worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past ten days
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British Virgin Islands Public Holiday November 24 British Virgin Islands Cabinet Office (BVI) The Assistant Information Officer of the Deputy Governor's Office of the Government of the British Virgin Islands, Jaimeson Hazel, has announced that the Governor of the Virgin Islands had proclaimed Monday, November 24, 2025, as the date of the upcoming Great March and Restoration Day public holiday. As per the aforementioned bulletin, "The public is advised that Monday, 24th November 2025 will be observed as a public holiday in the Virgin Islands in recognition of The Commemoration of the Great March of 1949 and the Restoration of the Legislative Council". Recall that a 2001 report by a Public Holidays Review Commission, tasked with the review of the list of annual public holidays in the British Virgin Islands, and their method of calculation, laid dormant for almost 20 years, until the summer of 2020, when a new Public Holidays Review Committee was created, specifically meant to be basing itself on the recommendations of the 2001 commission. The 2020 Public Holidays Review Committee published its draft recommendations in early October 2020, and based on these recommendations, the Office of the Deputy Governor of the British Virgin Islands issued the official list of 2021 public holidays in the British Virgin Islands, in late December of 2020, with the inclusion of a new public holiday commemorating the 1949 Great March and Restoration Day (the initial date of that new public holiday was amended a few weeks later).
British Virgin Islands Public Holiday November 24 British Virgin Islands Cabinet Office (BVI) The Assistant Information Officer of the Deputy Governor's Office of the Government of the British Virgin Islands, Jaimeson Hazel, has announced that the Governor of the Virgin Islands had proclaimed Monday, November 24, 2025, as the date of the upcoming Great March and Restoration Day public holiday. As per the aforementioned bulletin, "The public is advised that Monday, 24th November 2025 will be observed as a public holiday in the Virgin Islands in recognition of The Commemoration of the Great March of 1949 and the Restoration of the Legislative Council". Recall that a 2001 report by a Public Holidays Review Commission, tasked with the review of the list of annual public holidays in the British Virgin Islands, and their method of calculation, laid dormant for almost 20 years, until the summer of 2020, when a new Public Holidays Review Committee was created, specifically meant to be basing itself on the recommendations of the 2001 commission. The 2020 Public Holidays Review Committee published its draft recommendations in early October 2020, and based on these recommendations, the Office of the Deputy Governor of the British Virgin Islands issued the official list of 2021 public holidays in the British Virgin Islands, in late December of 2020, with the inclusion of a new public holiday commemorating the 1949 Great March and Restoration Day (the initial date of that new public holiday was amended a few weeks later).
Chandigarh Declares November 25 A Public Holiday Government of Chandigarh (Chandigarh) The Home Department of the Government of India's Union Territory of Chandigarh has issued the vide notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2025/15890 extending the scope of the hitherto restricted holiday of Tuesday, November 25, 2025, marking the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, to a public holiday. As per the aforementioned vide notification issued by Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, "In partial modification of this Administration's Notification No. 6/1/1-IH(I)-2024/18285-92, dated 27.12.2024 regarding declaring of Public Holiday in the Union Territory of Chandigarh during the calendar year 2025, the 25th November, 2025 (Tuesday) will now be observed as Public Holiday in all the Government Offices/ Boards/ Corporations/ Institutions including Industrial Establishments under the Chandigarh Administration on account of Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji instead of Restricted Holiday (already declared)". The promotion of Tuesday, November 25, 2025, marking the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, from a restricted holiday to a public holiday, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Chandigarh as published in last December's Government vide Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2024/18285. Recall that, early this year, the Government of Chandigarh had similarly promoted the restricted holiday of Wednesday, February 12, 2025, marking Guru Ravi Dass Jayanti, to a public holiday. And, more recently Wednesday, October 22, 2025, marking Goverdhan Puja/Vishwakarma Day, was promoted from a restricted holiday to a public holiday.
Chandigarh Declares November 25 A Public Holiday Government of Chandigarh (Chandigarh) The Home Department of the Government of India's Union Territory of Chandigarh has issued the vide notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2025/15890 extending the scope of the hitherto restricted holiday of Tuesday, November 25, 2025, marking the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, to a public holiday. As per the aforementioned vide notification issued by Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Home Secretary, Chandigarh Administration, "In partial modification of this Administration's Notification No. 6/1/1-IH(I)-2024/18285-92, dated 27.12.2024 regarding declaring of Public Holiday in the Union Territory of Chandigarh during the calendar year 2025, the 25th November, 2025 (Tuesday) will now be observed as Public Holiday in all the Government Offices/ Boards/ Corporations/ Institutions including Industrial Establishments under the Chandigarh Administration on account of Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji instead of Restricted Holiday (already declared)". The promotion of Tuesday, November 25, 2025, marking the Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, from a restricted holiday to a public holiday, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Chandigarh as published in last December's Government vide Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2024/18285. Recall that, early this year, the Government of Chandigarh had similarly promoted the restricted holiday of Wednesday, February 12, 2025, marking Guru Ravi Dass Jayanti, to a public holiday. And, more recently Wednesday, October 22, 2025, marking Goverdhan Puja/Vishwakarma Day, was promoted from a restricted holiday to a public holiday.
