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.
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.
Eswatini Moves King’s Birthday Public Holiday Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Minister for Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Princess Lindiwe Dlamini, has announced that the 2026 public holiday for the King's Birthday has been moved from Sunday, April 19, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, to celebrate both King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and 40 years on the throne, adding that Monday, April 20, 2026, would remain a normal working day.
Eswatini Moves King’s Birthday Public Holiday Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Minister for Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Princess Lindiwe Dlamini, has announced that the 2026 public holiday for the King's Birthday has been moved from Sunday, April 19, 2026, to Friday, April 24, 2026, to celebrate both King Mswati III’s 58th birthday and 40 years on the throne, adding that Monday, April 20, 2026, would remain a normal working day.
France Considers Amending May 1st Public Holiday Le Figaro (Paris) France's National Assembly is currently examining a bill that could radically transform this emblematic May 1st public holiday by authorizing certain employees to work in exchange for financial compensation. Currently, the Labor Code allows bakers and florists to open their businesses on May 1st , but only if they work alone or with self-employed family members.
France Considers Amending May 1st Public Holiday Le Figaro (Paris) France's National Assembly is currently examining a bill that could radically transform this emblematic May 1st public holiday by authorizing certain employees to work in exchange for financial compensation. Currently, the Labor Code allows bakers and florists to open their businesses on May 1st , but only if they work alone or with self-employed family members.
Mauritius Rules-Out Varusha Pirappu Public Holiday In 2026 Prime Minister's Office (Port-Louis) The President of the Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation (MTTF) has announced that the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, had confirmed that no public holiday would be declared in 2026 for Varusha Pirappu (Tamil New Year) on April 14, despite last year's promise by Prime Minister Ramgoolam that beginning in 2026, if Thaipoosam Cavadee fell on a Sunday (which was the case), then Varusha Pirappu (Tamil New Year) would be recognized as a public holiday.
Mauritius Rules-Out Varusha Pirappu Public Holiday In 2026 Prime Minister's Office (Port-Louis) The President of the Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation (MTTF) has announced that the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, had confirmed that no public holiday would be declared in 2026 for Varusha Pirappu (Tamil New Year) on April 14, despite last year's promise by Prime Minister Ramgoolam that beginning in 2026, if Thaipoosam Cavadee fell on a Sunday (which was the case), then Varusha Pirappu (Tamil New Year) would be recognized as a public holiday.
Monaco Gazettes May 1st Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8794, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n°2026-3 du 1er avril 2026 relative au vendredi 1er mai 2026 (jour de la Fête du Travail), jour férié légal, declaring Friday, May 1, 2026, as a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2026-3, "Pursuant to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Friday, May 1, 2026, is a public holiday, a day off work and paid for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration".
Monaco Gazettes May 1st Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8794, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n°2026-3 du 1er avril 2026 relative au vendredi 1er mai 2026 (jour de la Fête du Travail), jour férié légal, declaring Friday, May 1, 2026, as a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2026-3, "Pursuant to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Friday, May 1, 2026, is a public holiday, a day off work and paid for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration".
Sri Lanka Rules-Out May 31st Vesak Full Moon Poya Day Public Holiday The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Colombo) The Labour Department of Sri Lanka has announced that the day after the upcoming May 30th National Vesak Festival would not be observed as a public holiday, as per the Gazette Notification No. 2438/22 dated 27 May 2025, which itself had been issued in accordance with the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 954/1 dated 14 October 1996, itself issued under Section 7 of the Shop and Office Servants Act No. 19 of 1954.
Sri Lanka Rules-Out May 31st Vesak Full Moon Poya Day Public Holiday The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Colombo) The Labour Department of Sri Lanka has announced that the day after the upcoming May 30th National Vesak Festival would not be observed as a public holiday, as per the Gazette Notification No. 2438/22 dated 27 May 2025, which itself had been issued in accordance with the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 954/1 dated 14 October 1996, itself issued under Section 7 of the Shop and Office Servants Act No. 19 of 1954.
Georgia Cancels April 11 Bank Holiday საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი (Tbilisi) The National Bank of Georgia has announced that Saturday, April 11, 2026, falling within the holiday period, had been designated a banking day "to ensure uninterrupted financial services for individuals and businesses during the holidays associated with April 9 and the Easter festival".
Georgia Cancels April 11 Bank Holiday საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი (Tbilisi) The National Bank of Georgia has announced that Saturday, April 11, 2026, falling within the holiday period, had been designated a banking day "to ensure uninterrupted financial services for individuals and businesses during the holidays associated with April 9 and the Easter festival".
