worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past ten days
The qppstudio worldwide public holidays database and the
worldwide public holidays listings on the qppstudio.net website are constantly updated
to reflect changes to public holidays legislation, or ad hoc public holidays changes, anywhere in the world.
The worldwide public holidays news and updates, below, can be accessed via our Android
or iPhone apps which are 100% ad-free and whose data feed is updated nightly.
Argentina Reverts October 12 Public Holiday To Previous Name Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The administration of Argentina's President, Javier Milei, in official government communications, has reverted to referring to the October 12 public holiday as Día de la Raza, its name before former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner renamed it Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural in her November 2010 Decree 1584/10, published in the Boletín Oficial (Número 32.020, Año CXVIII). Note that, last August's Resolución 139/2025 published in the Official Gazette by the Chief of Staff of Argentina's government cabinet, Guillermo Francos, did refer to the other name in its Article 1 which states that "The national holiday of October 12, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity corresponding to the year 2025, is hereby moved to Friday, October 10 of the same year". Resolución 139/2025 had been a consequence of the Decreto 614/2025 (Feriados Nacionales Trasladables), signed by President Milei, and which implemented new criteria for moving national holidays, allowing already movable public holidays that fall on Saturdays or Sundays, to be moved to the preceding Friday or the following Monday, thus filling a legal gap in Law 27,399, which regulates national holidays but does not specify what to do in cases when movable public holidays fall on weekends.
Argentina Reverts October 12 Public Holiday To Previous Name Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The administration of Argentina's President, Javier Milei, in official government communications, has reverted to referring to the October 12 public holiday as Día de la Raza, its name before former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner renamed it Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural in her November 2010 Decree 1584/10, published in the Boletín Oficial (Número 32.020, Año CXVIII). Note that, last August's Resolución 139/2025 published in the Official Gazette by the Chief of Staff of Argentina's government cabinet, Guillermo Francos, did refer to the other name in its Article 1 which states that "The national holiday of October 12, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity corresponding to the year 2025, is hereby moved to Friday, October 10 of the same year". Resolución 139/2025 had been a consequence of the Decreto 614/2025 (Feriados Nacionales Trasladables), signed by President Milei, and which implemented new criteria for moving national holidays, allowing already movable public holidays that fall on Saturdays or Sundays, to be moved to the preceding Friday or the following Monday, thus filling a legal gap in Law 27,399, which regulates national holidays but does not specify what to do in cases when movable public holidays fall on weekends.
Nepal Declares October 5-6 Public Holidays Due To Rain Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Nepalese Home Secretary, Rameshwar Dangal, has announced that, based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Nepalese government cabinet had approved the declaration of Sunday and Monday, October 5-6, 2025, as nationwide public holidays, considering the risks of floods, inundation, and landslides due to continuous rainfall. The declaration of Sunday and Monday, October 5-6, 2025, as public holidays thus further amends the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2082 (वि.सं. २०८२ सालको बैंक बिदाको सूची) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, in late February of this year, and covers the period from mid-April 2025 to mid-April 2026. Recall that, Nepal has observed a one-day weekend on Saturdays, for decades, apart for 2 brief intervals, in 2000-2001, and in the spring of 2022, when a two-day weekend was tried briefly.
Nepal Declares October 5-6 Public Holidays Due To Rain Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Nepalese Home Secretary, Rameshwar Dangal, has announced that, based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Nepalese government cabinet had approved the declaration of Sunday and Monday, October 5-6, 2025, as nationwide public holidays, considering the risks of floods, inundation, and landslides due to continuous rainfall. The declaration of Sunday and Monday, October 5-6, 2025, as public holidays thus further amends the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2082 (वि.सं. २०८२ सालको बैंक बिदाको सूची) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, in late February of this year, and covers the period from mid-April 2025 to mid-April 2026. Recall that, Nepal has observed a one-day weekend on Saturdays, for decades, apart for 2 brief intervals, in 2000-2001, and in the spring of 2022, when a two-day weekend was tried briefly.
Uttar Pradesh Declares October 7 Public Holiday For Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, at the request of its Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, has declared Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as a public holiday across the state on account of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. The Bharatiya Valmiki Dharma Samaj society had submitted a memorandum to the government requesting October 7 to be declared a public holiday and that, initially, Chief Minister Adityanath had declared the public holiday for the Shravasti district only. Recall that in last December's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, the Government had only listed Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti as a restricted holiday. At the beginning of this year, the Uttar Pradesh Government had already promoted Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति) on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from a restricted holiday to a public holiday.
Uttar Pradesh Declares October 7 Public Holiday For Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh, at the request of its Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, has declared Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as a public holiday across the state on account of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. The Bharatiya Valmiki Dharma Samaj society had submitted a memorandum to the government requesting October 7 to be declared a public holiday and that, initially, Chief Minister Adityanath had declared the public holiday for the Shravasti district only. Recall that in last December's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, the Government had only listed Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti as a restricted holiday. At the beginning of this year, the Uttar Pradesh Government had already promoted Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति) on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from a restricted holiday to a public holiday.
Argentina Declares October 10 Bank Holiday Banco Central de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has released the Comunicación C 1000942, confirming the closure of all banks in Argentina on Friday, October 10, 2025. As per the aforementioned communique, "We are writing to inform you that through Resolution No. 139/2025 dated August 28, 2025, the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers resolved to move the national holiday from October 12, 2025, to Friday, October 10 of the same year". Recall that, as per last August's Resolución 139/2025 published in the Official Gazette by the Chief of Staff of Argentina's government cabinet, Guillermo Francos, "The national holiday of October 12, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity corresponding to the year 2025, is hereby moved to Friday, October 10 of the same year".
Argentina Declares October 10 Bank Holiday Banco Central de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has released the Comunicación C 1000942, confirming the closure of all banks in Argentina on Friday, October 10, 2025. As per the aforementioned communique, "We are writing to inform you that through Resolution No. 139/2025 dated August 28, 2025, the Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers resolved to move the national holiday from October 12, 2025, to Friday, October 10 of the same year". Recall that, as per last August's Resolución 139/2025 published in the Official Gazette by the Chief of Staff of Argentina's government cabinet, Guillermo Francos, "The national holiday of October 12, Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity corresponding to the year 2025, is hereby moved to Friday, October 10 of the same year".
Bangladesh 2026 Public Holidays Announced Ministry of Public Administration, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) The Government of Bangladesh has announced the list of 2026 public holidays in Bangladesh, including religious, national, and cultural holidays. Interestingly, after being removed from the list of 2025 public holidays, the list of 2026 public holidays once again includes the March 17 annual public holiday commemorating the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day, as well as the August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the previous Awami League administration. The list of 2026 also features the extension of both the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) annual public holidays to last 5 days and 6 days, respectively, as well as an extension to the annual Durga Puja public holiday to last 2 days. Note that, each of the Eids will come with one general holiday while the remaining days, before and after, are to be observed as executive holidays (essentially limited to the public and financial sectors).
Bangladesh 2026 Public Holidays Announced Ministry of Public Administration, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) The Government of Bangladesh has announced the list of 2026 public holidays in Bangladesh, including religious, national, and cultural holidays. Interestingly, after being removed from the list of 2025 public holidays, the list of 2026 public holidays once again includes the March 17 annual public holiday commemorating the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day, as well as the August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the previous Awami League administration. The list of 2026 also features the extension of both the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) annual public holidays to last 5 days and 6 days, respectively, as well as an extension to the annual Durga Puja public holiday to last 2 days. Note that, each of the Eids will come with one general holiday while the remaining days, before and after, are to be observed as executive holidays (essentially limited to the public and financial sectors).
