When is Eid al-Fitr?
In 2026, Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday, March 20, 2026. It is classified here as a paid public holiday.
History of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr begins on 1 Shawwal and marks the completion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. In Algeria the National Commission for Lunar Crescent Sighting meets under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Wakfs to determine the beginning of lunar months. After the 2026 Ramadan crescent was not seen on the earlier evening, the commission announced Friday, March 20 as Eid's first day.
The morning prayer gathers worshippers in mosques and designated outdoor spaces. Zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory charitable payment associated with the end of Ramadan, is given before prayer so people in need can share in the festival. Families then visit, reconcile, offer sweets and remember deceased relatives. Customs differ among regions and households, and hospitality should be described without implying that every family prepares the same food.
Law 23-10 expanded Algeria's Eid al-Fitr entitlement from two to three paid days. In 2026 the statutory period runs Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22 and covers employees in public administration and public and private sectors, including hourly and daily staff. Shift-based institutions must maintain continuity. Future Gregorian dates remain provisional until Algerian religious authorities announce the observed lunar date.
How Eid al-Fitr is observed
Friday, March 20 was officially confirmed as 1 Shawwal and the first of three paid Eid al-Fitr holidays in Algeria in 2026.
Traditions of Eid al-Fitr
Eid prayer
Worshippers attend the morning Eid prayer after completing Ramadan, following mosque guidance on time, space and local arrangements.
Zakat al-Fitr
Families complete the prescribed charitable payment before prayer so people with limited means can participate in the festival.
Sweets and visits
Relatives exchange greetings and serve pastries such as makrout or regional specialities, while recipes and visiting patterns vary.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Algeria official holiday calendar or legislation. Government, regional, school and employer schedules in Algeria may differ; check the linked official source and current local notices before making time-sensitive plans.
History sources: Algerian Official Journal: Law 23-10 amending the statutory holiday list, Algerian Ministry of Labour: labour legislation and paid legal rest, APS: Algeria confirms Eid al-Fitr for March 20, 2026.
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