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Andhra Pradesh Announces 2025 Public Holidays Government of Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) The Government of India's State of Andhra Pradesh has issued the vide notification G.O.RT. No. 2115, specifying its list of bank holidays, government holidays and public holidays in Andhra Pradesh for the calendar year 2025. As per the aforementioned vide notification, signed by the Chief Secretary to Government, Neerabh Kumar Prasad, "The Government of Andhra Pradesh direct that the days specified in Annexure-I shall be observed as General Holidays by all the State Government offices excluding the holidays falling on Second Saturdays/Sundays shown in Annexure-I(A) and Optional Holidays shown in Annexure-II except the Optional Holidays falling on Second Saturdays/Sundays shown in Annexure-II(A) during the year 2025" and "In addition to the above mentioned General Holidays in Annexure-I, the State Government employees may avail themselves of Optional Holidays not exceeding five (5) during the year 2025 on the festivals / occasions specified in Annexure-II to this order at their option and irrespective of the religion to which the festival pertains to". Interestingly, the May Day public holiday, observed in Andhra Pradesh in 2023 and 2024, is not listed in the vide notification G.O.RT. No. 2115. As usual, a mention is made of possible changes to the dates of public holidays which depend on a lunar calendar, "If there is any change of date in respect of Ramzan, Bakrid, Moharrum and Eid Milad-un-Nabi as per the sighting of the Moon or any other holiday of Hindu festival as well, it shall be announced through electronic/print media". Note that the list of public holidays in Andhra Pradesh is very similar to the list of public holidays in the state of Telangana, as Telangana was formed as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014, having been part of Andhra Pradesh until then.
Andhra Pradesh Announces 2025 Public Holidays Government of Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) The Government of India's State of Andhra Pradesh has issued the vide notification G.O.RT. No. 2115, specifying its list of bank holidays, government holidays and public holidays in Andhra Pradesh for the calendar year 2025. As per the aforementioned vide notification, signed by the Chief Secretary to Government, Neerabh Kumar Prasad, "The Government of Andhra Pradesh direct that the days specified in Annexure-I shall be observed as General Holidays by all the State Government offices excluding the holidays falling on Second Saturdays/Sundays shown in Annexure-I(A) and Optional Holidays shown in Annexure-II except the Optional Holidays falling on Second Saturdays/Sundays shown in Annexure-II(A) during the year 2025" and "In addition to the above mentioned General Holidays in Annexure-I, the State Government employees may avail themselves of Optional Holidays not exceeding five (5) during the year 2025 on the festivals / occasions specified in Annexure-II to this order at their option and irrespective of the religion to which the festival pertains to". Interestingly, the May Day public holiday, observed in Andhra Pradesh in 2023 and 2024, is not listed in the vide notification G.O.RT. No. 2115. As usual, a mention is made of possible changes to the dates of public holidays which depend on a lunar calendar, "If there is any change of date in respect of Ramzan, Bakrid, Moharrum and Eid Milad-un-Nabi as per the sighting of the Moon or any other holiday of Hindu festival as well, it shall be announced through electronic/print media". Note that the list of public holidays in Andhra Pradesh is very similar to the list of public holidays in the state of Telangana, as Telangana was formed as the 29th state of India on June 2, 2014, having been part of Andhra Pradesh until then.
Ecuador Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No.474 extending the upcoming New Year public holiday with the declaration of Thursday and Friday, January 2 and 3, 2025, as non-recoverable public holidays for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador. The official communique, announcing Executive Decree No.474 was released by the Secretaría General de Comunicación de la Presidencia and specifies that "The holiday applies to the public and private sectors, with the purpose of incorporating them into the New Year's rest and encouraging the flow of tourists." and that "With this provision, the national holiday will be extended on Wednesday, January 1, Thursday, January 2, Friday, January 3, Saturday, January 4, and Sunday, January 5, 2025.".
Ecuador Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No.474 extending the upcoming New Year public holiday with the declaration of Thursday and Friday, January 2 and 3, 2025, as non-recoverable public holidays for both the private and public sectors of Ecuador. The official communique, announcing Executive Decree No.474 was released by the Secretaría General de Comunicación de la Presidencia and specifies that "The holiday applies to the public and private sectors, with the purpose of incorporating them into the New Year's rest and encouraging the flow of tourists." and that "With this provision, the national holiday will be extended on Wednesday, January 1, Thursday, January 2, Friday, January 3, Saturday, January 4, and Sunday, January 5, 2025.".
Honduras Announces 2024-2025 Year-End Private Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) has announced the dates of public holidays for the Honduran private sector for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. As per point 1 of the aforementioned communique, "In accordance with the end-of-year celebrations, in accordance with the provisions of Article 339 of the Labor Code, the holidays that employers must grant and pay are: Wednesday, December 25, 2024 and Wednesday, January 1, 2025". In the category do as I say not as I do, the communique ends with point 4, which states that "Due to the end-of-year celebrations, the COHEP offices will remain closed from Monday, December 23 to Friday, January 3 of this year, resuming work on Monday, January 6, 2024".
Honduras Announces 2024-2025 Year-End Private Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) has announced the dates of public holidays for the Honduran private sector for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. As per point 1 of the aforementioned communique, "In accordance with the end-of-year celebrations, in accordance with the provisions of Article 339 of the Labor Code, the holidays that employers must grant and pay are: Wednesday, December 25, 2024 and Wednesday, January 1, 2025". In the category do as I say not as I do, the communique ends with point 4, which states that "Due to the end-of-year celebrations, the COHEP offices will remain closed from Monday, December 23 to Friday, January 3 of this year, resuming work on Monday, January 6, 2024".
Austrian Good Friday Public Holiday Update Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (BMEIA) The General Synod of the Austrian Evangelical Church has unanimously passed a resolution calling on the federal government to declare Good Friday a public holiday for all citizens. The list of non-working public holidays in Austria, apart from the list of regional non-working public holidays, one per state, contain 13 annual non-working public holidays to be observed by all in Austria, every year. However, and this is the bone of contention, the act goes on to add a 14th public holiday on Good Friday, but only for members of the Evangelical Church Augsburg Confession, the Evangelical Church Helvetic Confession, the Old Catholic Church and the Evangelical Methodist Church. In 2016, the Court of Appeals for the Vienna Circuit had ruled that a provision in the Act on Rest Periods, the law regulating public holidays in Austria, violated EU law in the manner in which it treats entitlement to the Good Friday holiday in Austria, paving the road for Good Friday to become an annual non-working public holiday for everyone in Austria. And, in early 2019, following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, the Government of Austria had announced that, beginning in 2019, Good Friday would be a general public holiday in Austria, but only from 2pm onward. This led to to unanimous criticism and the Austrian government backtracked, a week later, and instead of making the day a public holiday for all, the Austrian parliament (Nationalrat) voted to revoke the legislation which has existed since 1955, granting a public holiday on Good Friday for Protestant, Methodist and Old Catholic Christians.
Austrian Good Friday Public Holiday Update Austrian Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs (BMEIA) The General Synod of the Austrian Evangelical Church has unanimously passed a resolution calling on the federal government to declare Good Friday a public holiday for all citizens. The list of non-working public holidays in Austria, apart from the list of regional non-working public holidays, one per state, contain 13 annual non-working public holidays to be observed by all in Austria, every year. However, and this is the bone of contention, the act goes on to add a 14th public holiday on Good Friday, but only for members of the Evangelical Church Augsburg Confession, the Evangelical Church Helvetic Confession, the Old Catholic Church and the Evangelical Methodist Church. In 2016, the Court of Appeals for the Vienna Circuit had ruled that a provision in the Act on Rest Periods, the law regulating public holidays in Austria, violated EU law in the manner in which it treats entitlement to the Good Friday holiday in Austria, paving the road for Good Friday to become an annual non-working public holiday for everyone in Austria. And, in early 2019, following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice, the Government of Austria had announced that, beginning in 2019, Good Friday would be a general public holiday in Austria, but only from 2pm onward. This led to to unanimous criticism and the Austrian government backtracked, a week later, and instead of making the day a public holiday for all, the Austrian parliament (Nationalrat) voted to revoke the legislation which has existed since 1955, granting a public holiday on Good Friday for Protestant, Methodist and Old Catholic Christians.
Mongolia Joins UNESCO's List Of Countries Celebrating Novruz Holiday Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) At UNESCO's nineteenth session in Asunción, Paraguay, Mongolia joined the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with a recognition of the Novruz holiday. The Novruz holiday was inscribed onto UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009. Mongolia joins 12 other countries in its recognition of Novruz as part of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage; Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan.
Mongolia Joins UNESCO's List Of Countries Celebrating Novruz Holiday Montsame Agency (Ulaanbaatar) At UNESCO's nineteenth session in Asunción, Paraguay, Mongolia joined the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with a recognition of the Novruz holiday. The Novruz holiday was inscribed onto UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009. Mongolia joins 12 other countries in its recognition of Novruz as part of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage; Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan.
Cuba Declares Forced Holidays Until Further Notice Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) The Cuban government has ordered the cancellation of work activity at non-essential government services and the closure of educational institutions until the national electricity system is restored.
Cuba Declares Forced Holidays Until Further Notice Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) The Cuban government has ordered the cancellation of work activity at non-essential government services and the closure of educational institutions until the national electricity system is restored.
