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.
Azerbaijan Announces May 2026 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Azerbaijan has reminded the population of the non-working public holidays in May 2026. These will be Victory Day over Fascism on May 9 and Gurban Bayram (Feast of Sacrifice), from June 27-31, 2026. Since Victory Day over Fascism on May 9 falls on a Saturday, the following Monday, May 11, will be a non-working day in accordance with the Labor Code of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Announces May 2026 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Azerbaijan has reminded the population of the non-working public holidays in May 2026. These will be Victory Day over Fascism on May 9 and Gurban Bayram (Feast of Sacrifice), from June 27-31, 2026. Since Victory Day over Fascism on May 9 falls on a Saturday, the following Monday, May 11, will be a non-working day in accordance with the Labor Code of Azerbaijan.
Bangladesh Call To Declare Easter A Public Holiday Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Members of Bangladesh’s Christian community formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, earlier today, calling on the newly-elected government to add Easter Sunday as an annual public holiday, arguing that its absence from the official calendar disrupts religious observance each year.
Bangladesh Call To Declare Easter A Public Holiday Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Members of Bangladesh’s Christian community formed a human chain in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka, earlier today, calling on the newly-elected government to add Easter Sunday as an annual public holiday, arguing that its absence from the official calendar disrupts religious observance each year.
Indonesia Declares Fridays As WFH For The Public Sector Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) The Indonesian government has decided to implement a work-from-home (WFH) policy every Friday to save in fuel spending. The WFH policy will initially apply to to civil servants and will be reviewed every 2 months. As for the private sector, Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto is expected to soon draft a regulation on how this WFH applies to private sector employees.
Indonesia Declares Fridays As WFH For The Public Sector Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) The Indonesian government has decided to implement a work-from-home (WFH) policy every Friday to save in fuel spending. The WFH policy will initially apply to to civil servants and will be reviewed every 2 months. As for the private sector, Chief Economic Minister Airlangga Hartarto is expected to soon draft a regulation on how this WFH applies to private sector employees.
Philippines Extends Easter Public Sector Holidays Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro, has issued the Memorandum Circular 116, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, declaring a public sector holiday for Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. As per Memorandum Circular 116, "To provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday on 02-03 April 2026, and to allow them to travel to and from the different regions in the country, the following arrangements are hereby adopted in government offices on 01 April 2026: (a) work from home from 8:00 in the morning to 12:00 in the afternoon, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; and (b) suspension of work in government offices, from 12:00 in the afternoon onwards.".
Philippines Extends Easter Public Sector Holidays Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) Philippines Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer, Claire Castro, has issued the Memorandum Circular 116, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, declaring a public sector holiday for Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. As per Memorandum Circular 116, "To provide government employees full opportunity to properly observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday on 02-03 April 2026, and to allow them to travel to and from the different regions in the country, the following arrangements are hereby adopted in government offices on 01 April 2026: (a) work from home from 8:00 in the morning to 12:00 in the afternoon, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; and (b) suspension of work in government offices, from 12:00 in the afternoon onwards.".
South Korean National Assembly Votes May 1st Public Holiday Extension Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Today, a plenary session of the South Korean National Assembly approved an amendment to the South Korean Public Holidays Act which designates Labor Day as a legal holiday on May 1. The bill passed by a vote of 194 to two and three abstentions. The next step is for the bill to be submitted for the approval of the Cabinet and to be promulgated through the resolution process of the State Council, but this is expected to be but a formality, and to happen in time for this year's May 1st.
South Korean National Assembly Votes May 1st Public Holiday Extension Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Today, a plenary session of the South Korean National Assembly approved an amendment to the South Korean Public Holidays Act which designates Labor Day as a legal holiday on May 1. The bill passed by a vote of 194 to two and three abstentions. The next step is for the bill to be submitted for the approval of the Cabinet and to be promulgated through the resolution process of the State Council, but this is expected to be but a formality, and to happen in time for this year's May 1st.
Argentina Could Rename March 24 Public Holiday Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) A bill has been introduced in Argentina's Congress to change the name of the national holiday on March 24, currently known as the National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice. As per the suggested amendment to Article 1 of Law 27,399, which regulates the national holiday calendar of Argentina, March 24th would remain a fixed non-working public holiday, commemorating the 1976 coup d'état, but would now be named the National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Complete Justice.
