worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past fourteen days
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South Ossetia Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays The Administration of the President of Georgia (Tbilisi) The President of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia, Alan Gagloev, has declared Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a non-working public holiday. As per the aforementioned decree, "Declare December 31, 2024, as a non-working day with the preservation of wages for employees". Recall that, as per the Decree No.68 (О переносе выходных дней в 2024 году) of September 2023, Monday, December 30, 2024, is already a non-working day, being compensated by Saturday, December 28, 2024, having been declared a regular working day.
South Ossetia Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays The Administration of the President of Georgia (Tbilisi) The President of the Russian-occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia, Alan Gagloev, has declared Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a non-working public holiday. As per the aforementioned decree, "Declare December 31, 2024, as a non-working day with the preservation of wages for employees". Recall that, as per the Decree No.68 (О переносе выходных дней в 2024 году) of September 2023, Monday, December 30, 2024, is already a non-working day, being compensated by Saturday, December 28, 2024, having been declared a regular working day.
Ghana Declares Public Holidays On December 25-26 Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, has issued the press statement Declaration of Monday, 23rd September, 2024 as a Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 25th December 2024 and Thursday, 26th December 2024, which mark Christmas Day and Boxing Day respectively are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the list of 2024 public holidays in Ghana, as announced last January, in line with the 2018 amendments to the Public Holidays Act.
Ghana Declares Public Holidays On December 25-26 Ghana Government Portal (Accra) Ghana's Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, has issued the press statement Declaration of Monday, 23rd September, 2024 as a Public Holiday, announcing that "The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 25th December 2024 and Thursday, 26th December 2024, which mark Christmas Day and Boxing Day respectively are Statutory Public Holidays and should be observed as such throughout the country". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the list of 2024 public holidays in Ghana, as announced last January, in line with the 2018 amendments to the Public Holidays Act.
Paraguay Amends 2025 Public Holidays Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) The President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has signed the Decree No.3047 which moves 2 of Paraguay's annual public holidays in 2025, the Día de los Héroes de la Patria from March 1 to 3, and the Día de la Paz del Chaco (from June 12 to June 16), in the context of law 1723/01. As per the aforementioned Decree No.3047, these changes were made at the behest of the National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur) which had argued that such changes "would constitute a valuable opportunity to generate greater tourist and economic movement" as well as "opening opportunities to promote activities related to the commemoration of these patriotic dates of high significance" and "promoting tourism in natural areas and historical destinations". The Ley 1723 del 29 de junio de 2001 (Que Autoriza Al Poder Ejecutivo A Trasladar Los Feriados Nacionales Al Dia Lunes) gives the president of Paraguay the authority to move any, or all, mid-week public holidays to a nearby Monday (except New Year, Independence Day, día de La Virgen de Caacupé, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday). Despite its passage, over 20 years ago, and regular calls for the executive to avail itself of its prerogative to move mid-week public holidays to a nearby Monday, the provisions of law 1723/01 had rarely been used before 2012. But, since 2012 the practice has become an annual one, apart from 2020, when the pre-pandemic Decreto número 2757 was later partially abrogated by the Decreto número 4040.
Paraguay Amends 2025 Public Holidays Portal Paraguayo de Noticias (PPN) The President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has signed the Decree No.3047 which moves 2 of Paraguay's annual public holidays in 2025, the Día de los Héroes de la Patria from March 1 to 3, and the Día de la Paz del Chaco (from June 12 to June 16), in the context of law 1723/01. As per the aforementioned Decree No.3047, these changes were made at the behest of the National Secretariat of Tourism (Senatur) which had argued that such changes "would constitute a valuable opportunity to generate greater tourist and economic movement" as well as "opening opportunities to promote activities related to the commemoration of these patriotic dates of high significance" and "promoting tourism in natural areas and historical destinations". The Ley 1723 del 29 de junio de 2001 (Que Autoriza Al Poder Ejecutivo A Trasladar Los Feriados Nacionales Al Dia Lunes) gives the president of Paraguay the authority to move any, or all, mid-week public holidays to a nearby Monday (except New Year, Independence Day, día de La Virgen de Caacupé, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday). Despite its passage, over 20 years ago, and regular calls for the executive to avail itself of its prerogative to move mid-week public holidays to a nearby Monday, the provisions of law 1723/01 had rarely been used before 2012. But, since 2012 the practice has become an annual one, apart from 2020, when the pre-pandemic Decreto número 2757 was later partially abrogated by the Decreto número 4040.
