worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
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Venezuelan Bank Holiday January 12 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, January 12, 2026, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de Reyes bank holiday dates observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2026 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced early last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Venezuelan Bank Holiday January 12 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday, January 12, 2026, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Día de Reyes bank holiday dates observed by banks and the financial sector of Venezuela. The aforementioned announcement is in line with the official list of 2026 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced early last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Philippines Extend January 9 Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Ralph Recto, by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has issued the Proclamation No.1126 declaring Thursday, January 9, 2025, as a special non-working holiday in the City of Manila, to commemorate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. As per the aforementioned proclamation, "In order to ensure the orderly procession of devotees and to facilitate the flow of traffic, the City of Manila requests that Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, be declared a special (non-working) day.". Recall that, yesterday, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso had issued Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, suspending classes in all levels, both public and private, whether online or face-to-face, and work in government offices in the City of Manila on Friday, January 9, 2026, as was done in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2017. In 2019, House Bill 8812 was filed by Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas, in the Philippines House of Representatives, which would have declared January 9 as a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Philippines. But this bill died in commission.
Philippines Extend January 9 Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Ralph Recto, by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has issued the Proclamation No.1126 declaring Thursday, January 9, 2025, as a special non-working holiday in the City of Manila, to commemorate the Feast of the Black Nazarene. As per the aforementioned proclamation, "In order to ensure the orderly procession of devotees and to facilitate the flow of traffic, the City of Manila requests that Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, be declared a special (non-working) day.". Recall that, yesterday, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso had issued Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, suspending classes in all levels, both public and private, whether online or face-to-face, and work in government offices in the City of Manila on Friday, January 9, 2026, as was done in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2017. In 2019, House Bill 8812 was filed by Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas, in the Philippines House of Representatives, which would have declared January 9 as a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Philippines. But this bill died in commission.
Bahamas 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Bahamas (Nassau) The Government of the Bahamas has released its annual official list of the non-working public holidays in the Bahamas, for the calendar year 2026. In the aforementioned list, Monday, December 28, 2026, is listed as a public holiday due to December 26 falling on a weekend, despite the fact that only Bahamas public holidays falling on a Sunday, give rise to a day in lieu public holiday. Before 2026, there had been one exception to that rule. In 2009, then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham tabled an amendment to the Bahamas Public Holidays Act, designating Monday, December 28th, 2009, as that year's official Boxing Day public holiday, and as a consequence, Saturday, December 26th, 2009, was observed as a normal day for those businesses and agencies that usually open on Saturdays. In 2021, the Bahamas Cabinet did discuss the declaration of an additional day in lieu public holiday, on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at its meeting of December 14, but in the end decided against the declaration of an additional day in lieu public holiday ("Cabinet has decided not to change the holiday schedule, so Tuesday will not be a public holiday").
Bahamas 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Bahamas (Nassau) The Government of the Bahamas has released its annual official list of the non-working public holidays in the Bahamas, for the calendar year 2026. In the aforementioned list, Monday, December 28, 2026, is listed as a public holiday due to December 26 falling on a weekend, despite the fact that only Bahamas public holidays falling on a Sunday, give rise to a day in lieu public holiday. Before 2026, there had been one exception to that rule. In 2009, then Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham tabled an amendment to the Bahamas Public Holidays Act, designating Monday, December 28th, 2009, as that year's official Boxing Day public holiday, and as a consequence, Saturday, December 26th, 2009, was observed as a normal day for those businesses and agencies that usually open on Saturdays. In 2021, the Bahamas Cabinet did discuss the declaration of an additional day in lieu public holiday, on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at its meeting of December 14, but in the end decided against the declaration of an additional day in lieu public holiday ("Cabinet has decided not to change the holiday schedule, so Tuesday will not be a public holiday").
