When is Army Day?
In 2026, Army Day falls on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. It is classified here as a Iraqi public holiday.
History of Army Day
Iraqi Army Day is observed on January 6, the anniversary of the establishment of the Iraqi Army in 1921. It has remained an important civic date through Iraq’s successive political eras, carrying associations with state-building, service and the complicated history of the country’s armed forces.
The holiday is listed as a general public holiday by Law No. 12 of 2024. Official ceremonies and media coverage often focus on members of the armed forces and their families. For the wider public, it is also a day off: government offices close, while the practical arrangements for businesses, museums and transport depend on local providers.
The modern army was formed during the British-mandate period after the establishment of the Iraqi monarchy, and its first regiment became known as Musa al-Kadhim. Later governments interpreted the anniversary through very different political systems and conflicts. A responsible account therefore distinguishes the documented 1921 founding date from praise for any later regime or campaign. The 2024 law confirms January 6 as a recurring nationwide holiday; it does not move automatically to Monday when it coincides with Friday or Saturday.
How Army Day is observed
A nationwide public holiday on January 6, with official military and civic commemorations and provider-specific private-sector opening hours.
Traditions of Army Day
Public remembrance
Iraqi Army Day is marked through Iraqi institutional statements, television coverage and locally organised civic or commemorative programmes across the country.
Family and community time
The public break gives Iraqi households time to visit relatives, share a meal and reflect in ways appropriate to their own community and experience.
Local service planning
Federal offices close, while private businesses, transport operators and public attractions may follow different hours announced by each provider.
Dates and observance rules are checked against the official Iraqi official and legal guidance. Lunar dates, governorate practice and annual public-service schedules should be confirmed against official notices.
History sources: Iraq Ministry of Justice: Official Holiday Law No. 12 of 2024, Central Bank of Iraq: annual official holidays, Kurdistan Regional Government: official calendar.
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