Honduras' Cohep Announces Move Of April 14 Public Holiday El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (Cohep) announced that the upcoming holiday of April 14 (Day of the Americas) will be observed by the private sector on Monday, April 20, 2026. Additionally, on Monday, April 20, 2026, the national financial system will not be operating.
Honduras' Cohep Announces Move Of April 14 Public Holiday El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (Cohep) announced that the upcoming holiday of April 14 (Day of the Americas) will be observed by the private sector on Monday, April 20, 2026. Additionally, on Monday, April 20, 2026, the national financial system will not be operating.
Indian Central Government Declares April 14 Public Holiday The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (New Delhi) The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) of India's Central Government's has issued an Office Memorandum declaring Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as a public holiday for all Central Government Offices, including Industrial Establishments across the country, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
Indian Central Government Declares April 14 Public Holiday The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (New Delhi) The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) of India's Central Government's has issued an Office Memorandum declaring Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as a public holiday for all Central Government Offices, including Industrial Establishments across the country, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar.
Indonesian Public Sector WFH To Begin April 10 Due To Good Friday Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has announced that the work-from-home (WFH) policy, whereby government offices will close every Friday to save in fuel spending, will only begin on Friday, April 10, 2026, due to Friday, April 3, 2026, having been a public holiday commemorating the death of Jesus Christ (Good Friday).
Indonesian Public Sector WFH To Begin April 10 Due To Good Friday Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, has announced that the work-from-home (WFH) policy, whereby government offices will close every Friday to save in fuel spending, will only begin on Friday, April 10, 2026, due to Friday, April 3, 2026, having been a public holiday commemorating the death of Jesus Christ (Good Friday).
Ireland Mulls 2 Dates For New Public Holiday Houses of the Oireachtas- National Parliament (Dublin) Ireland's Green Party leaders have called for a new annual public holiday to be observed either on Good Friday or in early July. As per the Green party chair, Janet Horner, "Irish people get fewer bank holidays than most of their European counterparts, and with people feeling the effects of both the cost-of-living and energy crises, an additional day off would benefit people in giving them rest and not leaving them out of pocket.".
Ireland Mulls 2 Dates For New Public Holiday Houses of the Oireachtas- National Parliament (Dublin) Ireland's Green Party leaders have called for a new annual public holiday to be observed either on Good Friday or in early July. As per the Green party chair, Janet Horner, "Irish people get fewer bank holidays than most of their European counterparts, and with people feeling the effects of both the cost-of-living and energy crises, an additional day off would benefit people in giving them rest and not leaving them out of pocket.".
Mongolia Declares 4-Day Week For The Public Sector Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) The new Prime Minister of Mongolia, Uchral Nyam-Osor, has announced that the Mongolian public sector will work from home one day a week as part of his Чөлөөлөе initiative. As per Deputy Prime Minister, Nomtoibayar Nyamtaishir, "working remotely one day a week will be economically beneficial for civil servants. Private companies can also regulate this issue within their internal regulations.".
Mongolia Declares 4-Day Week For The Public Sector Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) The new Prime Minister of Mongolia, Uchral Nyam-Osor, has announced that the Mongolian public sector will work from home one day a week as part of his Чөлөөлөе initiative. As per Deputy Prime Minister, Nomtoibayar Nyamtaishir, "working remotely one day a week will be economically beneficial for civil servants. Private companies can also regulate this issue within their internal regulations.".
Murcia 2027 Public Holidays Announced Dirección General de Trabajode la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia (Murcia) The Governing Council of Spain's autonomous region of Murcia, at the proposal of the Ministry of Business, Employment and Social Economy, has approved the annual calendar of official non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) for the upcoming calendar year 2027. In 2027 the 2 proposed regional public holidays in the Region of Murcia are March 19 (Saint Joseph's Day) and June 9 (Murcia Region Day). Additionally, the 45 municipalities of the Region of Murcia will each determine two local holidays.
Murcia 2027 Public Holidays Announced Dirección General de Trabajode la Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia (Murcia) The Governing Council of Spain's autonomous region of Murcia, at the proposal of the Ministry of Business, Employment and Social Economy, has approved the annual calendar of official non-working public holidays (calendario laboral) for the upcoming calendar year 2027. In 2027 the 2 proposed regional public holidays in the Region of Murcia are March 19 (Saint Joseph's Day) and June 9 (Murcia Region Day). Additionally, the 45 municipalities of the Region of Murcia will each determine two local holidays.
Bayelsa Declares Public Holiday Tomorrow The Nigerian Tribune (Yenagoa) The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy of Nigeria's State Government of Bayelsa, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, has announced that Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, had declared Friday, April 10, 2026, as a public holiday in honour of the visit by President Bola Tinubu to Bayelsa State. As per the aforementioned announcement, "As we all know, the state is ready, and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects." adding that "In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the state to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.".