Azerbaijan 2025 Public Holidays Announced Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan has released the list of non-working 2025 public holidays in Azerbaijan. The aforementioned list is divided into the list of annual public holidays which are not considered working days, as well as 9 days off in 2025 in accordance with the Labor Code and the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations. Recall that, earlier this month, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan had issued a decision that the upcoming Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively, and that Ramazan Bayram would be observed on March 30-31, 2025, with April 1st an additional day in lieu public holiday, and Gurban Bayram on June 6-7, 2025, 2025, with Monday, June 9, 2025, also a day in lieu public holiday.
Azerbaijan 2025 Public Holidays Announced Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan has released the list of non-working 2025 public holidays in Azerbaijan. The aforementioned list is divided into the list of annual public holidays which are not considered working days, as well as 9 days off in 2025 in accordance with the Labor Code and the Cabinet of Ministers' regulations. Recall that, earlier this month, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan had issued a decision that the upcoming Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively, and that Ramazan Bayram would be observed on March 30-31, 2025, with April 1st an additional day in lieu public holiday, and Gurban Bayram on June 6-7, 2025, 2025, with Monday, June 9, 2025, also a day in lieu public holiday.
Kyrgyzstan Approves List of 2025 Public Holidays Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Committee on Social Policy of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has approved the draft of the new Labor Code in its second and third readings, meaning that 4 public holidays will become regular working days and any other public holiday falling on a weekend will no longer give rise to a day in lieu public holiday. Last April, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan announced changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code, namely, the abolition of the practice of declaring bridge public holiday compensated by working Saturdays, an annual 7-day period of public holidays in January and an 8-day period of public holidays in May, and the cancellation of 4 annual public holidays dates (whose status changes to holidays but working days). In June, the First Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Jyparisa Rysbekova, announced the approval to the changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan in the new Labor Code, as announced in April ("Kyrgyzstan will have 21 holidays in a year"). And, last month, the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan released a draft cabinet resolution (О введении в действие Трудового кодекса Кыргызской Республики и внесении изменений в некоторые законодательные акты в сфере труда) on changes affecting the list of 2025 public holidays, for public discussion. Though the resolution is intended to apply to employees of state and municipal organizations, institutions and enterprises financed from the state budget, the draft do specify that "in order to rationally use weekends and non-working holidays, the draft proposes to recommend that heads of legal entities with private ownership, working on a five-day workweek schedule, transfer weekends next year in accordance with this resolution".
Kyrgyzstan Approves List of 2025 Public Holidays Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The Committee on Social Policy of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan has approved the draft of the new Labor Code in its second and third readings, meaning that 4 public holidays will become regular working days and any other public holiday falling on a weekend will no longer give rise to a day in lieu public holiday. Last April, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan announced changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan, as part of the new Labor Code, namely, the abolition of the practice of declaring bridge public holiday compensated by working Saturdays, an annual 7-day period of public holidays in January and an 8-day period of public holidays in May, and the cancellation of 4 annual public holidays dates (whose status changes to holidays but working days). In June, the First Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Jyparisa Rysbekova, announced the approval to the changes to the annual public holidays in Kyrgyzstan in the new Labor Code, as announced in April ("Kyrgyzstan will have 21 holidays in a year"). And, last month, the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan released a draft cabinet resolution (О введении в действие Трудового кодекса Кыргызской Республики и внесении изменений в некоторые законодательные акты в сфере труда) on changes affecting the list of 2025 public holidays, for public discussion. Though the resolution is intended to apply to employees of state and municipal organizations, institutions and enterprises financed from the state budget, the draft do specify that "in order to rationally use weekends and non-working holidays, the draft proposes to recommend that heads of legal entities with private ownership, working on a five-day workweek schedule, transfer weekends next year in accordance with this resolution".
Qatar's Central Bank Extends National Day Bank Holidays Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Qatar's Central Bank (QCB) has announced the bank holidays to be observed on account of the upcoming National Day for all financial institutions in Qatar. As per the official announcement, Qatari financial institutions will be on holidays Wednesday and Thursday, December 18 and 19, 2024, with the added specification that "all financial institutions will resume operations on Sunday, December 22, 2024". As usual, these bank holidays apply to the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), as well as all banks and financial institutions operating under the control of the QCB, Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and Qatar securities company (QSC). Note that, since 2000, the weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays.
