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.
Montenegro To Consider Public Holidays Constitutional Amendments The Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Welfare of Montenegro (Podgorica) The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, has submitted a proposal to Parliament to amend the Constitution in order to enshrine employees’ constitutional right not to work on Sundays and public holidays. The aforementioned proposal would supplement Article 64 of the Constitution, establishing a general rule that work on Sundays and holidays is prohibited, while allowing legally defined exceptions for sectors where work is necessary in the public interest.
Montenegro To Consider Public Holidays Constitutional Amendments The Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Welfare of Montenegro (Podgorica) The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatovic, has submitted a proposal to Parliament to amend the Constitution in order to enshrine employees’ constitutional right not to work on Sundays and public holidays. The aforementioned proposal would supplement Article 64 of the Constitution, establishing a general rule that work on Sundays and holidays is prohibited, while allowing legally defined exceptions for sectors where work is necessary in the public interest.
Kuwait National and Liberation Public Holidays February 25-28 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) At its weekly meeting, the Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission announced a four-day public holiday to commemorate National Day and Liberation Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, all government departments and public institutions will remain closed on February 25 and 26, 2026, with the regular working schedule resuming on Sunday, March 1st, 2026.
Kuwait National and Liberation Public Holidays February 25-28 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) At its weekly meeting, the Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission announced a four-day public holiday to commemorate National Day and Liberation Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, all government departments and public institutions will remain closed on February 25 and 26, 2026, with the regular working schedule resuming on Sunday, March 1st, 2026.
Madagascar Declares February 11 Gezani Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Earlier tonight, Madagascar's Government declared a public holiday on account of Cyclone Gezani in the following regions: Alaotra-Mangoro, Analamanga, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, and Betsiboka. As per the communique by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Civil Service, this measure applies to all public and private sector employees in the aforementioned regions.
Madagascar Declares February 11 Gezani Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Earlier tonight, Madagascar's Government declared a public holiday on account of Cyclone Gezani in the following regions: Alaotra-Mangoro, Analamanga, Analanjirofo, Atsinanana, and Betsiboka. As per the communique by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Civil Service, this measure applies to all public and private sector employees in the aforementioned regions.
Philippines Clarify Chinese New Year Public Holiday Pay Rules Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) The Philippines' Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released the Labor Advisory No. 1, series of 2026 outlining its pay rules for the upcoming February 17, 2026,special non-working day due to the observance of the Chinese New Year (CNY).
Philippines Clarify Chinese New Year Public Holiday Pay Rules Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) The Philippines' Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released the Labor Advisory No. 1, series of 2026 outlining its pay rules for the upcoming February 17, 2026,special non-working day due to the observance of the Chinese New Year (CNY).
Bolivia Declares Carnival Public Holidays February 16-17 Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) The Ministry of Labor of Bolivia has announced that Monday and Tuesday, February 16 and 17, 2026, will be national public holidays, for both the public and private sectors, on account of the 2026 Carnival. As per the aforementioned Communique DGTHSO-005/26, "The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, through the General Directorate of Labor, Hygiene and Occupational Safety, in compliance with the provisions of Supreme Decree No. 2750 of May 1, 2016 and Supreme Decree No. 5521 of January 13, 2026, hereby informs the general public that Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 of this year are national holidays, with the suspension of public and private activities throughout the territory of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.". Additionally, Communique DGTHSO-005/26 goes on as follows, "Furthermore, within the framework of the cultural traditions of Carnival and with the purpose of allowing the performance of the ch'allas, as an expression of gratitude, identity and social coexistence, it is ordered that on Friday, February 13, public offices will carry out a continuous workday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the heads of departments taking the necessary measures to guarantee the continuity and normal functioning of public services".
