worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
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NSW's Muswellbrook Half-Day Public Holiday Being Reconsidered NSW Government (Sydney) The Mayor of Muswellbrook in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), Jeff Drayton, has announced that the date of the annual Muswellbrook half-day public holiday would be submitted to popular feedback. Currently, Muswellbrook's half-day public holiday is held in March to align it with the Muswellbrook Cup horse racing event. But Mayor Drayton has expressed disappointment that, instead of partaking in municipal events, many locals have been using the day to head out of town for a short break.
NSW's Muswellbrook Half-Day Public Holiday Being Reconsidered NSW Government (Sydney) The Mayor of Muswellbrook in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), Jeff Drayton, has announced that the date of the annual Muswellbrook half-day public holiday would be submitted to popular feedback. Currently, Muswellbrook's half-day public holiday is held in March to align it with the Muswellbrook Cup horse racing event. But Mayor Drayton has expressed disappointment that, instead of partaking in municipal events, many locals have been using the day to head out of town for a short break.
Bangladesh Shab-e-Barat Public Holiday February 15 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The National Moon-Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced that the moon for the month of Shaban had not been sighted last night and therefore that the month of Shaban would begin on February 1st in Bangladesh and that Shab-e-Barat would be celebrated the evening of Friday, February 14, 2025, with the related Bangladesh public holiday being observed on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The aforementioned announcement is reported to have been made after analyzing data collected from the district administrations, Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and Space Research and Remote Sensing Institute. The aforementioned date of Saturday, February 15, 2025, for Shab-e-Barat, is in line with the list of official 2025 public holidays announced by the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's interim military government, last October.
Bangladesh Shab-e-Barat Public Holiday February 15 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The National Moon-Sighting Committee of Bangladesh announced that the moon for the month of Shaban had not been sighted last night and therefore that the month of Shaban would begin on February 1st in Bangladesh and that Shab-e-Barat would be celebrated the evening of Friday, February 14, 2025, with the related Bangladesh public holiday being observed on Saturday, February 15, 2025. The aforementioned announcement is reported to have been made after analyzing data collected from the district administrations, Islamic Foundation, Bangladesh Meteorological Department, and Space Research and Remote Sensing Institute. The aforementioned date of Saturday, February 15, 2025, for Shab-e-Barat, is in line with the list of official 2025 public holidays announced by the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's interim military government, last October.
Algeria Announces Night Of Doubt For Ramadan 1446/2025 Ministère des Affaires Religieuses et des Wakfs (Algiers) The Algerian ministère des Affaires religieuses et des Wakfs has announced that the night of doubt for the observation of the lunar crescent announcing the first day of the holy month of Ramadan will take place on February 28. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments announces that Friday, January 31, 2025 will be the first day of the month of Sha'ban 1446 AH, specifying that the night of doubt for the observation of the lunar crescent announcing the first day of the holy month of Ramadhan of this year 1446/2025 will take place on Friday, 29 Sha'ban 1446 AH corresponding to February 28, 2025".
Algeria Announces Night Of Doubt For Ramadan 1446/2025 Ministère des Affaires Religieuses et des Wakfs (Algiers) The Algerian ministère des Affaires religieuses et des Wakfs has announced that the night of doubt for the observation of the lunar crescent announcing the first day of the holy month of Ramadan will take place on February 28. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Endowments announces that Friday, January 31, 2025 will be the first day of the month of Sha'ban 1446 AH, specifying that the night of doubt for the observation of the lunar crescent announcing the first day of the holy month of Ramadhan of this year 1446/2025 will take place on Friday, 29 Sha'ban 1446 AH corresponding to February 28, 2025".
Honduras Virgin of Suyapa Public Holiday February 3 El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Government of Honduras has announced that it will be granting a half-day public sector holiday on Monday, February 3, 2025, on account of the celebration of the Virgin of Suyapa. The aforementioned announcement refers to Legislative Decree No. 188-2012, dated October 12, 2012, and published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta Number 33031 of January 22, 2013, by which a National Holiday is declared in honor of the Virgin of Suyapa on February 3 of each year. In 2013, February 3 almost became an annual full-day, nationwide, non-working public holidays in Honduras, when Honduras' Legislative Assembly indicated that it would approve a presidential request that February 3 be declared a new annual non-working public holiday in Honduras to coincide with the Aniversario del Hallazgo de la Virgen de Suyapa. But, by the time it was gazetted as the Legislative Decree No. 188-2012, the February 3 public holiday of Honduras had been reduced in scope to a mere observance. However, ever since 2022, February 3 has been declared a one-off last minute half-day public sector holiday in Honduras.