Bolivia Declares Public Holiday For Bolivian Women's Day Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor has issued a communique declaring a public holiday for Bolivian women on Saturday, October 11, 2025, on account of Bolivian Women's Day (Día de la Mujer Boliviana), "for all women who work in the public and private sectors". The Decree Law 7352 of October 5, 1965, elevated to the rank of law, October 11 of each year as declared Bolivian Women's Day, in honor of the educator and poet Adela Zamudio. However, this is often declared as only a half-day public holiday, as was the case last year when Bolivia's Ministry of Labor issued a communique specifying that "a half-day holiday is exceptionally available on Friday, October 11 of this year for all women who work in the public and private sectors", adding that "this holiday, which is limited exclusively to female workers, should not affect the normal working day on Friday, October 11".
Bolivia Declares Public Holiday For Bolivian Women's Day Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor has issued a communique declaring a public holiday for Bolivian women on Saturday, October 11, 2025, on account of Bolivian Women's Day (Día de la Mujer Boliviana), "for all women who work in the public and private sectors". The Decree Law 7352 of October 5, 1965, elevated to the rank of law, October 11 of each year as declared Bolivian Women's Day, in honor of the educator and poet Adela Zamudio. However, this is often declared as only a half-day public holiday, as was the case last year when Bolivia's Ministry of Labor issued a communique specifying that "a half-day holiday is exceptionally available on Friday, October 11 of this year for all women who work in the public and private sectors", adding that "this holiday, which is limited exclusively to female workers, should not affect the normal working day on Friday, October 11".
Botswana's President Defends September 29 Public Holiday Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) Botswana's President, Duma Gideon Boko, has commented that he did not regret his earlier decision to declare Monday, September 29, 2025, as a one-off public holiday, in celebration of the country’s first-ever gold medal victory at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo which, combined with Botswana’s Independence Day on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, meant a 4-day weekend in Botswana at the end of last month. Responding to those who felt that this additional public holiday was detrimental to the economy of Botswana, President Boko stated that "Your proposition is actually speculative, but even assuming it is true, do you realise the countervailing benefits?", adding that "We recognise these athletes and there is no regret about the 29th of September, none whatsoever. In fact I am fortified that in my belief it was the correct decision to make.". In the more remote past, such a one-off declaration of a public holiday was rather rare, and are usually limited to electoral occasions. But, there have been a few sports-related exceptions. A one-off public holiday was declared on August 10, 2017, to honour Isaac Makwala's performance at the World Athletics Championship. Last year, Botswanan then President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that the afternoon of August 9, 2024, had been declared a public holiday to celebrate the Olympic gold medal of Letsile Tebogo the men's 200m sprint final at the Paris Olympics. And, a week later, President Masisi similarly announced that he had declared August 13, 2024, as another half-day public holiday to coincide with the return from Paris of the Botswana national Olympic team.
Botswana's President Defends September 29 Public Holiday Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) Botswana's President, Duma Gideon Boko, has commented that he did not regret his earlier decision to declare Monday, September 29, 2025, as a one-off public holiday, in celebration of the country’s first-ever gold medal victory at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo which, combined with Botswana’s Independence Day on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, meant a 4-day weekend in Botswana at the end of last month. Responding to those who felt that this additional public holiday was detrimental to the economy of Botswana, President Boko stated that "Your proposition is actually speculative, but even assuming it is true, do you realise the countervailing benefits?", adding that "We recognise these athletes and there is no regret about the 29th of September, none whatsoever. In fact I am fortified that in my belief it was the correct decision to make.". In the more remote past, such a one-off declaration of a public holiday was rather rare, and are usually limited to electoral occasions. But, there have been a few sports-related exceptions. A one-off public holiday was declared on August 10, 2017, to honour Isaac Makwala's performance at the World Athletics Championship. Last year, Botswanan then President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that the afternoon of August 9, 2024, had been declared a public holiday to celebrate the Olympic gold medal of Letsile Tebogo the men's 200m sprint final at the Paris Olympics. And, a week later, President Masisi similarly announced that he had declared August 13, 2024, as another half-day public holiday to coincide with the return from Paris of the Botswana national Olympic team.
Vietnam Submits Full Draft Of 2026 Public Holidays Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam has presented a draft plan for the full year public holidays of 2026, including a 5-day National Day with a compensatory working Saturday on August 22, 2026. All the ministries and agencies that sent comments on this extended draft agreed with the plan proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, but the final decision rests with the Prime Minister. Recall that, yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs had already submitted a draft plan for the 2026 Binh Ngo Tet Lunar New Year public holidays, which proposes one option; from Saturday, February 14, 2026, until Sunday, February 22, 2025, inclusively. In the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code.
Vietnam Submits Full Draft Of 2026 Public Holidays Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam has presented a draft plan for the full year public holidays of 2026, including a 5-day National Day with a compensatory working Saturday on August 22, 2026. All the ministries and agencies that sent comments on this extended draft agreed with the plan proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, but the final decision rests with the Prime Minister. Recall that, yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs had already submitted a draft plan for the 2026 Binh Ngo Tet Lunar New Year public holidays, which proposes one option; from Saturday, February 14, 2026, until Sunday, February 22, 2025, inclusively. In the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code.
Ecuador Extends Guayaquil Independence Public Holidays Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued an Executive Decree declaring Thursday, October 9, 2025, as a one-time public holiday, in both the public and private sectors. As per the communique from the Secretaría General de Comunicación de la Presidencia, announcing the aforementioned decree, "This Thursday, October 2nd, President Daniel Noboa ordered the suspension, for this one time only, of the workday throughout the national territory for the public and private sectors on Thursday, October 9th, 2025, in order to incorporate this day into the national holiday that will run from October 9th to 12th, 2025.", adding that "The President determined that this suspended workday will not be recoverable". This year's Guayaquil Independence Day public holiday was listed on Friday, October 10, 2025, in the initial list of 2025 public holidays in Ecuador, based on the 2016 Suplemento Registro Oficial No.906, which amended the 2003 "Ley Orgánica de Servicio Civil y Carrera Administrativa y de Unificación y Homologación de las Remuneraciones del Sector Público", by virtue of which most Ecuadorean public holidays' day off are moved to the nearest weekend. However, in recent months, President Noboa has often extended upcoming public holidays, with the objective of "strengthening economic activity". The Executive Decree No. 598 declared Maundy Thursday, on April 17, 2025, as a public holiday to be combined with the Good Friday holiday and the Easter weekend. The Executive Decree No.474 extended the then upcoming New Year public holiday with the declaration of Thursday and Friday, January 2 and 3, 2025, as non-recoverable public holidays for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador. And, the Executive Decree No.438 extended the 2024 All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays to Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Ecuador Extends Guayaquil Independence Public Holidays Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued an Executive Decree declaring Thursday, October 9, 2025, as a one-time public holiday, in both the public and private sectors. As per the communique from the Secretaría General de Comunicación de la Presidencia, announcing the aforementioned decree, "This Thursday, October 2nd, President Daniel Noboa ordered the suspension, for this one time only, of the workday throughout the national territory for the public and private sectors on Thursday, October 9th, 2025, in order to incorporate this day into the national holiday that will run from October 9th to 12th, 2025.", adding that "The President determined that this suspended workday will not be recoverable". This year's Guayaquil Independence Day public holiday was listed on Friday, October 10, 2025, in the initial list of 2025 public holidays in Ecuador, based on the 2016 Suplemento Registro Oficial No.906, which amended the 2003 "Ley Orgánica de Servicio Civil y Carrera Administrativa y de Unificación y Homologación de las Remuneraciones del Sector Público", by virtue of which most Ecuadorean public holidays' day off are moved to the nearest weekend. However, in recent months, President Noboa has often extended upcoming public holidays, with the objective of "strengthening economic activity". The Executive Decree No. 598 declared Maundy Thursday, on April 17, 2025, as a public holiday to be combined with the Good Friday holiday and the Easter weekend. The Executive Decree No.474 extended the then upcoming New Year public holiday with the declaration of Thursday and Friday, January 2 and 3, 2025, as non-recoverable public holidays for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador. And, the Executive Decree No.438 extended the 2024 All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays to Thursday, October 31, 2024.
