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Forget the standard calendar hanging on your office wall. If you are doing business in Azerbaijan or planning a trip, the rules are different. The country is well-known for its generous approach to “bridge days”—when a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday (and sometimes Tuesday) is often declared a day off.
This is fantastic for vacationers but can be a nightmare for deadlines if you aren’t prepared. We have analyzed the official decrees from the Cabinet of Ministers for 2025 to show you when Baku truly comes to a standstill and which cultural nuances you need to navigate. Understanding these shifts is as vital as understanding international partnerships, such as the Azerbaijan gas alliance, which keeps the country in the global spotlight.
The Context: More Than Just Days Off
Azerbaijan is a fascinating melting pot. As a secular state with a Muslim majority that was part of the Soviet Union for decades, you will find a unique blend of traditions here. The Islamic Feast of Sacrifice (Gurban) is celebrated with the same intensity as the secular New Year or Victory Day over Fascism. This diversity is directly reflected in the national calendar.
Official Public Holiday Calendar 2025
For 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers has already set the specific dates, particularly for religious festivals determined by the lunar calendar. Pay close attention to the additional nonworking days created when holidays overlap with weekends.
| Date | Holiday | Status / Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1-2 | New Year (Yeni il) | Nonworking (Jan 3 is also off due to the weekend shift) |
| Jan 20 | Martyrs’ Day (National Day of Mourning) | Nonworking (Solemn day, no celebrations) |
| March 8 | International Women’s Day | Falls on Saturday -> March 10 is a day off |
| March 20-24 | Novruz (Spring Festival) | The most important holiday. March 25-26 additional days off |
| March 30-31 | Ramazan Bayramı (Eid alFitr) | March 30 is Sunday -> April 1 additional day off |
| May 9 | Victory Day over Fascism | Nonworking |
| May 28 | Independence Day (Müstəqillik Günü) | Nonworking (Formerly “Republic Day”) |
| June 6-7 | Gurban Bayramı (Eid alAdha) | June 7 is Saturday -> June 9 is a day off |
| June 15 | National Salvation Day | Falls on Sunday -> June 16 is a day off |
| June 26 | Armed Forces Day | Nonworking |
| Nov 8 | Victory Day (Zəfər Günü) | Falls on Saturday -> Nov 10 is a day off |
| Nov 9 | State Flag Day | Falls on Sunday -> Nov 11 is a day off |
| Dec 31 | World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day | Nonworking |
Attention: Important Changes and “False Friends”
Many older travel guides and websites that haven’t been updated for 2025 may mislead you. Here are the facts you need to know to avoid showing up to a closed officeor accidentally working on a holiday:
- The Name Change (May 28 vs. Oct 18): Following a legislative change, May 28 is now officially Independence Day (formerly Republic Day) and is a nonworking holiday. October 18, which previously held this name, is now Day of Restoration of Independence. Note: October 18 is a historical day but a normal working day.
- Working Days Despite Holiday Status: Constitution Day (Nov 12) and National Rebirth Day (Nov 17) are official commemorative days, but not nonworking days. Banks and government offices remain open.
- Novruz is “The Big One”: Much like Christmas in the West or public holidays in Turkey, Novruz brings public life to a neartotal halt. In 2025, including weekends and substitute rest days, there will be nearly 7 to 8 consecutive days off (approx. March 20-26). Do not plan any bureaucratic appointments during this time!
Travel Tips for the Holidays
What Remains Open?
Unlike some Western European countries where everything closes on Sundays and holidays, Azerbaijan is more flexible. Supermarkets, shopping malls, and restaurants in Baku stay open on almost all holidays. The exceptions are often the morning of the first day of Gurban Bayramı or January 20 (Mourning Day), where music is generally not played and entertainment venues operate in a subdued manner.
If you plan on buying local crafts as a souvenir, keep in mind that smaller bazaars might be closed during the major religious holidays.
Entry and Visas
If you are traveling to Baku for business, perhaps to handle administrative tasks similar to the legalization of foreign documents in Turkey, avoid the “Golden Week” around Novruz (March) and early January. Ministries do not work at all during these periods or operate with minimal staffing.
Conclusion: Plan Strategically
Azerbaijan offers nearly 20 nonworking days in 2025—one of the highest rates in the region. While wonderful for local culture, it requires expats and travelers to keep a close eye on the calendar. Mark March (Novruz/Ramadan) and June (Gurban/National Holidays) in red, as these are the peak times for holiday clusters.
