worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
The qppstudio worldwide public holidays database is constantly updated to reflect changes to public holidays legislation, or ad hoc public holidays changes, throughout the world.
You can download our free apps for Android and iPhone, which are devoid of any ads, and whose data feed is updated nightly, to access an extended version of the recent worldwide public holidays news and updates, below, complemented by contextual and historical background information extracted from our database of tens of thousands of news items collated over the past 25 years.
Trinidad and Tobago Sets Carnival Dates Trinidad and Tobago Government Portal (Port of Spain) The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has issued the Special Event Order, 2026 which sets the date of the official start of Carnival 2026, as a special event, from 7.00 p.m. on Sunday 1 February, 2026, to midnight on Tuesday 17 February, 2026, under the Liquor Licences Act.
Trinidad and Tobago Sets Carnival Dates Trinidad and Tobago Government Portal (Port of Spain) The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has issued the Special Event Order, 2026 which sets the date of the official start of Carnival 2026, as a special event, from 7.00 p.m. on Sunday 1 February, 2026, to midnight on Tuesday 17 February, 2026, under the Liquor Licences Act.
Azerbaijan Announces 2026 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has finalized the list of 2026 public holidays in line with last year's Decision No. 362 by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Collegium of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Announces 2026 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has finalized the list of 2026 public holidays in line with last year's Decision No. 362 by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Collegium of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Dominican Republic Sets Date Of Juan Pablo Duarte Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué confirming that, as per the current legislation on public holidays in the Dominican Republic, the upcoming Natalicio del Padre de la Patria, Juan Pablo Duarte public holiday will be observed, on its traditional date, namely Monday, January 26, 2026.
Dominican Republic Sets Date Of Juan Pablo Duarte Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué confirming that, as per the current legislation on public holidays in the Dominican Republic, the upcoming Natalicio del Padre de la Patria, Juan Pablo Duarte public holiday will be observed, on its traditional date, namely Monday, January 26, 2026.
Lumbini Province Declares Basanta Panchami Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Law of Nepal's Province of Lumbini, Lok Bahadur Sunar, has announced the provincial government's decision to declare a public holiday on Friday, January 23, 2026, on the occasion of Basanta Panchami (Shree Panchami).
Lumbini Province Declares Basanta Panchami Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Law of Nepal's Province of Lumbini, Lok Bahadur Sunar, has announced the provincial government's decision to declare a public holiday on Friday, January 23, 2026, on the occasion of Basanta Panchami (Shree Panchami).
Tajikistan Adds Early July 1st Holiday Majlisi namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan (MNMORT) The Government of Tajikistan has issued a decree amending Tajikistan's Law on Holidays which currently includes 97 holidays, of which 12 are non-working public holidays. As per the decree submitted to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), July 1st would become an annual holiday to mark the Day of Social Insurance and Pension Workers. July 1st would remain a working day.
Tajikistan Adds Early July 1st Holiday Majlisi namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan (MNMORT) The Government of Tajikistan has issued a decree amending Tajikistan's Law on Holidays which currently includes 97 holidays, of which 12 are non-working public holidays. As per the decree submitted to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), July 1st would become an annual holiday to mark the Day of Social Insurance and Pension Workers. July 1st would remain a working day.
Armenian President Promulgates January 27 Public Holiday Armenian News Agency (ARMENPRESS) The President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, has signed into law the On making an amendment to the law 'On Holidays and Memorial Days of the Republic of Armenia', which declares January 27 as a new annual public holiday. Usually, Armenian legislation takes effect 10 days after its official publication, but due to time constraints, the legislation declaring January 27 as a new annual public holiday will take effect immediately.
Armenian President Promulgates January 27 Public Holiday Armenian News Agency (ARMENPRESS) The President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, has signed into law the On making an amendment to the law 'On Holidays and Memorial Days of the Republic of Armenia', which declares January 27 as a new annual public holiday. Usually, Armenian legislation takes effect 10 days after its official publication, but due to time constraints, the legislation declaring January 27 as a new annual public holiday will take effect immediately.
Indonesia Rules-Out Start Of Ramadan Public Holiday Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) The Muhammadiyah Central Leadership has determined that the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH will fall on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, based on the Hisab Hakiki Wujudul Hilal method and the Single Global Hijri Calendar. But, the Indonesian Government has confirmed that he first day of Ramadan 1447 Hijri in 2026 will not be designated a national holiday or collective leave (cuti bersama).