Georgia Declares October 3 Public Sector Holiday The Administration of the President of Georgia (Tbilisi) The Government of Georgia, in a decree signed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, has declared Friday, October 3, 2025, as a one-off public sector holiday "for employees of administrative bodies", ahead of the October 4 local elections. The date of the election itself, Saturday, October 4, 2025, will be a full public holiday as per Article 6 of the revised Georgian Constitution, which states that "The date of the elections shall be declared as a holiday". Recall that, Friday, October 25, 2024, the day before last year's parliamentary elections, was also declared as an additional one-off public holiday, albeit not restricted to the public sector as is the case this time.
Georgia Declares October 3 Public Sector Holiday The Administration of the President of Georgia (Tbilisi) The Government of Georgia, in a decree signed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, has declared Friday, October 3, 2025, as a one-off public sector holiday "for employees of administrative bodies", ahead of the October 4 local elections. The date of the election itself, Saturday, October 4, 2025, will be a full public holiday as per Article 6 of the revised Georgian Constitution, which states that "The date of the elections shall be declared as a holiday". Recall that, Friday, October 25, 2024, the day before last year's parliamentary elections, was also declared as an additional one-off public holiday, albeit not restricted to the public sector as is the case this time.
Nigeria Annnounces Public Holidays For The Remainder Of The Year Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the list of public holidays for the last quarter of 2025, excluding Wednesday, October 1, 2025, which was declared a national public holiday, last month, "to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary", in line with the Public Holidays Act of 1979.
Nigeria Annnounces Public Holidays For The Remainder Of The Year Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the list of public holidays for the last quarter of 2025, excluding Wednesday, October 1, 2025, which was declared a national public holiday, last month, "to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary", in line with the Public Holidays Act of 1979.
Puducherry Extends Pooja Public Holidays Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Lieutenant Government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry, K Kailashnathan, has issued a vide notification declaring Friday, October 3, 2025, as a public sector holiday in the four regions of the Union Territory to extend the current Pooja holidays across the union territory. As per the aforementioned Government Order, signed by the Undersecretary to Government, M. V. Hiran, the October 3 public holiday will apply to all state government offices, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions, including professional colleges, and will be compensated by Saturday, October 25, 2025, being declared a regular working day. Today's vide notification further amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Puducherry as announced, last November, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 88, published in the subsequent issue of the official Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry. Recall that, earlier this year, the Puducherry Government had similarly issued the vide notification G.O Ms. No.93 declaring Thursday and Friday, January 16 and 17, 2025, as public sector holidays to extend the upcoming celebration of Pongal, to be compensated ("In lieu thereof, 01.02.2025 ·(Saturday) and 08.02.2025 (Saturday) will be compensatory working days").
Puducherry Extends Pooja Public Holidays Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Lieutenant Government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry, K Kailashnathan, has issued a vide notification declaring Friday, October 3, 2025, as a public sector holiday in the four regions of the Union Territory to extend the current Pooja holidays across the union territory. As per the aforementioned Government Order, signed by the Undersecretary to Government, M. V. Hiran, the October 3 public holiday will apply to all state government offices, public sector undertakings, and educational institutions, including professional colleges, and will be compensated by Saturday, October 25, 2025, being declared a regular working day. Today's vide notification further amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Puducherry as announced, last November, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 88, published in the subsequent issue of the official Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry. Recall that, earlier this year, the Puducherry Government had similarly issued the vide notification G.O Ms. No.93 declaring Thursday and Friday, January 16 and 17, 2025, as public sector holidays to extend the upcoming celebration of Pongal, to be compensated ("In lieu thereof, 01.02.2025 ·(Saturday) and 08.02.2025 (Saturday) will be compensatory working days").
Vanuatu Rules-Out October 6 Public Holiday Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Vanuatu's Prime Minister’s Office has issued a media release "for immediate release" and "in response to public enquiries" which rules-out the possibility of Monday, October 6, 2025, being declared a day in lieu public holiday. As per the aforementioned media release, "Following recent amendments to the Public Holidays Act, we wish to inform the public that all public holidays that fall on weekends will remain as they are. As a result. Constitution Day, which falls on Sunday, October 5, will be celebrated on the actual day, Sunday, October 5, and will not be moved to Monday, October 6.". Vanuatu's current government was formed following the recent snap elections held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, a date which was declared a one-off public holiday. And, last March, Vanuatu's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had announced that, as part of its 100-day plan, one of its priorities would be to reduce the number of annual public holidays to improve the public sector's efficiency, as well as reviewing the issue of what happens when a public holiday fall on a weekend. Shortly afterward, a motion to cancel the 6 provincial public holidays, observed since independence in 1980, as well as to stop the practice of declaring a day in lieu public holiday on the Monday after a weekend public holiday, gained support in Vanuatu's Parliament, and was passed last May.
Vanuatu Rules-Out October 6 Public Holiday Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Vanuatu's Prime Minister’s Office has issued a media release "for immediate release" and "in response to public enquiries" which rules-out the possibility of Monday, October 6, 2025, being declared a day in lieu public holiday. As per the aforementioned media release, "Following recent amendments to the Public Holidays Act, we wish to inform the public that all public holidays that fall on weekends will remain as they are. As a result. Constitution Day, which falls on Sunday, October 5, will be celebrated on the actual day, Sunday, October 5, and will not be moved to Monday, October 6.". Vanuatu's current government was formed following the recent snap elections held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, a date which was declared a one-off public holiday. And, last March, Vanuatu's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had announced that, as part of its 100-day plan, one of its priorities would be to reduce the number of annual public holidays to improve the public sector's efficiency, as well as reviewing the issue of what happens when a public holiday fall on a weekend. Shortly afterward, a motion to cancel the 6 provincial public holidays, observed since independence in 1980, as well as to stop the practice of declaring a day in lieu public holiday on the Monday after a weekend public holiday, gained support in Vanuatu's Parliament, and was passed last May.
Vietnam Submits Draft Of 2026 Tet Public Holidays Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam has submitted a draft plan for the 2026 Binh Ngo Tet Lunar New Year public holidays. The aforementioned plan only proposes one option; from Saturday, February 14, 2026, until Sunday, February 22, 2025, inclusively. If approved, then this would be the second consecutive year when the Tet public holidays have lasted 9 days. Recall that, in the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code.
