worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
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Andaman and Nicobar Islands Declare Makar Sankranti Public Holiday Office of the Labour Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory (Port Blair) The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India, Rajeshwar Lall, has declared Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as a public holiday in all Government Offices, Autonomous Bodies and Public Sector Undertakings, Educational Institutions under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration on account of Makar Sankranti/ Magha Bihu / Pongal. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The restricted holiday on occasion of Makar Sankranti/ Magha Bihu / Pongal earlier declared vide Notification No. 91/2025/F.No. M-13/18/2022-GA-Section-Sectt dated 12.11.2025 may be treated as Public Holiday". Recall that, earlier this month, the Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS) umbrella organization formally called on the Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to declare Makar Sankranti as a public holiday on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. As per last November's vide notification No. 91/2025/F. No.M-13/18/2022-GA-Section-Sectt., listing the 2026 public holidays in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Makar Sankranti had been listed as a restricted holiday in 2026.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Declare Makar Sankranti Public Holiday Office of the Labour Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory (Port Blair) The Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India, Rajeshwar Lall, has declared Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as a public holiday in all Government Offices, Autonomous Bodies and Public Sector Undertakings, Educational Institutions under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration on account of Makar Sankranti/ Magha Bihu / Pongal. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The restricted holiday on occasion of Makar Sankranti/ Magha Bihu / Pongal earlier declared vide Notification No. 91/2025/F.No. M-13/18/2022-GA-Section-Sectt dated 12.11.2025 may be treated as Public Holiday". Recall that, earlier this month, the Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS) umbrella organization formally called on the Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to declare Makar Sankranti as a public holiday on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. As per last November's vide notification No. 91/2025/F. No.M-13/18/2022-GA-Section-Sectt., listing the 2026 public holidays in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Makar Sankranti had been listed as a restricted holiday in 2026.
Maldives Declares February 5 Majlis Presidential Address Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The Maldives President’s Office has issued the Directive No.3/2026 which announces that President Mohamed Muizzu had declared Thursday, February 5, 2026, as a public sector holiday, on account of his Presidential Address on the day of the first meeting of the People's Majlis (Parliament) new term, as per Article 84 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives. Traditionally, the date of the first sitting of the Majlis and of the presidential address had been declared a public holiday, but it was interrupted in 2014 by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, before being reintroduced in 2019 by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The practice was paused again in early 2024 when President Mohamed Muizzu issued the Directive No. 1/2024 repealing the decree No. 4/2019 thus cancelling the Monday, February 5, 2024, as well as the date of future presidential addresses as public holidays in the Maldives. But, last year, Directive No.1/2025 announced that President Mohamed Muizzu had declared Thursday, February 6, 2025, as a public sector holiday, on account of his Presidential Address on the day of the first meeting of the People's Majlis, going on to clarify that "Presidential Directive No. 1/2024 (January 18, 2024) issued by the President's Office has been revoked".
Maldives Declares February 5 Majlis Presidential Address Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The Maldives President’s Office has issued the Directive No.3/2026 which announces that President Mohamed Muizzu had declared Thursday, February 5, 2026, as a public sector holiday, on account of his Presidential Address on the day of the first meeting of the People's Majlis (Parliament) new term, as per Article 84 of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives. Traditionally, the date of the first sitting of the Majlis and of the presidential address had been declared a public holiday, but it was interrupted in 2014 by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, before being reintroduced in 2019 by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The practice was paused again in early 2024 when President Mohamed Muizzu issued the Directive No. 1/2024 repealing the decree No. 4/2019 thus cancelling the Monday, February 5, 2024, as well as the date of future presidential addresses as public holidays in the Maldives. But, last year, Directive No.1/2025 announced that President Mohamed Muizzu had declared Thursday, February 6, 2025, as a public sector holiday, on account of his Presidential Address on the day of the first meeting of the People's Majlis, going on to clarify that "Presidential Directive No. 1/2024 (January 18, 2024) issued by the President's Office has been revoked".