Argentina Could Rename March 24 Public Holiday Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) A bill has been introduced in Argentina's Congress to change the name of the national holiday on March 24, currently known as the National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice. As per the suggested amendment to Article 1 of Law 27,399, which regulates the national holiday calendar of Argentina, March 24th would remain a fixed non-working public holiday, commemorating the 1976 coup d'état, but would now be named the National Day of Remembrance for Truth and Complete Justice.
Castilla y León 2027 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Castilla y León (Valladolid) Spain's Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla y León has gazetted the list of regional public holidays for the calendar year 2025 in the gazette notification of the Decreto 7/2026, de 26 de marzo, por el que se establece el calendario de fiestas laborales en el ámbito de la Comunidad de Castilla y León para el año 2027, signed by the Consejera de Industria, Comercio y Empleo, Leticia García Sánchez, on behalf of the Presidente de la Juntade Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco. For 2026, the 3 regional public holidays in Castilla y León will be April 23 (Fiesta de la Comunidad Autónoma) and on August 16 (Asunción de la Virgen, trasladado al lunes 16 de agosto).
Castilla y León 2027 Public Holidays Gazetted Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Castilla y León (Valladolid) Spain's Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla y León has gazetted the list of regional public holidays for the calendar year 2025 in the gazette notification of the Decreto 7/2026, de 26 de marzo, por el que se establece el calendario de fiestas laborales en el ámbito de la Comunidad de Castilla y León para el año 2027, signed by the Consejera de Industria, Comercio y Empleo, Leticia García Sánchez, on behalf of the Presidente de la Juntade Castilla y León, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco. For 2026, the 3 regional public holidays in Castilla y León will be April 23 (Fiesta de la Comunidad Autónoma) and on August 16 (Asunción de la Virgen, trasladado al lunes 16 de agosto).
Ghana Declares Extended Public Holidays For Easter 2026 Ghana's Ministry of the Interior (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued the press release Declaration of Friday 3rd April and 6th April 2026, as Statutory Public Holidays announcing that Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, had been declared public holidays. As per the aforementioned press release, "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 3rd April 2026, and Monday, 6th April, mark Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively, which are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country".
Ghana Declares Extended Public Holidays For Easter 2026 Ghana's Ministry of the Interior (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued the press release Declaration of Friday 3rd April and 6th April 2026, as Statutory Public Holidays announcing that Friday, April 3, and Monday, April 6, 2026, had been declared public holidays. As per the aforementioned press release, "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 3rd April 2026, and Monday, 6th April, mark Good Friday and Easter Monday, respectively, which are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country".
Honduras Extends Easter Bank Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Association of Banking Institutions (Ahiba) has announced that the upcoming Easter 2026 bank holidays had been extended. As per the aforementioned announcement, from Thursday, April 2nd, to Sunday, April 5th, all bank branches nationwide will be closed for the Easter holidays. But, additionally, on Wednesday, April 1, hours will be reduced, with customer service available only until noon.
Honduras Extends Easter Bank Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Association of Banking Institutions (Ahiba) has announced that the upcoming Easter 2026 bank holidays had been extended. As per the aforementioned announcement, from Thursday, April 2nd, to Sunday, April 5th, all bank branches nationwide will be closed for the Easter holidays. But, additionally, on Wednesday, April 1, hours will be reduced, with customer service available only until noon.
Jordan Declares Easter Public Holidays Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian Prime Minister, Jaafar Hassan, has announced official public holidays for Christians staff at ministries and official departments, public institutions, public universities, municipalities, service councils and government-owned companies on Palm Sunday and Easter. As per the aforementioned announcement, the sectorial public holiday dates will be April 5 as well as April 12-13, 2026.
Jordan Declares Easter Public Holidays Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian Prime Minister, Jaafar Hassan, has announced official public holidays for Christians staff at ministries and official departments, public institutions, public universities, municipalities, service councils and government-owned companies on Palm Sunday and Easter. As per the aforementioned announcement, the sectorial public holiday dates will be April 5 as well as April 12-13, 2026.
Meghalaya Declares April 13 Bank Holiday Government of Meghalaya (Shillong) The Government of India's state of Meghalaya has issued a vide notification declaring Monday, April 13, 2026, as a one-off bank holiday for all banks and financial institutions in East Khasi Hills district under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, on account of the festival Shad Suk Mynsiem. As per the aforementioned notification, issued by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, General Administration Department, C.V.D. Diengdoh, all State Government offices, revenue and magisterial courts, as well as educational institutions in the district will also remain closed on the same day, which has been declared a local holiday. However, the notification does point out that the holiday will not be applicable to Central Government offices.