Karbala Declares November 25 Public Holiday Aswat al-Iraq (Karbala) The governor of Iraq's Province of Karbala has announced a one-off regional public holiday on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in all government departments in the province, in commemoration of the martyrdom anniversary of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra. Recall that, in the past, the Iraqi province of Kerbala similarly declared one off public holidays on the occasion of al-Ziyara al-Shaabaniya, which commemorates the birth of the Imam al-Mahdi.
Karbala Declares November 25 Public Holiday Aswat al-Iraq (Karbala) The governor of Iraq's Province of Karbala has announced a one-off regional public holiday on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in all government departments in the province, in commemoration of the martyrdom anniversary of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra. Recall that, in the past, the Iraqi province of Kerbala similarly declared one off public holidays on the occasion of al-Ziyara al-Shaabaniya, which commemorates the birth of the Imam al-Mahdi.
Kerala Declares November 22 Public Holiday Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Government of India's state of Kerala has declared a government public holiday for Monday, November 22, 2025, in observance of the Uroos Festival at Beemapally Dargah. The aforementioned public holiday will be observed in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and will apply to government offices, schools, and other institutions within the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. Recall that, earlier this year, the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, had similarly declared a government public holiday for Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Thiruvananthapuram for the Attukal Pongala festival. The declaration of Thursday, March 13, 2025, and Saturday, November 22, 2025, as local public holidays, does not amend the list of 2025 public holidays in Kerala as contained in the vide notification G. O. (P) No. 35/2024/GAD, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, K. R. Jyothilal, of last October, since that notification only covered statewide public holidays.
Kerala Declares November 22 Public Holiday Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Government of India's state of Kerala has declared a government public holiday for Monday, November 22, 2025, in observance of the Uroos Festival at Beemapally Dargah. The aforementioned public holiday will be observed in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, and will apply to government offices, schools, and other institutions within the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation. Recall that, earlier this year, the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, had similarly declared a government public holiday for Thursday, March 13, 2025, in Thiruvananthapuram for the Attukal Pongala festival. The declaration of Thursday, March 13, 2025, and Saturday, November 22, 2025, as local public holidays, does not amend the list of 2025 public holidays in Kerala as contained in the vide notification G. O. (P) No. 35/2024/GAD, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, K. R. Jyothilal, of last October, since that notification only covered statewide public holidays.
Taiwan Passes Referendum Public Holidays Legislation Taiwan News (Taipei) The Taiwanese Legislative Yuan has passed an amendment to the Referendum Act (公民投票法), stipulating that referendums and national elections would be held simultaneously if their time frames coincide and that the day of the referendum should be a public holiday. The aforementioned bill now await presidential approbation. Recall that referenda were initially coupled with national elections in 2017, but the legislature in June 2019 passed an amendment to the act to decouple referendums from elections. That amendment stipulated that referenda were to be held on the fourth Saturday of August once every two years, starting in 2021. Today's amendment states that referenda should be held within three to six months after a proposed referendum is officially announced, and that if there is a national election during that time, the two would be held on the same date.
Taiwan Passes Referendum Public Holidays Legislation Taiwan News (Taipei) The Taiwanese Legislative Yuan has passed an amendment to the Referendum Act (公民投票法), stipulating that referendums and national elections would be held simultaneously if their time frames coincide and that the day of the referendum should be a public holiday. The aforementioned bill now await presidential approbation. Recall that referenda were initially coupled with national elections in 2017, but the legislature in June 2019 passed an amendment to the act to decouple referendums from elections. That amendment stipulated that referenda were to be held on the fourth Saturday of August once every two years, starting in 2021. Today's amendment states that referenda should be held within three to six months after a proposed referendum is officially announced, and that if there is a national election during that time, the two would be held on the same date.
Luanda Declares November 24-25 Public Holidays Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Government of the Angolan Province of Luanda has declared Monday and Tuesday, November 24 and 25, 2025, as province-wide public holidays on account of the upcoming 7th African Union – European Union Summit. As per the official announcement, the declaration of Monday and Tuesday, November 24 and 25, 2025, as province-wide public holidays was undertaken under the Law on National Holidays, Local Holidays and National Celebration Dates, and the State's Local Administration Law, and it applies to both public and private sector workers. Recall that, earlier this month, the Governor of the Angolan Province of Luanda, Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, 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".