Puducherry Extends Pongal Public Holidays Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry has issued a vide notification declaring Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as a public sector holiday for all govt offices and institutions in Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam regions on Jan 14 on account of the Pongal festival (Bhogi). As per the aforementioned Government Order, "In lieu thereof, Jan 31 will be a compensatory working day". Today's vide notification amends the list of 2026 public holidays in Puducherry as announced, last November, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 73 published in the issue No.117 of the official Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry. Recall that, last year, the Government of Puducherry had issued the vide notification G.O Ms. No.93 declaring Thursday and Friday, January 16 and 17, 2025, as public sector holidays to extend the then upcoming celebration of Pongal, to be compensated ("In lieu thereof, 01.02.2025 ·(Saturday) and 08.02.2025 (Saturday) will be compensatory working days"). And, in January 2023, the Government of Puducherry had similarly declared a public holiday on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, for all government offices and institutions in all the regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry on account of Uzhavar Thirunal in lieu of the restricted holiday declared earlier in the G.O Ms.No 52, dated 13/10/2022. In compensation, Saturday, February 4, 2023, was to be a working day.
Puducherry Extends Pongal Public Holidays Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry has issued a vide notification declaring Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as a public sector holiday for all govt offices and institutions in Puducherry, Karaikal and Yanam regions on Jan 14 on account of the Pongal festival (Bhogi). As per the aforementioned Government Order, "In lieu thereof, Jan 31 will be a compensatory working day". Today's vide notification amends the list of 2026 public holidays in Puducherry as announced, last November, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 73 published in the issue No.117 of the official Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry. Recall that, last year, the Government of Puducherry had issued the vide notification G.O Ms. No.93 declaring Thursday and Friday, January 16 and 17, 2025, as public sector holidays to extend the then upcoming celebration of Pongal, to be compensated ("In lieu thereof, 01.02.2025 ·(Saturday) and 08.02.2025 (Saturday) will be compensatory working days"). And, in January 2023, the Government of Puducherry had similarly declared a public holiday on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, for all government offices and institutions in all the regions of the Union Territory of Puducherry on account of Uzhavar Thirunal in lieu of the restricted holiday declared earlier in the G.O Ms.No 52, dated 13/10/2022. In compensation, Saturday, February 4, 2023, was to be a working day.
Sierra Leone Declares First National Remembrance Day On January 18 State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The government of Sierra Leone has issued a communique announcing that Saturday, January 18, 2026, would be the first ever observance of National Remembrance Day, a "nationwide event dedicated to honoring victims and survivors of the country’s decade-long civil war". As per the public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the day will not be a public holiday, with government offices, schools, markets and businesses expected to operate as normal.
Sierra Leone Declares First National Remembrance Day On January 18 State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The government of Sierra Leone has issued a communique announcing that Saturday, January 18, 2026, would be the first ever observance of National Remembrance Day, a "nationwide event dedicated to honoring victims and survivors of the country’s decade-long civil war". As per the public notice issued by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, the day will not be a public holiday, with government offices, schools, markets and businesses expected to operate as normal.
DR Congo Declares January 16 and 19 Public Holidays Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Labor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), Ferdinand Massamba Wa Massamba, has issued the communique No.014/CAB/MIN.ET/FMM/JTN/01/2026 which declares Friday and Monday, January 16 and 19, 2026, as public holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, "Friday, January 16, 2026, and Saturday, January 17, 2026, are dedicated to the memory of Laurent-Désiré Kabila and Patrice Emery Lumumba, respectively, emblematic figures in Congolese political history" but the communique then goes on to specify that Given that January 17, 2026, falls on a Saturday, this public holiday is postponed to Monday, January 19, 2026, which, like Friday, January 16, 2026, is declared a paid holiday throughout the Republic. Today's communique is quite confusing in light of recent decrees. Recall that, late last month, the President of the Republic of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, promulgated a bill establishing the National Order of National Heroes, and as per its Article 4, the date of death of each National Hero will continue to be commemorated, but all National Heroes will henceforth be commemorated on a single date, declared a public holiday, a day off work with pay throughout the entire national territory, a date that will be set by decree of the President of the Republic. Additionally, Sunday public holidays used to be moved to the preceding Saturday, for all sectors of the economy until July 2024, and to the preceding Saturday and Friday, since July 2024, for the private and public sectors, respectively.
