This monthly
recap of July 2008 worldwide public holidays news and updates, covers all the countries
of the world, and is based on our daily review
of hundreds of online newspapers, government sites, and institutional sources,
and over a decade of experience following
worldwide public holidays, to place current events in context, and anticipate on
possible future changes.
Swaziland Declares September 19 Public Holiday (Source: Times of Swaziland-Lobamba) At a press conference, earlier today, Swaziland's Elections and Boundaries Commission Chairman, Chief Gija, announced that Friday, September 19, 2008, will be a public holiday on the occasion of the the Secondary General Elections. Links: other Swaziland news and updates.
Macedonia Maintains Saturday Republic Day Public Holiday (Source: MINA) Macedonia's Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has issued a press release confirming that, contrary to what often happens, there would be no additional non-working day off, this year, even though the August 2, Republic Day public holiday falls on a Saturday. Links: other Macedonia news and updates.
Maldives Constitution Ratification On August 7 (Source: Maldives President's Office) The President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has issued a communique announcing that in all likelihood, he would be ratifying the new constitution of the Maldives on Thursday, August 7, 2008. Links: full story and other Maldives news and updates.
Nicaragua's Ministry Of Labour Clarifies Consequences Of August 10 Public Holiday Falling On A Sunday (Source: El Pueblo Presidente) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labour (MITRAB) has issued a communique to lay to rest rumours that Monday, August 11, 2008, would be a public holiday in Managua to compensate the fact that the municipal holiday of August 10 falls on a Sunday this year. Links: full story and other Nicaragua news and updates.
Grenada Confirms First Monday In August Public Holiday Status (Source: Spiceislander) Grenada's new Minister of State responsible for Culture, Sen. Hon. Arly Gill, has confirmed that the first Monday in August (Monday August 4th, in 2008) will continue to be an official public holiday, despite his newly-elected government's recent emphasis on August 1st as the proper date of Emancipation day. Links: other Grenada news and updates.
Vanuatu Extends Independence Day Public Holiday (Source: Local sources) The government of Vanuatu has announced that, for government and public service employees, this year's Independence Day public holiday (July 30) would be extended by one day to also include Thursday, July 31, 2008. Links: other Vanuatu news and updates.
Bangladesh Declares August 4 Public Holiday in 4 Cities and 9 Municipalities (Source: The Financial Express-Dhaka) The government of Bangladesh has declared a regional public holiday for officials and employees of all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices and organisations in the 4 cities and 9 pourashavas (municipalities) that will be going to the polls on that day. Links: full story and other Bangladesh news and updates.
Philippines Announces July 30 Date For Ascension Of The Prophet Regional Public Holiday (Source: Philippines Information Agency) The government of the Philippines has announced that, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1083 of 1977, the date of Wednesday, July 30, 2008, had been chosen for this year's celebration of Lailatul Izra Wal Miraj (Nocturnal Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad). Links: other Philippines news and updates.
Jordan Confirms Status Of Al Israa wal Miraaj Holiday (Source: The Jordan Times-Amman) The cabinet has confirmed that Jordan, on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, will mark the anniversary of Al Israa wal Miraaj (the nocturnal journey and heavenly ascension of the Prophet Mohammad), but that, as per a February 2006 decision, effective in 2007, this is no longer a non-working public holiday. Links: other Jordan news and updates.
UAE Extends Upcoming Prophet's Ascension Public Holiday To Private Sector (Source: Xpress News + Dubai Chronicle) Ever since last Wednesday's sole announcement by the Civil Service Council, there had been speculation that this year's Prophet's Ascension Public Holiday would be limited to the public sector. The confusion was dispelled last night, by a circular from the Minister of Labour, Saqr Gobash, declaring Thursday, July 31, 2008, an official public holiday for the private sector to mark Al Isra’a Wal Miraaj. Links: other UAE (United Arab Emirates) news and updates.