Bolivia Declares Carnival Public Holidays February 16-17 Agencia Boliviana de Información (La Paz) The Ministry of Labor of Bolivia has announced that Monday and Tuesday, February 16 and 17, 2026, will be national public holidays, for both the public and private sectors, on account of the 2026 Carnival. As per the aforementioned Communique DGTHSO-005/26, "The Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security, through the General Directorate of Labor, Hygiene and Occupational Safety, in compliance with the provisions of Supreme Decree No. 2750 of May 1, 2016 and Supreme Decree No. 5521 of January 13, 2026, hereby informs the general public that Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 of this year are national holidays, with the suspension of public and private activities throughout the territory of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.". Additionally, Communique DGTHSO-005/26 goes on as follows, "Furthermore, within the framework of the cultural traditions of Carnival and with the purpose of allowing the performance of the ch'allas, as an expression of gratitude, identity and social coexistence, it is ordered that on Friday, February 13, public offices will carry out a continuous workday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the heads of departments taking the necessary measures to guarantee the continuity and normal functioning of public services".
Qatar Declares February 10 Bank Holiday Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Qatar's Central Bank (QCB) has announced that Tuesday, February 10, 2026, had been declared an official bank holiday for all financial institutions in Qatar on the occasion of National Sport Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "With reference to Clause (2) of Article (2) of AmiriDecree No. (57) of 2025 outlining official working days, national occasions, and public holidays in the State of Qatar, which designates the National Sport Day as the second Tuesday of February, Tuesday, 10 February 2026, will be an official holiday", adding that "All financial institutions will resume work on Wednesday, 11 February 2026".
Qatar Declares February 10 Bank Holiday Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Qatar's Central Bank (QCB) has announced that Tuesday, February 10, 2026, had been declared an official bank holiday for all financial institutions in Qatar on the occasion of National Sport Day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "With reference to Clause (2) of Article (2) of AmiriDecree No. (57) of 2025 outlining official working days, national occasions, and public holidays in the State of Qatar, which designates the National Sport Day as the second Tuesday of February, Tuesday, 10 February 2026, will be an official holiday", adding that "All financial institutions will resume work on Wednesday, 11 February 2026".
Slovenian Day In Lieu Public Holidays Update Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The Freedom Movement, the senior partner of the current governing coalition in the lower house of Slovenia's National Assembly, has reacted to the amendments to the current law public holidays introduced by its junior partner, the Left. As per the Freedom Movement response, the proposal needs to be worked on and is not fit to be adopted. For its part, the other coalition member, the Social Democrats (SD), have not reacted to the motion yet.
Slovenian Day In Lieu Public Holidays Update Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The Freedom Movement, the senior partner of the current governing coalition in the lower house of Slovenia's National Assembly, has reacted to the amendments to the current law public holidays introduced by its junior partner, the Left. As per the Freedom Movement response, the proposal needs to be worked on and is not fit to be adopted. For its part, the other coalition member, the Social Democrats (SD), have not reacted to the motion yet.
South Australia Rules-Out April 27 ANZAC Day Public Holiday Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Adelaide) A spokesperson for the Government of Australia's State of South Australia has announced that the Government of South Australia would not declare Monday, April 27, 2026, as a day in lieu public holiday due to ANZAC day falling on a Saturday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "While new public holiday laws were introduced in South Australia in 2023 following significant consultation, this did not change the decades-long practice that there is no additional Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday.", adding that "That is consistent with many other jurisdictions across Australia".
South Australia Rules-Out April 27 ANZAC Day Public Holiday Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Adelaide) A spokesperson for the Government of Australia's State of South Australia has announced that the Government of South Australia would not declare Monday, April 27, 2026, as a day in lieu public holiday due to ANZAC day falling on a Saturday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "While new public holiday laws were introduced in South Australia in 2023 following significant consultation, this did not change the decades-long practice that there is no additional Monday public holiday when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday.", adding that "That is consistent with many other jurisdictions across Australia".
Qatar Announces February 10 Sport Day Public Holiday Qatari News Agency (QNA) Qatar's Amiri Diwan has issued the notification "الديوان الأميري يعلن عطلة اليوم الرياضي" stating that Tuesday, February 10, 2026, corresponding to 22 Sha’ban 1447 AH, had been declared a public holiday in Qatar on account of this year's National Sport Day, and in line with the Amiri decision No. 80 of December 6, 2011 (published in the Official Gazette of January 15, 2012), which established the annual National Sport Day public holiday in Qatar.
