worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
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Kazakhstan Announces 2025 Eid al-Adha Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan has announced that Friday, June 6, 2025, will be a non-working day in connection with the celebration of Eid al-Adha (the feast of sacrifice). The aforementioned announcement reads "According to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, in 2025, the holiday of Kurban Ait will fall on June 6. Thus, June 6 (Friday) of the current year is a day off", adding that "According to paragraph 5 of Article 84 of the Labor Code, the first day of Kurban Ait, celebrated according to the Muslim calendar, is a day off. However, it is not included in the list of state holidays".
Kazakhstan Announces 2025 Eid al-Adha Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan has announced that Friday, June 6, 2025, will be a non-working day in connection with the celebration of Eid al-Adha (the feast of sacrifice). The aforementioned announcement reads "According to the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, in 2025, the holiday of Kurban Ait will fall on June 6. Thus, June 6 (Friday) of the current year is a day off", adding that "According to paragraph 5 of Article 84 of the Labor Code, the first day of Kurban Ait, celebrated according to the Muslim calendar, is a day off. However, it is not included in the list of state holidays".
Liberia Mulls Extension Of Christian and Muslim Public Holidays Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) Three Liberian senators have submitted a bill to the Senate aiming to establish both Christian and Muslim holy days as official national public holidays. As per the aforementioned An Act to Establish Certain Religious Holidays in the Republic of Liberia, sponsored by Lofa County Senator Cllr. Joseph Jallah and co-sponsored by Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi and Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu, major religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, would henceforth be recognized as national public holidays in Liberia. Section 4 of the bill specifies that "The exact date for Eid al-Fitr shall be determined annually in consultation with the National Muslim Council of Liberia or through proclamation that shall be issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (if applicable) shall officially announce the Eid holiday at least five (5) days in advance of its expected occurrence each year". The bill has passed its first reading and, after a successful second reading, would then be referred to the relevant committee for detailed scrutiny before returning to the floor for debate and a possible vote.
Liberia Mulls Extension Of Christian and Muslim Public Holidays Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) Three Liberian senators have submitted a bill to the Senate aiming to establish both Christian and Muslim holy days as official national public holidays. As per the aforementioned An Act to Establish Certain Religious Holidays in the Republic of Liberia, sponsored by Lofa County Senator Cllr. Joseph Jallah and co-sponsored by Senators Edwin Melvin Snowe of Bomi and Amara M. Konneh of Gbarpolu, major religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, would henceforth be recognized as national public holidays in Liberia. Section 4 of the bill specifies that "The exact date for Eid al-Fitr shall be determined annually in consultation with the National Muslim Council of Liberia or through proclamation that shall be issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Liberia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (if applicable) shall officially announce the Eid holiday at least five (5) days in advance of its expected occurrence each year". The bill has passed its first reading and, after a successful second reading, would then be referred to the relevant committee for detailed scrutiny before returning to the floor for debate and a possible vote.
Kazakhstan Days In Lieu Public Holidays Update Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) More information is coming out about the contents of Majilis deputy Kenzhegul Seitzhan's proposal to the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, regarding a reform to the transfer of days off (days in lieu and bridge holidays). Deputy Seitzhan proposes approving the schedule of transfers of days off for two years in advance, for example, now approving the transfer of days off until the end of 2027, hence "allowing businesses to make long-term plans, and Kazakhstanis to plan vacations and family events in advance". Recall that, for the moment, the Government of Kazakhstan has not decided on the declaration of any bridge holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in 2025, as is customary "in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 85 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and for the rational use of working time", apart from last November's announcement by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population that "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025". And, in 2024, the decision to move the day off from May 4, 2024 (Saturday) to May 8 (Wednesday) 2024 was made only 17 days in advance.
Kazakhstan Days In Lieu Public Holidays Update Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) More information is coming out about the contents of Majilis deputy Kenzhegul Seitzhan's proposal to the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, regarding a reform to the transfer of days off (days in lieu and bridge holidays). Deputy Seitzhan proposes approving the schedule of transfers of days off for two years in advance, for example, now approving the transfer of days off until the end of 2027, hence "allowing businesses to make long-term plans, and Kazakhstanis to plan vacations and family events in advance". Recall that, for the moment, the Government of Kazakhstan has not decided on the declaration of any bridge holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in 2025, as is customary "in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 85 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and for the rational use of working time", apart from last November's announcement by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population that "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025". And, in 2024, the decision to move the day off from May 4, 2024 (Saturday) to May 8 (Wednesday) 2024 was made only 17 days in advance.
