If you are planning to visit Brunei in 2024, you might want to know when the public holidays are. Brunei is a Muslim-majority country that follows the Islamic calendar, so some of the holidays are based on the lunar phases and may vary from year to year. Here are some of the major public holidays in Brunei in 2024 and what they mean.
Table of Public Holidays in Brunei in 2024
| Holiday Name | Date(s) | Description |
| New Year's Day | January 1 | The first day of the Gregorian calendar and a common holiday around the world. In Brunei, it is a day to celebrate the new year with family and friends. |
| Israk and Mikraj | February 7 | A holiday that commemorates the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven. It is a day of prayer and reflection for Muslims. |
| Chinese New Year | February 10 | The first day of the lunar new year and a celebration of the Chinese culture and heritage in Brunei. It is a time to exchange greetings, gifts, and red envelopes with family and friends. |
| National Day | February 23-24 | The day that marks the full independence of Brunei from the British Empire in 1984. It is a day of patriotism and pride for Bruneians, who celebrate with parades, performances, and fireworks. |
| Awal Ramadhan | March 11 | The first day of Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other pleasures from dawn to dusk. They also increase their acts of worship, charity, and self-discipline. |
| Nuzul Al-Quran | March 27 | A holiday that celebrates the revelation of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a day of reciting, studying, and appreciating the Quran. |
| Hari Raya Aidil Fitri | April 10-13 | The festival of breaking the fast that marks the end of Ramadhan. It is a joyous occasion that involves prayers, feasts, visits, and forgiveness. It is also known as Eid al-Fitr or Lebaran in other countries. |
| Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day | May 31-June 1 | A holiday that honors the establishment and achievements of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces in 1961. It is a day of gratitude and respect for the soldiers who protect the country's sovereignty and security. |
| Hari Raya Aidil Adha | June 17 | The festival of sacrifice that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) for God's command. It is also known as Eid al-Adha or Qurban in other countries. It is a day of prayers, charity, and animal sacrifice. |
| Islamic New Year | July 8 | The first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It marks the beginning of a new year for Muslims. It is also a day of remembrance for the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), at Karbala. |
| Sultan's Birthday | July 15 | A holiday that celebrates the birthday of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the ruler of Brunei since 1967. He is also one of the longest-reigning monarchs in the world. It is a day of loyalty and admiration for the sultan, who is revered by his people. |
| Prophet Muhammad's Birthday | September 16 | A holiday that celebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the founder of Islam. It is also known as Maulidur Rasul or Milad un Nabi in other countries. It is a day of love and reverence for the prophet, who is regarded as the best example for mankind. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | A holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Muslims believe to be a prophet and messenger of God. It is also a day of respect and tolerance for the Christian minority in Brunei. |
Brunei Public Holiday
What are the major public holidays in Brunei in 2024?
Brunei has several public holidays in 2024, including New Year's Day, Israk and Mikraj, Chinese New Year, National Day, and many others related to the Islamic calendar.Does Brunei celebrate the Gregorian New Year?
Yes, Brunei celebrates New Year's Day on January 1st, marking the first day of the Gregorian calendar.What is Israk and Mikraj?
Israk and Mikraj, celebrated on February 7, commemorates the night journey and ascension of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven. It's a significant day of prayer and reflection for Muslims.How does Brunei mark its National Day?
National Day, on February 23-24, celebrates the full independence of Brunei from the British Empire in 1984. Bruneians mark this day with parades, performances, and fireworks.What is the significance of Awal Ramadhan in Brunei?
Awal Ramadhan, observed on March 11, marks the beginning of the holy month of fasting for Muslims. During Ramadhan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and engage in increased worship, charity, and self-discipline.When is Chinese New Year celebrated in Brunei in 2024?
Chinese New Year is celebrated on February 10 in 2024, marking the start of the lunar new year.What is Hari Raya Aidil Fitri?
Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, celebrated from April 10-13, is the festival marking the end of Ramadhan. It's a joyous occasion that includes prayers, feasts, visits, and forgiveness.How does Brunei honor its armed forces?
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day, observed from May 31-June 1, pays tribute to the establishment and accomplishments of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces in 1961.Why is the Sultan's Birthday a public holiday?
The Sultan's Birthday on July 15 celebrates His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the ruler of Brunei since 1967. This day honors the sultan, one of the world's longest-reigning monarchs.Do Bruneians celebrate Christmas?
Yes, Christmas Day is observed on December 25 to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. While Muslims in Brunei regard Jesus as a prophet and messenger, the day also shows respect and tolerance for the Christian minority in the country.