Oman Declares Different Al Israa Wal Miraj Dates For Public And Private Sectors (Source: The Times of Oman) In a move similar to what happened last week on the occasion of the Renaissance Day public holiday, the Government of Oman has decided to declare different Al Israa Wal Miraj public holiday dates for the public and private sectors. Links: full story and other Oman news and updates.
Bangladesh High Court Orders Government To Restore August 15 Public Holiday (Source: The Daily Star + Bangladesh News 24 + Reuters India) As reported in our posts of August 6, and August 13, 2007, The High Court of Bangladesh was asked, last summer, to rule on the constitutionality of the cancelling of the August 15 annual public holiday. Links: full story and other Bangladesh news and updates.
Bolivia's Santa Cruz Refuses To Move September 24 Regional Public Holiday (Source: Bolpress-La Paz) The region of Santa Cruz is refusing to move the date of its regional public holiday from Wednesday, September 24, to Monday, September 29, 2008, a per the specifications of paragraph 2 of article 2 of the Supreme Decree 22352 of 1989. Links: other Bolivia news and updates.
Paraguay Pressured To Apply 2001 Law On Mid-Week Public Holidays (Source: ABC-Asunción) Arguing that mid-week closures of businesses hurt productivity, the leader of Paraguay's leading trade association, the Federación de la Producción, la Industria y el Comercio (Feprinco), Max Haber, has indicated that he will soon meet with the government to petition it to start using its discretionary powers to move mid-week public holidays to the following Monday, powers that were given to it by law 1723/01, but have so far rarely been used. Links: other Paraguay news and updates.
Argentina August 27-28 Census Public Holiday In Córdoba Province (Source: Cadena3-Córdoba) The Secretary General of Argentina's Province of Córdoba, Ricardo Sosa, has announced that the provincial government has declared August 27 and 28 as public holidays to coincide with the upcoming state census. August 27 will be a full public holiday for both the public and private sectors, while the 28th will be limited to the educational sector. Links: other Argentina news and updates.
Ukraine Declares New National Holiday (Source: ITAR-TASS + UNIAN) Earlier today, Ukraine's President, Viktor Yushchenko, signed a decree establishing the Day of the Orthodox Baptism of Kyiv Rus, as an annual national holiday, to be celebrated from this year onward, on July 28. This holiday will be celebrated in memory of Saint Prince Volodymyr, who baptized the Kyiv Rus, bringing Christianity to the Ukraine. Links: other Ukraine news and updates.
Turkmenistan Declares New Annual National Holiday (Source: Turkmenistan.ru) The President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamdov, instructed the chairperson of the Turkmen parliament, Akja Nurverdiyeva, to make amendments to the list of Turkmenistan's holidays as well as to the legislation of Turkmenistan, to establish a new national holiday, the Day of Turkmen Cultural Workers, to be marked annually on June 27. Links: full story and other Turkmenistan news and updates.
Samoa Declares September 7-8 Driving Side Switch Public Holiday (Source: The New Zealand Herald) The Samoan Minister of Transport, Tuisugaletaua Aveau, announced today that the switch from driving on the right hand side of the road to the left hand side of the road, will take effect at 6:00am on Monday the 7th of September 2009, and that to mark the switch date, Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th of September, 2009, have been declared as public holidays to "allow for familiarisation with the change". Links: other Samoa news and updates.
Spain's Melilla Government To Revisit Feast Of Sacrifice As Public Holiday (Source: Diario Sur-Malaga) After last year's failure of a draft law making the Islamic festival of Aid El Kebir (Feast of Sacrifice) a regional public holiday in the Spanish autonomous region of Melilla, the CpM (Coalición por Melilla) has now petitioned the regional governemt directly for the inclusion of this festival in the list of the autonomous region's list of public holidays. Links: full story and other Spain news and updates.
Ecuador's Parliament Declares Tomorrow One-Off National Public Holiday (Source: Radio Sucre-Quito) By a vote of 78 for, 4 against, 3 blanks and 22 abstentions, the Ecuador National Assembly voted to make tomorrow, Friday, July 25, 2008, a one-off national public holiday to celebrate the introduction of a new constitutional framework (normally, July 25 is a regional public holiday, not a national public holiday). Links: full story and other Ecuador news and updates.