Bayelsa Declares Public Holiday Tomorrow The Nigerian Tribune (Yenagoa) The Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy of Nigeria's State Government of Bayelsa, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, has announced that Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, had declared Friday, April 10, 2026, as a public holiday in honour of the visit by President Bola Tinubu to Bayelsa State. As per the aforementioned announcement, "As we all know, the state is ready, and we are ready as a people to receive the father of the nation, our father and leader in the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who will be in the state on a one-day visit to inaugurate four legacy projects." adding that "In view of this, the state government has declared tomorrow, Friday, April 10, 2026, a work-free day to enable workers and other residents of the state to participate in the programmes lined up for the one-day official visit to Bayelsa State.".
La Rioja Announces 2027 Public Holidays Boletin Oficial De La Rioja (La Rioja) The Council for Labor Relations of Spain's autonomous region of La Rioja, chaired by the Director General of Labor and Occupational Health, Pilar Simón, has announced the proposed list of La Rioja 2027 regional public holidays. For 2027, and for the 15th consecutive year, the Autonomous Region of La Rioja will have switched the regional public holiday of March 19 (San José), which it had observed from 2009-2012, for the June 9 (Día de La Rioja).
La Rioja Announces 2027 Public Holidays Boletin Oficial De La Rioja (La Rioja) The Council for Labor Relations of Spain's autonomous region of La Rioja, chaired by the Director General of Labor and Occupational Health, Pilar Simón, has announced the proposed list of La Rioja 2027 regional public holidays. For 2027, and for the 15th consecutive year, the Autonomous Region of La Rioja will have switched the regional public holiday of March 19 (San José), which it had observed from 2009-2012, for the June 9 (Día de La Rioja).
Pakistan Declares April 9-10 Public Holiday In Islamabad Pakistan's Ministry of Interior (Islamabad) The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has declared Thursday and Friday, April 9-10, 2026, as local public holidays to facilitate security and administrative arrangements during the upcoming US-Iran Peace Talks. As per the aforementioned notification No.1(20)-HC(G)/2026-444, "It is notified that 09th and 10th April, 2026 (Thursday & Friday) are hereby declared as Local Holidays within the revenue limits of Islamabad Capital Territory except the offices of essential services in Islamabad, including MCI, CDA, ICT Administration, ICT Police, IESCO, SNGPL and Hospitals.".
Pakistan Declares April 9-10 Public Holiday In Islamabad Pakistan's Ministry of Interior (Islamabad) The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has declared Thursday and Friday, April 9-10, 2026, as local public holidays to facilitate security and administrative arrangements during the upcoming US-Iran Peace Talks. As per the aforementioned notification No.1(20)-HC(G)/2026-444, "It is notified that 09th and 10th April, 2026 (Thursday & Friday) are hereby declared as Local Holidays within the revenue limits of Islamabad Capital Territory except the offices of essential services in Islamabad, including MCI, CDA, ICT Administration, ICT Police, IESCO, SNGPL and Hospitals.".
Egypt Declares April 9-13 Sectorial Public Holidays Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian authorities have confirmed that, within the framework of a decision issued by the Minister of Labor, Christian employees in both the public and private sectors will be granted five consecutive days official holidays. As per the aforementioned decision, Christian employees will receive Thursday, April 9th, as an official holiday for Maundy Thursday; Friday and Saturday, April 10th and 11th, as regular weekend holidays; Sunday, April 12th, as an official holiday for Easter; and Monday, April 13th, as an official holiday for Sham al-Nessim, for all citizens.
Egypt Declares April 9-13 Sectorial Public Holidays Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian authorities have confirmed that, within the framework of a decision issued by the Minister of Labor, Christian employees in both the public and private sectors will be granted five consecutive days official holidays. As per the aforementioned decision, Christian employees will receive Thursday, April 9th, as an official holiday for Maundy Thursday; Friday and Saturday, April 10th and 11th, as regular weekend holidays; Sunday, April 12th, as an official holiday for Easter; and Monday, April 13th, as an official holiday for Sham al-Nessim, for all citizens.
Karnali Province Declares 6 Additional Public Holidays In BS 2083 Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Karnali Province government spokesperson and Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Binod Kumar Shah, has announced that the Government of Nepal's Province of Karnali had decided to grant six additional provincial public holidays in the upcoming year 2083 BS, which runs from mid-April 2026 until mid-April 2027. As per the aforementioned Cabinet decision, public holidays will be observed on Chaitra 12 (Paddy Day) and Asoj 22 for the Chandan Nath Temple festival, though these will apply only to Jumla district. On Asar 15, National Paddy Day, a public holiday will be observed in nine districts of the province excluding Jumla. Additionally, province-wide public holidays will be observed on Shrawan 1 (Saune Sankranti and Deuda festival), Bhadra 4 (Province Establishment and Martyrs’ Day), and Kartik 8 (Kojagrat Purnima).