Meghalaya Declares April 13 Bank Holiday Government of Meghalaya (Shillong) The Government of India's state of Meghalaya has issued a vide notification declaring Monday, April 13, 2026, as a one-off bank holiday for all banks and financial institutions in East Khasi Hills district under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, on account of the festival Shad Suk Mynsiem. As per the aforementioned notification, issued by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, General Administration Department, C.V.D. Diengdoh, all State Government offices, revenue and magisterial courts, as well as educational institutions in the district will also remain closed on the same day, which has been declared a local holiday. However, the notification does point out that the holiday will not be applicable to Central Government offices.
Paraguay Declares April 1st Public Sector Holiday Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's President, Santiago Peña, has released the executive decree No.5694 declaring Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, a one-off public sector holiday in Paraguay, on account of the upcoming Holy Week and "to promote domestic tourism and boost commercial and economic activity throughout the national territory".
Paraguay Declares April 1st Public Sector Holiday Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's President, Santiago Peña, has released the executive decree No.5694 declaring Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, a one-off public sector holiday in Paraguay, on account of the upcoming Holy Week and "to promote domestic tourism and boost commercial and economic activity throughout the national territory".
South Korean May 1st Public Holiday Extension Progress Update Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Today, the South Korean National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee has in turn approved an amendment to the South Korean Public Holidays Act which designates Labor Day as a legal holiday on May 1. The next step is for the plenary session of the National Assembly to consider the bill before it is submitted for the approval of the Cabinet, but this is expected to happen in time for this year's May 1st.
South Korean May 1st Public Holiday Extension Progress Update Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Today, the South Korean National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee has in turn approved an amendment to the South Korean Public Holidays Act which designates Labor Day as a legal holiday on May 1. The next step is for the plenary session of the National Assembly to consider the bill before it is submitted for the approval of the Cabinet, but this is expected to happen in time for this year's May 1st.
West Bengal Declares 2 Electoral Public Holidays Government of West Bengal (Kolkata) The government of India's state of West Bengal has issued the vide notification Memorandum No.1173-F(P2) declaring public holidays on the polling dates as the official WB Election Holiday 2026 for the upcoming General Elections to the State Legislative Assembly. Phase 1 polling will be on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and will cover 152 Assembly Constituencies (AC numbers 1 to 76, 203 to 258, and 275 to 294). Phase 2 polling will be on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, covering 142 Assembly Constituencies (AC numbers 77 to 202 and 259 to 274). The public holiday for phase 1 polling has been declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, while the regions covered by phase 2 polling will be observing a complete public holiday.
West Bengal Declares 2 Electoral Public Holidays Government of West Bengal (Kolkata) The government of India's state of West Bengal has issued the vide notification Memorandum No.1173-F(P2) declaring public holidays on the polling dates as the official WB Election Holiday 2026 for the upcoming General Elections to the State Legislative Assembly. Phase 1 polling will be on Thursday, April 23, 2026, and will cover 152 Assembly Constituencies (AC numbers 1 to 76, 203 to 258, and 275 to 294). Phase 2 polling will be on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, covering 142 Assembly Constituencies (AC numbers 77 to 202 and 259 to 274). The public holiday for phase 1 polling has been declared under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, while the regions covered by phase 2 polling will be observing a complete public holiday.
Madhya Pradesh Moves Mahaveer Jayanti Public Holiday Government of Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) The Government of India's state of Madhya Pradesh has issued a Government Vide Notification declaring Monday, March 30, 2026, as the date of the upcoming Mahaveer Jayanti public holiday, instead of Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as had previously been announced.
Madhya Pradesh Moves Mahaveer Jayanti Public Holiday Government of Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) The Government of India's state of Madhya Pradesh has issued a Government Vide Notification declaring Monday, March 30, 2026, as the date of the upcoming Mahaveer Jayanti public holiday, instead of Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as had previously been announced.
Queensland Amends 2027 ANZAC Day Public Holiday Again Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General (Brisbane) The Government of Australia's state of Queensland has issued a revised list of 2027 public holidays, in which ANZAC Day is moved back from Sunday, April 25, 2027, to Monday, April 26, 2027.
Queensland Amends 2027 ANZAC Day Public Holiday Again Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General (Brisbane) The Government of Australia's state of Queensland has issued a revised list of 2027 public holidays, in which ANZAC Day is moved back from Sunday, April 25, 2027, to Monday, April 26, 2027.
