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.
DR Congo Moves FARDC Public Holiday Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Employment and Labour of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ferdinand Massamba wa Massamba, signed communiqué No.021/CAB/MIN.ET/ FMM/BMU/ 05/2026 which states that, in accordance with Ordinance no. 23/042 of March 30, 2023, May 17 is a legal holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor informs the general public, and professional organizations of employers and workers in particular, that pursuant to Ordinance No. 23/042 of March 30, 2023, establishing the list of legal holidays in the Democratic Republic of Congo, May 17, 2026, "Revolution and Armed Forces Day of the Democratic Republic of Congo," is a paid holiday throughout the national territory. Since May 17 falls on a Sunday, this holiday is postponed to Monday, May 18, 2026.".
DR Congo Moves FARDC Public Holiday Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Employment and Labour of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ferdinand Massamba wa Massamba, signed communiqué No.021/CAB/MIN.ET/ FMM/BMU/ 05/2026 which states that, in accordance with Ordinance no. 23/042 of March 30, 2023, May 17 is a legal holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor informs the general public, and professional organizations of employers and workers in particular, that pursuant to Ordinance No. 23/042 of March 30, 2023, establishing the list of legal holidays in the Democratic Republic of Congo, May 17, 2026, "Revolution and Armed Forces Day of the Democratic Republic of Congo," is a paid holiday throughout the national territory. Since May 17 falls on a Sunday, this holiday is postponed to Monday, May 18, 2026.".
Congo Brazzaville Declares May 14 Public Holiday Conseil des Ministres de la République du Congo (Brazzaville) The Minister of State and Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Social Dialogue of the Republic of the Congo (aka. Congo Brazzaville), Pierre Mabiala, has signed a decree declaring Thursday, May 14, 2026, as a public holiday with paid leave throughout the entire national territory, in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 of Law No. 2-94 of March 1, 1994, which sets out public holidays, days off and paid holidays in the Republic of Congo. The aforementioned statement goes on to point out that Friday, May 15, 2026, remains a working day and that workers are therefore expected to resume their normal professional activities the following day, with all the administrative and legal implications associated with being physically present at their workplace.
Congo Brazzaville Declares May 14 Public Holiday Conseil des Ministres de la République du Congo (Brazzaville) The Minister of State and Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Social Dialogue of the Republic of the Congo (aka. Congo Brazzaville), Pierre Mabiala, has signed a decree declaring Thursday, May 14, 2026, as a public holiday with paid leave throughout the entire national territory, in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 of Law No. 2-94 of March 1, 1994, which sets out public holidays, days off and paid holidays in the Republic of Congo. The aforementioned statement goes on to point out that Friday, May 15, 2026, remains a working day and that workers are therefore expected to resume their normal professional activities the following day, with all the administrative and legal implications associated with being physically present at their workplace.
Maldives Extend Eid al-Adha Public Holidays Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The Office of the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has announced that the government had declared May 24 and 25, 2026, as public holidays to ensure that employees can enjoy the upcoming Eid al-Adha holidays conveniently and regularly. As per the aforementioned announcement, government offices are scheduled to reopen on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Maldives Extend Eid al-Adha Public Holidays Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The Office of the President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has announced that the government had declared May 24 and 25, 2026, as public holidays to ensure that employees can enjoy the upcoming Eid al-Adha holidays conveniently and regularly. As per the aforementioned announcement, government offices are scheduled to reopen on Sunday, May 31, 2026.
Venezuelan Ascension Bank Holiday May 18 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, the Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario), has announced that Monday, May 18, 2026, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Ascensión del Señor, and in line with the official list of 2026 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Venezuelan Ascension Bank Holiday May 18 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, the Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario), has announced that Monday, May 18, 2026, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Ascensión del Señor, and in line with the official list of 2026 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Botswana's Confirms May 15 Public Holiday Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) The Office of the President of Botswana has issued the Public Notice BGCIS 9/9/2 II (36) (Confirmation Of Declaration Of Unpaid Public Holiday) which states that "Following the announcement of the passing of Former President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae, Friday 15th May 2026 has been declared a Public Holiday to enable the country to pay their last respect.", adding that "This is in line with President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko’s powers under section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, by which he has issued a Government Notice declaring 15th May 2026 a public holiday in the Government Gazette Extraordinary, dated 8th May 2026. The public is advised that this is an unpaid holiday.".
Botswana's Confirms May 15 Public Holiday Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) The Office of the President of Botswana has issued the Public Notice BGCIS 9/9/2 II (36) (Confirmation Of Declaration Of Unpaid Public Holiday) which states that "Following the announcement of the passing of Former President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae, Friday 15th May 2026 has been declared a Public Holiday to enable the country to pay their last respect.", adding that "This is in line with President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko’s powers under section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, by which he has issued a Government Notice declaring 15th May 2026 a public holiday in the Government Gazette Extraordinary, dated 8th May 2026. The public is advised that this is an unpaid holiday.".