Bangladesh Debunks Claims Of Canceled National And Religious Holidays Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Chief Adviser’s (CA) Office of the Government of Bangladesh has issued a communique dismissing media reports that the government has cancelled the holidays of the educational institutions on a number of religious and national days. As per the aforementioned communique, "Claims have been published in several media outlets and on social media in Bangladesh and India that the Bangladesh government has cancelled holidays for Saraswati Puja, February 21, May Day, Buddha Purnima, Ashura, Janmashtami, Madhu Purnima, and Mahalaya in 2026. This claim is not true. In reality, these days were not listed separately as holidays because they fall on weekly holidays.".
Bangladesh Debunks Claims Of Canceled National And Religious Holidays Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Chief Adviser’s (CA) Office of the Government of Bangladesh has issued a communique dismissing media reports that the government has cancelled the holidays of the educational institutions on a number of religious and national days. As per the aforementioned communique, "Claims have been published in several media outlets and on social media in Bangladesh and India that the Bangladesh government has cancelled holidays for Saraswati Puja, February 21, May Day, Buddha Purnima, Ashura, Janmashtami, Madhu Purnima, and Mahalaya in 2026. This claim is not true. In reality, these days were not listed separately as holidays because they fall on weekly holidays.".
El Salvador 2026 Public Holidays Announced Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social de El Salvador (San Salvador) El Salvador's Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social has released the list of annual non-working public holidays in el Salvador for the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement of the list of annual non-working public holidays in el Salvador for the calendar year 2026 is in line with the list of 2026 bank holidays released by El Salvador's Central Bank, last October ("calendario de días de cierre bancario para el año dos mil veintiséis, aplicables a Bancos, Bancos Cooperativos, Sociedades de Ahorro y Crédito y Bancos de Inversión"), and recent changes of the past decade. Namely, in 2012, the government of el Salvador issued a decree declaring June 17 as a new annual non-working public holiday in El Salvador to mark Fathers' Day, to be observed by both the public and private sectors ("un privilegio del que gocen no solo los empleados públicos sino que abarque también al privado"). And, in 2016, El Salvador's legislative assembly approved a bill that declared that the annual El Salvador non-working public sector holiday on May 10, to commemorate Mother's Day (Día de la Madre), would henceforth be a fully national non-working public holiday, for both the private and public sectors of El Salvador ("asueto remunerado para el sector público y privado").
El Salvador 2026 Public Holidays Announced Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social de El Salvador (San Salvador) El Salvador's Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social has released the list of annual non-working public holidays in el Salvador for the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement of the list of annual non-working public holidays in el Salvador for the calendar year 2026 is in line with the list of 2026 bank holidays released by El Salvador's Central Bank, last October ("calendario de días de cierre bancario para el año dos mil veintiséis, aplicables a Bancos, Bancos Cooperativos, Sociedades de Ahorro y Crédito y Bancos de Inversión"), and recent changes of the past decade. Namely, in 2012, the government of el Salvador issued a decree declaring June 17 as a new annual non-working public holiday in El Salvador to mark Fathers' Day, to be observed by both the public and private sectors ("un privilegio del que gocen no solo los empleados públicos sino que abarque también al privado"). And, in 2016, El Salvador's legislative assembly approved a bill that declared that the annual El Salvador non-working public sector holiday on May 10, to commemorate Mother's Day (Día de la Madre), would henceforth be a fully national non-working public holiday, for both the private and public sectors of El Salvador ("asueto remunerado para el sector público y privado").
Kuwait Isra Wal Miraj Public Holiday January 18 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission has announced a public sector holiday on Sunday, January 18, 2026, for all ministries, government departments, public authorities and state institutions to observe Isra Wal Miraj (the Prophet's Ascension). As per the aforementioned announcement, official working hours will resume on Monday, January 19, 2026. Recall that, since 2007, weekends in Kuwait are observed on Friday and Saturday.
Kuwait Isra Wal Miraj Public Holiday January 18 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission has announced a public sector holiday on Sunday, January 18, 2026, for all ministries, government departments, public authorities and state institutions to observe Isra Wal Miraj (the Prophet's Ascension). As per the aforementioned announcement, official working hours will resume on Monday, January 19, 2026. Recall that, since 2007, weekends in Kuwait are observed on Friday and Saturday.