Tasmania To Consider Easter Sunday Public Holiday Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) Earlier today, the leader of the Labor Party of Australia's State of Tasmania, Josh Willie, announced that his party would table legislation to make Easter Sunday a public holiday when parliament returns ("It should not be where you live in this country determines whether you get Easter Sunday to spend with your family and friends"). As per the Labor Party's media release, the proposed reform aims to bring Tasmania into line with the rest of the country by the time Easter comes around in 2027.
Tasmania To Consider Easter Sunday Public Holiday Tasmanian Government Media Releases (Hobart) Earlier today, the leader of the Labor Party of Australia's State of Tasmania, Josh Willie, announced that his party would table legislation to make Easter Sunday a public holiday when parliament returns ("It should not be where you live in this country determines whether you get Easter Sunday to spend with your family and friends"). As per the Labor Party's media release, the proposed reform aims to bring Tasmania into line with the rest of the country by the time Easter comes around in 2027.
Jersey Amends List Of 2026 Public Holidays States of Jersey (Saint Helier) The States of Jersey (the government of Jersey) have released an amended version of the annual list of official Jersey non-working public holidays and bank holidays for the calendar year 2026. Following last year's passage of a bill making Liberation Day the island's national day, the amended listing no longer features the header "If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday" but instead amplifies the entry for Liberation Day as follows "Liberation Day (no substitute day, this means Friday 8 May and Monday 11 May are normal working days)".
Jersey Amends List Of 2026 Public Holidays States of Jersey (Saint Helier) The States of Jersey (the government of Jersey) have released an amended version of the annual list of official Jersey non-working public holidays and bank holidays for the calendar year 2026. Following last year's passage of a bill making Liberation Day the island's national day, the amended listing no longer features the header "If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday" but instead amplifies the entry for Liberation Day as follows "Liberation Day (no substitute day, this means Friday 8 May and Monday 11 May are normal working days)".
Sabah Amends 2026 Public Holidays Bernama News Agency (Kota Kinabalu) Malaysia's State of Sabah has released an updated version of its list of 2026 public holidays with changes to the second day of the Kaamatan Festival (Harvest Festival) public holiday.
Sabah Amends 2026 Public Holidays Bernama News Agency (Kota Kinabalu) Malaysia's State of Sabah has released an updated version of its list of 2026 public holidays with changes to the second day of the Kaamatan Festival (Harvest Festival) public holiday.
Assam Extends Scope Of April 9 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The District Commissioner and District Magistrate of the administrative district of Cachar in India's State of Assam, Shri Aayush Garg, has formally ordered the closure of all government and non-government establishments on April 9, 2026, the date of the upcoming Assam Assembly polls. As per the aforementioned announcement, "April 9, 2026 (Thursday) will be observed as both a Public Holiday and a Paid Holiday across the district".
Assam Extends Scope Of April 9 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The District Commissioner and District Magistrate of the administrative district of Cachar in India's State of Assam, Shri Aayush Garg, has formally ordered the closure of all government and non-government establishments on April 9, 2026, the date of the upcoming Assam Assembly polls. As per the aforementioned announcement, "April 9, 2026 (Thursday) will be observed as both a Public Holiday and a Paid Holiday across the district".
ACT Extends 2026 ANZAC Day Public Holiday ACT Government Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate (Canberra) The Chief Minister's Office of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released an updated version of the list of 2026 public holidays in the ACT, following his recent promise to extend the 2026 ANZAC Day public holiday in line with NSW's earlier decision.
ACT Extends 2026 ANZAC Day Public Holiday ACT Government Chief Minister and Treasury Directorate (Canberra) The Chief Minister's Office of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has released an updated version of the list of 2026 public holidays in the ACT, following his recent promise to extend the 2026 ANZAC Day public holiday in line with NSW's earlier decision.
Ecuador Moves April 1st Cotopaxi Public Holiday Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No.346 ordering the transfer of the local public holiday in the province of Cotopaxi from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to Thursday, April 2, 2026 , to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the province's creation.
Ecuador Moves April 1st Cotopaxi Public Holiday Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No.346 ordering the transfer of the local public holiday in the province of Cotopaxi from Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to Thursday, April 2, 2026 , to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the province's creation.
El Salvador Declares Holy Week Public Holidays Presidencia de la República de El Salvador (San Salvador) The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of El Salvado (MTPS) has issued a communique reminding the population that, as per article 190 of the Labor Code, the official paid public holidays during the Holy Week for private sector workers are Thursday to Saturday, April 2 to 4, 2026. As per the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Rolando Castro, for its part, the public sector will benefit from public sector holidays "starting this Friday" (tonight).