Vietnam Submits Draft Of 2026 Tet Public Holidays Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Home Affairs of Vietnam has submitted a draft plan for the 2026 Binh Ngo Tet Lunar New Year public holidays. The aforementioned plan only proposes one option; from Saturday, February 14, 2026, until Sunday, February 22, 2025, inclusively. If approved, then this would be the second consecutive year when the Tet public holidays have lasted 9 days. Recall that, in the past, Vietnamese public holidays were managed by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). But, last June, the Vietnamese Government Office issued the Decree No. 128/2025/ND-CP regulating the decentralization and delegation of power in state management of the internal affairs sector, which took effect on July 1st, 2025, and places the Minister of Home Affairs in charge of notifying annual holidays and Tet holidays as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 112 of the Labor Code.
Egypt Declares October 9 Bank Holiday The Central Bank of Egypt (Cairo) The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has announced a bank holiday on account of the upcoming 1973 war anniversary. As per the aforementioned announcement, "all banks will close on Thursday, 9 October, in observance of Armed Forces Day, with operations resuming on Sunday, 12 October". Recall that, earlier this week, Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, had similarly issued a decree declaring Thursday, October 9, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for Armed Forces Day and to observe the 52nd anniversary of the October 6th, 1973, victory, for "employees across ministries, government offices, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and state-owned enterprises".
Egypt Declares October 9 Bank Holiday The Central Bank of Egypt (Cairo) The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has announced a bank holiday on account of the upcoming 1973 war anniversary. As per the aforementioned announcement, "all banks will close on Thursday, 9 October, in observance of Armed Forces Day, with operations resuming on Sunday, 12 October". Recall that, earlier this week, Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, had similarly issued a decree declaring Thursday, October 9, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for Armed Forces Day and to observe the 52nd anniversary of the October 6th, 1973, victory, for "employees across ministries, government offices, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and state-owned enterprises".
Italy Officializes New October 4 Public Holiday Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri (Rome) Italy's Senate Constitutional Affairs Committee has approved a bill to add October 4 as a new annual public holiday, leaving only the gazetting of the law in the Gazzetta ufficiale as a perfunctory last step. The aforementioned bill was introduced by the center-right party Noi Moderati to re-instate the October 4 annual public holiday for St Francis of Assisi, which had been canceled in 1977 as part of a package of austerity measures. This legislation comes ahead of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, and had been backed by all the parties in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition. A week ago, the Lower House of the Italian legislature had approved it by 247 votes to 2, with 8 abstentions.
Italy Officializes New October 4 Public Holiday Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri (Rome) Italy's Senate Constitutional Affairs Committee has approved a bill to add October 4 as a new annual public holiday, leaving only the gazetting of the law in the Gazzetta ufficiale as a perfunctory last step. The aforementioned bill was introduced by the center-right party Noi Moderati to re-instate the October 4 annual public holiday for St Francis of Assisi, which had been canceled in 1977 as part of a package of austerity measures. This legislation comes ahead of the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, and had been backed by all the parties in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition. A week ago, the Lower House of the Italian legislature had approved it by 247 votes to 2, with 8 abstentions.
Lesotho Extends Independence Day Public Holiday Government of Lesotho (Maseru) The Government of Lesotho has published the Public Holiday (Appointment) Notice, 2025 in the Legal Notice No.138 of 2025 whose single paragraph reads "I, King Letsie III, pursuant to section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, 1995 and acting in accordance with the advice of the Minister responsible for home affairs, appoint the 6th October, 2025 to be observed as a Public Holiday". Recall that, the Parliament of Lesotho is in the process of amending the Public Holidays Act of 1995 with the introduction of the Public Holidays Bill 2025. As per the statement of object and reasons which preceded its first reading on 14th February, 2025, "The purpose of the Bill is to repeal the Public Holidays Act, 1995. The Bill proposes for days to be observed as public holidays and has included the public holidays which were not provided for in the repealed Act. These are His Majesty King’s birthday which is on the 17th July, Boxing day which is on the 26th December and the National Tree Planting day which is on the 21st March" and "In order to ensure that the public as a whole, workers included, is accorded undisturbed enjoyment and observance of public holidays as provided for in the Public Holidays Bill, a holiday that falls on a Saturday, or Sunday shall be observed on a Monday. If that Monday is also a public holiday then the holiday shall be observed on a day which follows that Monday".
Lesotho Extends Independence Day Public Holiday Government of Lesotho (Maseru) The Government of Lesotho has published the Public Holiday (Appointment) Notice, 2025 in the Legal Notice No.138 of 2025 whose single paragraph reads "I, King Letsie III, pursuant to section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, 1995 and acting in accordance with the advice of the Minister responsible for home affairs, appoint the 6th October, 2025 to be observed as a Public Holiday". Recall that, the Parliament of Lesotho is in the process of amending the Public Holidays Act of 1995 with the introduction of the Public Holidays Bill 2025. As per the statement of object and reasons which preceded its first reading on 14th February, 2025, "The purpose of the Bill is to repeal the Public Holidays Act, 1995. The Bill proposes for days to be observed as public holidays and has included the public holidays which were not provided for in the repealed Act. These are His Majesty King’s birthday which is on the 17th July, Boxing day which is on the 26th December and the National Tree Planting day which is on the 21st March" and "In order to ensure that the public as a whole, workers included, is accorded undisturbed enjoyment and observance of public holidays as provided for in the Public Holidays Bill, a holiday that falls on a Saturday, or Sunday shall be observed on a Monday. If that Monday is also a public holiday then the holiday shall be observed on a day which follows that Monday".
Papua New Guinea Declares October 3 Public Holiday In Morobe Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, John Rosso, has declared a one-off public holiday in Morobe Province, on the day when the body of the late Governor, Luther Wenge, arrives from Port Moresby. Although the funeral mass will be held next Wednesday, October 8, that date will not be another public holiday as it coincides with the Grade 10 national examinations.
Papua New Guinea Declares October 3 Public Holiday In Morobe Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, John Rosso, has declared a one-off public holiday in Morobe Province, on the day when the body of the late Governor, Luther Wenge, arrives from Port Moresby. Although the funeral mass will be held next Wednesday, October 8, that date will not be another public holiday as it coincides with the Grade 10 national examinations.
Philippines Declare 7 Local Public Holidays Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Lucas Bersamin, as authorized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has signed 7 proclamations (proclamations 1045-1051) of local non-working public holidays to be observed during the month of October and early November. The dates declared in the aforementioned proclamations are: October 9 (San Isidro, Surigao del Norte), October 16 (Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur), October 20 (Batac City, Ilocos Norte), October 28 (Dingle, Iloilo), October 29 (Mati City, Davao Oriental), October 30 (San Isidro, Davao del Norte), and November 4 (Quezon province). Recall that, at the beginning of this year, Executive Secretary Bersamin had similarly signed 19 proclamations (proclamations 774-792) of local non-working public holidays to be observed during the then upcoming month of February. At the beginning of 2024, the Memorandum Order (MO) 20 issued by Executive Secretary Bersamin, mandated that a 30-day delay occur between the request to declare a regional public holiday and the date of said holiday, in reaction to a spate of regional and municipal public holidays declared at the last minute.
