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.
Angola Declares April 20 Public Holiday For Papal Visit Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Government of Angola's Province of Lunda-Sul has declared Monday, April 20, 2026, as a public holiday to welcome Pope Leo XIV to the province. As per the aforementioned announcement, the April 20 public holiday will apply to all public services, public institutions, and public and private companies.
Angola Declares April 20 Public Holiday For Papal Visit Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Government of Angola's Province of Lunda-Sul has declared Monday, April 20, 2026, as a public holiday to welcome Pope Leo XIV to the province. As per the aforementioned announcement, the April 20 public holiday will apply to all public services, public institutions, and public and private companies.
Bangladesh Restores November 7 Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Bangladesh's Government has announced that it had decided to restore the observance of November 7 as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day public holiday. As per the announcement made by Cabinet Secretary, Nasimul Gani, "It has been decided that 7 November will be declared as National Revolution and Solidarity Day as it was before. It will be a public holiday, as it used to be", adding that November 7 would henceforth be observed as a Category Ka day, which had not been the case for the past 16 years. Cabinet Secretary Gani also announced that 6 July has been declared as National Rural Development Day, but that it would be classified as a Category B observance, not a public holiday.
Bangladesh Restores November 7 Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Bangladesh's Government has announced that it had decided to restore the observance of November 7 as the National Revolution and Solidarity Day public holiday. As per the announcement made by Cabinet Secretary, Nasimul Gani, "It has been decided that 7 November will be declared as National Revolution and Solidarity Day as it was before. It will be a public holiday, as it used to be", adding that November 7 would henceforth be observed as a Category Ka day, which had not been the case for the past 16 years. Cabinet Secretary Gani also announced that 6 July has been declared as National Rural Development Day, but that it would be classified as a Category B observance, not a public holiday.
Guernsey Rules-Out May 11 Public Holiday States of Guernsey (St. Peter Port) The States of Guernsey (the Guernsey Government) has announced that there would be no additional public holiday day in Guernsey on May 11, 2026, for this year's Liberation Day celebrations, due to this year's Liberation Day falling on a Saturday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Committee for Economic Development has followed what has been done in previous years and left the public holiday on the Saturday".
Guernsey Rules-Out May 11 Public Holiday States of Guernsey (St. Peter Port) The States of Guernsey (the Guernsey Government) has announced that there would be no additional public holiday day in Guernsey on May 11, 2026, for this year's Liberation Day celebrations, due to this year's Liberation Day falling on a Saturday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Committee for Economic Development has followed what has been done in previous years and left the public holiday on the Saturday".
Slovakian Confusion Over Canceled May 8 Public Holiday Ministerstvo zahranicných vecí Slovenskej republiky (Bratislava) Slovakia's Labour Ministry has confirmed that May 8 is now a "normal working day", despite the fact that the Labour Code still treats it as a holiday for the purposes of paid salaries, meaning that, despite May 8 being a working day, employers must pay a 100-percent premium for work done on that day. In that context, some organizations are still treating May 8, 2026, as a public holiday. Slovenská Sporiteľňa, the country’s largest bank, will remain closed on May 8, and Bratislava City Hall has announced that it would grant all employees special paid leave on May 8, unless parliament removes the 100 percent surcharge.
Slovakian Confusion Over Canceled May 8 Public Holiday Ministerstvo zahranicných vecí Slovenskej republiky (Bratislava) Slovakia's Labour Ministry has confirmed that May 8 is now a "normal working day", despite the fact that the Labour Code still treats it as a holiday for the purposes of paid salaries, meaning that, despite May 8 being a working day, employers must pay a 100-percent premium for work done on that day. In that context, some organizations are still treating May 8, 2026, as a public holiday. Slovenská Sporiteľňa, the country’s largest bank, will remain closed on May 8, and Bratislava City Hall has announced that it would grant all employees special paid leave on May 8, unless parliament removes the 100 percent surcharge.
