worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
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France To Cancel 2 Public Holidays Le Monde (Paris) At a news conference to present his public finance recovery plan for 2026, France's Prime Minister, François Bayrou, suggested cancelling the Easter Monday and May 8 annual public holidays of France. As per Prime Minister Bayrou's speech, these 2 holidays are mentioned as examples, but would be justified as the Monday after Easter has no religious significance, and May 8 is in the middle of the month of May which is already a Swiss Cheese due to many other nearby public holidays. Recall that, last October, during the short-lived Barnier government, France's then budget minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, had confirmed in the National Assembly, that the Barnier government was considering the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday. In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government had converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it.
France To Cancel 2 Public Holidays Le Monde (Paris) At a news conference to present his public finance recovery plan for 2026, France's Prime Minister, François Bayrou, suggested cancelling the Easter Monday and May 8 annual public holidays of France. As per Prime Minister Bayrou's speech, these 2 holidays are mentioned as examples, but would be justified as the Monday after Easter has no religious significance, and May 8 is in the middle of the month of May which is already a Swiss Cheese due to many other nearby public holidays. Recall that, last October, during the short-lived Barnier government, France's then budget minister, Laurent Saint-Martin, had confirmed in the National Assembly, that the Barnier government was considering the conversion of another of France's annual public holidays into a solidarity working holiday. In 2004, following the 2003 summer heat wave, the French government had converted the Whitmonday public holiday into a working public holiday, to bring in more tax revenues to pay for better healthcare for the elderly and disabled. However, this was a major political miscalculation, and the Whitmonday public holiday was restored in 2007. In 2011 and 2019, the French government was reportedly considering the conversion of another public holiday into a working public holiday to finance long-term dependency of the elderly population, but nothing came of it.
Togo Declares July 17 Electoral Public Holiday Primature du Togo (Lome) Earlier today, Togo's Ministries of Public Service Reform and Territorial Administration jointly issued a communique declaring Thursday, July 17, 2025, as a one-off public holiday on account of that date's municipal elections. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by Ministers Christian Trimua (Public Service Reform, Labor and Social Dialogue) and Hodabalo Awaté (Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Customary Chieftaincy), "Cette mesure, conforme aux dispositions du code électoral en vigueur, illustre l’importance que le gouvernement accorde au bon déroulement des élections et à la participation citoyenne. Elle traduit également l’engagement des autorités à créer les conditions propices à une élection inclusive, apaisée et démocratique". Recall that, in April 2024, Togo's then ministre de la fonction publique, du travail et du dialogue social, Gilbert Bawara, had issued a similar communique declaring a one-off public holiday for the following day, Monday, April 29, 2024, on account of Togo's upcoming legislative and regional elections.
Togo Declares July 17 Electoral Public Holiday Primature du Togo (Lome) Earlier today, Togo's Ministries of Public Service Reform and Territorial Administration jointly issued a communique declaring Thursday, July 17, 2025, as a one-off public holiday on account of that date's municipal elections. As per the aforementioned communique, signed by Ministers Christian Trimua (Public Service Reform, Labor and Social Dialogue) and Hodabalo Awaté (Territorial Administration, Decentralization and Customary Chieftaincy), "Cette mesure, conforme aux dispositions du code électoral en vigueur, illustre l’importance que le gouvernement accorde au bon déroulement des élections et à la participation citoyenne. Elle traduit également l’engagement des autorités à créer les conditions propices à une élection inclusive, apaisée et démocratique". Recall that, in April 2024, Togo's then ministre de la fonction publique, du travail et du dialogue social, Gilbert Bawara, had issued a similar communique declaring a one-off public holiday for the following day, Monday, April 29, 2024, on account of Togo's upcoming legislative and regional elections.
Nicaragua Declares July 19 Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) The Secretary General of Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab), José León Argüello Malespín, has announced that Saturday, July 19, 2025, would be a mandatory national holiday in commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the triumph of the Sandinista Popular Revolution ("In accordance with Article 66 of the Labor Code , Saturday, July 19 of this year, is a mandatory national holiday with the right to rest and pay for all workers in the country, in honor of the forty-sixth anniversary of the glorious triumph of our Sandinista Popular Revolution, so that we all celebrate this historic day with the strength of victories in family and community"). As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by the Minister of Labor, Alba Luz Torres Briones, the measure applies to all workers in the public and private sector in the country, as per Article 66 of the Labor Code and Law No. 290, which regulate the organization and powers of the Executive Branch in labor matters.