Nepal July 24 Public Holiday To Celebrate Presidential Election (Source: Nepal News-Kathmandu) The Council of Ministers of Nepal decided to celebrate today's historic election of Nepal's first republican President and Vice President, by declaring tomorrow, Thursday, July 24, 2008, a one-off general public holiday. Links: full story and other Nepal news and updates.
Hungarian Government Releases Official List Of 2009 Bridge Public Holidays (Source: Magyar Nemzet) The Labour and Social Affairs Ministry of Hungary (Szociális és Munkaügyi Miniszter, aka. SZMM), in accordance with law 170/2006 (Chapter VII, section 28), has released the official list of bridge, and other one-off, public holidays for the year 2009, along with the list of Saturdays that will be regular working days, in compensation. Links: other Hungary news and updates.
Oman Moves July 23 Holiday For Private Sector (Source: Oman News Agency-ONA) On the occasion of the July 23rd Blessed Renaissance Day, a decision issued yesterday by Sayyid Ali bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, minister of the Diwan of Royal Court and chairman of the Civil Service Council, made Wednesday, July 23, 2008, an official public holiday for the civil service (employees at ministries, public authorities and other departments of the state’s administrative apparatus). Links: full story and other Oman news and updates.
Myanmar Downgrades 2008 Martyrs' Day Public Holiday Celebrations (Source: Deutsche Press Agentur) In a surprise, last-minute move, the celebrations of the July 19, 2008, Martyrs' Day public holiday, have been downgraded from a national to a city-level ceremony, and invitations to foreign diplomats to attend the ceremony have been cancelled. This might bring into question the future of the public holiday itself, considering that it is a public holiday commemorating the death of Aung San, whose daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, is the current military junta's best-known opponent. Links: other Myanmar news and updates.
Philippines Declares July 22 Public Holiday In Bohol Province (Source: Philippines Information Agency-Bohol) On Tuesday, July 22, 2008, the province of Bohol will to celebrate 154 years since Bohol was officially separated from Cebu province. Links: full story and other Philippines news and updates.
South Korea Celebrates 60th Constitution Anniversary National Holiday (Source: Chosun) Today, South Korea marks the 60th anniversary of its post-war constitution, and for the first time this national holiday is not a public holiday (ie. it is a regular working day. Links: other South Korea news and updates.
Costa Rica's Attempt To Fix July 25 Public Holiday Bogged Down In Parliament (Source: Diario Extra) An initiative in Parliament to make the Guanacaste Annexation public holiday always fall on its historic date of July 25 (as opposed to the nearest Monday, as is the case since law 8604 of 2007) has been thwarted by a procedural deluge of 237 motions tabled by the Libertarian Party (who had instituted the 2007 law moving some public holidays to the nearest Monday). Links: full story and other Costa Rica news and updates.
Sri Lanka SAARC Summit 3-Day Public Holiday (Source: Colombo Page) Ahead of the the forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, the Sri Lankan government has declared a 3-day public holiday, from Friday, August 1, to Sunday August 3, 2008. In addition, all train services to Colombo (Sri Lanka's capital) will be halted and the Central Fort Railway Station will be closed during the period of July 30 to August 3, 2008, and schools are expected to close for their August holidays from July 26 onwards. Links: other Sri Lanka news and updates.
Bhutan Declares July 18 Constitution Signing Public Holiday (Source: Kuensel) According to a press release from the cabinet secretariat, the government of Bhutan has declared Friday, July 18, 2008, as a one-off public holiday, to mark the historic signing of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, at 9:30am, at the Kuenrey of the Trashichhodzong. On that occasion, schools, government and public institutions will remain closed, so that the public can witness the historic event, and later view the Constitution which will be displayed to the public. Links: other Bhutan news and updates.
China Orders Beijing Businesses To Reduce Working Hours Until Olympics' End (Source: AFP) A notice on the Beijing government website announced that Beijing companies have been ordered to stagger or shorten working hours, starting on July 20th, to cut pollution and traffic gridlock for the upcoming Olympic Games. Links: full story and other China news and updates.
