worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
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Slovenia Adds November 10 National Holiday Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The Government of Slovenia has released an updated list of its National holidays and other work-free days which now includes November 10, henceforth to be observed as Science Day, a new national holiday in Slovenia.
Slovenia Adds November 10 National Holiday Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The Government of Slovenia has released an updated list of its National holidays and other work-free days which now includes November 10, henceforth to be observed as Science Day, a new national holiday in Slovenia.
Vanuatu Government Pauses Public Holiday Renaming Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) The Government of Vanuatu has announced that it had paused its plan to rename the February 21st public holiday from Father Walter Lini Day to National Leaders Day following a surge of emotional public backlash, which involved one of the Vanuatu’s founding Prime Minister daughter, Donna Titi.
Vanuatu Government Pauses Public Holiday Renaming Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) The Government of Vanuatu has announced that it had paused its plan to rename the February 21st public holiday from Father Walter Lini Day to National Leaders Day following a surge of emotional public backlash, which involved one of the Vanuatu’s founding Prime Minister daughter, Donna Titi.
Canada 2025-2026 Bank Holidays Updated Bank of Canada - Banque du Canada (Ottawa) The Bank of Canada, Canada's central bank, has released an updated version of its previously-released list of 2025-2026 bank holidays in Canada, this time including later dates into 2026.
Canada 2025-2026 Bank Holidays Updated Bank of Canada - Banque du Canada (Ottawa) The Bank of Canada, Canada's central bank, has released an updated version of its previously-released list of 2025-2026 bank holidays in Canada, this time including later dates into 2026.
Albania Declares May 15-16 Bank Holidays Bank of Albania (Tirana) The Bank of Albania has announced that, as per the Council of Ministers' Decision On designating 15 and 16 May 2025 as holidays for the employees of certain institutions of public administration, Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16, 2025 had been declared bank holidays in Albania. Recall that, earlier this month, the Albanian Council of Ministers announced that it had declared Thursday and Friday, May 15-16, 2025, as a public sector holiday for employees of state administration institutions located within the municipalities of Tirana, Kamza, Vorë, and Kruja, on account of the upcoming European Political Community (EPC) Summit being held on May 16.
Albania Declares May 15-16 Bank Holidays Bank of Albania (Tirana) The Bank of Albania has announced that, as per the Council of Ministers' Decision On designating 15 and 16 May 2025 as holidays for the employees of certain institutions of public administration, Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16, 2025 had been declared bank holidays in Albania. Recall that, earlier this month, the Albanian Council of Ministers announced that it had declared Thursday and Friday, May 15-16, 2025, as a public sector holiday for employees of state administration institutions located within the municipalities of Tirana, Kamza, Vorë, and Kruja, on account of the upcoming European Political Community (EPC) Summit being held on May 16.
Bolivian Public Holiday May 1st Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has issued the Communicado DGTHSO-018/2025 which declares that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, is a is International Labor Day and a national public holiday with the suspension of work activities. As per the aforementioned communique, "The measure is based on paragraph II of the sole article of Law No. 274 , enacted on September 10, 2012, as well as on Supreme Decree No. 2750 of May 1, 2016. It is also supported by paragraph I of article 48 of the Political Constitution of the State , which guarantees rest on holidays".
Bolivian Public Holiday May 1st Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has issued the Communicado DGTHSO-018/2025 which declares that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, is a is International Labor Day and a national public holiday with the suspension of work activities. As per the aforementioned communique, "The measure is based on paragraph II of the sole article of Law No. 274 , enacted on September 10, 2012, as well as on Supreme Decree No. 2750 of May 1, 2016. It is also supported by paragraph I of article 48 of the Political Constitution of the State , which guarantees rest on holidays".
Gabon Declares May 1-2 Public Holidays Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's ministre du Travail et de la Lutte contre le chômage, Adrien Nguéma Mba, has announced that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, would be a public holiday in the Gabon on account of Labour Day ("Le Ministre du Travail et de la Lutte contre le chômage porte à la connaissance des employeurs et travailleurs ainsi qu’à toute la communauté nationale que, conformément aux dispositions du décret n° 00727/PR/MTEFP du 29 juin 1998, réglementant le régime des jours fériés en République gabonaise et modifié en son article 2 par le décret N° 000484/PR/MTE du 26 mai 2004, la journée du jeudi 1er mai 2025, marquant la « Fête du Travail » est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national."). Additionally, on the occasion of the upcoming inauguration of recently-elected President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, May 2 is also declared a public holiday ("à l’occasion de l’investiture du Président de la République nouvellement élu, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema et, afin de permettre aux populations de mieux se préparer pour y prendre part ; la journée du vendredi 2 mai 2025 est déclarée, fériée, chômée et récupérable sur toute l’étendue du territoire national").