El Salvador Declares Holy Week Public Holidays Presidencia de la República de El Salvador (San Salvador) The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare of El Salvado (MTPS) has issued a communique reminding the population that, as per article 190 of the Labor Code, the official paid public holidays during the Holy Week for private sector workers are Thursday to Saturday, April 2 to 4, 2026. As per the Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, Rolando Castro, for its part, the public sector will benefit from public sector holidays "starting this Friday" (tonight).
Honduras' Cohep Announces Its Own Easter Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) In an ironic case of do as I say not as I do, the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (Cohep) announced that its offices would remain closed from Monday, March 30, resuming work on Monday, April 6, 2026, a full three days longer than the public holidays it recently declared for the private sector it is meant to represent.
Honduras' Cohep Announces Its Own Easter Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) In an ironic case of do as I say not as I do, the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (Cohep) announced that its offices would remain closed from Monday, March 30, resuming work on Monday, April 6, 2026, a full three days longer than the public holidays it recently declared for the private sector it is meant to represent.
Moldova To Consider 2 New Annual Public Holidays Agentia Informationala de Stat (Moldpres) The President of the Moldovan National Party (PNM), Dragoș Galbur, has submitted a legislative initiative to the Moldovan Parliament to amend the Labor Code by adding March 27 and December 1st as annual public holidays in Moldova ("Today, on behalf of the Moldovan National Party, I submitted an official request to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova proposing to declare March 27 and December 1 as non-working holidays in the Republic of Moldova."). The former proposed date refers to March 27, 1918, when the Country Council voted to unite Bessarabia with Romania, and the latter to emphasize that December 1, Romania's National Day, has a special significance for a large number of citizens of the Republic of Moldova who also hold Romanian citizenship.
Moldova To Consider 2 New Annual Public Holidays Agentia Informationala de Stat (Moldpres) The President of the Moldovan National Party (PNM), Dragoș Galbur, has submitted a legislative initiative to the Moldovan Parliament to amend the Labor Code by adding March 27 and December 1st as annual public holidays in Moldova ("Today, on behalf of the Moldovan National Party, I submitted an official request to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova proposing to declare March 27 and December 1 as non-working holidays in the Republic of Moldova."). The former proposed date refers to March 27, 1918, when the Country Council voted to unite Bessarabia with Romania, and the latter to emphasize that December 1, Romania's National Day, has a special significance for a large number of citizens of the Republic of Moldova who also hold Romanian citizenship.
Punjab Declares March 28 And April 1st Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services and General Administration Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has issued a notification that a public holiday had been declared in Lahore for Saturday, March 28, 2026, on account of the Urs of Sufi saint Shah Hussain (aka. Madhu Lal Hussain). In a separate notice, the Deputy Commissioner of the Sahiwal District, Samiullah Farooq, has issued a government order declaring a local public holiday on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, and whose salient parts read as follows, "In exercise of the powers conferred upon me wide Notification No. SOW-I (S&GAD) 2-1/2025 dated 19.01.2026, issued by Government of the Punjab, Services General Administration Department (Section Welfare-I). I, Capt (R) Samiullah Farooq. Deputy Commissioner, Sahiwal, hereby declare 1st April, 2026 (Wednesday) as local holiday within the revenue limits of Sahiwal district, on the eve of “Urs of Hazrat Baba Muhammad Pannah” at Kameer (120/9-L.) Sahiwal.".
Punjab Declares March 28 And April 1st Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services and General Administration Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has issued a notification that a public holiday had been declared in Lahore for Saturday, March 28, 2026, on account of the Urs of Sufi saint Shah Hussain (aka. Madhu Lal Hussain). In a separate notice, the Deputy Commissioner of the Sahiwal District, Samiullah Farooq, has issued a government order declaring a local public holiday on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, and whose salient parts read as follows, "In exercise of the powers conferred upon me wide Notification No. SOW-I (S&GAD) 2-1/2025 dated 19.01.2026, issued by Government of the Punjab, Services General Administration Department (Section Welfare-I). I, Capt (R) Samiullah Farooq. Deputy Commissioner, Sahiwal, hereby declare 1st April, 2026 (Wednesday) as local holiday within the revenue limits of Sahiwal district, on the eve of “Urs of Hazrat Baba Muhammad Pannah” at Kameer (120/9-L.) Sahiwal.".