Lebanon Declares Tomorrow A Public Holiday (Source: Reuters + Haaretz) Late this afternoon, the Lebanese government announced that tomorrow, Wednesday, July 16, 2008, will be a national public holiday to celebrate the recent agreement whereby Israel is to free five Hezbollah prisoners in exchange for two of it soldiers, captured in 2006. Links: other Lebanon news and updates.
Cayman Islands Constitutional Referendum Postponed Until 2009 (Source: The Caymanian Compass) The People’s Progressive Movement government has cancelled the late-July date for Cayman’s referendum on constitutional modernisation, making it a straight up or down poll - simultaneous with next year’s general election, scheduled for May 2009. This means that the one-off public holidays scheduled for July 30th, 2008, will no longer be observed. Links: other The Cayman Islands news and updates.
Brazil's Parliament Approves "Day Of Portuguese Immigration" National Holiday (Source: Agência Câmara-Brasilia) The Commission for the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship (Comissão de Constituição e Justiça e de Cidadania, CCJ) has passed in its final reading the Projeto de Lei 1385/03, of assemblyman Gastão Vieira (PMDB-MA), making June 10th, an annual national holiday, celebrating the contributions made to the development of Brazil by Portuguese immigration. This date is not the same as the one in last November's proposal which set forth April 22 to commemorate the arrival of Europeans. Links: other Brazil news and updates.
UK's New Public Holiday Drive Gaining Momentum (Source: Travel Trade Gazette) Following the presentation, in March, of a petition to Downing Street, signed by 522,000 in support of a new bank holiday, a delegation from Thomas Cook met trade minister Lord Digby Jones last week. Links: other UK news and updates.
Philippines July 14 Public Holiday In Baguio City And Six Cordillera Provinces (Source: The Inquirer-Northern Luzon) To make uninterrupted holidays breaks (aka. PGMA's holiday economics), Malacañang has declared Monday, July 14, 2008, a non-working public holiday in Baguio City and six Cordillera provinces, instead of the expected date of July 15 which would mark the 21st anniversary of President Corazon Aquino's Executive Order 220 creating the Cordillera Administrative Region on July 15, 1987. Links: other Philippines news and updates.
Brazil's Parliament Considering 2 Different Ways Of Fixing Carnival (Source: Seu Dinheiro) On May 26 we related that a draft bill (Projeto de Lei 2846/08) was going through Brazil's Parliament, which would have as effect, to make the Carnival Tuesday public holiday always fall on the first Tuesday of March. Recently, another bill (Projeto de Lei 3418/08), was introduced by representative Daniel Almeida (PCdoB-BA), which would also make Carnival Tuesday a full-fledged public holiday in Brazil, and would fix its occurrence to the last Tuesday in February. Links: other Brazil news and updates.
Grenada Declares Post-Election Public Holiday (Source: Grenada Broadcasting Network) Late last night, following his win in the same day's general elections, Grenada's Prime Minister designate, Mr. Tillman Thomas, requested of the Governor General, who acceded to the request, to declare today, Wednesday, July 9, 2008, a public holiday. Links: other Grenada news and updates.
Kuwait Confirms Day In Lieu For Upcoming Prophet's Ascension Public Holiday (Source: Kuwait News Agency-KUNA) The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced that, in accordance with Kuwaiti Cabinet decision number 252, Thursday, July 31, will be a public holiday on the occasion of the religious holiday marking the Prophet Mohammed's ascension to heaven. Links: full story and other Kuwait news and updates.
Malta's Leading Parties Discussing Reduction In Number Of Public Holidays (Source: The Times of Malta) In a recent letter to opposition leader, Labour leader Joseph Muscat, Malta's Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi, suggested having one national holiday instead of five. Links: other Malta news and updates.