Vanuatu Parliament Moves to Cancel Six Provincial Public Holidays Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) A motion to cancel the 6 provincial public holidays, observed since independence in 1980, has gained support in Vanuatu's Parliament. As per the current version of the Public Holidays Amendment Act No. 2025, all national public holidays would be retained in compensation for the cancellation of Vanuatu's 6 provincial public holidays. In addition, the practice of declaring a day in lieu public holiday on the Monday after a weekend public holiday would also stop. Recall that, 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. 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.
Vanuatu Parliament Moves to Cancel Six Provincial Public Holidays Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) A motion to cancel the 6 provincial public holidays, observed since independence in 1980, has gained support in Vanuatu's Parliament. As per the current version of the Public Holidays Amendment Act No. 2025, all national public holidays would be retained in compensation for the cancellation of Vanuatu's 6 provincial public holidays. In addition, the practice of declaring a day in lieu public holiday on the Monday after a weekend public holiday would also stop. Recall that, 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. 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.
Yemen Declares May 22 Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has announced to all employees of state administrative units, the public sector, and the mixed sector, based on Law No. 2 of 2000, Article No. 3, Paragraph No. 4, regarding official holidays and vacations, that "next Thursday, 24 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1446 AH (22 May 2025), will be an official holiday in observance of the 35th National Day of the Republic of Yemen".
Yemen Declares May 22 Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has announced to all employees of state administrative units, the public sector, and the mixed sector, based on Law No. 2 of 2000, Article No. 3, Paragraph No. 4, regarding official holidays and vacations, that "next Thursday, 24 Dhu al-Qa'dah 1446 AH (22 May 2025), will be an official holiday in observance of the 35th National Day of the Republic of Yemen".
Andalucia 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) The recently-announced list of annual non-working public holidays in Spain's Autonomous Region of Andalucia for the calendar year 2026, the "Decreto 101/2025, de 14 de mayo, de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, por el que se determina el calendario de Fiestas Laborales de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía para el año 2026." has been gazetted in the Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía (BOJA de 19 de mayo de 2025). As mentioned when we recently posted the news that the 2026 calendario laboral of Andalucia had been announced, many Spanish regions gazette their calendario laboral months after announcing its contents, but Andalucia usually gazettes its calendario laboral soon after announcing the dates of the regional public holidays for the coming year (less than a week later, in the present case).
Andalucia 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía (BOJA) The recently-announced list of annual non-working public holidays in Spain's Autonomous Region of Andalucia for the calendar year 2026, the "Decreto 101/2025, de 14 de mayo, de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, por el que se determina el calendario de Fiestas Laborales de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía para el año 2026." has been gazetted in the Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Andalucía (BOJA de 19 de mayo de 2025). As mentioned when we recently posted the news that the 2026 calendario laboral of Andalucia had been announced, many Spanish regions gazette their calendario laboral months after announcing its contents, but Andalucia usually gazettes its calendario laboral soon after announcing the dates of the regional public holidays for the coming year (less than a week later, in the present case).
Pakistan Declares Youm-e-Takbeer Public Holiday Again Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced that Wednesday, May 28, 2025, would be a public holiday in Pakistan in observance of Youm-e-Takbeer. Recall that, last May, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, issued the press release Declaration of Public Holiday on the Occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer declaring that Tuesday, May 28, 2024, had been declared a public holiday to mark Youm-e-Takbeer, the anniversary of Pakistan's first nuclear detonation in 1998. In a subsequent announcement, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) similarly announced that all banks in Pakistan would observe a bank holiday on May 28, 2024, in honor of Youm-e-Takbeer. But, at the time, it was not clear, at this point, if May 28 is to become an annual public holiday and bank holiday in Pakistan.