Nicaragua Declares July 19 Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) The Secretary General of Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab), José León Argüello Malespín, has announced that Saturday, July 19, 2025, would be a mandatory national holiday in commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the triumph of the Sandinista Popular Revolution ("In accordance with Article 66 of the Labor Code , Saturday, July 19 of this year, is a mandatory national holiday with the right to rest and pay for all workers in the country, in honor of the forty-sixth anniversary of the glorious triumph of our Sandinista Popular Revolution, so that we all celebrate this historic day with the strength of victories in family and community"). As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by the Minister of Labor, Alba Luz Torres Briones, the measure applies to all workers in the public and private sector in the country, as per Article 66 of the Labor Code and Law No. 290, which regulate the organization and powers of the Executive Branch in labor matters.
Nigeria Declares July 15 Public Holiday The Nigerian Tribune (Lagos) Nigeria's acting President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that Tuesday, July 15, 2025, would be a one-off public holiday in honour of the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, in addition to the seven days of national mourning declared earlier. The aforementioned declaration of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday was contained in a statement signed by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. Recall that, in 2010, Nigeria's then acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, had announced that following the overnight death of Nigeria's President, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, May 6, 2010, had been declared a one-off public holiday throughout Nigeria. In addition to that one-off public holiday, presidential spokesman Ima Niboro had then added that the country would observe seven days of mourning for Yar'Adua. All the while, in Nigeria's state of Katsina, where late President Umaru Yar'Adua was governor from 1999 to 2007, a 7-day period of public holidays was declared to run from May 6 until May 12, 2010. Asked about the extravagance of a 7-day public holiday, then Governor Ibrahim Shema said that "there was no honour too much for the late president".
Nigeria Declares July 15 Public Holiday The Nigerian Tribune (Lagos) Nigeria's acting President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that Tuesday, July 15, 2025, would be a one-off public holiday in honour of the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari, in addition to the seven days of national mourning declared earlier. The aforementioned declaration of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday was contained in a statement signed by Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. Recall that, in 2010, Nigeria's then acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, had announced that following the overnight death of Nigeria's President, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, May 6, 2010, had been declared a one-off public holiday throughout Nigeria. In addition to that one-off public holiday, presidential spokesman Ima Niboro had then added that the country would observe seven days of mourning for Yar'Adua. All the while, in Nigeria's state of Katsina, where late President Umaru Yar'Adua was governor from 1999 to 2007, a 7-day period of public holidays was declared to run from May 6 until May 12, 2010. Asked about the extravagance of a 7-day public holiday, then Governor Ibrahim Shema said that "there was no honour too much for the late president".
Tonga Shifts Date Of Mystery Cross Public Holiday Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Prime Minister’s Office has announced that the Government had formally declared Monday, October 27, 2025, as a one-off public holiday, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Mystery Appearance of the Cross in Pangai, Ha’apai. Early last month, Tonga's Prime Minister, Aisake Eke, had announced that his government had declared October 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the appearance of a cross at the Free Wesleyan Church in Pangai, Ha‘apai. However, the fact that October 26, 2025, will be a Sunday, has led the government to push back the one-off public holiday date.
Tonga Shifts Date Of Mystery Cross Public Holiday Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Prime Minister’s Office has announced that the Government had formally declared Monday, October 27, 2025, as a one-off public holiday, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Mystery Appearance of the Cross in Pangai, Ha’apai. Early last month, Tonga's Prime Minister, Aisake Eke, had announced that his government had declared October 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the appearance of a cross at the Free Wesleyan Church in Pangai, Ha‘apai. However, the fact that October 26, 2025, will be a Sunday, has led the government to push back the one-off public holiday date.
Kurdistan Declares July 14 Public Holiday Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Department of Media and Information of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has announced that Monday, July 14, 2025, would be an official public holiday across all public institutions to mark the anniversary of the 1958 revolution. Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution.
Kurdistan Declares July 14 Public Holiday Kurdistan Regional Government (Erbil) The Department of Media and Information of the Regional Government of the Kurdistan province of Iraq (KRG), has announced that Monday, July 14, 2025, would be an official public holiday across all public institutions to mark the anniversary of the 1958 revolution. Though nominally still a part of Iraq, Kurdistan has benefited from a large dose of de facto independence since 1990 and legally since the 2005 constitution.