Gabon Declares May 1-2 Public Holidays Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's ministre du Travail et de la Lutte contre le chômage, Adrien Nguéma Mba, has announced that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, would be a public holiday in the Gabon on account of Labour Day ("Le Ministre du Travail et de la Lutte contre le chômage porte à la connaissance des employeurs et travailleurs ainsi qu’à toute la communauté nationale que, conformément aux dispositions du décret n° 00727/PR/MTEFP du 29 juin 1998, réglementant le régime des jours fériés en République gabonaise et modifié en son article 2 par le décret N° 000484/PR/MTE du 26 mai 2004, la journée du jeudi 1er mai 2025, marquant la « Fête du Travail » est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national."). Additionally, on the occasion of the upcoming inauguration of recently-elected President, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, May 2 is also declared a public holiday ("à l’occasion de l’investiture du Président de la République nouvellement élu, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema et, afin de permettre aux populations de mieux se préparer pour y prendre part ; la journée du vendredi 2 mai 2025 est déclarée, fériée, chômée et récupérable sur toute l’étendue du territoire national").
Hungary Decree Officializes 2026 Public Holidays Kormányzat Nemzetgazdasági Minisztérium (Budapest) Hungary's Minister of National Economy, Márton Nagy, has published a decree in the Magyar Közlöny (Hungarian Official Gazette) which officializes the list of public holidays of Hungary in 2026, as well as the usual Monday and Friday one-off bridge public holidays that are compensated by declaring a compensatory Saturday as a regular working day (A 2026. évi munkaszüneti napok körüli munkarendről szóló miniszteri rendelet). Recall that, last March, Hungary's Ministry of National Economy had issued a ministerial decree containing a draft proposal for the official public holidays of Hungary in 2026, including the usual Monday and Friday one-off bridge public holidays compensated by a compensatory working Saturday. The A 2026. évi munkaszüneti napok körüli munkarendről szóló miniszteri rendelet draft, signed by Minister Nagy Márton István, was to be open for public comments until March 20, 2025 ("A társadalmi egyeztetés során a véleményeket 2025. március 20-ig várjuk."), as was the case last year. As part of the public commentary process, the Christian Democratic People's Party (KDNP) hd suggested that the August 21, 2026, public holiday be compensated by a working Saturday on August 8, instead of August 15. This was approved in today's Gazette publication.
Hungary Decree Officializes 2026 Public Holidays Kormányzat Nemzetgazdasági Minisztérium (Budapest) Hungary's Minister of National Economy, Márton Nagy, has published a decree in the Magyar Közlöny (Hungarian Official Gazette) which officializes the list of public holidays of Hungary in 2026, as well as the usual Monday and Friday one-off bridge public holidays that are compensated by declaring a compensatory Saturday as a regular working day (A 2026. évi munkaszüneti napok körüli munkarendről szóló miniszteri rendelet). Recall that, last March, Hungary's Ministry of National Economy had issued a ministerial decree containing a draft proposal for the official public holidays of Hungary in 2026, including the usual Monday and Friday one-off bridge public holidays compensated by a compensatory working Saturday. The A 2026. évi munkaszüneti napok körüli munkarendről szóló miniszteri rendelet draft, signed by Minister Nagy Márton István, was to be open for public comments until March 20, 2025 ("A társadalmi egyeztetés során a véleményeket 2025. március 20-ig várjuk."), as was the case last year. As part of the public commentary process, the Christian Democratic People's Party (KDNP) hd suggested that the August 21, 2026, public holiday be compensated by a working Saturday on August 8, instead of August 15. This was approved in today's Gazette publication.
