worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past seven days
The qppstudio worldwide public holidays database and the
worldwide public holidays listings on the qppstudio.net website are constantly updated
to reflect changes to public holidays legislation, or ad hoc public holidays changes, anywhere in the world.
The worldwide public holidays news and updates, below, can be accessed via our Android
or iPhone apps which are 100% ad-free and whose data feed is updated nightly.
Alberta 2027 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Province of Alberta (Victoria) The Government of Canada's Province of Alberta has released its list of statutory public holidays for the calendar year 2027 (days when employees are entitled to general holiday pay if they have worked for the same employer for at least 30 workdays in the 12 months prior to the holiday). In addition to the aforementioned list of statutory public holidays for the calendar year 2027, Alberta also observes four optional general holidays: Easter Monday, Heritage Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Boxing Day. Optional general holidays are decided at the discretion of employers.
Alberta 2027 Public Holidays Announced The Government of the Province of Alberta (Victoria) The Government of Canada's Province of Alberta has released its list of statutory public holidays for the calendar year 2027 (days when employees are entitled to general holiday pay if they have worked for the same employer for at least 30 workdays in the 12 months prior to the holiday). In addition to the aforementioned list of statutory public holidays for the calendar year 2027, Alberta also observes four optional general holidays: Easter Monday, Heritage Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Boxing Day. Optional general holidays are decided at the discretion of employers.
Madagascar Considering April 23 Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's Minister of the Public Service, Hanitra Fitiavana Razakaboana, has announced that the government of Madagascar, and workers' unions, represented by Jean Raphaël Mananandro, have agreed to declare Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as a one-off public holiday (jour férié, chômé et payé) to coincide with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Madagascar. As per the aforementioned announcement, the April 23 public holiday would be declared in accordance with Article 25 of Decree 62-150 of March 28, 1962, which governs the implementation of weekly rest and paid public holidays, but that companies must arrange for the recovery of the eight hours of work paid at the normal rate, without increase, between April 24 and May 10, 2025, inclusively. The official decree is expected soon. Recall that, in 2019, the Décret n° 2019-1617 du 21 août 2019 portant additif du décret 2019-191 du 22 février 2019 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés au titre de l'année 2019, similarly declared a half-day public holiday in Madagascar for Pope Francis' visit to Madagascar.
Madagascar Considering April 23 Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's Minister of the Public Service, Hanitra Fitiavana Razakaboana, has announced that the government of Madagascar, and workers' unions, represented by Jean Raphaël Mananandro, have agreed to declare Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as a one-off public holiday (jour férié, chômé et payé) to coincide with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Madagascar. As per the aforementioned announcement, the April 23 public holiday would be declared in accordance with Article 25 of Decree 62-150 of March 28, 1962, which governs the implementation of weekly rest and paid public holidays, but that companies must arrange for the recovery of the eight hours of work paid at the normal rate, without increase, between April 24 and May 10, 2025, inclusively. The official decree is expected soon. Recall that, in 2019, the Décret n° 2019-1617 du 21 août 2019 portant additif du décret 2019-191 du 22 février 2019 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés au titre de l'année 2019, similarly declared a half-day public holiday in Madagascar for Pope Francis' visit to Madagascar.
Ukraine Extends Public Holidays Cancellation Until August 2025 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a law approving the presidential decree No. 13172 (On the extension of martial law in Ukraine) to extend martial law in Ukraine for another 90 days from May 9, 2025, until August 6, 2025, as per the Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law. As per Law № 2136-IX, during martial law, weekday public holidays in Ukraine are de facto canceled (made into working days).
Ukraine Extends Public Holidays Cancellation Until August 2025 Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Kiev) The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, has passed a law approving the presidential decree No. 13172 (On the extension of martial law in Ukraine) to extend martial law in Ukraine for another 90 days from May 9, 2025, until August 6, 2025, as per the Law № 2136-IX of March 15, 2022 On the Organization of Labor Relations under Martial Law. As per Law № 2136-IX, during martial law, weekday public holidays in Ukraine are de facto canceled (made into working days).
Egypt Declares Bank Holidays For Easter And Sham El-Nessim The Central Bank of Egypt (Cairo) The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has announced bank holidays in Egypt for Sunday and Monday, April 20 and 21, 2025, "in observance of Easter and the traditional spring festival of Sham El-Nessim". Today's announcement follows last weekend's decree by Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, declaring Monday, 21 April, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for both the public and private sectors in celebration of Sham El-Nessim (but not Coptic Easter on April 20).
Egypt Declares Bank Holidays For Easter And Sham El-Nessim The Central Bank of Egypt (Cairo) The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has announced bank holidays in Egypt for Sunday and Monday, April 20 and 21, 2025, "in observance of Easter and the traditional spring festival of Sham El-Nessim". Today's announcement follows last weekend's decree by Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, declaring Monday, 21 April, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for both the public and private sectors in celebration of Sham El-Nessim (but not Coptic Easter on April 20).
Montenegro Announces Easter 2025 Public Holidays Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro (Podgorica) Montenegro’s Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue has announced that "on the occasion of the upcoming religious holiday of Pascha", Orthodox and Roman Catholic employees would be entitled to paid leave to celebrate the religious holiday on April 18th and April 20th and 21st, 2025.
