worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
The qppstudio worldwide public holidays database is constantly updated to reflect changes to public holidays legislation, or ad hoc public holidays changes, throughout the world.
You can download our free apps for Android and iPhone, which are devoid of any ads, and whose data feed is updated nightly, to access an extended version of the recent worldwide public holidays news and updates, below, complemented by contextual and historical background information extracted from our database of tens of thousands of news items collated over the past 25 years.
Bermuda Gazettes 2028-2029 Public Holidays Bermuda Department of Communication and Information (Hamilton) The Cabinet Headquarters department of the Government of Bermuda has gazetted the Public Notification Notice ID GN0173/2026 serving notice of the Bermuda public holidays for the calendar years 2028 and 2029. As usual, each annual list of public holidays comes with its own footnotes.
Bermuda Gazettes 2028-2029 Public Holidays Bermuda Department of Communication and Information (Hamilton) The Cabinet Headquarters department of the Government of Bermuda has gazetted the Public Notification Notice ID GN0173/2026 serving notice of the Bermuda public holidays for the calendar years 2028 and 2029. As usual, each annual list of public holidays comes with its own footnotes.
Algeria Announces First Of Ramadan 1447/2026 Ministère des Affaires Religieuses et des Wakfs (Algiers) The Algerian National Lunar Crescent Observation Commission, under the guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments, and members of the Algerian Research Center for Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Geophysics, has announced that the month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH will begin tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Algeria, following the non-sighting [sic] of the new Moon.
Algeria Announces First Of Ramadan 1447/2026 Ministère des Affaires Religieuses et des Wakfs (Algiers) The Algerian National Lunar Crescent Observation Commission, under the guidance of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments, and members of the Algerian Research Center for Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Geophysics, has announced that the month of Ramadan for the year 1447 AH will begin tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Algeria, following the non-sighting [sic] of the new Moon.
Kerala Declares February 23 And March 3 Public Holidays Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Government of India's state of Kerala has declared local public holidays on February 23, 2026, and March 3, 2026, on account of Chettikulangara Kumbhabharani and the Attukal Pongala temple festivals. The public holiday of February 23 will be observed by all government offices in the Mavelikkara and Karthikappally taluks of the Alappuzha district for the annual Kumbhabharani festival at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. March 3, the main day of the Attukal Pongala festival will be observed as a government holiday within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits and the Vellar ward of Venganoor grama panchayat.
Kerala Declares February 23 And March 3 Public Holidays Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Government of India's state of Kerala has declared local public holidays on February 23, 2026, and March 3, 2026, on account of Chettikulangara Kumbhabharani and the Attukal Pongala temple festivals. The public holiday of February 23 will be observed by all government offices in the Mavelikkara and Karthikappally taluks of the Alappuzha district for the annual Kumbhabharani festival at the Chettikulangara Devi Temple. March 3, the main day of the Attukal Pongala festival will be observed as a government holiday within the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation limits and the Vellar ward of Venganoor grama panchayat.
Morocco Declares February 19 Start Of Ramadan Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) Earlier tonight, Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that Thursday, February 19, 2026, would be the first day of Ramadan 1447/2026.
Morocco Declares February 19 Start Of Ramadan Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) Earlier tonight, Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs announced that Thursday, February 19, 2026, would be the first day of Ramadan 1447/2026.
Gambia Declares February 18 Public Holiday Office of The President, State House (Banjul) The Office of The President State House has announced that the President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as a public holiday in the Gambia. As per the aforementioned Presidential announcement, "The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia has declared Wednesday, 18th February 2026 as public holiday nationwide in observance of The Gambia’s Independence anniversary".
Gambia Declares February 18 Public Holiday Office of The President, State House (Banjul) The Office of The President State House has announced that the President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, has declared Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as a public holiday in the Gambia. As per the aforementioned Presidential announcement, "The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia has declared Wednesday, 18th February 2026 as public holiday nationwide in observance of The Gambia’s Independence anniversary".
Kuwait CSC Confirms National and Liberation Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued a press statement announcing that all ministries, government agencies and public institutions would be closed on Wednesday, February 25, and Thursday, February 26, 2026, in observance of Kuwait’s annual public holidays for National Day and Liberation Day, and that "official working hours will resume on Sunday, March 1".