Luanda Declares November 24-25 Public Holidays Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Government of the Angolan Province of Luanda has declared Monday and Tuesday, November 24 and 25, 2025, as province-wide public holidays on account of the upcoming 7th African Union – European Union Summit. As per the official announcement, the declaration of Monday and Tuesday, November 24 and 25, 2025, as province-wide public holidays was undertaken under the Law on National Holidays, Local Holidays and National Celebration Dates, and the State's Local Administration Law, and it applies to both public and private sector workers. Recall that, earlier this month, the Governor of the Angolan Province of Luanda, Luís Manuel da Fonseca Nunes, 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".
Paraguay's President Discusses December 26 and January 2 Public Holidays Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's President, Santiago Peña, has in turn weighed-in on the current discussions about the possible declaration of December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays in Paraguay. In a conversation with the GEN channel, President Peñaindicated that he saw a better possibility of Friday, December 26, 2025, a public holiday, than January 2, 2026, as the declaration of December 26 would address an annual issue facing people in Paraguay, the need to return immediately to work on the 26th of December after traveling to the countryside to spend Christmas with their families on the 24th, a Christmas that might be their parents' or grandparents' last one ("capaz que es la última Navidad"). Recall that, earlier this month, 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. And a few days later, Paraguay's Minister of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC), Gustavo Villate, weighed-in on the idea of the Executive branch of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays, stating his personal preference for December 26 ("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"). Note that, in any event, 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's President Discusses December 26 and January 2 Public Holidays Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's President, Santiago Peña, has in turn weighed-in on the current discussions about the possible declaration of December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays in Paraguay. In a conversation with the GEN channel, President Peñaindicated that he saw a better possibility of Friday, December 26, 2025, a public holiday, than January 2, 2026, as the declaration of December 26 would address an annual issue facing people in Paraguay, the need to return immediately to work on the 26th of December after traveling to the countryside to spend Christmas with their families on the 24th, a Christmas that might be their parents' or grandparents' last one ("capaz que es la última Navidad"). Recall that, earlier this month, 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. And a few days later, Paraguay's Minister of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC), Gustavo Villate, weighed-in on the idea of the Executive branch of declaring December 26, 2025, and/or January 2, 2026, as one-off bridge public holidays, stating his personal preference for December 26 ("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"). Note that, in any event, 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").
Uttar Pradesh Moves Guru Tegh Bahadur Public Holiday Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has announced that it had revised the date of the upcoming Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day holiday to Tuesday, November 25, 2025. As per the aforementioned notification, "the holiday, earlier scheduled for November 24, 2025, has now been rescheduled to November 25, 2025 (Tuesday)". In last December's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, the Government had listed the Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day holiday as a restricted holiday only. Today's announcement does not change the Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day holiday's status, contrary to what was done at the beginning of the year when the Uttar Pradesh Government promoted Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति) on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from a restricted holiday to a public holiday. The same was done more recently when Tuesday, October 7, 2025, was promoted from restricted holiday to public holiday across the state on account of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.
Uttar Pradesh Moves Guru Tegh Bahadur Public Holiday Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has announced that it had revised the date of the upcoming Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day holiday to Tuesday, November 25, 2025. As per the aforementioned notification, "the holiday, earlier scheduled for November 24, 2025, has now been rescheduled to November 25, 2025 (Tuesday)". In last December's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, the Government had listed the Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day holiday as a restricted holiday only. Today's announcement does not change the Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom day holiday's status, contrary to what was done at the beginning of the year when the Uttar Pradesh Government promoted Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति) on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from a restricted holiday to a public holiday. The same was done more recently when Tuesday, October 7, 2025, was promoted from restricted holiday to public holiday across the state on account of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.
Venezuelan Bank Holiday November 24 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, November 24, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de la Virgen del Rosario de Chiquinquirá, patron saint of the state of Zulia, a date only observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2025 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 November 24 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, November 24, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de la Virgen del Rosario de Chiquinquirá, patron saint of the state of Zulia, a date only observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2025 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.
