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.
Maharashtra Extends State Public Holiday Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The Government of India's state of Maharashtra has extended the state public holiday of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, for a second day, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, yesterday.
Maharashtra Extends State Public Holiday Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The Government of India's state of Maharashtra has extended the state public holiday of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, for a second day, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, yesterday.
NSW Could Extend 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 is considering adding Anzac Day to the list of NSW public holidays that are granted a day in lieu for when they fall on a weekend. As per the aforementioned announcement, "We're going to have a conversation about it for this year" and "We're underserved when it comes to public holidays; there's a lot more in every other state". However, the Premier stressed that he would only move ahead with the proposal with the blessing of the Returned and Services League (RSL).
NSW Could Extend 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 is considering adding Anzac Day to the list of NSW public holidays that are granted a day in lieu for when they fall on a weekend. As per the aforementioned announcement, "We're going to have a conversation about it for this year" and "We're underserved when it comes to public holidays; there's a lot more in every other state". However, the Premier stressed that he would only move ahead with the proposal with the blessing of the Returned and Services League (RSL).
Telangana Declares January 30 Public Holiday Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) The Government of India's State of Telangana has declared Friday, January 30, 2026, as a local public holiday in the entire Mulugu district in view of the upcoming Sri Sammakka Saralamma Maha Jathara. As per Mulugu District Collector and Magistrate Divakara T S, the holiday will apply to all State Government offices, educational institutions, and local bodies in the district, except treasuries and establishments covered under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and as a compensation, February 14, 2026 (Second Saturday of the month) will be observed as a working day.
Telangana Declares January 30 Public Holiday Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) The Government of India's State of Telangana has declared Friday, January 30, 2026, as a local public holiday in the entire Mulugu district in view of the upcoming Sri Sammakka Saralamma Maha Jathara. As per Mulugu District Collector and Magistrate Divakara T S, the holiday will apply to all State Government offices, educational institutions, and local bodies in the district, except treasuries and establishments covered under the Negotiable Instruments Act, and as a compensation, February 14, 2026 (Second Saturday of the month) will be observed as a working day.
Tibet Announces 12-Day Combined New Year Public Holidays Government Portal of the State Council of China (Beijing) The Lhasa Municipal Government Office of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China has issued a notice concerning the public holidays arrangements for the 2026 Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year, which almost coincide in 2026. As per the aforementioned announcement, there will be a 12-day public holiday for the 2026 Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year, from February 15 to February 26, 2026, and as compensation, Saturday February 14 and February 28 will both be working days. This year, the first day of the Tibetan Fire Horse Year will fall on February 18, one day later than the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse.
Tibet Announces 12-Day Combined New Year Public Holidays Government Portal of the State Council of China (Beijing) The Lhasa Municipal Government Office of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China has issued a notice concerning the public holidays arrangements for the 2026 Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year, which almost coincide in 2026. As per the aforementioned announcement, there will be a 12-day public holiday for the 2026 Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year, from February 15 to February 26, 2026, and as compensation, Saturday February 14 and February 28 will both be working days. This year, the first day of the Tibetan Fire Horse Year will fall on February 18, one day later than the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse.
Maharashtra Declares State Public Holiday Today Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has declared an immediate public holiday on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, earlier today.
Maharashtra Declares State Public Holiday Today Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has declared an immediate public holiday on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, following the death of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in a plane crash, earlier today.
Senegal Moves National Day 2026 Site Officiel du Gouvernement du Sénégal (Dakar) Sénégal's president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has announced his decision to relocate the celebration of the National Day of April 4, 2026, to Thiès.
Senegal Moves National Day 2026 Site Officiel du Gouvernement du Sénégal (Dakar) Sénégal's president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has announced his decision to relocate the celebration of the National Day of April 4, 2026, to Thiès.