Montenegro Announces Easter 2025 Public Holidays Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue of Montenegro (Podgorica) Montenegro’s Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue has announced that "on the occasion of the upcoming religious holiday of Pascha", Orthodox and Roman Catholic employees would be entitled to paid leave to celebrate the religious holiday on April 18th and April 20th and 21st, 2025.
Mozambique Declares Good Friday Public Holiday Agencia de Informção de Moçambique (Maputo) Mozambique's Minister of Labor, Gender and Social Action, Ivete Alane, has announced that Friday, April 18, 2025, would be a full-day non-working public holiday in Mozambique, "to all workers in the public and private sectors and to citizens who profess the Christian religion, on April 18, 2025, on the occasion of Good Friday". The aforementioned decision was taken based on paragraph 2 of article 5 of Decree nº 7/2015, of June 3rd. Last year, the then Minister of Labor and Social Security, Margarida Adamugy Talapa, had announced that Friday, March 29, 2024, would be a full-day non-working public sector holiday in Mozambique, also on account of Good Friday.
Mozambique Declares Good Friday Public Holiday Agencia de Informção de Moçambique (Maputo) Mozambique's Minister of Labor, Gender and Social Action, Ivete Alane, has announced that Friday, April 18, 2025, would be a full-day non-working public holiday in Mozambique, "to all workers in the public and private sectors and to citizens who profess the Christian religion, on April 18, 2025, on the occasion of Good Friday". The aforementioned decision was taken based on paragraph 2 of article 5 of Decree nº 7/2015, of June 3rd. Last year, the then Minister of Labor and Social Security, Margarida Adamugy Talapa, had announced that Friday, March 29, 2024, would be a full-day non-working public sector holiday in Mozambique, also on account of Good Friday.
Nigeria Declares Easter 2025 Public Holidays Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Minister of Interior of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a communique announcing that the Nigerian Government had declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21st, 2025, as non-working public holidays "in observance of Good Friday and Easter Monday".
Nigeria Declares Easter 2025 Public Holidays Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Abuja) The Minister of Interior of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has issued a communique announcing that the Nigerian Government had declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21st, 2025, as non-working public holidays "in observance of Good Friday and Easter Monday".
Singapore Declares May 3rd Public Holiday Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has officially confirmed that, "In accordance with Section 35 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Polling Day, Saturday 3 May 2025, is a public holiday". As per the aforementioned announcement, "Polling Day, as a public holiday, should be treated in the same manner as any other public holiday", adding however that the next Monday, May 5, 2025, will not be a public holiday in Singapore. In the past, Singapore general elections were often held on a Saturday, but the 2015 and 2020 general elections were held on a Friday.
Singapore Declares May 3rd Public Holiday Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has officially confirmed that, "In accordance with Section 35 of the Parliamentary Elections Act, Polling Day, Saturday 3 May 2025, is a public holiday". As per the aforementioned announcement, "Polling Day, as a public holiday, should be treated in the same manner as any other public holiday", adding however that the next Monday, May 5, 2025, will not be a public holiday in Singapore. In the past, Singapore general elections were often held on a Saturday, but the 2015 and 2020 general elections were held on a Friday.
Balears 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) Spain's autonomous region of the Balears has gazetted calendar of 2026 regional and national public holidays in Spain's autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. The aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays in the Balears was gazetted as the Acuerdo del Consejo de Gobierno de 11 de abril de 2025 por el que se aprueba el calendario de fiestas para el año 2026 en el ámbito de las Illes Balears as published in the BOIB de 15 de abril de 2025, and jointly signed by the secretaria del Consejo de Gobierno, Ântònia Maria Estarellas Torrens, and the President of the region, Margarita Prohens Rigo. Today's gazette publication follows the calendario laboral 2026 that had been announced earlier this month and which included region-specific public holidays on March 2nd and Easter Monday.
Balears 2026 Public Holidays Gazetted Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) Spain's autonomous region of the Balears has gazetted calendar of 2026 regional and national public holidays in Spain's autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. The aforementioned list of 2026 public holidays in the Balears was gazetted as the Acuerdo del Consejo de Gobierno de 11 de abril de 2025 por el que se aprueba el calendario de fiestas para el año 2026 en el ámbito de las Illes Balears as published in the BOIB de 15 de abril de 2025, and jointly signed by the secretaria del Consejo de Gobierno, Ântònia Maria Estarellas Torrens, and the President of the region, Margarita Prohens Rigo. Today's gazette publication follows the calendario laboral 2026 that had been announced earlier this month and which included region-specific public holidays on March 2nd and Easter Monday.
Dominica Amends 2025 Public Holidays The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (Office of the Prime Minister) The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has released an amended version of its previously-released official list of the Dominica bank holidays and non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2025. Recall that, last January, when the Government of Dominica released its list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays, we mentioned that the list contained an error in the observance date of the Independence Day public holiday, which we expected to be corrected in the coming weeks, as was the case in 2015 and 2016.