Philippines Declare 7 Local Public Holidays Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Lucas Bersamin, as authorized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has signed 7 proclamations (proclamations 1045-1051) of local non-working public holidays to be observed during the month of October and early November. The dates declared in the aforementioned proclamations are: October 9 (San Isidro, Surigao del Norte), October 16 (Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur), October 20 (Batac City, Ilocos Norte), October 28 (Dingle, Iloilo), October 29 (Mati City, Davao Oriental), October 30 (San Isidro, Davao del Norte), and November 4 (Quezon province). Recall that, at the beginning of this year, Executive Secretary Bersamin had similarly signed 19 proclamations (proclamations 774-792) of local non-working public holidays to be observed during the then upcoming month of February. At the beginning of 2024, the Memorandum Order (MO) 20 issued by Executive Secretary Bersamin, mandated that a 30-day delay occur between the request to declare a regional public holiday and the date of said holiday, in reaction to a spate of regional and municipal public holidays declared at the last minute.
Bangladesh Announces 4-Day Bank Holidays For Durga Puja The Central Bank of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) Bangladesh's Central Bank has announced that the upcoming Durga Puja bank holidays would last 4 days, from Wednesday to Saturday, October 1-4, 2025, inclusively. The aforementioned bank holidays will apply to banks, other financial institutions and the stock market. Today's announcement is in line with last November's release by Bangladesh's Central Bank of the annual list of official bank holidays for the calendar year 2025, which itself was based on last October's announcement by the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's interim military government of the 2025 public holidays in Bangladesh, which featured the extension of both the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) annual public holidays to last 5 days and 6 days, respectively, as well as an extension to the annual Durga Puja public holiday to last 2 days (the second day being Bijaya Dashami, the final day of Durga Puja.
Bangladesh Announces 4-Day Bank Holidays For Durga Puja The Central Bank of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) Bangladesh's Central Bank has announced that the upcoming Durga Puja bank holidays would last 4 days, from Wednesday to Saturday, October 1-4, 2025, inclusively. The aforementioned bank holidays will apply to banks, other financial institutions and the stock market. Today's announcement is in line with last November's release by Bangladesh's Central Bank of the annual list of official bank holidays for the calendar year 2025, which itself was based on last October's announcement by the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's interim military government of the 2025 public holidays in Bangladesh, which featured the extension of both the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) annual public holidays to last 5 days and 6 days, respectively, as well as an extension to the annual Durga Puja public holiday to last 2 days (the second day being Bijaya Dashami, the final day of Durga Puja.
Guinea Conakry Declares October 2 Independence Day Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Guinea Conakry's Ministère du Travail et de la Fonction Publique has issued the communique No.000017/ MTFP/ SG/ DGFP/ SP/ 2025 declaring Thursday, October 2, 2025, a public holiday in Guinea Conakry on account of the upcoming Independence Day. As per the aforementioned communique "In accordance with the provisions of Decree D/2022/0526/PRG/CNRD/SGG of November 2, 2022, amending Decree D/250/PRG/SGG of August 1, 1995 concerning legal holidays in the Republic of Guinea, the Minister of Labor and Civil Service informs the workers and agents of the public, mixed and private sectors that Thursday, October 2, 2025, the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Guinea, is declared a public holiday, non-working and paid throughout the National Territory.".
Guinea Conakry Declares October 2 Independence Day Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Guinea Conakry's Ministère du Travail et de la Fonction Publique has issued the communique No.000017/ MTFP/ SG/ DGFP/ SP/ 2025 declaring Thursday, October 2, 2025, a public holiday in Guinea Conakry on account of the upcoming Independence Day. As per the aforementioned communique "In accordance with the provisions of Decree D/2022/0526/PRG/CNRD/SGG of November 2, 2022, amending Decree D/250/PRG/SGG of August 1, 1995 concerning legal holidays in the Republic of Guinea, the Minister of Labor and Civil Service informs the workers and agents of the public, mixed and private sectors that Thursday, October 2, 2025, the anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Guinea, is declared a public holiday, non-working and paid throughout the National Territory.".
Punjab Declares October 8 Public Holiday Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Punjab has declared Wednesday, October 8, 2025, as a public holiday for all government offices on account of the Parkash Gurpurab of Guru Ram Das. The aforementioned announcement thus amends the terms of last December's Government vide Notification No. 06/01/2024-2PP3/677, issued by the Government of Punjab, and containing the annual list of public holidays and restricted holidays for the calendar year 2025 in Punjab. Recall that the Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji had been declared a public holiday in Punjab in 2016 and 2017.
Punjab Declares October 8 Public Holiday Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Punjab has declared Wednesday, October 8, 2025, as a public holiday for all government offices on account of the Parkash Gurpurab of Guru Ram Das. The aforementioned announcement thus amends the terms of last December's Government vide Notification No. 06/01/2024-2PP3/677, issued by the Government of Punjab, and containing the annual list of public holidays and restricted holidays for the calendar year 2025 in Punjab. Recall that the Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji had been declared a public holiday in Punjab in 2016 and 2017.
California Diwali State Holiday Awaiting Gubernatorial Approval California State Assembly (Sacramento) The Assembly Bill No.268 which amends existing legislation by adding Diwali to the list of California state holidays is still waiting for its ratification, or not, by California Governor Gavin Newsom. California's Assembly approved Bill No.268 by a 78-0 vote on June 2, 2025, and the Senate endorsed it by 36-0 (with four abstentions) on September 10, 2025, the Assembly giving its concurrence the next day. Recall that, at the time we remarked on how Assembly Bill No.268 defines the date of California's Diwali as "the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year" which is more than 15 days later than either the definition of southern India's Deepavali (on Asvina krisna chaturdasi) or northern India's Diwali (on Asvina amavasya). This odd definition of the date of Californian Diwali might be explained by Section 1 of Assembly Bill No.268 which indicates that this new state holiday is meant to address not only Hindus, but also the Bandi Chhor Divas of Sikhs, the Ashok Vijayadashami of Buddhists, and the anniversary of the attainment of moksha by Mahavira for Jains. The US State of Pennsylvania recognized Diwali as a public holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut in 2025.
California Diwali State Holiday Awaiting Gubernatorial Approval California State Assembly (Sacramento) The Assembly Bill No.268 which amends existing legislation by adding Diwali to the list of California state holidays is still waiting for its ratification, or not, by California Governor Gavin Newsom. California's Assembly approved Bill No.268 by a 78-0 vote on June 2, 2025, and the Senate endorsed it by 36-0 (with four abstentions) on September 10, 2025, the Assembly giving its concurrence the next day. Recall that, at the time we remarked on how Assembly Bill No.268 defines the date of California's Diwali as "the 15th day of the month of Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar of each year" which is more than 15 days later than either the definition of southern India's Deepavali (on Asvina krisna chaturdasi) or northern India's Diwali (on Asvina amavasya). This odd definition of the date of Californian Diwali might be explained by Section 1 of Assembly Bill No.268 which indicates that this new state holiday is meant to address not only Hindus, but also the Bandi Chhor Divas of Sikhs, the Ashok Vijayadashami of Buddhists, and the anniversary of the attainment of moksha by Mahavira for Jains. The US State of Pennsylvania recognized Diwali as a public holiday in 2024, followed by Connecticut in 2025.
Uttarakhand Extends Upcoming Public Holidays With Mahanavami Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The secretary of the General Administration department of the Government of India's State Uttarakhand, Vinod Kumar Suman, has announced the declaration of an additional public holiday on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for Navami, the festival of Sharadiya Navratri. As per the aforementioned notification,this holiday will be applicable in all government offices, educational institutions, and schools of the state. However, contrary to what happened in the past when Uttarakhand declared one-off last-minute public holidays (as was the case last March for Holi), this time the State government has also declared a bank holiday on October 1 in banks and in treasury offices. The aforementioned declaration of a public sector holiday on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No.1958/xxxi(15)G/24-74/2016 of last December, and in which Thursday, October 2, 2025, was listed as a double public holiday for Vijayadashami and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday.