DR Congo Declares January 16 and 19 Public Holidays Présidence de la République Démocratique du Congo (Kinshasa) The Minister of Labor of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (RDC), Ferdinand Massamba Wa Massamba, has issued the communique No.014/CAB/MIN.ET/FMM/JTN/01/2026 which declares Friday and Monday, January 16 and 19, 2026, as public holidays. As per the aforementioned communique, "Friday, January 16, 2026, and Saturday, January 17, 2026, are dedicated to the memory of Laurent-Désiré Kabila and Patrice Emery Lumumba, respectively, emblematic figures in Congolese political history" but the communique then goes on to specify that Given that January 17, 2026, falls on a Saturday, this public holiday is postponed to Monday, January 19, 2026, which, like Friday, January 16, 2026, is declared a paid holiday throughout the Republic. Today's communique is quite confusing in light of recent decrees. Recall that, late last month, the President of the Republic of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, promulgated a bill establishing the National Order of National Heroes, and as per its Article 4, the date of death of each National Hero will continue to be commemorated, but all National Heroes will henceforth be commemorated on a single date, declared a public holiday, a day off work with pay throughout the entire national territory, a date that will be set by decree of the President of the Republic. Additionally, Sunday public holidays used to be moved to the preceding Saturday, for all sectors of the economy until July 2024, and to the preceding Saturday and Friday, since July 2024, for the private and public sectors, respectively.
Jordan Speculations About Weather Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian media are speculating about the possibility of the government soon declaring an official public holiday, in light of warnings issued by the Public Security Directorate regarding the impact of the low-pressure system expected to affect the Kingdom starting this evening. Jordanian one-off weather public holidays have been declared often in the past, namely in 2022, 2021, 2019, 4 times in 2015, 4 times in 2013, and twice in 2008. Last year, similar speculations were rife in January 2025, but in the end no weather public holiday was announced.
Jordan Speculations About Weather Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian media are speculating about the possibility of the government soon declaring an official public holiday, in light of warnings issued by the Public Security Directorate regarding the impact of the low-pressure system expected to affect the Kingdom starting this evening. Jordanian one-off weather public holidays have been declared often in the past, namely in 2022, 2021, 2019, 4 times in 2015, 4 times in 2013, and twice in 2008. Last year, similar speculations were rife in January 2025, but in the end no weather public holiday was announced.
Libyan Amazigh New Year 2976 Public Holiday Libyan News Agency (LANA) The High Council for the Amazigh of Libya has issued a communique declaring Tuesday, January 13, 2026, as a public holiday in all Amazigh-speaking cities and regions of Libya, on account of the start of the Amazigh New Year 2976. Recall that Amazigh New Year has been observed in neighboring Algeria since 2018 (but on January 12th) and in Morocco since 2024 (but on January 14th).
Libyan Amazigh New Year 2976 Public Holiday Libyan News Agency (LANA) The High Council for the Amazigh of Libya has issued a communique declaring Tuesday, January 13, 2026, as a public holiday in all Amazigh-speaking cities and regions of Libya, on account of the start of the Amazigh New Year 2976. Recall that Amazigh New Year has been observed in neighboring Algeria since 2018 (but on January 12th) and in Morocco since 2024 (but on January 14th).
Morocco To Consider 2 Public Holidays Decrees Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) The agenda of next Thursday's Moroccan government council has been released and it includes a draft decree which supplements the decree establishing the list of paid public holidays in agricultural and non-agricultural activities, and a second draft decree which supplements the decree establishing the list of public holidays observed in public administrations, public institutions, and concessionary services.
Morocco To Consider 2 Public Holidays Decrees Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) The agenda of next Thursday's Moroccan government council has been released and it includes a draft decree which supplements the decree establishing the list of paid public holidays in agricultural and non-agricultural activities, and a second draft decree which supplements the decree establishing the list of public holidays observed in public administrations, public institutions, and concessionary services.
Seychelles Gazettes February 1st Public Holiday State House Office of the President of the Seychelles (Victoria) The President of the Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, signed the Public Holidays Order, 2026 which officializes the declaration of February 1st as a new annual public holiday in the Seychelles. As per the aforementioned gazette publication S.I. 2 of 2026, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap.190), the President hereby makes the following Order — Citation: 1. This Order may be cited as the Public Holiday Order, 2026. Declaration of Public Holiday: 2. The 1st day of February, 2026 shall be observed as a public holiday in Seychelles.". Recall that, last month, we had reported how the Cabinet of the Seychelles, chaired by President Patrick Herminie, had approved the designation of February 1st as a new annual national public holiday, to be known as Abolition of Slavery Day. The previous change to the list of annual public holidays in the Seychelles occurred in 2017 when President Danny Faure announced that he would propose an amendment to the law governing public holidays in the Seychelles, swapping the June 5 annual public holiday for Easter Monday. And, in 2014, the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2014 amended the legislation governing the official list of annual non-working public holidays in the Seychelles with respect to 2 June public holidays.