Qatar's Central Bank Extends National Day Bank Holidays Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Qatar's Central Bank (QCB) has announced the bank holidays to be observed on account of the upcoming National Day for all financial institutions in Qatar. As per the official announcement, Qatari financial institutions will be on holidays Wednesday and Thursday, December 18 and 19, 2024, with the added specification that "all financial institutions will resume operations on Sunday, December 22, 2024". As usual, these bank holidays apply to the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), as well as all banks and financial institutions operating under the control of the QCB, Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) and Qatar securities company (QSC). Note that, since 2000, the weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays.
Uttar Pradesh 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has published the Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016 which contains the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming calendar year 2025.
Uttar Pradesh 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow) The Government of India's state of Uttar Pradesh has published the Government Order vide Notification Section No.870/Date-2024-39(2)/2016 which contains the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming calendar year 2025.
Argentina Announces Year-End Public Sector Holidays Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The government of Argentina has announced that, following an internal discussion within the Government about the possibility of returning to working days for the national public administration on both December 24 and 31, it was decided to declare Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holidays ("Después de un largo debate, el 24 y el 31 van a ser feriado estatal").
Argentina Announces Year-End Public Sector Holidays Boletín Oficial de la República Argentina (Buenos Aires) The government of Argentina has announced that, following an internal discussion within the Government about the possibility of returning to working days for the national public administration on both December 24 and 31, it was decided to declare Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as public sector holidays ("Después de un largo debate, el 24 y el 31 van a ser feriado estatal").
Eswatini Declares December 18 Incwala Public Holiday Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Minister for Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Princess Lindiwe, on instruction from King Mswati III, has announced that the main Incwala ceremony would occur on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, a date that has been declared as a public holiday in eSwatini. At the beginning of this month, when the acting Governor of the Ludzidzini Royal Residence announced the start of the annual Little Incwala, we had reported that, based on our calculations, we estimated that the upcoming Incwala public holiday would be announced for Wednesday, December 18, 2024. 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, ... Recall that, prior to 2018, eSwatini was called Swaziland.
Eswatini Declares December 18 Incwala Public Holiday Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The Minister for Home Affairs of the Kingdom of eSwatini, Princess Lindiwe, on instruction from King Mswati III, has announced that the main Incwala ceremony would occur on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, a date that has been declared as a public holiday in eSwatini. At the beginning of this month, when the acting Governor of the Ludzidzini Royal Residence announced the start of the annual Little Incwala, we had reported that, based on our calculations, we estimated that the upcoming Incwala public holiday would be announced for Wednesday, December 18, 2024. 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, ... Recall that, prior to 2018, eSwatini was called Swaziland.
Guatemala Public Sector Holidays December 23-24 and 30-31 Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Government of Guatemala has announced one-off public sector holidays on Monday and Tuesday, December 23 and 24, 2024, as well as on Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31, 2024 ("el Gobierno de Guatemala aprobó como asueto el 23, 24, 30 y 31 diciembre 2024 para los empleados del sector público"). Note that, as per the Labor Code of Guatemala, decree 1441, and the Law that promotes internal tourism, decree 42-2010 and its reforms, the private sector will be off on the afternoon of December 24 and the afternoon of December 31, 2024.
Guatemala Public Sector Holidays December 23-24 and 30-31 Diario de Centro América (Diario público de Guatemala) The Government of Guatemala has announced one-off public sector holidays on Monday and Tuesday, December 23 and 24, 2024, as well as on Monday and Tuesday, December 30 and 31, 2024 ("el Gobierno de Guatemala aprobó como asueto el 23, 24, 30 y 31 diciembre 2024 para los empleados del sector público"). Note that, as per the Labor Code of Guatemala, decree 1441, and the Law that promotes internal tourism, decree 42-2010 and its reforms, the private sector will be off on the afternoon of December 24 and the afternoon of December 31, 2024.
