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.
Bihar Declares July 30 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Bihar (Patna) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Bihar has released the vide notification No. 3/H-01/2023-13226/GAD which declares a one-off electoral public holiday (सवेतनिक सार्वजनिक अवकाश) for Thursday, July 30, 2026, for the bye-election to the 182–Bankipur Assembly Constituency. As per the aforementioned notification, "Pursuant to the communication of the Election Commission of India, the polling for the 2026 bye-elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Bihar, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh has been fixed for 30 July 2026 (Thursday). Accordingly, in accordance with Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, 30 July 2026 (Thursday), being the polling day for the bye-election to the 182–Bankipur Assembly Constituency, is hereby declared a paid public holiday. This paid public holiday on 30 July 2026 (Thursday) shall apply only to the 182–Bankipur Assembly Constituency.".
Bihar Declares July 30 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Bihar (Patna) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Bihar has released the vide notification No. 3/H-01/2023-13226/GAD which declares a one-off electoral public holiday (सवेतनिक सार्वजनिक अवकाश) for Thursday, July 30, 2026, for the bye-election to the 182–Bankipur Assembly Constituency. As per the aforementioned notification, "Pursuant to the communication of the Election Commission of India, the polling for the 2026 bye-elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Bihar, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh has been fixed for 30 July 2026 (Thursday). Accordingly, in accordance with Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, 30 July 2026 (Thursday), being the polling day for the bye-election to the 182–Bankipur Assembly Constituency, is hereby declared a paid public holiday. This paid public holiday on 30 July 2026 (Thursday) shall apply only to the 182–Bankipur Assembly Constituency.".
DR Congo Moves Parents' Day 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, has declared that the paid public holiday of Saturday, August 1, 2026, dedicated to Parents' Day, has been postponed to Monday, August 3, 2026, due to its coincidence with a Saturday, a non-working day in the public sector. As per the note issued by the Minister of Gender, Family and Children, acting as interim Minister of Employment and Labour, Micheline Ombae Kalama, the decision concerns public administrations, public and private companies, and educational institutions throughout the entire national territory, and is based on the decree of March 30, 2023, establishing the legal holidays in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as on the regulations relating to public administration.
DR Congo Moves Parents' Day 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, has declared that the paid public holiday of Saturday, August 1, 2026, dedicated to Parents' Day, has been postponed to Monday, August 3, 2026, due to its coincidence with a Saturday, a non-working day in the public sector. As per the note issued by the Minister of Gender, Family and Children, acting as interim Minister of Employment and Labour, Micheline Ombae Kalama, the decision concerns public administrations, public and private companies, and educational institutions throughout the entire national territory, and is based on the decree of March 30, 2023, establishing the legal holidays in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as on the regulations relating to public administration.
Manipur Declares July 28 Durand Cup Public Holiday Government of Manipur (Imphal) The Government of India's state of Manipur has issued a notification declaring a half-day public holiday on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, for all state government offices and educational institutions to enable football enthusiasts to watch the state’s first match of the 2026 Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal. As per the official statement, the half-holiday will be observed during the second half of the working day.
Manipur Declares July 28 Durand Cup Public Holiday Government of Manipur (Imphal) The Government of India's state of Manipur has issued a notification declaring a half-day public holiday on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, for all state government offices and educational institutions to enable football enthusiasts to watch the state’s first match of the 2026 Durand Cup at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal. As per the official statement, the half-holiday will be observed during the second half of the working day.
Nicaragua Declares August 1 and 10 Public Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Minister of Labor, Johana Vanessa Flores Jiménez, as instructed by the Co-Presidents of Nicaragua, Commander Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, has announced that the Ministry of Labor (MITRAB) had declared a paid public holiday for all workers in the municipality of Managua on Saturday, August 1st, and Monday, August 10th, 2026, on the occasion of the traditional festivities in honor of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Nicaragua Declares August 1 and 10 Public Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Minister of Labor, Johana Vanessa Flores Jiménez, as instructed by the Co-Presidents of Nicaragua, Commander Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo, has announced that the Ministry of Labor (MITRAB) had declared a paid public holiday for all workers in the municipality of Managua on Saturday, August 1st, and Monday, August 10th, 2026, on the occasion of the traditional festivities in honor of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Russia Approves 2027 Public Holidays ITAR-TASS (Moscow) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation has approved an earlier draft resolution of the Russian Government proposing a list of official public holidays and bridge holidays in Russia for the upcoming calendar year 2027.
Russia Approves 2027 Public Holidays ITAR-TASS (Moscow) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Russian Federation has approved an earlier draft resolution of the Russian Government proposing a list of official public holidays and bridge holidays in Russia for the upcoming calendar year 2027.