Samoa Declares June 1st Public Holiday Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, in a public notice signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fiu Jacinta Matulino, has issued the Public Holiday To Celebrate 64th Year Of Independence For The Goverment Of Samoa press release. 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 01st June 2026, is to be treated as a Public Holiday to celebrate Samoa’s 64th independence.".
Samoa Declares June 1st Public Holiday Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, in a public notice signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Fiu Jacinta Matulino, has issued the Public Holiday To Celebrate 64th Year Of Independence For The Goverment Of Samoa press release. 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 01st June 2026, is to be treated as a Public Holiday to celebrate Samoa’s 64th independence.".
South Sudan Declares May 16 Public Holiday Government of South Sudan Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development (Juba) The Undersecretary of South Sudan’s National Ministry of Labour, Deng Kanjok, has released the public announcement RSS/MoL/J/24 declaring Saturday, May 16, 2026, as a public holiday across the country in commemoration of the 43rd anniversary of SPLA Day. As per the aforementioned statement, "The National Ministry of Labour hereby informs all civil service institutions, commissions, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector institutions, and the general public that Saturday, 16th May 2026, is a public holiday in commemoration of the 43rd Anniversary of SPLA Day." adding that "Normal official work shall resume on Monday, 18th May 2026.".
South Sudan Declares May 16 Public Holiday Government of South Sudan Ministry of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development (Juba) The Undersecretary of South Sudan’s National Ministry of Labour, Deng Kanjok, has released the public announcement RSS/MoL/J/24 declaring Saturday, May 16, 2026, as a public holiday across the country in commemoration of the 43rd anniversary of SPLA Day. As per the aforementioned statement, "The National Ministry of Labour hereby informs all civil service institutions, commissions, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector institutions, and the general public that Saturday, 16th May 2026, is a public holiday in commemoration of the 43rd Anniversary of SPLA Day." adding that "Normal official work shall resume on Monday, 18th May 2026.".
UAE Extends Eid al-Adha Public Sector Holidays Emirates News Agency (WAM) The Federal Authority For Government Human Resources has announced a five-day paid holiday for public sector employees, in observance of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. As per the aforementioned announcement, the Eid break will run from Monday, May 25, and continue through Friday, May 29, 2026, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, June 1, 2026.
UAE Extends Eid al-Adha Public Sector Holidays Emirates News Agency (WAM) The Federal Authority For Government Human Resources has announced a five-day paid holiday for public sector employees, in observance of Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha. As per the aforementioned announcement, the Eid break will run from Monday, May 25, and continue through Friday, May 29, 2026, with normal working hours resuming on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Zambia Withdraws Public Holidays Bill Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (Lusaka) Zambia's Acting Leader of Government Business, Jack Mwiimbu, has withdrawn the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill No. 76 of 2026 from the National Assembly, stating that the Bill’s intention had never been to abolish existing holidays but to eliminate the practice of granting substitute holidays on Mondays.
Zambia Withdraws Public Holidays Bill Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (Lusaka) Zambia's Acting Leader of Government Business, Jack Mwiimbu, has withdrawn the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill No. 76 of 2026 from the National Assembly, stating that the Bill’s intention had never been to abolish existing holidays but to eliminate the practice of granting substitute holidays on Mondays.
Benin Declares May 14 Paid Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Benin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.006/MTFP/DC/ SGM/DGT/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, May 14, 2026, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the Christian feast of the Ascension. As per the aforementioned communique, "The Minister of Labor and Public Service announces: In celebration of Ascension Day, and in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 90-019 of July 27, 1990, establishing public holidays in the Republic of Benin, Thursday, May 14, 2026, Ascension Day, is a public holiday with paid leave throughout the entire national territory.".
Benin Declares May 14 Paid Public Holiday Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Benin's Minister of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou A. Mathys, has issued the communique No.006/MTFP/DC/ SGM/DGT/SA announcing that the government of Bénin had declared Thursday, May 14, 2026, as a paid public holiday throughout the Bénin on account of the Christian feast of the Ascension. As per the aforementioned communique, "The Minister of Labor and Public Service announces: In celebration of Ascension Day, and in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 90-019 of July 27, 1990, establishing public holidays in the Republic of Benin, Thursday, May 14, 2026, Ascension Day, is a public holiday with paid leave throughout the entire national territory.".
Gabon Declares May 14 Public Holiday Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's Ministry of Labor, Full Employment, Social Dialogue, and Vocational Training has announced that Thursday, May 14, 2026, would be a public holiday in the Gabon on account of Ascension Day. As per the aforementioned communique, "Thursday, May 14, 2026, corresponding to the celebration of the Ascension, has been officially declared a public holiday, a day off with pay throughout the entire Gabonese territory.", in line with the "provisions of decree no. 000/27/PR/MTEFP of June 29, 1998, amended by decree no. 000484/PR/MTE of May 26, 2004, which govern the system of public holidays in the Gabonese Republic".
