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.
Afghanistan Declares August 15 Victory Day Public Holiday Pajhwok Afghan News (Kabul) The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Taliban government of Afghanistan has declared Saturday, August 15, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday on the occasion of the Day of Victory. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs stated that August 15 marks the day of freedom and pride of the Afghan people. Accordingly, Saturday, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1, 1448 AH, corresponding to August 15, 2026, which coincides with the day of victory in Kabul, has been declared a public holiday across the country in commemoration of this proud occasion.".
Afghanistan Declares August 15 Victory Day Public Holiday Pajhwok Afghan News (Kabul) The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Taliban government of Afghanistan has declared Saturday, August 15, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday on the occasion of the Day of Victory. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs stated that August 15 marks the day of freedom and pride of the Afghan people. Accordingly, Saturday, Rabi’ al-Awwal 1, 1448 AH, corresponding to August 15, 2026, which coincides with the day of victory in Kabul, has been declared a public holiday across the country in commemoration of this proud occasion.".
Kuwait Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday August 27 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, has declared Thursday, August 27, 2026, a public holiday in Kuwait on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birthday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Work will resume on Sunday, August 30.".
Kuwait Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday August 27 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, has declared Thursday, August 27, 2026, a public holiday in Kuwait on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birthday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Work will resume on Sunday, August 30.".
Melaka Rules-Out August 21 UNESCO Public Holiday Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) The State Secretary of Malaysia's State of Melaka, Datuk Salhah Salleh, has issued a clarification to dispel the rumour that Friday, August 21, 2026, had been declared a one-off state public holiday to mark Melaka’s Unesco World Heritage recognition. As per the aforementioned statement, "All public services, schooling and daily activities will continue as usual on August 21".
Melaka Rules-Out August 21 UNESCO Public Holiday Laman Web Rasmi Bahagian Kabinet Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Kuala Lumpur) The State Secretary of Malaysia's State of Melaka, Datuk Salhah Salleh, has issued a clarification to dispel the rumour that Friday, August 21, 2026, had been declared a one-off state public holiday to mark Melaka’s Unesco World Heritage recognition. As per the aforementioned statement, "All public services, schooling and daily activities will continue as usual on August 21".
Pakistan Declares August 14 Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a BPRD Circular Letter announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan, its allied offices, public sector and private banks, and development financial institutions will remain closed on Friday, August 14 on account of public holidays for Independence Day. As per the official statement, "The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on Friday, August 14, 2026 being public holiday on the occasion of ‘Independence Day’, as declared by the Government of Pakistan", adding that the SBP, its allied offices, the public sector, private banks, and development finance institutions will resume operations on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Pakistan Declares August 14 Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a BPRD Circular Letter announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan, its allied offices, public sector and private banks, and development financial institutions will remain closed on Friday, August 14 on account of public holidays for Independence Day. As per the official statement, "The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed on Friday, August 14, 2026 being public holiday on the occasion of ‘Independence Day’, as declared by the Government of Pakistan", adding that the SBP, its allied offices, the public sector, private banks, and development finance institutions will resume operations on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Zambia Rules-Out August 14 Public Holiday The Lusaka Times (Lusaka) The Zambian Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has issued a statement that only Thursday, August 13, 2026, is a public holiday, and that Friday, August 14, 2026, is a regular working day. As per the aforementioned statement, "The government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to remind all employers and members of the public that Thursday, 13th August, 2026, is a public holiday in accordance with Article 56(2) of the Constitution of Zambia".
Zambia Rules-Out August 14 Public Holiday The Lusaka Times (Lusaka) The Zambian Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has issued a statement that only Thursday, August 13, 2026, is a public holiday, and that Friday, August 14, 2026, is a regular working day. As per the aforementioned statement, "The government of the Republic of Zambia wishes to remind all employers and members of the public that Thursday, 13th August, 2026, is a public holiday in accordance with Article 56(2) of the Constitution of Zambia".