Dominica Amends 2025 Public Holidays The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (Office of the Prime Minister) The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica has released an amended version of its previously-released official list of the Dominica bank holidays and non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2025. Recall that, last January, when the Government of Dominica released its list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays, we mentioned that the list contained an error in the observance date of the Independence Day public holiday, which we expected to be corrected in the coming weeks, as was the case in 2015 and 2016.
Dominican Republic Declares Holy Wednesday Public Sector Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Dominican Republic's Minister of Public Administration, Sigmund Freund, has issued the circular No. 5358 announcing that public institutions will only work until 16:00 (4pm) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, on account of Holy Wednesday. Recall that, last year, the then Minister of Public Administration, Darío Castillo Lugo, had similarly issued a circular announcing that public institutions would only work until noon on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, on account of Holy Wednesday. In both cases, these announcements did not affect the official listing of public holidays in the Dominican Republic for the year 2024 and 2025, as these lists of public holidays follow the 1997 Ley No. 139-97 mediante la cual los días feriados del calendario que coincidan con los días martes y miércoles, jueves o viernes, rather than article 51 of Law 41-08 of Public Function and article 27 of Regulation number 523-09 of Labor Relations.
Dominican Republic Declares Holy Wednesday Public Sector Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Dominican Republic's Minister of Public Administration, Sigmund Freund, has issued the circular No. 5358 announcing that public institutions will only work until 16:00 (4pm) on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, on account of Holy Wednesday. Recall that, last year, the then Minister of Public Administration, Darío Castillo Lugo, had similarly issued a circular announcing that public institutions would only work until noon on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, on account of Holy Wednesday. In both cases, these announcements did not affect the official listing of public holidays in the Dominican Republic for the year 2024 and 2025, as these lists of public holidays follow the 1997 Ley No. 139-97 mediante la cual los días feriados del calendario que coincidan con los días martes y miércoles, jueves o viernes, rather than article 51 of Law 41-08 of Public Function and article 27 of Regulation number 523-09 of Labor Relations.
Eswatini Maintains Public Holiday On April 19 Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) Swaziland's Home Affairs Communications Officer, Mlandvo Dlamini, has announced that the upcoming King’s Birthday national holiday would remain on its set date of April 19. The usual date for the King's Birthday annual public holiday is April 19, but in the past this public holiday has often been moved around, for a variety or reasons. In 2018, it was observed on Thursday, April 19, 2018, and followed by a one-off public holiday on Friday, April 20, 2018, to commemorate the renaming of Swaziland as Eswatini (but April 25, 2018, was declared a regular working day). In 2016, the King's Birthday annual public holiday was observed on Friday, April 22, 2016, due to its set date falling midweek. In 2015, it was observed on Monday, April 20, 2015, due to its set date falling on a Sunday. In 2014, it was moved to Thursday, April 24, 2014, due to its set date falling during the Easter weekend (as is the case in 2025). In 2012, Thursday, April 19, 2012, was declared a regular working day in compensation for Friday, April 20, 2012, having been declared a non-working public holiday. In 2009, it was observed on Monday, April 20, 2009, due to its set date falling on a Sunday.
Eswatini Maintains Public Holiday On April 19 Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) Swaziland's Home Affairs Communications Officer, Mlandvo Dlamini, has announced that the upcoming King’s Birthday national holiday would remain on its set date of April 19. The usual date for the King's Birthday annual public holiday is April 19, but in the past this public holiday has often been moved around, for a variety or reasons. In 2018, it was observed on Thursday, April 19, 2018, and followed by a one-off public holiday on Friday, April 20, 2018, to commemorate the renaming of Swaziland as Eswatini (but April 25, 2018, was declared a regular working day). In 2016, the King's Birthday annual public holiday was observed on Friday, April 22, 2016, due to its set date falling midweek. In 2015, it was observed on Monday, April 20, 2015, due to its set date falling on a Sunday. In 2014, it was moved to Thursday, April 24, 2014, due to its set date falling during the Easter weekend (as is the case in 2025). In 2012, Thursday, April 19, 2012, was declared a regular working day in compensation for Friday, April 20, 2012, having been declared a non-working public holiday. In 2009, it was observed on Monday, April 20, 2009, due to its set date falling on a Sunday.
Ghana Declares Extended Easter 2025 Public Holidays Ghana News Agency (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a press release announcing that Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21st, 2025, had been declared public holidays ("The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 18thApril 2025, and Monday, 21st April 2025, which mark Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively, are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country"). Last year, the then Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, had similarly issued a press release announcing that Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1st, 2024, had been declared public holidays.
Ghana Declares Extended Easter 2025 Public Holidays Ghana News Agency (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has issued a press release announcing that Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21st, 2025, had been declared public holidays ("The general public is hereby informed that Friday, 18thApril 2025, and Monday, 21st April 2025, which mark Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively, are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country"). Last year, the then Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, had similarly issued a press release announcing that Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1st, 2024, had been declared public holidays.
Mauritius To Declare Varusha Pirappu Public Holiday Prime Minister's Office (Port-Louis) The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, has announced that, beginning next year, if Thaipoosam Cavadee falls on a Sunday, then Varusha Pirappu (Tamil New Year) will be recognized as a public holiday. Recall that, in 2016, Thaipoosam Cavadee fell on a Sunday and consequently it was omitted from the list of 2016 Mauritius public holidays which, instead, featured a public holiday for Varusha Pirappu for the first time. At the time when the list of 2017 public holidays was announced, it seemed as if the public holidays for Varusha Pirappu and Thaipoosam Cavadee would alternate every 2 years, as is already the case for the Assumption and All Saints annual public holidays of Mauritius. However, this practice was not continued, and Tamil New Year was never declared a public holiday again in Mauritius.