Seychelles Gazettes February 1st Public Holiday State House Office of the President of the Seychelles (Victoria) The President of the Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, signed the Public Holidays Order, 2026 which officializes the declaration of February 1st as a new annual public holiday in the Seychelles. As per the aforementioned gazette publication S.I. 2 of 2026, "In exercise of the powers conferred by section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap.190), the President hereby makes the following Order — Citation: 1. This Order may be cited as the Public Holiday Order, 2026. Declaration of Public Holiday: 2. The 1st day of February, 2026 shall be observed as a public holiday in Seychelles.". Recall that, last month, we had reported how the Cabinet of the Seychelles, chaired by President Patrick Herminie, had approved the designation of February 1st as a new annual national public holiday, to be known as Abolition of Slavery Day. The previous change to the list of annual public holidays in the Seychelles occurred in 2017 when President Danny Faure announced that he would propose an amendment to the law governing public holidays in the Seychelles, swapping the June 5 annual public holiday for Easter Monday. And, in 2014, the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2014 amended the legislation governing the official list of annual non-working public holidays in the Seychelles with respect to 2 June public holidays.
Uttar Pradesh Adds Makar Sankranti Public Holiday On January 15 Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has declared Thursday, January 15, 2026, as a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, on account of Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति), instead of January 14, as it had been listed in last month's Government Order vide notification No. 1800/XXXI (15)G/25-74 (Gen.) / 2016, containing the list of 2026 public holidays, in which the Government had only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday. Asper the aforementioned announcement, January 15, 2026, will be a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and on this day, all government offices, educational institutions, and banks in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed. Recall that, a year ago, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had similarly declared Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Makar Sankranti, thus amending the previous month's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, in which the Government had also only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday.
Uttar Pradesh Adds Makar Sankranti Public Holiday On January 15 Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has declared Thursday, January 15, 2026, as a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, on account of Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति), instead of January 14, as it had been listed in last month's Government Order vide notification No. 1800/XXXI (15)G/25-74 (Gen.) / 2016, containing the list of 2026 public holidays, in which the Government had only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday. Asper the aforementioned announcement, January 15, 2026, will be a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and on this day, all government offices, educational institutions, and banks in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed. Recall that, a year ago, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had similarly declared Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Makar Sankranti, thus amending the previous month's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, in which the Government had also only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday.
New Caledonia 2026 Bank Holidays Announced Medef Nouvelle-Calédonie (Nouméa) The government of New Caledonia, in line with its release of the list of non-working public holidays in New Caledonia in 2026 (Jours fériés chômés par branche d'activité pour 2026), has released its annual expanded list of bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, including the traditional jours flottants et jours de rééquilibrage bank holidays.
New Caledonia 2026 Bank Holidays Announced Medef Nouvelle-Calédonie (Nouméa) The government of New Caledonia, in line with its release of the list of non-working public holidays in New Caledonia in 2026 (Jours fériés chômés par branche d'activité pour 2026), has released its annual expanded list of bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, including the traditional jours flottants et jours de rééquilibrage bank holidays.
Northern Territory 2028 Public Holidays Announced NT Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (Darwin) The Government of Australia's Northern Territory has gazetted its list of 2028 public holidays, including the recently-added Easter Sunday public holiday. Interestingly, as was the case since 2024, the replacement for the Queen's Birthday public holiday is no longer listed as the June Public Holiday, but simply as the King's Birthday public holiday. The following regional public holidays are also listed; Alice Springs Show Day, Tennant Creek Show Day, Katherine Show Day, Darwin Show Day, and Borroloola Show Day (with the mention that "The date for 2028 regional show days are not yet confirmed"). Finally, the aforementioned list of 2028 public holidays in Australia's Northern Territory contains the footnote that "NT public holidays are administered by the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet".