Honduras Adds 4 Year-End 2024 Public Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization of Honduras has announced that all public sector officials and employees will enjoy 4 additional public holidays in December 2024. As per the aforementioned announcement, "it has been decided to grant all officials and employees of the Executive Branch, on account of vacation, the days Monday 23 and Tuesday 24, as well as Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December of this year 2024. Restarting work on Thursday 26 December 2024 and Thursday 2 January 2025 respectively". Concerning the private sector of Honduras, recall that, earlier this month, the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) announced that "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", all the while affording itself extended Christmas holidays ("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 Adds 4 Year-End 2024 Public Sector Public Holidays El Heraldo (Tegucigalpa) The Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization of Honduras has announced that all public sector officials and employees will enjoy 4 additional public holidays in December 2024. As per the aforementioned announcement, "it has been decided to grant all officials and employees of the Executive Branch, on account of vacation, the days Monday 23 and Tuesday 24, as well as Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 December of this year 2024. Restarting work on Thursday 26 December 2024 and Thursday 2 January 2025 respectively". Concerning the private sector of Honduras, recall that, earlier this month, the Honduran Council of Private Enterprise (COHEP) announced that "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", all the while affording itself extended Christmas holidays ("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").
Iraq Extends Christmas Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Iraqi Cabinet has approved the declaration of December 25 and 26, 2024, as public holidays on account of Christmas. Recall that, in late 2018, the Iraqi Cabinet amended the national holidays law to make December 25 a public holiday for all Iraqis, and in 2020, the Iraqi Parliament approved a bill which made Christmas Day, on December 25, as an annual public holiday in Iraq ("national holiday with an annual frequency"). In a separate announcement, Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, instructed that Yazidi Fasting Day be observed as an official holiday. The statement from the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers states that "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed to consider the Yazidi Fasting Day, which falls on the first Friday of the eastern month of December, and is preceded by three days each year, an official holiday for the Yazidi component".
Iraq Extends Christmas Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Iraqi Cabinet has approved the declaration of December 25 and 26, 2024, as public holidays on account of Christmas. Recall that, in late 2018, the Iraqi Cabinet amended the national holidays law to make December 25 a public holiday for all Iraqis, and in 2020, the Iraqi Parliament approved a bill which made Christmas Day, on December 25, as an annual public holiday in Iraq ("national holiday with an annual frequency"). In a separate announcement, Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, instructed that Yazidi Fasting Day be observed as an official holiday. The statement from the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers states that "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed to consider the Yazidi Fasting Day, which falls on the first Friday of the eastern month of December, and is preceded by three days each year, an official holiday for the Yazidi component".
Maldives Declare January 2 Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) Maldives' President, Mohamed Muizzu, had declared Thursday, January 2, 2025, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "Since January 1, 2025, a public holiday, falls on a Wednesday, the additional holiday on Thursday will allow for a continuous period of rest leading into the week". Recall that January 1st is already an annual public sector holiday in the Maldives and that the Maldives observe a Friday-Saturday weekend.
Maldives Declare January 2 Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) Maldives' President, Mohamed Muizzu, had declared Thursday, January 2, 2025, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "Since January 1, 2025, a public holiday, falls on a Wednesday, the additional holiday on Thursday will allow for a continuous period of rest leading into the week". Recall that January 1st is already an annual public sector holiday in the Maldives and that the Maldives observe a Friday-Saturday weekend.
Iranian Weather Public Holidays Extended To December 16 Islamic Republic News Agency (Tehran) The Iranian government has declared Monday, December 16, 2024, as a second consecutive public holiday for schools, universities, and government departments, in multiple cities across the country, to control a rising demand for heating, as temperatures have dropped below zero Celsius in 18 out of 31 Iranian provinces. On Saturday, the Iranian government had declared Sunday, December 15, 2024, as a public holiday for schools, universities, and government departments, for the very same reasons. Weather-related public holidays are a staple of Iranian life. Recall that, last summer, the Iranian government had declared Sunday, July 28, 2024, as a public holiday for all government and commercial institutions as well as banks, as temperature reached over 45 degrees Celsius in 10 Iranian provinces. And last year, the Iranian government had similarly declared two days of public holidays, August 2 and 3, for government workers and banks nationwide on account of the current heat wave, with the meteorological office forecasting temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in many cities, and nearly 50 degrees in the southwest. Recall that, normally, Sundays are regular working days in Iran.