Mauritius To Declare Varusha Pirappu Public Holiday Prime Minister's Office (Port-Louis) The Prime Minister of Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, has announced that, beginning next year, if Thaipoosam Cavadee falls on a Sunday, then Varusha Pirappu (Tamil New Year) will be recognized as a public holiday. Recall that, in 2016, Thaipoosam Cavadee fell on a Sunday and consequently it was omitted from the list of 2016 Mauritius public holidays which, instead, featured a public holiday for Varusha Pirappu for the first time. At the time when the list of 2017 public holidays was announced, it seemed as if the public holidays for Varusha Pirappu and Thaipoosam Cavadee would alternate every 2 years, as is already the case for the Assumption and All Saints annual public holidays of Mauritius. However, this practice was not continued, and Tamil New Year was never declared a public holiday again in Mauritius.
Madhesh Province Declares April 15 Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Government of the Madhesh Province of Nepal has declared Tuesday, April 15, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate the Siruwa Pawani. Recall that in early March 2023, the Nepalese federal government cabinet decided that provincial governments could add up to six public holidays a year to the national list of Nepalese public holidays released by the federal government, with the Federal Ministry of Home Affairs deciding the regional public holidays to be observed in the Kathmandu valley.
Madhesh Province Declares April 15 Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Government of the Madhesh Province of Nepal has declared Tuesday, April 15, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate the Siruwa Pawani. Recall that in early March 2023, the Nepalese federal government cabinet decided that provincial governments could add up to six public holidays a year to the national list of Nepalese public holidays released by the federal government, with the Federal Ministry of Home Affairs deciding the regional public holidays to be observed in the Kathmandu valley.
Venezuela Bank Holidays April 17-18 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Thursday and Friday, April 17-18, 2025, would be bank holidays in Venezuela, on account of Holy Week, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the "Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario".
Venezuela Bank Holidays April 17-18 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Thursday and Friday, April 17-18, 2025, would be bank holidays in Venezuela, on account of Holy Week, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the "Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario".
Egypt Moves April Public Holidays Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree declaring Monday, 21 April, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for both the public and private sectors in celebration of Sham El-Nessim. Additionally, he announced that Thursday, 24 April, 2025, would be an official paid holiday instead of Friday, 25 April, 2025, to mark Sinai Liberation Day. Finally, Thursday, May 1st, 2025, will also be an official paid holiday in observance of Labour Day. As per the aforementioned decree, these public holidays apply to "employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administrative units, public sector companies, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector". Since 2020, the Egyptian government moves most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. This does not apply to public holidays whose set date falls on a Sunday, as the Egyptian weekend is Friday/Saturday.
Egypt Moves April Public Holidays Egypt State Information Service (Cairo) Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has issued a decree declaring Monday, 21 April, 2025, as an official paid public holiday for both the public and private sectors in celebration of Sham El-Nessim. Additionally, he announced that Thursday, 24 April, 2025, would be an official paid holiday instead of Friday, 25 April, 2025, to mark Sinai Liberation Day. Finally, Thursday, May 1st, 2025, will also be an official paid holiday in observance of Labour Day. As per the aforementioned decree, these public holidays apply to "employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administrative units, public sector companies, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector". Since 2020, the Egyptian government moves most mid-week public holidays, except for Eid El-Fitr, Eid El-Adha, and Coptic Christmas, to the nearest Thursday. This does not apply to public holidays whose set date falls on a Sunday, as the Egyptian weekend is Friday/Saturday.
Meghalaya Rules-Out April 14 As General Public Holiday Government of Meghalaya (Shillong) The Government of India's state of Meghalaya has issued issued a communique ruling-out the declaration of Monday, April 14, 2025, as a public holiday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "a fake news item declaring the 14th of April 2025 as a Government holiday has been circulating in certain social media platforms. It is hereby clarified that the Government of Meghalaya has not declared a holiday on the 14th of April 2025. It is Restricted Holiday (RH) and remains so". Today's communique is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in India's state of Meghalaya, as released last October in the Government Order No GAA.67/2024/47. Recall that, earlier this week, the Indian states of Mizoram, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and the Delhi NCT (National Capital Territory) amended their lists of 2025 public holidays by declaring Monday, April 14, 2025, as a state public holiday for the birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar.
Meghalaya Rules-Out April 14 As General Public Holiday Government of Meghalaya (Shillong) The Government of India's state of Meghalaya has issued issued a communique ruling-out the declaration of Monday, April 14, 2025, as a public holiday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "a fake news item declaring the 14th of April 2025 as a Government holiday has been circulating in certain social media platforms. It is hereby clarified that the Government of Meghalaya has not declared a holiday on the 14th of April 2025. It is Restricted Holiday (RH) and remains so". Today's communique is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in India's state of Meghalaya, as released last October in the Government Order No GAA.67/2024/47. Recall that, earlier this week, the Indian states of Mizoram, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and the Delhi NCT (National Capital Territory) amended their lists of 2025 public holidays by declaring Monday, April 14, 2025, as a state public holiday for the birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar.
