worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past ten days
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Bangladesh 2026 Bank Holidays Announced The Central Bank of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) The Department off-Side Supervision of Bangladesh's Central Bank has sent a circular containing the list of 2026 bank holidays in Bangladesh to the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of all scheduled banks pointing out that the bank holiday schedule is effective for all scheduled banks and is based on a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on November 9 of the current year. As usual, the aforementioned circular states that "All Banks and Financial Institutes of Bangladesh are closed on all Fridays and Saturdays and for the following holiday observances in the year of 2026", adding in a footnote that some bank holidays (Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr, Buddha Purnima, Eid-ul-Azha, Ashura, and Eid-e-Miladunnabi) are "Subject to the appearance of the Moon". As was the case for the 2025 and 2026 lists of public holidays in Bangladesh, today's list of 2026 bank holidays features the extension of both the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) annual public holidays to last 5 days and 6 days, respectively, as well as an extension to the annual Durga Puja public holiday to last 2 days. The list of 2026 bank holidays also omits the March 17 annual public holiday commemorating the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day, as well as of the annual August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the previous Awami League administration.
Bangladesh 2026 Bank Holidays Announced The Central Bank of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) The Department off-Side Supervision of Bangladesh's Central Bank has sent a circular containing the list of 2026 bank holidays in Bangladesh to the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of all scheduled banks pointing out that the bank holiday schedule is effective for all scheduled banks and is based on a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on November 9 of the current year. As usual, the aforementioned circular states that "All Banks and Financial Institutes of Bangladesh are closed on all Fridays and Saturdays and for the following holiday observances in the year of 2026", adding in a footnote that some bank holidays (Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr, Buddha Purnima, Eid-ul-Azha, Ashura, and Eid-e-Miladunnabi) are "Subject to the appearance of the Moon". As was the case for the 2025 and 2026 lists of public holidays in Bangladesh, today's list of 2026 bank holidays features the extension of both the Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) and the Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) annual public holidays to last 5 days and 6 days, respectively, as well as an extension to the annual Durga Puja public holiday to last 2 days. The list of 2026 bank holidays also omits the March 17 annual public holiday commemorating the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day, as well as of the annual August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the previous Awami League administration.
Aruba 2026 Public Holidays Announced Office of the Governor of Aruba (Oranjestad) The government of Aruba has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Aruba for the calendar year 2026 ("For the year 2026, the aforementioned holidays fall on the following days"). As usual, the English version Aruba government listing of 2026 public holidays features the confusing mention that "Holidays are not considered as holidays and are therefore extra days off for the employee." which is a misleading translation of the original Papiamento text, "No por considera e dianan di fiesta como dia di vakantie y pues nan ta dia liber adicional pa e trahado" which actually states that public holidays are in addition to annual vacation days.
Aruba 2026 Public Holidays Announced Office of the Governor of Aruba (Oranjestad) The government of Aruba has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Aruba for the calendar year 2026 ("For the year 2026, the aforementioned holidays fall on the following days"). As usual, the English version Aruba government listing of 2026 public holidays features the confusing mention that "Holidays are not considered as holidays and are therefore extra days off for the employee." which is a misleading translation of the original Papiamento text, "No por considera e dianan di fiesta como dia di vakantie y pues nan ta dia liber adicional pa e trahado" which actually states that public holidays are in addition to annual vacation days.
Canada 2026 Bank Holidays Updated Bank of Canada - Banque du Canada (Ottawa) The Bank of Canada, Canada's central bank, has released an updated version of its previously-released list of 2025-2026 bank holidays in Canada, this time including later dates into December 2026.
Canada 2026 Bank Holidays Updated Bank of Canada - Banque du Canada (Ottawa) The Bank of Canada, Canada's central bank, has released an updated version of its previously-released list of 2025-2026 bank holidays in Canada, this time including later dates into December 2026.
Chad Declares November 28 Public Holiday Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Minister of Public Service and Social Dialogue, Abdoulaye Mbodou Mbami, has issued a communiqué declaring Friday, November 28, 2025, a as public holiday in the Chad, on account of the upcoming Republic Day. The aforementioned communiqué does not point out that the next day shall be a regular working day, as is often the case, since November 29, 2025, is a Saturday.
Chad Declares November 28 Public Holiday Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Minister of Public Service and Social Dialogue, Abdoulaye Mbodou Mbami, has issued a communiqué declaring Friday, November 28, 2025, a as public holiday in the Chad, on account of the upcoming Republic Day. The aforementioned communiqué does not point out that the next day shall be a regular working day, as is often the case, since November 29, 2025, is a Saturday.
Karnataka Debunks November 15 Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Department of Information and Public Relations of the Government of India's state of Karnataka has issued a statement dismissing as false, news reports that Saturday, November 15, 2025, had been declared as a state-wide public sector holiday on account of the death of Saalumarada Thimmakka. In their rebuttal, the state authorities noted that the forged order was created by altering an old circular issued after the death of former chief minister S. M. Krishna, and that the officer whose signature appears on the fabricated document is no longer in post. Recall that, late last year, the Government of Karnataka announced that, following the death of former Karnataka Chief Minister and External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, it had decided to declare a one off public holiday on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The declaration of a one-off public sector holiday on Saturday, November 15, 2025, would have amended the terms of last November's Government vide notification No.DPAR 16 HHL 2024 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Karnataka for the calendar year 2025.
Karnataka Debunks November 15 Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Department of Information and Public Relations of the Government of India's state of Karnataka has issued a statement dismissing as false, news reports that Saturday, November 15, 2025, had been declared as a state-wide public sector holiday on account of the death of Saalumarada Thimmakka. In their rebuttal, the state authorities noted that the forged order was created by altering an old circular issued after the death of former chief minister S. M. Krishna, and that the officer whose signature appears on the fabricated document is no longer in post. Recall that, late last year, the Government of Karnataka announced that, following the death of former Karnataka Chief Minister and External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, it had decided to declare a one off public holiday on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The declaration of a one-off public sector holiday on Saturday, November 15, 2025, would have amended the terms of last November's Government vide notification No.DPAR 16 HHL 2024 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Karnataka for the calendar year 2025.
Liechtenstein 2026 Public Holidays Announced Liechtensteinischer Bankenverband (Bankenplatz Liechtenstein) The government of Liechtenstein has released its annual official list of Liechtenstein bank holidays and public holidays in Liechtenstein for the calendar year 2026. As usual, some of the announced dates are public holidays observed by banks and the financial sector only, namely; St Berchtold's Day, Carnival, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve.