Kuwait CSC Confirms National and Liberation Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued a press statement announcing that all ministries, government agencies and public institutions would be closed on Wednesday, February 25, and Thursday, February 26, 2026, in observance of Kuwait’s annual public holidays for National Day and Liberation Day, and that "official working hours will resume on Sunday, March 1".
Kyrgyzstan Confirms February-March Public Holiday Cancellations Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan has issued a communique reminding the population that, as per last December's resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23 will remain a holiday, but a working day, as per the recently-amended Labor Code. Additionally, also as per the recently-amended Labor Code, March 9 will be a working day, despite International Women’s Day on March 8 falling on a weekend. Finally, for the same reason, there will be no additional public holidays in connection with the celebration of Nooruz, which this year falls on Saturday.
Kyrgyzstan Confirms February-March Public Holiday Cancellations Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Ministry of Labour, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan has issued a communique reminding the population that, as per last December's resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23 will remain a holiday, but a working day, as per the recently-amended Labor Code. Additionally, also as per the recently-amended Labor Code, March 9 will be a working day, despite International Women’s Day on March 8 falling on a weekend. Finally, for the same reason, there will be no additional public holidays in connection with the celebration of Nooruz, which this year falls on Saturday.
Nicaragua Declares February 21st Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) The Nicaraguan Minister of Labor, Johana Vanessa Flores Jiménez, announced that Saturday, February 21, 2026, had been declared a national public holiday, commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the death of General Augusto C. Sandino, and that, on that occasion, all workers in the country would receive their full salary.
Nicaragua Declares February 21st Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) The Nicaraguan Minister of Labor, Johana Vanessa Flores Jiménez, announced that Saturday, February 21, 2026, had been declared a national public holiday, commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the death of General Augusto C. Sandino, and that, on that occasion, all workers in the country would receive their full salary.
Pakistan Declares First Day Of Ramadan Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued the BPRD Circular Letter No.04 of 2026 declaring a bank holiday in Pakistan on the first day of Ramadan of 2026. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by Joint Director, Muhammad Asad Akbar, "The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed for public dealing on 1st Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 1447 A.H., which shall be observed as “Bank Holiday” for the purpose of deduction of Zakat". The determination of the actual date of the aforementioned bank holiday will follow tomorrow night's central meeting of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for the sighting the Moon of Ramadan 1447 Hijri, which will be held in Peshawar.
Pakistan Declares First Day Of Ramadan Bank Holiday The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued the BPRD Circular Letter No.04 of 2026 declaring a bank holiday in Pakistan on the first day of Ramadan of 2026. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by Joint Director, Muhammad Asad Akbar, "The State Bank of Pakistan will remain closed for public dealing on 1st Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 1447 A.H., which shall be observed as “Bank Holiday” for the purpose of deduction of Zakat". The determination of the actual date of the aforementioned bank holiday will follow tomorrow night's central meeting of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for the sighting the Moon of Ramadan 1447 Hijri, which will be held in Peshawar.
Saudi Arabia Declares Founding Day Public Holiday February 22 Saudi Press Agency (SPA) Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has declared Sunday, February 22, 2026, a public holiday for the public, private and non-profit sectors on the occasion of celebrating the foundation of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia Declares Founding Day Public Holiday February 22 Saudi Press Agency (SPA) Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has declared Sunday, February 22, 2026, a public holiday for the public, private and non-profit sectors on the occasion of celebrating the foundation of Saudi Arabia.
Sierra Leone Declares February 18 Armed Forces Day Public Holiday State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The government of Sierra Leone has issued a Public Notice declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday on account of Armed Forces Day. As per the aforementioned public notice, "The general public is hereby informed that Armed Forces Day will be observed on Wednesday, 18th February 2026. Accordingly, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, will be a public holiday nationwide".
Sierra Leone Declares February 18 Armed Forces Day Public Holiday State House Press Secretariat (Freetown) The government of Sierra Leone has issued a Public Notice declaring Wednesday, February 18, 2026, as a nationwide public holiday on account of Armed Forces Day. As per the aforementioned public notice, "The general public is hereby informed that Armed Forces Day will be observed on Wednesday, 18th February 2026. Accordingly, Wednesday, 18th February 2026, will be a public holiday nationwide".
Libya Declares February 17 Public Holiday Libyan News Agency (LANA) The Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Osama Hammad, has declared Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as a public holiday to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the 2011 revolution. As per the aforementioned decision number 35 of 2026, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, will be an "official holiday in all public institutions and facilities". The rival Government of National Unity (GUN), led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba, had already declared Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as a public holiday.