Jordan Declares April 30 Public Holiday Petra Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian Prime Minister, Jaafar Hassan, has issued a circular declaring a public holiday in Jordan on Thursday, April 30, 2026. As per the aforementioned circular, "all ministries, government departments, public institutions and authorities, public universities, municipalities, joint services councils, the Greater Amman Municipality, and fully government-owned companies will be closed on Thursday, April 30, 2026".
Jordan Declares April 30 Public Holiday Petra Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian Prime Minister, Jaafar Hassan, has issued a circular declaring a public holiday in Jordan on Thursday, April 30, 2026. As per the aforementioned circular, "all ministries, government departments, public institutions and authorities, public universities, municipalities, joint services councils, the Greater Amman Municipality, and fully government-owned companies will be closed on Thursday, April 30, 2026".
Tasmanian Easter Sunday Public Holiday Bill Tabled Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) The leader of the Labor Party of Australia's State of Tasmania, Josh Willie, has posted, on the Tasmanian Labor website, that "In a move to help workers with the cost-of-living, legislation has been tabled in Parliament to finally make Easter Sunday a public holiday in Tasmania", urging every member of Parliament to support the change.
Tasmanian Easter Sunday Public Holiday Bill Tabled Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) The leader of the Labor Party of Australia's State of Tasmania, Josh Willie, has posted, on the Tasmanian Labor website, that "In a move to help workers with the cost-of-living, legislation has been tabled in Parliament to finally make Easter Sunday a public holiday in Tasmania", urging every member of Parliament to support the change.
Congo Brazzaville Declares April 16 Public Holiday Conseil des Ministres de la République du Congo (Brazzaville) The Minister of State for Public Service, Labor, and Social Security of the Republic of the Congo (aka. Congo Brazzaville), Alphonse Claude N'Silou, has signed the decree No.681/MFPTSS-CAB declaring Thursday, April 16, 2026, as a one-off public holiday to coincide with the inauguration of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, re-elected last month for a fifth term with 94.82% of the votes. According to the aforementioned decree, the declaration of Thursday, April 16, 2026, as a one-off public holiday is in accordance with current legal provisions, particularly those relating to public holidays, days off, and paid leave in the Republic of Congo, and the public holiday will be observed by all public and private administrations.
Congo Brazzaville Declares April 16 Public Holiday Conseil des Ministres de la République du Congo (Brazzaville) The Minister of State for Public Service, Labor, and Social Security of the Republic of the Congo (aka. Congo Brazzaville), Alphonse Claude N'Silou, has signed the decree No.681/MFPTSS-CAB declaring Thursday, April 16, 2026, as a one-off public holiday to coincide with the inauguration of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, re-elected last month for a fifth term with 94.82% of the votes. According to the aforementioned decree, the declaration of Thursday, April 16, 2026, as a one-off public holiday is in accordance with current legal provisions, particularly those relating to public holidays, days off, and paid leave in the Republic of Congo, and the public holiday will be observed by all public and private administrations.
Gabon Declares April 17 Public Holiday Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's Minister of Labour, Full Employment, Social Dialogue and Vocational Training, Jacquline Ilogue née Bignoumba, has issued the communique No.0003/MTPEDSFP/ SG/DGT/DR declaring Friday, April 17, 2026, a public holiday in the Gabon on account of the Journée nationale de la Femme. As per the minister's statement "The Minister of Labour, Full Employment, Social Dialogue and Vocational Training informs employers and workers, as well as the entire national community, that, in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 00727/PR/MTEFP of 29 June 1998 regulating the system of public holidays in the Gabonese Republic and amended in its article 2 by Decree No. 000484/PR/MTE of 26 May 2004; Friday, 17 April 2026, marking National Women's Day, is declared a public holiday, a day off work and a day off in lieu of overtime throughout the national territory.".