Liechtenstein 2026 Public Holidays Announced Liechtensteinischer Bankenverband (Bankenplatz Liechtenstein) The government of Liechtenstein has released its annual official list of Liechtenstein bank holidays and public holidays in Liechtenstein for the calendar year 2026. As usual, some of the announced dates are public holidays observed by banks and the financial sector only, namely; St Berchtold's Day, Carnival, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve.
Papua New Guinea Announces Year End 2025-2026 Public Sector Holidays Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Secretary to the Department of Personnel Management of the National Government of Papua New Guinea, Taies Sansan, has issued a circular announcing that the PNG public sector will benefit from public sector holidays from Thursday, December 25, 2025, until Friday, January 2, 2026, inclusively. As per Secretary Sansan's statement, "The shutdown period allows public servants the opportunity to rest and spend quality time with their families during the festive season".
Papua New Guinea Announces Year End 2025-2026 Public Sector Holidays Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Secretary to the Department of Personnel Management of the National Government of Papua New Guinea, Taies Sansan, has issued a circular announcing that the PNG public sector will benefit from public sector holidays from Thursday, December 25, 2025, until Friday, January 2, 2026, inclusively. As per Secretary Sansan's statement, "The shutdown period allows public servants the opportunity to rest and spend quality time with their families during the festive season".
Paraguay Considering December 26 and January 2 Public Holidays Update Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's Minister of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC), Gustavo Villate, has weighed-in on the currently discussed idea of the Executive branch of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays, in the context of last September's Law No. 7544, which gives legal authority to the president to declare up to three one-off public holidays per year, in special situations such as sporting events, historical anniversaries, or to promote domestic tourism and national trade. While stating that the idea has not yet been discussed ("At the moment, the topic hasn't even been mentioned in the Executive branch. I think that will probably happen before December. That way we can get organized"), Minister Villate seemed to favor December 26 ("I know that the economic advisor will do the related calculations, because we already handled figures from the last Albirroja holiday and they are very beneficial; it boosts the economy and tourism. I think the 26th is a holiday that's currently in the way and could be advantageous") rather than January 2 ("It will be another year, and I personally believe we need to be more careful"). Earlier this week, we reported that Paraguay's Executive Branch was informally and unofficially approaching trade and production associations to explore the possibility of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays. Note that December 24 and 31 are usually also declared as one-off public sector holidays. For example, last December, President Peña, released the executive decree No.3131 declaring Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holiday in Paraguay ("taking into account that the aforementioned holidays are of great tradition and significance for the Paraguayan people, thus leading to considerable preparations and displacements").
Paraguay Considering December 26 and January 2 Public Holidays Update Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's Minister of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC), Gustavo Villate, has weighed-in on the currently discussed idea of the Executive branch of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays, in the context of last September's Law No. 7544, which gives legal authority to the president to declare up to three one-off public holidays per year, in special situations such as sporting events, historical anniversaries, or to promote domestic tourism and national trade. While stating that the idea has not yet been discussed ("At the moment, the topic hasn't even been mentioned in the Executive branch. I think that will probably happen before December. That way we can get organized"), Minister Villate seemed to favor December 26 ("I know that the economic advisor will do the related calculations, because we already handled figures from the last Albirroja holiday and they are very beneficial; it boosts the economy and tourism. I think the 26th is a holiday that's currently in the way and could be advantageous") rather than January 2 ("It will be another year, and I personally believe we need to be more careful"). Earlier this week, we reported that Paraguay's Executive Branch was informally and unofficially approaching trade and production associations to explore the possibility of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays. Note that December 24 and 31 are usually also declared as one-off public sector holidays. For example, last December, President Peña, released the executive decree No.3131 declaring Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holiday in Paraguay ("taking into account that the aforementioned holidays are of great tradition and significance for the Paraguayan people, thus leading to considerable preparations and displacements").
Luanda Declares November 14 Public Holiday Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Governor of the Angolan Province of Luanda, Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, has decreed a half-day public holiday for all public and private sector workers in the Angolan capital, starting at 12:00 noon on Friday, November 14, 2025, "as a way of recognizing their commitment to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of National Independence". Recall that, at the end of last month, the Angolan Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security has announced that Monday, November 10, 2025, would be a public holiday, in line with the provisions of the 2018 Lei de Alteração à Lei dos Feriados Nacionais, Locais e Datas de Celebração Nacional (Law of Amendment to the Law of National Holidays, Locations and Dates of National Celebration), and to link the upcoming November 11 Independence Day public holiday with the preceding weekend.
Luanda Declares November 14 Public Holiday Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Governor of the Angolan Province of Luanda, Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, has decreed a half-day public holiday for all public and private sector workers in the Angolan capital, starting at 12:00 noon on Friday, November 14, 2025, "as a way of recognizing their commitment to the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of National Independence". Recall that, at the end of last month, the Angolan Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security has announced that Monday, November 10, 2025, would be a public holiday, in line with the provisions of the 2018 Lei de Alteração à Lei dos Feriados Nacionais, Locais e Datas de Celebração Nacional (Law of Amendment to the Law of National Holidays, Locations and Dates of National Celebration), and to link the upcoming November 11 Independence Day public holiday with the preceding weekend.
British Virgin Islands Declares November 18 Public Holiday British Virgin Islands Cabinet Office (BVI) The Deputy Governor of the British Virgin Islands, David D. Archer Jr, has announced that the Governor had considered the Premier's request to grant permission for public officers to work a half day on Tuesday, in an effort to reduce the traffic congestion expected to be caused by the planned UberSoca Cruise BVI Event in Road Town. Yesterday, the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Natalio Wheatley, had announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands might recommend that Governor Daniel Pruce declare the afternoon of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday on the date when the Uber Soca Cruise docks in the Virgin Islands. The declaration of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday thus amends the the list of the 2025 public holidays as released in October 2024 by the Government of the British Virgin Islands ("Acting in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 199), as amended, Cabinet has approved the following public holidays for 2025").
British Virgin Islands Declares November 18 Public Holiday British Virgin Islands Cabinet Office (BVI) The Deputy Governor of the British Virgin Islands, David D. Archer Jr, has announced that the Governor had considered the Premier's request to grant permission for public officers to work a half day on Tuesday, in an effort to reduce the traffic congestion expected to be caused by the planned UberSoca Cruise BVI Event in Road Town. Yesterday, the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Natalio Wheatley, had announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands might recommend that Governor Daniel Pruce declare the afternoon of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday on the date when the Uber Soca Cruise docks in the Virgin Islands. The declaration of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday thus amends the the list of the 2025 public holidays as released in October 2024 by the Government of the British Virgin Islands ("Acting in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 199), as amended, Cabinet has approved the following public holidays for 2025").