Gabon Declares May 14 Public Holiday Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's Ministry of Labor, Full Employment, Social Dialogue, and Vocational Training has announced that Thursday, May 14, 2026, would be a public holiday in the Gabon on account of Ascension Day. As per the aforementioned communique, "Thursday, May 14, 2026, corresponding to the celebration of the Ascension, has been officially declared a public holiday, a day off with pay throughout the entire Gabonese territory.", in line with the "provisions of decree no. 000/27/PR/MTEFP of June 29, 1998, amended by decree no. 000484/PR/MTE of May 26, 2004, which govern the system of public holidays in the Gabonese Republic".
Ivory Coast Declares May 14 Public Holiday Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (Abijan) The Ministry of Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training of the Ivory Coast, acting on behalf of the Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty, has announced that Thursday, May 14, 2026, corresponding to the celebration of the Ascension, had been declared a public holiday and a day off throughout the national territory. As per the aforementioned press release, this provision is part of the application of decree no. 2011-371 of November 4, 2011, amending and supplementing article 2 of decree no. 96-205 of March 7, 1996 establishing the list and system of public holidays in Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast Declares May 14 Public Holiday Gouvernement de Côte d'Ivoire (Abijan) The Ministry of Employment, Social Protection and Vocational Training of the Ivory Coast, acting on behalf of the Minister of National Cohesion, Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty, has announced that Thursday, May 14, 2026, corresponding to the celebration of the Ascension, had been declared a public holiday and a day off throughout the national territory. As per the aforementioned press release, this provision is part of the application of decree no. 2011-371 of November 4, 2011, amending and supplementing article 2 of decree no. 96-205 of March 7, 1996 establishing the list and system of public holidays in Ivory Coast.
Karnataka Declares May 11 Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Government of India's state of Karnataka has declared Monday, May 11, 2026, as a public holiday for the Chitradurga district on account of the death of Karnataka's Planning and Statistics Minister, D Sudhakar.
Karnataka Declares May 11 Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Government of India's state of Karnataka has declared Monday, May 11, 2026, as a public holiday for the Chitradurga district on account of the death of Karnataka's Planning and Statistics Minister, D Sudhakar.
Assam Rules-Out May 12 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Deputy District Commissioner of the administrative Kamrup district of India's State of Assam, Swapneel Paul, has ruled-out the declaration of Tuesday, May 12, 2026, as a public holiday to account for the oath-taking ceremony of the new Assam government, which will be attended by Prime Minister Modi.
Assam Rules-Out May 12 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Deputy District Commissioner of the administrative Kamrup district of India's State of Assam, Swapneel Paul, has ruled-out the declaration of Tuesday, May 12, 2026, as a public holiday to account for the oath-taking ceremony of the new Assam government, which will be attended by Prime Minister Modi.
Botswana's Declares May 15 Public Holiday Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) Botswana's President, Duma Gideon Boko, has declared Friday, May 15, 2026, an unpaid public holiday to enable the nation to pay final respects to former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae. The aforementioned declaration was made in the Notice BGCIS 9/9/2 II (36), under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, and was gazetted earlier today.
Botswana's Declares May 15 Public Holiday Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) Botswana's President, Duma Gideon Boko, has declared Friday, May 15, 2026, an unpaid public holiday to enable the nation to pay final respects to former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae. The aforementioned declaration was made in the Notice BGCIS 9/9/2 II (36), under Section 3 of the Public Holidays Act, and was gazetted earlier today.
La Rioja 2027 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletin Oficial De La Rioja (La Rioja) The Secretario General Técnico de la Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Empresa y Trabajo Autónomo, Ezequiel Fernández Navajas, has signed and gazetted the annual list of regional public holidays in Spain's autonomous region of La Rioja for the upcoming calendar year 2027 in the Resolución 186/2026 de 30 de abril, de la Secretaría General Técnica de la Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Empresa y Trabajo Autónomo, por la que se dispone la publicación del Acuerdo de Consejo de Gobierno por el que se aprueba el calendario de festivos laborales para el año 2027 en la Comunidad Autónoma de La Rioja. (BOR de 8 de mayo de 2026).
La Rioja 2027 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletin Oficial De La Rioja (La Rioja) The Secretario General Técnico de la Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Empresa y Trabajo Autónomo, Ezequiel Fernández Navajas, has signed and gazetted the annual list of regional public holidays in Spain's autonomous region of La Rioja for the upcoming calendar year 2027 in the Resolución 186/2026 de 30 de abril, de la Secretaría General Técnica de la Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Empresa y Trabajo Autónomo, por la que se dispone la publicación del Acuerdo de Consejo de Gobierno por el que se aprueba el calendario de festivos laborales para el año 2027 en la Comunidad Autónoma de La Rioja. (BOR de 8 de mayo de 2026).
For an extended version of the worldwide public holidays news and updates, above, covering the past 30 days, and complemented by contextual and historical background information extracted from our database of tens of thousands of news items collated over the past 25 years, you can download our free apps for Android and iPhone, which are devoid of any ads, and whose data feed is updated nightly.