Philippines Declare January 9 Public Holiday In Manila Philippine Information Agency (Manila) The Public Information Office (MPIO) of the Philippines'capital city of Manila has announced a public sector holiday in Manila on Friday, January 9, 2026, for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. As per the aforementioned announcement, "In line with Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso suspends classes in all levels, both public and private, whether online or face-to-face, and work in government offices in the City of Manila on Friday, January 9, 2026, in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene". The MPIO did add that the suspension of work in national government offices and private companies in the City of Manila would be left to the discretion of their respective management. January 9 was similarly declared a special non-working holiday in the City of Manila in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2017. In 2019, House Bill 8812 was filed by Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas, in the Philippines House of Representatives, which would have declared January 9 as a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Philippines, to celebrate Feast of Black Nazarene. But this bill died in commission.
Philippines Declare January 9 Public Holiday In Manila Philippine Information Agency (Manila) The Public Information Office (MPIO) of the Philippines'capital city of Manila has announced a public sector holiday in Manila on Friday, January 9, 2026, for the Feast of Jesus Nazareno. As per the aforementioned announcement, "In line with Executive Order No. 1, Series of 2026, Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso suspends classes in all levels, both public and private, whether online or face-to-face, and work in government offices in the City of Manila on Friday, January 9, 2026, in celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene". The MPIO did add that the suspension of work in national government offices and private companies in the City of Manila would be left to the discretion of their respective management. January 9 was similarly declared a special non-working holiday in the City of Manila in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2017. In 2019, House Bill 8812 was filed by Quezon City Representative Alfred Vargas, in the Philippines House of Representatives, which would have declared January 9 as a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Philippines, to celebrate Feast of Black Nazarene. But this bill died in commission.
Scotland Considering June 15 Public Holiday The Devolved Government for Scotland (Edinburgh) Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has announced that he will propose to the Privy Council that a one-off public holiday (locally called a bank holiday) be proclaimed to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. As per the First Minister's announcement, Monday, June 15, 2026, would be proclaimed a public holiday on the day after Scotland plays Haiti ("I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that - no matter the outcome of the match - we can all come together to share the occasion"). Note that the move would, in principle, only affect staff directly employed by the Scottish government; like the St Andrews' Day bank holiday, other employers would not be compelled to observe it. However, the Devolved Government for Scotland official website does specify that "This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston". Bank holidays are set under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, although the relevant powers were devolved by the Scotland Act 1998.
Scotland Considering June 15 Public Holiday The Devolved Government for Scotland (Edinburgh) Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has announced that he will propose to the Privy Council that a one-off public holiday (locally called a bank holiday) be proclaimed to mark Scotland’s participation in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. As per the First Minister's announcement, Monday, June 15, 2026, would be proclaimed a public holiday on the day after Scotland plays Haiti ("I am taking steps to ensure the Monday after our opening game should be national bank holiday, so that - no matter the outcome of the match - we can all come together to share the occasion"). Note that the move would, in principle, only affect staff directly employed by the Scottish government; like the St Andrews' Day bank holiday, other employers would not be compelled to observe it. However, the Devolved Government for Scotland official website does specify that "This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations in Scotland to celebrate after the men’s team play their opening game against Haiti in Boston". Bank holidays are set under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971, although the relevant powers were devolved by the Scotland Act 1998.
Andaman and Nicobar Asked To Declare Makar Sankranti Public Holiday Office of the Labour Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory (Port Blair) The Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS) umbrella organization has formally called on the Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to declare Makar Sankranti as a public holiday on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Recall that, last October, the Hindu Rashtra Shakti had similarly called on the Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to declare Chhath Puja as a public holiday on October 28, 2025. Currently, the 2026 Makar Sankranti is listed as a restricted holiday on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as per last November's vide notification No. 91/2025/F. No.M-13/18/2022-GA-Section-Sectt., signed by Rajeshwar Lall, Assistant Secretary, by order of the Lieutenant Governor.