Qatar Announces February 10 Sport Day Public Holiday Qatari News Agency (QNA) Qatar's Amiri Diwan has issued the notification "الديوان الأميري يعلن عطلة اليوم الرياضي" stating that Tuesday, February 10, 2026, corresponding to 22 Sha’ban 1447 AH, had been declared a public holiday in Qatar on account of this year's National Sport Day, and in line with the Amiri decision No. 80 of December 6, 2011 (published in the Official Gazette of January 15, 2012), which established the annual National Sport Day public holiday in Qatar.
Telangana Electoral Public Holiday February 11 Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) India's State Election Commission has requested that district collectors in India's State of Telangana declare a public holiday on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in areas where municipal elections are scheduled, to enable voters to participate freely in municipal elections and help boost turnout across Telangana. Accordingly, the government of Telangana has issued the Vide Notification G.O.Rt.No.14. The holiday will apply to all government offices, local bodies, and educational institutions, including both government and private schools and colleges. The Commission has also advised private industries to consider granting a holiday on polling day.
Telangana Electoral Public Holiday February 11 Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) India's State Election Commission has requested that district collectors in India's State of Telangana declare a public holiday on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in areas where municipal elections are scheduled, to enable voters to participate freely in municipal elections and help boost turnout across Telangana. Accordingly, the government of Telangana has issued the Vide Notification G.O.Rt.No.14. The holiday will apply to all government offices, local bodies, and educational institutions, including both government and private schools and colleges. The Commission has also advised private industries to consider granting a holiday on polling day.
Kerala Called Upon To Extends Eid Public Holidays Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama Sunni-Shafi'i Muslim scholarly body of India's state of Kerala, at its 100th Annual Conference, has passed a resolution calling on the Government of Kerala to extend the annual public holidays for the End of Ramadan (Cheriya Perunnal) and Feast of Sacrifice (Valiya Perunnal, aka. Bakrid) from 1 day each to 3 days each.
Kerala Called Upon To Extends Eid Public Holidays Government of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram) The Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama Sunni-Shafi'i Muslim scholarly body of India's state of Kerala, at its 100th Annual Conference, has passed a resolution calling on the Government of Kerala to extend the annual public holidays for the End of Ramadan (Cheriya Perunnal) and Feast of Sacrifice (Valiya Perunnal, aka. Bakrid) from 1 day each to 3 days each.
Slovenian National Assembly To Consider Day In Lieu Public Holidays Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The deputy group of the junior coalition Left in the lower house of Slovenia's National Assembly has introduced amendments to the current law public holidays, proposing that "there be an equal number of bank holidays every year". In effect, this would introduce day in lieu public holidays, on the Monday that follows any fixed-date public holiday falling on a Saturday or a Sunday.
Slovenian National Assembly To Consider Day In Lieu Public Holidays Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The deputy group of the junior coalition Left in the lower house of Slovenia's National Assembly has introduced amendments to the current law public holidays, proposing that "there be an equal number of bank holidays every year". In effect, this would introduce day in lieu public holidays, on the Monday that follows any fixed-date public holiday falling on a Saturday or a Sunday.
Suriname Chinese New Year Public Holiday February 17 Kabinet van de President van de Republiek Suriname (Paramarimbo) The Minister of the Interior of the Government of Suriname, Marinus Bee, has announced that Tuesday, February 17, 2026, would be a public holiday on account of the celebration of Chinese New Year. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Minister of the Interior hereby informs the public that this year's Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. It should be noted that this day is considered equivalent to Sunday.".
Suriname Chinese New Year Public Holiday February 17 Kabinet van de President van de Republiek Suriname (Paramarimbo) The Minister of the Interior of the Government of Suriname, Marinus Bee, has announced that Tuesday, February 17, 2026, would be a public holiday on account of the celebration of Chinese New Year. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Minister of the Interior hereby informs the public that this year's Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. It should be noted that this day is considered equivalent to Sunday.".