Germany October 9 Public Holiday in Leipzig (Source: Mitteldeutsche Zeitung-Leizig) In its last session before the summer break, this Wednesday, the Leipzig city council started considering a proposal from the Fraktion Bündnis 90/Die Grünen to make October 9 a city-wide (working) public holiday called «Tag der Friedlichen Revolution» (Day of the Peaceful Revolution) to commemorate the peaceful revolution which led to the end of the Soviet occupation of East Germany. Links: other Germany news and updates.
Nigeria Declares Today A Public Holiday In Yobe State (Source: This Day Onlline-Damaturu) In accordance with article 2b) of the Public Holidays Act of 1979, chapter 378, Yobe State Governor, Senator Mamman Ali, has declared today a work-free public holiday for the people of the state to address the numerous socio-economic challenges facing the state. Links: other Nigeria news and updates.
Indonesia Declares July 9 Public Holiday In Bali (Source: Office of the Governor of Bali) Bali's Governor Dewa Beratha has issued a decree formally declaring Wednesday, July 9, 2008, as a holiday in connection with the island-wide election of Bali's next governor. Links: other Indonesia news and updates.
Malasia July 15 Public Holiday In Kedah State (Source: Bernama News Agency) The Malaysian State of Kedah has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee of the reign of the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. Kedah officials specified to the press that this public holiday must be observed by all federal and state government departments and the private sector. Links: other Malaysia news and updates.
Isle Of Man Releases School and Public Holiday Calendar Until Mid-2011 (Source: Isle of Man Government) The Isle of Man Department of Education has released details of bank holidays (aka. public holidays), school term dates and school holiday dates, for the Isle of Man, up to the end of the 2010-11 academic year. The information is available on the Isle of Man Government website. Links: other Isle of Man news and updates.
Solomon Islands Extends 2008 National Day Public Holiday For 2 Days (Source: Solomon Times-Honiara) The Solomon Islands' Minister of Home Affairs, James Tora, announced yesterday that this year's Independence Day public holiday (the 30th), would be extended for an additional day, to include Tuesday, July 8, 2008, as well as the regularly scheduled public holiday on Monday, July 7, 2008. Links: other Solomon Islands news and updates.
India's Punjab State Declares July 1 Public Holiday (Source: Punjab Newsline Network-Chandigarh) Following the death of former Speaker of Punjab, the Chief Minister announced that Tuesday, July 1st, 2008, would be a one-off public holiday throughout the State, and ordered all the Government offices, state undertakings, corporations and educational institutions throughout the state to remain closed on that day. Links: other India news and updates.
Swaziland Declares September 19 Public Holiday (Source: Times of Swaziland-Lobamba) At a press conference, earlier today, Swaziland's Elections and Boundaries Commission Chairman, Chief Gija, announced that Friday, September 19, 2008, will be a public holiday on the occasion of the the Secondary General Elections. Links: 
Macedonia Maintains Saturday Republic Day Public Holiday (Source: MINA) Macedonia's Ministry of Labor and Social Policy has issued a press release confirming that, contrary to what often happens, there would be no additional non-working day off, this year, even though the August 2, Republic Day public holiday falls on a Saturday. Links: 
Maldives Constitution Ratification On August 7 (Source: Maldives President's Office) The President of the Maldives, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, has issued a communique announcing that in all likelihood, he would be ratifying the new constitution of the Maldives on Thursday, August 7, 2008. Links: 
Nicaragua's Ministry Of Labour Clarifies Consequences Of August 10 Public Holiday Falling On A Sunday (Source: El Pueblo Presidente) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labour (MITRAB) has issued a communique to lay to rest rumours that Monday, August 11, 2008, would be a public holiday in Managua to compensate the fact that the municipal holiday of August 10 falls on a Sunday this year. Links: 