Honduras Virgin of Suyapa Public Holiday February 3 El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Government of Honduras has announced that it will be granting a half-day public sector holiday on Monday, February 3, 2025, on account of the celebration of the Virgin of Suyapa. The aforementioned announcement refers to Legislative Decree No. 188-2012, dated October 12, 2012, and published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta Number 33031 of January 22, 2013, by which a National Holiday is declared in honor of the Virgin of Suyapa on February 3 of each year. In 2013, February 3 almost became an annual full-day, nationwide, non-working public holidays in Honduras, when Honduras' Legislative Assembly indicated that it would approve a presidential request that February 3 be declared a new annual non-working public holiday in Honduras to coincide with the Aniversario del Hallazgo de la Virgen de Suyapa. But, by the time it was gazetted as the Legislative Decree No. 188-2012, the February 3 public holiday of Honduras had been reduced in scope to a mere observance. However, ever since 2022, February 3 has been declared a one-off last minute half-day public sector holiday in Honduras.
Pakistan Shab-e-Barat On February 14 Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) Earlier tonight, Pakistan's Moon sighting committee, chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, announced that the Shaban Moon had been sighted in Pakistan and therefore that "tomorrow, January 31, will be the 1st of Shaban. He further stated that Shab-e-Barat will be on" [the evening of] "Thursday, February 13". As per the aforementioned notification No. F. 10(1)/DD (Q)/2016, "In pursuance of the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the Federal Government in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony hereby announces that the moon of Shaban 1446 AH has been sighted. Therefore, the 1st Shaban 1446 AH shall commence from Friday, 31st January, 2025".
Pakistan Shab-e-Barat On February 14 Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) Earlier tonight, Pakistan's Moon sighting committee, chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, announced that the Shaban Moon had been sighted in Pakistan and therefore that "tomorrow, January 31, will be the 1st of Shaban. He further stated that Shab-e-Barat will be on" [the evening of] "Thursday, February 13". As per the aforementioned notification No. F. 10(1)/DD (Q)/2016, "In pursuance of the decision of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the Federal Government in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony hereby announces that the moon of Shaban 1446 AH has been sighted. Therefore, the 1st Shaban 1446 AH shall commence from Friday, 31st January, 2025".
New Ireland Declares January 31 Public Holiday Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Acting Governor of Papua New Guinea's New Ireland Province, Sammy Missen, has announced that the New Ireland Government had declared a public holiday on Friday, January 31, 2025, on account of the death of Sir Julius Chan, the Governor of New Ireland Province since 2007. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Be advised that 31st January 2025, is declared a public holiday throughout New Ireland Province in recognition of the passing of our great leader Rt. Hon Chief Sir Julius Chan as per PEC decision N 0.5/30/2025".
New Ireland Declares January 31 Public Holiday Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) The Acting Governor of Papua New Guinea's New Ireland Province, Sammy Missen, has announced that the New Ireland Government had declared a public holiday on Friday, January 31, 2025, on account of the death of Sir Julius Chan, the Governor of New Ireland Province since 2007. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Be advised that 31st January 2025, is declared a public holiday throughout New Ireland Province in recognition of the passing of our great leader Rt. Hon Chief Sir Julius Chan as per PEC decision N 0.5/30/2025".
Uttar Pradesh Considering Public Holidays For Mahakumbh Mela Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh is considering declaring Sunday and Monday, February 2 and 3, 2025, as public holidays on account of the Mahakumbh Mela, which is held once every 144 years. Such a declaration of public holidays for the Mahakumbh Mela would amend last month's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh Considering Public Holidays For Mahakumbh Mela Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh is considering declaring Sunday and Monday, February 2 and 3, 2025, as public holidays on account of the Mahakumbh Mela, which is held once every 144 years. Such a declaration of public holidays for the Mahakumbh Mela would amend last month's Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016, containing the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttar Pradesh.
Nepal Declares January 30 Public Holiday For Sonam Lhosar Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the government of Nepal had declared Thursday, January 30, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Sonam Lhosar, the New Year Festival of the Tamang community. Sonam Lhosar occurs on the first day of Magh Shukla Pratipada, and most years Sonam Lhosar is declared as a public holiday for the Tamang community only. But today's declaration of Thursday, January 30, 2025, as a nationwide public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, last February.
Nepal Declares January 30 Public Holiday For Sonam Lhosar Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the government of Nepal had declared Thursday, January 30, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Sonam Lhosar, the New Year Festival of the Tamang community. Sonam Lhosar occurs on the first day of Magh Shukla Pratipada, and most years Sonam Lhosar is declared as a public holiday for the Tamang community only. But today's declaration of Thursday, January 30, 2025, as a nationwide public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, last February.
Philippines Declare 19 Local Public Holidays Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Lucas Bersamin, as authorized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed 19 proclamations of local non-working public holidays to be observed during the upcoming month of February. The aforementioned proclamations 774-792 were posted on the Philippines Official Gazette website, earlier today. Recall that, almost a year ago, the Memorandum Order (MO) 20 issued by Executive Secretary Bersamin, mandated that a 30-day delay occur between the request to declare a regional public holiday and the date of said holiday, in reaction to a spate of regional and municipal public holidays declared at the last minute.