Macau 2026 Public Holidays Announced Portal do Governo da RAEM da República Popular da China (Macau) The government of the Macau SAR has announced its annual full list of official non-working annual public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 (二零二六年度公众假期、公共行政工作人员获豁免上班及补假日的日期表), which, once again, also contains the list of one-off public holidays for public servants in Macau for 2026 by the Chief Executive (行政长官批示公共行政工作人员获准豁免上班日期) as well as per the General Rules for Macao Public Administration Staff (按《澳门公共行政工作人员通则》第七十九条第四款规定所订定的公共行政工作人员补假日). Recall that in past years, the announcement of the full list of public holidays for the upcoming calendar year was preceded by the announcement of a list of one-off additional non-working public holidays ("Exemption from work granted to public employees by the Chief Executive" and Compensatory rest days for public employees set forth in No. 4 of Article 79 of the ETAPM). But since the 2022 announcement of 2023 public holidays in Macau, all annual lists of public holidays in Macau have been announced at once.
Macau 2026 Public Holidays Announced Portal do Governo da RAEM da República Popular da China (Macau) The government of the Macau SAR has announced its annual full list of official non-working annual public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 (二零二六年度公众假期、公共行政工作人员获豁免上班及补假日的日期表), which, once again, also contains the list of one-off public holidays for public servants in Macau for 2026 by the Chief Executive (行政长官批示公共行政工作人员获准豁免上班日期) as well as per the General Rules for Macao Public Administration Staff (按《澳门公共行政工作人员通则》第七十九条第四款规定所订定的公共行政工作人员补假日). Recall that in past years, the announcement of the full list of public holidays for the upcoming calendar year was preceded by the announcement of a list of one-off additional non-working public holidays ("Exemption from work granted to public employees by the Chief Executive" and Compensatory rest days for public employees set forth in No. 4 of Article 79 of the ETAPM). But since the 2022 announcement of 2023 public holidays in Macau, all annual lists of public holidays in Macau have been announced at once.
Mauritius Declares April 30 Bank Holiday The Bank of Mauritius (Port-Louis) Earlier this morning, the Bank of Mauritius, Mauritius' Central Bank, has issued a communiqué announcing that today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Mauritius on account of the current torrential rains. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Public is hereby informed that, following the Torrential Rain Warning issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Services, the Communiqué issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre pertaining to torrential rainfall and further to the decision taken by Government regarding public sector employees, the Bank of Mauritius has, with the approval of the Minister of Finance, declared Wednesday 30 April 2025 a bank holiday by virtue of Section 63 of the Banking Act.", adding that "The Bank Holiday shall take effect as from 10.30 hours today.". In the past, the Bank of Mauritius has often declared one-off bank holidays due to meteorological events. Monday, April 22, 2024, was declared a bank holiday in Mauritius due to torrential rains, as were January 15 and 16, 2024. Similar weather-related bank holidays were declared in 2021, 2016, and 2013.
Mauritius Declares April 30 Bank Holiday The Bank of Mauritius (Port-Louis) Earlier this morning, the Bank of Mauritius, Mauritius' Central Bank, has issued a communiqué announcing that today, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Mauritius on account of the current torrential rains. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Public is hereby informed that, following the Torrential Rain Warning issued by the Mauritius Meteorological Services, the Communiqué issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre pertaining to torrential rainfall and further to the decision taken by Government regarding public sector employees, the Bank of Mauritius has, with the approval of the Minister of Finance, declared Wednesday 30 April 2025 a bank holiday by virtue of Section 63 of the Banking Act.", adding that "The Bank Holiday shall take effect as from 10.30 hours today.". In the past, the Bank of Mauritius has often declared one-off bank holidays due to meteorological events. Monday, April 22, 2024, was declared a bank holiday in Mauritius due to torrential rains, as were January 15 and 16, 2024. Similar weather-related bank holidays were declared in 2021, 2016, and 2013.
Sierra Leone Declares May 1st Public Holiday State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The Office of the President of Sierra Leone, State House, announced that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, had been declared a public holiday in Sierra Leone for International Labour Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The General Public is hereby informed that International Labour Day will be observed on Thursday, 1st May 2025. Accordingly, Thursday, 1st May 2025, will be a public holiday nationwide.".
Sierra Leone Declares May 1st Public Holiday State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The Office of the President of Sierra Leone, State House, announced that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, had been declared a public holiday in Sierra Leone for International Labour Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The General Public is hereby informed that International Labour Day will be observed on Thursday, 1st May 2025. Accordingly, Thursday, 1st May 2025, will be a public holiday nationwide.".