Pakistan Declares Youm-e-Takbeer Public Holiday Again Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced that Wednesday, May 28, 2025, would be a public holiday in Pakistan in observance of Youm-e-Takbeer. Recall that, last May, Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, issued the press release Declaration of Public Holiday on the Occasion of Youm-e-Takbeer declaring that Tuesday, May 28, 2024, had been declared a public holiday to mark Youm-e-Takbeer, the anniversary of Pakistan's first nuclear detonation in 1998. In a subsequent announcement, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) similarly announced that all banks in Pakistan would observe a bank holiday on May 28, 2024, in honor of Youm-e-Takbeer. But, at the time, it was not clear, at this point, if May 28 is to become an annual public holiday and bank holiday in Pakistan.
Qatar Overhauls Annual Public Holidays Qatari News Agency (QNA) Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has approved the recent Cabinet decision overhauling the list of annual public holidays observed by ministries, government agencies, public bodies and institutions. The aforementioned Cabinet decision specifies the beginning and ending dates of future Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) public holidays. It also specifies that "if there is a single working day in between two official holidays, then it would also be included in the holidays" and that "if the weekend falls between any of these celebrations, then it will also be included in the official holiday". Recall that the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), banks, and financial institutions working under the supervision of QCB and Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA), observe bank holidays dates as specified independently by the Governor of Qatar's Central Bank. Since 1999, Qatari weekends are Friday-Saturday.
Qatar Overhauls Annual Public Holidays Qatari News Agency (QNA) Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has approved the recent Cabinet decision overhauling the list of annual public holidays observed by ministries, government agencies, public bodies and institutions. The aforementioned Cabinet decision specifies the beginning and ending dates of future Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) public holidays. It also specifies that "if there is a single working day in between two official holidays, then it would also be included in the holidays" and that "if the weekend falls between any of these celebrations, then it will also be included in the official holiday". Recall that the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), banks, and financial institutions working under the supervision of QCB and Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA), observe bank holidays dates as specified independently by the Governor of Qatar's Central Bank. Since 1999, Qatari weekends are Friday-Saturday.
Bolivia Declares May 19 Public Holiday In Factories Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has issued the Communicado DGTHSO-021/2025 which declares a suspension of activities in Bolivian factories on Monday, May 19, 2025. As per the aforementioned communique, "In accordance with Article 298 Paragraph II number 31 of the Political Constitution of the State and in compliance with Law N° 782 of February 18, 2016, which declares May 18 of each year as “National Worker And Factory Worker Day”; the Ministry of Work, Employment and Social Security, through the General Directorate of Work, Hygiene and Occupational Safety, provides: exceptionally SUSPENSION OF ACTIVITIES ON THE LABOR DAY corresponding to May 19, 2025 only for that sector, so that they can participate in the scheduled cultural, sporting and social events.", adding that "In that framework, the suspension provided must not be considered under any circumstances as a permit, on account of vacation or otherwise, so this provision must be recognized with the payment of 100% of your earnings.".
Bolivia Declares May 19 Public Holiday In Factories Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has issued the Communicado DGTHSO-021/2025 which declares a suspension of activities in Bolivian factories on Monday, May 19, 2025. As per the aforementioned communique, "In accordance with Article 298 Paragraph II number 31 of the Political Constitution of the State and in compliance with Law N° 782 of February 18, 2016, which declares May 18 of each year as “National Worker And Factory Worker Day”; the Ministry of Work, Employment and Social Security, through the General Directorate of Work, Hygiene and Occupational Safety, provides: exceptionally SUSPENSION OF ACTIVITIES ON THE LABOR DAY corresponding to May 19, 2025 only for that sector, so that they can participate in the scheduled cultural, sporting and social events.", adding that "In that framework, the suspension provided must not be considered under any circumstances as a permit, on account of vacation or otherwise, so this provision must be recognized with the payment of 100% of your earnings.".