Karnataka 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) of the Government of India's state of Karnataka has issued a vide notification announcing the list of Karnataka non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026. In addition to statewide holidays, the Government of Karnataka also declared special local holidays for the Kodagu district, namely Kail Muhurta on September 3, Tula Sankramana on October 18 and the Huthri Festival on November 26, 2026. As usual, public holidays falling on a Sunday in 2026, such as Maha Shivaratri and Kannada Rajyotsava, are not listed treated as separate public holidays. The list of 2026 public holidays in Karnataka comes at the same time as last year's vide notification No.DPAR 16 HHL 2024 containing the 2025 Karnataka public holidays, but a week earlier than the vide notification No. DPAR 16 HHL2023 which contained the list of 2024 public holidays in Karnataka.
Karnataka 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) of the Government of India's state of Karnataka has issued a vide notification announcing the list of Karnataka non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026. In addition to statewide holidays, the Government of Karnataka also declared special local holidays for the Kodagu district, namely Kail Muhurta on September 3, Tula Sankramana on October 18 and the Huthri Festival on November 26, 2026. As usual, public holidays falling on a Sunday in 2026, such as Maha Shivaratri and Kannada Rajyotsava, are not listed treated as separate public holidays. The list of 2026 public holidays in Karnataka comes at the same time as last year's vide notification No.DPAR 16 HHL 2024 containing the 2025 Karnataka public holidays, but a week earlier than the vide notification No. DPAR 16 HHL2023 which contained the list of 2024 public holidays in Karnataka.
Puerto Rico 2026 Public Holidays Announced Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos en el Gobierno de Puerto (OATRH) The public sector's human resources department of the government of Puerto Rico (OATRH - Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos) has released its annual Memorando Especial, which lists Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026. The aforementioned document listing Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026, follows the Proyecto del Senado 1113, signed by he Governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro García Padilla, in 2015 and slightly amended a year later. That amendment immediately reduced the number of annual non-working public sector holidays in Puerto Rico, by lumping 4 of the annual non-working public sector holidays of Puerto Rico into one, the Día de Jorge Washington, Día de los Presidentes y el Día de las Mujeres y Hombres Próceres de Puerto Rico, en honor a la vida y obra de: Teniente Augusto Rodríguez, Eugenio María de Hostos, José de Diego, Luis Muñoz Rivera, José Celso Barbosa, Ramón Emeterio Betances, Román Baldorioty de Castro, Luis Muñoz Marín, Ernesto Ramos Antonini, Luis A. Ferré Aguayo, Lola Rodríguez de Tió, Nilita Vientós Gastón, Julia de Burgos, Mariana Bracetti, Ana Roque de Duprey, Luisa Capetillo, María Luisa Arcelay, Sor Isolina Ferré, Felisa Rincón de Gautier, María Libertad Gómez, Roberto Clemente Walker y Rafael Hernández Colón). The private sector benefits from far fewer public holidays than the public sector. Banks usually follow the public sector holidays, except in cases when these fall on a Sunday.
Puerto Rico 2026 Public Holidays Announced Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos en el Gobierno de Puerto (OATRH) The public sector's human resources department of the government of Puerto Rico (OATRH - Oficina de Administración y Transformación de los Recursos Humanos) has released its annual Memorando Especial, which lists Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026. The aforementioned document listing Puerto Rico's public sector holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026, follows the Proyecto del Senado 1113, signed by he Governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro García Padilla, in 2015 and slightly amended a year later. That amendment immediately reduced the number of annual non-working public sector holidays in Puerto Rico, by lumping 4 of the annual non-working public sector holidays of Puerto Rico into one, the Día de Jorge Washington, Día de los Presidentes y el Día de las Mujeres y Hombres Próceres de Puerto Rico, en honor a la vida y obra de: Teniente Augusto Rodríguez, Eugenio María de Hostos, José de Diego, Luis Muñoz Rivera, José Celso Barbosa, Ramón Emeterio Betances, Román Baldorioty de Castro, Luis Muñoz Marín, Ernesto Ramos Antonini, Luis A. Ferré Aguayo, Lola Rodríguez de Tió, Nilita Vientós Gastón, Julia de Burgos, Mariana Bracetti, Ana Roque de Duprey, Luisa Capetillo, María Luisa Arcelay, Sor Isolina Ferré, Felisa Rincón de Gautier, María Libertad Gómez, Roberto Clemente Walker y Rafael Hernández Colón). The private sector benefits from far fewer public holidays than the public sector. Banks usually follow the public sector holidays, except in cases when these fall on a Sunday.
British Virgin Islands Considering November 18 Public Holiday British Virgin Islands Cabinet Office (BVI) The Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Natalio Wheatley, has announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands might recommend that Governor Daniel Pruce declare the afternoon of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday on the date when the Uber Soca Cruise docks in the Virgin Islands. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Our recommendation will be forthcoming very soon, given guidance as it pertains to whether there’ll be a half-day or not". The declaration of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday would amend the the list of the 2025 public holidays as released in October 2024 by the Government of the British Virgin Islands ("Acting in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 199), as amended, Cabinet has approved the following public holidays for 2025").
British Virgin Islands Considering November 18 Public Holiday British Virgin Islands Cabinet Office (BVI) The Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Natalio Wheatley, has announced that the Government of the Virgin Islands might recommend that Governor Daniel Pruce declare the afternoon of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday on the date when the Uber Soca Cruise docks in the Virgin Islands. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Our recommendation will be forthcoming very soon, given guidance as it pertains to whether there’ll be a half-day or not". The declaration of Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as a one-off public holiday would amend the the list of the 2025 public holidays as released in October 2024 by the Government of the British Virgin Islands ("Acting in accordance with Section 5 of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 199), as amended, Cabinet has approved the following public holidays for 2025").
Macedonia Releases List Of 2026 Public Holidays Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) Macedonia's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Macedonia and Macedonian bank holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 (Програма за неработни денови за 2026 година), which follows the 2007 Bill on Amending the Law on State Holidays (Сл.весник на РМ број 21/98 и 18/07). As always, in addition to the general public holidays listed in the aforementioned announcement, there are sectorial holidays that may be taken by: citizens of Orthodox religion, Catholic religion, Muslim religion, the Albanian community, the Serb community, the Roma community, the Vlach community, the Jewish community, the Bosniak community, and the Turkish community.