Iranian Weather Public Holidays Extended To December 16 Islamic Republic News Agency (Tehran) The Iranian government has declared Monday, December 16, 2024, as a second consecutive public holiday for schools, universities, and government departments, in multiple cities across the country, to control a rising demand for heating, as temperatures have dropped below zero Celsius in 18 out of 31 Iranian provinces. On Saturday, the Iranian government had declared Sunday, December 15, 2024, as a public holiday for schools, universities, and government departments, for the very same reasons. Weather-related public holidays are a staple of Iranian life. Recall that, last summer, the Iranian government had declared Sunday, July 28, 2024, as a public holiday for all government and commercial institutions as well as banks, as temperature reached over 45 degrees Celsius in 10 Iranian provinces. And last year, the Iranian government had similarly declared two days of public holidays, August 2 and 3, for government workers and banks nationwide on account of the current heat wave, with the meteorological office forecasting temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in many cities, and nearly 50 degrees in the southwest. Recall that, normally, Sundays are regular working days in Iran.
Qatar Extends 2024 National Day Public Holidays Until December 21 Qatari News Agency (QNA) The Qatari Amiri Diwan has announced that, on the occasion of the upcoming Qatar National Day, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the subsequent day of Friday, December 19, 2024, would also be an official public holiday in Qatar, and that work would resume on Sunday, December 22, 2024 (يعلن الديوان الأميري أنه بمناسبة قرب حلول اليوم الوطني للدولة في يوم الثامن عشر من شهر ديسمبر، فإن عطلة اليوم الوطني للدولة تبدأ اعتبارا من يوم الأربعاء الموافق 18 / 12 / 2024 وتنتهي يوم الخميس الموافق 19 / 12 / 2024، على أن يباشر الموظفون أعمالهم يوم الأحد الموافق 22 / 12 / 2024.). Recall that, December 18 was made into an annual public holiday by virtue of Qatar Law No. 61 of 2007, as a replacement for the September 3 public holiday that had previously been observed in Qatar. Weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays, since 2000.
Qatar Extends 2024 National Day Public Holidays Until December 21 Qatari News Agency (QNA) The Qatari Amiri Diwan has announced that, on the occasion of the upcoming Qatar National Day, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the subsequent day of Friday, December 19, 2024, would also be an official public holiday in Qatar, and that work would resume on Sunday, December 22, 2024 (يعلن الديوان الأميري أنه بمناسبة قرب حلول اليوم الوطني للدولة في يوم الثامن عشر من شهر ديسمبر، فإن عطلة اليوم الوطني للدولة تبدأ اعتبارا من يوم الأربعاء الموافق 18 / 12 / 2024 وتنتهي يوم الخميس الموافق 19 / 12 / 2024، على أن يباشر الموظفون أعمالهم يوم الأحد الموافق 22 / 12 / 2024.). Recall that, December 18 was made into an annual public holiday by virtue of Qatar Law No. 61 of 2007, as a replacement for the September 3 public holiday that had previously been observed in Qatar. Weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays, since 2000.
USA Clarifies 2029 Federal Public Sector Holidays The White House (Washington DC) The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager for the US Federal Government, has released a updated list of the federal public holidays in the USA for the calendar year 2029. The aforementioned list of 2029 federal public holidays now contains the following footnote "Inauguration Day, January 20, 2029, falls on a Saturday. Federal employees in the Washington, DC, area are entitled to a holiday on the day a President is inaugurated on January 20th for each fourth year after 1965. Only employees scheduled to work on Saturday, January 20th, may be excused from duty and provided with paid holiday time off. In this instance, Inauguration Day is not observed on another day.".
USA Clarifies 2029 Federal Public Sector Holidays The White House (Washington DC) The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the chief human resources agency and personnel policy manager for the US Federal Government, has released a updated list of the federal public holidays in the USA for the calendar year 2029. The aforementioned list of 2029 federal public holidays now contains the following footnote "Inauguration Day, January 20, 2029, falls on a Saturday. Federal employees in the Washington, DC, area are entitled to a holiday on the day a President is inaugurated on January 20th for each fourth year after 1965. Only employees scheduled to work on Saturday, January 20th, may be excused from duty and provided with paid holiday time off. In this instance, Inauguration Day is not observed on another day.".