Argentina Considering November Public Holiday For Papal Visit Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The National Deputy, Jorge Taiana, of the Union for the Fatherland party, has presented a bill, which has the signature of more than 20 legislators, requesting the Executive Branch declare, exceptionally, November 9, 10 and 11, 2026, as non-working public holidays, on the occasion of the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Argentina. As per a related statement by Argentine Foreign Minister, Pablo Quirno, a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) will be issued in the coming days to declare the visit a matter of national interest.
Argentina Considering November Public Holiday For Papal Visit Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The National Deputy, Jorge Taiana, of the Union for the Fatherland party, has presented a bill, which has the signature of more than 20 legislators, requesting the Executive Branch declare, exceptionally, November 9, 10 and 11, 2026, as non-working public holidays, on the occasion of the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to Argentina. As per a related statement by Argentine Foreign Minister, Pablo Quirno, a Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) will be issued in the coming days to declare the visit a matter of national interest.
Chad Declares August 11 Public Holiday Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue, Abdoulaye Mboudou Mbami, has issued the communiqué No.006/PR/PM/ MFPCS/SG/ DGAT/2026 declaring Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as the date of the upcoming Independence Day public holiday of Chad. As per the aforementioned communiqué, "On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence—a national holiday—and in accordance with Article 2 of Decree No. 273/PR/MFPTDS/2019 of March 7, 2019, revising the list and regulations concerning public holidays and non-working days, the Minister of the Civil Service and Social Dialogue wishes to inform workers in both the public and private sectors that Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (National Day), is declared a paid public holiday throughout the country.".
Chad Declares August 11 Public Holiday Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Ministry of Public Service and Social Dialogue, Abdoulaye Mboudou Mbami, has issued the communiqué No.006/PR/PM/ MFPCS/SG/ DGAT/2026 declaring Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as the date of the upcoming Independence Day public holiday of Chad. As per the aforementioned communiqué, "On the occasion of the Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence—a national holiday—and in accordance with Article 2 of Decree No. 273/PR/MFPTDS/2019 of March 7, 2019, revising the list and regulations concerning public holidays and non-working days, the Minister of the Civil Service and Social Dialogue wishes to inform workers in both the public and private sectors that Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (National Day), is declared a paid public holiday throughout the country.".
Haiti Extends August Public Holidays Communiqués de presse de la Présidence de la République d'Haïti (Port-au-Prince) The General Secretary of the Presidency of Haiti, Marie E. Régine Joseph Héraux, has announced that Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, 2026, will be public holidays and days off throughout the Haitian territory, on the occasion of Bois-Caïman Day and Union for Liberty Day, and then on the Feast of the Assumption. As per the media release reference PN/SGP/RJH/2757 "this provision concerns the public administration, commerce, industry and schools, which will have to be completely closed during these two days".
Haiti Extends August Public Holidays Communiqués de presse de la Présidence de la République d'Haïti (Port-au-Prince) The General Secretary of the Presidency of Haiti, Marie E. Régine Joseph Héraux, has announced that Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, 2026, will be public holidays and days off throughout the Haitian territory, on the occasion of Bois-Caïman Day and Union for Liberty Day, and then on the Feast of the Assumption. As per the media release reference PN/SGP/RJH/2757 "this provision concerns the public administration, commerce, industry and schools, which will have to be completely closed during these two days".
Maharashtra Swaps August And September Public Holidays Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of India's State of Maharashtra has issued the Government Corrigendum (शासन शुद्धीपत्रक) Number स्थानिसु-२०२६ /प्र.क्र.१४०/जपुक (२९), signed by the Under Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ramdas Girjappa Kolekar. As per the aforementioned corrigendum, Friday, August 28, has been declared a local holiday for all state and semi-government offices in Mumbai City and the Mumbai Suburban district to mark Raksha Bandhan, while the previously declared local holiday for Gopal Kala (Dahi Handi), originally set for September 5, has been canceled.