Libya Declares February 17 Public Holiday Libyan News Agency (LANA) The Libyan Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Osama Hammad, has declared Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as a public holiday to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the 2011 revolution. As per the aforementioned decision number 35 of 2026, Tuesday, February 17, 2026, will be an "official holiday in all public institutions and facilities". The rival Government of National Unity (GUN), led by Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba, had already declared Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as a public holiday.
Philippines Rule-Out February 18 Public Holiday Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro, has issued a communique stating that this coming Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the first day of the month of Ramadan, was not to be a public holiday.
Philippines Rule-Out February 18 Public Holiday Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro, has issued a communique stating that this coming Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the first day of the month of Ramadan, was not to be a public holiday.
Victoria Rules-Out ANZAC Day Day In Lieu Public Holidays For Now State Government of Victoria (Melbourne) A spokesperson for the Government of Australia's State of Victoria has confirmed that there would be a day in lieu public holiday on neither Monday, April 27, 2026, nor on Monday, April 26, 2027, to compensate the fact that April 25 falls on a weekend in both 2026 and 2027, and that "there are currently no current plans to amend Victoria’s existing public holiday arrangements". The aforementioned statement referred to the Business Victoria website which states that "Anzac Day is commemorated on the day it falls" and that "There is no replacement holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend". However, while acknowledging that any amendments to public holidays in Victoria would require a legislative change to the Public Holidays Act 1993, the premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, did leave the door open to such changes, as her government is "always open to community feedback".
Victoria Rules-Out ANZAC Day Day In Lieu Public Holidays For Now State Government of Victoria (Melbourne) A spokesperson for the Government of Australia's State of Victoria has confirmed that there would be a day in lieu public holiday on neither Monday, April 27, 2026, nor on Monday, April 26, 2027, to compensate the fact that April 25 falls on a weekend in both 2026 and 2027, and that "there are currently no current plans to amend Victoria’s existing public holiday arrangements". The aforementioned statement referred to the Business Victoria website which states that "Anzac Day is commemorated on the day it falls" and that "There is no replacement holiday when Anzac Day falls on a weekend". However, while acknowledging that any amendments to public holidays in Victoria would require a legislative change to the Public Holidays Act 1993, the premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, did leave the door open to such changes, as her government is "always open to community feedback".
Jharkhand Declares February 23 Public Holiday For Urban Local Body Elections Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Government of India's state of Jharkhand has declared a public sector holiday on Monday, February 23, 2026, on account of the upcoming Urban Local Body Elections, thus amending the list of 2026 public holidays in Jharkhand as set out in the Jharkhand vide notification No.10/SA.AV.03-03/7244 issued by the Governor of Jharkhand, last December.
Jharkhand Declares February 23 Public Holiday For Urban Local Body Elections Government of Jharkhand (Ranchi) The Government of India's state of Jharkhand has declared a public sector holiday on Monday, February 23, 2026, on account of the upcoming Urban Local Body Elections, thus amending the list of 2026 public holidays in Jharkhand as set out in the Jharkhand vide notification No.10/SA.AV.03-03/7244 issued by the Governor of Jharkhand, last December.
Azad Kashmir Declares February 16 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Muzaffarabad) The General Administration Department of the Government of the Pakistani Province of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced the declaration of a public holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026, due to the Overseas Kashmir Conference scheduled to be held in the capital, Muzaffarabad. As per the aforementioned notification, all public and semi-government offices, as well as private commercial centers in Muzaffarabad, will remain closed on February 16.
Azad Kashmir Declares February 16 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Muzaffarabad) The General Administration Department of the Government of the Pakistani Province of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has announced the declaration of a public holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026, due to the Overseas Kashmir Conference scheduled to be held in the capital, Muzaffarabad. As per the aforementioned notification, all public and semi-government offices, as well as private commercial centers in Muzaffarabad, will remain closed on February 16.
Thailand's Songkhla Declares CNY Public Holiday On February 17 Thai News Agency (Bangkok) The Deputy Spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, Lalida Pertwivatana, has announced that Chinese New Year, on February 17, 2026, had been declared a public holiday in Songkhla Province, in line with the Cabinet resolution of 13 August 2013 and the Prime Minister’s Office announcement on working hours and public holidays (No. 21) dated 16 August 2013. As per the aforementioned announcement, Since Chinese New Year in the Buddhist year 2569 falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, that day is declared a one-day public holiday covering all government offices in Songkhla Province, including schools and state universities, to comply with the Cabinet resolution and the Prime Minister’s Office announcement.