Togo Declares May 2 Public Holiday Primature du Togo (Lome) The Government of Togo has declared Friday, May 2, 2025, as a one-off bridge public holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "En raison des commémorations successives intervenues ces derniers jours, d’une part à l’occasion du 65ème anniversaire de l'indépendance de notre pays, célébré le dimanche 27 avril dans une ambiance empreinte de ferveur et de réjouissances populaires, et d’autre part dans le cadre de la fête des travailleurs ce jeudi ler mai, la journée du vendredi 02 mai 2025 est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national.". In the past, the Government of Togo has often tweaked the days around the annual May 1st public holiday. In 2021, the Government of Togo announced that Monday, May 3, 2021, had been declared as a non-working public holiday throughout Togo for the upcoming fête du travail annual public holiday of Togo, which fell on a Saturday in 2021. In 2018, a communiqué announced that Monday, April 30, 2018, had been declared as a one-off non-working public holiday throughout Togo, which meant a 5-day period of public holidays due to the April 27, Independence Day public holiday. The government of Togo similarly declared Friday, May 2, 2014, a one-off non-working public holiday throughout Togo, to allow workers to recuperate from the April 27 and May 1st public holidays ("pour permettre aux travailleurs bousculés par les fêtes du 27 avril et 1er mai, de se ressourcer avant d'entamer le travail le 5 mai").
Togo Declares May 2 Public Holiday Primature du Togo (Lome) The Government of Togo has declared Friday, May 2, 2025, as a one-off bridge public holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "En raison des commémorations successives intervenues ces derniers jours, d’une part à l’occasion du 65ème anniversaire de l'indépendance de notre pays, célébré le dimanche 27 avril dans une ambiance empreinte de ferveur et de réjouissances populaires, et d’autre part dans le cadre de la fête des travailleurs ce jeudi ler mai, la journée du vendredi 02 mai 2025 est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national.". In the past, the Government of Togo has often tweaked the days around the annual May 1st public holiday. In 2021, the Government of Togo announced that Monday, May 3, 2021, had been declared as a non-working public holiday throughout Togo for the upcoming fête du travail annual public holiday of Togo, which fell on a Saturday in 2021. In 2018, a communiqué announced that Monday, April 30, 2018, had been declared as a one-off non-working public holiday throughout Togo, which meant a 5-day period of public holidays due to the April 27, Independence Day public holiday. The government of Togo similarly declared Friday, May 2, 2014, a one-off non-working public holiday throughout Togo, to allow workers to recuperate from the April 27 and May 1st public holidays ("pour permettre aux travailleurs bousculés par les fêtes du 27 avril et 1er mai, de se ressourcer avant d'entamer le travail le 5 mai").
Kurdistan Declares May 1st Public Holiday Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Department of Media and Information of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has announced that Thursday, 1 May 2025, will be an official holiday for all Kurdistan Regional Government institutions and the private sector in observance of Labour Day. Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution.
Kurdistan Declares May 1st Public Holiday Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Department of Media and Information of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has announced that Thursday, 1 May 2025, will be an official holiday for all Kurdistan Regional Government institutions and the private sector in observance of Labour Day. Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution.
Kuwait Announces 2025 Eid Al-Adha Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers, at a meeting led by Kuwait’s Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, has announced public sector holidays for all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions, on the occasion of the upcoming Arafat Day and the Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). As per the aforementioned announcement, "public sector holidays will span four days - from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, 2025. Monday, June 9, has been designated as a day of rest.". Recall that, since 2007, weekends in Kuwait are observed on Friday and Saturday.
Kuwait Announces 2025 Eid Al-Adha Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers, at a meeting led by Kuwait’s Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al Sabah, has announced public sector holidays for all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions, on the occasion of the upcoming Arafat Day and the Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice). As per the aforementioned announcement, "public sector holidays will span four days - from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, 2025. Monday, June 9, has been designated as a day of rest.". Recall that, since 2007, weekends in Kuwait are observed on Friday and Saturday.
Lithuanian MPs Vote To Keep May 1st Public Holiday Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas (Vilnius) The Seimas (Lithuania's Parliament) has rejected a bill to remove Labour Day from Lithuania's list of annual public holidays, to accommodate the addition of a new annual public holiday on January 13. The January 13 bill was passed last January in its first reading by a vote of 43 in favor, 3 against, and 27 abstentions. Following today's vote, the Seimas decided to ask the Government’s opinion on the draft legislation amending the Labour Code and the Law on Memorable Days and return to the issue in the spring session due to start on March 10th. Earlier in January, Seimas speaker Skvernelis had introduced a bill containing amendments to remove January 13, the Day of Defenders of Freedom, from the Law on Memorial Days and instead include it in the Labor Code a non-working annual public holiday. Next year will be the 35th anniversary of the January 13, 1991, events when Soviet military units stormed the Vilnius TV tower and the building of the Radio and Television Committee, leading to 14 civilian deaths. In a later interview, Speaker Skvernelis suggested that November 2 (All Souls' Day) could be removed from the list of annual public holidays in compensation. When it was pointed to him that November 2 was made into an annual public holiday when he was Prime Minister, Speaker Skvernelis responded that "It appeared with us, and it can disappear with us".