Maharashtra Swaps August And September Public Holidays Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of India's State of Maharashtra has issued the Government Corrigendum (शासन शुद्धीपत्रक) Number स्थानिसु-२०२६ /प्र.क्र.१४०/जपुक (२९), signed by the Under Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, Ramdas Girjappa Kolekar. As per the aforementioned corrigendum, Friday, August 28, has been declared a local holiday for all state and semi-government offices in Mumbai City and the Mumbai Suburban district to mark Raksha Bandhan, while the previously declared local holiday for Gopal Kala (Dahi Handi), originally set for September 5, has been canceled.
Senegal Bill Would Extend Magal Public Holiday Site Officiel du Gouvernement du Sénégal (Dakar) A bill has been tabled by MP Marème Mbacké (Pastef-Les Patriotes) to automatically declare the Monday after the Grand Magal de Touba a public holiday, when the Magal falls on a Sunday, as was the case in 2026.
Senegal Bill Would Extend Magal Public Holiday Site Officiel du Gouvernement du Sénégal (Dakar) A bill has been tabled by MP Marème Mbacké (Pastef-Les Patriotes) to automatically declare the Monday after the Grand Magal de Touba a public holiday, when the Magal falls on a Sunday, as was the case in 2026.
Another Vietnamese Ministry Chooses 7-Day Lunar New Year Public Holiday Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has responded to the survey sent by the Ministry of Interior regarding the proposed holiday schedule for Vietnamese Culture Day in 2026, Lunar New Year 2027, and National Day 2027, choosing Option 1 for the Vietnamese Culture Day holiday in 2026 (swapping to a 4-day holiday) and Option 1 for the Lunar New Year holiday in 2027 (no swapping of dates, a full 7-day holiday).
Another Vietnamese Ministry Chooses 7-Day Lunar New Year Public Holiday Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Health of Vietnam has responded to the survey sent by the Ministry of Interior regarding the proposed holiday schedule for Vietnamese Culture Day in 2026, Lunar New Year 2027, and National Day 2027, choosing Option 1 for the Vietnamese Culture Day holiday in 2026 (swapping to a 4-day holiday) and Option 1 for the Lunar New Year holiday in 2027 (no swapping of dates, a full 7-day holiday).
Zambia Declares August 13 Public Holiday The Lusaka Times (Lusaka) The Zambian Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has issued the Cabinet Office Circular No.12 of 2026, declaring Thursday, August 13, 2026, as a one-off public holiday on account of the tripartite elections being held on that date. As per the aforementioned circular, "In accordance with Article 56 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Zambia, as amended by the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, the Country holds General Elections every five (5) years after the last general election on the second Thursday of August. We will, therefore, be holding a General Election on 13th August, 2026 to elect the President and Vice-President, Members of Parliament, Mayors and Council Chairpersons as well as Councillors. Further Article 56 (2), provides that the day on which a general election is held shall be a public holiday.", adding that "Pursuant to the constitutional provision, Thursday, 13th August, 2026, the day on which the general election will be held shall be a Public Holiday. This is intended to accord all the eligible voters an opportunity to participate in the elections.", and concluding with "Please note that Friday, 14th August, 2026 will not be a holiday. It will be a working day.".
Zambia Declares August 13 Public Holiday The Lusaka Times (Lusaka) The Zambian Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has issued the Cabinet Office Circular No.12 of 2026, declaring Thursday, August 13, 2026, as a one-off public holiday on account of the tripartite elections being held on that date. As per the aforementioned circular, "In accordance with Article 56 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Zambia, as amended by the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, the Country holds General Elections every five (5) years after the last general election on the second Thursday of August. We will, therefore, be holding a General Election on 13th August, 2026 to elect the President and Vice-President, Members of Parliament, Mayors and Council Chairpersons as well as Councillors. Further Article 56 (2), provides that the day on which a general election is held shall be a public holiday.", adding that "Pursuant to the constitutional provision, Thursday, 13th August, 2026, the day on which the general election will be held shall be a Public Holiday. This is intended to accord all the eligible voters an opportunity to participate in the elections.", and concluding with "Please note that Friday, 14th August, 2026 will not be a holiday. It will be a working day.".