Grenada Confirms First Monday In August Public Holiday Status (Source: Spiceislander) Grenada's new Minister of State responsible for Culture, Sen. Hon. Arly Gill, has confirmed that the first Monday in August (Monday August 4th, in 2008) will continue to be an official public holiday, despite his newly-elected government's recent emphasis on August 1st as the proper date of Emancipation day. Links: 
Vanuatu Extends Independence Day Public Holiday (Source: Local sources) The government of Vanuatu has announced that, for government and public service employees, this year's Independence Day public holiday (July 30) would be extended by one day to also include Thursday, July 31, 2008. Links: 
Bangladesh Declares August 4 Public Holiday in 4 Cities and 9 Municipalities (Source: The Financial Express-Dhaka) The government of Bangladesh has declared a regional public holiday for officials and employees of all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices and organisations in the 4 cities and 9 pourashavas (municipalities) that will be going to the polls on that day. Links: 
Philippines Announces July 30 Date For Ascension Of The Prophet Regional Public Holiday (Source: Philippines Information Agency) The government of the Philippines has announced that, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1083 of 1977, the date of Wednesday, July 30, 2008, had been chosen for this year's celebration of Lailatul Izra Wal Miraj (Nocturnal Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad). Links: 
Jordan Confirms Status Of Al Israa wal Miraaj Holiday (Source: The Jordan Times-Amman) The cabinet has confirmed that Jordan, on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, will mark the anniversary of Al Israa wal Miraaj (the nocturnal journey and heavenly ascension of the Prophet Mohammad), but that, as per a February 2006 decision, effective in 2007, this is no longer a non-working public holiday. Links: 
UAE Extends Upcoming Prophet's Ascension Public Holiday To Private Sector (Source: Xpress News + Dubai Chronicle) Ever since last Wednesday's sole announcement by the Civil Service Council, there had been speculation that this year's Prophet's Ascension Public Holiday would be limited to the public sector. The confusion was dispelled last night, by a circular from the Minister of Labour, Saqr Gobash, declaring Thursday, July 31, 2008, an official public holiday for the private sector to mark Al Isra’a Wal Miraaj. Links: 
Oman Declares Different Al Israa Wal Miraj Dates For Public And Private Sectors (Source: The Times of Oman) In a move similar to what happened last week on the occasion of the Renaissance Day public holiday, the Government of Oman has decided to declare different Al Israa Wal Miraj public holiday dates for the public and private sectors. Links: 
Bolivia's Santa Cruz Refuses To Move September 24 Regional Public Holiday (Source: Bolpress-La Paz) The region of Santa Cruz is refusing to move the date of its regional public holiday from Wednesday, September 24, to Monday, September 29, 2008, a per the specifications of paragraph 2 of article 2 of the Supreme Decree 22352 of 1989. Links: 
Paraguay Pressured To Apply 2001 Law On Mid-Week Public Holidays (Source: ABC-Asunción) Arguing that mid-week closures of businesses hurt productivity, the leader of Paraguay's leading trade association, the Federación de la Producción, la Industria y el Comercio (Feprinco), Max Haber, has indicated that he will soon meet with the government to petition it to start using its discretionary powers to move mid-week public holidays to the following Monday, powers that were given to it by law 1723/01, but have so far rarely been used. Links: 
Argentina August 27-28 Census Public Holiday In Córdoba Province (Source: Cadena3-Córdoba) The Secretary General of Argentina's Province of Córdoba, Ricardo Sosa, has announced that the provincial government has declared August 27 and 28 as public holidays to coincide with the upcoming state census. August 27 will be a full public holiday for both the public and private sectors, while the 28th will be limited to the educational sector. Links: 
Ukraine Declares New National Holiday (Source: ITAR-TASS + UNIAN) Earlier today, Ukraine's President, Viktor Yushchenko, signed a decree establishing the Day of the Orthodox Baptism of Kyiv Rus, as an annual national holiday, to be celebrated from this year onward, on July 28. This holiday will be celebrated in memory of Saint Prince Volodymyr, who baptized the Kyiv Rus, bringing Christianity to the Ukraine. Links: 