Lithuanian MPs Vote To Keep May 1st Public Holiday Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas (Vilnius) The Seimas (Lithuania's Parliament) has rejected a bill to remove Labour Day from Lithuania's list of annual public holidays, to accommodate the addition of a new annual public holiday on January 13. The January 13 bill was passed last January in its first reading by a vote of 43 in favor, 3 against, and 27 abstentions. Following today's vote, the Seimas decided to ask the Government’s opinion on the draft legislation amending the Labour Code and the Law on Memorable Days and return to the issue in the spring session due to start on March 10th. Earlier in January, Seimas speaker Skvernelis had introduced a bill containing amendments to remove January 13, the Day of Defenders of Freedom, from the Law on Memorial Days and instead include it in the Labor Code a non-working annual public holiday. Next year will be the 35th anniversary of the January 13, 1991, events when Soviet military units stormed the Vilnius TV tower and the building of the Radio and Television Committee, leading to 14 civilian deaths. In a later interview, Speaker Skvernelis suggested that November 2 (All Souls' Day) could be removed from the list of annual public holidays in compensation. When it was pointed to him that November 2 was made into an annual public holiday when he was Prime Minister, Speaker Skvernelis responded that "It appeared with us, and it can disappear with us".
Nigeria Declares May 1st Public Holiday Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Minister of Interior of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a communique announcing that the Nigerian Government had declared Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a non-working public holiday " to mark the 2025 Workers Day".
Nigeria Declares May 1st Public Holiday Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Minister of Interior of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a communique announcing that the Nigerian Government had declared Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a non-working public holiday " to mark the 2025 Workers Day".
Benin Declares May 1st Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.011 /MTFP/DC/SGM /DGT/DRPDS/SRI/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of Labour Day. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique communique. Dans le cadre de célébration de la Fête du Travail, et conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du jeudi 1er mai 2025, Fête du Travail, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.".
Benin Declares May 1st Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.011 /MTFP/DC/SGM /DGT/DRPDS/SRI/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of Labour Day. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by her Cabinet Director, Victorin Honvoh, "Le Ministre du Travail et de la Fonction Publique communique. Dans le cadre de célébration de la Fête du Travail, et conformément aux dispositions de la loi n° 90-019 du 27 juillet 1990 fixant les fêtes légales en République du Bénin, la journée du jeudi 1er mai 2025, Fête du Travail, est fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l'étendue du territoire national.".
Chandigarh Declares April 29 Public Holiday Government of Chandigarh (Chandigarh) The Administration of the Government of India's Union Territory of Chandigarh has announced a public holiday on April 29 on account of Parshuram Jayanti. As such, all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions and industrial establishments under the Administration, schools and colleges will remain closed. The aforementioned thus partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays as published in the December 2024 vide Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2024/18285. Recall that this month's public holidays in Chandigarh had already been amended, first by last March's vide notification No. 6/1/1-IH(I)-2025/3924 and then by a mid-April Government communique, which stated that "Following queries by residents, the UT Administration has again clarified that Good Friday (April 18) and Buddha Purnima (May 12) will be public holidays as per the earlier notification in all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions and industrial establishments under the Chandigarh Administration", all the while adding that both these public holidays will not be within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, meaning that banks and financial institutions may remain open on those 2 dates.
Chandigarh Declares April 29 Public Holiday Government of Chandigarh (Chandigarh) The Administration of the Government of India's Union Territory of Chandigarh has announced a public holiday on April 29 on account of Parshuram Jayanti. As such, all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions and industrial establishments under the Administration, schools and colleges will remain closed. The aforementioned thus partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays as published in the December 2024 vide Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2024/18285. Recall that this month's public holidays in Chandigarh had already been amended, first by last March's vide notification No. 6/1/1-IH(I)-2025/3924 and then by a mid-April Government communique, which stated that "Following queries by residents, the UT Administration has again clarified that Good Friday (April 18) and Buddha Purnima (May 12) will be public holidays as per the earlier notification in all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions and industrial establishments under the Chandigarh Administration", all the while adding that both these public holidays will not be within the meaning of Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, meaning that banks and financial institutions may remain open on those 2 dates.