Trinidad and Tobago Call For First Peoples Public Holiday Trinidad and Tobago Government Portal (Port of Spain) The Grand Chief of the First Peoples Sovereign Nations of Trinidad and Tobago, Eric Lewis, has called for replacing an existing public holiday with one dedicated to First Peoples, suggesting that "Perhaps we could replace Corpus Christi with First Peoples holiday". The aforementioned call was made at today's United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026 series of ancestral and commemorative ceremonies.
Trinidad and Tobago Call For First Peoples Public Holiday Trinidad and Tobago Government Portal (Port of Spain) The Grand Chief of the First Peoples Sovereign Nations of Trinidad and Tobago, Eric Lewis, has called for replacing an existing public holiday with one dedicated to First Peoples, suggesting that "Perhaps we could replace Corpus Christi with First Peoples holiday". The aforementioned call was made at today's United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2026 series of ancestral and commemorative ceremonies.
Barbados Call For Garry Sobers Public Holiday Government of Barbados Ministry of Labour (Bridgetown) Sir Charles Griffith has proposed the creation of a new annual public holiday in Barbados to celebrate his contribution to the sport of Sir Garry Sobers, who died last month.
Barbados Call For Garry Sobers Public Holiday Government of Barbados Ministry of Labour (Bridgetown) Sir Charles Griffith has proposed the creation of a new annual public holiday in Barbados to celebrate his contribution to the sport of Sir Garry Sobers, who died last month.
Iraq Announces Declares August 12 Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Iraq has declared Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a public holiday across all ministries and government institutions in commemoration of the death of the Prophet Muhammad. As per the aforementioned statement, "Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zubaidi has directed that official working hours be suspended in all government institutions on Wednesday, August 12, 2026".
Iraq Announces Declares August 12 Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers of Iraq has declared Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a public holiday across all ministries and government institutions in commemoration of the death of the Prophet Muhammad. As per the aforementioned statement, "Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zubaidi has directed that official working hours be suspended in all government institutions on Wednesday, August 12, 2026".
Peru Amends Plans To Move Public Holidays To Fridays Diario Oficial El Peruano (Lima) Peru's Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), Elmer Cuba, has announced a change to the plans he announced yesterday to move most annual public holidays to the next Friday, beginning in 2027. In an interview this morning with Canal N, Minister Cuba stated that "Monday is a better day for holidays".
Peru Amends Plans To Move Public Holidays To Fridays Diario Oficial El Peruano (Lima) Peru's Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), Elmer Cuba, has announced a change to the plans he announced yesterday to move most annual public holidays to the next Friday, beginning in 2027. In an interview this morning with Canal N, Minister Cuba stated that "Monday is a better day for holidays".
Chilean Bill To Extend September 2026 Public Holidays Tramitación de proyectos (Congreso Nacional de Chile) Chilean member of Parliament, Zandra Parisi, a member of parliament from the People's Party (PDG), has introduced legislation to declare Thursday, September 17, 2026, due to the annual September 18 and 19 public holidays overlapping with the weekend in 2026. However, the Chilean Undersecretary of the Interior, Máximo Pavez, has come out against the proposal, stating that "The Executive branch is of the opinion not to innovate in this matter, because there is already a law that regulates what happens with the National Holidays , both when there is an interruption at the beginning or end of the National Holidays week".