Philippines Declare 19 Local Public Holidays Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Lucas Bersamin, as authorized by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed 19 proclamations of local non-working public holidays to be observed during the upcoming month of February. The aforementioned proclamations 774-792 were posted on the Philippines Official Gazette website, earlier today. Recall that, almost a year ago, the Memorandum Order (MO) 20 issued by Executive Secretary Bersamin, mandated that a 30-day delay occur between the request to declare a regional public holiday and the date of said holiday, in reaction to a spate of regional and municipal public holidays declared at the last minute.
Vatican Proposes Orthodox and Catholic Easter Date Unification Prefettura della Casa Ponitificia (Vatican City) This past weekend, Pope Francis has once again suggested that the Catholic Church could change its liturgical calendar, unifying the date of Catholic Easter with that of the Orthodox Church, which would determine a fixed Sunday for Easter. This year, Easter will be celebrated on the same date for both the Gregorian/Catholic and Julian/Orthodox calendars. Recall that, in July 2015, Pope Francis had already suggested moving the date of Easter to a semi-fixed date, most likely the second week of April. And a similar proposal had been made, 60 years ago, by Pope Paul VI.
Vatican Proposes Orthodox and Catholic Easter Date Unification Prefettura della Casa Ponitificia (Vatican City) This past weekend, Pope Francis has once again suggested that the Catholic Church could change its liturgical calendar, unifying the date of Catholic Easter with that of the Orthodox Church, which would determine a fixed Sunday for Easter. This year, Easter will be celebrated on the same date for both the Gregorian/Catholic and Julian/Orthodox calendars. Recall that, in July 2015, Pope Francis had already suggested moving the date of Easter to a semi-fixed date, most likely the second week of April. And a similar proposal had been made, 60 years ago, by Pope Paul VI.
Nepal Declares January 29 Martyrs' Day Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the cabinet of the government of Nepal had declared Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Martyrs' Day. Today's declaration of Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as a nationwide public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, last February.
Nepal Declares January 29 Martyrs' Day Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the cabinet of the government of Nepal had declared Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as a public holiday to commemorate Martyrs' Day. Today's declaration of Wednesday, January 29, 2025, as a nationwide public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025) which was issued by the Government of Nepal, last February.
Philippines Rule-Out January 27 National Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Lucas Bersamin, has issued a clarification following an official social media post that had announced that Monday, January 27, 2025, would be a nationwide public holiday on account of Isra Wal Miraj (the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad). As per Secretary Bersamin's statement, "January 27, 2025, is not a holiday observed nationwide but a holiday only in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other Muslim areas defined in the Muslim Code" adding that "Muslim employees in non-Muslim areas, such as the National Capital Region or Metro Manila, are excused from reporting to work on Monday, January 27". Note that, as per the Bangsamoro Holidays Act of 2023, Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf (the Prophet's Ascension), Amun Jadid (Islamic New Year) and Malid-un-Nabi (the Prophet's Birthday) are no longer regular or special non-working holidays in the BARMM, having been replaced by additional public holidays on the day before and the day after Eid'l Adha. Last year, Malacañang's Presidential Communications Office had made the same error when it released the Memorandum Circular No. 03 s. 2024, which declared Thursday, February 8, 2024, as a special working holiday in the BARMM, leading the BARMM government to issue a statement that "The Bangsamoro Government, through the Office of the Senior Minister, wishes to clarify, for the guildance of the public, that the said holiday is classified as special working holiday within the BARMM areas".
Philippines Rule-Out January 27 National Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) Philippines Executive Secretary, Lucas Bersamin, has issued a clarification following an official social media post that had announced that Monday, January 27, 2025, would be a nationwide public holiday on account of Isra Wal Miraj (the Night Journey and Ascension of Prophet Muhammad). As per Secretary Bersamin's statement, "January 27, 2025, is not a holiday observed nationwide but a holiday only in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and other Muslim areas defined in the Muslim Code" adding that "Muslim employees in non-Muslim areas, such as the National Capital Region or Metro Manila, are excused from reporting to work on Monday, January 27". Note that, as per the Bangsamoro Holidays Act of 2023, Lailatul Isra Wal Mi’raf (the Prophet's Ascension), Amun Jadid (Islamic New Year) and Malid-un-Nabi (the Prophet's Birthday) are no longer regular or special non-working holidays in the BARMM, having been replaced by additional public holidays on the day before and the day after Eid'l Adha. Last year, Malacañang's Presidential Communications Office had made the same error when it released the Memorandum Circular No. 03 s. 2024, which declared Thursday, February 8, 2024, as a special working holiday in the BARMM, leading the BARMM government to issue a statement that "The Bangsamoro Government, through the Office of the Senior Minister, wishes to clarify, for the guildance of the public, that the said holiday is classified as special working holiday within the BARMM areas".