Northern Territory 2028 Public Holidays Announced NT Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment (Darwin) The Government of Australia's Northern Territory has gazetted its list of 2028 public holidays, including the recently-added Easter Sunday public holiday. Interestingly, as was the case since 2024, the replacement for the Queen's Birthday public holiday is no longer listed as the June Public Holiday, but simply as the King's Birthday public holiday. The following regional public holidays are also listed; Alice Springs Show Day, Tennant Creek Show Day, Katherine Show Day, Darwin Show Day, and Borroloola Show Day (with the mention that "The date for 2028 regional show days are not yet confirmed"). Finally, the aforementioned list of 2028 public holidays in Australia's Northern Territory contains the footnote that "NT public holidays are administered by the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet".
Argentina Central Bank Releases List Of 2026 Bank Holidays Banco Central de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has released its list of 2026 bank holidays in Argentina ("Las entidades financieras no funcionarán los días: Feriados nacionales y días no laborables por la Ley N° 27.399, el Decreto N° 614/2025 y la Resolución N° 164/2025."). As usual, the list of 2025 bank holidays in Argentian follows last month's Resolution 164/2025 (RESOL-2025-164-APN-JGM), signed by Argentina's President, Javier Milei, which declared 3 one-off bridge public holidays in 2026.
Argentina Central Bank Releases List Of 2026 Bank Holidays Banco Central de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has released its list of 2026 bank holidays in Argentina ("Las entidades financieras no funcionarán los días: Feriados nacionales y días no laborables por la Ley N° 27.399, el Decreto N° 614/2025 y la Resolución N° 164/2025."). As usual, the list of 2025 bank holidays in Argentian follows last month's Resolution 164/2025 (RESOL-2025-164-APN-JGM), signed by Argentina's President, Javier Milei, which declared 3 one-off bridge public holidays in 2026.
Burkina Faso Passes Public Holidays Overhaul Legislation Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) Burkina Faso's Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) has unanimously adopted the loi révisée sur les jours chômés et payés which amends the loi de novembre 2015 portant institution de fêtes légales et d’évènements à caractère historique and cancels 4 annual paid public holidays. The law also abolishes day in lieu public holidays, but as per Burkina Faso's Minister of Public Service, Mathias Traoré, "The newly adopted law also allows, when circumstances require, the Minister of Public Service and Labour to declare a paid holiday by press release.". Recall that, last September, the Government Cabinet of Burkina Faso had announced its decision to cancel 4 annual public holidays, as well as to stop the practice of declaring day in lieu public holidays when a fixed date public holiday falls on a Sunday. The public holidays to be canceled at that time were those of January 3 (Revolution Day), August 5 (Independence Day), August 15 (Assumption Day), and October 31 (Martyrs' Day). The recently-added annual May 15 public holiday (Day of Customs and Traditions) would, however, be maintained.
Burkina Faso Passes Public Holidays Overhaul Legislation Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) Burkina Faso's Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) has unanimously adopted the loi révisée sur les jours chômés et payés which amends the loi de novembre 2015 portant institution de fêtes légales et d’évènements à caractère historique and cancels 4 annual paid public holidays. The law also abolishes day in lieu public holidays, but as per Burkina Faso's Minister of Public Service, Mathias Traoré, "The newly adopted law also allows, when circumstances require, the Minister of Public Service and Labour to declare a paid holiday by press release.". Recall that, last September, the Government Cabinet of Burkina Faso had announced its decision to cancel 4 annual public holidays, as well as to stop the practice of declaring day in lieu public holidays when a fixed date public holiday falls on a Sunday. The public holidays to be canceled at that time were those of January 3 (Revolution Day), August 5 (Independence Day), August 15 (Assumption Day), and October 31 (Martyrs' Day). The recently-added annual May 15 public holiday (Day of Customs and Traditions) would, however, be maintained.
Monaco Gazettes January 27 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8781, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n°2025‑15 du 26 décembre 2025 relative au mardi 27 janvier 2026 (Jour de la Sainte Dévote), jour férié légal, confirming that Tuesday, January 27, 2026, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2025-15, "Pursuant to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, is a public holiday, a day off with pay for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration". The aforementioned Circulaire n°2025‑15 supplements the previously-announced annual list of official non-working public holidays in Monaco and Monaco bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, as released, last October.