Uttarakhand Extends Upcoming Public Holidays With Mahanavami Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The secretary of the General Administration department of the Government of India's State Uttarakhand, Vinod Kumar Suman, has announced the declaration of an additional public holiday on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for Navami, the festival of Sharadiya Navratri. As per the aforementioned notification,this holiday will be applicable in all government offices, educational institutions, and schools of the state. However, contrary to what happened in the past when Uttarakhand declared one-off last-minute public holidays (as was the case last March for Holi), this time the State government has also declared a bank holiday on October 1 in banks and in treasury offices. The aforementioned declaration of a public sector holiday on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No.1958/xxxi(15)G/24-74/2016 of last December, and in which Thursday, October 2, 2025, was listed as a double public holiday for Vijayadashami and Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday.
Bolivia Declares October 6 Public Holiday In Oruro Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labour has issued a communiqué announcing that Monday, October 6, 2025, would be a departmental holiday in Oruro to commemorate the popular uprising of October 6, 1810, and that activities will be suspended in celebration of Bolivia's Bicentennial. Recall that, last February, the Government of Bolivia released the Supreme Decree 5328, signed by President Luis Arce, which declared 9 departmental public holidays in 2025 to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. These departmental public holidays were: February 9 in commemoration of the founding of the city of Cobija (Pando), February 14 for the 200 years of Santa Cruz independence (Santa Cruz), April 1 commemorates the Battle of Tumusla (Potosí), April 22 for the revolt of the Canichana people in San Pedro de Moxos (Beni), September 29 for the founding of the city of La Plata (Chuquisaca), October 6 for the Revolution of October 6, 1810 (Oruro), November 7 for the Battle of Suipacha (Tarija), November 14 for the dismemberment of Tupac Katari (La Paz), and November 14 in commemoration of the Battle of Aroma (Cochabamba).
Bolivia Declares October 6 Public Holiday In Oruro Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labour has issued a communiqué announcing that Monday, October 6, 2025, would be a departmental holiday in Oruro to commemorate the popular uprising of October 6, 1810, and that activities will be suspended in celebration of Bolivia's Bicentennial. Recall that, last February, the Government of Bolivia released the Supreme Decree 5328, signed by President Luis Arce, which declared 9 departmental public holidays in 2025 to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. These departmental public holidays were: February 9 in commemoration of the founding of the city of Cobija (Pando), February 14 for the 200 years of Santa Cruz independence (Santa Cruz), April 1 commemorates the Battle of Tumusla (Potosí), April 22 for the revolt of the Canichana people in San Pedro de Moxos (Beni), September 29 for the founding of the city of La Plata (Chuquisaca), October 6 for the Revolution of October 6, 1810 (Oruro), November 7 for the Battle of Suipacha (Tarija), November 14 for the dismemberment of Tupac Katari (La Paz), and November 14 in commemoration of the Battle of Aroma (Cochabamba).
Egypt Moves Armed Forces Public Holiday To October 9 The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree declaring Thursday, October 9, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for Armed Forces Day and to observe the 52nd anniversary of the October 6th, 1973, victory, for "employees across ministries, government offices, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and state-owned enterprises". Recall that, late last week, we had surmised that, in the next few days, we could expect an announcement that the upcoming Armed Forces Day public holiday would be moved from Monday, October 6, 2025, to Thursday, October 9, 2025. Since 2020, the Egyptian government moves most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. The Egyptian weekend is Friday/Saturday.
Egypt Moves Armed Forces Public Holiday To October 9 The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree declaring Thursday, October 9, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for Armed Forces Day and to observe the 52nd anniversary of the October 6th, 1973, victory, for "employees across ministries, government offices, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and state-owned enterprises". Recall that, late last week, we had surmised that, in the next few days, we could expect an announcement that the upcoming Armed Forces Day public holiday would be moved from Monday, October 6, 2025, to Thursday, October 9, 2025. Since 2020, the Egyptian government moves most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. The Egyptian weekend is Friday/Saturday.
Mizoram 2026 Public Holidays Announced Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The General Administration Department of India's State of Mizoram has released the vide notification No. F. 23012/36/2025-ESTT-GAD containing the list of 2026 public holidays and government holidays in Mizoram. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Competent Authority is pleased to declare the following days as public holidays for the Calendar Year 2026 for all Offices under the Government of Mizoram. All the Government Offices shall be closed on all Saturdays and Sundays."), as well as the restricted holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 ("The Competent Authority is further pleased to allow each employee to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list mentioned below."). Interestingly, today's vide notification No. F. 23012/36/2025-ESTT-GAD contains 2 more public holidays than last year's vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92 containing the list of 2025 public holidays and government holidays, namely Ram Navami on March 26, 2026, and Janmashtami on September 4, 2026. For its part, the date of the 2026 Chapchâr Kût public holiday is unexpectedly late in the month of March.
Mizoram 2026 Public Holidays Announced Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The General Administration Department of India's State of Mizoram has released the vide notification No. F. 23012/36/2025-ESTT-GAD containing the list of 2026 public holidays and government holidays in Mizoram. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Competent Authority is pleased to declare the following days as public holidays for the Calendar Year 2026 for all Offices under the Government of Mizoram. All the Government Offices shall be closed on all Saturdays and Sundays."), as well as the restricted holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 ("The Competent Authority is further pleased to allow each employee to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list mentioned below."). Interestingly, today's vide notification No. F. 23012/36/2025-ESTT-GAD contains 2 more public holidays than last year's vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92 containing the list of 2025 public holidays and government holidays, namely Ram Navami on March 26, 2026, and Janmashtami on September 4, 2026. For its part, the date of the 2026 Chapchâr Kût public holiday is unexpectedly late in the month of March.
Palau Independence Day Public Holiday On October 1st Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Wednesday, October 1, 2025, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau for upcoming 31st Independence Day of Palau.
Palau Independence Day Public Holiday On October 1st Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Wednesday, October 1, 2025, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau for upcoming 31st Independence Day of Palau.
Samoa Declares October 13 Public Holiday Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL), in a public notice signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fepulea'i Roger Toleafoa, has released the Public Holiday for White Sunday 2025. As per the aforementioned public notice, "In accordance with section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008, the public, government agencies and the private sector are hereby advised that Monday 13th October 2025 will be treated as a Public Holiday to celebrate White Sunday 2025.". The notice goes on to state that "Businesses may open during a Public Holiday in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act 2008". The Public Holiday for White Sunday 2025 public notice is in line with the latest updated list of public holidays in Samoa for the years 2024-2027, released in August 2023 by the Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, and later amended in March 2024, by the same Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.
Samoa Declares October 13 Public Holiday Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL), in a public notice signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fepulea'i Roger Toleafoa, has released the Public Holiday for White Sunday 2025. As per the aforementioned public notice, "In accordance with section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008, the public, government agencies and the private sector are hereby advised that Monday 13th October 2025 will be treated as a Public Holiday to celebrate White Sunday 2025.". The notice goes on to state that "Businesses may open during a Public Holiday in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act 2008". The Public Holiday for White Sunday 2025 public notice is in line with the latest updated list of public holidays in Samoa for the years 2024-2027, released in August 2023 by the Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, and later amended in March 2024, by the same Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.