Western Australia Launches Public Holidays Review Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The Government of the State of Western Australia, has launched a public consultation on its announced goal of reforming the State’s public holiday schedule. As per the WA Government website, "The WA Government is inviting feedback on the potential opportunities and considerations related to reforming the State’s public holiday schedule." and it specifies that "The existing State public holidays that are under consideration for change are the King’s Birthday, Labour Day and WA Day." all the while stressing that "National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day are not in scope of this process.". Public feedback is sought before 5:00pm (AWST), Friday 8 August 2025, on 3 aspects; • Moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, • Moving WA Day to avoid the winter season, and • The addition of (a) new public holiday(s). The WA State Government is considering adding a public holiday in September while also including Easter Saturday as a public holiday. Recall that, early last month, the Premier of the State of Western Australia, Roger Cook, indicated that WA's public holidays could soon be realigned with those observed on the east coast, potentially as early as next year, and that that review may also introduce an additional public holiday. Already mentioned at the time as being on the shortlist for date changes were: WA Day, the King's Birthday, and Labour Day. Last November, Premier Cook, had already indicated that he was open to the idea of moving the Western Australia Day public holiday closer to summer, stating that "I think it makes sense to explore how we might better align the date of the WA Day public holiday, particularly to coincide with our warmer months around summer", and adding that "I am open to reviewing the date of the public holiday in the future, as part of broader reforms that look at maximising any economic benefits". Originally called Foundation Day until 2011, WA Day is observed on the first Monday of winter, and for the past few years, that date has seen heavy rains.
Western Australia Launches Public Holidays Review Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The Government of the State of Western Australia, has launched a public consultation on its announced goal of reforming the State’s public holiday schedule. As per the WA Government website, "The WA Government is inviting feedback on the potential opportunities and considerations related to reforming the State’s public holiday schedule." and it specifies that "The existing State public holidays that are under consideration for change are the King’s Birthday, Labour Day and WA Day." all the while stressing that "National holidays, such as Anzac Day, Australia Day, Christmas and Boxing Day are not in scope of this process.". Public feedback is sought before 5:00pm (AWST), Friday 8 August 2025, on 3 aspects; • Moving existing public holidays to align with other jurisdictions, • Moving WA Day to avoid the winter season, and • The addition of (a) new public holiday(s). The WA State Government is considering adding a public holiday in September while also including Easter Saturday as a public holiday. Recall that, early last month, the Premier of the State of Western Australia, Roger Cook, indicated that WA's public holidays could soon be realigned with those observed on the east coast, potentially as early as next year, and that that review may also introduce an additional public holiday. Already mentioned at the time as being on the shortlist for date changes were: WA Day, the King's Birthday, and Labour Day. Last November, Premier Cook, had already indicated that he was open to the idea of moving the Western Australia Day public holiday closer to summer, stating that "I think it makes sense to explore how we might better align the date of the WA Day public holiday, particularly to coincide with our warmer months around summer", and adding that "I am open to reviewing the date of the public holiday in the future, as part of broader reforms that look at maximising any economic benefits". Originally called Foundation Day until 2011, WA Day is observed on the first Monday of winter, and for the past few years, that date has seen heavy rains.
Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba Further Amends 2025 Public Holidays Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (Oranjestad) The Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland has released an amended version of its previously-released list of official non-working public holidays in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, for the calendar year 2025. The new listing now lists August 4, 2025, as the date of the 2025 Carnaval Monday of Saba. Recall that when the initial list of public holidays in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, for the calendar year 2025, was announced last January, we pointed-out an error in the date listed for the 2025 Carnaval Monday of Saba, whereby it listed July 29, 2025, which is a Tuesday and the same date as last year.
Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba Further Amends 2025 Public Holidays Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (Oranjestad) The Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland has released an amended version of its previously-released list of official non-working public holidays in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, for the calendar year 2025. The new listing now lists August 4, 2025, as the date of the 2025 Carnaval Monday of Saba. Recall that when the initial list of public holidays in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, for the calendar year 2025, was announced last January, we pointed-out an error in the date listed for the 2025 Carnaval Monday of Saba, whereby it listed July 29, 2025, which is a Tuesday and the same date as last year.
Saudi Arabia Further Amends Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha Public Holidays Saudi Press Agency (SPA) The Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has approved an amendment to last year's Decision No. 532 dated Jan. 16, 2024 (Rajab 4, 1445H), regarding the review of the appropriate number of official holiday days during Eid Al-Fitr (the End of Ramadan) and Eid Al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice). As per the aforementioned amendment, the official holidays for both the Eid Al-Fitr and the Eid Al-Adha are to be at a minimum of four working days and a maximum of five working days for employees subject to the Civil Service Law and the Labor Law in government entities applying the Civil Service Law. Decision No. 532 had been issued in January 2024 in a session of the Council of Ministers, presided over by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and it decreed that in the future the government public holidays for Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha would each last a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 5 days. Recall that in past years, the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha public sector holidays would often last between 12 and 15 days.