Gabon Declares April 17 Public Holiday Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's Minister of Labour, Full Employment, Social Dialogue and Vocational Training, Jacquline Ilogue née Bignoumba, has issued the communique No.0003/MTPEDSFP/ SG/DGT/DR declaring Friday, April 17, 2026, a public holiday in the Gabon on account of the Journée nationale de la Femme. As per the minister's statement "The Minister of Labour, Full Employment, Social Dialogue and Vocational Training informs employers and workers, as well as the entire national community, that, in accordance with the provisions of Decree No. 00727/PR/MTEFP of 29 June 1998 regulating the system of public holidays in the Gabonese Republic and amended in its article 2 by Decree No. 000484/PR/MTE of 26 May 2004; Friday, 17 April 2026, marking National Women's Day, is declared a public holiday, a day off work and a day off in lieu of overtime throughout the national territory.".
Sarawak Considering June 3 Additional Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kuching) There are proposals for the Sarawak Government to declare June 3, 2026, as an additional public holiday "for those in both the public and private sectors", due to the 2026 overlap of 4 public holidays. The upcoming Wesak Day falls on May 31, while the public holidays for Gawai Dayak are on June 1 and 2, and the official birthday of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong is on June 1.
Sarawak Considering June 3 Additional Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kuching) There are proposals for the Sarawak Government to declare June 3, 2026, as an additional public holiday "for those in both the public and private sectors", due to the 2026 overlap of 4 public holidays. The upcoming Wesak Day falls on May 31, while the public holidays for Gawai Dayak are on June 1 and 2, and the official birthday of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong is on June 1.
Jazira Public Holiday Declared On April 15 For Yazidi New Year Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) The Autonomous Administration of the Jazira region of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) has declared a public holiday in all its institutions and departments on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in observance of the Red Wednesday holiday (the Yazidi New Year).
Jazira Public Holiday Declared On April 15 For Yazidi New Year Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) The Autonomous Administration of the Jazira region of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) has declared a public holiday in all its institutions and departments on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in observance of the Red Wednesday holiday (the Yazidi New Year).
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Declare Ambedkar Jayanti Public Holiday Office of the Labour Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory (Port Blair) The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India, Rajeshwar Lall, has declared Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as a public holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in all Government Offices, institutions, public sector undertakings including industrial establishments in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The aforementioned declaration of a public holiday on April 14 was made in accordance with the instructions contained in the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, New Delhi, Office Memorandum No.12/4/2020-JCA.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Declare Ambedkar Jayanti Public Holiday Office of the Labour Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory (Port Blair) The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India, Rajeshwar Lall, has declared Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as a public holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in all Government Offices, institutions, public sector undertakings including industrial establishments in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The aforementioned declaration of a public holiday on April 14 was made in accordance with the instructions contained in the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, New Delhi, Office Memorandum No.12/4/2020-JCA.
Antigua and Barbuda Likely To Declare May 1st Public Holiday Permanent Secretary Ministry of Legal Affairs (St. John's) Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, has announced that as per tradition, he would declare the day after the upcoming elections of Thursday, April 30, 2026, as a one-off post-election public holiday, if the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) won, so that the nation can "celebrate Labour Day in grand style".
Antigua and Barbuda Likely To Declare May 1st Public Holiday Permanent Secretary Ministry of Legal Affairs (St. John's) Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, has announced that as per tradition, he would declare the day after the upcoming elections of Thursday, April 30, 2026, as a one-off post-election public holiday, if the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) won, so that the nation can "celebrate Labour Day in grand style".
France Postpones May 1st Public Holiday Amendments Le Figaro (Paris) The French government has decided against summoning a joint parliamentary committee to decide on the bill that would have allowed certain businesses, such as bakeries and florists, to open on May 1st. The proposed law had been set to be adopted at the end of this week, in time for this year's May 1st public holiday. But, Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou did add that "My responsibility is to provide an answer to the current legal uncertainty before May 1st, 2027".
France Postpones May 1st Public Holiday Amendments Le Figaro (Paris) The French government has decided against summoning a joint parliamentary committee to decide on the bill that would have allowed certain businesses, such as bakeries and florists, to open on May 1st. The proposed law had been set to be adopted at the end of this week, in time for this year's May 1st public holiday. But, Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou did add that "My responsibility is to provide an answer to the current legal uncertainty before May 1st, 2027".