Andaman and Nicobar Asked To Declare Makar Sankranti Public Holiday Office of the Labour Commissioner of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory (Port Blair) The Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS) umbrella organization has formally called on the Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to declare Makar Sankranti as a public holiday on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Recall that, last October, the Hindu Rashtra Shakti had similarly called on the Lt Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to declare Chhath Puja as a public holiday on October 28, 2025. Currently, the 2026 Makar Sankranti is listed as a restricted holiday on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as per last November's vide notification No. 91/2025/F. No.M-13/18/2022-GA-Section-Sectt., signed by Rajeshwar Lall, Assistant Secretary, by order of the Lieutenant Governor.
Egypt Declares January 7 Public Holiday For Coptic Christmas Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has declared Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as an official paid holiday on the occasion of Coptic Christmas. As per the aforementioned decree, the public holiday applies to "to employees of ministries, government departments, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector companies". Recall that, since 2020, the Egyptian government has moved most mid-week public holidays to the nearest Thursday, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas.
Egypt Declares January 7 Public Holiday For Coptic Christmas Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has declared Wednesday, January 7, 2026, as an official paid holiday on the occasion of Coptic Christmas. As per the aforementioned decree, the public holiday applies to "to employees of ministries, government departments, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector companies". Recall that, since 2020, the Egyptian government has moved most mid-week public holidays to the nearest Thursday, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas.
Dominica 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (Office of the Prime Minister) The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has released its annual official list of the Dominica bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Dominica, for the upcoming calendar year 2026. The aforementioned list of 2026 bank holidays and public holidays does not contain any errors, this year. Recall that, last year, when the Government of Dominica released its list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays, we mentioned that the list contained an error in the observance date of the Independence Day public holiday, which we expected to be corrected in the coming weeks, as was the case in 2015 and 2016. The error in the list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays was fixed in an April 2025 announcement.
Dominica 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (Office of the Prime Minister) The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has released its annual official list of the Dominica bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Dominica, for the upcoming calendar year 2026. The aforementioned list of 2026 bank holidays and public holidays does not contain any errors, this year. Recall that, last year, when the Government of Dominica released its list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays, we mentioned that the list contained an error in the observance date of the Independence Day public holiday, which we expected to be corrected in the coming weeks, as was the case in 2015 and 2016. The error in the list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays was fixed in an April 2025 announcement.
Eswatini Declares Incwala Public Holiday On January 6 Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Minister for Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Princess Lindiwe, on instruction from King Mswati III, has announced that the main Incwala ceremony would occur on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, a date that has been declared as a public holiday in eSwatini. As per the aforementioned announcement, made at the Ngabezweni Royal Residence, earlier today, government ministries, businesses and institutions will suspend normal operations on the day, except for essential services. Due to the complex nature of the rule used to specify the date of the Incwala main day, and its related public holiday, the Incwala public holiday sometimes occurs twice in a year (as will be the case in 2026, 2029, 2032, 2034, 2037, 2040, ...). On the other hand some years it does not occur at all, as was the case in 2025, and will be the case in 2028, 2033, 2026, 2039, 2044, ... Recall that, prior to 2018, eSwatini was called Swaziland.
Eswatini Declares Incwala Public Holiday On January 6 Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Minister for Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Princess Lindiwe, on instruction from King Mswati III, has announced that the main Incwala ceremony would occur on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, a date that has been declared as a public holiday in eSwatini. As per the aforementioned announcement, made at the Ngabezweni Royal Residence, earlier today, government ministries, businesses and institutions will suspend normal operations on the day, except for essential services. Due to the complex nature of the rule used to specify the date of the Incwala main day, and its related public holiday, the Incwala public holiday sometimes occurs twice in a year (as will be the case in 2026, 2029, 2032, 2034, 2037, 2040, ...). On the other hand some years it does not occur at all, as was the case in 2025, and will be the case in 2028, 2033, 2026, 2039, 2044, ... Recall that, prior to 2018, eSwatini was called Swaziland.