DR Congo Declares May 1st Public Holiday Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Labor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), Ephraim Akwakwa Nametu, has issued a communique declaring Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Labour Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as per the decree of March 30, 2023 ("Le ministre de l’Emploi et du Travail porte à la connaissance du public en général et des organisations professionnelles d’employeurs et de travailleurs en particulier que, conformément à l’ordonnance n°23/04, la journée du 1er mai 2025, consacrée à la Journée internationale du travail, est déclarée chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national.").
DR Congo Declares May 1st Public Holiday Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Labor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), Ephraim Akwakwa Nametu, has issued a communique declaring Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Labour Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as per the decree of March 30, 2023 ("Le ministre de l’Emploi et du Travail porte à la connaissance du public en général et des organisations professionnelles d’employeurs et de travailleurs en particulier que, conformément à l’ordonnance n°23/04, la journée du 1er mai 2025, consacrée à la Journée internationale du travail, est déclarée chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire national.").
Costa Rica Confirms May 1st Public Holiday Not Moved Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica (MTSS) has issued a communique confirming that, based on the current legislation, the upcoming Labour Day holiday would be observed on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, and would not be moved to May 2nd. Recall that, late last year, the MTSS had issued a communique confirming that, based on the then current legislation, all the 2025 public holidays of Costa Rica would be observed on their respective set date, as Law No. 9875 of 2020 which moved three of the 2024 Costa Rican public holidays to a nearby weekend, was set to expire at the end of 2024. The public holidays Bill 23.981 which would have reformed article 148 of the Labor Code and which was making its way through the legislature, last November, was never passed. Bill 23.981, approved by the Tourism Commission of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly, last October, would have made permanent, beginning in 2025, the moving of 3 annual public holidays to the nearest Monday in cases when they fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, namely April 11, May 1, and December 1st.
Costa Rica Confirms May 1st Public Holiday Not Moved Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica (MTSS) has issued a communique confirming that, based on the current legislation, the upcoming Labour Day holiday would be observed on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, and would not be moved to May 2nd. Recall that, late last year, the MTSS had issued a communique confirming that, based on the then current legislation, all the 2025 public holidays of Costa Rica would be observed on their respective set date, as Law No. 9875 of 2020 which moved three of the 2024 Costa Rican public holidays to a nearby weekend, was set to expire at the end of 2024. The public holidays Bill 23.981 which would have reformed article 148 of the Labor Code and which was making its way through the legislature, last November, was never passed. Bill 23.981, approved by the Tourism Commission of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly, last October, would have made permanent, beginning in 2025, the moving of 3 annual public holidays to the nearest Monday in cases when they fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, namely April 11, May 1, and December 1st.
Dominican Republic Moves Labour Day Public Holiday To May 5th Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué informing the entire business and working community that, as per the current legislation on public holidays, the upcoming Día del Trabajo (Labour Day), traditionally observed on May 1st, would be observed on Monday, May 5th, 2025.
Dominican Republic Moves Labour Day Public Holiday To May 5th Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué informing the entire business and working community that, as per the current legislation on public holidays, the upcoming Día del Trabajo (Labour Day), traditionally observed on May 1st, would be observed on Monday, May 5th, 2025.
Guatemala Extends Labor Day Public Sector Holidays Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Guatemalan government has authorized the gazette publication of the governmental document number 76-2025 of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, which declares a public sector holiday on Friday, May 2, 2025, on account of the annual May 1st public holiday. Recall that, in 2022, Guatemala's then President, Alejandro Giammattei, had authorized the gazette publication of the governmental document number 101-2022 which declared a public sector holiday on Monday, May 2, 2022, on account of May 1st falling on a Sunday that year. And the year before, Guatemala's Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Mintrab) announced that Guatemalan President, Alejandro Giammattei, had declared a one-off public sector holiday in Guatemala on Monday, May 3, 2021 ("el Gobierno de Guatemala concedió licencia con goce de salario el 3 de mayo a servidores públicos de las entidades centralizadas y descentralizadas").