Rwanda Revises 2026 Public Holidays Rwanda Bureau Of Information and Broadcasting (ORINFOR) The Government of Rwanda has released a revised version of the list of 2026 official non-working public holidays in Rwanda that it had published earlier in January. The date of the Good Friday and Easter Monday 2026 public holidays has been corrected in today's publication, in line with the Presidential Order determining public holidays of May 2015.
Rwanda Revises 2026 Public Holidays Rwanda Bureau Of Information and Broadcasting (ORINFOR) The Government of Rwanda has released a revised version of the list of 2026 official non-working public holidays in Rwanda that it had published earlier in January. The date of the Good Friday and Easter Monday 2026 public holidays has been corrected in today's publication, in line with the Presidential Order determining public holidays of May 2015.
South Korea Revises 2026 Bank Holidays The Bank of Korea (Seoul) The Bank of Korea (South Korea's central bank) has released a revised list of official bank holidays to be observed in 2026, reflecting last month's promulgation of a law adding Constitution Day as one of South Korea's annual public holidays.
South Korea Revises 2026 Bank Holidays The Bank of Korea (Seoul) The Bank of Korea (South Korea's central bank) has released a revised list of official bank holidays to be observed in 2026, reflecting last month's promulgation of a law adding Constitution Day as one of South Korea's annual public holidays.
Venezuela Extends Easter Public Holidays Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Comunicación e Información (Caracas) Earlier today, the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, announced that the entire Holy Week would be holidays for the educational and the private sectors, as part of an energy saving plan, a decision that comes after electricity failures were reported in several states of the country in recent weeks. As per the aforementioned announcement, "I want to announce that I have decreed holidays, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, for the entire education sector, so our children will not go to school; also holidays for the ministries because it is part of the electricity saving plan".
Venezuela Extends Easter Public Holidays Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Comunicación e Información (Caracas) Earlier today, the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, announced that the entire Holy Week would be holidays for the educational and the private sectors, as part of an energy saving plan, a decision that comes after electricity failures were reported in several states of the country in recent weeks. As per the aforementioned announcement, "I want to announce that I have decreed holidays, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, for the entire education sector, so our children will not go to school; also holidays for the ministries because it is part of the electricity saving plan".
Vietnam Culture Day Public Holiday Passes First Reading Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) A draft resolution, implementing the Politburo Resolution No.80-NQ/TW into Vietnam's current Labor Code, has passed its first reading in the Vietnamese National Assembly, with the stated aim to institutionalize the Politburo's policy of unanimously choosing November 24th of each year as Vietnamese Culture Day.
Vietnam Culture Day Public Holiday Passes First Reading Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) A draft resolution, implementing the Politburo Resolution No.80-NQ/TW into Vietnam's current Labor Code, has passed its first reading in the Vietnamese National Assembly, with the stated aim to institutionalize the Politburo's policy of unanimously choosing November 24th of each year as Vietnamese Culture Day.
Castilla y León 2027 Public Holidays Announced Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Castilla y León (Valladolid) The Governing Council of Spain's Autonomous Region of Castile and León has approved the decree establishing the calendar of regional public holidays for the calendar year 2027, with a total of twelve paid, non-recoverable holidays across the region. As per the aforementioned announcement, the list of 2027 public holidays in Castilla-La Mancha will observe a regional public holiday on April 23 (Fiesta de la Comunidad Autónoma) and on August 16 (Asunción de la Virgen, trasladado al lunes 16 de agosto).
Castilla y León 2027 Public Holidays Announced Boletín Oficial de la Junta de Castilla y León (Valladolid) The Governing Council of Spain's Autonomous Region of Castile and León has approved the decree establishing the calendar of regional public holidays for the calendar year 2027, with a total of twelve paid, non-recoverable holidays across the region. As per the aforementioned announcement, the list of 2027 public holidays in Castilla-La Mancha will observe a regional public holiday on April 23 (Fiesta de la Comunidad Autónoma) and on August 16 (Asunción de la Virgen, trasladado al lunes 16 de agosto).
Costa Rica Clarifies Easter Public Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) Costa Rica's Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) has issued a communique recalling that, as established in Article 148 of the Labor Code, Holy Thursday and Good Friday —April 2nd and 3rd, 2026 — and Saturday, April 11th, 2026, the date commemorating the heroic deeds of Juan Santamaría, will be mandatory paid holidays, and that the enjoyment of these three days off cannot be transferred.