Perlis Declares April 17 Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kangar) The Menteri Besar of the Malaysian State of Perlis, Mohd Shukri bin Ramli, has declared Thursday, April 17, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the reign of Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail. As per the aforementioned announcement, "This public holiday is granted in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail". The aforementioned declaration of a state public holiday on Thursday, April 17, 2025, is in addition to the State Public Holiday Schedule 2024 (Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Negeri 2025) containing the list of official state-specific regional non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2025, jointly released last summer by Malaysia's Cabinet's and the Constitution and Government Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office.
Perlis Declares April 17 Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kangar) The Menteri Besar of the Malaysian State of Perlis, Mohd Shukri bin Ramli, has declared Thursday, April 17, 2025, as a public holiday to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the reign of Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail. As per the aforementioned announcement, "This public holiday is granted in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the reign of Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail". The aforementioned declaration of a state public holiday on Thursday, April 17, 2025, is in addition to the State Public Holiday Schedule 2024 (Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Negeri 2025) containing the list of official state-specific regional non-working public holidays in Malaysia for the calendar year 2025, jointly released last summer by Malaysia's Cabinet's and the Constitution and Government Relations Department of the Prime Minister's Office.
Assam Declares May 2 and 7 Panchayat Public Holidays Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Governor of India's state of Assam has issued a notification declaring public holidays on May 2 and May 7, 2025, under the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881, on account of the upcoming two-phase panchayat elections of the state. The Assam government will close all government and semi-government offices, educational institutions, commercial establishments, banks, and tea gardens on the respective days of these elections. The first phase, scheduled for May 2nd, will be observed in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Majuli, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sri Bhumi. The second phase, on May 7th, will be observed in the Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Bajali, Nalbari, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metropolitan), Hojai, Nagaon, Morigaon, and Darrang districts. Today's announcement is in addition to last December's vide notification No.E-221561/347 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2025.
Assam Declares May 2 and 7 Panchayat Public Holidays Government of Assam (Guwahati) The Governor of India's state of Assam has issued a notification declaring public holidays on May 2 and May 7, 2025, under the Negotiable Instruments Act of 1881, on account of the upcoming two-phase panchayat elections of the state. The Assam government will close all government and semi-government offices, educational institutions, commercial establishments, banks, and tea gardens on the respective days of these elections. The first phase, scheduled for May 2nd, will be observed in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Majuli, Jorhat, Golaghat, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sri Bhumi. The second phase, on May 7th, will be observed in the Dhubri, South Salmara, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Bajali, Nalbari, Kamrup, Kamrup (Metropolitan), Hojai, Nagaon, Morigaon, and Darrang districts. Today's announcement is in addition to last December's vide notification No.E-221561/347 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2025.
Cape Verde Declares Maundy Thursday Public Sector Holiday Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) The government of Cape Verde, in accordance with a resolution from the Council of Ministers of April 7, has declared a one-off public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) for the afternoon of Thursday, April 17, 2025, on account of Maundy Thursday, thus maintaining "the practice of granting day tolerance during Holy Week "taking into account the practice of granting a day off during Holy Week and the celebration of Easter throughout the National Territory", as per the publication in today's Official Bulletin of the Republic (Boletim Oficial n.º 29, I Série de 11-04-2025). The aforementioned tolerância de ponto covers "employees and agents of the State, public institutions and local authorities throughout the national territory", beginning at 12:00 noon ("É concedida tolerância de ponto aos funcionários e agentes do Estado, dos Institutos Públicos e das Autarquias Locais no período de tarde da Quinta-feira Santa, dia 17 de abril de 2025, em todo o território nacional"). The declaration of Maundy Thursday as a one-off public sector holiday is not systematic in Cape Verde, but has been relatively common in the past (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2014, 2010, 2006, ...).
Cape Verde Declares Maundy Thursday Public Sector Holiday Ministro da Administração Interna (República de Cabo Verde) The government of Cape Verde, in accordance with a resolution from the Council of Ministers of April 7, has declared a one-off public sector holiday (tolerância de ponto) for the afternoon of Thursday, April 17, 2025, on account of Maundy Thursday, thus maintaining "the practice of granting day tolerance during Holy Week "taking into account the practice of granting a day off during Holy Week and the celebration of Easter throughout the National Territory", as per the publication in today's Official Bulletin of the Republic (Boletim Oficial n.º 29, I Série de 11-04-2025). The aforementioned tolerância de ponto covers "employees and agents of the State, public institutions and local authorities throughout the national territory", beginning at 12:00 noon ("É concedida tolerância de ponto aos funcionários e agentes do Estado, dos Institutos Públicos e das Autarquias Locais no período de tarde da Quinta-feira Santa, dia 17 de abril de 2025, em todo o território nacional"). The declaration of Maundy Thursday as a one-off public sector holiday is not systematic in Cape Verde, but has been relatively common in the past (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2014, 2010, 2006, ...).