Goa Declares December 8 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 2/1/2017-GAD-III/4742 declaring Sunday, December 8, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946), as a paid public holiday constituencies where a by-election will be held on that date. As per the aforementioned notification, "In pursuance to sub-section (1) of section 40A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No.14 of 1994), the Government of Goa hereby declares Sunday, the 08th December, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946) as a paid holiday being the ‘polling day’ for the Bye Election to Ward No.V of Village Panchayat Nadora, Taluka Bardez, North Goa District in the State of Goa.". The aforementioned notification thus partially amends the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Goa ("The aforesaid paid holiday shall be in addition to the holidays indicated in the Government Notification No.37/4/2023-GAD-III/3993 dated 25/10/2023, published in the Official Gazette, Series II No.31, dated 02/11/2023").
Goa Declares December 8 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 2/1/2017-GAD-III/4742 declaring Sunday, December 8, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946), as a paid public holiday constituencies where a by-election will be held on that date. As per the aforementioned notification, "In pursuance to sub-section (1) of section 40A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No.14 of 1994), the Government of Goa hereby declares Sunday, the 08th December, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946) as a paid holiday being the ‘polling day’ for the Bye Election to Ward No.V of Village Panchayat Nadora, Taluka Bardez, North Goa District in the State of Goa.". The aforementioned notification thus partially amends the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Goa ("The aforesaid paid holiday shall be in addition to the holidays indicated in the Government Notification No.37/4/2023-GAD-III/3993 dated 25/10/2023, published in the Official Gazette, Series II No.31, dated 02/11/2023").
Kazakhstan Rules-Out December 31 Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a statement concerning the possible declaration of Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned statement, "We consider the approval of December 31 as a day off to be inappropriate. At the same time, we note that the ministry is not an authorized body for establishing national and state holidays. The ministry's competence only includes the approval of a list of professional holidays, which in turn are not days off.". Recall that, late last month, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection had announced changes to the list of January 2025 public holidays in a partial release of the upcoming О переносе дня отдыха в 2025 году annual decree, whereby "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025". Usually, the Government of Kazakhstan announces the list of one-off bridge public holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in December for the following year, but no such announcement was made in December 2023, and the draft decree On the postponement of the day of rest in 2024 (О переносе дня отдыха в 2024 году) was only posted on the eGov website of the Government of Kazakhstan on April 12 and officialized on April 18, 2024.
Kazakhstan Rules-Out December 31 Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a statement concerning the possible declaration of Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned statement, "We consider the approval of December 31 as a day off to be inappropriate. At the same time, we note that the ministry is not an authorized body for establishing national and state holidays. The ministry's competence only includes the approval of a list of professional holidays, which in turn are not days off.". Recall that, late last month, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection had announced changes to the list of January 2025 public holidays in a partial release of the upcoming О переносе дня отдыха в 2025 году annual decree, whereby "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025". Usually, the Government of Kazakhstan announces the list of one-off bridge public holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in December for the following year, but no such announcement was made in December 2023, and the draft decree On the postponement of the day of rest in 2024 (О переносе дня отдыха в 2024 году) was only posted on the eGov website of the Government of Kazakhstan on April 12 and officialized on April 18, 2024.
Kuwait Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting of yesterday, issued a decree declaring Thursday, January 2, 2025, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government institutions on account of the upcoming Gregorian New Year. As per the aforementioned decree, "Thursday (January 2) will be a day off as it will fall between two official holidays" and "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Kuwait Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting of yesterday, issued a decree declaring Thursday, January 2, 2025, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government institutions on account of the upcoming Gregorian New Year. As per the aforementioned decree, "Thursday (January 2) will be a day off as it will fall between two official holidays" and "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Maharashtra 2025 Public Holidays Released Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra has announced the list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Maharashtra for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in the Government vide Notification No.PHD-1124/C.R.91/Japuk (29). As per the aforementioned vide notification, "In exercise of the powers of Central Government under section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (XXVI of 1881) entrusted to it by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs vide its Notification No.39/l/68/JUDI-III, dated the 8th May, 1968, the Government of Maharashtra hereby declares the following days as Public Holidays in the State of Maharashtra during the calendar year 2025", adding that "The State Government has also decided to declare following additional holiday for the offices of the State Government, State Public Sector undertakings, Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayat, Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Village Panchayat.". The list of 2025 public holidays in Maharashtra comes a few weeks later than last year's Government vide Notification No.PHD-1123/C.R.148/JPK (Desk-29) which announced the list of 2024 public holidays in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra 2025 Public Holidays Released Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra has announced the list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Maharashtra for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in the Government vide Notification No.PHD-1124/C.R.91/Japuk (29). As per the aforementioned vide notification, "In exercise of the powers of Central Government under section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (XXVI of 1881) entrusted to it by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs vide its Notification No.39/l/68/JUDI-III, dated the 8th May, 1968, the Government of Maharashtra hereby declares the following days as Public Holidays in the State of Maharashtra during the calendar year 2025", adding that "The State Government has also decided to declare following additional holiday for the offices of the State Government, State Public Sector undertakings, Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayat, Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Village Panchayat.". The list of 2025 public holidays in Maharashtra comes a few weeks later than last year's Government vide Notification No.PHD-1123/C.R.148/JPK (Desk-29) which announced the list of 2024 public holidays in Maharashtra.
Iraq Declares December 10 Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's 49th session of the Iraqi Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, the following decision was discussed and subsequently announced; "Declaring Tuesday, December 10, 2024, a public holiday for all ministries and government institutions in celebration of Victory Day and the liberation of Iraq from ISIS terrorist gangs.". The aforementioned announcement is in line with last spring's amended Law On Official Holidays, which was signed by Iraq's President, Abdullatif Rashid.
Iraq Declares December 10 Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's 49th session of the Iraqi Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, the following decision was discussed and subsequently announced; "Declaring Tuesday, December 10, 2024, a public holiday for all ministries and government institutions in celebration of Victory Day and the liberation of Iraq from ISIS terrorist gangs.". The aforementioned announcement is in line with last spring's amended Law On Official Holidays, which was signed by Iraq's President, Abdullatif Rashid.
Maharashtra Declares December 6 Mahaparinirvan Diwas Public Holiday Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The government of India's State of Maharashtra has declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, for all government and semi-government offices to mark Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the 68th death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose birthday, on April 14, is a public holiday in 25 Indian states and union territories. Recall that, last year, the Maharashtra government had similarly declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, to commemorate Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The city of Mumbai traditionally also observes local holidays on Anant Chaturdashi and Gopalkala.
Maharashtra Declares December 6 Mahaparinirvan Diwas Public Holiday Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The government of India's State of Maharashtra has declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, for all government and semi-government offices to mark Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the 68th death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose birthday, on April 14, is a public holiday in 25 Indian states and union territories. Recall that, last year, the Maharashtra government had similarly declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, to commemorate Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The city of Mumbai traditionally also observes local holidays on Anant Chaturdashi and Gopalkala.
Netherlands May 5 Public Holiday Update Netherlands Info Services (Amsterdam) A large majority of the Dutch House of Representatives, led by the NSC, is in favor of making May 5 an annual public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, and has tasked the Cabinet with investigating this possibility. Currently, May 5th is only a general public holiday in the Netherlands every 5 years (2020, 2025, 2030,...). On other years, the status of the holidays depends on sectorial collective bargaining agreements, with the public sector and many large companies generally having the day off. The topic comes back to the fore, on and off again. In 2010, a majority of the parties in the Dutch Parliament had responded favorably to the Dutch Labour (PvdA) leader, Job Cohen, proposing that May 5th should become a general public holiday every year. In 2015, the Comité 4 en 5 mei, the committee which organizes the commemorations for the end of World War II in the Netherlands, had come out in support of the movement to make the May 5th, Liberation Day, public holiday a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Netherlands. In 2019, Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had indicated that the Dutch Cabinet and the House of Representatives wanted as many Dutch employees as possible to be released on the Liberation Day public holiday. Then, in 2021, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had opined that May 5 would soon be a public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, not just the public sector ("Ik heb de indruk dat we daar heel dichtbij zitten"). One option being considered is to cancel the Whit Monday public holiday, in exchange for the declaration of May 5th as a nationwide annual public holiday in the Netherlands.
Netherlands May 5 Public Holiday Update Netherlands Info Services (Amsterdam) A large majority of the Dutch House of Representatives, led by the NSC, is in favor of making May 5 an annual public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, and has tasked the Cabinet with investigating this possibility. Currently, May 5th is only a general public holiday in the Netherlands every 5 years (2020, 2025, 2030,...). On other years, the status of the holidays depends on sectorial collective bargaining agreements, with the public sector and many large companies generally having the day off. The topic comes back to the fore, on and off again. In 2010, a majority of the parties in the Dutch Parliament had responded favorably to the Dutch Labour (PvdA) leader, Job Cohen, proposing that May 5th should become a general public holiday every year. In 2015, the Comité 4 en 5 mei, the committee which organizes the commemorations for the end of World War II in the Netherlands, had come out in support of the movement to make the May 5th, Liberation Day, public holiday a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Netherlands. In 2019, Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had indicated that the Dutch Cabinet and the House of Representatives wanted as many Dutch employees as possible to be released on the Liberation Day public holiday. Then, in 2021, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had opined that May 5 would soon be a public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, not just the public sector ("Ik heb de indruk dat we daar heel dichtbij zitten"). One option being considered is to cancel the Whit Monday public holiday, in exchange for the declaration of May 5th as a nationwide annual public holiday in the Netherlands.
