worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
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Jordan Speculations About Weather Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian media are speculating about the possibility of the government soon declaring an official public holiday, in light of warnings issued by the Public Security Directorate regarding the impact of the low-pressure system expected to affect the Kingdom starting this evening. Jordanian one-off weather public holidays have been declared often in the past, namely in 2022, 2021, 2019, 4 times in 2015, 4 times in 2013, and twice in 2008. Last year, similar speculations were rife in January 2025, but in the end no weather public holiday was announced.
Jordan Speculations About Weather Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian media are speculating about the possibility of the government soon declaring an official public holiday, in light of warnings issued by the Public Security Directorate regarding the impact of the low-pressure system expected to affect the Kingdom starting this evening. Jordanian one-off weather public holidays have been declared often in the past, namely in 2022, 2021, 2019, 4 times in 2015, 4 times in 2013, and twice in 2008. Last year, similar speculations were rife in January 2025, but in the end no weather public holiday was announced.
Uttar Pradesh Adds Makar Sankranti Public Holiday On January 15 Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has declared Thursday, January 15, 2026, as a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, on account of Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति), instead of January 14, as it had been listed in last month's Government Order vide notification No. 1800/XXXI (15)G/25-74 (Gen.) / 2016, containing the list of 2026 public holidays, in which the Government had only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday. Asper the aforementioned announcement, January 15, 2026, will be a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and on this day, all government offices, educational institutions, and banks in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed. Recall that, a year ago, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had similarly declared Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Makar Sankranti, thus amending the previous month's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, in which the Government had also only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday.
Uttar Pradesh Adds Makar Sankranti Public Holiday On January 15 Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has declared Thursday, January 15, 2026, as a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act 1881, on account of Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति), instead of January 14, as it had been listed in last month's Government Order vide notification No. 1800/XXXI (15)G/25-74 (Gen.) / 2016, containing the list of 2026 public holidays, in which the Government had only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday. Asper the aforementioned announcement, January 15, 2026, will be a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and on this day, all government offices, educational institutions, and banks in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed. Recall that, a year ago, the Government of Uttar Pradesh had similarly declared Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as a public holiday on account of Makar Sankranti, thus amending the previous month's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh, in which the Government had also only listed Makar Sankranti as a restricted holiday.
New Caledonia 2026 Bank Holidays Announced Medef Nouvelle-Calédonie (Nouméa) The government of New Caledonia, in line with its release of the list of non-working public holidays in New Caledonia in 2026 (Jours fériés chômés par branche d'activité pour 2026), has released its annual expanded list of bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, including the traditional jours flottants et jours de rééquilibrage bank holidays.
New Caledonia 2026 Bank Holidays Announced Medef Nouvelle-Calédonie (Nouméa) The government of New Caledonia, in line with its release of the list of non-working public holidays in New Caledonia in 2026 (Jours fériés chômés par branche d'activité pour 2026), has released its annual expanded list of bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, including the traditional jours flottants et jours de rééquilibrage bank holidays.
Argentina Central Bank Releases List Of 2026 Bank Holidays Banco Central de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has released its list of 2026 bank holidays in Argentina ("Las entidades financieras no funcionarán los días: Feriados nacionales y días no laborables por la Ley N° 27.399, el Decreto N° 614/2025 y la Resolución N° 164/2025."). As usual, the list of 2025 bank holidays in Argentian follows last month's Resolution 164/2025 (RESOL-2025-164-APN-JGM), signed by Argentina's President, Javier Milei, which declared 3 one-off bridge public holidays in 2026.
Argentina Central Bank Releases List Of 2026 Bank Holidays Banco Central de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) has released its list of 2026 bank holidays in Argentina ("Las entidades financieras no funcionarán los días: Feriados nacionales y días no laborables por la Ley N° 27.399, el Decreto N° 614/2025 y la Resolución N° 164/2025."). As usual, the list of 2025 bank holidays in Argentian follows last month's Resolution 164/2025 (RESOL-2025-164-APN-JGM), signed by Argentina's President, Javier Milei, which declared 3 one-off bridge public holidays in 2026.