Liberia Declares July 26-27 National Public Holidays Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Sunday, July 26, 2026 as the 179th Independence Day and to be observed throughout the Republic as a National Holiday. Additionally, President Boakai specified that the July 26 annual public holiday is to be observed on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Liberia Declares July 26-27 National Public Holidays Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Sunday, July 26, 2026 as the 179th Independence Day and to be observed throughout the Republic as a National Holiday. Additionally, President Boakai specified that the July 26 annual public holiday is to be observed on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Niger Declares Declares July 26 Public Holiday Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Employment, has issued a communiqué, signed by its titular Minister, Aïssatou Abdoulaye Tondi, announcing that Sunday, July 26, 2026, would be a public holiday in Niger. As per the aforementioned communiqué, "The Minister of the Civil Service, Labour, and Employment wishes to remind employers and employees in the public, parastatal, and private sectors that, in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 2026-12 of March 3, 2026—which amends Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, establishing public holidays—Sunday, July 26, 2026, marking the National Day of Sovereignty and Patriotism, is declared a paid public holiday throughout the national territory.".
Niger Declares Declares July 26 Public Holiday Ministère de la Fonction Publique et du Travail du Niger (Niamey) Niger's Ministry of Public Service, Labor and Employment, has issued a communiqué, signed by its titular Minister, Aïssatou Abdoulaye Tondi, announcing that Sunday, July 26, 2026, would be a public holiday in Niger. As per the aforementioned communiqué, "The Minister of the Civil Service, Labour, and Employment wishes to remind employers and employees in the public, parastatal, and private sectors that, in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance No. 2026-12 of March 3, 2026—which amends Law No. 97-20 of June 20, 1997, establishing public holidays—Sunday, July 26, 2026, marking the National Day of Sovereignty and Patriotism, is declared a paid public holiday throughout the national territory.".
Thailand Clarifies Buddhist Lent Bank Holidays The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The Bank of Thailand (Thailand's Central Bank) has announced that Khao Phansa (the beginning of Buddhist Lent) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, would not be a bank holiday and that, on that date, financial institutions and commercial banks will operate normally. However, the Bank of Thailand confirmed that the day before (Asalha Bucha Day) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, will be a bank holiday in Thailand.
Thailand Clarifies Buddhist Lent Bank Holidays The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The Bank of Thailand (Thailand's Central Bank) has announced that Khao Phansa (the beginning of Buddhist Lent) on Thursday, July 30, 2026, would not be a bank holiday and that, on that date, financial institutions and commercial banks will operate normally. However, the Bank of Thailand confirmed that the day before (Asalha Bucha Day) on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, will be a bank holiday in Thailand.
Uganda Declares July 28 LC1 Public Holiday Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda (Kampala) The government of Uganda has declared Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a public holiday to allow Ugandans to participate in the Local Council elections (LC1). As per the announcement by Uganda Media Centre Executive Director, Alan Kasujja, "To enable you to participate in the Local Council Elections, 28th July, 2026 is a Public Holiday".
Uganda Declares July 28 LC1 Public Holiday Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda (Kampala) The government of Uganda has declared Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a public holiday to allow Ugandans to participate in the Local Council elections (LC1). As per the announcement by Uganda Media Centre Executive Director, Alan Kasujja, "To enable you to participate in the Local Council Elections, 28th July, 2026 is a Public Holiday".
California Court Strikes Down Diwali State Holiday California State Assembly (Sacramento) There are news reports that a California court has struck down Assembly Bill No.268 which amended existing legislation by adding Diwali to the list of California state holidays, beginning in 2026. As per initial news reports, the issue seems to be that the law did not make Diwali a public holiday, that is to say, a mandatory paid holiday for everyone.
California Court Strikes Down Diwali State Holiday California State Assembly (Sacramento) There are news reports that a California court has struck down Assembly Bill No.268 which amended existing legislation by adding Diwali to the list of California state holidays, beginning in 2026. As per initial news reports, the issue seems to be that the law did not make Diwali a public holiday, that is to say, a mandatory paid holiday for everyone.
Cuba Rules-Out July 28 Substitute Public Holiday Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) Cuba's Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (MTSS) has announced that work activities in Cuba will be suspended on July 25, 26 and 27, but that the annual July 26 public holiday, falling on a Sunday, this year, would not be moved to Tuesday, July 28, 2026. As per the aforementioned announcement, "It is not appropriate to move the rest day of July 26, 2026, because although it coincides with the Sunday rest day, the following day is a holiday".