Pakistan Declares December 5 Electoral Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Deputy Commissioner’s Office of the Sheikhupura district of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has declared a public holiday on Thursday, December 5, 2024, on account of the upcoming by-election in the Punjab Assembly constituency of PP-139 Ferozewala.
Pakistan Declares December 5 Electoral Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Deputy Commissioner’s Office of the Sheikhupura district of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has declared a public holiday on Thursday, December 5, 2024, on account of the upcoming by-election in the Punjab Assembly constituency of PP-139 Ferozewala.
Philippines Postpones Next Barangay Elections Until 2029 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) A bill that to extend the term of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials' term of office from 3 to 6 years has been approved at the committee level in the Philippines House of Representatives. Under the terms of the aforementioned bill, Section 42 of Republic Act No. 7160 will be amended to hold the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections by the second Monday of May 2029, instead of in October 2026. Normally, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections occur every 3 years, and are usually accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Philippines Postpones Next Barangay Elections Until 2029 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) A bill that to extend the term of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials' term of office from 3 to 6 years has been approved at the committee level in the Philippines House of Representatives. Under the terms of the aforementioned bill, Section 42 of Republic Act No. 7160 will be amended to hold the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections by the second Monday of May 2029, instead of in October 2026. Normally, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections occur every 3 years, and are usually accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Angolan Public Holidays December 3-4 For President Biden's Visit Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Social Communication Office of the State Government of Luanda has issued the communiqué Observância de Tolerância de Ponto a Nível da Província de Luanda Nos Dias 3 e 4 de Dezembro declaring public holidays for both the public and private sector, throughout the Province of Luanda, on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 3 and 4, 2024, on account of the visit to Angloa of US President Joe Biden. Asper the aforementioned communique, the measure is justified "considering the importance of the arrival of several entities of the highest political and economic relevance in the world", which "will carry out an intense working day in different parts of the City of Luanda".
Angolan Public Holidays December 3-4 For President Biden's Visit Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Social Communication Office of the State Government of Luanda has issued the communiqué Observância de Tolerância de Ponto a Nível da Província de Luanda Nos Dias 3 e 4 de Dezembro declaring public holidays for both the public and private sector, throughout the Province of Luanda, on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 3 and 4, 2024, on account of the visit to Angloa of US President Joe Biden. Asper the aforementioned communique, the measure is justified "considering the importance of the arrival of several entities of the highest political and economic relevance in the world", which "will carry out an intense working day in different parts of the City of Luanda".
Burkina Faso's PM Questions December 11 Independence Day Public Holiday Date Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambèla, in a lengthy speech given earlier today, has questioned the choice of December 11 as the date of the annual public holiday marking Burkina Faso's Independence Day. As per the aforementioned speech, "L’indépendance du pays a été proclamée le 5 août 1960. Pourquoi alors célébrer encore l’indépendance le 11 décembre ?".
Burkina Faso's PM Questions December 11 Independence Day Public Holiday Date Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambèla, in a lengthy speech given earlier today, has questioned the choice of December 11 as the date of the annual public holiday marking Burkina Faso's Independence Day. As per the aforementioned speech, "L’indépendance du pays a été proclamée le 5 août 1960. Pourquoi alors célébrer encore l’indépendance le 11 décembre ?".
Mauritius Union Calls For January 3 A Public Holiday In 2025 Mauritius News Information Portal (Port-Louis) Mauritius' General Workers Federation (GWF) has sent a letter to Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, asking for Friday, January 3, 2025, to be declared a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned letter, "Un jour de congé additionnel est nécessaire pour les citoyens qui ont fait confiance à son leadership et à la vision de l’Alliance du Changement lors des élections générales. Ce sera également un jour de repos supplémentaire pour de nombreux travailleurs mauriciens qui travaillent dur et leur permettra de socialiser avec leurs familles.". Recall that, in 2022, then Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, had declared Monday, January 3, 2022, a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, due to the annual January 1st and 2nd public holidays both falling on the weekend. In a similar manner, Monday, January 3, 2011, had also been declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, when then Prime Minister Ramgoolam realized that the annual public holidays of January 1 and 2 both fell on a weekend in 2011. However, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2012, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, as only January 1st fell on a weekend, and in 2017, which started on the same weekday as 2012, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2017, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius either.
Mauritius Union Calls For January 3 A Public Holiday In 2025 Mauritius News Information Portal (Port-Louis) Mauritius' General Workers Federation (GWF) has sent a letter to Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, asking for Friday, January 3, 2025, to be declared a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned letter, "Un jour de congé additionnel est nécessaire pour les citoyens qui ont fait confiance à son leadership et à la vision de l’Alliance du Changement lors des élections générales. Ce sera également un jour de repos supplémentaire pour de nombreux travailleurs mauriciens qui travaillent dur et leur permettra de socialiser avec leurs familles.". Recall that, in 2022, then Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, had declared Monday, January 3, 2022, a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, due to the annual January 1st and 2nd public holidays both falling on the weekend. In a similar manner, Monday, January 3, 2011, had also been declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, when then Prime Minister Ramgoolam realized that the annual public holidays of January 1 and 2 both fell on a weekend in 2011. However, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2012, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, as only January 1st fell on a weekend, and in 2017, which started on the same weekday as 2012, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2017, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius either.
Western Australia Declares 2025 King's Birthday Public Holiday Date Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The Government of the State of Western Australia has announced that "The Governor has declared that the Celebration Day for the Anniversary of the Birthday of the Reigning Sovereign (King’s Birthday public holiday) will be observed in 2025 on Monday 29 September". As usual, "local governments interested in having an alternative date declared for the King’s Birthday public holiday in 2025 should provide a written request" before Friday, December 20, 2024. Recall that, this year, the King's Birthday public holiday was observed on Monday, August 5, 2024, in the City of Karratha and on Monday, August 12, 2024, in the Town of Port Hedland.
Western Australia Declares 2025 King's Birthday Public Holiday Date Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The Government of the State of Western Australia has announced that "The Governor has declared that the Celebration Day for the Anniversary of the Birthday of the Reigning Sovereign (King’s Birthday public holiday) will be observed in 2025 on Monday 29 September". As usual, "local governments interested in having an alternative date declared for the King’s Birthday public holiday in 2025 should provide a written request" before Friday, December 20, 2024. Recall that, this year, the King's Birthday public holiday was observed on Monday, August 5, 2024, in the City of Karratha and on Monday, August 12, 2024, in the Town of Port Hedland.
Bangladesh August 15 Public Holiday Update Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Appellate Division has stayed the 2008 High Court (HC) order that declared August 15 as a national holiday in observance of National Mourning Day. Recall that, shortly after last summer's military coup, the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's military government, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, had announced the cancellation of the annual August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the overthrown Awami League administration. The August 15 public holiday marking the anniversary of the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has had a turbulent past. It had been declared a public holiday in 1996 when Rahman's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, was prime minister. But a new government led by Hasina's rival, Khaleda Zia, canceled the holiday in late 2001, effective as of 2002. In 2008, following a ruling by the High Court on the constitutionality of the cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the interim government of Bangladesh, announced on August 10, 2008, that the cabinet had decided to restore the date of August 15th as a public holiday. Note that, in 2001, as well as cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the Khaleda Zia administration also canceled the March 17 public holiday marking Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Anniversary, and in last October's list of 2025 public holidays, both March 17 and august 15 were absent as public holidays.
Bangladesh August 15 Public Holiday Update Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Appellate Division has stayed the 2008 High Court (HC) order that declared August 15 as a national holiday in observance of National Mourning Day. Recall that, shortly after last summer's military coup, the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's military government, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, had announced the cancellation of the annual August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the overthrown Awami League administration. The August 15 public holiday marking the anniversary of the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has had a turbulent past. It had been declared a public holiday in 1996 when Rahman's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, was prime minister. But a new government led by Hasina's rival, Khaleda Zia, canceled the holiday in late 2001, effective as of 2002. In 2008, following a ruling by the High Court on the constitutionality of the cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the interim government of Bangladesh, announced on August 10, 2008, that the cabinet had decided to restore the date of August 15th as a public holiday. Note that, in 2001, as well as cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the Khaleda Zia administration also canceled the March 17 public holiday marking Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Anniversary, and in last October's list of 2025 public holidays, both March 17 and august 15 were absent as public holidays.
Swaziland Little Incwala Today Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The acting Governor of the Ludzidzini Royal Residence has announced the start of the annual Little Incwala, attended by King Mswati III, today. The Little Incwala is followed by the main Incwala dance, which is an annual non-working public holiday in Swaziland, whose actual date is usually announced only a few days beforehand. Due to the complex nature of the rule used to specify the date of the Incwala main day, and its related public holiday, the Incwala public holiday sometimes occurs twice in a year (as will be the case in 2026, 2029, 2034, ...). On the other hand some years it does not occur at all, as will be the case in 2025, 2028, 2033, ... Based on our calculations, we estimate that the upcoming Incwala public holiday will be announced for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Swaziland Little Incwala Today Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The acting Governor of the Ludzidzini Royal Residence has announced the start of the annual Little Incwala, attended by King Mswati III, today. The Little Incwala is followed by the main Incwala dance, which is an annual non-working public holiday in Swaziland, whose actual date is usually announced only a few days beforehand. Due to the complex nature of the rule used to specify the date of the Incwala main day, and its related public holiday, the Incwala public holiday sometimes occurs twice in a year (as will be the case in 2026, 2029, 2034, ...). On the other hand some years it does not occur at all, as will be the case in 2025, 2028, 2033, ... Based on our calculations, we estimate that the upcoming Incwala public holiday will be announced for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Uzbekistan Announces Extended Constitution Day and New Year's Eve Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Government of Uzbekistan has announced that the upcoming Constitution Day public holiday would run for 3 consecutive days, from Saturday until Monday, December 7-9, 2024. As for the working day of Monday, December 30, 2024, it was moved to Saturday, December 14, 2024, as per last December's decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, declaring additional public holidays in Uzbekistan during the calendar year 2024 (Об установлении дополнительных нерабочих дней в период празднования официальных дат и переносе выходных дней в 2024 году).