Iranian Weather Public Holiday December 15 Islamic Republic News Agency (Tehran) The Iranian government has declared Sunday, December 15, 2024, as a public holiday for schools, universities, and government departments, in multiple cities across the country, to control a rising demand for heating, as temperatures have dropped to below zero Celsius in 18 out of 31 Iranian provinces. Weather-related public holidays are a staple of Iranian life. Recall that, last summer, the Iranian government had declared Sunday, July 28, 2024, as a public holiday for all government and commercial institutions as well as banks, as temperature reached over 45 degrees Celsius in 10 Iranian provinces. And last year, the Iranian government had similarly declared two days of public holidays, August 2 and 3, for government workers and banks nationwide on account of the current heat wave, with the meteorological office forecasting temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in many cities, and nearly 50 degrees in the southwest. Recall that, normally, Sundays are regular working days in Iran.
Iranian Weather Public Holiday December 15 Islamic Republic News Agency (Tehran) The Iranian government has declared Sunday, December 15, 2024, as a public holiday for schools, universities, and government departments, in multiple cities across the country, to control a rising demand for heating, as temperatures have dropped to below zero Celsius in 18 out of 31 Iranian provinces. Weather-related public holidays are a staple of Iranian life. Recall that, last summer, the Iranian government had declared Sunday, July 28, 2024, as a public holiday for all government and commercial institutions as well as banks, as temperature reached over 45 degrees Celsius in 10 Iranian provinces. And last year, the Iranian government had similarly declared two days of public holidays, August 2 and 3, for government workers and banks nationwide on account of the current heat wave, with the meteorological office forecasting temperatures exceeding 40 degrees in many cities, and nearly 50 degrees in the southwest. Recall that, normally, Sundays are regular working days in Iran.
Jordanian Year-End 2024-2025 Public Holidays Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordan's Prime Minister, Jaafar Hassan, has issued a circular decreeing non-working public holidays in Jordan for Christmas 2024 and the New Year 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "public servants and students will be off Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, for Christmas and New Year" and "Thursday, December 26, 2024, will be an official holiday for Christian employees and students". Although today's announcement of December 25 and January 1 as public holidays mentions only "public servants and students", we recall that in past years the Jordanian Ministry of Labour always subsequently clarified that public holidays announced "for all ministries and governmental institutions" also applied to the private sector ("According to article 59 of the Labour Law, which clarifies the mechanism for making the employer work on his weekly, religious or public holidays, official communications issued for this purpose include private sector institutions without mentioning them in the communications.").
Jordanian Year-End 2024-2025 Public Holidays Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordan's Prime Minister, Jaafar Hassan, has issued a circular decreeing non-working public holidays in Jordan for Christmas 2024 and the New Year 2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "public servants and students will be off Wednesday, December 25, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, for Christmas and New Year" and "Thursday, December 26, 2024, will be an official holiday for Christian employees and students". Although today's announcement of December 25 and January 1 as public holidays mentions only "public servants and students", we recall that in past years the Jordanian Ministry of Labour always subsequently clarified that public holidays announced "for all ministries and governmental institutions" also applied to the private sector ("According to article 59 of the Labour Law, which clarifies the mechanism for making the employer work on his weekly, religious or public holidays, official communications issued for this purpose include private sector institutions without mentioning them in the communications.").
Poland's President Suspends Support For New Christmas Eve Public Holiday Bill Polskie Radio (Warsaw) Poland's President, Andrzej Sebastian Duda, has "suspended" his stance on the bill currently on his desk and which would create a new annual public holiday on December 24, beginning in 2025. Back in October Poland’s President Duda and the Catholic church had voiced their support for the proposal by The Left (Lewica) to make Christmas Eve a new annual public holiday in Poland. But, by the time the bill was passed by the lower house of parliament, the Sejm, and arrived on the President's desk, a clause was added allowing shops to open on the 3 Sundays that precede Christmas, something that President Duda opposes (currently shops can only open on the 2 Sundays before Christmas). 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 President Suspends Support For New Christmas Eve Public Holiday Bill Polskie Radio (Warsaw) Poland's President, Andrzej Sebastian Duda, has "suspended" his stance on the bill currently on his desk and which would create a new annual public holiday on December 24, beginning in 2025. Back in October Poland’s President Duda and the Catholic church had voiced their support for the proposal by The Left (Lewica) to make Christmas Eve a new annual public holiday in Poland. But, by the time the bill was passed by the lower house of parliament, the Sejm, and arrived on the President's desk, a clause was added allowing shops to open on the 3 Sundays that precede Christmas, something that President Duda opposes (currently shops can only open on the 2 Sundays before Christmas). 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.