Bahamas Declares September 29 Tropical Storm Imelda Public Holiday The Government of the Bahamas (Nassau) The Acting Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Chester Cooper, has announced that all government offices and schools will remain closed tomorrow, Monday September 29, 2025, except for those who are essential workers, on account of the passage of Tropical Storm Imelda. Separately, the Securities Commission of the Bahamas has advised the general public that its offices would be closed Monday 29 September 2025, also due to the passage of Tropical Storm Imelda, adding that "Our offices are scheduled to resume normal operations on Tuesday 30 September 2025, weather permitting".
Bahamas Declares September 29 Tropical Storm Imelda Public Holiday The Government of the Bahamas (Nassau) The Acting Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Chester Cooper, has announced that all government offices and schools will remain closed tomorrow, Monday September 29, 2025, except for those who are essential workers, on account of the passage of Tropical Storm Imelda. Separately, the Securities Commission of the Bahamas has advised the general public that its offices would be closed Monday 29 September 2025, also due to the passage of Tropical Storm Imelda, adding that "Our offices are scheduled to resume normal operations on Tuesday 30 September 2025, weather permitting".
Namibia Rules-Out September 29 Electoral Public Holiday The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Earlier this morning, the spokesperson for Namibia's Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), MaxImus Halwoodi, announced that no public holiday would be granted to public servants during the Outapi constituency by-election being held tomorrow, Monday, September 29, 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The voting process is going until 21h00 at night, this means there is enough time for public servants to go cast their vote after work". Recall that, last November, President Nangolo Mbumba had declared Wednesday, November 27, 2024, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Namibia Rules-Out September 29 Electoral Public Holiday The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Earlier this morning, the spokesperson for Namibia's Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), MaxImus Halwoodi, announced that no public holiday would be granted to public servants during the Outapi constituency by-election being held tomorrow, Monday, September 29, 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The voting process is going until 21h00 at night, this means there is enough time for public servants to go cast their vote after work". Recall that, last November, President Nangolo Mbumba had declared Wednesday, November 27, 2024, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Seychelles Could Soon Declare Another Electoral Public Holiday State House Office of the President of the Seychelles (Victoria) Yesterday's Presidential election not having yielded an outright winner, the Seychelles electoral authority announced a rerun vote between the two main contenders. The date of that rerun has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be declared a one-off public holiday. The date of major elections are often declared as public holidays in the Seychelles. Earlier this month, the President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, signed the Public Holidays Order, 2025, published in the gazette publication S.I. 60 of 2025 and which declared the date of yesterday's Presidential and National Assembly elections as a one-off public holiday. Similarly, Saturday, October 24, 2020, the date of the preceding Presidential and National Assembly elections in the Seychelles, was also declared a one-off public holiday by then President, Danny Faure. This was followed, a month later, by the declaration of Monday, October 26, 2020, also as a one-off public holiday. Saturday, December 5, 2015, was also declared as a one-off non-working public holiday in the Seychelles, on account of the 2015 presidential election. Saturday, May 21, 2011, was declared as a one-off public holiday on account of the Presidential election taking place on that day. And Saturday, May 12, 2007, was declared a public holiday on account of that year's National Assembly election.
Seychelles Could Soon Declare Another Electoral Public Holiday State House Office of the President of the Seychelles (Victoria) Yesterday's Presidential election not having yielded an outright winner, the Seychelles electoral authority announced a rerun vote between the two main contenders. The date of that rerun has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be declared a one-off public holiday. The date of major elections are often declared as public holidays in the Seychelles. Earlier this month, the President of the Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, signed the Public Holidays Order, 2025, published in the gazette publication S.I. 60 of 2025 and which declared the date of yesterday's Presidential and National Assembly elections as a one-off public holiday. Similarly, Saturday, October 24, 2020, the date of the preceding Presidential and National Assembly elections in the Seychelles, was also declared a one-off public holiday by then President, Danny Faure. This was followed, a month later, by the declaration of Monday, October 26, 2020, also as a one-off public holiday. Saturday, December 5, 2015, was also declared as a one-off non-working public holiday in the Seychelles, on account of the 2015 presidential election. Saturday, May 21, 2011, was declared as a one-off public holiday on account of the Presidential election taking place on that day. And Saturday, May 12, 2007, was declared a public holiday on account of that year's National Assembly election.
Egypt Expected To Move Armed Forces Public Holiday To October 9 The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Cairo) A statement is expected in the next few days from Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, announcing that the upcoming Armed Forces Day public holiday will be moved from Monday, October 6, 2025, to Thursday, October 9, 2025. Since 2020, the Egyptian government moves most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. Recall that the Egyptian weekend is Friday/Saturday.
Egypt Expected To Move Armed Forces Public Holiday To October 9 The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Cairo) A statement is expected in the next few days from Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, announcing that the upcoming Armed Forces Day public holiday will be moved from Monday, October 6, 2025, to Thursday, October 9, 2025. Since 2020, the Egyptian government moves most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. Recall that the Egyptian weekend is Friday/Saturday.
Balears 2026 Local Public Holidays Gazetted Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) Spain's autonomous region of the Balears has gazetted its calendar of 2026 local, regional and national public holidays in the Resolución de la consejera de Trabajo, Función Pública y Diálogo Social, por la que se hace público el calendario laboral general y local para el año 2026 en el ámbito de las Illes Balears as published in the BOIB de 27 de septiembre de 2025, and signed by the directora general de Trabajo y Salud Laboral, María de la Luz Moreno Romero. The calendario laboral 2026 at the community level had been announced in early April and later gazetted in the Acuerdo del Consejo de Gobierno de 11 de abril de 2025 por el que se aprueba el calendario de fiestas para el año 2026 en el ámbito de las Illes Balears as published in the BOIB de 15 de abril de 2025, and jointly signed by the secretaria del Consejo de Gobierno, Ântònia Maria Estarellas Torrens, and the President of the region, Margarita Prohens Rigo.
Balears 2026 Local Public Holidays Gazetted Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) Spain's autonomous region of the Balears has gazetted its calendar of 2026 local, regional and national public holidays in the Resolución de la consejera de Trabajo, Función Pública y Diálogo Social, por la que se hace público el calendario laboral general y local para el año 2026 en el ámbito de las Illes Balears as published in the BOIB de 27 de septiembre de 2025, and signed by the directora general de Trabajo y Salud Laboral, María de la Luz Moreno Romero. The calendario laboral 2026 at the community level had been announced in early April and later gazetted in the Acuerdo del Consejo de Gobierno de 11 de abril de 2025 por el que se aprueba el calendario de fiestas para el año 2026 en el ámbito de las Illes Balears as published in the BOIB de 15 de abril de 2025, and jointly signed by the secretaria del Consejo de Gobierno, Ântònia Maria Estarellas Torrens, and the President of the region, Margarita Prohens Rigo.