Macedonia Releases List Of 2026 Public Holidays Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) Macedonia's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Macedonia and Macedonian bank holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026 (Програма за неработни денови за 2026 година), which follows the 2007 Bill on Amending the Law on State Holidays (Сл.весник на РМ број 21/98 и 18/07). As always, in addition to the general public holidays listed in the aforementioned announcement, there are sectorial holidays that may be taken by: citizens of Orthodox religion, Catholic religion, Muslim religion, the Albanian community, the Serb community, the Roma community, the Vlach community, the Jewish community, the Bosniak community, and the Turkish community.
Paraguay Considering December 26 and January 2 Public Holidays Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's Executive Branch has informally and unofficially approached trade and production associations to explore the possibility of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays. The executive declaration of these one-off public holidays by decree would be made possible by last September's promulgation of Law No. 7544, which gives legal authority to the president to declare up to three one-off public holidays per year, in special situations such as sporting events, historical anniversaries, or to promote domestic tourism and national trade. Law No. 7544 was used for the first time a couple of months ago, when President, Santiago Peña, signed the decree No.4522 declaring a one-off public holiday on Friday, September 5, 2025, following the National Team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup ("Declárase Feriado Nacional el día viernes 5 de setiembre de 2025 para conmemorar la histórica clasificación de la Selección paraguaya (la Albirroja) a la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026, de conformidad con el exordio de este Decreto"). Note that December 24 and 31 are usually also declared as one-off public sector holidays. For example, last December, President Peña, released the executive decree No.3131 declaring Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holiday in Paraguay ("taking into account that the aforementioned holidays are of great tradition and significance for the Paraguayan people, thus leading to considerable preparations and displacements").
Paraguay Considering December 26 and January 2 Public Holidays Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's Executive Branch has informally and unofficially approached trade and production associations to explore the possibility of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays. The executive declaration of these one-off public holidays by decree would be made possible by last September's promulgation of Law No. 7544, which gives legal authority to the president to declare up to three one-off public holidays per year, in special situations such as sporting events, historical anniversaries, or to promote domestic tourism and national trade. Law No. 7544 was used for the first time a couple of months ago, when President, Santiago Peña, signed the decree No.4522 declaring a one-off public holiday on Friday, September 5, 2025, following the National Team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup ("Declárase Feriado Nacional el día viernes 5 de setiembre de 2025 para conmemorar la histórica clasificación de la Selección paraguaya (la Albirroja) a la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026, de conformidad con el exordio de este Decreto"). Note that December 24 and 31 are usually also declared as one-off public sector holidays. For example, last December, President Peña, released the executive decree No.3131 declaring Tuesday, December 24, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holiday in Paraguay ("taking into account that the aforementioned holidays are of great tradition and significance for the Paraguayan people, thus leading to considerable preparations and displacements").
Iraq Declares November 12 Post-Election Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, has declared Wednesday, November 12, 2025, as a post-election public holiday across all government departments and institutions, to facilitate the completion of post-election procedures. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The decision aims to provide the Independent High Electoral Commission and the security agencies with the necessary time to complete the transfer of ballot boxes and to finalize the evacuation of schools that were used as polling centers". Recall that, earlier this month, the head of the Iraqi National Election Security Committee, Qais al-Muhammadi, had announced that the Iraqi General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers had declared Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as a national public holiday on account of the parliamentary elections being held on that date.
Iraq Declares November 12 Post-Election Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, has declared Wednesday, November 12, 2025, as a post-election public holiday across all government departments and institutions, to facilitate the completion of post-election procedures. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The decision aims to provide the Independent High Electoral Commission and the security agencies with the necessary time to complete the transfer of ballot boxes and to finalize the evacuation of schools that were used as polling centers". Recall that, earlier this month, the head of the Iraqi National Election Security Committee, Qais al-Muhammadi, had announced that the Iraqi General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers had declared Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as a national public holiday on account of the parliamentary elections being held on that date.
Odisha Releases 2026 Public Holidays Government of Odisha (Bhubaneswar) The Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of India's state of Odisha has released the vide notification No.RDM-Reg-MISC-0021-2025-42419/R&D.M. containing the annual list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in India's state of Odisha for the upcoming calendar year 2026. As usual, some dates are not listed as being considered redundant, "the list of festivals/commemorative days, which are generally considered as Holidays for the State Government offices and these days are coinciding on 2nd Saturday, 4th Saturday and Sunday during the Calendar Year 2026". The aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays in Odisha confirm's last March's announcement that from 2025 onward there would be no public holiday on March 5th to mark Biju Patnaik's Birth Anniversary.
Odisha Releases 2026 Public Holidays Government of Odisha (Bhubaneswar) The Revenue and Disaster Management Department of the Government of India's state of Odisha has released the vide notification No.RDM-Reg-MISC-0021-2025-42419/R&D.M. containing the annual list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in India's state of Odisha for the upcoming calendar year 2026. As usual, some dates are not listed as being considered redundant, "the list of festivals/commemorative days, which are generally considered as Holidays for the State Government offices and these days are coinciding on 2nd Saturday, 4th Saturday and Sunday during the Calendar Year 2026". The aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays in Odisha confirm's last March's announcement that from 2025 onward there would be no public holiday on March 5th to mark Biju Patnaik's Birth Anniversary.
Philippines Supreme Court Affirms BSKE Postponement Legislation Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) The Philippines Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 12232, which rescheduled the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataaan Elections (BSKE) from December 1st, 2025, to November 2026 and every four years thereafter, as signed into law last month by Philippines President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The upcoming BSKE and related one-off public holiday are expected to be on November 2, 2026. In the past, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections should have occurred every 3 years, and were usually accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Philippines Supreme Court Affirms BSKE Postponement Legislation Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) The Philippines Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 12232, which rescheduled the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataaan Elections (BSKE) from December 1st, 2025, to November 2026 and every four years thereafter, as signed into law last month by Philippines President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The upcoming BSKE and related one-off public holiday are expected to be on November 2, 2026. In the past, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections should have occurred every 3 years, and were usually accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Tamil Nadu Releases List Of 2026 Public Holidays Government of Tamil Nadu (Chennai) The Government of India's state of Tamil Nadu has released the vide Notification G.O.(Ms.) No.708, signed by its Chief Secretary, N. Muruganandam, and containing its annual list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming calendar year 2026.