Cuba Rules-Out July 28 Substitute Public Holiday Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) Cuba's Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social (MTSS) has announced that work activities in Cuba will be suspended on July 25, 26 and 27, but that the annual July 26 public holiday, falling on a Sunday, this year, would not be moved to Tuesday, July 28, 2026. As per the aforementioned announcement, "It is not appropriate to move the rest day of July 26, 2026, because although it coincides with the Sunday rest day, the following day is a holiday".
South Ossetia Announces 2027 Public Holidays ITAR-TASS The Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia has announced a draft list of public holidays for 2027. As per the draft Cabinet resolution on the transfer of public holidays in 2027, presented by Acting President Marat Kambolov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Oleg Gagloev, the draft list of 2027 public holidays "was prepared in accordance with the Labor Code for the rational use of weekends and holidays by employees" and roughly matches the list of Russian public holidays.
South Ossetia Announces 2027 Public Holidays ITAR-TASS The Cabinet of Ministers of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia has announced a draft list of public holidays for 2027. As per the draft Cabinet resolution on the transfer of public holidays in 2027, presented by Acting President Marat Kambolov, Minister of Labor and Social Protection Oleg Gagloev, the draft list of 2027 public holidays "was prepared in accordance with the Labor Code for the rational use of weekends and holidays by employees" and roughly matches the list of Russian public holidays.
Peru's President-Elect Promises To Keep Number Of Public Holidays Diario Oficial El Peruano (Lima) Peru's president-elect, Keiko Fujimori , has assured the public that her government will not eliminate annual public holidays, stating that "We are not going to take away labor rights, holidays will be maintained to stimulate domestic tourism".
Peru's President-Elect Promises To Keep Number Of Public Holidays Diario Oficial El Peruano (Lima) Peru's president-elect, Keiko Fujimori , has assured the public that her government will not eliminate annual public holidays, stating that "We are not going to take away labor rights, holidays will be maintained to stimulate domestic tourism".
Libya Declares Regional Weather Public Holiday Libyan News Agency (LANA) Authorities in Tripoli have declared Thursday, July 23, 2026, a public holiday within Tripoli Centre Municipality, Tajura Municipality, and Souq al-Juma Municipality, on account of a current severe heat wave.
Libya Declares Regional Weather Public Holiday Libyan News Agency (LANA) Authorities in Tripoli have declared Thursday, July 23, 2026, a public holiday within Tripoli Centre Municipality, Tajura Municipality, and Souq al-Juma Municipality, on account of a current severe heat wave.
Madagascar Declares July 24 Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's President of the Refoundation, Michaël Randrianirina, has declared Friday, July 24, 2026, a national day of mourning to be observed as a one-off paid public holiday throughout the Malagasy territory, in the context of the recent wave of kidnappings and murders of children.
Madagascar Declares July 24 Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's President of the Refoundation, Michaël Randrianirina, has declared Friday, July 24, 2026, a national day of mourning to be observed as a one-off paid public holiday throughout the Malagasy territory, in the context of the recent wave of kidnappings and murders of children.
Eswatini Confirms Cancellation Of July 22 Public Holiday Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Nhlanhla Nxumalo, has confirmed that Wednesday, July 22, 2026, would be a normal working day in eSwatini. As per the aforementioned statement, "You are right, tomorrow is a normal working day".
Eswatini Confirms Cancellation Of July 22 Public Holiday Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Nhlanhla Nxumalo, has confirmed that Wednesday, July 22, 2026, would be a normal working day in eSwatini. As per the aforementioned statement, "You are right, tomorrow is a normal working day".
Namibian 2027 Public Holidays Announced The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has released its annual list of the official non-working public holidays in Namibia, for the calendar year 2027. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by Executive Director, Linda Nakale, "The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology hereby announces the public holiday dates for the year 2027.".
Namibian 2027 Public Holidays Announced The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has released its annual list of the official non-working public holidays in Namibia, for the calendar year 2027. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by Executive Director, Linda Nakale, "The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology hereby announces the public holiday dates for the year 2027.".
Thailand's Approves Continuation Of Queen Dowager Public Holiday Thai News Agency (Bangkok) Thailand's Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, has announced that the Thai Cabinet had approved the continuation of August 12 as the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and as Thailand's Mother's Day, designating it as an official annual public holiday continuously.
Thailand's Approves Continuation Of Queen Dowager Public Holiday Thai News Agency (Bangkok) Thailand's Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, has announced that the Thai Cabinet had approved the continuation of August 12 as the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and as Thailand's Mother's Day, designating it as an official annual public holiday continuously.
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.