Uzbekistan Announces Beginning And End Of Ramadan Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Fatwa Committee of the Council of Muslim Religious Authorities of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has set the dates for the 1st of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday for 2026 (1447 AH) during a meeting in Samarkand. As per the aforementioned Committee resolution, the first day of Ramadan 2026 will be Thursday, February 19, and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Uzbekistan Announces Beginning And End Of Ramadan Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Fatwa Committee of the Council of Muslim Religious Authorities of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has set the dates for the 1st of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday for 2026 (1447 AH) during a meeting in Samarkand. As per the aforementioned Committee resolution, the first day of Ramadan 2026 will be Thursday, February 19, and the upcoming Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday, March 20, 2026.
Angola Declares February 16 Carnival Public Holiday Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Angolan Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security (MAPTSS) has announced that Monday, February 16, 2026, would be a public holiday, in line with the provisions of subparagraph e) of article 2.0 of Law No.11/18, of September 28, 2018, the Lei de Alteração à Lei dos Feriados Nacionais, Locais e Datas de Celebração Nacional (Law of Amendment to the Law of National Holidays, Locations and Dates of National Celebration), and to link the upcoming February 17 Carnival public holiday with the preceding weekend. As per the aforementioned announcement, the Angolan public sector, with the exception of those working on a shift system, will work an extra hour and a half from February 9 to 13, 2026, to compensate the February 16 bridge public holiday.
Angola Declares February 16 Carnival Public Holiday Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Angolan Ministry of Public Administration, Employment and Social Security (MAPTSS) has announced that Monday, February 16, 2026, would be a public holiday, in line with the provisions of subparagraph e) of article 2.0 of Law No.11/18, of September 28, 2018, the Lei de Alteração à Lei dos Feriados Nacionais, Locais e Datas de Celebração Nacional (Law of Amendment to the Law of National Holidays, Locations and Dates of National Celebration), and to link the upcoming February 17 Carnival public holiday with the preceding weekend. As per the aforementioned announcement, the Angolan public sector, with the exception of those working on a shift system, will work an extra hour and a half from February 9 to 13, 2026, to compensate the February 16 bridge public holiday.
Myanmar Declares February Bank Holidays Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has announced a bank holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026, as this date falls between the February 14 and 15 bank holidays specified under the Negotiable Instruments Act and the February 17 public holiday for Chinese New Year. In compensation, Myanmar banks will be open on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Myanmar Declares February Bank Holidays Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) has announced a bank holiday on Monday, February 16, 2026, as this date falls between the February 14 and 15 bank holidays specified under the Negotiable Instruments Act and the February 17 public holiday for Chinese New Year. In compensation, Myanmar banks will be open on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Queensland Rules-Out April 27 ANZAC Day Public Holiday Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General (Brisbane) The Deputy Premier of Australia's state of Queensland, Jarrod Bleijie, has announced that the Queensland government had no plans to declare Monday, April 27, 2026, as a public holiday due to ANZAC Day falling on a Saturday this year, as this might detract from the solemnity of ANZAC Day.
Queensland Rules-Out April 27 ANZAC Day Public Holiday Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General (Brisbane) The Deputy Premier of Australia's state of Queensland, Jarrod Bleijie, has announced that the Queensland government had no plans to declare Monday, April 27, 2026, as a public holiday due to ANZAC Day falling on a Saturday this year, as this might detract from the solemnity of ANZAC Day.
Venezuela Announces February 16-17 Carnival Bank Holidays 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 and Tuesday, February 16 and 17, 2026, would be bank holidays in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Carnival, and 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.
Venezuela Announces February 16-17 Carnival Bank Holidays 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 and Tuesday, February 16 and 17, 2026, would be bank holidays in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Carnival, and 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.
For an extended version of the worldwide public holidays news and updates, above, covering the past 30 days, and complemented by contextual and historical background information extracted from our database of tens of thousands of news items collated over the past 25 years, you can download our free apps for Android and iPhone, which are devoid of any ads, and whose data feed is updated nightly.