Tamil Nadu Releases List Of 2026 Public Holidays Government of Tamil Nadu (Chennai) The Government of India's state of Tamil Nadu has released the vide Notification G.O.(Ms.) No.708, signed by its Chief Secretary, N. Muruganandam, and containing its annual list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in Tamil Nadu for the upcoming calendar year 2026.
Chile Confirms November 16 Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo y Previsión Social (Valparaiso) Chile's Government has confirmed that Sunday, November 16, 2025, would be a one-off irrenunciable public holiday in Chile, as per Laws 18.700 and 19.973, on the date of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. In Chile, the concept of a public holiday being irrenunciable (which the employee cannot renounce, presumably under pressure from his/her employer) is extremely important with many day laborers working on public holidays, unless these have been declared irrenunciable.
Chile Confirms November 16 Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo y Previsión Social (Valparaiso) Chile's Government has confirmed that Sunday, November 16, 2025, would be a one-off irrenunciable public holiday in Chile, as per Laws 18.700 and 19.973, on the date of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. In Chile, the concept of a public holiday being irrenunciable (which the employee cannot renounce, presumably under pressure from his/her employer) is extremely important with many day laborers working on public holidays, unless these have been declared irrenunciable.
Oman Shifts National Day Public Holidays Again Oman News Agency (Muscat) Omani authorities have announced that, at the behest of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, it had been decided that Wednesday and Thursday, November 26 and 27, 2025, would be the dates of the official public holiday for employees in units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus, other legal entities and private sector establishments on the occasion of the 55th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman. The aforementioned announcement adds that "Work will resume on Sunday, November 30, 2025". Recall that, as per last January's Royal Decree 15/2025 Amending Some Provisions of Royal Decree 88/2022 Determining the Official Holidays (published in the Official Gazette 1581 issued on 26 January 2025), the dates of official holidays for the units of the administrative apparatus of the state, other public legal persons, and establishments of the private sector for the upcoming National Day public holiday were to be November 20 and 21, instead of November 18 and 19 as was the case in the past. However, Decree 15/2025 is quite succinct, and Decree 88/2022 was only amended, not abrogated, which means that its other clauses are still valid, namely "If one or both days of the weekend fall within the aforementioned holidays, they are compensated by one day" and "The date of the aforementioned holidays may be modified if public interest so requires". Indeed, in the past, despite the Omani National Day having been officially set on November 18 and 19, the corresponding Omani public holidays were regularly moved to a Wednesday and Thursday, later in the month, and the actual dates of the corresponding dates of that public holiday were usually announced at the last minute, as was the case today.
Oman Shifts National Day Public Holidays Again Oman News Agency (Muscat) Omani authorities have announced that, at the behest of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, it had been decided that Wednesday and Thursday, November 26 and 27, 2025, would be the dates of the official public holiday for employees in units of the State’s Administrative Apparatus, other legal entities and private sector establishments on the occasion of the 55th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman. The aforementioned announcement adds that "Work will resume on Sunday, November 30, 2025". Recall that, as per last January's Royal Decree 15/2025 Amending Some Provisions of Royal Decree 88/2022 Determining the Official Holidays (published in the Official Gazette 1581 issued on 26 January 2025), the dates of official holidays for the units of the administrative apparatus of the state, other public legal persons, and establishments of the private sector for the upcoming National Day public holiday were to be November 20 and 21, instead of November 18 and 19 as was the case in the past. However, Decree 15/2025 is quite succinct, and Decree 88/2022 was only amended, not abrogated, which means that its other clauses are still valid, namely "If one or both days of the weekend fall within the aforementioned holidays, they are compensated by one day" and "The date of the aforementioned holidays may be modified if public interest so requires". Indeed, in the past, despite the Omani National Day having been officially set on November 18 and 19, the corresponding Omani public holidays were regularly moved to a Wednesday and Thursday, later in the month, and the actual dates of the corresponding dates of that public holiday were usually announced at the last minute, as was the case today.
Beni Declares November 10 Public Holiday Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) The Bolivian Department of Beni has announced that, as per the Departmental Decree No. 17/2024, Monday, November 10, 2025, would be a public holiday commemorating the indigenous uprising of 1810 led by the Moxeño chief Pedro Ignacio Muiba, stressing that this is not one of the 9 departmental 2025 public holidays declared to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. Recall that, last February, the Government of Bolivia released the Supreme Decree 5328, signed by President Luis Arce, which declared 9 departmental public holidays in 2025 to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. These departmental public holidays were: February 9 in commemoration of the founding of the city of Cobija (Pando), February 14 for the 200 years of Santa Cruz independence (Santa Cruz), April 1 commemorates the Battle of Tumusla (Potosí), April 22 for the revolt of the Canichana people in San Pedro de Moxos (Beni), September 29 for the founding of the city of La Plata (Chuquisaca), October 6 for the Revolution of October 6, 1810 (Oruro), November 7 for the Battle of Suipacha (Tarija), November 14 for the dismemberment of Tupac Katari (La Paz), and November 14 in commemoration of the Battle of Aroma (Cochabamba).
Beni Declares November 10 Public Holiday Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) The Bolivian Department of Beni has announced that, as per the Departmental Decree No. 17/2024, Monday, November 10, 2025, would be a public holiday commemorating the indigenous uprising of 1810 led by the Moxeño chief Pedro Ignacio Muiba, stressing that this is not one of the 9 departmental 2025 public holidays declared to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. Recall that, last February, the Government of Bolivia released the Supreme Decree 5328, signed by President Luis Arce, which declared 9 departmental public holidays in 2025 to coincide with Bolivia's bicentennial. These departmental public holidays were: February 9 in commemoration of the founding of the city of Cobija (Pando), February 14 for the 200 years of Santa Cruz independence (Santa Cruz), April 1 commemorates the Battle of Tumusla (Potosí), April 22 for the revolt of the Canichana people in San Pedro de Moxos (Beni), September 29 for the founding of the city of La Plata (Chuquisaca), October 6 for the Revolution of October 6, 1810 (Oruro), November 7 for the Battle of Suipacha (Tarija), November 14 for the dismemberment of Tupac Katari (La Paz), and November 14 in commemoration of the Battle of Aroma (Cochabamba).