Ceuta Gazettes Full List Of 2026 Public Holidays Boletín Oficial de la Ciudad de Ceuta (BOCCE) The list of 2026 non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) in the Ciudad Autónoma de Ceuta, has been officially gazetted in the Resolución de 19 de septiembre de 2025 por la que se aprueba el calendario de fiestas laborales de Ceuta para el año 2026." (BOCCE de 26 de septiembre de 2025) signed by Alberto Ramon Gaitán Rodríguez, Ceuta's Consejero de Presidencia y Gobernacion. In 2026, as it has done since 2022, Ceuta will observe 2 Muslim public holidays; the end of Ramadan on March 20 (Fiesta de Culminación del Ramadán) and the Feast of Sacrifice on May 27 (Fiesta del Sacrificio). In recent years, to accommodate these 2 public holidays, the September 2nd Ceuta Community Day was not declared a public holiday, but in 2026, due to the November 1st and December 6 public holidays falling on Sunday, the cancellation of the Ceuta Community Day was not necessary. In neighboring Melilla, the Feast of the Sacrifice has been a regional public holiday since 2017, when the feast of Saint Joseph was replaced by Feast of the Sacrifice as a regional public holiday.
Ceuta Gazettes Full List Of 2026 Public Holidays Boletín Oficial de la Ciudad de Ceuta (BOCCE) The list of 2026 non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) in the Ciudad Autónoma de Ceuta, has been officially gazetted in the Resolución de 19 de septiembre de 2025 por la que se aprueba el calendario de fiestas laborales de Ceuta para el año 2026." (BOCCE de 26 de septiembre de 2025) signed by Alberto Ramon Gaitán Rodríguez, Ceuta's Consejero de Presidencia y Gobernacion. In 2026, as it has done since 2022, Ceuta will observe 2 Muslim public holidays; the end of Ramadan on March 20 (Fiesta de Culminación del Ramadán) and the Feast of Sacrifice on May 27 (Fiesta del Sacrificio). In recent years, to accommodate these 2 public holidays, the September 2nd Ceuta Community Day was not declared a public holiday, but in 2026, due to the November 1st and December 6 public holidays falling on Sunday, the cancellation of the Ceuta Community Day was not necessary. In neighboring Melilla, the Feast of the Sacrifice has been a regional public holiday since 2017, when the feast of Saint Joseph was replaced by Feast of the Sacrifice as a regional public holiday.
Kerala Declares September 30 Navaratri Public Holiday Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Government of India's state of Kerala has declared Tuesday, September 30, 2025, on the occasion of Durga Ashtami, as part of the Navaratri celebrations. This additional public holiday will be observed by all government and semi-government offices, public sector undertakings, educational institutions, and organizations covered under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The declaration of a public holiday on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, thus partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Kerala as contained in the vide notification G. O. (P) No. 35/2024/GAD, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, K. R. Jyothilal, of last October.
Kerala Declares September 30 Navaratri Public Holiday Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Government of India's state of Kerala has declared Tuesday, September 30, 2025, on the occasion of Durga Ashtami, as part of the Navaratri celebrations. This additional public holiday will be observed by all government and semi-government offices, public sector undertakings, educational institutions, and organizations covered under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The declaration of a public holiday on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, thus partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Kerala as contained in the vide notification G. O. (P) No. 35/2024/GAD, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, K. R. Jyothilal, of last October.
Muswellbrook Half-Day Public Holiday Being Reconsidered NSW Government (Sydney) The Shire Council of Muswellbrook in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW) has announced that the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis, had given her approval for the upcoming annual Mayor’s Cup Race Day half-day public holiday to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the same date as the Melbourne Cup. The public holiday will run from 12:00pm to 6:00pm and will apply to the entire Muswellbrook Shire Local Government Area. Recall that, late last January, the Mayor of Muswellbrook, Jeff Drayton, had announced that the date of the annual Muswellbrook half-day public holiday would be submitted to popular feedback. Until then, Muswellbrook's half-day public holiday had been held in March to align it with the Muswellbrook Cup horse racing event. But Mayor Drayton expressed disappointment that, instead of partaking in municipal events, many locals have been using the day to head out of town for a short break.
Muswellbrook Half-Day Public Holiday Being Reconsidered NSW Government (Sydney) The Shire Council of Muswellbrook in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW) has announced that the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis, had given her approval for the upcoming annual Mayor’s Cup Race Day half-day public holiday to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the same date as the Melbourne Cup. The public holiday will run from 12:00pm to 6:00pm and will apply to the entire Muswellbrook Shire Local Government Area. Recall that, late last January, the Mayor of Muswellbrook, Jeff Drayton, had announced that the date of the annual Muswellbrook half-day public holiday would be submitted to popular feedback. Until then, Muswellbrook's half-day public holiday had been held in March to align it with the Muswellbrook Cup horse racing event. But Mayor Drayton expressed disappointment that, instead of partaking in municipal events, many locals have been using the day to head out of town for a short break.
Brunei Darussalam 2026 Public Holidays Announced Brunei Information Department (Prime Minister's Office) The Information Department of Brunei Darussalam's Prime Minister's Office has released a list of official bank holidays and public holidays in Brunei Darussalam during the calendar year 2026 in the Surat Keliling Jabatan Perdana Menteri Bil 04/2025 Hari-Hari Kelepasan Awam Tahun 2026. As per the aforementioned communique, "In compliance with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, it is hereby notified that the following days and dates are declared as Public Holidays for Brunei Darussalam in 2026". Recall that, in October 2021, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore had announced that they had "agreed to adopt revised criteria of the astronomical calculation for the determination of the Islamic calendar from year 2022 onwards.". This was meant to unify the observance of Muslim public holidays in these 4 countries, but instead it has lead to uncertainty and increased divergence in the dates of Muslim public holidays announced in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, ever since 2022. A perfect example of what the Germans call Verschlimmbessern.
Brunei Darussalam 2026 Public Holidays Announced Brunei Information Department (Prime Minister's Office) The Information Department of Brunei Darussalam's Prime Minister's Office has released a list of official bank holidays and public holidays in Brunei Darussalam during the calendar year 2026 in the Surat Keliling Jabatan Perdana Menteri Bil 04/2025 Hari-Hari Kelepasan Awam Tahun 2026. As per the aforementioned communique, "In compliance with the decree of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, it is hereby notified that the following days and dates are declared as Public Holidays for Brunei Darussalam in 2026". Recall that, in October 2021, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore had announced that they had "agreed to adopt revised criteria of the astronomical calculation for the determination of the Islamic calendar from year 2022 onwards.". This was meant to unify the observance of Muslim public holidays in these 4 countries, but instead it has lead to uncertainty and increased divergence in the dates of Muslim public holidays announced in Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, ever since 2022. A perfect example of what the Germans call Verschlimmbessern.
Madrid 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Consejo de Gobierno de la Comunidad de Madrid (Madrid) The regional government of Spain's autonomous region of Madrid has gazetted the annual list of official 2026 non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) which had been announced yesterday, in the Decreto 75/2025, de 24 de septiembre, del Consejo de Gobierno, por el que se establecen las fiestas laborales para el año 2026 en la Comunidad de Madrid (BOCM de 25 de septiembre de 2025).
Madrid 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Consejo de Gobierno de la Comunidad de Madrid (Madrid) The regional government of Spain's autonomous region of Madrid has gazetted the annual list of official 2026 non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) which had been announced yesterday, in the Decreto 75/2025, de 24 de septiembre, del Consejo de Gobierno, por el que se establecen las fiestas laborales para el año 2026 en la Comunidad de Madrid (BOCM de 25 de septiembre de 2025).
Nigeria Declares October 1st Public Holiday Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) Earlier today, Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria had declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as a national public holiday "to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary", in line with the Public Holidays Act of 1979.
Nigeria Declares October 1st Public Holiday Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) Earlier today, Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced that the Federal Government of Nigeria had declared Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as a national public holiday "to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary", in line with the Public Holidays Act of 1979.