Hong Kong 2026 Public Holidays Released Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has published the gazetted list of 2026 general and public holidays in the Hong Kong SAR with the comment that "As the Ching Ming Festival in 2026 falls on a Sunday, the following day will be designated as a general holiday in substitution. In this connection, as the day following the Ching Ming Festival falls on Easter Monday, the next day that is not itself a general holiday will be observed as an additional general holiday. Moreover, as the Birthday of the Buddha and the Chung Yeung Festival in 2026 both fall on a Sunday, the day following them will be designated as a general holiday in substitution.". The aforementioned General holidays for 2026 (2026年公眾假期), was established in accordance with the Employment Ordinance and General Holidays Ordinance as well as amendments thereto, and in line with the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 which implemented a government proposal to increase the number of annual statutory public holidays in Hong Kong from 12 to 17, over the 9-year period from 2022 to 2030. As per the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021, the Birthday of the Buddha was made an annual statutory public holiday in 2022, and the first weekday after Christmas Day was made an annual statutory public holiday in 2024. And, as of 2026, Easter Monday will be an annual statutory public holiday. The 2 remaining public holidays to be changed into annual statutory public holidays are: Good Friday (2028), and the day following Good Friday (2030).
Hong Kong 2026 Public Holidays Released Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has published the gazetted list of 2026 general and public holidays in the Hong Kong SAR with the comment that "As the Ching Ming Festival in 2026 falls on a Sunday, the following day will be designated as a general holiday in substitution. In this connection, as the day following the Ching Ming Festival falls on Easter Monday, the next day that is not itself a general holiday will be observed as an additional general holiday. Moreover, as the Birthday of the Buddha and the Chung Yeung Festival in 2026 both fall on a Sunday, the day following them will be designated as a general holiday in substitution.". The aforementioned General holidays for 2026 (2026年公眾假期), was established in accordance with the Employment Ordinance and General Holidays Ordinance as well as amendments thereto, and in line with the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 which implemented a government proposal to increase the number of annual statutory public holidays in Hong Kong from 12 to 17, over the 9-year period from 2022 to 2030. As per the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021, the Birthday of the Buddha was made an annual statutory public holiday in 2022, and the first weekday after Christmas Day was made an annual statutory public holiday in 2024. And, as of 2026, Easter Monday will be an annual statutory public holiday. The 2 remaining public holidays to be changed into annual statutory public holidays are: Good Friday (2028), and the day following Good Friday (2030).
Timor Leste Declares Additional May 19 Public Holiday Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had decided to grant a public sector holiday on Monday, May 19, 2025 ("Tolerância de Ponto no dia 19 de maio de 2025 por ocasião das Celebrações do 23.º aniversário da “Restauração da Independência”") to bridge the one-day gap between the upcoming weekend and the annual, May 20, Independence Restoration holiday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "A day off is granted on May 19, 2025, all day." and "This order covers all employees, agents and workers who work in the State's direct administration services, whether central or decentralized, or in indirect administration bodies.". The declaration of Monday, May 19, 2025, as a public sector holiday, is in addition to the list of 2025 public holidays announced by the government of Timor Leste last month. The government of Timor Leste had similarly extended the 2018 Independence Restoration public holidays by declaring an additional day-off public sector holiday on Monday, May 21, 2018. And, in 2012, the government of Timor Leste had declared 3 day-off public sector holidays on May 17, 18, and 21, 2012, to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of Timor Leste's Restoration of Independence.
Timor Leste Declares Additional May 19 Public Holiday Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had decided to grant a public sector holiday on Monday, May 19, 2025 ("Tolerância de Ponto no dia 19 de maio de 2025 por ocasião das Celebrações do 23.º aniversário da “Restauração da Independência”") to bridge the one-day gap between the upcoming weekend and the annual, May 20, Independence Restoration holiday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "A day off is granted on May 19, 2025, all day." and "This order covers all employees, agents and workers who work in the State's direct administration services, whether central or decentralized, or in indirect administration bodies.". The declaration of Monday, May 19, 2025, as a public sector holiday, is in addition to the list of 2025 public holidays announced by the government of Timor Leste last month. The government of Timor Leste had similarly extended the 2018 Independence Restoration public holidays by declaring an additional day-off public sector holiday on Monday, May 21, 2018. And, in 2012, the government of Timor Leste had declared 3 day-off public sector holidays on May 17, 18, and 21, 2012, to coincide with the 10th Anniversary of Timor Leste's Restoration of Independence.