Burkina Faso Passes Public Holidays Overhaul Legislation Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) Burkina Faso's Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) has unanimously adopted the loi révisée sur les jours chômés et payés which amends the loi de novembre 2015 portant institution de fêtes légales et d’évènements à caractère historique and cancels 4 annual paid public holidays. The law also abolishes day in lieu public holidays, but as per Burkina Faso's Minister of Public Service, Mathias Traoré, "The newly adopted law also allows, when circumstances require, the Minister of Public Service and Labour to declare a paid holiday by press release.". Recall that, last September, the Government Cabinet of Burkina Faso had announced its decision to cancel 4 annual public holidays, as well as to stop the practice of declaring day in lieu public holidays when a fixed date public holiday falls on a Sunday. The public holidays to be canceled at that time were those of January 3 (Revolution Day), August 5 (Independence Day), August 15 (Assumption Day), and October 31 (Martyrs' Day). The recently-added annual May 15 public holiday (Day of Customs and Traditions) would, however, be maintained.
Burkina Faso Passes Public Holidays Overhaul Legislation Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) Burkina Faso's Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) has unanimously adopted the loi révisée sur les jours chômés et payés which amends the loi de novembre 2015 portant institution de fêtes légales et d’évènements à caractère historique and cancels 4 annual paid public holidays. The law also abolishes day in lieu public holidays, but as per Burkina Faso's Minister of Public Service, Mathias Traoré, "The newly adopted law also allows, when circumstances require, the Minister of Public Service and Labour to declare a paid holiday by press release.". Recall that, last September, the Government Cabinet of Burkina Faso had announced its decision to cancel 4 annual public holidays, as well as to stop the practice of declaring day in lieu public holidays when a fixed date public holiday falls on a Sunday. The public holidays to be canceled at that time were those of January 3 (Revolution Day), August 5 (Independence Day), August 15 (Assumption Day), and October 31 (Martyrs' Day). The recently-added annual May 15 public holiday (Day of Customs and Traditions) would, however, be maintained.
Monaco Gazettes January 27 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8781, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n°2025‑15 du 26 décembre 2025 relative au mardi 27 janvier 2026 (Jour de la Sainte Dévote), jour férié légal, confirming that Tuesday, January 27, 2026, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2025-15, "Pursuant to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, is a public holiday, a day off with pay for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration". The aforementioned Circulaire n°2025‑15 supplements the previously-announced annual list of official non-working public holidays in Monaco and Monaco bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, as released, last October.
Monaco Gazettes January 27 Public Holiday Bulletin Officiel de la Principauté (Monaco) In today's Journal Officiel Numéro 8781, Monaco's State Ministry has gazetted the Circulaire n°2025‑15 du 26 décembre 2025 relative au mardi 27 janvier 2026 (Jour de la Sainte Dévote), jour férié légal, confirming that Tuesday, January 27, 2026, would be a public holiday in Monaco for all employees. As per the aforementioned Circulaire n°2025-15, "Pursuant to Law No. 798 and Law No. 800 of February 18, 1966, as amended, Tuesday, January 27, 2026, is a public holiday, a day off with pay for all employees regardless of their method of remuneration". The aforementioned Circulaire n°2025‑15 supplements the previously-announced annual list of official non-working public holidays in Monaco and Monaco bank holidays for the calendar year 2026, as released, last October.
Algerian Yennayer Public Holiday January 12 Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Directorate General of Public Service and Administrative Reform announced in a joint statement that Monday, January 12, 2026, had been declared a public holiday in Algeria to mark the upcoming Amazigh New Year. As per the aforementioned communique, "On the occasion of Amenzu n Yennayer , the Amazigh New Year, and in accordance with Law 63-278 of July 26, 1963, amended and supplemented, establishing the list of legal holidays, Monday, January 12, 2026, is a paid holiday for all staff of public institutions and administrations, public and private establishments and offices, as well as staff of public and private companies, all sectors and legal statuses combined, including staff paid by the hour or by the day". Amazigh New Year was approved as a new annual public holiday by Algeria's Council of Ministers, and then by Algeria's Popular Assembly (APN), in early 2018. Neighboring Morocco followed suit, beginning in 2024, but the Moroccan Amazigh New Year public holiday is observed on January 14.
Algerian Yennayer Public Holiday January 12 Direction Générale de la Fonction Publique (Algiers) The Algerian Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security and the Directorate General of Public Service and Administrative Reform announced in a joint statement that Monday, January 12, 2026, had been declared a public holiday in Algeria to mark the upcoming Amazigh New Year. As per the aforementioned communique, "On the occasion of Amenzu n Yennayer , the Amazigh New Year, and in accordance with Law 63-278 of July 26, 1963, amended and supplemented, establishing the list of legal holidays, Monday, January 12, 2026, is a paid holiday for all staff of public institutions and administrations, public and private establishments and offices, as well as staff of public and private companies, all sectors and legal statuses combined, including staff paid by the hour or by the day". Amazigh New Year was approved as a new annual public holiday by Algeria's Council of Ministers, and then by Algeria's Popular Assembly (APN), in early 2018. Neighboring Morocco followed suit, beginning in 2024, but the Moroccan Amazigh New Year public holiday is observed on January 14.
Uganda Declares January 15 and 16 Electoral Public Holidays Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda (Kampala) The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has issued the as yet unnumbered Legal Notice of 2026 (Declaration of Public Holidays - Under Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, Cap. 17) which declares Thursday and Friday, January 15 and 16, 2026, as public holidays on account of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which had been announced last October by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda, Justice Simon Byabakama. As per the aforementioned Legal Notice, "In exercise of the powers conferred upon the President by Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, I declare 15th and 16th January, 2026 to be observed as public holidays throughout Uganda for the purpose of enabling citizens to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections". Recall that, on the occasion of the last Presidential election, the date of the election, Thursday, January 14, 2021, was declared a one-off public holiday. This was later followed by an announcement by the Minister of Public Service of Uganda, Catherine Birakwate, that the January 14 electoral public holiday would be extended to also include the day after the election, namely Friday, January 15, 2021. And, subsequently, the then Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service of the Government of Uganda, Catherine Musingwire, announced that Wednesday, May 12, 2021, was to be declared a one-off public holiday in Uganda, "to allow citizens to follow the proceedings from Kololo Independence grounds where President Museveni will be taking his oath of office for the sixth consecutive term". The incumbent, and a candidate for the upcoming elections, President Museveni, has been president of Uganda since January 1986.
Uganda Declares January 15 and 16 Electoral Public Holidays Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda (Kampala) The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has issued the as yet unnumbered Legal Notice of 2026 (Declaration of Public Holidays - Under Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, Cap. 17) which declares Thursday and Friday, January 15 and 16, 2026, as public holidays on account of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which had been announced last October by the chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) of Uganda, Justice Simon Byabakama. As per the aforementioned Legal Notice, "In exercise of the powers conferred upon the President by Section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act, I declare 15th and 16th January, 2026 to be observed as public holidays throughout Uganda for the purpose of enabling citizens to participate in the Presidential and Parliamentary elections". Recall that, on the occasion of the last Presidential election, the date of the election, Thursday, January 14, 2021, was declared a one-off public holiday. This was later followed by an announcement by the Minister of Public Service of Uganda, Catherine Birakwate, that the January 14 electoral public holiday would be extended to also include the day after the election, namely Friday, January 15, 2021. And, subsequently, the then Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service of the Government of Uganda, Catherine Musingwire, announced that Wednesday, May 12, 2021, was to be declared a one-off public holiday in Uganda, "to allow citizens to follow the proceedings from Kololo Independence grounds where President Museveni will be taking his oath of office for the sixth consecutive term". The incumbent, and a candidate for the upcoming elections, President Museveni, has been president of Uganda since January 1986.
Assam Declares January 8 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Government of the Indian State of Assam has declared a public holiday across the Cachar district on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to pay tribute to former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who passed away earlier today at the age of 94. Today's announcement thus slightly amends last November's vide notification No.221561/440 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2026. Recall that, last September, the Government of Assam had somewhat similarly declared a public holiday for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in view of the State Funeral of late singer and filmmaker Zubeen Garg.
Assam Declares January 8 Public Holiday Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Government of the Indian State of Assam has declared a public holiday across the Cachar district on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to pay tribute to former Union Minister Kabindra Purkayastha, who passed away earlier today at the age of 94. Today's announcement thus slightly amends last November's vide notification No.221561/440 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2026. Recall that, last September, the Government of Assam had somewhat similarly declared a public holiday for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in view of the State Funeral of late singer and filmmaker Zubeen Garg.
Cape Verde 2026 Bank Holidays and Public Holidays Announced Boletim Oficial (República de Cabo Verde) The Central Bank of Cape Verde (Banco de Cabo Verde) has released the list of official bank holidays and public holidays in Cabo Verde in the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement specifies that Ash Wednesday is a "point tolerance subject to confirmation" and that the April and May Praia days are "holiday only in the municipality of Praia [and that] If it falls on a weekday, the Bank of Cape Verde will be closed".
Cape Verde 2026 Bank Holidays and Public Holidays Announced Boletim Oficial (República de Cabo Verde) The Central Bank of Cape Verde (Banco de Cabo Verde) has released the list of official bank holidays and public holidays in Cabo Verde in the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement specifies that Ash Wednesday is a "point tolerance subject to confirmation" and that the April and May Praia days are "holiday only in the municipality of Praia [and that] If it falls on a weekday, the Bank of Cape Verde will be closed".
Iraq Declares January 8 Public Holiday In Baghdad Governorate Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's regular session of the Iraqi Cabinet, it was decided to declare an official public holiday in the capital, Baghdad, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kadhim. Recall that, last year, Iraq's Ministry of Interior declared Sunday, January 26, 2025, as an official public holiday in the Baghdad governorate to cope with the expected influx of pilgrims heading to the city of Kadhimiya for the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim, and that other regions announced that they would follow suit. Prior to last year, the Rajab 25 commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim had been declared a one-off public holiday in the Baghdad governorate on previous occasions, such as Sunday, May 25, 2014, and Thursday July 8, 2010. These public holidays declarations were also announced on the day before the commemoration.
Iraq Declares January 8 Public Holiday In Baghdad Governorate Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's regular session of the Iraqi Cabinet, it was decided to declare an official public holiday in the capital, Baghdad, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kadhim. Recall that, last year, Iraq's Ministry of Interior declared Sunday, January 26, 2025, as an official public holiday in the Baghdad governorate to cope with the expected influx of pilgrims heading to the city of Kadhimiya for the annual commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim, and that other regions announced that they would follow suit. Prior to last year, the Rajab 25 commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Musa bin Jafar Al-Kadhim had been declared a one-off public holiday in the Baghdad governorate on previous occasions, such as Sunday, May 25, 2014, and Thursday July 8, 2010. These public holidays declarations were also announced on the day before the commemoration.
Uzbekistan Officializes 2026 Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment of Uzbekistan has approved the calendar of 2026 non-working public holidays, based on the Labor Code of Uzbekistan and last month's Presidential decree О назначении дополнительных нерабочих дней и переносе выходных в период празднования официальных дат в 2026 году. Recall that, late last year, President Mirziyoyev signed the decree On the Appointment of Additional Non-Working Days and the Transfer of Days Off During the Celebration of Official Dates in 2026 establishing 6 one-off public holidays, one compensatory Saturday working day, and 3 day in lieu public holidays in 2026.
Uzbekistan Officializes 2026 Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment of Uzbekistan has approved the calendar of 2026 non-working public holidays, based on the Labor Code of Uzbekistan and last month's Presidential decree О назначении дополнительных нерабочих дней и переносе выходных в период празднования официальных дат в 2026 году. Recall that, late last year, President Mirziyoyev signed the decree On the Appointment of Additional Non-Working Days and the Transfer of Days Off During the Celebration of Official Dates in 2026 establishing 6 one-off public holidays, one compensatory Saturday working day, and 3 day in lieu public holidays in 2026.
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.