Uzbekistan Announces Extended Constitution Day and New Year's Eve Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Government of Uzbekistan has announced that the upcoming Constitution Day public holiday would run for 3 consecutive days, from Saturday until Monday, December 7-9, 2024. As for the working day of Monday, December 30, 2024, it was moved to Saturday, December 14, 2024, as per last December's decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, declaring additional public holidays in Uzbekistan during the calendar year 2024 (Об установлении дополнительных нерабочих дней в период празднования официальных дат и переносе выходных дней в 2024 году).
Punjab Guru Tegh Bahadur Public Holiday December 6 Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of the Indian State of Punjab has declared December 6, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The aforementioned announcement is in line with last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024. Recall that, a week ago, the Government of India's neighboring Union Territory of Chandigarh had announced that the date of its upcoming restricted public holiday for the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur was to be moved from November 24, to December 6, 2024 "in partial modification of this Administration's Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2023/17123, dated 15.12.2023 regarding declaring of Restricted Holidays in the Union Territory of Chandigarh during the calendar year 2024".
Punjab Guru Tegh Bahadur Public Holiday December 6 Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of the Indian State of Punjab has declared December 6, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The aforementioned announcement is in line with last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024. Recall that, a week ago, the Government of India's neighboring Union Territory of Chandigarh had announced that the date of its upcoming restricted public holiday for the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur was to be moved from November 24, to December 6, 2024 "in partial modification of this Administration's Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2023/17123, dated 15.12.2023 regarding declaring of Restricted Holidays in the Union Territory of Chandigarh during the calendar year 2024".
UK Announces 2027 Bank and Public Holidays GOV.UK The government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has published the list of 2027 bank holidays and public holidays in the United Kingdom, in the 3 following lists; "Bank holidays in England and Wales 2027", "Bank holidays in Scotland 2027", and "Bank holidays in Northern Ireland 2027". As usual, the aforementioned announcement, also available in Welsh, specifies that "If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday" but that "Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays". Fans of Outlander will be interested to learn, from the Welsh version of the list of 2027 UK bank holidays, that English is translated to Saesneg in Welsh.
UK Announces 2027 Bank and Public Holidays GOV.UK The government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has published the list of 2027 bank holidays and public holidays in the United Kingdom, in the 3 following lists; "Bank holidays in England and Wales 2027", "Bank holidays in Scotland 2027", and "Bank holidays in Northern Ireland 2027". As usual, the aforementioned announcement, also available in Welsh, specifies that "If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday" but that "Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays". Fans of Outlander will be interested to learn, from the Welsh version of the list of 2027 UK bank holidays, that English is translated to Saesneg in Welsh.
Chad Declares December 1-2 Public Holidays Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Ministre de la Fonction Publique et de la concertation sociale, Abdoulaye Mbodou Mbami, has issued a communiqué declaring Sunday, December 1st, 2024, a as public holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "en application de l'article 2 du décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, du 07 mars 2019, modifiant l’article 2 du décret N°413/PR/ M/MEPTEM/97 du 30 septembre 1997, portant révision de la liste et du régime des jours fériés et chômés, le ministre de la Fonction publique et de la Concertation sociale, a l'honneur de porter à la connaissance des travailleuses et travailleurs des secteurs public et privé que le journée du dimanche 1er décembre 2024, journée de la liberté et de la démocratie, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur l'ensemble du territoire national". Additionally, and also in line with the décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, the Minister informs the population that Monday, December 2, 2024, is also "déclarée chômée et payée sur l’étendue du territoire national". Note that the aforementioned communiqué does not point out that the next day shall be a regular working day, as is often the case.
Chad Declares December 1-2 Public Holidays Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Ministre de la Fonction Publique et de la concertation sociale, Abdoulaye Mbodou Mbami, has issued a communiqué declaring Sunday, December 1st, 2024, a as public holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "en application de l'article 2 du décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, du 07 mars 2019, modifiant l’article 2 du décret N°413/PR/ M/MEPTEM/97 du 30 septembre 1997, portant révision de la liste et du régime des jours fériés et chômés, le ministre de la Fonction publique et de la Concertation sociale, a l'honneur de porter à la connaissance des travailleuses et travailleurs des secteurs public et privé que le journée du dimanche 1er décembre 2024, journée de la liberté et de la démocratie, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur l'ensemble du territoire national". Additionally, and also in line with the décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, the Minister informs the population that Monday, December 2, 2024, is also "déclarée chômée et payée sur l’étendue du territoire national". Note that the aforementioned communiqué does not point out that the next day shall be a regular working day, as is often the case.
Neuchâtel Releases List of 2026 Public Holidays République et canton de Neuchâtel (Neuchâtel) The Swiss Canton of Neuchâtel has released its list of 2026 public holidays (Jours fériés officiels dans le Canton de Neuchâtel - jours de repos assimilés au dimanche selon la loi sur le dimanche et les jours fériés du 30 septembre 1991 (RSN 941.02)) as well as the much longer list of cantonal public sector holidays (Jours fériés dans l'administration cantonale). As usual the aforementioned announcement specifies that "le 2 janvier et le 26 décembre sont fériés lorsque le 1er janvier respectivement le jour de Noël tombent un dimanche" and that "les magasins sont fermés le dimanche et les jours fériés, ainsi que le lundi de Pâques, le lundi de Pentecôte, et le lundi du Jeûne fédéral. Quant au 2 janvier et au 26 décembre, les magasins peuvent ouvrir pour autant que le 1er janvier, respectivement le 25 décembre, ne tombent pas un dimanche".
Neuchâtel Releases List of 2026 Public Holidays République et canton de Neuchâtel (Neuchâtel) The Swiss Canton of Neuchâtel has released its list of 2026 public holidays (Jours fériés officiels dans le Canton de Neuchâtel - jours de repos assimilés au dimanche selon la loi sur le dimanche et les jours fériés du 30 septembre 1991 (RSN 941.02)) as well as the much longer list of cantonal public sector holidays (Jours fériés dans l'administration cantonale). As usual the aforementioned announcement specifies that "le 2 janvier et le 26 décembre sont fériés lorsque le 1er janvier respectivement le jour de Noël tombent un dimanche" and that "les magasins sont fermés le dimanche et les jours fériés, ainsi que le lundi de Pâques, le lundi de Pentecôte, et le lundi du Jeûne fédéral. Quant au 2 janvier et au 26 décembre, les magasins peuvent ouvrir pour autant que le 1er janvier, respectivement le 25 décembre, ne tombent pas un dimanche".
NSW Newcastle Show Day Update NSW Government (Sydney) The Council of City of Newcastle, in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), has reported on its recent community feedback outreach, asking people who live, work, and run businesses in Newcastle, whether they support holding a Local Public Holiday for the Newcastle Show on Friday 28 February 2025. Based on the positive response, the City of Newcastle plans to make another application to the NSW Government for Newcastle Regional Show Day to be declared a Local Public Holiday or Local Event Day given its significance to the local community. Recall that, last February, the Industrial Relations Minister of New South Wales has rejected the Newcastle city council's request to declare Newcastle Show Day as a local public holiday. The Newcastle city council had made the request last November, hoping to create an extra long weekend at the beginning of March 2024.
NSW Newcastle Show Day Update NSW Government (Sydney) The Council of City of Newcastle, in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), has reported on its recent community feedback outreach, asking people who live, work, and run businesses in Newcastle, whether they support holding a Local Public Holiday for the Newcastle Show on Friday 28 February 2025. Based on the positive response, the City of Newcastle plans to make another application to the NSW Government for Newcastle Regional Show Day to be declared a Local Public Holiday or Local Event Day given its significance to the local community. Recall that, last February, the Industrial Relations Minister of New South Wales has rejected the Newcastle city council's request to declare Newcastle Show Day as a local public holiday. The Newcastle city council had made the request last November, hoping to create an extra long weekend at the beginning of March 2024.
Nicaragua Extends Extends Immaculate Conception Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) has announced that the Government of Nicaragua had declared Sunday, December 8, 2024, a national public holiday for all workers in the public and private sectors, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Law No. 290, Ley de Organización, Competencia y procedimientos del Poder Ejecutivo, and article 66 of the Law No. 185 (Código del Trabajo). The aforementioned communiqué states in its article 1 that "Sunday, December 8 of this year, is declared a NATIONAL HOLIDAY for all workers in the public and private sectors of the country so that Nicaraguan families may participate in the celebrations of the Immaculate Conception of Mary" and adds in article 2 that "Since December 8, 2024 coincides with the seventh day, in accordance with article 68 of the labor code, it will be compensated with Monday, December 9 of the current year and the worker who works will be paid as an extraordinary day of work; all workers in the country will return to their daily work on Tuesday, December 10, 2024".
