2024 Public Holidays in Brunei

Public Holidays in Brunei 2024

Brunei observes several public holidays throughout the year, each with its own cultural, historical, and religious significance. These holidays are important occasions for families and communities to come together, celebrate, and reflect. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Brunei for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day is celebrated worldwide on January 1st, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. In Brunei, it is a time for gatherings with family and friends, as well as for reflection and setting goals for the year ahead. Many people attend special events and fireworks displays to welcome the new year.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Brunei, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students.

Chinese New Year – January 25, 2024

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant cultural celebrations for the Chinese community in Brunei. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, and honoring ancestors. Festivities include dragon and lion dances, lantern displays, and the giving of red envelopes (ang pow) containing money for good luck.

Days off: Chinese New Year is a public holiday in Brunei, primarily observed by members of the Chinese community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

National Day – February 23, 2024

National Day in Brunei commemorates the country’s independence from British colonial rule, which was achieved on February 23, 1984. It is a day of patriotic pride and celebration, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays. National Day is an opportunity for Bruneians to reflect on their nation’s history and achievements.

Days off: National Day is a public holiday in Brunei, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students to participate in the national celebrations.

Isra and Mi’raj – March 13, 2024

Isra and Mi’raj is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven. It is observed with prayers, sermons, and readings from the Quran. Muslims may also engage in acts of charity and reflection on the significance of the event.

Days off: Isra and Mi’raj is a public holiday in Brunei, primarily observed by members of the Muslim community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Sultan’s Birthday – July 15, 2024

The Sultan’s Birthday is a significant national holiday in Brunei, celebrating the birthday of the reigning Sultan. It is a day of festivities, with events such as parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions held across the country. The occasion is also marked by the giving of gifts and well-wishes to the Sultan.

Days off: The Sultan’s Birthday is a public holiday in Brunei, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students to join in the celebrations.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri – May 14, 2024

Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a major religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. In Brunei, it is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and charitable giving. Special prayers are offered at mosques, and homes are decorated with lights and ornaments.

Days off: Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a public holiday in Brunei, observed by government offices, businesses, and schools, providing a day off for employees and students to celebrate the festival with their families.

Hari Raya Aidiladha – July 3, 2024

Hari Raya Aidiladha, also known as Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and the sacrifice of animals, with the meat distributed to the less fortunate. Hari Raya Aidiladha is a time for Muslims to reflect on the importance of sacrifice and compassion.

Days off: Hari Raya Aidiladha is a public holiday in Brunei, primarily observed by members of the Muslim community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – October 9, 2024

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, also known as Maulidur Rasul, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. It is observed with prayers, recitations of Islamic poetry, and lectures on the life and teachings of the Prophet. Muslims may also engage in acts of charity and kindness on this day.

Days off: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is a public holiday in Brunei, primarily observed by members of the Muslim community, but it is also recognized by the wider population, with many businesses and schools closing for the occasion.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. In Brunei, Christmas is primarily celebrated by the Christian community, with churches holding special services and events to mark the occasion.

Days off: Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Brunei, but it is recognized by the Christian community, with some businesses and schools granting time off for employees and students to celebrate the holiday.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Brunei 2024