Bulgaria Declares December 31 and January 2 Public Holidays Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Finance Minister, Temenuzhka Petkova, has announced that at its last meeting the Cabinet had approved the declaration of December 31, 2025, and January 2, 2026, as non-working public holidays in connection with Bulgaria’s upcoming adoption of the Euro as Bulgaria’s official currency starting January 1, 2026, as she had hinted would be the case early last month in a draft decision of the Council of Ministers, published on the Public Consultation Portal of the Government of Bulgaria. In the past, Bulgaria has declared one-off public holidays to coincide with its accession to international organizations. Recall that, in October 2006, Bulgaria's then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ivaylo Kalfin, announced that January 2, 2007, had been declared as a one-off public holiday, on the occasion of the upcoming accession of Bulgaria to the European Union. And, in March 2004, the Bulgarian Cabinet has announced that Friday, April 2, 2004, would be a one-off national public holiday to mark the official entry of Bulgaria into NATO. When Cyprus changed from the Cyprus pound to the Euro, on January 1, 2008, that date was also declared a one-off special bank holiday by the Central Bank to ensure a smooth changeover. On the contrary, when the Euro became legal tender in Slovakia, on Thursday, January 1st, 2009, that date was declared a regular working day for Slovakian banks, despite it being New Year's Day.
Bulgaria Declares December 31 and January 2 Public Holidays Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria (Sofia) Bulgaria's Finance Minister, Temenuzhka Petkova, has announced that at its last meeting the Cabinet had approved the declaration of December 31, 2025, and January 2, 2026, as non-working public holidays in connection with Bulgaria’s upcoming adoption of the Euro as Bulgaria’s official currency starting January 1, 2026, as she had hinted would be the case early last month in a draft decision of the Council of Ministers, published on the Public Consultation Portal of the Government of Bulgaria. In the past, Bulgaria has declared one-off public holidays to coincide with its accession to international organizations. Recall that, in October 2006, Bulgaria's then Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ivaylo Kalfin, announced that January 2, 2007, had been declared as a one-off public holiday, on the occasion of the upcoming accession of Bulgaria to the European Union. And, in March 2004, the Bulgarian Cabinet has announced that Friday, April 2, 2004, would be a one-off national public holiday to mark the official entry of Bulgaria into NATO. When Cyprus changed from the Cyprus pound to the Euro, on January 1, 2008, that date was also declared a one-off special bank holiday by the Central Bank to ensure a smooth changeover. On the contrary, when the Euro became legal tender in Slovakia, on Thursday, January 1st, 2009, that date was declared a regular working day for Slovakian banks, despite it being New Year's Day.
Guam Declares Black Friday Public Holiday The Government of Guam (Chamorro) The Governor of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero, has issued Executive Order No. 2025-08 declaring the Friday after the upcoming Thanksgiving public holiday, Friday, November 28, 2025, as a GovGuam government holiday. Recall that, last year, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero had similarly declared the Friday after the then upcoming Thanksgiving public holiday, Friday, November 29, 2024, as a one-off GovGuam public sector holiday. The declaration of the Friday after Thanksgiving as a public sector holiday in Guam used to be an almost annual event, until 2018, but this practice was interrupted when Governor Calvo left, and then reestablished beginning in 2021.
Guam Declares Black Friday Public Holiday The Government of Guam (Chamorro) The Governor of Guam, Lou Leon Guerrero, has issued Executive Order No. 2025-08 declaring the Friday after the upcoming Thanksgiving public holiday, Friday, November 28, 2025, as a GovGuam government holiday. Recall that, last year, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero had similarly declared the Friday after the then upcoming Thanksgiving public holiday, Friday, November 29, 2024, as a one-off GovGuam public sector holiday. The declaration of the Friday after Thanksgiving as a public sector holiday in Guam used to be an almost annual event, until 2018, but this practice was interrupted when Governor Calvo left, and then reestablished beginning in 2021.
Namibia Declares November 26 Electoral Public Holiday The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has declared Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday "to allow eligible Namibians to participate in the regional council and local authority elections". The aforementioned declaration of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday was gazetted as Proclamation No.41 of 2025 in the Gazette No.8789 and reads as follows, "Under the powers vested in me by section 1(3) of the Public Holidays Act, 1990 (Act No. 26 of 1990), I declare Wednesday, 26 November 2025 to be a public holiday, which date I have determined in terms of paragraph (c) of Proclamation No. 37 of 26 September 2025, as the polling date for the election of members of local authority councils and regional councils." Recall that, last November, then President Nangolo Mbumba had declared Wednesday, November 27, 2024, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Similarly, then Namibian President, Hage Geingob, declared Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the date of the then upcoming regional council and local authority elections in Namibia, as a one-off non-working public holiday. The same President Hage Geingob had previously declared Wednesday, November 27, 2019, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Friday, November 27, 2015, was similarly declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the local and regional authority elections being held on that date. And, back in 2014, the Electoral Commission of Namibia announced that Friday, November 28, 2014, the date of the then upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections had been declared and gazetted as a one off non-working public holiday. However, such electoral public holidays were much less frequent before 2014. Indeed, on the occasion of the previous electoral cycle, Namibia's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana, announced that the Government Cabinet had decided that there was no need to declare Friday, November 27, 2009, the date of the then upcoming presidential and general elections, a public holiday.