Guinea Conakry Declares November 11 Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Earlier today, Guinea Conakry's Minister of Labor and Public Service, Faya François Bourouno, issued the communique No.000018/ MTFP/ SG/ DGFP/ SP/ 2025 declaring Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a public holiday in Guinea Conakry on account of the upcoming official launch of the Simandou mining project. As per the aforementioned communique "On the occasion of the official launch of the operation of the SIMANDOU megaproject, a historic step marking a new era of ambition, partnership and economic transformation for our Nation, the Minister of Labour and Public Service informs workers and agents of the public, mixed and private sectors that Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is exceptionally declared a holiday, a day off work and paid throughout the entire national territory.". The government of Guinea Conakry had earlier declared Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as a school holiday only.
Guinea Conakry Declares November 11 Public Holiday Portail Officiel du Gouvernement de la République de Guinée (Conakry) Earlier today, Guinea Conakry's Minister of Labor and Public Service, Faya François Bourouno, issued the communique No.000018/ MTFP/ SG/ DGFP/ SP/ 2025 declaring Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a public holiday in Guinea Conakry on account of the upcoming official launch of the Simandou mining project. As per the aforementioned communique "On the occasion of the official launch of the operation of the SIMANDOU megaproject, a historic step marking a new era of ambition, partnership and economic transformation for our Nation, the Minister of Labour and Public Service informs workers and agents of the public, mixed and private sectors that Tuesday, November 11, 2025 is exceptionally declared a holiday, a day off work and paid throughout the entire national territory.". The government of Guinea Conakry had earlier declared Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as a school holiday only.
Transnistria Announces 2026 Public Holidays Interfax (Tiraspol) The Ministry of Social Protection and Labor of Transnistria (the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR) has released the full list of 2026 public holidays, in accordance with article 112 of the Labor Code of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublika, and recent amendments thereto. Recall that, earlier this month, the government of Transnistria announced a period of 11 consecutive public holidays, on account of the upcoming 2026 New Year and Orthodox Christmas, in the Resolution 325 О переносе выходных дней в 2026 году, whereby the days off work will run from Thursday, January 1, 2026, until Sunday, January 11, 2026, inclusively, and compensatory working Saturdas, one in each of the months of January, February, March, and April, 2026. Today's announcement also takes into account the recent presidential bill, to replace the November 7 annual public holiday with one on December 31.
Transnistria Announces 2026 Public Holidays Interfax (Tiraspol) The Ministry of Social Protection and Labor of Transnistria (the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic - PMR) has released the full list of 2026 public holidays, in accordance with article 112 of the Labor Code of the Pridnestrovskaia Moldavskaia Respublika, and recent amendments thereto. Recall that, earlier this month, the government of Transnistria announced a period of 11 consecutive public holidays, on account of the upcoming 2026 New Year and Orthodox Christmas, in the Resolution 325 О переносе выходных дней в 2026 году, whereby the days off work will run from Thursday, January 1, 2026, until Sunday, January 11, 2026, inclusively, and compensatory working Saturdas, one in each of the months of January, February, March, and April, 2026. Today's announcement also takes into account the recent presidential bill, to replace the November 7 annual public holiday with one on December 31.
Jharkhand Declares Three-Day Electoral Public Holiday Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Collector of the Hyderabad district administration of India's state of Jharkhand, Harichandana Dasari, has declared a three-day paid public holiday on account of the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency by-election. As per the aforementioned announcement, "November 10,11 and 14 have been declared as paid holidays, corresponding to the day before the poll, the day of poll and the counting day" and, additionally, "November 11 has also been declared a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions under the Jubilee Hills constituency. A special casual leave has also been granted to all government employees who are registered voters in the constituency". This 3-day municipal public holiday does not amend last October's Jharkhand vide notification No. 10/S.A -03-02/2024 of 6776 issued by the Governor of Jharkhand, and listing the state public holidays for the then upcoming calendar year of 2025 at the state level.
Jharkhand Declares Three-Day Electoral Public Holiday Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Collector of the Hyderabad district administration of India's state of Jharkhand, Harichandana Dasari, has declared a three-day paid public holiday on account of the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency by-election. As per the aforementioned announcement, "November 10,11 and 14 have been declared as paid holidays, corresponding to the day before the poll, the day of poll and the counting day" and, additionally, "November 11 has also been declared a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions under the Jubilee Hills constituency. A special casual leave has also been granted to all government employees who are registered voters in the constituency". This 3-day municipal public holiday does not amend last October's Jharkhand vide notification No. 10/S.A -03-02/2024 of 6776 issued by the Governor of Jharkhand, and listing the state public holidays for the then upcoming calendar year of 2025 at the state level.
Monaco Gazettes December 8 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n° 2025 10 du 7 novembre 2025 relative au lundi 8 décembre 2025 (jour de l'Immaculée Conception), jour férié légal, in today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8773, confirming that Monday, December 8, 2025, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees ("Aux termes de la loi n° 798 et de la loi n° 800, du 18 février 1966, modifiée, le lundi 8 décembre 2025 est un jour férié, chômé et payé pour l’ensemble des salariés quel que soit leur mode de rémunération"). As usual, the aforementioned circular concludes with "Compte tenu des obligations légales rappelées dans la circulaire de la Direction du Travail n° 79 93 du 13 novembre 1979 (publiée au Journal de Monaco du 23 novembre 1979), ce jour férié légal sera également payé s’il tombe, soit le jour de repos hebdomadaire du salarié, soit un jour normalement ou partiellement chômé dans l’entreprise". The aforementioned circulaire supplements the previously-announced annual list of official non-working public holidays in Monaco and Monaco bank holidays for the calendar year 2025, as released in August 2024.
Monaco Gazettes December 8 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n° 2025 10 du 7 novembre 2025 relative au lundi 8 décembre 2025 (jour de l'Immaculée Conception), jour férié légal, in today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8773, confirming that Monday, December 8, 2025, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees ("Aux termes de la loi n° 798 et de la loi n° 800, du 18 février 1966, modifiée, le lundi 8 décembre 2025 est un jour férié, chômé et payé pour l’ensemble des salariés quel que soit leur mode de rémunération"). As usual, the aforementioned circular concludes with "Compte tenu des obligations légales rappelées dans la circulaire de la Direction du Travail n° 79 93 du 13 novembre 1979 (publiée au Journal de Monaco du 23 novembre 1979), ce jour férié légal sera également payé s’il tombe, soit le jour de repos hebdomadaire du salarié, soit un jour normalement ou partiellement chômé dans l’entreprise". The aforementioned circulaire supplements the previously-announced annual list of official non-working public holidays in Monaco and Monaco bank holidays for the calendar year 2025, as released in August 2024.