Karnali Province Declares 6 Additional Public Holidays In BS 2083 Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Karnali Province government spokesperson and Minister for Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Binod Kumar Shah, has announced that the Government of Nepal's Province of Karnali had decided to grant six additional provincial public holidays in the upcoming year 2083 BS, which runs from mid-April 2026 until mid-April 2027. As per the aforementioned Cabinet decision, public holidays will be observed on Chaitra 12 (Paddy Day) and Asoj 22 for the Chandan Nath Temple festival, though these will apply only to Jumla district. On Asar 15, National Paddy Day, a public holiday will be observed in nine districts of the province excluding Jumla. Additionally, province-wide public holidays will be observed on Shrawan 1 (Saune Sankranti and Deuda festival), Bhadra 4 (Province Establishment and Martyrs’ Day), and Kartik 8 (Kojagrat Purnima).
Egypt Declares April 13 Public Holiday For Sham El-Nessim Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree declaring Monday, April 13, 2026, as an official paid holiday for public and private sector employees to mark the spring festival of Sham El-Nessim. As per the aforementioned decree, these public holidays apply to "employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector firms, as well as the private sector".
Egypt Declares April 13 Public Holiday For Sham El-Nessim Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree declaring Monday, April 13, 2026, as an official paid holiday for public and private sector employees to mark the spring festival of Sham El-Nessim. As per the aforementioned decree, these public holidays apply to "employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector firms, as well as the private sector".
Nepal Reintroduces Two-Day Weekend For Government Offices Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepalese Government spokesperson, Sasmit Pokhrel, has announced that at yesterday's Cabinet meeting, the government of Nepal had decided to extend to 2 days the weekend for the public sector and the education sector. These Saturday-Sunday weekend will begin on Chaitra 23, 2082 (tomorrow).
Nepal Reintroduces Two-Day Weekend For Government Offices Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepalese Government spokesperson, Sasmit Pokhrel, has announced that at yesterday's Cabinet meeting, the government of Nepal had decided to extend to 2 days the weekend for the public sector and the education sector. These Saturday-Sunday weekend will begin on Chaitra 23, 2082 (tomorrow).
Nepal Two-Day Weekends To Apply To Banks As Well Nepal Rastra Bank (Kathmandu) The Nepal Rastra Bank (Nepal's central bank) has directed that banks and financial institutions should follow the public sector and implement a two-day weekend on Saturdays and Sundays. The directive was issued by NRB's Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department under Section 79 of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058.
Nepal Two-Day Weekends To Apply To Banks As Well Nepal Rastra Bank (Kathmandu) The Nepal Rastra Bank (Nepal's central bank) has directed that banks and financial institutions should follow the public sector and implement a two-day weekend on Saturdays and Sundays. The directive was issued by NRB's Bank and Financial Institutions Regulation Department under Section 79 of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058.
South Korean Cabinet Approves May 1st Public Holiday Extension Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) The South Korean Cabinet has approved a revision to the Act on Public Holidays with revised legislation designating Labor Day as an official public holiday, effective this year.
South Korean Cabinet Approves May 1st Public Holiday Extension Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) The South Korean Cabinet has approved a revision to the Act on Public Holidays with revised legislation designating Labor Day as an official public holiday, effective this year.
Sri Lanka Cancels Wednesday Public Sector Holidays Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs (Colombo) The Commissioner General of Essential Services of the Government of Sri Lanka, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, has announced that the Government of Sri Lanka had decided to cancel the Wednesday public sector holidays declared last month. The aforementioned announcement states that the cancellation takes "immediate effect from the day after tomorrow".
Sri Lanka Cancels Wednesday Public Sector Holidays Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs (Colombo) The Commissioner General of Essential Services of the Government of Sri Lanka, Prabath Chandrakeerthi, has announced that the Government of Sri Lanka had decided to cancel the Wednesday public sector holidays declared last month. The aforementioned announcement states that the cancellation takes "immediate effect from the day after tomorrow".
Bangladesh Declares April 13 Public Holiday For Chaitra Sankranti Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Bangladesh's Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification that the Government of Bangladesh had declared Monday, April 13, 2026, as a public holiday in the hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti.
Bangladesh Declares April 13 Public Holiday For Chaitra Sankranti Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Bangladesh's Ministry of Public Administration has issued a notification that the Government of Bangladesh had declared Monday, April 13, 2026, as a public holiday in the hill districts of Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti.
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.
