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.
Ghana Declares May 27 Eid-Ul-Adha Public Holiday Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued the press statement Declaration Of Wednesday, 27th May 2026, as a Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 27th May 2026, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.".
Ghana Declares May 27 Eid-Ul-Adha Public Holiday Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued the press statement Declaration Of Wednesday, 27th May 2026, as a Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 27th May 2026, marks Eid-Ul-Adha, which is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.".
Hong Kong 2027 Public Holidays Released Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has published the General holidays for 2027 (2027年公眾假期) containing the gazetted list of 2027 general and public holidays in the Hong Kong SAR, in line with the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021, and with the comment that "As the second day of Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on a Sunday, the fourth day of Lunar New Year will be designated as a general holiday in substitution.".
Hong Kong 2027 Public Holidays Released Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has published the General holidays for 2027 (2027年公眾假期) containing the gazetted list of 2027 general and public holidays in the Hong Kong SAR, in line with the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021, and with the comment that "As the second day of Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on a Sunday, the fourth day of Lunar New Year will be designated as a general holiday in substitution.".
Lebanon Declares May 25 Public Holiday Association des Banques du Liban (ABL) Lebanese Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has announced that Monday, May 25, 2026, would be observed as an official public holiday in solidarity with families affected by the war in Lebanon. Lebanon's Council of Ministers also issued a memorandum stating that Monday, May 25, 2026, had been declared an official public holiday on account of Resistance and Liberation Day. As per the aforementioned memorandum, "In solidarity with the families of martyrs, the wounded, detainees and displaced people, and with our people in the South and frontline villages, and in support of their resilience, Monday, May 25, 2026, is declared an official holiday. All public administrations, institutions, municipalities and their federations, as well as schools and universities, will be closed.".
Lebanon Declares May 25 Public Holiday Association des Banques du Liban (ABL) Lebanese Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, has announced that Monday, May 25, 2026, would be observed as an official public holiday in solidarity with families affected by the war in Lebanon. Lebanon's Council of Ministers also issued a memorandum stating that Monday, May 25, 2026, had been declared an official public holiday on account of Resistance and Liberation Day. As per the aforementioned memorandum, "In solidarity with the families of martyrs, the wounded, detainees and displaced people, and with our people in the South and frontline villages, and in support of their resilience, Monday, May 25, 2026, is declared an official holiday. All public administrations, institutions, municipalities and their federations, as well as schools and universities, will be closed.".
Bangladesh Gazettes Extended Eid-ul-Azha Public Holidays Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Ministry of Public Administration of the government of Bangladesh has issued a gazette notification declaring a seven-day public sector holiday from May 25 to May 31, 2026, for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha (Feast of Sacrifice), all the while confirming that the weekly holiday on May 23 had been canceled ("Offices will remain open on that day and 24 May will be the last working day before Eid-ul-Adha"). As per the aforementioned notification, all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices across the country will remain closed during the period of May 25 to May 31, 2026. The notification notes that Bangladesh Bank will issue its own separate directives governing the continuation of banking activities during the holiday period. As for the private sector, the Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue separate instructions in line with the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, for private industrial establishments and factories.
Bangladesh Gazettes Extended Eid-ul-Azha Public Holidays Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Ministry of Public Administration of the government of Bangladesh has issued a gazette notification declaring a seven-day public sector holiday from May 25 to May 31, 2026, for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha (Feast of Sacrifice), all the while confirming that the weekly holiday on May 23 had been canceled ("Offices will remain open on that day and 24 May will be the last working day before Eid-ul-Adha"). As per the aforementioned notification, all government, semi-government, autonomous, semi-autonomous and private offices across the country will remain closed during the period of May 25 to May 31, 2026. The notification notes that Bangladesh Bank will issue its own separate directives governing the continuation of banking activities during the holiday period. As for the private sector, the Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue separate instructions in line with the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, for private industrial establishments and factories.
Costa Rica Debates Bill To Move Public Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Costa Rican Legislative Assembly is currently reviewing bill 25.593 which would amend article 148 of the Labor Code by moving five annual public holidays to Mondays when they fall on weekdays, namely: April 11, July 25, August 2, August 31, and December 1.
Costa Rica Debates Bill To Move Public Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Costa Rican Legislative Assembly is currently reviewing bill 25.593 which would amend article 148 of the Labor Code by moving five annual public holidays to Mondays when they fall on weekdays, namely: April 11, July 25, August 2, August 31, and December 1.
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 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 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.
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.