Tasmania Releases 2028 Public Holidays Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) The Workplace Standards Tasmania of Australia's State of Tasmania, has released its annual list of official 2028 non-working public holidays and bank holidays, in line with the 2011 Clarification on Tasmanian Public Holidays press release, which re-stated the terms of the Statutory Holidays Act 2000, as amended by the Statutory Holidays Amendment Bill 2010. The following footnotes clarify the observance of day in lieu public holidays in Tasmania; "if 25 December is a on a Saturday, then both the Saturday and the Monday following are holidays", "if 25 December falls on a Sunday, then both the Sunday and the Tuesday following are holidays", "if Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, then Monday is the public holiday", "if Boxing Day falls on a Sunday, then Tuesday is the public holiday", and "When Anzac Day falls on Saturday or Sunday, no substitute or additional holiday is observed". Finally, the aforementioned list of 2028 public holidays in Tasmania also contains a listing of all the regional public holidays within Tasmania, namely: Devonport Cup, Royal Hobart Regatta, Launceston Cup, King Island Show, AGFEST, Burnie Show, Royal Launceston Show, Flinders Island Show, Royal Hobart Show, Recreation Day, and Devonport Show Day. Recall that, in April 2024, it was reported that the Devonport Show public holiday of Australia's State of Tasmania might move from its current observance at the end of November to another time of the year. But, apparently this has not been implemented in the aforementioned list of 2028 Tasmanian public holidays (or in the current lists of 2026 and 2027 public holidays).
Tasmania Releases 2028 Public Holidays Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) The Workplace Standards Tasmania of Australia's State of Tasmania, has released its annual list of official 2028 non-working public holidays and bank holidays, in line with the 2011 Clarification on Tasmanian Public Holidays press release, which re-stated the terms of the Statutory Holidays Act 2000, as amended by the Statutory Holidays Amendment Bill 2010. The following footnotes clarify the observance of day in lieu public holidays in Tasmania; "if 25 December is a on a Saturday, then both the Saturday and the Monday following are holidays", "if 25 December falls on a Sunday, then both the Sunday and the Tuesday following are holidays", "if Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, then Monday is the public holiday", "if Boxing Day falls on a Sunday, then Tuesday is the public holiday", and "When Anzac Day falls on Saturday or Sunday, no substitute or additional holiday is observed". Finally, the aforementioned list of 2028 public holidays in Tasmania also contains a listing of all the regional public holidays within Tasmania, namely: Devonport Cup, Royal Hobart Regatta, Launceston Cup, King Island Show, AGFEST, Burnie Show, Royal Launceston Show, Flinders Island Show, Royal Hobart Show, Recreation Day, and Devonport Show Day. Recall that, in April 2024, it was reported that the Devonport Show public holiday of Australia's State of Tasmania might move from its current observance at the end of November to another time of the year. But, apparently this has not been implemented in the aforementioned list of 2028 Tasmanian public holidays (or in the current lists of 2026 and 2027 public holidays).
Thailand Announces Date Of 2026 Royal Ploughing Ceremony Public Holiday Thai News Agency (Bangkok) The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the government of Thailand has announced the date of the 2026 Royal Ploughing Ceremony annual non-working public holiday, as Monday, May 11, 2026. Until 2010, the government of Thailand used to declare the date of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony public holiday a few weeks only before the actual event. But then, until 2018, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony public holiday was announced well in advance, with one exception, in 2019, probably due to an error in the announced date of the 2018 Royal Ploughing Ceremony public holiday date which was moved at the last minute to Monday, May 14, 2018, as compared to the previously-announced date of Thursday, May 10, 2018.
Thailand Announces Date Of 2026 Royal Ploughing Ceremony Public Holiday Thai News Agency (Bangkok) The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the government of Thailand has announced the date of the 2026 Royal Ploughing Ceremony annual non-working public holiday, as Monday, May 11, 2026. Until 2010, the government of Thailand used to declare the date of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony public holiday a few weeks only before the actual event. But then, until 2018, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony public holiday was announced well in advance, with one exception, in 2019, probably due to an error in the announced date of the 2018 Royal Ploughing Ceremony public holiday date which was moved at the last minute to Monday, May 14, 2018, as compared to the previously-announced date of Thursday, May 10, 2018.
