prosperity upon the youngest members of families. In contemporary times, Garangao has evolved into a larger-scale celebration, with public events organized in shopping malls, mosques, and cultural organizations.[4]
External links[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "Official holiday as Qatar marks National Sports Day". Gulf News. 12 February 2012. Retrieved 15 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Qatar Public Holidays 2011". Q++ Studio. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
- ^ a b c d "Qatar Public Holidays". AME info. Archived from the original on 2009-11-15.
- ^ Fatemeh Salari (20 March 2024). "What is Garangao and where to celebrate it in Qatar". Doha News. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