Monaco Gazettes January 27 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8781, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n°2025‑15 du 26 décembre 2025 relative au mardi 27 janvier 2026 (Jour de la Sainte Dévote), jour férié légal, confirming that Tuesday, January 27, 2026, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2025-15, "Pursuant to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, is a public holiday, a day off with pay for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration". The aforementioned Circulaire n°2025‑15 supplements the previously-announced annual list of official non-working public holidays in Monaco and Monaco bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, as released, last October.
Algerian Yennayer Public Holiday January 12 Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Directorate General of Public Service and Administrative Reform announced in a joint statement that Monday, January 12, 2026, had been declared a public holiday in Algeria to mark the upcoming Amazigh New Year. As per the aforementioned communique, "On the occasion of Amenzu n Yennayer , the Amazigh New Year, and in accordance with Law 63-278 of July 26, 1963, amended and supplemented, establishing the list of legal holidays, Monday, January 12, 2026, is a paid holiday for all staff of public institutions and administrations, public and private establishments and offices, as well as staff of public and private companies, all sectors and legal statuses combined, including staff paid by the hour or by the day". Amazigh New Year was approved as a new annual public holiday by Algeria's Council of Ministers, and then by Algeria's Popular Assembly (APN), in early 2018. Neighboring Morocco followed suit, beginning in 2024, but the Moroccan Amazigh New Year public holiday is observed on January 14.
Algerian Yennayer Public Holiday January 12 Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Directorate General of Public Service and Administrative Reform announced in a joint statement that Monday, January 12, 2026, had been declared a public holiday in Algeria to mark the upcoming Amazigh New Year. As per the aforementioned communique, "On the occasion of Amenzu n Yennayer , the Amazigh New Year, and in accordance with Law 63-278 of July 26, 1963, amended and supplemented, establishing the list of legal holidays, Monday, January 12, 2026, is a paid holiday for all staff of public institutions and administrations, public and private establishments and offices, as well as staff of public and private companies, all sectors and legal statuses combined, including staff paid by the hour or by the day". Amazigh New Year was approved as a new annual public holiday by Algeria's Council of Ministers, and then by Algeria's Popular Assembly (APN), in early 2018. Neighboring Morocco followed suit, beginning in 2024, but the Moroccan Amazigh New Year public holiday is observed on January 14.
Denmark 2027 Bank Holidays Released Danmarks Nationalbanken (Copenhagen) Denmark's Central Bank (Danmarks Nationalbanken) has released its annual list of bank holidays in Denmark for the calendar year 2027. As usual, it differs from the list of 2027 Danish public holidays by the inclusion of a bank holiday on the day after Ascension Day (since 2008) and on December 31st.
Denmark 2027 Bank Holidays Released Danmarks Nationalbanken (Copenhagen) Denmark's Central Bank (Danmarks Nationalbanken) has released its annual list of bank holidays in Denmark for the calendar year 2027. As usual, it differs from the list of 2027 Danish public holidays by the inclusion of a bank holiday on the day after Ascension Day (since 2008) and on December 31st.
Kazakhstan Approves 2026 Islamic Calendar Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Shariah and Fatwa Department of Kazakhstan’s Spiritual Administration of Muslims has approved the religious calendar for 2026 and announced the key dates of Islamic observances for the year. As per the aforementioned calendar, the month of Ramadan will begin on February 19, and Laylat al-Qadr will occur on the night of March 16–17. Oraza Ait (Eid al-Fitr) will be celebrated on March 20, while Qurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) is scheduled to take place on May 27-29, 2026.
Kazakhstan Approves 2026 Islamic Calendar Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Shariah and Fatwa Department of Kazakhstan’s Spiritual Administration of Muslims has approved the religious calendar for 2026 and announced the key dates of Islamic observances for the year. As per the aforementioned calendar, the month of Ramadan will begin on February 19, and Laylat al-Qadr will occur on the night of March 16–17. Oraza Ait (Eid al-Fitr) will be celebrated on March 20, while Qurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) is scheduled to take place on May 27-29, 2026.
