Learn about the date and location of the official Iraqi Army Day military parade 2026 in Baghdad, along with details on the public holiday and air shows that will adorn the capital's sky.
Official celebrations for Iraqi Army Day 2026 will take place on Tuesday, January 6th. The central event is the majestic military parade, which typically occurs at the Grand Festivities Square inside the Green Zone in central Baghdad, showcasing various branches of the armed forces in the presence of the Commander-in-Chief and high-ranking officials.
If you are in Baghdad, the highlight of the day is often the air shows visible from various parts of the city, in addition to the firing of a 21-gun salute to commemorate the army's founding anniversary.
When and Where is the Official 2026 Military Parade?
The official celebration usually begins in the early morning hours of January 6th. The fixed location for this national event is the Grand Festivities Square in Baghdad.
- Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Official ceremonies typically start around 9:00 - 10:00 AM.
- Location: Grand Festivities Square, Green Zone, Baghdad.
- Accessibility: Attendance at the main platform is often restricted to dignitaries and special invitations due to strict security measures within the Green Zone.
What are the Main Expected Events and Activities?
Beyond the ground parade, the skies of Baghdad and other cities witness special celebratory events. Here is what you can expect in Visit Iraq during this day:
| Event | Expected Time | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21-Gun Salute | Morning (Start of celebration) | Baghdad | Annual military tradition marking the beginning of festivities. |
| Air Show | During the morning | Baghdad Sky | Low-altitude flyovers by Air Force and Army Aviation aircraft over the Festivities Square and Tigris River. |
| Military Parade | Morning | Grand Festivities Square | Display of military battalions, vehicles, and advanced equipment. |
| Wreath Laying | Morning | Monument to the Unknown Soldier | Official ceremony reciting Surat Al-Fatiha for the souls of martyrs. |
Is January 6th a Public Holiday?
Yes, Iraqi Army Day is a public holiday throughout Iraq.
The holiday includes all government departments, schools, universities, and banks (excluding essential security and service institutions). Many Iraqis take advantage of this holiday to visit public parks like Al-Zawraa Park or the Tigris Corniche to celebrate, especially if the weather is sunny, as is customary in Baghdad's winter.
What Do Locals Say About the Atmosphere?
Although the official parade might be closed to the public, the celebratory atmosphere pervades the streets. Here is what is commonly heard among people in Baghdad:
"The most beautiful part of this day is the sound of the planes flying low above us. We feel pride and awe, and the children go up to the roofs to watch." — Ali, from Karkh district
"It's a lovely holiday, but we always expect heavy traffic jams near bridges leading to the Green Zone, so we prefer staying in our local areas or watching the parade on TV." — Umm Sarah, Baghdad
"The sound of artillery in the morning is our official alarm clock on January 6th! A tradition that never changes and we wait for every year." — Hussein, university student
Important Tips for Getting Around Baghdad on Army Day
When planning your day in Visit Iraq during Army Day, keep the following points in mind to ensure smooth movement:
- Expect Road Closures: Roads and bridges leading to the Green Zone and the vicinity of the Festivities Square are usually cut off from the night of January 5th or dawn of January 6th.
- Avoid Congestion: Main streets may be crowded with celebrants or closed for security. Using map apps and following local news for road status is a smart choice.
- Best Viewing Spots: To watch the air shows, open areas like Adhamiya Corniche or Abu Nuwas, or high building rooftops offer excellent views without needing to enter the congestion.
This day marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Iraqi Army, a unifying national occasion in which everyone is keen to participate, whether through official attendance or popular celebration.
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❓Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the content above
It falls on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
It is held at the Grand Festivities Square inside the Green Zone in central Baghdad.
Yes, it is an official holiday for all government departments and schools in all governorates.
The main parade is usually reserved for officials, but air shows can be watched from across the city.
Military parade, warplane flyovers, and a 21-gun salute in the morning.
Yes, roads surrounding the Green Zone and some bridges are often closed for organizational and security purposes.