Namibia Declares November 26 Electoral Public Holiday The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has declared Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday "to allow eligible Namibians to participate in the regional council and local authority elections". The aforementioned declaration of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, as a one-off public holiday was gazetted as Proclamation No.41 of 2025 in the Gazette No.8789 and reads as follows, "Under the powers vested in me by section 1(3) of the Public Holidays Act, 1990 (Act No. 26 of 1990), I declare Wednesday, 26 November 2025 to be a public holiday, which date I have determined in terms of paragraph (c) of Proclamation No. 37 of 26 September 2025, as the polling date for the election of members of local authority councils and regional councils." Recall that, last November, then President Nangolo Mbumba had declared Wednesday, November 27, 2024, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Similarly, then Namibian President, Hage Geingob, declared Wednesday, November 25, 2020, the date of the then upcoming regional council and local authority elections in Namibia, as a one-off non-working public holiday. The same President Hage Geingob had previously declared Wednesday, November 27, 2019, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the Presidential and National Assembly elections. Friday, November 27, 2015, was similarly declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Namibia, on account of the local and regional authority elections being held on that date. And, back in 2014, the Electoral Commission of Namibia announced that Friday, November 28, 2014, the date of the then upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections had been declared and gazetted as a one off non-working public holiday. However, such electoral public holidays were much less frequent before 2014. Indeed, on the occasion of the previous electoral cycle, Namibia's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Mbeuta Ua-Ndjarakana, announced that the Government Cabinet had decided that there was no need to declare Friday, November 27, 2009, the date of the then upcoming presidential and general elections, a public holiday.
Curacao Declares November 19 Public Holiday Eilandgebied Curaçao (Willemstad) Curaçao's Minister of VVRP and Finance, Charles Cooper, has announced that all civil servants will receive a half day off on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to join the national celebration of Curaçao’s dramatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As per Minister Cooper's announcement, under the special arrangement, Government offices close at 11:00 a.m and private sector employers are urged to give workers the opportunity to participate in "a moment of immense national pride".
Curacao Declares November 19 Public Holiday Eilandgebied Curaçao (Willemstad) Curaçao's Minister of VVRP and Finance, Charles Cooper, has announced that all civil servants will receive a half day off on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to join the national celebration of Curaçao’s dramatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As per Minister Cooper's announcement, under the special arrangement, Government offices close at 11:00 a.m and private sector employers are urged to give workers the opportunity to participate in "a moment of immense national pride".
French Polynesia Clarifies Status Of New Matāri'i Public Holiday Présidence de la Polynésie Française (Papeete) The French Polynesian administration has issued a statement clarifying which sectors of French Polynesia will benefit from the new Matari’i i Ni’a public holiday. The government, its public institutions, and the independent authorities of French Polynesia, as well as municipal public servants, will not be working on the new November 20 public holiday. For the private sector, the situation is more complex as the French Labor Code only lists May 1st as "férié et chômé et payé", and French Polynesian Director of Labor, Loetitia Hiu, reminds us that it is up to collective agreements negotiated with employees to treat the twelve other holidays listed in Article Lp. 3223-1 individually. Recall that, in March 2024, French Polynesia's vice-présidente et ministre en charge de la Culture, Éliane Tevahitua, had re-launched the idea to swap the June 29 public holiday for a new one, and this time the proposed replacement public holiday was to be inspired by Matariki (Maori New Year) which became a public holiday in New Zealand in 2022. The following month, French Polynesia's Conseil des Ministres approved the proposal by French Polynesia's Vice-President to replace the June 29 Autonomy Day public holiday, with a new Matari’i i Ni’a (Polynesian New Year) annual public holiday on November 20. A brief hesitation to set the new Matari’i i Ni’a public holiday on the last Friday of November of each year, was dropped when French Polynesia's Conseil des Ministres realized, late last year, that this might conflict with Black Friday.