Antigua and Barbuda 2026 Public Holidays Released Permanent Secretary Ministry of Legal Affairs (St. John's) The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has released the list of official non-working public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda for the calendar year 2026, as regulated by the The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2005. As usual, the aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays contains the following footnotes: regarding New Year's Day, "If the first day of January falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday shall be a public holiday.", regarding Christmas Day and Boxing Day "If Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, then the following Monday shall be a public holiday. If Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday and Tuesday shall be public holidays.". Additionally, "Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday are observed as Common Law Holidays." and "Caribana is a form of carnival celebration in Barbuda that is held every year during the Whit holiday weekend.". Once again, no public holiday is listed for CARICOM Day, confirming that the declaration of July 4, 2023, as a public holiday for the 50th anniversary of CARICOM, was a one-off occurrence. In its initial list of 2024 public holidays, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda had included a Caricom Day public holiday, but in June 2024 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda released a revised list of 2024 public holidays in which there no longer appeared a CARICOM public holiday.
Antigua and Barbuda 2026 Public Holidays Released Permanent Secretary Ministry of Legal Affairs (St. John's) The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has released the list of official non-working public holidays in Antigua and Barbuda for the calendar year 2026, as regulated by the The Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 2005. As usual, the aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays contains the following footnotes: regarding New Year's Day, "If the first day of January falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday shall be a public holiday.", regarding Christmas Day and Boxing Day "If Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, then the following Monday shall be a public holiday. If Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, then the following Monday and Tuesday shall be public holidays.". Additionally, "Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday are observed as Common Law Holidays." and "Caribana is a form of carnival celebration in Barbuda that is held every year during the Whit holiday weekend.". Once again, no public holiday is listed for CARICOM Day, confirming that the declaration of July 4, 2023, as a public holiday for the 50th anniversary of CARICOM, was a one-off occurrence. In its initial list of 2024 public holidays, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda had included a Caricom Day public holiday, but in June 2024 the Government of Antigua and Barbuda released a revised list of 2024 public holidays in which there no longer appeared a CARICOM public holiday.
Benin Traditional Religions Public Holidays January 8-9 Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou Mathys, has issued a communique announcing that Thursday and Friday, January 8 and 9, 2026, had been declared as paid public holidays "in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 2024-32 of 02 September 2024 establishing the annual festival of traditional religions in the Republic of Benin". Recall that, in the summer of 2024, Benin's Ninth Legislature unanimously approved a change to the observance of the annual fête des religions endogènes, also known as fête de Vodoun, which was until 2024 celebrated on January 10. The Loi No.2024 - 32 du 02 Septembre 2024 fixant la fête annuelle des religions traditionelles en République du Bénin, signed into law by Benin's President in September 2024, legislates that, beginning in 2025, the annual fête des religions traditionelles is to be celebrated on the second Friday of January, and the day before ("Article 3 : La journée du deuxième vendredi du mois de janvier et celle du jeudi qui la précède sont chômées et payées.").
Benin Traditional Religions Public Holidays January 8-9 Site officiel du gouvernement du Bénin (Cotonou) Bénin's Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Adidjatou Mathys, has issued a communique announcing that Thursday and Friday, January 8 and 9, 2026, had been declared as paid public holidays "in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 2024-32 of 02 September 2024 establishing the annual festival of traditional religions in the Republic of Benin". Recall that, in the summer of 2024, Benin's Ninth Legislature unanimously approved a change to the observance of the annual fête des religions endogènes, also known as fête de Vodoun, which was until 2024 celebrated on January 10. The Loi No.2024 - 32 du 02 Septembre 2024 fixant la fête annuelle des religions traditionelles en République du Bénin, signed into law by Benin's President in September 2024, legislates that, beginning in 2025, the annual fête des religions traditionelles is to be celebrated on the second Friday of January, and the day before ("Article 3 : La journée du deuxième vendredi du mois de janvier et celle du jeudi qui la précède sont chômées et payées.").