Ukraine To Consider Reinstating Public Holidays Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Draft Law No. 14403 has been tabled in the Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada (unicameral parliament), proposing that Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law (Про організацію трудових відносин в умовах воєнного стану) be amended so that all officially designated public holidays become non-working days again, as was the case before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Ukraine To Consider Reinstating Public Holidays Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Draft Law No. 14403 has been tabled in the Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada (unicameral parliament), proposing that Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law (Про організацію трудових відносин в умовах воєнного стану) be amended so that all officially designated public holidays become non-working days again, as was the case before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Moldova Rules-Out Ice Public Holiday Agentia Informationala de Stat (Moldpres) Early this morning, Moldova's Prime Minister, Alexandru Munteanu, announced that his government would not declare a one-off public holiday due to the ice that had formed overnight, adding for good measure that "We are not a TikTok or Instagram government".
Moldova Rules-Out Ice Public Holiday Agentia Informationala de Stat (Moldpres) Early this morning, Moldova's Prime Minister, Alexandru Munteanu, announced that his government would not declare a one-off public holiday due to the ice that had formed overnight, adding for good measure that "We are not a TikTok or Instagram government".
Nicaragua To Observe New Public Holiday February 2nd Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) The Co-President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega Saavedra, has authorized the Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) to make public a statement declaring Monday, February 2, 2026, a national public holiday, the National Day of Reconciliation and Peace, celebrating the life and legacy of Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo.
Nicaragua To Observe New Public Holiday February 2nd Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) The Co-President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega Saavedra, has authorized the Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) to make public a statement declaring Monday, February 2, 2026, a national public holiday, the National Day of Reconciliation and Peace, celebrating the life and legacy of Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo.
Mongolia Adds January 24 Mongolian Camel Day Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) The President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, has announced that, from next year onward, January 24 would be celebrated annually as Mongolian Camel Day, a day which will not be a non-working public holiday.
Mongolia Adds January 24 Mongolian Camel Day Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) The President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, has announced that, from next year onward, January 24 would be celebrated annually as Mongolian Camel Day, a day which will not be a non-working public holiday.
Punjab Declares February 6 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Deputy Commissioner of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has issued a notification that a local public holiday had been declared on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Lahore, on account of the upcoming Basant festival. The district administration had earlier proposed observing a public holiday for the Basant festival on February 5, but as February 5th is already a nationwide public holiday, the Punjab government approved February 6 as a local holiday instead.
Punjab Declares February 6 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Deputy Commissioner of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has issued a notification that a local public holiday had been declared on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Lahore, on account of the upcoming Basant festival. The district administration had earlier proposed observing a public holiday for the Basant festival on February 5, but as February 5th is already a nationwide public holiday, the Punjab government approved February 6 as a local holiday instead.
Sri Lanka Moves 2026 Vesak Full Moon Poya Day To May 30th The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Colombo) The Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government of Sri Lanka, Chandana Abeyratne, has informed the the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters that the Poya Committee had convened and agreed to hold the upcoming State Vesak Festival on May 30, instead of May 1st, as no auspicious time (nækat) will occur on that date.
Sri Lanka Moves 2026 Vesak Full Moon Poya Day To May 30th The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Colombo) The Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government of Sri Lanka, Chandana Abeyratne, has informed the the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwatte and Asgiriya Chapters that the Poya Committee had convened and agreed to hold the upcoming State Vesak Festival on May 30, instead of May 1st, as no auspicious time (nækat) will occur on that date.
Trinidad and Tobago Sets Carnival Dates Trinidad and Tobago Government Portal (Port of Spain) The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has issued the Special Event Order, 2026 which sets the date of the official start of Carnival 2026, as a special event, from 7.00 p.m. on Sunday 1 February, 2026, to midnight on Tuesday 17 February, 2026, under the Liquor Licences Act.
Trinidad and Tobago Sets Carnival Dates Trinidad and Tobago Government Portal (Port of Spain) The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has issued the Special Event Order, 2026 which sets the date of the official start of Carnival 2026, as a special event, from 7.00 p.m. on Sunday 1 February, 2026, to midnight on Tuesday 17 February, 2026, under the Liquor Licences Act.