Thailand's Songkhla Declares CNY Public Holiday On February 17 Thai News Agency (Bangkok) The Deputy Spokesperson for the Thai Prime Minister’s Office, Lalida Pertwivatana, has announced that Chinese New Year, on February 17, 2026, had been declared a public holiday in Songkhla Province, in line with the Cabinet resolution of 13 August 2013 and the Prime Minister’s Office announcement on working hours and public holidays (No. 21) dated 16 August 2013. As per the aforementioned announcement, Since Chinese New Year in the Buddhist year 2569 falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, that day is declared a one-day public holiday covering all government offices in Songkhla Province, including schools and state universities, to comply with the Cabinet resolution and the Prime Minister’s Office announcement.
Andhra Pradesh Declares February 16 Day In Lieu Holiday Government of Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) The Chief Secretary to the Government of India's State of Andhra Pradesh, K Vijayanand, has issued the vide notification G.O.Rt.No.421 declaring Monday, February 16, 2026, as an optional holiday in lieu of Mahashivaratri. As per the aforementioned order, "In partial modification of the orders issued in G.O.Rt.No.2276, General Administration (Political.B) Department, dated: 04.12.2025, Government hereby declare Optional Holiday on 16.02.2026 (Monday) i.e., following day of Mahashivaratri.".
Andhra Pradesh Declares February 16 Day In Lieu Holiday Government of Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) The Chief Secretary to the Government of India's State of Andhra Pradesh, K Vijayanand, has issued the vide notification G.O.Rt.No.421 declaring Monday, February 16, 2026, as an optional holiday in lieu of Mahashivaratri. As per the aforementioned order, "In partial modification of the orders issued in G.O.Rt.No.2276, General Administration (Political.B) Department, dated: 04.12.2025, Government hereby declare Optional Holiday on 16.02.2026 (Monday) i.e., following day of Mahashivaratri.".
NSW Extends 2026-2027 ANZAC Day Public Holidays NSW Government (Sydney) The Premier of Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), Chris Minns, has announced that he will declare the Monday after ANZAC Day a day in lieu public holiday in 2026 and 2027, when April 25 falls on a weekend ("New South Wales has fewer public holidays than other states. Some other states have already moved to having an additional public holiday when Anzac Day appears on the weekend, and we’re going to follow suit for 2026 and 2027"). In his announcement, Premier Minns said that the declaration of day in lieu public holidays would be implemented for the next two years and then reviewed by the government in 2032, when Anzac Day next falls on a weekend.
NSW Extends 2026-2027 ANZAC Day Public Holidays NSW Government (Sydney) The Premier of Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), Chris Minns, has announced that he will declare the Monday after ANZAC Day a day in lieu public holiday in 2026 and 2027, when April 25 falls on a weekend ("New South Wales has fewer public holidays than other states. Some other states have already moved to having an additional public holiday when Anzac Day appears on the weekend, and we’re going to follow suit for 2026 and 2027"). In his announcement, Premier Minns said that the declaration of day in lieu public holidays would be implemented for the next two years and then reviewed by the government in 2032, when Anzac Day next falls on a weekend.
Quebec Rules-Out Family Day Public Holiday Ministry of Labour (Québec) A spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour of Canada's Province of Quebec has confirmed that the Quebec Government had not current plans to declare a February, Family Day, public holiday, adding that "The Ministry of Labour cannot make this type of decision. This type of decision comes under the legislative branch, therefore the National Assembly".
Quebec Rules-Out Family Day Public Holiday Ministry of Labour (Québec) A spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour of Canada's Province of Quebec has confirmed that the Quebec Government had not current plans to declare a February, Family Day, public holiday, adding that "The Ministry of Labour cannot make this type of decision. This type of decision comes under the legislative branch, therefore the National Assembly".
For an extended version of the worldwide public holidays news and updates, above, covering the past 30 days, and complemented by contextual and historical background information extracted from our database of tens of thousands of news items collated over the past 25 years, you can download our free apps for Android and iPhone, which are devoid of any ads, and whose data feed is updated nightly.
