As the year unfolds, the Kingdom of Bahrain has announced its academic calendar for the 2024/2025 school year, detailing significant holidays and breaks that will allow students and educators alike to plan ahead. The calendar not only marks the beginning of a new school year but also highlights important religious and national observances throughout the academic term.
The first academic semester for all educational levels commenced on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, marking the start of a promising new year. As students settled into their routines, they were reminded of the upcoming holidays that would punctuate their studies. One of the first significant breaks is the Prophet's Birthday holiday, which falls on September 15, 2024, corresponding to Rabi' al-Awwal 12, 1446 AH. This holiday serves not only as a time for reflection but also as a moment for families to gather and celebrate.
As the semester progresses, students will have the opportunity to engage in the Mid-Year School Games, also known as Sports Week, scheduled from December 3 to December 12, 2024. This event is designed to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among students across various schools.
Following the sports festivities, the National Day holiday will take place from December 16 to December 17, 2024. This holiday commemorates the founding of the Bahraini state by Ahmed Al-Fateh in 1783 and marks the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King to the throne. It is a time of national pride and celebration, with various events planned to honor the rich history of the nation.
As the new year approaches, students will enjoy a break for New Year's Day on January 1, 2025. This holiday will be followed by the Mid-Year Vacation, which runs from January 19 to January 30, 2025, providing a well-deserved rest for students and staff alike before diving into the second semester.
The second semester is set to begin on February 2, 2025, and will lead into the holy month of Ramadan, expected to start on March 1 and last until March 29, 2025. This month is significant for Muslims around the world, including Bahrain, as it involves fasting, prayer, and community gatherings.
After Ramadan, the Eid Al-Fitr holiday will be observed from March 30 to April 1, 2025. This festive occasion allows families to come together and celebrate the end of fasting, marked by communal prayers and feasting.
As the academic year continues, important dates such as International Workers' Day on May 1, 2025, and the observance of Arafah on June 5, 2025, will be recognized. Following Arafah, Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is tentatively scheduled from June 6 to June 10, 2025. This holiday is of great significance to Muslims, as it commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Finally, the summer vacation is set to begin on July 1, 2025, marking the end of the academic year and providing students with a break before the next school year commences. This vacation allows families to travel and spend quality time together, creating lasting memories.
In addition to the academic calendar, the Coptic Church is preparing for its own significant celebrations. Pope Tawadros II will preside over the Holy Easter Mass at the Cathedral in Abbasiya on Saturday, April 19, 2025. In an article published in the magazine "Al-Kiraza," the Pope elaborated on the significance of the Easter celebration, emphasizing the cultural and historical aspects of various calendars used by civilizations.
According to the Pope, "Each civilization has its own calendar, and especially its view of time, and throughout history, based on a collection of values, standards, symbols, that it believes in and derives its existence from." This statement underscores the importance of understanding how different cultures approach time and celebration.
The Pope further explained that the calculation for determining the date of Easter is complex and involves aligning various lunar and solar cycles, ensuring that Easter is celebrated on a Sunday following the vernal equinox and after the Jewish Passover. This method harmonizes the celebration of Easter across different Christian denominations, maintaining a unified observance.
In Saudi Arabia, preparations for Eid al-Adha are also underway. The holiday, which is the second major Islamic celebration, is set to begin on June 1, 2025, and will last until June 11, 2025. Eid al-Adha falls on June 6, 2025, coinciding with the Day of Sacrifice. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced these dates clearly, allowing citizens and residents to prepare for the festivities.
During this time, Muslims will gather in mosques and public squares to perform the Eid prayer, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection. The holiday is characterized by acts of charity, family gatherings, and the sharing of meals, reflecting the values of compassion and generosity that are central to the Islamic faith.
In summary, as Bahrain, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia prepare for their respective holidays and celebrations, the emphasis on community, tradition, and cultural heritage remains strong. These observances not only mark significant religious occasions but also foster unity and understanding among diverse populations.
