California officially recognizes two Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha

California has officially recognized Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in the state calendar, after Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law.

The law, passed through Assembly Bill 2017, adds the two Islamic holidays to California’s official holiday calendar. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha is tied to the Hajj period, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Under the new law, public schools and community colleges may close during these two holidays through existing local procedures. Eligible state employees may also receive holiday credits during the holidays.

The text of the law emphasizes that the recognition of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is a civil calendar designation intended to recognize their cultural significance for Muslim communities in California.