Mozambique Declares November 10 Maputo Day Public Holiday Agencia de Informção de Moçambique (Maputo) Mozambique's Minister of Labor, Gender and Social Action, Ivete Alane, has declared a one-off public sector holiday on Monday, November 10, 2025, on the occasion of the 138th anniversary of Maputo's elevation to city status. Recall that, last year, the Municipality of Maputo had announced that there would be no public sector holiday on November 10th, 2024, on account of the celebration of the anniversary of the city of Maputo, without giving any additional details, except to rule-out a day in lieu public holiday on the following Monday ("there will be no holiday, with Monday being a working day for all workers and public services").
Mozambique Declares November 10 Maputo Day Public Holiday Agencia de Informção de Moçambique (Maputo) Mozambique's Minister of Labor, Gender and Social Action, Ivete Alane, has declared a one-off public sector holiday on Monday, November 10, 2025, on the occasion of the 138th anniversary of Maputo's elevation to city status. Recall that, last year, the Municipality of Maputo had announced that there would be no public sector holiday on November 10th, 2024, on account of the celebration of the anniversary of the city of Maputo, without giving any additional details, except to rule-out a day in lieu public holiday on the following Monday ("there will be no holiday, with Monday being a working day for all workers and public services").
Pakistan Declares November 9 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 (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions "will remain closed on Sunday, November 09, 2025, being public holiday on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day, as declared by the Government of Pakistan" and that "all the banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) will also observe the public holiday on November 09, 2025". Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan, of a bank holiday on Sunday, November 09, 2025, is in line with last month's announcement by the Federal Government of Pakistan that Sunday, November 9, 2025, would be a public holiday in Pakistan on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and that all federal and provincial institutions, schools and offices would remain closed on that day.
Pakistan Declares November 9 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 (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions "will remain closed on Sunday, November 09, 2025, being public holiday on the occasion of Allama Iqbal Day, as declared by the Government of Pakistan" and that "all the banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) will also observe the public holiday on November 09, 2025". Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan, of a bank holiday on Sunday, November 09, 2025, is in line with last month's announcement by the Federal Government of Pakistan that Sunday, November 9, 2025, would be a public holiday in Pakistan on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal and that all federal and provincial institutions, schools and offices would remain closed on that day.
Thailand Declares January 2nd Bank Holiday Thai News Agency (Bangkok) The cabinet of the current coalition government of Thailand, headed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has extended the previously-announced declaration of Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off special non-working public holiday in Thailand. As per the today's aforementioned cabinet resolution, the January 2 extra day off will now also be a bank holiday, "ensuring financial institutions will close nationwide". Recall that, in November 2024, the cabinet of the then government of Thailand, led by Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the prime minister, had approved two additional one-off public holidays for the calendar year 2025, and one additional one-off public holiday for the calendar year 2026, in line with the Paetongtarn administration’s move to designate 2025 as the year of tourism and sports. But, with the intervening change of government, today's re-confirmation that Friday, January 2, 2026, would be a public holiday in Thailand was clearly felt to be necessary, and late last week, the cabinet of the current coalition government re-approved the declaration of Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off special non-working public holiday in Thailand, stating that that extra day off "will apply to government agencies, while private organizations may follow at their discretion".
Thailand Declares January 2nd Bank Holiday Thai News Agency (Bangkok) The cabinet of the current coalition government of Thailand, headed by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, has extended the previously-announced declaration of Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off special non-working public holiday in Thailand. As per the today's aforementioned cabinet resolution, the January 2 extra day off will now also be a bank holiday, "ensuring financial institutions will close nationwide". Recall that, in November 2024, the cabinet of the then government of Thailand, led by Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra as the prime minister, had approved two additional one-off public holidays for the calendar year 2025, and one additional one-off public holiday for the calendar year 2026, in line with the Paetongtarn administration’s move to designate 2025 as the year of tourism and sports. But, with the intervening change of government, today's re-confirmation that Friday, January 2, 2026, would be a public holiday in Thailand was clearly felt to be necessary, and late last week, the cabinet of the current coalition government re-approved the declaration of Friday, January 2, 2026, as a one-off special non-working public holiday in Thailand, stating that that extra day off "will apply to government agencies, while private organizations may follow at their discretion".
Tonga Announces 2025-2026 Year-End Public Holidays Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Prime Minister's Office has issued a communiqué announcing that the Cabinet of the Government of Tonga had once again declared a 2-week period of additional public sector holidays in Tonga for the end-of-year. As per the aforementioned announcement, the Christmas and New Year Vacation period for the Public Service for 2025/2026 will be observed from December 20, 2025, until January 4, 2026. As usual, the aforementioned vacation period will be followed by a Week of Prayer of the New Year 2026, with the Public Service working hours ending at 4:00pm. Last year, Tonga's Cabinet had also declared a 2-week period of additional public sector holidays in Tonga ("The Christmas and New Year Vacation period for the Public Service for 2024/2025 will be observed from 8:30am Monday 23 December 2024 and end at 4:30pm Friday 3 January 2025. The Public Service will resume duty for the New Year 2025 at 8:30am Monday 6 January 2025.").
Tonga Announces 2025-2026 Year-End Public Holidays Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Prime Minister's Office has issued a communiqué announcing that the Cabinet of the Government of Tonga had once again declared a 2-week period of additional public sector holidays in Tonga for the end-of-year. As per the aforementioned announcement, the Christmas and New Year Vacation period for the Public Service for 2025/2026 will be observed from December 20, 2025, until January 4, 2026. As usual, the aforementioned vacation period will be followed by a Week of Prayer of the New Year 2026, with the Public Service working hours ending at 4:00pm. Last year, Tonga's Cabinet had also declared a 2-week period of additional public sector holidays in Tonga ("The Christmas and New Year Vacation period for the Public Service for 2024/2025 will be observed from 8:30am Monday 23 December 2024 and end at 4:30pm Friday 3 January 2025. The Public Service will resume duty for the New Year 2025 at 8:30am Monday 6 January 2025.").
