Syria National Day 2027
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About the event
Today official observance depends on territory and politics, with state ceremonies, flags and speeches in government-held areas, while many Syrians experience the date through exile, memory and loss.
The ancient capital holds mosques, churches, markets and courtyard houses.
Why this day
17 April marks Evacuation Day in Syria, commemorating the departure of the last French troops in 1946. The date is Syria's national day because it represents the end of the French mandate and the achievement of full independence.
The day became a major state holiday, but modern Syrian identity has been profoundly reshaped by coups, Baath Party rule, the Assad family and the civil war that began in 2011. Any national celebration now carries the weight of displacement and contested legitimacy.
Today official observance depends on territory and politics, with state ceremonies, flags and speeches in government-held areas, while many Syrians experience the date through exile, memory and loss. Visitors must read the holiday through both heritage and conflict.
Across Syrian culture, national belonging is also carried by food, music, Arabic poetry, Damascene craft, Aleppo memory, family hospitality and diaspora gatherings far from home.
Timeline
- 1920French mandate begins after the short-lived Arab Kingdom
- 1946Last French troops leave Syria on Evacuation Day
- 2011Uprising begins and develops into devastating civil war
Key figures
Stay for the event
Check-in 16 Apr, check-out 18 Apr 2027 — 2 nights around 17 April 2027. Change the dates to stay longer.
AREA
Find stays in DamascusGetting there
- Celebratednationwide
- CapitalDamascus
- Time zoneEET (UTC+2)
Host country
- Currency: Syrian pound
- Language: Arabic
- Driving: on the right
- Capital: Damascus
- Phone: +963
- Emergency: 112
- Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/E/L
What to eat
Bulgur and minced meat shaped raw, baked or fried.
Layered bread, chickpeas, yoghurt, tahini and nuts.
Vegetables stuffed with rice, herbs and meat.
Spiced meat roasted on a vertical spit and wrapped in bread.
Aleppo pepper and walnut dip with olive oil and pomegranate molasses.
Layered pastry with pistachios or walnuts and syrup.
What to drink
Cardamom coffee served for guests and formal visits.
Date and grape molasses drink with nuts and ice.
Salted yoghurt drink served with grilled food.
Culture & traditions
The ancient capital holds mosques, churches, markets and courtyard houses.
Classical song traditions and muwashshah are central to Syrian heritage.
The Damascus mosque is one of the most important Islamic monuments.
Syrians abroad preserve food, music and national memory through community events.
Coming years
Syria National Day 2028
- Monday 17 April 2028Next event date
Syria National Day 2029
- Tuesday 17 April 2029Event date
Syria National Day 2030
- Wednesday 17 April 2030Event date