Guatemala Extends Labor Day Public Sector Holidays Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Guatemalan government has authorized the gazette publication of the governmental document number 76-2025 of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, which declares a public sector holiday on Friday, May 2, 2025, on account of the annual May 1st public holiday. Recall that, in 2022, Guatemala's then President, Alejandro Giammattei, had authorized the gazette publication of the governmental document number 101-2022 which declared a public sector holiday on Monday, May 2, 2022, on account of May 1st falling on a Sunday that year. And the year before, Guatemala's Ministry of Labour and Social Security (Mintrab) announced that Guatemalan President, Alejandro Giammattei, had declared a one-off public sector holiday in Guatemala on Monday, May 3, 2021 ("el Gobierno de Guatemala concedió licencia con goce de salario el 3 de mayo a servidores públicos de las entidades centralizadas y descentralizadas").
Romanian Bill To Cancel 6 Public Holidays Senatului României (Bucharest) A bill has been introduced into the Romanian Parliament which would roll-back 6 of the most-recently promulgated new annual public holidays of Romania, namely; January 6 (Epiphany, observed since 2024), January 7 (Saint John, observed since 2024), January 24 (Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities, observed since 2017), Good Friday (observed since 2018), June 1 (Children's Day, observed since 2017), and November 30 (Saint Andrew, observed since 2012).
Romanian Bill To Cancel 6 Public Holidays Senatului României (Bucharest) A bill has been introduced into the Romanian Parliament which would roll-back 6 of the most-recently promulgated new annual public holidays of Romania, namely; January 6 (Epiphany, observed since 2024), January 7 (Saint John, observed since 2024), January 24 (Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities, observed since 2017), Good Friday (observed since 2018), June 1 (Children's Day, observed since 2017), and November 30 (Saint Andrew, observed since 2012).
Victoria Announces Date of The AFL Public Holiday State Government of Victoria (Melbourne) The Government of Australia's State of Victoria has announced the date of the 2025 AFL grand final public holiday as Friday, September 26, 2025. Recall that the September public holiday has been criticized and attacked by many since it was introduced in 2015. A 2019 bill to shift the AFL grand final holiday from the Friday before the game to the Monday after never got anywhere. Then, due to the pandemic, the Government of Victoria it from September 25, 2020, to Friday, October 23, 2020, and renamed it Thank You Day in 2020. A couple of years ago, the Deputy Premier of Australia's State of Victoria, James Merlino, similarly went on record to rule-out plans to shift the AFL grand final eve public holiday to the Friday before the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, as was done last year when the Deputy Premier of Australia's State of Victoria, Ben Carroll, denied the persistent rumours that his government was contemplating the cancellation of the AFL grand final public holiday.
Victoria Announces Date of The AFL Public Holiday State Government of Victoria (Melbourne) The Government of Australia's State of Victoria has announced the date of the 2025 AFL grand final public holiday as Friday, September 26, 2025. Recall that the September public holiday has been criticized and attacked by many since it was introduced in 2015. A 2019 bill to shift the AFL grand final holiday from the Friday before the game to the Monday after never got anywhere. Then, due to the pandemic, the Government of Victoria it from September 25, 2020, to Friday, October 23, 2020, and renamed it Thank You Day in 2020. A couple of years ago, the Deputy Premier of Australia's State of Victoria, James Merlino, similarly went on record to rule-out plans to shift the AFL grand final eve public holiday to the Friday before the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, as was done last year when the Deputy Premier of Australia's State of Victoria, Ben Carroll, denied the persistent rumours that his government was contemplating the cancellation of the AFL grand final public holiday.
Yemen Declares May 1st Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has announced "to all employees of the state's administrative apparatus and the public and mixed sectors that next Thursday, Dhu al-Qi'dah 3, 1446 AH, corresponding to May 1, 2025 AD, is an official holiday on the occasion of International Workers' Day", based on Law No. 2 of 2000, Article No. 3, Paragraph No. 8, regarding official holidays and vacations.
Yemen Declares May 1st Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has announced "to all employees of the state's administrative apparatus and the public and mixed sectors that next Thursday, Dhu al-Qi'dah 3, 1446 AH, corresponding to May 1, 2025 AD, is an official holiday on the occasion of International Workers' Day", based on Law No. 2 of 2000, Article No. 3, Paragraph No. 8, regarding official holidays and vacations.