Indonesia Rules-Out Start Of Ramadan Public Holiday Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) The Muhammadiyah Central Leadership has determined that the first day of Ramadan 1447 AH will fall on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, based on the Hisab Hakiki Wujudul Hilal method and the Single Global Hijri Calendar. But, the Indonesian Government has confirmed that he first day of Ramadan 1447 Hijri in 2026 will not be designated a national holiday or collective leave (cuti bersama).
Brazil Releases List of 2026 Bank Holidays Federação Brasileira de Bancos (FEBRABAN) The Banking Federation of Brazil, the Federação Brasileira de Bancos (FEBRABAN), has released it annual list of bank holidays in Brazil for the calendar year 2026. As per the National Monetary Council (CMN) Resolution No. 4,880, of December 23, 2020, Febraban does not consider business days for the purposes of banking operations Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, including Carnival Monday and Tuesday, as well as the special cases of Ash Wednesday and December 31st.
Brazil Releases List of 2026 Bank Holidays Federação Brasileira de Bancos (FEBRABAN) The Banking Federation of Brazil, the Federação Brasileira de Bancos (FEBRABAN), has released it annual list of bank holidays in Brazil for the calendar year 2026. As per the National Monetary Council (CMN) Resolution No. 4,880, of December 23, 2020, Febraban does not consider business days for the purposes of banking operations Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays, including Carnival Monday and Tuesday, as well as the special cases of Ash Wednesday and December 31st.
Madagascar To Add 2 New Annual Public Holidays Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's Government has announced that 2 new annual public holidays would be added to the list of annual public holidays in Madascar, beginning in 2026. These 2 new annual public holidays will be Malagasy New Year and National Culture Day, whose dates have not yet been specified, but according to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication and Culture (MCC), Miary Rasolofoarijaona, "the date of the Malagasy New Year will be determined by the National Consultation" and the date of National Culture Day will be set by the MCC "in agreement with all stakeholders".
Madagascar To Add 2 New Annual Public Holidays Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's Government has announced that 2 new annual public holidays would be added to the list of annual public holidays in Madascar, beginning in 2026. These 2 new annual public holidays will be Malagasy New Year and National Culture Day, whose dates have not yet been specified, but according to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication and Culture (MCC), Miary Rasolofoarijaona, "the date of the Malagasy New Year will be determined by the National Consultation" and the date of National Culture Day will be set by the MCC "in agreement with all stakeholders".
New Zealand 2027 Public Holidays Announced New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released the list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2027 with a footnote stating that "While New Year’s Eve (31 December) is widely celebrated in NZ, it’s not a public holiday". As was the case for the list of 2025 and 2026 public holidays, the aforementioned list of 2027 public holidays in New Zealand contains the date of the Maori New Year public holiday added in 2022.
New Zealand 2027 Public Holidays Announced New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released the list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2027 with a footnote stating that "While New Year’s Eve (31 December) is widely celebrated in NZ, it’s not a public holiday". As was the case for the list of 2025 and 2026 public holidays, the aforementioned list of 2027 public holidays in New Zealand contains the date of the Maori New Year public holiday added in 2022.
Armenia National Assembly Passes January 27 Public Holiday Armenian News Agency (ARMENPRESS) The National Assembly of Armenia has passed in its second and final reading the draft law On making an amendment to the law 'On Holidays and Memorial Days of the Republic of Armenia', co-authored by Ruben Rubinyan from the ruling Civil Contract party and Gegham Nazaryan, a former member of the Armenia party, which declares January 27 as a new annual public holiday. Usually, Armenian legislation takes effect 10 days after its official publication, but due to time constraints, the legislation declaring January 27 as a new annual public holiday will take effect immediately.
Armenia National Assembly Passes January 27 Public Holiday Armenian News Agency (ARMENPRESS) The National Assembly of Armenia has passed in its second and final reading the draft law On making an amendment to the law 'On Holidays and Memorial Days of the Republic of Armenia', co-authored by Ruben Rubinyan from the ruling Civil Contract party and Gegham Nazaryan, a former member of the Armenia party, which declares January 27 as a new annual public holiday. Usually, Armenian legislation takes effect 10 days after its official publication, but due to time constraints, the legislation declaring January 27 as a new annual public holiday will take effect immediately.