Costa Rica Clarifies Easter Public Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) Costa Rica's Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) has issued a communique recalling that, as established in Article 148 of the Labor Code, Holy Thursday and Good Friday —April 2nd and 3rd, 2026 — and Saturday, April 11th, 2026, the date commemorating the heroic deeds of Juan Santamaría, will be mandatory paid holidays, and that the enjoyment of these three days off cannot be transferred.
Dominican Republic Extends Holy Week Public Sector Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Dominican Republic's Minister of Public Administration (MAP), Sigmund Freund, has signed the Circular No.001054 declaring that public institutions will only work until 16:00 (4pm) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, on account of Holy Wednesday and Holy Week more generally. As per the aforementioned circular, "The Ministry of Public Administration informs, through Circular No. 001054, that due to Holy Week the working day in the public sector will be until Wednesday, April 1st at 4:00 pm".
Dominican Republic Extends Holy Week Public Sector Holidays Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Dominican Republic's Minister of Public Administration (MAP), Sigmund Freund, has signed the Circular No.001054 declaring that public institutions will only work until 16:00 (4pm) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, on account of Holy Wednesday and Holy Week more generally. As per the aforementioned circular, "The Ministry of Public Administration informs, through Circular No. 001054, that due to Holy Week the working day in the public sector will be until Wednesday, April 1st at 4:00 pm".
Hong Kong's Easter Monday Now A Statutory Public Holiday Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) The upcoming Easter Monday, on April 6, 2026, will be a statutory public holiday in Hong Kong for the first time, as the list of gazetted 2026 Hong Kong public holidays includes one additional statutory public holiday on the first weekday after Christmas. This is a consequence of the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 which will have seen the number of statutory holidays in Hong Kong, increase from 12 days to 17, over the 9-year period from 2022 to 2030. In Hong Kong, statutory holidays are the public holidays which an employer needs to grant employees, as opposed to general holidays.
Hong Kong's Easter Monday Now A Statutory Public Holiday Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR) The upcoming Easter Monday, on April 6, 2026, will be a statutory public holiday in Hong Kong for the first time, as the list of gazetted 2026 Hong Kong public holidays includes one additional statutory public holiday on the first weekday after Christmas. This is a consequence of the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 which will have seen the number of statutory holidays in Hong Kong, increase from 12 days to 17, over the 9-year period from 2022 to 2030. In Hong Kong, statutory holidays are the public holidays which an employer needs to grant employees, as opposed to general holidays.
Karnataka Moves Mahaveer Jayanti Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Government of India's state of Karnataka has issued a notification changing the date of the upcoming Mahaveer Jayanti from Tuesday, March 31, to Monday, March 30, 2026, "to align the holiday with the correct observance of Mahavir Jayanti". As per the aforementioned notification, issued under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the change was made for administrative reasons and the updated date will now be followed across the state in all banks, government offices, and other institutions.
Karnataka Moves Mahaveer Jayanti Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The Government of India's state of Karnataka has issued a notification changing the date of the upcoming Mahaveer Jayanti from Tuesday, March 31, to Monday, March 30, 2026, "to align the holiday with the correct observance of Mahavir Jayanti". As per the aforementioned notification, issued under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, the change was made for administrative reasons and the updated date will now be followed across the state in all banks, government offices, and other institutions.
Kazakhstan Confirms Loss Of Constitution Day Public Holidays In 2026 Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Askarbek Yertayev, has confirmed that with the recent adoption of the new constitution, August 30 would no longer be a public holiday, as March 15 will henceforth be the date of the annual Constitution Day public holiday. As the new Constitution Day public holiday in 2026 was before the referendum, the media asked the Minister if Kazakhstanis would be compensated for this lost public holiday in 2026, to which he responded unambiguously "No, we already adopted the new Constitution on March 15th. That's it, that day will be Constitution Day. And we'll celebrate it on March 15th next year. That means Kazakhstanis will have one less day off this year".
Kazakhstan Confirms Loss Of Constitution Day Public Holidays In 2026 Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Askarbek Yertayev, has confirmed that with the recent adoption of the new constitution, August 30 would no longer be a public holiday, as March 15 will henceforth be the date of the annual Constitution Day public holiday. As the new Constitution Day public holiday in 2026 was before the referendum, the media asked the Minister if Kazakhstanis would be compensated for this lost public holiday in 2026, to which he responded unambiguously "No, we already adopted the new Constitution on March 15th. That's it, that day will be Constitution Day. And we'll celebrate it on March 15th next year. That means Kazakhstanis will have one less day off this year".