Algeria Declares May 1st Public Holiday Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Direction générale de la Fonction publique et de la Réforme administrative et du ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Sécurité sociale has announced that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, had been declared a public holiday in Algeria to mark the upcoming Labor Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "A l'occasion de la fête des travailleurs et conformément aux dispositions de la loi 63-278 du 26 juillet 1963 modifiée et complétée fixant la liste des fêtes légales, la journée du jeudi 1er mai 2025 est chômée et payée pour l'ensemble des personnels des institutions et administrations publiques et des établissements et offices publics et privés, ainsi que pour les personnels des entreprises publiques et privées, tous secteurs et statuts confondus, y compris les personnels payés à l'heure ou à la journée», indique un communiqué de la Direction générale de la fonction publique et de la réforme administrative").
Algeria Declares May 1st Public Holiday Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Direction générale de la Fonction publique et de la Réforme administrative et du ministère du Travail, de l’Emploi et de la Sécurité sociale has announced that Thursday, May 1st, 2025, had been declared a public holiday in Algeria to mark the upcoming Labor Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "A l'occasion de la fête des travailleurs et conformément aux dispositions de la loi 63-278 du 26 juillet 1963 modifiée et complétée fixant la liste des fêtes légales, la journée du jeudi 1er mai 2025 est chômée et payée pour l'ensemble des personnels des institutions et administrations publiques et des établissements et offices publics et privés, ainsi que pour les personnels des entreprises publiques et privées, tous secteurs et statuts confondus, y compris les personnels payés à l'heure ou à la journée», indique un communiqué de la Direction générale de la fonction publique et de la réforme administrative").
Bahrain Bank Holiday May 1st Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Central Bank has published a circular declaring Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a bank holiday in Bahrain. The aforementioned announcement, signed by the Central Bank's Director of the Banking Services Directorate, Hessa Saif Al Buflasa, reads as follows, "Please be advised that the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) will be closed during the Labour Day Holiday which will fall on Thursday 1st May 2025 and will resume operations on Sunday, 4th May 2025.".
Bahrain Bank Holiday May 1st Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Central Bank has published a circular declaring Thursday, May 1st, 2025, as a bank holiday in Bahrain. The aforementioned announcement, signed by the Central Bank's Director of the Banking Services Directorate, Hessa Saif Al Buflasa, reads as follows, "Please be advised that the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) will be closed during the Labour Day Holiday which will fall on Thursday 1st May 2025 and will resume operations on Sunday, 4th May 2025.".
Ghana Moves Ahead With And Renames July 1st Public Holiday Ghana News Agency (Accra) Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, has announced that July 1, traditionally observed as Republic Day, would now also be celebrated as Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. Back in the summer of 2019, NDC had announced that it would restore the July 1st Republic Day public holiday if the NDC won the next general elections ("The NDC would want to assure all Ghanaians living everywhere that upon its assumption of office in January 2021, Republic Day will be accorded full recognition as one of the more important national days in our history"). And, last August, during the recent Presidential campaign, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, reiterated that if he won the December 7th presidential election, his administration would restore the July 1st public holiday that was canceled as per the 2018 amendments to the Public Holidays Act, which also canceled African Union Day, while adding new public holidays on January 7 (Constitution Day), and August 4 (Founders’ Day). This was reconfirmed in February when President John Dramani Mahama announced his plans to introduce amendments to the Public Holidays Act to restore July 1st as an annual public holiday to mark Republic Day ("I propose that this national day of prayer and thanksgiving should be held on first July, which is also a republic day, and also marks senior citizens day").
Ghana Moves Ahead With And Renames July 1st Public Holiday Ghana News Agency (Accra) Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, has announced that July 1, traditionally observed as Republic Day, would now also be celebrated as Ghana’s National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving. Back in the summer of 2019, NDC had announced that it would restore the July 1st Republic Day public holiday if the NDC won the next general elections ("The NDC would want to assure all Ghanaians living everywhere that upon its assumption of office in January 2021, Republic Day will be accorded full recognition as one of the more important national days in our history"). And, last August, during the recent Presidential campaign, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, reiterated that if he won the December 7th presidential election, his administration would restore the July 1st public holiday that was canceled as per the 2018 amendments to the Public Holidays Act, which also canceled African Union Day, while adding new public holidays on January 7 (Constitution Day), and August 4 (Founders’ Day). This was reconfirmed in February when President John Dramani Mahama announced his plans to introduce amendments to the Public Holidays Act to restore July 1st as an annual public holiday to mark Republic Day ("I propose that this national day of prayer and thanksgiving should be held on first July, which is also a republic day, and also marks senior citizens day").