French Polynesia Clarifies Status Of New Matāri'i Public Holiday Présidence de la Polynésie Française (Papeete) The French Polynesian administration has issued a statement clarifying which sectors of French Polynesia will benefit from the new Matari’i i Ni’a public holiday. The government, its public institutions, and the independent authorities of French Polynesia, as well as municipal public servants, will not be working on the new November 20 public holiday. For the private sector, the situation is more complex as the French Labor Code only lists May 1st as "férié et chômé et payé", and French Polynesian Director of Labor, Loetitia Hiu, reminds us that it is up to collective agreements negotiated with employees to treat the twelve other holidays listed in Article Lp. 3223-1 individually. Recall that, in March 2024, French Polynesia's vice-présidente et ministre en charge de la Culture, Éliane Tevahitua, had re-launched the idea to swap the June 29 public holiday for a new one, and this time the proposed replacement public holiday was to be inspired by Matariki (Maori New Year) which became a public holiday in New Zealand in 2022. The following month, French Polynesia's Conseil des Ministres approved the proposal by French Polynesia's Vice-President to replace the June 29 Autonomy Day public holiday, with a new Matari’i i Ni’a (Polynesian New Year) annual public holiday on November 20. A brief hesitation to set the new Matari’i i Ni’a public holiday on the last Friday of November of each year, was dropped when French Polynesia's Conseil des Ministres realized, late last year, that this might conflict with Black Friday.
Kerala Electoral Public Holidays December 9 and 11 Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The State Election Commission (SEC) of India's state of Kerala has called for local public holidays to be declared on the polling days for the upcoming local body elections, which are to be held on December 9 (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts) and December 11 (Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts). The SEC has directed the State Government to ensure that employees in factories, plantations, and other categories are either provided a public holiday or given sufficient facility to vote, and that the Central Personnel and Training Department grant leave to employees of Central Government departments and Central Public Sector Undertakings on December 9 and 11, 2025. The declaration of local public holidays on December 9 and 11, 2025, would partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Kerala as contained in the vide notification G. O. (P) No. 35/2024/GAD, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, K. R. Jyothilal, in October, 2024.
Kerala Electoral Public Holidays December 9 and 11 Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The State Election Commission (SEC) of India's state of Kerala has called for local public holidays to be declared on the polling days for the upcoming local body elections, which are to be held on December 9 (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts) and December 11 (Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts). The SEC has directed the State Government to ensure that employees in factories, plantations, and other categories are either provided a public holiday or given sufficient facility to vote, and that the Central Personnel and Training Department grant leave to employees of Central Government departments and Central Public Sector Undertakings on December 9 and 11, 2025. The declaration of local public holidays on December 9 and 11, 2025, would partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Kerala as contained in the vide notification G. O. (P) No. 35/2024/GAD, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, K. R. Jyothilal, in October, 2024.
Suriname Promises November 19 Public Holiday Kabinet van de President van de Republiek Suriname (Paramarimbo) The Minister of the Interior of the Government of Suriname, Marinus Bee, has announced that Wednesday, November 19, 2025, would be a one-off public holiday in Suriname if the Natio national football team wins against Guatemala tonight and therefore qualifies for the upcoming World Cup. As per the aforementioned announcement, "There is such strong conviction within the government that the decision for a national holiday will be finalized".
Suriname Promises November 19 Public Holiday Kabinet van de President van de Republiek Suriname (Paramarimbo) The Minister of the Interior of the Government of Suriname, Marinus Bee, has announced that Wednesday, November 19, 2025, would be a one-off public holiday in Suriname if the Natio national football team wins against Guatemala tonight and therefore qualifies for the upcoming World Cup. As per the aforementioned announcement, "There is such strong conviction within the government that the decision for a national holiday will be finalized".
Assam 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Assam (Dispur) The Government of India's state of Assam has gazetted the vide notification No.221561/ 440 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2026. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare that the Offices under the Government of Assam and all Revenue and Magisterial Courts in Assam will remain closed on the following days during the year-2026" adding that "The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare Half Holidays (at 1 P.M.) in the offices under the Government of Assam and all Revenue and Magisterial Courts in Assam on the following day during the year 2026". As for the private sector, "All Sundays & Holidays falling on the days shown below are also declared as Public Holidays by the Governor of Assam under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act,1881 (XXIV of 1881) read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.20/25/56 Pub-1.dated 8th June, 1957".
Assam 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Assam (Dispur) The Government of India's state of Assam has gazetted the vide notification No.221561/ 440 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2026. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare that the Offices under the Government of Assam and all Revenue and Magisterial Courts in Assam will remain closed on the following days during the year-2026" adding that "The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare Half Holidays (at 1 P.M.) in the offices under the Government of Assam and all Revenue and Magisterial Courts in Assam on the following day during the year 2026". As for the private sector, "All Sundays & Holidays falling on the days shown below are also declared as Public Holidays by the Governor of Assam under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act,1881 (XXIV of 1881) read with the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No.20/25/56 Pub-1.dated 8th June, 1957".