Bangladesh Approves List Of 2026 Public Holidays Ministry of Public Administration, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) The Government of Bangladesh has approved the previously-announced list of 2026 public holidays in Bangladesh, including religious, national, and cultural holidays. The Government Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, made the announcement that the approval came at today's Advisory Council meeting, and that in 2026, stating that "Of the 28 holidays, 14 are general holidays and the remaining 14 are executive order holidays. As 11 holidays fall on weekends, officials will actually enjoy 17 government holidays in total.". Note that, each of the Eids will come with one general holiday while the remaining days, before and after, are to be observed as executive holidays (essentially limited to the public and financial sectors).
Bangladesh Approves List Of 2026 Public Holidays Ministry of Public Administration, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh (Dhaka) The Government of Bangladesh has approved the previously-announced list of 2026 public holidays in Bangladesh, including religious, national, and cultural holidays. The Government Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam, made the announcement that the approval came at today's Advisory Council meeting, and that in 2026, stating that "Of the 28 holidays, 14 are general holidays and the remaining 14 are executive order holidays. As 11 holidays fall on weekends, officials will actually enjoy 17 government holidays in total.". Note that, each of the Eids will come with one general holiday while the remaining days, before and after, are to be observed as executive holidays (essentially limited to the public and financial sectors).
Belize 2026 Public Holidays Announced Belize Ministry of National Security (Belmopan) The press office of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of Belize has sent out a press release announcing the official list of annual non-working public holidays in Belize for the calendar year 2026, in line with the public holidays legislation amendments of 2021 and 2024. As per the aforementioned announcement, "It is notified for general information that public and bank holidays specified in the First and Second Schedules to Holidays Act, Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, will be observed on the following days during the year 2026 in accordance with section 3 of the said Act". The list of 2026 public holidays does not move either the August 1st or December 26 from Saturday to the next Monday, although article 9 of the Belize Holidays Act (2000, revised 2003) states that the government of Belize has discretionary powers to declare a day in lieu public holiday, if any fixed-date public holiday falls on a Saturday, as was done in the past, most recently in 2020, 2017, 2015, 2014, and 2013.
Belize 2026 Public Holidays Announced Belize Ministry of National Security (Belmopan) The press office of the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Government of Belize has sent out a press release announcing the official list of annual non-working public holidays in Belize for the calendar year 2026, in line with the public holidays legislation amendments of 2021 and 2024. As per the aforementioned announcement, "It is notified for general information that public and bank holidays specified in the First and Second Schedules to Holidays Act, Chapter 289 of the Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2011, will be observed on the following days during the year 2026 in accordance with section 3 of the said Act". The list of 2026 public holidays does not move either the August 1st or December 26 from Saturday to the next Monday, although article 9 of the Belize Holidays Act (2000, revised 2003) states that the government of Belize has discretionary powers to declare a day in lieu public holiday, if any fixed-date public holiday falls on a Saturday, as was done in the past, most recently in 2020, 2017, 2015, 2014, and 2013.
Chhattisgarh Announces 2026 Public Holidays Government of Chhattisgarh (Raipur) The Government of India's state of Chhattisgarh has released the Government Order notification No. GENS-1001/86/2025-GAD-5 ("In exercise of the powers conferred by the explanation to Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Act No. 26 of 1881), read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No. 20-25-56-Pub. I, dated 8 June 1957, the State Government hereby declares that, in addition to all Sundays already included under the said explanation as public holidays, the days specified in the schedule below shall also be public holidays throughout the State of Chhattisgarh for the year 2026") and No. GENS-1001/86/2025-GAD-5 ("The State Government hereby declares the following General and Restricted holidays for all Government offices and institutions in Chhattisgarh for the year 2026") containing its annual list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in India's state of Chhattisgarh for the calendar year 2026. As per the aforementioned Government Order, in 2026, Chhattisgarh will have 16 public holidays, 23 general holidays, and 56 optional holidays. Public holidays falling on a Sunday in 2026, such Diwali and Mahashivratri, were not listed in today's Government Order notification ("The following holidays have not been declared separately, as they fall on Sunday"). Recall that the list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in India's state of Chhattisgarh for the calendar year 2025 was contained in the October 2024 Government Order notification No. F-1-3/2024/1/5.
Chhattisgarh Announces 2026 Public Holidays Government of Chhattisgarh (Raipur) The Government of India's state of Chhattisgarh has released the Government Order notification No. GENS-1001/86/2025-GAD-5 ("In exercise of the powers conferred by the explanation to Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (Act No. 26 of 1881), read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No. 20-25-56-Pub. I, dated 8 June 1957, the State Government hereby declares that, in addition to all Sundays already included under the said explanation as public holidays, the days specified in the schedule below shall also be public holidays throughout the State of Chhattisgarh for the year 2026") and No. GENS-1001/86/2025-GAD-5 ("The State Government hereby declares the following General and Restricted holidays for all Government offices and institutions in Chhattisgarh for the year 2026") containing its annual list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in India's state of Chhattisgarh for the calendar year 2026. As per the aforementioned Government Order, in 2026, Chhattisgarh will have 16 public holidays, 23 general holidays, and 56 optional holidays. Public holidays falling on a Sunday in 2026, such Diwali and Mahashivratri, were not listed in today's Government Order notification ("The following holidays have not been declared separately, as they fall on Sunday"). Recall that the list of the days which will be non-working public holidays in India's state of Chhattisgarh for the calendar year 2025 was contained in the October 2024 Government Order notification No. F-1-3/2024/1/5.
Santa Elena Public Holiday November 7 Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued the Decreto Ejecutivo nº204 declaring Friday, November 7, 2025, as a one-time public holiday, in the Province of Santa Elena, on the occasion of the commemoration of its 18th anniversary of provincialization.
Santa Elena Public Holiday November 7 Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued the Decreto Ejecutivo nº204 declaring Friday, November 7, 2025, as a one-time public holiday, in the Province of Santa Elena, on the occasion of the commemoration of its 18th anniversary of provincialization.
Anambra State Declares November 7 Public Holiday Anambra State Government (Awka) The Governor of Nigeria's state of Anambra, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in a statement issued by the the Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, has declared Friday, November 7, 2025, a work-free public sector holiday for all civil servants ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. As per the aforementioned statement, "The work-free day was approved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to enable civil servants to travel to their respective locations to participate in the election".
Anambra State Declares November 7 Public Holiday Anambra State Government (Awka) The Governor of Nigeria's state of Anambra, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, in a statement issued by the the Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, has declared Friday, November 7, 2025, a work-free public sector holiday for all civil servants ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. As per the aforementioned statement, "The work-free day was approved by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to enable civil servants to travel to their respective locations to participate in the election".