British Columbia 2027 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Province of British Columbia (Victoria) The Government of Canada's Province of British Columbia has updated its official multi-year list of public holidays in British Columbia by announcing the non-working public holidays in BC for the calendar year 2027, including the twice-moved Family Day public holiday and the more recent National Day for Truth and Reconciliation statutory holiday of British Columbia. As usual, the aforementioned announcement specifies that "Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays in B.C.". Recall that Monday, February 18, 2013, had been scheduled to be the first occurrence of the Family Day BC public holiday, based on a promise by Christy Clark, earlier that year, when she was running for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party. Following a social media campaign to determine when exactly in February to set this new public holiday, Family Day was moved to the second Monday of February, to avoid both British Columbia and neighboring Alberta being on holiday on the same date, and congesting British Columbia's ski resorts (a very popular destination for Albertans on Family Day). The Family Day BC public holiday was thus observed on the second Monday of February for a few years, before a petition launched in 2015 caused the BC Government to change the date of the annual Family Day non-working public holiday back to the third Monday in February, effective in 2019.
British Columbia 2027 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Province of British Columbia (Victoria) The Government of Canada's Province of British Columbia has updated its official multi-year list of public holidays in British Columbia by announcing the non-working public holidays in BC for the calendar year 2027, including the twice-moved Family Day public holiday and the more recent National Day for Truth and Reconciliation statutory holiday of British Columbia. As usual, the aforementioned announcement specifies that "Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and Boxing Day are not statutory holidays in B.C.". Recall that Monday, February 18, 2013, had been scheduled to be the first occurrence of the Family Day BC public holiday, based on a promise by Christy Clark, earlier that year, when she was running for the leadership of the BC Liberal Party. Following a social media campaign to determine when exactly in February to set this new public holiday, Family Day was moved to the second Monday of February, to avoid both British Columbia and neighboring Alberta being on holiday on the same date, and congesting British Columbia's ski resorts (a very popular destination for Albertans on Family Day). The Family Day BC public holiday was thus observed on the second Monday of February for a few years, before a petition launched in 2015 caused the BC Government to change the date of the annual Family Day non-working public holiday back to the third Monday in February, effective in 2019.
Ghana Moves Constitution Day Public Holiday To Janauary 9 Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued the press release Declaration of Friday, 9th January 2026 as a Public Holiday, following an Executive Instrument issued by President John Dramani Mahama. The aforementioned press release states that "The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 7th January 2026, marks Constitution Day, which is a Statutory Public Holiday. However, in view of the fact that 7th January 2026 falls on a Wednesday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Friday, 9th January 2026, as a Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country". Recall that, last June, Ghana's Parliament approved the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025 which had been presented by Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak and enshrines the recent announcements of the reestablishment of July 1st as a public holiday, as well as the addition of a second day of public holiday for the Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan), and moving all midweek holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to Fridays, "to extend weekends and increase productivity". And, indeed, the day after the promulgation of the aforementioned law, Minister Mohammed-Mubarak issued the press statement Declaration of Friday, 4th July 2025 as a Public Holiday, stating that "The general public is hereby informed that Tuesday, 1st July 2025, is Republic Day." but that "However, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2021 (Act 601) has declared Friday, 4th July, 2025 as a Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.".
Ghana Moves Constitution Day Public Holiday To Janauary 9 Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued the press release Declaration of Friday, 9th January 2026 as a Public Holiday, following an Executive Instrument issued by President John Dramani Mahama. The aforementioned press release states that "The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 7th January 2026, marks Constitution Day, which is a Statutory Public Holiday. However, in view of the fact that 7th January 2026 falls on a Wednesday, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, has, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601), as amended, declared Friday, 9th January 2026, as a Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country". Recall that, last June, Ghana's Parliament approved the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days (Amendment) Bill, 2025 which had been presented by Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak and enshrines the recent announcements of the reestablishment of July 1st as a public holiday, as well as the addition of a second day of public holiday for the Eid ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan), and moving all midweek holidays that fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to Fridays, "to extend weekends and increase productivity". And, indeed, the day after the promulgation of the aforementioned law, Minister Mohammed-Mubarak issued the press statement Declaration of Friday, 4th July 2025 as a Public Holiday, stating that "The general public is hereby informed that Tuesday, 1st July 2025, is Republic Day." but that "However, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, by Executive Instrument (E.I), in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2021 (Act 601) has declared Friday, 4th July, 2025 as a Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.".