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 the vide notification No.DPAR 16HHL2025 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 ("Local Holiday is declared for Kodagu District only on account of Kail Muhuruth on 03.09.2026 (Thursday), Tula Sankramana on 18.10.2026 (Sunday) and Huthri Festival on 26.11.2026 (Thursday)."). As usual, public holidays falling on a Sunday or a specific Saturday in 2026 are not listed treated as separate public holidays ("This list does not include Maha Shivaratri (15.02.2026), Maharshi Valmiki Jayanthi (25.10.2026), Kannada Rajyothsava (01.11.2026) and Naraka Chaturdashi (08.11.2026) which falls on Sundays & Mahalaya Amavasye (10.10.2026) which falls on Second Saturday."). 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 the vide notification No.DPAR 16HHL2025 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 ("Local Holiday is declared for Kodagu District only on account of Kail Muhuruth on 03.09.2026 (Thursday), Tula Sankramana on 18.10.2026 (Sunday) and Huthri Festival on 26.11.2026 (Thursday)."). As usual, public holidays falling on a Sunday or a specific Saturday in 2026 are not listed treated as separate public holidays ("This list does not include Maha Shivaratri (15.02.2026), Maharshi Valmiki Jayanthi (25.10.2026), Kannada Rajyothsava (01.11.2026) and Naraka Chaturdashi (08.11.2026) which falls on Sundays & Mahalaya Amavasye (10.10.2026) which falls on Second Saturday."). 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.
South Korean Constitution Day Public Holiday Update Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Earlier today, the Public Administration and Security Committee of the South Korean National Assembly deliberated and passed an amendment to the law on public holidays, which calls for making Constitution Day a public holiday again, after having been removed from the list of South Korean public holidays for 18 years. The amendment must now be confirmed through a plenary session of the National Assembly. Recall that, last July, the Partial amendment to the Act on Public Holidays was tabled in South Korea's legislative assembly, with the aim to restore July 17 (Constitution Day) as an annual public holiday in South Korea. And, later that month, South Korean President, Lee Jae Myung, instructed senior aides to review a plan to redesignate Constitution Day as a public holiday, stating that "Although Constitution Day commemorates the enactment and proclamation of the Constitution, it seems to be the only national commemoration day that is not designated as a public holiday". Constitution Day is one of the 2 annual public holidays whose cancellation was confirmed in 2005 at a Cabinet meeting presided by then Prime Minister Lee Hae-Chan. At that Cabinet meeting, it was decided that Arbor Day (April 5), would occur for the last time in 2005, while Constitution Day (July 17) would be taken off the list of public holidays, starting in 2008.
South Korean Constitution Day Public Holiday Update Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Earlier today, the Public Administration and Security Committee of the South Korean National Assembly deliberated and passed an amendment to the law on public holidays, which calls for making Constitution Day a public holiday again, after having been removed from the list of South Korean public holidays for 18 years. The amendment must now be confirmed through a plenary session of the National Assembly. Recall that, last July, the Partial amendment to the Act on Public Holidays was tabled in South Korea's legislative assembly, with the aim to restore July 17 (Constitution Day) as an annual public holiday in South Korea. And, later that month, South Korean President, Lee Jae Myung, instructed senior aides to review a plan to redesignate Constitution Day as a public holiday, stating that "Although Constitution Day commemorates the enactment and proclamation of the Constitution, it seems to be the only national commemoration day that is not designated as a public holiday". Constitution Day is one of the 2 annual public holidays whose cancellation was confirmed in 2005 at a Cabinet meeting presided by then Prime Minister Lee Hae-Chan. At that Cabinet meeting, it was decided that Arbor Day (April 5), would occur for the last time in 2005, while Constitution Day (July 17) would be taken off the list of public holidays, starting in 2008.
Tongan 2026 Public Holidays Announced Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Ministry of Information and Communications in conjunction with the Prime Minister's Office of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga, has issued a communiqué announcing its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Tonga for the upcoming calendar year 2026. As usual, the aforementioned announcement states in a footnote that "Emancipation Day (June 4), the Anniversary of the Coronation of HM King George Tupou I (December 4), and Constitution Day (November 4) are celebrated in accordance to section 2 of the Public Holidays Act [Cap 8.11], which provides that if a public holiday falls upon a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, that public holiday shall be celebrated on the next following Monday. And if it falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, that public holiday shall be celebrated on the Monday before the actual public holiday." but that "The other public holidays are observed on the actual days it is commemorated.".