Saudi Arabia Further Amends Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha Public Holidays Saudi Press Agency (SPA) The Cabinet of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has approved an amendment to last year's Decision No. 532 dated Jan. 16, 2024 (Rajab 4, 1445H), regarding the review of the appropriate number of official holiday days during Eid Al-Fitr (the End of Ramadan) and Eid Al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice). As per the aforementioned amendment, the official holidays for both the Eid Al-Fitr and the Eid Al-Adha are to be at a minimum of four working days and a maximum of five working days for employees subject to the Civil Service Law and the Labor Law in government entities applying the Civil Service Law. Decision No. 532 had been issued in January 2024 in a session of the Council of Ministers, presided over by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and it decreed that in the future the government public holidays for Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha would each last a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 5 days. Recall that in past years, the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha public sector holidays would often last between 12 and 15 days.
Montenegro Extends Statehood Day Public Holidays Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro (Podgorica) Montenegro’s Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue has announced that "Based on the Law on State and Other Holidays, Statehood Day is celebrated on 13 and 14 July" adding that "However, since 13 July falls on a Sunday this year, the non-working days will be Sunday, 13 July, Monday, 14 July, and Tuesday, 15 July".
Montenegro Extends Statehood Day Public Holidays Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro (Podgorica) Montenegro’s Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue has announced that "Based on the Law on State and Other Holidays, Statehood Day is celebrated on 13 and 14 July" adding that "However, since 13 July falls on a Sunday this year, the non-working days will be Sunday, 13 July, Monday, 14 July, and Tuesday, 15 July".
Jammu and Kashmir Government Calls For July 13 and December 5 Public Holidays Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The National Conference government of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has formally asked the Lieutenant Governor to declare July 13 and December 5 (birth anniversary of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah) as official holidays. Recall that, last month, the Lieutenant Governor of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has announced he had taken appropriate measures to declare Sant Kabir Das Ji as a gazetted holiday in the Union Territory in the future. The 2025 June 11 birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das had been listed as a restricted holiday, and only in the Province of Jammu, in last December's list of 2025 public holidays published in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Government Order No. 2193-JK(GAD) of 2024 (Holidays to be observed throughout the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the Calendar Year, 2025) and the Jammu and Kashmir Government Order No. 2194-JK(GAD) of 2024 (Holidays to be observed during the Calendar year, 2025 under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881), signed by the Additional Secretary to the Government, Rohit Sharma.
Jammu and Kashmir Government Calls For July 13 and December 5 Public Holidays Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The National Conference government of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has formally asked the Lieutenant Governor to declare July 13 and December 5 (birth anniversary of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah) as official holidays. Recall that, last month, the Lieutenant Governor of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has announced he had taken appropriate measures to declare Sant Kabir Das Ji as a gazetted holiday in the Union Territory in the future. The 2025 June 11 birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das had been listed as a restricted holiday, and only in the Province of Jammu, in last December's list of 2025 public holidays published in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir Government Order No. 2193-JK(GAD) of 2024 (Holidays to be observed throughout the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the Calendar Year, 2025) and the Jammu and Kashmir Government Order No. 2194-JK(GAD) of 2024 (Holidays to be observed during the Calendar year, 2025 under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881), signed by the Additional Secretary to the Government, Rohit Sharma.
South Korean Bill To Restore Constitution Day Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Another Partial amendment to the Act on Public Holidays has been tabled in South Korea's legislative assembly, with the aim to restore July 17 (Constitution Day) as an annual public holiday in South Korea. Constitution Day is one of the 2 annual public holidays whose cancellation was confirmed in 2005 at a Cabinet meeting presided by then Prime Minister Lee Hae-Chan. At that Cabinet meeting, it was decided that Arbor Day (April 5), would occur for the last time in 2005, while Constitution Day (July 17) would be taken off the list of public holidays, starting in 2008.
South Korean Bill To Restore Constitution Day Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Another Partial amendment to the Act on Public Holidays has been tabled in South Korea's legislative assembly, with the aim to restore July 17 (Constitution Day) as an annual public holiday in South Korea. Constitution Day is one of the 2 annual public holidays whose cancellation was confirmed in 2005 at a Cabinet meeting presided by then Prime Minister Lee Hae-Chan. At that Cabinet meeting, it was decided that Arbor Day (April 5), would occur for the last time in 2005, while Constitution Day (July 17) would be taken off the list of public holidays, starting in 2008.