Papua New Guinea Clarifies Earlier Announced April 17 Public Holiday Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Education Secretary of the National Government of Papua New Guinea, Uke Kombra, has issued the Secretary's Circular Instruction No.05/2026 which corrects the announced date of April 17 listed as a public holiday. As per the aforementioned circular, "The purpose of this Circular is to formally notify all schools and institutions under the National Education System (NES) that Friday, 17" April, 2026 is a normal working day", adding that "The Department wishes to clarify that the King’s Birthday is not scheduled for this week"..
Papua New Guinea Clarifies Earlier Announced April 17 Public Holiday Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Education Secretary of the National Government of Papua New Guinea, Uke Kombra, has issued the Secretary's Circular Instruction No.05/2026 which corrects the announced date of April 17 listed as a public holiday. As per the aforementioned circular, "The purpose of this Circular is to formally notify all schools and institutions under the National Education System (NES) that Friday, 17" April, 2026 is a normal working day", adding that "The Department wishes to clarify that the King’s Birthday is not scheduled for this week"..
Tasmanian Easter Sunday Public Holiday Bill to Be Tabled Next Week Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) Earlier this morning, the leader of the Labor Party of Australia's State of Tasmania, Josh Willie, posted on the Tasmanian Labor website that Labor would table legislation in Parliament to finally make Easter Sunday a public holiday in Tasmania, this coming week. As per the aforementioned post, "This is a simple, practical reform. This is about fairness. It means that if you are working on Easter Sunday, you are properly recognised and properly paid.".
Tasmanian Easter Sunday Public Holiday Bill to Be Tabled Next Week Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) Earlier this morning, the leader of the Labor Party of Australia's State of Tasmania, Josh Willie, posted on the Tasmanian Labor website that Labor would table legislation in Parliament to finally make Easter Sunday a public holiday in Tasmania, this coming week. As per the aforementioned post, "This is a simple, practical reform. This is about fairness. It means that if you are working on Easter Sunday, you are properly recognised and properly paid.".
Saipan Declares April 13 Typhoon Public Sector Holiday The CNMI Civil Service Commission and Office of Personnel Management (CNMIOPM) The Governor of Saipan (CNMI), David M. Apatang, has signed the Memorandum GOV2026-242 declaring tomorrow, Monday, April 13, 2026, as a public sector holiday on account of the upcoming passage of Typhoon Sinlaku. As per the aforementioned memorandum, "In accordance with the Declaration of Typhoon Condition II for the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, All government offices will remain closed until an “All Clear” declaration is announced.".
Saipan Declares April 13 Typhoon Public Sector Holiday The CNMI Civil Service Commission and Office of Personnel Management (CNMIOPM) The Governor of Saipan (CNMI), David M. Apatang, has signed the Memorandum GOV2026-242 declaring tomorrow, Monday, April 13, 2026, as a public sector holiday on account of the upcoming passage of Typhoon Sinlaku. As per the aforementioned memorandum, "In accordance with the Declaration of Typhoon Condition II for the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, All government offices will remain closed until an “All Clear” declaration is announced.".
Chandigarh Declares April 14 Public Holiday Government of Chandigarh (Chandigarh) The Government of India's Union Territory of Chandigarh has issued a vide notification declaring Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as a public holiday for all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions, including industrial establishments, under the Chandigarh Administration, under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and on account of the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.
Chandigarh Declares April 14 Public Holiday Government of Chandigarh (Chandigarh) The Government of India's Union Territory of Chandigarh has issued a vide notification declaring Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as a public holiday for all government offices, boards, corporations, institutions, including industrial establishments, under the Chandigarh Administration, under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and on account of the birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.
Romania To Consider May 10 Public Holiday Mediafax (Bucharest) A draft law has been submitted into the Romanian Parliament which would amend article 139 of the Labor Code with the addition of May 10 as a new annual public holiday to mark Romanian Independence Day.
Romania To Consider May 10 Public Holiday Mediafax (Bucharest) A draft law has been submitted into the Romanian Parliament which would amend article 139 of the Labor Code with the addition of May 10 as a new annual public holiday to mark Romanian Independence Day.
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.
