California has officially recognised Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the two major Islamic festivals, as state holidays following the signing of a new law by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The legislation, Assembly Bill 2017, was signed into law on Sunday and adds both Islamic holidays to California’s official state holiday calendar.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed during the annual Hajj pilgrimage period.
Under the new law, public schools and community colleges can close for the two holidays through existing local procedures. Eligible state employees may also receive holiday credit for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
The law explained that recognising the two occasions on the state calendar is intended as a civil designation acknowledging their cultural significance to communities across California.
The legislation does not automatically require every public institution to close on the two holidays, but gives schools and community colleges a framework to make such decisions under existing local rules.
California is home to a large and diverse Muslim population, making the recognition of the two major Islamic holidays a significant change to the state’s official calendar.
The move formally acknowledges Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha alongside other holidays recognised under California law.
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