Ecuador Extends Easter 2025 Public Holidays Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued the Executive Decree No. 598 declaring Thursday, April 17, 2025, as a public holiday to be combined with the Good Friday holiday and the Easter weekend. As per the announcement of a public holiday on Maundy Thursday, which is to apply to both the public and private sectors, "The decision seeks to promote tourism and strengthen the country's local economy". This extra public holiday is, however, recoverable, "public sector institutions must establish mechanisms to compensate for hours not worked on subsequent days" and the private sector is urged to "implement this measure voluntarily and establish the recovery methods they deem appropriate". Recall that, early last December, President Noboa has similarly extended the then New Year 2025 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, via the Executive Decree No.474. And less than a couple of months before that, he had signed the Executive Decree No.438 extending the 2024 All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays to Thursday, October 31, 2024, with the objective of "strengthening economic activity".
Ecuador Extends Easter 2025 Public Holidays Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has issued the Executive Decree No. 598 declaring Thursday, April 17, 2025, as a public holiday to be combined with the Good Friday holiday and the Easter weekend. As per the announcement of a public holiday on Maundy Thursday, which is to apply to both the public and private sectors, "The decision seeks to promote tourism and strengthen the country's local economy". This extra public holiday is, however, recoverable, "public sector institutions must establish mechanisms to compensate for hours not worked on subsequent days" and the private sector is urged to "implement this measure voluntarily and establish the recovery methods they deem appropriate". Recall that, early last December, President Noboa has similarly extended the then New Year 2025 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, via the Executive Decree No.474. And less than a couple of months before that, he had signed the Executive Decree No.438 extending the 2024 All Souls' and Cuenca Independence public holidays to Thursday, October 31, 2024, with the objective of "strengthening economic activity".
Paraguay Declares April 16 Public Sector Holiday Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's president, Santiago Peña, has released the executive decree No.3705 declaring Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a one-off public sector holiday in Paraguay, on account of the upcoming Holy Week. Recall that, last year, President Peña had similarly issued the executive decree No.1413 declaring Wednesday, March 27, 2024, a one-off public sector holiday in Paraguay, on account of the then upcoming Holy Week, with the spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic, Paula Carro, commenting that "this decision responds to the fact that it is an important celebration for Paraguayan religiosity".
Paraguay Declares April 16 Public Sector Holiday Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) Paraguay's president, Santiago Peña, has released the executive decree No.3705 declaring Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a one-off public sector holiday in Paraguay, on account of the upcoming Holy Week. Recall that, last year, President Peña had similarly issued the executive decree No.1413 declaring Wednesday, March 27, 2024, a one-off public sector holiday in Paraguay, on account of the then upcoming Holy Week, with the spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic, Paula Carro, commenting that "this decision responds to the fact that it is an important celebration for Paraguayan religiosity".
Balears 2026 Public Holidays Announced Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) The Ministry of Business, Employment and Energy of Spain's autonomous region of the Balears (ámbito autonómico de las Islas Baleares) has announced that the Tripartite Social Board, a body made up of the Government, employers and unions, had approved the calendar of 2026 regional and national public holidays. In 2026, the region-specific public holidays will be on March 2nd and Easter Monday.
Balears 2026 Public Holidays Announced Dirección General de Trabajo Y Salud Laboral (Govern de les Illes Balears) The Ministry of Business, Employment and Energy of Spain's autonomous region of the Balears (ámbito autonómico de las Islas Baleares) has announced that the Tripartite Social Board, a body made up of the Government, employers and unions, had approved the calendar of 2026 regional and national public holidays. In 2026, the region-specific public holidays will be on March 2nd and Easter Monday.
West Bengal Declares Snap Half-Day Public Holiday Government of West Bengal (Kolkata) The Government of India's state of West Bengal has declared a public holiday for this afternoon. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Due to sad demise of Abdur Razzak Molla, former Minister, Government of West Bengal, all State Government Offices will be closed for half day today i.e. 11th April, 2025 from 2.00 p.m. onwards.". Todays announcement thus further amends last November's announced list of 2025 public holidays, as contained in the Department Notification No. 4712 -F(P2), signed by order of the Governor, by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, P.K. Mishra.
West Bengal Declares Snap Half-Day Public Holiday Government of West Bengal (Kolkata) The Government of India's state of West Bengal has declared a public holiday for this afternoon. As per the aforementioned announcement, "Due to sad demise of Abdur Razzak Molla, former Minister, Government of West Bengal, all State Government Offices will be closed for half day today i.e. 11th April, 2025 from 2.00 p.m. onwards.". Todays announcement thus further amends last November's announced list of 2025 public holidays, as contained in the Department Notification No. 4712 -F(P2), signed by order of the Governor, by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of West Bengal, P.K. Mishra.
Kyrgyzstan Moves Victory Day Celebrations To May 8 Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) Kyrgyzstan Presidential Press Secretary, Askat Alagozov, has announced that due to President Sadyr Japarov being out of the country on May 9, 2025, the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Kyrgyzstan have been moved From May 9 to May 8, 2025. Recall that, in April 2024, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan had announced changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code, including an annual 8-day period of public holidays in May, meaning that both May 8 and May 9, 2025, were already public holidays, following last January's signature by President Japarov of the new Labor Code approved by the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) the month before.