Uganda Declares January 15 and 16 Electoral Public Holidays Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda (Kampala) The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has issued the as yet unnumbered Legal Notice of 2026 (Declaration of Public Holidays - Under Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, Cap. 17) which declares Thursday and Friday, January 15 and 16, 2026, as public holidays on account of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which had been announced last October by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda, Justice Simon Byabakama. As per the aforementioned Legal Notice, "In exercise of the powers conferred upon the President by Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, I declare 15th and 16th January, 2026 to be observed as public holidays throughout Uganda for the purpose of enabling citizens to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections". Recall that, on the occasion of the last Presidential election, the date of the election, Thursday, January 14, 2021, was declared a one-off public holiday. This was later followed by an announcement by the Minister of Public Service of Uganda, Catherine Birakwate, that the January 14 electoral public holiday would be extended to also include the day after the election, namely Friday, January 15, 2021. And, subsequently, the then Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service of the Government of Uganda, Catherine Musingwire, announced that Wednesday, May 12, 2021, was to be declared a one-off public holiday in Uganda, "to allow citizens to follow the proceedings from Kololo Independence grounds where President Museveni will be taking his oath of office for the sixth consecutive term". The incumbent, and a candidate for the upcoming elections, President Museveni, has been president of Uganda since January 1986.
Uganda Declares January 15 and 16 Electoral Public Holidays Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda (Kampala) The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has issued the as yet unnumbered Legal Notice of 2026 (Declaration of Public Holidays - Under Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, Cap. 17) which declares Thursday and Friday, January 15 and 16, 2026, as public holidays on account of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which had been announced last October by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda, Justice Simon Byabakama. As per the aforementioned Legal Notice, "In exercise of the powers conferred upon the President by Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, I declare 15th and 16th January, 2026 to be observed as public holidays throughout Uganda for the purpose of enabling citizens to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections". Recall that, on the occasion of the last Presidential election, the date of the election, Thursday, January 14, 2021, was declared a one-off public holiday. This was later followed by an announcement by the Minister of Public Service of Uganda, Catherine Birakwate, that the January 14 electoral public holiday would be extended to also include the day after the election, namely Friday, January 15, 2021. And, subsequently, the then Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service of the Government of Uganda, Catherine Musingwire, announced that Wednesday, May 12, 2021, was to be declared a one-off public holiday in Uganda, "to allow citizens to follow the proceedings from Kololo Independence grounds where President Museveni will be taking his oath of office for the sixth consecutive term". The incumbent, and a candidate for the upcoming elections, President Museveni, has been president of Uganda since January 1986.
Assam Declares January 8 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Government of the Indian State of Assam has declared a public holiday across the Cachar district on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to pay tribute to former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who passed away earlier today at the age of 94. Today's announcement thus slightly amends last November's vide notification No.221561/440 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2026. Recall that, last September, the Government of Assam had somewhat similarly declared a public holiday for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in view of the State Funeral of late singer and filmmaker Zubeen Garg.
Assam Declares January 8 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Government of the Indian State of Assam has declared a public holiday across the Cachar district on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to pay tribute to former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who passed away earlier today at the age of 94. Today's announcement thus slightly amends last November's vide notification No.221561/440 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2026. Recall that, last September, the Government of Assam had somewhat similarly declared a public holiday for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in view of the State Funeral of late singer and filmmaker Zubeen Garg.
South Australian 2027 Public Holidays Released Government of South Australia SafeWork SA (Adelaide) The Government of the Australian State of South Australia has released its list of official non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2027, including the current status of Adelaide Cup public holiday, and the continuation of the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve public holidays from 7pm to midnight.
South Australian 2027 Public Holidays Released Government of South Australia SafeWork SA (Adelaide) The Government of the Australian State of South Australia has released its list of official non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2027, including the current status of Adelaide Cup public holiday, and the continuation of the Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve public holidays from 7pm to midnight.
Cape Verde 2026 Bank Holidays and Public Holidays Announced Boletim Oficial (República de Cabo Verde) The Central Bank of Cape Verde (Banco de Cabo Verde) has released the list of official bank holidays and public holidays in Cabo Verde in the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement specifies that Ash Wednesday is a "point tolerance subject to confirmation" and that the April and May Praia days are "holiday only in the municipality of Praia [and that] If it falls on a weekday, the Bank of Cape Verde will be closed".
