School holidays are a vital part of Lebanon's academic calendar, providing students and educators with necessary breaks between terms. These holidays also give families the opportunity to plan trips or engage in national and religious events.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education sets the official holiday schedule for public schools. However, private schools have limited flexibility to adjust some dates in accordance with their internal policies, while still adhering to the state-declared official holidays.
School Holidays at the Start of 2026
January and February see several official occasions, including:
- January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day.
- January 6, 2026: Armenian Orthodox Christmas.
- February 9, 2026: St. Maroun's Day.
- February 14, 2026: Anniversary of the martyrdom of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.
Spring Break and Religious Holidays
This period includes several important holidays, such as:
- March 20, 2026: Eid al-Fitr (according to official dates).
- March 25, 2026: Annunciation Day.
- April 3, 2026: Good Friday (Western calendar).
- April 6, 2026: Easter Monday (Western calendar).
- April 10, 2026: Good Friday (Eastern calendar).
- April 13, 2026: Easter Monday (Eastern calendar).
Many schools, especially those following the Western or Eastern calendars, observe Spring Break during this time.
Holidays During May and June
Official holidays continue with various national and religious occasions, including:
- May 1, 2026: Labor Day.
- May 25, 2026: Resistance and Liberation Day.
- May 27, 2026: Eid al-Adha (as per the official calendar).
Difference in Holidays Between Public and Private Schools
Public schools adhere strictly to the calendar issued by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Meanwhile, private schools enjoy flexibility in setting some holidays, such as the timing of Spring Break or the start and end of the academic year, while adhering to state-declared official holidays.
Tips to Make the Most of School Holidays
- Keep track of the school-issued academic calendar.
- Plan travel early for longer holidays.
- Utilize holidays for educational and recreational activities.
- Schedule study reviews before the holidays end.
- Check for any changes to holiday dates based on legal sightings.
ConclusionKnowing the school holiday dates in Lebanon for 2026 helps students and parents organize the academic year better, whether for planning trips or enjoying family and educational activities. It's always advised to follow official announcements from the Ministry of Education and the school's administration for any updates to the academic calendar.
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