Koshi Province Announces BS 2083 Public Holidays Government of the Province of Koshi (Biratnagar) At today's Cabinet Meeting, the Government of Nepal's Koshi Province approved the list of public holidays to be observed in the year 2083 BS, which runs from mid-April 2026 until mid-April 2027.
Koshi Province Announces BS 2083 Public Holidays Government of the Province of Koshi (Biratnagar) At today's Cabinet Meeting, the Government of Nepal's Koshi Province approved the list of public holidays to be observed in the year 2083 BS, which runs from mid-April 2026 until mid-April 2027.
Solomon Islands Declare April 3 And 6 Public Holidays Solomon Islands Government Communication Unit (Honiara) The Solomon Islands Government has issued the Circular Memorandum No.02/2026 Ref: 01/5/2 (Public Holidays – Good Friday And Easter Monday), which states that "Friday, 3rd April 2026, is Good Friday and Monday, 6th April 2026, is Easter Monday, and both are public holidays". The aforementioned circular memorandum does however point out that "For avoidance of doubt, please be advised that Thursday, 2nd April 2026, is a normal working day" and that "All public officers are expected to resume normal duties on Tuesday, 7th April 2026".
Solomon Islands Declare April 3 And 6 Public Holidays Solomon Islands Government Communication Unit (Honiara) The Solomon Islands Government has issued the Circular Memorandum No.02/2026 Ref: 01/5/2 (Public Holidays – Good Friday And Easter Monday), which states that "Friday, 3rd April 2026, is Good Friday and Monday, 6th April 2026, is Easter Monday, and both are public holidays". The aforementioned circular memorandum does however point out that "For avoidance of doubt, please be advised that Thursday, 2nd April 2026, is a normal working day" and that "All public officers are expected to resume normal duties on Tuesday, 7th April 2026".
Tamil Nadu Declares April 23 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Tamil Nadu (Chennai) The Government of India's State of Tamil Nadu has notified a public holiday on Thursday, April 23, 2026, under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to facilitate voting for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. As per the aforementioned announcement, the public holiday on Thursday, April 23, 2026, applies to all sectors of the economy and was declared to ensure that employees in government offices, private establishments, industries, and commercial institutions are granted a paid holiday, enabling them to exercise their franchise without any hindrance.
Tamil Nadu Declares April 23 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Tamil Nadu (Chennai) The Government of India's State of Tamil Nadu has notified a public holiday on Thursday, April 23, 2026, under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, to facilitate voting for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. As per the aforementioned announcement, the public holiday on Thursday, April 23, 2026, applies to all sectors of the economy and was declared to ensure that employees in government offices, private establishments, industries, and commercial institutions are granted a paid holiday, enabling them to exercise their franchise without any hindrance.
Timor Leste Declares April 2 and 6 Public Holidays Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had decided to grant additional day-off public sector holidays for Maundy Thursday, April 2, and Easter Monday, April 6, 2026 (Tolerância de ponto concedida para a tarde de 2 de abril e todo o dia 6 de abril de 2026). As per the aforementioned communique preamble, "Given that the religious celebrations of "Holy Thursday" are of great importance and significance to a large number of Catholic believers, who regularly participate in the religious ceremonies held during Holy Week; Taking into account the practice that has been followed previously, pursuant to subparagraph b) of paragraph 2 of Article 5 of the aforementioned law; Considering the fact that a large number of people usually travel to their home municipalities to participate in the Easter religious celebrations with their families", the following is determined "Time off is granted: a) On April 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm; b) On April 6, 2026, all day.".
Timor Leste Declares April 2 and 6 Public Holidays Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had decided to grant additional day-off public sector holidays for Maundy Thursday, April 2, and Easter Monday, April 6, 2026 (Tolerância de ponto concedida para a tarde de 2 de abril e todo o dia 6 de abril de 2026). As per the aforementioned communique preamble, "Given that the religious celebrations of "Holy Thursday" are of great importance and significance to a large number of Catholic believers, who regularly participate in the religious ceremonies held during Holy Week; Taking into account the practice that has been followed previously, pursuant to subparagraph b) of paragraph 2 of Article 5 of the aforementioned law; Considering the fact that a large number of people usually travel to their home municipalities to participate in the Easter religious celebrations with their families", the following is determined "Time off is granted: a) On April 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm; b) On April 6, 2026, all day.".
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