Cape Verde 2026 Bank Holidays and Public Holidays Announced Boletim Oficial (República de Cabo Verde) The Central Bank of Cape Verde (Banco de Cabo Verde) has released the list of official bank holidays and public holidays in Cabo Verde in the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement specifies that Ash Wednesday is a "point tolerance subject to confirmation" and that the April and May Praia days are "holiday only in the municipality of Praia [and that] If it falls on a weekday, the Bank of Cape Verde will be closed".
Iraq Declares January 8 Public Holiday In Baghdad Governorate Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's regular session of the Iraqi Cabinet, it was decided to declare an official public holiday in the capital, Baghdad, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kadhim. Recall that, last year, Iraq's Ministry of Interior declared Sunday, January 26, 2025, as an official public holiday in the Baghdad governorate to cope with the expected influx of pilgrims heading to the city of Kadhimiya for the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim, and that other regions announced that they would follow suit. Prior to last year, the Rajab 25 commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim had been declared a one-off public holiday in the Baghdad governorate on previous occasions, such as Sunday, May 25, 2014, and Thursday July 8, 2010. These public holidays declarations were also announced on the day before the commemoration.
Iraq Declares January 8 Public Holiday In Baghdad Governorate Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's regular session of the Iraqi Cabinet, it was decided to declare an official public holiday in the capital, Baghdad, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kadhim. Recall that, last year, Iraq's Ministry of Interior declared Sunday, January 26, 2025, as an official public holiday in the Baghdad governorate to cope with the expected influx of pilgrims heading to the city of Kadhimiya for the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim, and that other regions announced that they would follow suit. Prior to last year, the Rajab 25 commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim had been declared a one-off public holiday in the Baghdad governorate on previous occasions, such as Sunday, May 25, 2014, and Thursday July 8, 2010. These public holidays declarations were also announced on the day before the commemoration.
Uzbekistan Officializes 2026 Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment of Uzbekistan has approved the calendar of 2026 non-working public holidays, based on the Labor Code of Uzbekistan and last month's Presidential decree О назначении дополнительных нерабочих дней и переносе выходных в период празднования официальных дат в 2026 году. Recall that, late last year, President Mirziyoyev signed the decree On the Appointment of Additional Non-Working Days and the Transfer of Days Off During the Celebration of Official Dates in 2026 establishing 6 one-off public holidays, one compensatory Saturday working day, and 3 day in lieu public holidays in 2026.
Uzbekistan Officializes 2026 Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment of Uzbekistan has approved the calendar of 2026 non-working public holidays, based on the Labor Code of Uzbekistan and last month's Presidential decree О назначении дополнительных нерабочих дней и переносе выходных в период празднования официальных дат в 2026 году. Recall that, late last year, President Mirziyoyev signed the decree On the Appointment of Additional Non-Working Days and the Transfer of Days Off During the Celebration of Official Dates in 2026 establishing 6 one-off public holidays, one compensatory Saturday working day, and 3 day in lieu public holidays in 2026.
Venezuelan Bank Holiday January 12 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, January 12, 2026, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de Reyes bank holiday dates observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2026 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced early last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Venezuelan Bank Holiday January 12 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, January 12, 2026, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de Reyes bank holiday dates observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2026 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced early last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Vietnam To Add Vietnam Culture Day On November 24 Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The General Secretary the Politburo of Vietnam, To Lam, has signed the Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW which declares November 24 as a new annual public holiday to be called Vietnam Culture Day (Ngày Văn hoá Việt Nam) and to be observed as a fully-paid day off. The aforementioned resolution is pending formal approval by the National Assembly, but this is expected to be a mere formality. The last time when Vietnam added an annual public holiday was in 2007, when the Vietnamese National Assembly approved making Lunar March 10 a new public holiday to immortalize the Hung Kings, who once reigned over what is now modern-day Vietnam.
Vietnam To Add Vietnam Culture Day On November 24 Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The General Secretary the Politburo of Vietnam, To Lam, has signed the Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW which declares November 24 as a new annual public holiday to be called Vietnam Culture Day (Ngày Văn hoá Việt Nam) and to be observed as a fully-paid day off. The aforementioned resolution is pending formal approval by the National Assembly, but this is expected to be a mere formality. The last time when Vietnam added an annual public holiday was in 2007, when the Vietnamese National Assembly approved making Lunar March 10 a new public holiday to immortalize the Hung Kings, who once reigned over what is now modern-day Vietnam.