ACT 2029 Public Holidays Announced ACT Government Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate (Canberra) The Chief Minister's Office of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released the list of 2029 public holidays in the ACT ("The following public holidays will be observed in the Australian Capital Territory during 2029").
ACT 2029 Public Holidays Announced ACT Government Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate (Canberra) The Chief Minister's Office of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released the list of 2029 public holidays in the ACT ("The following public holidays will be observed in the Australian Capital Territory during 2029").
Bangladesh Maintains Shab-e-Barat Public Holiday On February 4 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Earlier tonight, the National Moon-Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced that the moon for the month of Shaban, 1447 Hijri, had not been sighted last night and therefore that the month of Shaban would begin on February 21st in Bangladesh and that Shab-e-Barat would be celebrated the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with the related Bangladesh public holiday being observed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The aforementioned announcement is reported to have been made after analyzing data collected from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation head office and its divisional and district offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO).
Bangladesh Maintains Shab-e-Barat Public Holiday On February 4 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Earlier tonight, the National Moon-Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced that the moon for the month of Shaban, 1447 Hijri, had not been sighted last night and therefore that the month of Shaban would begin on February 21st in Bangladesh and that Shab-e-Barat would be celebrated the evening of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with the related Bangladesh public holiday being observed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. The aforementioned announcement is reported to have been made after analyzing data collected from district administrations, the Islamic Foundation head office and its divisional and district offices, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department and the Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO).
Punjab Declares January 20 Public Holiday Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Punjab has declared Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as a public holiday in the Gurdaspur district on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Shri Bawa Lal Ji. As per the Government Order issued by the Personnel Department (Personnel–III Branch), all government offices, boards/corporations and government educational institutions falling under the jurisdiction of Gurdaspur district will remain closed on that day.
Punjab Declares January 20 Public Holiday Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Punjab has declared Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as a public holiday in the Gurdaspur district on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Shri Bawa Lal Ji. As per the Government Order issued by the Personnel Department (Personnel–III Branch), all government offices, boards/corporations and government educational institutions falling under the jurisdiction of Gurdaspur district will remain closed on that day.
South African 2027 Public Holidays Announced South African Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) The South African Government Communication and Information System has announced the dates of the annual non-working public holidays in South Africa for the calendar year 2027, specifying that "The dates on which Good Friday and Easter Sunday fall are determined according to the ecclesiastical moon. That varies each year but they fall at some point between late March and late April" and that "The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following on it shall be a public holiday".
South African 2027 Public Holidays Announced South African Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) The South African Government Communication and Information System has announced the dates of the annual non-working public holidays in South Africa for the calendar year 2027, specifying that "The dates on which Good Friday and Easter Sunday fall are determined according to the ecclesiastical moon. That varies each year but they fall at some point between late March and late April" and that "The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the Monday following on it shall be a public holiday".
Ukraine Extends Public Holidays Cancellation Until May 3 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) Martial law in the Ukraine has been extended for another 90 days until May 3, 2026, as per the Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law (Про організацію трудових відносин в умовах воєнного стану). Bill No.14366 On Approval of the Decree of the President of Ukraine 'On Extension of the Period of Martial Law in Ukraine' was approved by 330 MPs.
Ukraine Extends Public Holidays Cancellation Until May 3 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) Martial law in the Ukraine has been extended for another 90 days until May 3, 2026, as per the Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law (Про організацію трудових відносин в умовах воєнного стану). Bill No.14366 On Approval of the Decree of the President of Ukraine 'On Extension of the Period of Martial Law in Ukraine' was approved by 330 MPs.
Nepal Declares January 19 Public Holiday For Sonam Lhosar Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the government of Nepal had declared Monday, January 19, 2026, as a public holiday to commemorate Sonam Lhosar, the New Year Festival of the Tamang community, which will enter the year of the horse (year 2862 according to the Manjushree calendar).
Nepal Declares January 19 Public Holiday For Sonam Lhosar Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the government of Nepal had declared Monday, January 19, 2026, as a public holiday to commemorate Sonam Lhosar, the New Year Festival of the Tamang community, which will enter the year of the horse (year 2862 according to the Manjushree calendar).