Tongan 2026 Public Holidays Announced Tonga Ministry of Information and Communications (Nuku'alofa) Tonga's Ministry of Information and Communications in conjunction with the Prime Minister's Office of the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga, has issued a communiqué announcing its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Tonga for the upcoming calendar year 2026. As usual, the aforementioned announcement states in a footnote that "Emancipation Day (June 4), the Anniversary of the Coronation of HM King George Tupou I (December 4), and Constitution Day (November 4) are celebrated in accordance to section 2 of the Public Holidays Act [Cap 8.11], which provides that if a public holiday falls upon a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, that public holiday shall be celebrated on the next following Monday. And if it falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, that public holiday shall be celebrated on the Monday before the actual public holiday." but that "The other public holidays are observed on the actual days it is commemorated.".
UAE Moves National Day Public Holidays Emirates News Agency (WAM) Earlier today, the UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that the upcoming National Day celebrations for public sector employees would occur on Monday and Tuesday, December 1-2, 2025, rather than the usual dates of December 2 and 3. And, a few hours later, as expected, the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) made a similar announcement that "the UAE private sector will observe paid holidays for National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on December 1 and 2 (Monday and Tuesday)". Since January 1, 2022, the UAE observes a Saturday-Sunday weekend "to better align its economy with global markets", and Article 2 of Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 states that "with the exception of Eid holidays, any of the official holidays mentioned in article No.1 may be carried over by a Cabinet decision to the beginning or end of the week".
UAE Moves National Day Public Holidays Emirates News Agency (WAM) Earlier today, the UAE's Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced that the upcoming National Day celebrations for public sector employees would occur on Monday and Tuesday, December 1-2, 2025, rather than the usual dates of December 2 and 3. And, a few hours later, as expected, the UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) made a similar announcement that "the UAE private sector will observe paid holidays for National Day (Eid Al Etihad) on December 1 and 2 (Monday and Tuesday)". Since January 1, 2022, the UAE observes a Saturday-Sunday weekend "to better align its economy with global markets", and Article 2 of Cabinet Resolution No. 27 of 2024 states that "with the exception of Eid holidays, any of the official holidays mentioned in article No.1 may be carried over by a Cabinet decision to the beginning or end of the week".
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 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 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").
Puducherry 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Home Department of the government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry has announced the list of official Puducherry non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026, 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. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Lieutenant-Governor, Puducherry, is pleased to declare that all Government Offices/Government Undertakings, Boards and other Institutions under the control of Government of Puducherry, and all Banking Institutions including Co-operative Banks in the Union territory of Puducherry, shall be closed on the days specified in the notification in Appendix-I and Appendix-II, respectively during the Calendar Year, 2026. The following holidays, which fall on Sunday during the year, 2026 has been excluded from the holidays list in order to observe 17 holidays in a year.". It goes on to specify that "In addition to the closed holidays, the Lieutenant-Governor, is also pleased to permit each Government servant to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list of Restricted Holidays in Appendix-III." and that "No substitute holidays shall be allowed on any event for the festival holiday initially declared.". As usual, the list of 2026 public holidays in India's Union Territory of Puducherry is broken into 3 separate regional lists; Puducherry and Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Note that, in the past, some of the initially-announced public holidays of Puducherry were later extended. For example, Thursday and Friday, January 16 and 17, 2025, were declared as public sector holidays to extend the then upcoming celebration of Pongal, and Friday, October 3, 2025, was declared as a public sector holiday in the four regions of the Union Territory to extend the 2025 Pooja holidays.
Puducherry 2026 Public Holidays Announced Government of Puducherry (Saram) The Home Department of the government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry has announced the list of official Puducherry non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2026, 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. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Lieutenant-Governor, Puducherry, is pleased to declare that all Government Offices/Government Undertakings, Boards and other Institutions under the control of Government of Puducherry, and all Banking Institutions including Co-operative Banks in the Union territory of Puducherry, shall be closed on the days specified in the notification in Appendix-I and Appendix-II, respectively during the Calendar Year, 2026. The following holidays, which fall on Sunday during the year, 2026 has been excluded from the holidays list in order to observe 17 holidays in a year.". It goes on to specify that "In addition to the closed holidays, the Lieutenant-Governor, is also pleased to permit each Government servant to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list of Restricted Holidays in Appendix-III." and that "No substitute holidays shall be allowed on any event for the festival holiday initially declared.". As usual, the list of 2026 public holidays in India's Union Territory of Puducherry is broken into 3 separate regional lists; Puducherry and Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Note that, in the past, some of the initially-announced public holidays of Puducherry were later extended. For example, Thursday and Friday, January 16 and 17, 2025, were declared as public sector holidays to extend the then upcoming celebration of Pongal, and Friday, October 3, 2025, was declared as a public sector holiday in the four regions of the Union Territory to extend the 2025 Pooja holidays.
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").
Macedonian 2026 Public Holidays Announced 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.
Macedonian 2026 Public Holidays Announced 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").