Aruba Extends Betico Day Public Holiday Office of the Governor of Aruba (Oranjestad) The government of Aruba has declared Monday, January 26, 2026, as a day in lieu public holiday for the Dia di Betico (Betico Day) public holiday, which falls on a Sunday this year. Aruba's Minister of Labor, Wendrick Cicilia, had attempted to enforce a mandatory day off for businesses and the public sector, but based on the Aruba Labour Law, the government cannot unilaterally force private employers to do so, although the government is urging businesses to give employees the opportunity to take a day off.
Aruba Extends Betico Day Public Holiday Office of the Governor of Aruba (Oranjestad) The government of Aruba has declared Monday, January 26, 2026, as a day in lieu public holiday for the Dia di Betico (Betico Day) public holiday, which falls on a Sunday this year. Aruba's Minister of Labor, Wendrick Cicilia, had attempted to enforce a mandatory day off for businesses and the public sector, but based on the Aruba Labour Law, the government cannot unilaterally force private employers to do so, although the government is urging businesses to give employees the opportunity to take a day off.
Azerbaijan Announces 2026 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has finalized the list of 2026 public holidays in line with last year's Decision No. 362 by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Collegium of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Announces 2026 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan has finalized the list of 2026 public holidays in line with last year's Decision No. 362 by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Collegium of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Bangladesh Declares February 10-11-12 Public Holidays Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam, has announced that Bangladesh's interim military government had declared a public holiday on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in addition to the public holiday already declared on the occasion of the upcoming 13th Parliamentary Election and Constitutional Referendum. Additionally, workers in industrial areas will get an additional public holiday on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Bangladesh Declares February 10-11-12 Public Holidays Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, Shafiqul Alam, has announced that Bangladesh's interim military government had declared a public holiday on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in addition to the public holiday already declared on the occasion of the upcoming 13th Parliamentary Election and Constitutional Referendum. Additionally, workers in industrial areas will get an additional public holiday on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Dominican Republic Sets Date Of Juan Pablo Duarte Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué confirming that, as per the current legislation on public holidays in the Dominican Republic, the upcoming Natalicio del Padre de la Patria, Juan Pablo Duarte public holiday will be observed, on its traditional date, namely Monday, January 26, 2026.
Dominican Republic Sets Date Of Juan Pablo Duarte Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué confirming that, as per the current legislation on public holidays in the Dominican Republic, the upcoming Natalicio del Padre de la Patria, Juan Pablo Duarte public holiday will be observed, on its traditional date, namely Monday, January 26, 2026.
Lumbini Province Declares Basanta Panchami Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Law of Nepal's Province of Lumbini, Lok Bahadur Sunar, has announced the provincial government's decision to declare a public holiday on Friday, January 23, 2026, on the occasion of Basanta Panchami (Shree Panchami).
Lumbini Province Declares Basanta Panchami Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Law of Nepal's Province of Lumbini, Lok Bahadur Sunar, has announced the provincial government's decision to declare a public holiday on Friday, January 23, 2026, on the occasion of Basanta Panchami (Shree Panchami).
Tajikistan Adds July 1st Holiday Majlisi namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan (MNMORT) The Government of Tajikistan has issued a decree amending Tajikistan's Law on Holidays which currently includes 97 holidays, of which 12 are non-working public holidays. As per the decree submitted to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), July 1st would become an annual holiday to mark the Day of Social Insurance and Pension Workers. July 1st would remain a working day.
Tajikistan Adds July 1st Holiday Majlisi namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan (MNMORT) The Government of Tajikistan has issued a decree amending Tajikistan's Law on Holidays which currently includes 97 holidays, of which 12 are non-working public holidays. As per the decree submitted to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament), July 1st would become an annual holiday to mark the Day of Social Insurance and Pension Workers. July 1st would remain a working day.