Guatemalan 2026 Public Holidays Announced Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Guatemalan Government has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Guatemala for the calendar year 2026, in line with the Law of Internal Tourism (Decreto 19-2018), as amended by a 2020 ruling by Guatemala's Constitutional Court which removed May 1st and October 20 from the scope of the 2018 Law of Internal Tourism. Note that the half-day public holidays of December 24 and 31 are regulated by article 127 of the Labor Code of Guatemala and that there are 4-5 additional separate bank holidays (their number depends on whether June 30 falls on a Friday or not).
Guatemalan 2026 Public Holidays Announced Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Guatemalan Government has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Guatemala for the calendar year 2026, in line with the Law of Internal Tourism (Decreto 19-2018), as amended by a 2020 ruling by Guatemala's Constitutional Court which removed May 1st and October 20 from the scope of the 2018 Law of Internal Tourism. Note that the half-day public holidays of December 24 and 31 are regulated by article 127 of the Labor Code of Guatemala and that there are 4-5 additional separate bank holidays (their number depends on whether June 30 falls on a Friday or not).
Kazakhstan 2026 Public Holidays Announced Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has released the list of 2026 public holidays in Kazakhstan. For the third year in a row, it has not decided on the declaration of any bridge holidays and compensatory working Saturdays, during the year, as is (was?) customary "in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 85 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and for the rational use of working time". Recall that, in November, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population had announced that that there were no plans to move the days off in January 2026 and that January 5th and 6th, 2026, would be working days, contrary to last year when the Ministry had issued a partial release of the upcoming О переносе дня отдыха в 2025 году annual decree which specified that "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025".
Kazakhstan 2026 Public Holidays Announced Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has released the list of 2026 public holidays in Kazakhstan. For the third year in a row, it has not decided on the declaration of any bridge holidays and compensatory working Saturdays, during the year, as is (was?) customary "in accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 85 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and for the rational use of working time". Recall that, in November, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population had announced that that there were no plans to move the days off in January 2026 and that January 5th and 6th, 2026, would be working days, contrary to last year when the Ministry had issued a partial release of the upcoming О переносе дня отдыха в 2025 году annual decree which specified that "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025".
Rwanda 2026 Public Holidays Announced Rwanda Bureau Of Information and Broadcasting (ORINFOR) The Government of Rwanda has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Rwanda for the calendar year 2026, including many errors which will probably be corrected over the next few weeks, as was done in 2022 and 2025.
Rwanda 2026 Public Holidays Announced Rwanda Bureau Of Information and Broadcasting (ORINFOR) The Government of Rwanda has released its annual list of official non-working public holidays in Rwanda for the calendar year 2026, including many errors which will probably be corrected over the next few weeks, as was done in 2022 and 2025.
Egyptian 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Cairo) The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt has published the list of Egyptian national public holidays for the calendar year 2026. We expect this list to be amended over the course of the year, as the Egyptian government has, since 2020, moved most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. This was eventually the case, in 2025, when Sinai Liberation Day, the June 30 Revolution Day, the 23 July Revolution anniversary, Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi (Prophet Muhammad's birthday), and Armed Forces Day, were moved to a nearby Thursday. And, in 2024, the public holidays of May 1st, July 23 (Revolution Day), and September 16 (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) were also moved to a nearby Thursday.
Egyptian 2026 Public Holidays Announced The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Cairo) The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt has published the list of Egyptian national public holidays for the calendar year 2026. We expect this list to be amended over the course of the year, as the Egyptian government has, since 2020, moved most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. This was eventually the case, in 2025, when Sinai Liberation Day, the June 30 Revolution Day, the 23 July Revolution anniversary, Al-Mawlid Al-Nabawi (Prophet Muhammad's birthday), and Armed Forces Day, were moved to a nearby Thursday. And, in 2024, the public holidays of May 1st, July 23 (Revolution Day), and September 16 (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) were also moved to a nearby Thursday.