Kyrgyzstan Moves Victory Day Celebrations To May 8 Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) Kyrgyzstan Presidential Press Secretary, Askat Alagozov, has announced that due to President Sadyr Japarov being out of the country on May 9, 2025, the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Kyrgyzstan have been moved From May 9 to May 8, 2025. Recall that, in April 2024, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan had announced changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code, including an annual 8-day period of public holidays in May, meaning that both May 8 and May 9, 2025, were already public holidays, following last January's signature by President Japarov of the new Labor Code approved by the Zhogorku Kenesh (Parliament of Kyrgyzstan) the month before.
New Zealand Bill To Liberalize Public Holidays Alcohol Sales Moves To Select Committee New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) A bill in New Zealand's Parliamentary to allow alcohol sales on public holidays has progressed to the Select Committee. The bill, sponsored by Labour MP Kieran McAnulty would allow licensed businesses already open on ANZAC Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas, to sell alcohol, though its sponsor has said he was open to amendments ("if it turns out the majority of MPs don't want Christmas Day included"). Recall that, almost exactly a year ago, New Zealand's Parliamentary ballot system, to choose around 50 Members' Bills every year, had brought to the fore the similar Repeal of Good Friday and Easter Sunday as Restricted Trading Days (Shop Trading and Sale of Alcohol) Amendment Bill of ACT MP Cameron Luxton. As per the Explanatory Note that prefaces the 2024 bill, "This Bill seeks to remove an extra burden on businesses by removing the restriction on trading and selling alcohol on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.".
New Zealand Bill To Liberalize Public Holidays Alcohol Sales Moves To Select Committee New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) A bill in New Zealand's Parliamentary to allow alcohol sales on public holidays has progressed to the Select Committee. The bill, sponsored by Labour MP Kieran McAnulty would allow licensed businesses already open on ANZAC Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas, to sell alcohol, though its sponsor has said he was open to amendments ("if it turns out the majority of MPs don't want Christmas Day included"). Recall that, almost exactly a year ago, New Zealand's Parliamentary ballot system, to choose around 50 Members' Bills every year, had brought to the fore the similar Repeal of Good Friday and Easter Sunday as Restricted Trading Days (Shop Trading and Sale of Alcohol) Amendment Bill of ACT MP Cameron Luxton. As per the Explanatory Note that prefaces the 2024 bill, "This Bill seeks to remove an extra burden on businesses by removing the restriction on trading and selling alcohol on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.".
Sri Lanka Rules-Out April 15 Public Holiday Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs (Colombo) The Department of Government Information of Sri Lanka has issued a statement that no official announcement had been made declaring April 15, 2025, a public holiday, despite a message currently circulating on social media, and urged the public to "rely only on verified sources for official announcements".
Sri Lanka Rules-Out April 15 Public Holiday Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs (Colombo) The Department of Government Information of Sri Lanka has issued a statement that no official announcement had been made declaring April 15, 2025, a public holiday, despite a message currently circulating on social media, and urged the public to "rely only on verified sources for official announcements".
Thailand Extends 2025 Songkran Public Holidays Thai News Agency (Bangkok) Thailand's Cabinet has approved the declaration of Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as an additional public holiday for the upcoming Songkran, "because April 13 falls on a Sunday". Recall that, last year, Thailand's Cabinet approved a proposal by the Cabinet Secretariat that Friday, April 12, 2024, be declared a one-off additional public holiday to extend the 2024 Songkran public holidays for 5 days, from Friday, April 12, until Tuesday, April 16, 2024, inclusively. In 2021, the Thai Cabinet had similarly declared Monday, April 12, 2021, as a special public holiday, to extend the 2021 Songkran for 6 consecutive days, but this was not repeated in 2022 and 2023. The 2020 Songkran public holidays were canceled due to the pandemic, but then Friday and Monday, September 4 and 7, 2020, were declared as one-off bridge public holidays in compensation.
Thailand Extends 2025 Songkran Public Holidays Thai News Agency (Bangkok) Thailand's Cabinet has approved the declaration of Wednesday, April 16, 2025, as an additional public holiday for the upcoming Songkran, "because April 13 falls on a Sunday". Recall that, last year, Thailand's Cabinet approved a proposal by the Cabinet Secretariat that Friday, April 12, 2024, be declared a one-off additional public holiday to extend the 2024 Songkran public holidays for 5 days, from Friday, April 12, until Tuesday, April 16, 2024, inclusively. In 2021, the Thai Cabinet had similarly declared Monday, April 12, 2021, as a special public holiday, to extend the 2021 Songkran for 6 consecutive days, but this was not repeated in 2022 and 2023. The 2020 Songkran public holidays were canceled due to the pandemic, but then Friday and Monday, September 4 and 7, 2020, were declared as one-off bridge public holidays in compensation.
Timor Leste Declares April 17 and 21 Public Holidays Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had decided to grant additional day-off public sector holidays for Maundy Thursday, April 17, and Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 (Tolerância de ponto durante a tarde do dia 17 de abril e todo o dia de 21 de abril de 2025 por ocasião da Celebração da Páscoa). As per the aforementioned communique, "Considering the fact that the religious celebrations of “Holy Thursday” are very important and meaningful for a large number of believers, who usually participate in the religious ceremonies that take place on the occasion of Easter; Taking into account the practice that has been followed previously, pursuant to paragraph b) of paragraph 2 of article 5 of the aforementioned law" and "Considering the fact that a large number of people usually travel to rural areas in order to participate in Easter religious celebrations with their families", the following is determined "A day off is granted: a) On April 17, 2025, from 12:00 pm; b) On April 21, 2025, all day.". Maundy Thursday and Easter Monday are often declared as public holidays in the same announcement, as was the case in 2020, 2022, and 2023. In 2024, Maundy Thursday was declared a one-off public holiday, but Easter Monday was not, probably due to the declaration of April 10, 2024, as the date of the 2024 Idul Fitri (End of Ramadan) national public holiday, and the declaration of a one-off public holiday on Thursday, April 25, 2024, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese carnation revolution of April 25, 1974.
Timor Leste Declares April 17 and 21 Public Holidays Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had decided to grant additional day-off public sector holidays for Maundy Thursday, April 17, and Easter Monday, April 21, 2025 (Tolerância de ponto durante a tarde do dia 17 de abril e todo o dia de 21 de abril de 2025 por ocasião da Celebração da Páscoa). As per the aforementioned communique, "Considering the fact that the religious celebrations of “Holy Thursday” are very important and meaningful for a large number of believers, who usually participate in the religious ceremonies that take place on the occasion of Easter; Taking into account the practice that has been followed previously, pursuant to paragraph b) of paragraph 2 of article 5 of the aforementioned law" and "Considering the fact that a large number of people usually travel to rural areas in order to participate in Easter religious celebrations with their families", the following is determined "A day off is granted: a) On April 17, 2025, from 12:00 pm; b) On April 21, 2025, all day.". Maundy Thursday and Easter Monday are often declared as public holidays in the same announcement, as was the case in 2020, 2022, and 2023. In 2024, Maundy Thursday was declared a one-off public holiday, but Easter Monday was not, probably due to the declaration of April 10, 2024, as the date of the 2024 Idul Fitri (End of Ramadan) national public holiday, and the declaration of a one-off public holiday on Thursday, April 25, 2024, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese carnation revolution of April 25, 1974.
Albania Declares May 15-16 Public Holidays Albanian Government Council of Ministers (Tirana) The Albanian Council of Ministers has announced that it had declared Thursday and Friday, May 15-16, 2025, as a public sector holiday for employees of state administration institutions located within the municipalities of Tirana, Kamza, Vorë, and Kruja, on account of the upcoming European Political Community (EPC) Summit being held on May 16. As per the aforementioned announcement, the working days of May 15 and 16, 2025, for state administration employees, will be compensated with workdays during other holidays within the year 2025. The declaration of May 15 and 16 as public holidays thus amends the list of 2025 bank and public holidays as published last October by the government of Albania, via its central bank, the Bank of Albania, in the Kalendari i festave zyrtare për vitin 2025.
Albania Declares May 15-16 Public Holidays Albanian Government Council of Ministers (Tirana) The Albanian Council of Ministers has announced that it had declared Thursday and Friday, May 15-16, 2025, as a public sector holiday for employees of state administration institutions located within the municipalities of Tirana, Kamza, Vorë, and Kruja, on account of the upcoming European Political Community (EPC) Summit being held on May 16. As per the aforementioned announcement, the working days of May 15 and 16, 2025, for state administration employees, will be compensated with workdays during other holidays within the year 2025. The declaration of May 15 and 16 as public holidays thus amends the list of 2025 bank and public holidays as published last October by the government of Albania, via its central bank, the Bank of Albania, in the Kalendari i festave zyrtare për vitin 2025.
Queensland Releases 2027-2028 Public Holidays Department of Justice and Attorney-General (State of Queensland) The Department of Justice and Attorney-General of Australia's State of Queensland has announced the dates of the annual non-working public holidays for 2027 and 2028.
Queensland Releases 2027-2028 Public Holidays Department of Justice and Attorney-General (State of Queensland) The Department of Justice and Attorney-General of Australia's State of Queensland has announced the dates of the annual non-working public holidays for 2027 and 2028.
Venezuela Extends Easter Public Holidays Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Comunicación e Información (Caracas) The Executive Vice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced that "due to the climate emergency and the Energy Saving Plan implemented in the country, the public sector will have a holiday starting April 11 and the entire Holy Week period, from Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18". The aforementioned announcement thus amends the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced early last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario and the Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras (LOTTT) signed by President Hugo Chávez on May 1st, 2012, and gazetted by President Maduro in 2013.
Venezuela Extends Easter Public Holidays Ministerio del Poder Popular para la Comunicación e Información (Caracas) The Executive Vice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced that "due to the climate emergency and the Energy Saving Plan implemented in the country, the public sector will have a holiday starting April 11 and the entire Holy Week period, from Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 18". The aforementioned announcement thus amends the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced early last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario and the Ley Orgánica del Trabajo, los Trabajadores y las Trabajadoras (LOTTT) signed by President Hugo Chávez on May 1st, 2012, and gazetted by President Maduro in 2013.