Turkmenistan Declares New Annual National Holiday (Source: Turkmenistan.ru) The President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamdov, instructed the chairperson of the Turkmen parliament, Akja Nurverdiyeva, to make amendments to the list of Turkmenistan's holidays as well as to the legislation of Turkmenistan, to establish a new national holiday, the Day of Turkmen Cultural Workers, to be marked annually on June 27. Links: 
Samoa Declares September 7-8 Driving Side Switch Public Holiday (Source: The New Zealand Herald) The Samoan Minister of Transport, Tuisugaletaua Aveau, announced today that the switch from driving on the right hand side of the road to the left hand side of the road, will take effect at 6:00am on Monday the 7th of September 2009, and that to mark the switch date, Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th of September, 2009, have been declared as public holidays to "allow for familiarisation with the change". Links: 
Spain's Melilla Government To Revisit Feast Of Sacrifice As Public Holiday (Source: Diario Sur-Malaga) After last year's failure of a draft law making the Islamic festival of Aid El Kebir (Feast of Sacrifice) a regional public holiday in the Spanish autonomous region of Melilla, the CpM (Coalición por Melilla) has now petitioned the regional governemt directly for the inclusion of this festival in the list of the autonomous region's list of public holidays. Links: 
Ecuador's Parliament Declares Tomorrow One-Off National Public Holiday (Source: Radio Sucre-Quito) By a vote of 78 for, 4 against, 3 blanks and 22 abstentions, the Ecuador National Assembly voted to make tomorrow, Friday, July 25, 2008, a one-off national public holiday to celebrate the introduction of a new constitutional framework (normally, July 25 is a regional public holiday, not a national public holiday). Links: 
Nepal July 24 Public Holiday To Celebrate Presidential Election (Source: Nepal News-Kathmandu) The Council of Ministers of Nepal decided to celebrate today's historic election of Nepal's first republican President and Vice President, by declaring tomorrow, Thursday, July 24, 2008, a one-off general public holiday. Links: 
Hungarian Government Releases Official List Of 2009 Bridge Public Holidays (Source: Magyar Nemzet) The Labour and Social Affairs Ministry of Hungary (Szociális és Munkaügyi Miniszter, aka. SZMM), in accordance with law 170/2006 (Chapter VII, section 28), has released the official list of bridge, and other one-off, public holidays for the year 2009, along with the list of Saturdays that will be regular working days, in compensation. Links: 
South Korea Celebrates 60th Constitution Anniversary National Holiday (Source: Chosun) Today, South Korea marks the 60th anniversary of its post-war constitution, and for the first time this national holiday is not a public holiday (ie. it is a regular working day. Links: 
Costa Rica's Attempt To Fix July 25 Public Holiday Bogged Down In Parliament (Source: Diario Extra) An initiative in Parliament to make the Guanacaste Annexation public holiday always fall on its historic date of July 25 (as opposed to the nearest Monday, as is the case since law 8604 of 2007) has been thwarted by a procedural deluge of 237 motions tabled by the Libertarian Party (who had instituted the 2007 law moving some public holidays to the nearest Monday). Links: 
Sri Lanka SAARC Summit 3-Day Public Holiday (Source: Colombo Page) Ahead of the the forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, the Sri Lankan government has declared a 3-day public holiday, from Friday, August 1, to Sunday August 3, 2008. In addition, all train services to Colombo (Sri Lanka's capital) will be halted and the Central Fort Railway Station will be closed during the period of July 30 to August 3, 2008, and schools are expected to close for their August holidays from July 26 onwards. Links: 
Bhutan Declares July 18 Constitution Signing Public Holiday (Source: Kuensel) According to a press release from the cabinet secretariat, the government of Bhutan has declared Friday, July 18, 2008, as a one-off public holiday, to mark the historic signing of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bhutan, at 9:30am, at the Kuenrey of the Trashichhodzong. On that occasion, schools, government and public institutions will remain closed, so that the public can witness the historic event, and later view the Constitution which will be displayed to the public. Links: 
China Orders Beijing Businesses To Reduce Working Hours Until Olympics' End (Source: AFP) A notice on the Beijing government website announced that Beijing companies have been ordered to stagger or shorten working hours, starting on July 20th, to cut pollution and traffic gridlock for the upcoming Olympic Games. Links: 
