15 countries where Easter is not a widely celebrated public holiday

As Easter approaches, many around the world prepare for festivities that include religious observances, family gatherings, and cultural traditions. However, not every country marks this Christian holiday. For various cultural, religious, or political reasons, some nations do not recognize Easter as a public holiday at all. Below, we’ll explore 15 countries that do not celebrate Easter, shedding light on their diverse beliefs and practices.

1. Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, the majority of the population is Muslim, practicing Islam, which does not recognize Easter as a holiday. Cultural festivities often center around Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, making Easter celebrations virtually nonexistent.

2. Algeria

Algeria is predominantly Muslim, with Islam as the state religion. As such, Easter does not hold significance in public life, and the focus remains on Islamic holidays and traditions.

3. Bhutan

While Bhutan is known for its rich Buddhist heritage, it is also home to a small Christian population. However, the nation does not celebrate Easter, as Buddhist festivals dominate the religious calendar.

4. North Korea

In North Korea, religion is severely restricted, and state-sponsored atheism prevails. As a result, Christian holidays like Easter are not recognized or celebrated, with the government promoting a strong ideological stance against religious practices.

5. Libya

Libya is predominantly Muslim, and its citizens do not observe Easter as a public holiday. Instead, Islamic celebrations, including Ramadan and Eid, take precedence in the cultural calendar.

6. Mauritania

In Mauritania, the overwhelming majority of citizens adhere to Islam, leading to the absence of Easter celebrations. The country focuses on its Islamic holidays, which are more culturally relevant to its people.

7. Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic

In the disputed territory of Western Sahara, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic does not celebrate Easter. The majority of the population is Muslim, and Islamic practices dominate the social and cultural landscape.

8. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia enforces strict Islamic law, resulting in the absence of Easter celebrations. The Kingdom upholds Islamic holidays, and non-Islamic religious practices, including Easter, are neither observed nor recognized.

9. Somalia

Somalia is another predominantly Muslim nation where Easter holds no significance. Given the cultural emphasis on Islamic traditions and holidays, any Easter-related customs are rare.

10. Tajikistan

In Tajikistan, the population primarily adheres to Islam, and Easter is not celebrated as a national holiday. Islamic traditions shape the cultural landscape of the country, sidelining Christian observances.

11. Tunisia

Tunisia is largely a Muslim nation where Easter does not play a role in the cultural or religious calendar. Instead, the society focuses on Islamic holidays and customs unique to their heritage.

12. Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a secular state with a vast Muslim population. However, Easter is not recognized, and the emphasis remains on Islamic celebrations, like Nauryz, which celebrates the Persian New Year.

13. Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, most of the population practices Islam, leading to a lack of recognition for Easter. Instead, significant emphasis is placed on Islamic holidays, aligning with the nation’s cultural heritage.

14. Yemen

Yemen is predominantly Muslim, and as such, Easter does not hold significance in public or cultural life. The population primarily observes Islamic holidays like Ramadan and Mawlid.

15. Comoros

In the Comoros archipelago, most residents adhere to Islam, making Easter celebrations rare. The focus remains on Islamic festivals, overshadowing any non-Islamic observances.