Nicaragua Extends Extends Immaculate Conception Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) has announced that the Government of Nicaragua had declared Sunday, December 8, 2024, a national public holiday for all workers in the public and private sectors, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Law No. 290, Ley de Organización, Competencia y procedimientos del Poder Ejecutivo, and article 66 of the Law No. 185 (Código del Trabajo). The aforementioned communiqué states in its article 1 that "Sunday, December 8 of this year, is declared a NATIONAL HOLIDAY for all workers in the public and private sectors of the country so that Nicaraguan families may participate in the celebrations of the Immaculate Conception of Mary" and adds in article 2 that "Since December 8, 2024 coincides with the seventh day, in accordance with article 68 of the labor code, it will be compensated with Monday, December 9 of the current year and the worker who works will be paid as an extraordinary day of work; all workers in the country will return to their daily work on Tuesday, December 10, 2024".
Ontario Rules-Out September 30 Public Holiday The Government of the Province of Ontario (Toronto) The Indigenous affairs minister of the Government of Canada's Province of Ontario has announced that the Ford government will not support a New Democrat's bill to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday in the province. However, Minister Greg Rickford did add that "We are not prepared to support a holiday for now". The aforementioned bill was submitted, by New Democrat deputy leader, Sol Mamakwa, earlier this month, and had its second reading and debate last night. Recall that, already in 2021, the then Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs had announced that the Ontario government would not make the then new federal public sector holiday of September 30, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a provincial statutory holiday. Bill C-5 which declared September 30, a new annual federal public holiday in Canada was added to the list of annual Canadian bank holidays, in 2021, though. The Province of Ontario currently observes 9 public holidays, after adding Family Day as a public holiday on the third Monday of February, beginning in 2008.
Ontario Rules-Out September 30 Public Holiday The Government of the Province of Ontario (Toronto) The Indigenous affairs minister of the Government of Canada's Province of Ontario has announced that the Ford government will not support a New Democrat's bill to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday in the province. However, Minister Greg Rickford did add that "We are not prepared to support a holiday for now". The aforementioned bill was submitted, by New Democrat deputy leader, Sol Mamakwa, earlier this month, and had its second reading and debate last night. Recall that, already in 2021, the then Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs had announced that the Ontario government would not make the then new federal public sector holiday of September 30, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a provincial statutory holiday. Bill C-5 which declared September 30, a new annual federal public holiday in Canada was added to the list of annual Canadian bank holidays, in 2021, though. The Province of Ontario currently observes 9 public holidays, after adding Family Day as a public holiday on the third Monday of February, beginning in 2008.
Sweden 2025 Bank Holidays Holidays Announced Sveriges Riksbank (Stockholm) Sweden's Central Bank (Sveriges Riksbank) has released its list of bank holidays in Sweden with the announcement of Swedish bank holidays, as well as public holidays in Sweden, for the calendar year 2025.
Sweden 2025 Bank Holidays Holidays Announced Sveriges Riksbank (Stockholm) Sweden's Central Bank (Sveriges Riksbank) has released its list of bank holidays in Sweden with the announcement of Swedish bank holidays, as well as public holidays in Sweden, for the calendar year 2025.
Thailand Adds 2025 and 2026 Bank Holidays The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The Bank of Thailand (Thailand's Central Bank) has announced that Monday, June 2, and Monday, August 11, 2025, would be bank holidays as well as "additional special holiday for financial institutions and Special Financial Institutions", matching the recent decision by the Thai Cabinet declaring two additional one-off public holidays for the calendar year 2025. Note that the aforementioned decision by the Thai Cabinet also declared an additional one-off public holiday for the calendar year 2026, to which today's announcement by the Bank of Thailand makes no reference.
Thailand Adds 2025 and 2026 Bank Holidays The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The Bank of Thailand (Thailand's Central Bank) has announced that Monday, June 2, and Monday, August 11, 2025, would be bank holidays as well as "additional special holiday for financial institutions and Special Financial Institutions", matching the recent decision by the Thai Cabinet declaring two additional one-off public holidays for the calendar year 2025. Note that the aforementioned decision by the Thai Cabinet also declared an additional one-off public holiday for the calendar year 2026, to which today's announcement by the Bank of Thailand makes no reference.
Azerbaijan Extends Year-End 2024-2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan had issued a decision that "in order to ensure the consistency of working days and weekends, December 30, 2024 and January 3, 2025 were rearranged from December 28 and 29, 2024, respectively", in line with part 2 of the Presidential Decree 489 of 2006 (О внесении изменения в Трудовой кодекс Азербайджанской Республики). Recall that, last year, Prime Ministe Ali Asadov had similarly announced that a Cabinet decision that "In order to ensure the consistency of working and non-working days, the weekends of December 30, 2023 and January 7, 2024 will be moved to the working days of January 4 and 5, 2024, respectively", although the Central Bank of Azerbaijan subsequently announced that branches and offices of banks, as well as currency exchange offices would work on the aforementioned public holidays of January 4 and 5, 2024.
Azerbaijan Extends Year-End 2024-2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan had issued a decision that "in order to ensure the consistency of working days and weekends, December 30, 2024 and January 3, 2025 were rearranged from December 28 and 29, 2024, respectively", in line with part 2 of the Presidential Decree 489 of 2006 (О внесении изменения в Трудовой кодекс Азербайджанской Республики). Recall that, last year, Prime Ministe Ali Asadov had similarly announced that a Cabinet decision that "In order to ensure the consistency of working and non-working days, the weekends of December 30, 2023 and January 7, 2024 will be moved to the working days of January 4 and 5, 2024, respectively", although the Central Bank of Azerbaijan subsequently announced that branches and offices of banks, as well as currency exchange offices would work on the aforementioned public holidays of January 4 and 5, 2024.
Ghana Declares December 6 Public Holiday Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, has issued the press statement Declaration of Friday, 6th December, 2024 as a Statutory Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 6th December, 2024 which marks Farmers’ Day, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country". Recall that, at the beginning of the month, the very same Minister Henry Quartey, had issued the press statement Friday, 8th November 2024 not a Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 8th November 2024, is NOT a Public Holiday even though the 2024 National Farmers’ Day will be observed on that day", going on to add that "However, Friday, 6th December 2024, which marks Farmers’ Day, remains a Statutory Public Holiday and will be observed as such throughout the country". Every election year, Farmers' Day is moved to the first Friday of November, while the associated public holiday remains on the first Friday of December, and is in line with the list of 2024 public holidays in Ghana, as announced in the "Statutory Public Holidays And Commemorative Days In The Republic Of Ghana For The Year 2024", released earlier this year. The general confusion about this mechanism, can cause the government to issue conflicting announcements about Farmer's Day, by separate ministries, as was the case in 2020 and 2016.
Ghana Declares December 6 Public Holiday Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, has issued the press statement Declaration of Friday, 6th December, 2024 as a Statutory Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 6th December, 2024 which marks Farmers’ Day, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country". Recall that, at the beginning of the month, the very same Minister Henry Quartey, had issued the press statement Friday, 8th November 2024 not a Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 8th November 2024, is NOT a Public Holiday even though the 2024 National Farmers’ Day will be observed on that day", going on to add that "However, Friday, 6th December 2024, which marks Farmers’ Day, remains a Statutory Public Holiday and will be observed as such throughout the country". Every election year, Farmers' Day is moved to the first Friday of November, while the associated public holiday remains on the first Friday of December, and is in line with the list of 2024 public holidays in Ghana, as announced in the "Statutory Public Holidays And Commemorative Days In The Republic Of Ghana For The Year 2024", released earlier this year. The general confusion about this mechanism, can cause the government to issue conflicting announcements about Farmer's Day, by separate ministries, as was the case in 2020 and 2016.
Poland's Sejm Approves New Christmas Eve Public Holiday Polskie Radio (Warsaw) Poland's lower house of parliament, the Sejm, has approved with a cross-party vote of 403 MPs (out of 425), the current bill declaring December 24 (Christmas Eve) as a new annual public holiday beginning in 2025. In its latest incarnation, the bill also would allow shops to open on the 3 Sundays that precede Christmas (currently shops can only open on the 2 Sundays before Christmas). The bill now proceeds to the Senate, which can suggest amendments but not block the legislation, before being receiving presidential ascent, or not. As we reported in the past, President Andrzej Duda has expressed support for the addition of a public holiday on December 24. However he is against the increase in the number of shopping Sundays and could veto the bill for that reason. Currently, Christmas Eve is a working day in the Polish retail sector until 14:00 (2pm). The last permanent change to the list of Poland's public holidays was in 2010 when the Polish Parliament approved a draft amendment to the Labour Law and Bill on Holidays, which re-established Epiphany as an official non-working public holiday, beginning in 2011. Until then, Epiphany had been the only religious public holiday not restored since Poland regained its independence in 1991.
Poland's Sejm Approves New Christmas Eve Public Holiday Polskie Radio (Warsaw) Poland's lower house of parliament, the Sejm, has approved with a cross-party vote of 403 MPs (out of 425), the current bill declaring December 24 (Christmas Eve) as a new annual public holiday beginning in 2025. In its latest incarnation, the bill also would allow shops to open on the 3 Sundays that precede Christmas (currently shops can only open on the 2 Sundays before Christmas). The bill now proceeds to the Senate, which can suggest amendments but not block the legislation, before being receiving presidential ascent, or not. As we reported in the past, President Andrzej Duda has expressed support for the addition of a public holiday on December 24. However he is against the increase in the number of shopping Sundays and could veto the bill for that reason. Currently, Christmas Eve is a working day in the Polish retail sector until 14:00 (2pm). The last permanent change to the list of Poland's public holidays was in 2010 when the Polish Parliament approved a draft amendment to the Labour Law and Bill on Holidays, which re-established Epiphany as an official non-working public holiday, beginning in 2011. Until then, Epiphany had been the only religious public holiday not restored since Poland regained its independence in 1991.
Slovenian 2025 Public Holidays Announced Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The Government of Slovenia has announced its annual official list of Slovenian bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Slovenia for the calendar year 2025. The aforementioned list now lists the former Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day national holiday of September 15 under the name Incorporation of Primorska into the Motherland Day. Recall that, on September 10, the lower house of the National Assembly of Slovenia had approved a proposal to amend the law on holidays and work on days off by renaming the September 15, Day of Restoration of the Primorska Region to the Motherland holiday as the Return of Primorska to the Motherland. But on September 16, the upper chamber of Slovenia's National Assembly rejected the legislation to rename the Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day holiday. The lower house needed a absolute majority vote to override the upper house's veto and, indeed, in late October, it overrode the previous month's veto by the upper chamber, leading to today's announcement. Note that, in any event, the government announcement clearly states that "National holidays in the Republic of Slovenia are work-free days, except Primož Trubar Day, Day of Slovenes in Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother Nation, Day of Integration of Primorska into the Homeland, Slovenian Sports Day, Sovereignty Day and Rudolf Maister Day, which are not work-free days".
Slovenian 2025 Public Holidays Announced Slovenska tiskovna agencija (Ljubljana) The Government of Slovenia has announced its annual official list of Slovenian bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Slovenia for the calendar year 2025. The aforementioned list now lists the former Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day national holiday of September 15 under the name Incorporation of Primorska into the Motherland Day. Recall that, on September 10, the lower house of the National Assembly of Slovenia had approved a proposal to amend the law on holidays and work on days off by renaming the September 15, Day of Restoration of the Primorska Region to the Motherland holiday as the Return of Primorska to the Motherland. But on September 16, the upper chamber of Slovenia's National Assembly rejected the legislation to rename the Return of Primorska to the Motherland Day holiday. The lower house needed a absolute majority vote to override the upper house's veto and, indeed, in late October, it overrode the previous month's veto by the upper chamber, leading to today's announcement. Note that, in any event, the government announcement clearly states that "National holidays in the Republic of Slovenia are work-free days, except Primož Trubar Day, Day of Slovenes in Prekmurje Incorporated into the Mother Nation, Day of Integration of Primorska into the Homeland, Slovenian Sports Day, Sovereignty Day and Rudolf Maister Day, which are not work-free days".
Azerbaijan Declares January 29 Electoral Public Holiday Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) Azerbaijan's CEC chairman, Mazakhir Panakhov, has announced that it will hold its nationwide municipal elections on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and that as per the 2003 amendment of the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan the day of elections and referenda in Azerbaijan are non-working public holidays. Recall that up to 2019, municipal elections were held every 5 years on December 23.
Azerbaijan Declares January 29 Electoral Public Holiday Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) Azerbaijan's CEC chairman, Mazakhir Panakhov, has announced that it will hold its nationwide municipal elections on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and that as per the 2003 amendment of the Election Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan the day of elections and referenda in Azerbaijan are non-working public holidays. Recall that up to 2019, municipal elections were held every 5 years on December 23.
Liberia Declares V.S. Tubman Public Holiday November 29 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Friday, November 29, 2024, as a public holiday in Liberia to mark the 129th Birth Anniversary of William V. S. Tubman, and to be observed throughout the Republic of Liberia as a national holiday. The aforementioned proclamation orders and directs that all government offices, business houses and market places be closed on Friday, November 29, 2024, from six o’clock ante meridian to six o’clock post meridian. The Birth anniversary of former President William V.S. Tubman was set aside as an annual non-working public holiday by the 42nd Legislature, but such last-minute re-confirmation of annual public holidays are a staple of the Liberian public holidays calendar. On some occasions, a day in lieu might be declared, as happened in 2020, when then President of Liberia, George Manneh Weah, issued a Proclamation declaring Sunday, November 29, 2020, as a public holiday in Liberia, with the additional specification that, due to November 29 falling on a Sunday, "President Weah has ordered and directed that all government ministries, agencies, business houses, and market places be closed on Monday, November 30, 2020".
Liberia Declares V.S. Tubman Public Holiday November 29 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Monrovia) The President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has issued a Proclamation declaring Friday, November 29, 2024, as a public holiday in Liberia to mark the 129th Birth Anniversary of William V. S. Tubman, and to be observed throughout the Republic of Liberia as a national holiday. The aforementioned proclamation orders and directs that all government offices, business houses and market places be closed on Friday, November 29, 2024, from six o’clock ante meridian to six o’clock post meridian. The Birth anniversary of former President William V.S. Tubman was set aside as an annual non-working public holiday by the 42nd Legislature, but such last-minute re-confirmation of annual public holidays are a staple of the Liberian public holidays calendar. On some occasions, a day in lieu might be declared, as happened in 2020, when then President of Liberia, George Manneh Weah, issued a Proclamation declaring Sunday, November 29, 2020, as a public holiday in Liberia, with the additional specification that, due to November 29 falling on a Sunday, "President Weah has ordered and directed that all government ministries, agencies, business houses, and market places be closed on Monday, November 30, 2020".
Mauritania Extends Extends Independence Day Public Holiday Journal Officiel de la République Islamique de Mauritanie (Noakchott) Maurtitania's Présidence de la République issued a decree declaring Friday, November 29, 2024, as an additional one-off public holiday in Mauritania to link the November 28, Independence Day, public holiday with the subsequent weekend ("le vendredi 29 novembre 2024 sera un jour férié et payé sur toute l’étendue du territoire national"). Mauritania changed it weekends from Saturday-Sunday to Thursday-Friday in 1983 and then to Friday-Saturday in 2001, returning to Saturday-Sunday weekends in 2005, back to Friday-Saturday in 2008, and then to Saturday-Sunday in 2014.
Mauritania Extends Extends Independence Day Public Holiday Journal Officiel de la République Islamique de Mauritanie (Noakchott) Maurtitania's Présidence de la République issued a decree declaring Friday, November 29, 2024, as an additional one-off public holiday in Mauritania to link the November 28, Independence Day, public holiday with the subsequent weekend ("le vendredi 29 novembre 2024 sera un jour férié et payé sur toute l’étendue du territoire national"). Mauritania changed it weekends from Saturday-Sunday to Thursday-Friday in 1983 and then to Friday-Saturday in 2001, returning to Saturday-Sunday weekends in 2005, back to Friday-Saturday in 2008, and then to Saturday-Sunday in 2014.
Samoa Extends Upcoming Year-End Public Holidays Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Cabinet has approved 4 additional year-end public sector holidays in conjunction with the upcoming Christmas and New Year annual public holidays. As per the press statement released by the Public Service Commission, "the approved dates for Commission Holidays to be observed concurrently with Christmas and New Year Public Holidays are; Friday 27 December 2024, Monday 30 December 2024, Tuesday 31 December 2024 and Friday 3 January 2025", adding that "This year's last official business day for the government will be Tuesday 24 December 2024" and that "All government ministries and agencies will resume normal business hours at 9.00am on Monday 6 January 2025".
Samoa Extends Upcoming Year-End Public Holidays Samoan Ministry Of Commerce, Industry And Labour (Matagaluega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia, Leipa) The Samoan Cabinet has approved 4 additional year-end public sector holidays in conjunction with the upcoming Christmas and New Year annual public holidays. As per the press statement released by the Public Service Commission, "the approved dates for Commission Holidays to be observed concurrently with Christmas and New Year Public Holidays are; Friday 27 December 2024, Monday 30 December 2024, Tuesday 31 December 2024 and Friday 3 January 2025", adding that "This year's last official business day for the government will be Tuesday 24 December 2024" and that "All government ministries and agencies will resume normal business hours at 9.00am on Monday 6 January 2025".
Yemen Declares November 30 Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has declared Saturday, November 30, 2024, an official public holiday on the occasion of the anniversary of Independence Day, as per Law No. (2) of 2000, Article No. (3), Paragraph (7) regarding official holidays and vacations.
Yemen Declares November 30 Public Holiday Yemen News Agency (SABA) Yemen's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Development has declared Saturday, November 30, 2024, an official public holiday on the occasion of the anniversary of Independence Day, as per Law No. (2) of 2000, Article No. (3), Paragraph (7) regarding official holidays and vacations.
Assam 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Assam (Dispur) The cabinet of the Government of India's state of Assam has approved the list of non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in a government notification to be gazetted shortly ("The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare that the offices under the Government of Assam and all Revenue and Magisterial Courts in Assam will remain closed on the following days during the year 2025."). Commention on the aforementioned announcement, Assam Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, mentioned 36 holidays for government employees, as well as 7 restricted holidays. The Ali-Aye-Ligang festival of the Mising community, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of the month of Fagun, will be a public holiday across 11 districts in 2025 (it had been ruled-out for 2024 by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of Assam, last February). As announced earlier this month, Rongker Karkli (Rongker Puja), on January 5, will be a new restricted holiday in Assam beginning in 2025. Finally, cabinet also approved special casual leave on account of Matri Pitri Vandana on Nov 20 and 21, 2025.
Assam 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Assam (Dispur) The cabinet of the Government of India's state of Assam has approved the list of non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in a government notification to be gazetted shortly ("The Governor of Assam is pleased to declare that the offices under the Government of Assam and all Revenue and Magisterial Courts in Assam will remain closed on the following days during the year 2025."). Commention on the aforementioned announcement, Assam Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, mentioned 36 holidays for government employees, as well as 7 restricted holidays. The Ali-Aye-Ligang festival of the Mising community, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of the month of Fagun, will be a public holiday across 11 districts in 2025 (it had been ruled-out for 2024 by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations of Assam, last February). As announced earlier this month, Rongker Karkli (Rongker Puja), on January 5, will be a new restricted holiday in Assam beginning in 2025. Finally, cabinet also approved special casual leave on account of Matri Pitri Vandana on Nov 20 and 21, 2025.
Costa Rican December 1st Public Holiday Will Not Move This Year Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica (MTSS) has issued a communique confirming that the upcoming public holiday commemorating the abolition of the army would be observed on its set date of Sunday, December 1, 2024, despite Law No. 9875 of 2020 which moved three of the 2024 Costa Rican public holidays to move to a nearby weekend and the current public holidays Bill 23.981which is making its way through the legislature. Recall that, late last month, the Tourism Commission of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly approved the Bill 23.981 which would make permanent, beginning in 2025, the moving of 3 annual public holidays to the nearest Monday in cases when they fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, namely April 11, May 1, and December 1st. Note that the initial version of Bill 23.981, introduced in September, envisaged moving 4 annual public holidays, "but for reasons of tradition and custom" the July 25, Nicoya Annexation Day, public holiday was removed from the scope of the final version of Bill 23.981. Additionally, Bill 23.981 only moves fixed-date public holidays falling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, while last month's initial text envisaged moving any fixed-date public holiday falling "on a date other than Monday or Friday" (meaning that weekend public holidays would have been compensated). Bill 23.981 might take effect in time for 2025, but not in time for December 1st, 2024.
Costa Rican December 1st Public Holiday Will Not Move This Year Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) The Ministry of Labor and Social Security of Costa Rica (MTSS) has issued a communique confirming that the upcoming public holiday commemorating the abolition of the army would be observed on its set date of Sunday, December 1, 2024, despite Law No. 9875 of 2020 which moved three of the 2024 Costa Rican public holidays to move to a nearby weekend and the current public holidays Bill 23.981which is making its way through the legislature. Recall that, late last month, the Tourism Commission of the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly approved the Bill 23.981 which would make permanent, beginning in 2025, the moving of 3 annual public holidays to the nearest Monday in cases when they fall on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, namely April 11, May 1, and December 1st. Note that the initial version of Bill 23.981, introduced in September, envisaged moving 4 annual public holidays, "but for reasons of tradition and custom" the July 25, Nicoya Annexation Day, public holiday was removed from the scope of the final version of Bill 23.981. Additionally, Bill 23.981 only moves fixed-date public holidays falling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, while last month's initial text envisaged moving any fixed-date public holiday falling "on a date other than Monday or Friday" (meaning that weekend public holidays would have been compensated). Bill 23.981 might take effect in time for 2025, but not in time for December 1st, 2024.
Estonian 2025 Public Holidays Announced Vabariigi Valitsus (Tallinn) The Government of Estonia has announced the annual list of Estonian national holidays, Estonian flag days, and non-working public holidays in Estonia for the calendar year 2025. Note that no day in lieu public holiday is given in Estonia if a public holiday falls on a weekend, despite all major political parties, excluding the Reform Party, in the lead-up to the March 2023 general elections, having been in favor of amending the Estonian public holidays legislation so that fixed-date public holidays that fall on a weekend give rise to a day in lieu public holiday on the next workday. The aforementioned announcement does, however, state that "The working day preceding New Year’s Day, the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Victory Day, and Christmas Eve is shortened by three hours".
Estonian 2025 Public Holidays Announced Vabariigi Valitsus (Tallinn) The Government of Estonia has announced the annual list of Estonian national holidays, Estonian flag days, and non-working public holidays in Estonia for the calendar year 2025. Note that no day in lieu public holiday is given in Estonia if a public holiday falls on a weekend, despite all major political parties, excluding the Reform Party, in the lead-up to the March 2023 general elections, having been in favor of amending the Estonian public holidays legislation so that fixed-date public holidays that fall on a weekend give rise to a day in lieu public holiday on the next workday. The aforementioned announcement does, however, state that "The working day preceding New Year’s Day, the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, Victory Day, and Christmas Eve is shortened by three hours".
North Korean January 8 Public Holiday Update The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) Every year since 2010 DPRK watchers have wondered when, and if, North Korea would declare January 8, the date of Kim Jong-Un's birthday, as a public holiday, latching on to any tidbit of news coming out of the DPRK. The latest such tidbit is news that, beginning in 2025, the date of the loyalty oath that North Koreans have to take annually, has been changed from January 1st to January 8. Todays news, reported by South Korea's unification ministry, follows last April's renaming of the April 15th Day of the Sun public holiday celebrating the birthday of North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung, to the more generic April Holiday. In early January 2019, we reported that North Korea watchers suspected that Kim Jong-un's birthday had not yet been declared a public holiday due to his then young age, as his father, Kim Jong-il, had had to wait until he was 40, in 1982, for his birthday to be declared an official public holiday in North Korea. As for the North Korean State founder, Kim Il Sung, his birthday was first observed as a one-off public holiday in 1962, when he turned 50, and was only made an annual public holiday beginning in 1968.
North Korean January 8 Public Holiday Update The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) Every year since 2010 DPRK watchers have wondered when, and if, North Korea would declare January 8, the date of Kim Jong-Un's birthday, as a public holiday, latching on to any tidbit of news coming out of the DPRK. The latest such tidbit is news that, beginning in 2025, the date of the loyalty oath that North Koreans have to take annually, has been changed from January 1st to January 8. Todays news, reported by South Korea's unification ministry, follows last April's renaming of the April 15th Day of the Sun public holiday celebrating the birthday of North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung, to the more generic April Holiday. In early January 2019, we reported that North Korea watchers suspected that Kim Jong-un's birthday had not yet been declared a public holiday due to his then young age, as his father, Kim Jong-il, had had to wait until he was 40, in 1982, for his birthday to be declared an official public holiday in North Korea. As for the North Korean State founder, Kim Il Sung, his birthday was first observed as a one-off public holiday in 1962, when he turned 50, and was only made an annual public holiday beginning in 1968.
Palau Declares Thanksgiving Day Public Holiday Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Thursday, November 28, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming Thanksgiving Day public holiday of Palau. Normally, the day after Thanksgiving Day is also a public holiday, namely the Family Day public holiday. However, a month ago, Palau President, Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr., announced that the 2024 Family Day public holiday would be observed on November 22 instead of the previously-announced date of November 29, 2024, based on the fact that Republic of Palau Public Law (RPPL) 10-15, declaring Family Day as a public holiday, specifies that it is to be observed "on the fourth Friday of November". While the argument is technically correct, it is clear that it was the lawmakers' and the then President's intention that the Family Day and Thanksgiving public holidays be observed in lockstep. To wit, the accompanying 2017 announcement by President Remengesau stated that the declaration of the new Family Day non-working public holiday in Palau "will automatically allow for a 4-day weekend as it will be followed by Thanksgiving Day, which is on the fourth Thursday of November. This will be the only week in the year that every citizen may find the opportunity for a full 4 days weekend”. And indeed, the same situation occurred in 2019 (November 1st being a Friday) and Family Day was observed on November 29 notwithstanding the text of Palau Public Law (RPPL) 10-15.
Palau Declares Thanksgiving Day Public Holiday Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Thursday, November 28, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming Thanksgiving Day public holiday of Palau. Normally, the day after Thanksgiving Day is also a public holiday, namely the Family Day public holiday. However, a month ago, Palau President, Surangel Samuel Whipps Jr., announced that the 2024 Family Day public holiday would be observed on November 22 instead of the previously-announced date of November 29, 2024, based on the fact that Republic of Palau Public Law (RPPL) 10-15, declaring Family Day as a public holiday, specifies that it is to be observed "on the fourth Friday of November". While the argument is technically correct, it is clear that it was the lawmakers' and the then President's intention that the Family Day and Thanksgiving public holidays be observed in lockstep. To wit, the accompanying 2017 announcement by President Remengesau stated that the declaration of the new Family Day non-working public holiday in Palau "will automatically allow for a 4-day weekend as it will be followed by Thanksgiving Day, which is on the fourth Thursday of November. This will be the only week in the year that every citizen may find the opportunity for a full 4 days weekend”. And indeed, the same situation occurred in 2019 (November 1st being a Friday) and Family Day was observed on November 29 notwithstanding the text of Palau Public Law (RPPL) 10-15.
Downing Street Rules-Out Additional UK Public Holiday To Mark 80th VE Anniversary The Independent (London) The UK's prime minister’s spokesperson has announced that the UK government was not planning any additional bank holidays next year to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two. As per the aforementioned announcement, "We we will look to use the existing May Day bank holiday for commemorative events" but these plans "do not include an additional bank holiday". Earlier this week, the UK media was reporting that plans were afoot to declare a one-off public holiday in 2025 to mark 80 years since the end of World War II, with possible dates under consideration being Friday, May 9, 2025, or Monday, May 12, 2025, or August 22 as an extension of the summer bank holiday on August 25.
Downing Street Rules-Out Additional UK Public Holiday To Mark 80th VE Anniversary The Independent (London) The UK's prime minister’s spokesperson has announced that the UK government was not planning any additional bank holidays next year to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two. As per the aforementioned announcement, "We we will look to use the existing May Day bank holiday for commemorative events" but these plans "do not include an additional bank holiday". Earlier this week, the UK media was reporting that plans were afoot to declare a one-off public holiday in 2025 to mark 80 years since the end of World War II, with possible dates under consideration being Friday, May 9, 2025, or Monday, May 12, 2025, or August 22 as an extension of the summer bank holiday on August 25.
US Virgin Islands Adds Year-End Public Holidays Government of the United States Virgin Islands (Charlotte Amalie) As per custom, the Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr., has declared a series of one-off public sector holidays in the US Virgin Islands for the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.
US Virgin Islands Adds Year-End Public Holidays Government of the United States Virgin Islands (Charlotte Amalie) As per custom, the Governor of the US Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr., has declared a series of one-off public sector holidays in the US Virgin Islands for the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.
Vietnamese 2025 Public Holidays Officialized Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Vietnamese Government Office has issued the Document No.8726/VPCP-KGVX which contains the decision of Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, on the list of 2025 public holidays in Vietnam, in response to the the proposal of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in Official Dispatch No. 5152/BLDTBXH-CATLĐ dated October 22, 2024 and Official Dispatch No. 5621/BLDTBXH-CATLĐ dated November 8, 2024. As per today's Document No.8726/VPCP-KGVX, the Prime Minister issued the following comments "Agree with the proposal of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs in the above documents on Lunar New Year holidays , National Day holidays and swapping working days on the occasion of Victory Day 30/4 and International Labor Day 1/5/2025". This decision applies to civil servants, public employees, and workers in administrative agencies, public service agencies, political organizations, and socio-political organizations. However, MOLISA encourages all other businesses to give employees the same holiday schedule as specified in Document No.8726/VPCP-KGVX and, in any event, MOLISA requires employers to decide on one of three Tet holiday options, and to notify employees of the Lunar New Year holiday plan 30 days in advance. Recall that, in mid-September, MOLISA submitted a draft list of 2025 public holidays with only one option for the Lunar New Year public holidays, as well as only one option only for the Victory Day and May 1 public holidays. After a month of consultations, 13 of the 16 agencies and ministries consulted came out in favour of MOLISA's draft and the proposal was sent to the Prime Minister for approval in late October.
Vietnamese 2025 Public Holidays Officialized Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Hanoi) The Vietnamese Government Office has issued the Document No.8726/VPCP-KGVX which contains the decision of Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, on the list of 2025 public holidays in Vietnam, in response to the the proposal of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in Official Dispatch No. 5152/BLDTBXH-CATLĐ dated October 22, 2024 and Official Dispatch No. 5621/BLDTBXH-CATLĐ dated November 8, 2024. As per today's Document No.8726/VPCP-KGVX, the Prime Minister issued the following comments "Agree with the proposal of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs in the above documents on Lunar New Year holidays , National Day holidays and swapping working days on the occasion of Victory Day 30/4 and International Labor Day 1/5/2025". This decision applies to civil servants, public employees, and workers in administrative agencies, public service agencies, political organizations, and socio-political organizations. However, MOLISA encourages all other businesses to give employees the same holiday schedule as specified in Document No.8726/VPCP-KGVX and, in any event, MOLISA requires employers to decide on one of three Tet holiday options, and to notify employees of the Lunar New Year holiday plan 30 days in advance. Recall that, in mid-September, MOLISA submitted a draft list of 2025 public holidays with only one option for the Lunar New Year public holidays, as well as only one option only for the Victory Day and May 1 public holidays. After a month of consultations, 13 of the 16 agencies and ministries consulted came out in favour of MOLISA's draft and the proposal was sent to the Prime Minister for approval in late October.
Puducherry 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Puducherry (Saram) The government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry has announced the list of official Puducherry non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2024, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 88 to be published in the next issue of the official Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry is pleased to declare that all Government Offices/Government Undertakings, Boards and other Institutions under the control of Government of Puducherry and all Banking institutions including Co-operative Banks in the Union Territory of Puducherry shall be closed on the days specified in the notification in Appendix-I and Appendix-II respectively. The following holidays, which fall on Sundays during the year, 2025 have been excluded from the total count of holidays list in order to observe 17 holidays in a year.". It goes on to specify that "In addition to the closed holidays, the Lieutenant Governor is also pleased to permit each Government Servant to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list of Restricted Holidays in Appendix-III." and that "No substitute holidays shall be allowed on any event for the festival holiday initially declared.". As usual, the list of 2025 public holidays in India's Union Territory of Puducherry is broken into 3 separate regional lists; Puducherry and Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Puducherry 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Puducherry (Saram) The government of India's Union Territory of Puducherry has announced the list of official Puducherry non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2024, in the Government Order vide notification G.O. Ms. No. 88 to be published in the next issue of the official Gazette de L' État de Poudouchéry/The Gazette of Puducherry. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "The Lieutenant Governor, Puducherry is pleased to declare that all Government Offices/Government Undertakings, Boards and other Institutions under the control of Government of Puducherry and all Banking institutions including Co-operative Banks in the Union Territory of Puducherry shall be closed on the days specified in the notification in Appendix-I and Appendix-II respectively. The following holidays, which fall on Sundays during the year, 2025 have been excluded from the total count of holidays list in order to observe 17 holidays in a year.". It goes on to specify that "In addition to the closed holidays, the Lieutenant Governor is also pleased to permit each Government Servant to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list of Restricted Holidays in Appendix-III." and that "No substitute holidays shall be allowed on any event for the festival holiday initially declared.". As usual, the list of 2025 public holidays in India's Union Territory of Puducherry is broken into 3 separate regional lists; Puducherry and Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.
Transdniestria Shuffles 2024-2025 Year-End Public Holidays Interfax (Tiraspol) The government of Transdniestria has announced a period of 10 consecutive public holidays on account of the upcoming 2025 New Year and Orthodox Christmas. As per the aforementioned announcement, the days off work will run from Sunday, December 29, 2024, until Tuesday, January 7, 2025, inclusively. Recall that January 2 was added as an annual public holiday at the end of 2006 by the then President of Pridnestrovie (PMR), Igor Smirnov. January 3 was then added as an annual public holiday beginning in 2012.
Transdniestria Shuffles 2024-2025 Year-End Public Holidays Interfax (Tiraspol) The government of Transdniestria has announced a period of 10 consecutive public holidays on account of the upcoming 2025 New Year and Orthodox Christmas. As per the aforementioned announcement, the days off work will run from Sunday, December 29, 2024, until Tuesday, January 7, 2025, inclusively. Recall that January 2 was added as an annual public holiday at the end of 2006 by the then President of Pridnestrovie (PMR), Igor Smirnov. January 3 was then added as an annual public holiday beginning in 2012.
UK Could Add Public Holiday To Mark 80th Anniversary Of VE and VJ Days The Independent (London) The UK media is reporting that plans are afoot to declare a one-off public holiday in 2025 to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. Possible dates under consideration are Friday, May 9, 2025, or Monday, May 12, 2025, as well as the possibility of adding August 22 as an extension of the summer bank holiday on August 25. Recall that, in February 2019, the then UK Prime Minister's official spokesman had announced that the 2020 early May bank holiday might be moved from Monday, May 4, 2020, to Friday, May 8, 2020, to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe, as was done in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of VE-Day. This was then confirmed in June of that same year by the then UK Business Secretary, Greg Clark. Although the commemorative public holidays marking anniversaries of the end of WW2 are usually set in May, there are reasons to think that this time, the mentioned August date could be chosen, as we are a few months away from May 2025 only and many weddings have already been planned for the May 3-5, 2025, long weekend (one source of criticism for the 2019 announcement which actually came much earlier).
UK Could Add Public Holiday To Mark 80th Anniversary Of VE and VJ Days The Independent (London) The UK media is reporting that plans are afoot to declare a one-off public holiday in 2025 to mark 80 years since the end of World War II. Possible dates under consideration are Friday, May 9, 2025, or Monday, May 12, 2025, as well as the possibility of adding August 22 as an extension of the summer bank holiday on August 25. Recall that, in February 2019, the then UK Prime Minister's official spokesman had announced that the 2020 early May bank holiday might be moved from Monday, May 4, 2020, to Friday, May 8, 2020, to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the end of WW2 in Europe, as was done in 1995 for the 50th anniversary of VE-Day. This was then confirmed in June of that same year by the then UK Business Secretary, Greg Clark. Although the commemorative public holidays marking anniversaries of the end of WW2 are usually set in May, there are reasons to think that this time, the mentioned August date could be chosen, as we are a few months away from May 2025 only and many weddings have already been planned for the May 3-5, 2025, long weekend (one source of criticism for the 2019 announcement which actually came much earlier).
Nepal Pressed To Declare December 1 Electoral Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Election Commission, through the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, has called on local governments to announce a public holiday on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in the local wards where by-elections are to be held. Recall that Friday, May 13, 2022, was declared a one-off public holiday in Nepal on account of the local level elections being held on that date.
Nepal Pressed To Declare December 1 Electoral Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Election Commission, through the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, has called on local governments to announce a public holiday on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in the local wards where by-elections are to be held. Recall that Friday, May 13, 2022, was declared a one-off public holiday in Nepal on account of the local level elections being held on that date.