Lebanon Declares Tomorrow A Public Holiday (Source: Reuters + Haaretz) Late this afternoon, the Lebanese government announced that tomorrow, Wednesday, July 16, 2008, will be a national public holiday to celebrate the recent agreement whereby Israel is to free five Hezbollah prisoners in exchange for two of it soldiers, captured in 2006. Links: 
Brazil's Parliament Approves "Day Of Portuguese Immigration" National Holiday (Source: Agência Câmara-Brasilia) The Commission for the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship (Comissão de Constituição e Justiça e de Cidadania, CCJ) has passed in its final reading the Projeto de Lei 1385/03, of assemblyman Gastão Vieira (PMDB-MA), making June 10th, an annual national holiday, celebrating the contributions made to the development of Brazil by Portuguese immigration. This date is not the same as the one in last November's proposal which set forth April 22 to commemorate the arrival of Europeans. Links: 
Kuwait Confirms Day In Lieu For Upcoming Prophet's Ascension Public Holiday (Source: Kuwait News Agency-KUNA) The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has announced that, in accordance with Kuwaiti Cabinet decision number 252, Thursday, July 31, will be a public holiday on the occasion of the religious holiday marking the Prophet Mohammed's ascension to heaven. Links: 
Malta's Leading Parties Discussing Reduction In Number Of Public Holidays (Source: The Times of Malta) In a recent letter to opposition leader, Labour leader Joseph Muscat, Malta's Prime Minister, Lawrence Gonzi, suggested having one national holiday instead of five. Links: 
Germany October 9 Public Holiday in Leipzig (Source: Mitteldeutsche Zeitung-Leizig) In its last session before the summer break, this Wednesday, the Leipzig city council started considering a proposal from the Fraktion Bündnis 90/Die Grünen to make October 9 a city-wide (working) public holiday called «Tag der Friedlichen Revolution» (Day of the Peaceful Revolution) to commemorate the peaceful revolution which led to the end of the Soviet occupation of East Germany. Links: 
Nigeria Declares Today A Public Holiday In Yobe State (Source: This Day Onlline-Damaturu) In accordance with article 2b) of the Public Holidays Act of 1979, chapter 378, Yobe State Governor, Senator Mamman Ali, has declared today a work-free public holiday for the people of the state to address the numerous socio-economic challenges facing the state. Links: 
Indonesia Declares July 9 Public Holiday In Bali (Source: Office of the Governor of Bali) Bali's Governor Dewa Beratha has issued a decree formally declaring Wednesday, July 9, 2008, as a holiday in connection with the island-wide election of Bali's next governor. Links: 
Malasia July 15 Public Holiday In Kedah State (Source: Bernama News Agency) The Malaysian State of Kedah has declared a public holiday on Tuesday, July 15, 2008, in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee of the reign of the Sultan of Kedah, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah. Kedah officials specified to the press that this public holiday must be observed by all federal and state government departments and the private sector. Links: 
Isle Of Man Releases School and Public Holiday Calendar Until Mid-2011 (Source: Isle of Man Government) The Isle of Man Department of Education has released details of bank holidays (aka. public holidays), school term dates and school holiday dates, for the Isle of Man, up to the end of the 2010-11 academic year. The information is available on the Isle of Man Government website. Links: 
Solomon Islands Extends 2008 National Day Public Holiday For 2 Days (Source: Solomon Times-Honiara) The Solomon Islands' Minister of Home Affairs, James Tora, announced yesterday that this year's Independence Day public holiday (the 30th), would be extended for an additional day, to include Tuesday, July 8, 2008, as well as the regularly scheduled public holiday on Monday, July 7, 2008. Links: 
India's Punjab State Declares July 1 Public Holiday (Source: Punjab Newsline Network-Chandigarh) Following the death of former Speaker of Punjab, the Chief Minister announced that Tuesday, July 1st, 2008, would be a one-off public holiday throughout the State, and ordered all the Government offices, state undertakings, corporations and educational institutions throughout the state to remain closed on that day. Links: