Eid al-Adha in Northern Cyprus 2026

In 2026, Eid al-Adha in Northern Cyprus begins on the evening of 26 May, after sunset. This evening is called Arefe, or Arife, and is the eve of the holiday. The first official day of Eid al-Adha falls on 27 May 2026, and the holiday break usually lasts 4 days: 27, 28, 29 and 30 May 2026.

Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Adha or Id al-Adha, is one of the main Islamic holidays. In Northern Cyprus, it is observed as an important family event: people visit relatives, gather around the festive table, prepare traditional dishes, buy sweets, and pay special attention to helping loved ones, neighbours and those in need.

The holiday is associated with the tradition of sacrifice and symbolizes mercy, gratitude and a willingness to share. It is customary to pass on part of the meat and refreshments to relatives, neighbours and families who need support. In Northern Cyprus, Eid al-Adha is usually celebrated calmly and at home: without large-scale festivals, but with a noticeable atmosphere of hospitality, family visits and activity in the cities.

• When will Eid al-Adha be in 2026
• What is Arefe
• General information about the holiday
• What will be closed
• Airport and travel
• Police and services operations
• Emergency phone numbers
• How to prepare for Eid al-Adha
• Glossary
• Frequently asked questions

When will Eid al-Adha be in 2026

What is Arefe

Arefe, or Arife, is the day before the first day of Eid al-Adha. In 2026, it falls on 26 May. In the evening of this day, after sunset, the holiday period begins.

In Northern Cyprus, Arefe is regarded as an important part of Bayram. On this day, families prepare for the holiday: they tidy the house, buy food, sweets and gifts, visit older relatives, and get ready for the holiday prayer and family gatherings.

General information about the holiday

Eid al-Adha lasts several days. It is associated with the holiday prayer in mosques, family visits, treats, and the tradition of sharing with others.

For many families in Northern Cyprus, this is a time when relatives come together, travel from other cities, visit older family members, and spend several days with loved ones. Therefore, traffic on the roads increases during the holiday dates, and Ercan Airport is busier than usual.

What will be closed

During Eid al-Adha, the following are usually closed:

• banks;
• government institutions;
• municipalities;
• schools and universities;
• some private offices.

Supermarkets, cafes, petrol stations and pharmacies in tourist areas often continue to operate, but the schedule may be shortened.

Airport and travel

Ercan Airport operates as usual, however passenger traffic is usually higher during the holiday period.

If you are planning a trip:

• arrive at the airport in advance;
• check the flight status;
• book your transfer and car rental in advance;
• take possible traffic jams into account.

If you need to find flight tickets, you can look at options via Trip.com. For airport transfers, KiwiTaxi is suitable. If you are planning trips around the island, it is convenient to compare car rentals in advance via Localrent.

Operation of markets and fairs

The operating hours of markets in Northern Cyprus during the holiday period depend on the city and the specific venue. Before the holiday, municipalities usually publish separate announcements: which markets are closed and which operate on a changed schedule.

If you are planning to shop at a market, it is better to check the schedule in advance or postpone your visit until after the holiday.

Police and services operations

During Eid al-Adha, emergency services continue to operate around the clock. Common short numbers and municipal support lines are used for requests.

Emergency phone numbers

• Forest fire: 177
• Ambulance, police: 155
• Emergency service: 112
• Fire: 199

How to prepare for Eid al-Adha

How to do it

1. Buy groceries and medicines before 26 May.
2. Check the operating hours of banks and government institutions.
3. Prepare cash.
4. Book tickets, accommodation, transfers or a car in advance.
5. Check mobile internet and communication.
6. Find out the schedule of duty pharmacies.
7. Check municipal announcements about waste collection, markets and services.

For travel, a tourist eSIM may be useful, for example Drimsim.

Glossary

• Eid al-Adha — an Islamic holiday of sacrifice celebrated over several days; the dates depend on the lunar calendar.
• Eid al-Adha / Id al-Adha — the Arabic name for Eid al-Adha.
• Arefe / Arife — the day before the first day of Eid al-Adha. In 2026, this is 26 May; the holiday period begins in the evening of that day.
• Nöbetçi eczane — a duty pharmacy operating at night, on weekends and on public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

Which Bayram will be celebrated in Northern Cyprus in May 2026?

In May 2026, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in Northern Cyprus. The official holiday dates are from 27 to 30 May 2026.

What is Arefe?

Arefe, or Arife, is the eve of Eid al-Adha. In 2026, it falls on 26 May. The holiday period begins in the evening after sunset.

When does Eid al-Adha start?

Eid al-Adha begins on the evening of 26 May 2026 after sunset. The first official day of the holiday is 27 May 2026.

How many days does Eid al-Adha last?

Officially, the holiday lasts 4 days: 27, 28, 29 and 30 May 2026.

Are banks open during Eid al-Adha?

No, most banks close for the main holiday days. It is better to complete banking transactions before 26 May 2026.

Are shops open?

Some shops and supermarkets are open, especially in tourist areas, but the schedule may be shortened.

Is Ercan Airport operating?

Yes, Ercan Airport continues to operate. Before travelling, it is better to check the flight status and arrive early.

Are pharmacies open?

Yes, but under the duty pharmacy system — nöbetçi eczane.

Can you travel around Northern Cyprus during these dates?

Yes, but hotels, restaurants, car rentals and transfers are better booked in advance because demand is usually higher during the holiday period.

Do I need to buy groceries in advance?

Yes, basic groceries, medicines and cash are better prepared before 26 May 2026. During the holiday period, some shops may operate on a shortened schedule.