Chilean Bill To Extend September 2026 Public Holidays Tramitación de proyectos (Congreso Nacional de Chile) Chilean member of Parliament, Zandra Parisi, a member of parliament from the People's Party (PDG), has introduced legislation to declare Thursday, September 17, 2026, due to the annual September 18 and 19 public holidays overlapping with the weekend in 2026. However, the Chilean Undersecretary of the Interior, Máximo Pavez, has come out against the proposal, stating that "The Executive branch is of the opinion not to innovate in this matter, because there is already a law that regulates what happens with the National Holidays , both when there is an interruption at the beginning or end of the National Holidays week".
Guatemalan Bank Holiday Moved To August 14 Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (Guatemala City) The supervisory body in charge of the banking sector in Guatemala (the Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala - SIB) has announced that Friday, August 14, 2026, had been declared as a bank holiday in Guatemala, on account of the annual, August 15, Asunción de Nuestra Señora. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Monetary Board authorized banks, bank branches and agencies, finance companies, insurance companies, warehousing companies, currency exchange houses, and microfinance institutions to close on Friday, August 14—a holiday for the Assumption of Our Lady (which falls on August 15 and applies only to the capital city).".
Guatemalan Bank Holiday Moved To August 14 Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala (Guatemala City) The supervisory body in charge of the banking sector in Guatemala (the Superintendencia de Bancos de Guatemala - SIB) has announced that Friday, August 14, 2026, had been declared as a bank holiday in Guatemala, on account of the annual, August 15, Asunción de Nuestra Señora. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Monetary Board authorized banks, bank branches and agencies, finance companies, insurance companies, warehousing companies, currency exchange houses, and microfinance institutions to close on Friday, August 14—a holiday for the Assumption of Our Lady (which falls on August 15 and applies only to the capital city).".
Peru To Move Public Holidays To Fridays Diario Oficial El Peruano (Lima) Peru's new president, Keiko Fujimori, has announced that the Peruvian government will move all holidays to Fridays to boost domestic tourism and improve productivity. As per the Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), Elmer Cuba, starting in 2027, all holidays will be moved to Friday, except for Christmas, New Year's Day and Peru's national day (July 28), adding that this measure may begin at the end of 2026.
Peru To Move Public Holidays To Fridays Diario Oficial El Peruano (Lima) Peru's new president, Keiko Fujimori, has announced that the Peruvian government will move all holidays to Fridays to boost domestic tourism and improve productivity. As per the Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), Elmer Cuba, starting in 2027, all holidays will be moved to Friday, except for Christmas, New Year's Day and Peru's national day (July 28), adding that this measure may begin at the end of 2026.
UAE Moves Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday Emirates News Agency (WAM) The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), for private sector employees, and the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources (for the public sector), have announced that as per Resolution No. 27 of April 2024, Friday, August 28, 2026, would be marked as a public holiday to honour Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.
UAE Moves Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday Emirates News Agency (WAM) The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), for private sector employees, and the Federal Authority For Government Human Resources (for the public sector), have announced that as per Resolution No. 27 of April 2024, Friday, August 28, 2026, would be marked as a public holiday to honour Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.
Vietnamese Ministry Chooses 7-Day Lunar New Year Public Holiday Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam has responded to the survey sent by the Ministry of Interior regarding the proposed holiday schedule for Vietnamese Culture Day in 2026, Lunar New Year 2027, and National Day 2027. As per the aforementioned response, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism unanimously chose Option 1 for the Vietnamese Culture Day holiday in 2026 (swapping to a 4-day holiday) and Option 1 for the Lunar New Year holiday in 2027 (no swapping of dates, a full 7-day holiday).
Vietnamese Ministry Chooses 7-Day Lunar New Year Public Holiday Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam has responded to the survey sent by the Ministry of Interior regarding the proposed holiday schedule for Vietnamese Culture Day in 2026, Lunar New Year 2027, and National Day 2027. As per the aforementioned response, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism unanimously chose Option 1 for the Vietnamese Culture Day holiday in 2026 (swapping to a 4-day holiday) and Option 1 for the Lunar New Year holiday in 2027 (no swapping of dates, a full 7-day holiday).
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.