Madeira Adds April 2nd Autonomy Day Public Holiday Governo de Portugal (Lisboa) The Portuguese Republic's Representative for the Region of Madeira, Ireneu Barreto, has approved the proposal by the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira to declare April 2 as a new regional public holiday to mark Autonomy Day. As mentioned by the advisory judge in his response to parliament, this is the third regional public holiday so declared, "since 1979, the 1st of July has been designated Region Day" and "since the end of 2002, the 26th of December has also been made a regional holiday".
Madeira Adds April 2nd Autonomy Day Public Holiday Governo de Portugal (Lisboa) The Portuguese Republic's Representative for the Region of Madeira, Ireneu Barreto, has approved the proposal by the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira to declare April 2 as a new regional public holiday to mark Autonomy Day. As mentioned by the advisory judge in his response to parliament, this is the third regional public holiday so declared, "since 1979, the 1st of July has been designated Region Day" and "since the end of 2002, the 26th of December has also been made a regional holiday".
Cayman Islands Declare 2025 Public Holidays Gazette Office Cayman Islands Government (Grand Cayman) The office of the Deputy Governor's Office of the Cayman Islands has released the list of 2025 public holidays in the Cayman Islands, including Emancipation Day, reinstated in 2024, and which replaced Discovery Day as of 2024. The aforementioned announcement also includes June 23 as the date of the King’s Official Birthday, and April 30 as the anticipated date of the upcoming general elections. Both of these dates are yet to be confirmed.
Cayman Islands Declare 2025 Public Holidays Gazette Office Cayman Islands Government (Grand Cayman) The office of the Deputy Governor's Office of the Cayman Islands has released the list of 2025 public holidays in the Cayman Islands, including Emancipation Day, reinstated in 2024, and which replaced Discovery Day as of 2024. The aforementioned announcement also includes June 23 as the date of the King’s Official Birthday, and April 30 as the anticipated date of the upcoming general elections. Both of these dates are yet to be confirmed.
Curacao Declares 2024-2025 Year-End Public Sector Holidays Eilandgebied Curaçao (Willemstad) The Council of Ministers of the Government of Curaçao has declared 2 half-day and 2 full-day public sector holidays for the end of the year 2024-2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "civil servants will have the afternoon off starting at 12:00 PM on December 24th and 31st" and "there will be no work on December 27th and January 2nd". According to the Curaçao Government, the public service has "provided high-quality services to the community in 2024" and "experience shows that there is minimal use of government services on December 27th and January 2nd".
Curacao Declares 2024-2025 Year-End Public Sector Holidays Eilandgebied Curaçao (Willemstad) The Council of Ministers of the Government of Curaçao has declared 2 half-day and 2 full-day public sector holidays for the end of the year 2024-2025. As per the aforementioned announcement, "civil servants will have the afternoon off starting at 12:00 PM on December 24th and 31st" and "there will be no work on December 27th and January 2nd". According to the Curaçao Government, the public service has "provided high-quality services to the community in 2024" and "experience shows that there is minimal use of government services on December 27th and January 2nd".
Kosovo 2025 Public Holidays Announced The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo The government cabinet of Kosovo has announced its annual list of official non-working public holidays and bank holidays in Kosovo for the calendar year 2025 ("Festat zyrtare në pajtim me nenin 2 të Ligjit Nr. 03/L-064, për Festat Zyrtare në Republikën e Kosovës"/"Službeni praznici u skladu sa članom 2. Zakona br.03/L-064, o Službenim praznicima u Republici Kosova"). As usual, the aforementioned announcement includes the footnote "The dates of official holidays (Eid/Easter) may change according to the lunar calendar. In case of any changes, you will be notified with a second notice.".
Kosovo 2025 Public Holidays Announced The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo The government cabinet of Kosovo has announced its annual list of official non-working public holidays and bank holidays in Kosovo for the calendar year 2025 ("Festat zyrtare në pajtim me nenin 2 të Ligjit Nr. 03/L-064, për Festat Zyrtare në Republikën e Kosovës"/"Službeni praznici u skladu sa članom 2. Zakona br.03/L-064, o Službenim praznicima u Republici Kosova"). As usual, the aforementioned announcement includes the footnote "The dates of official holidays (Eid/Easter) may change according to the lunar calendar. In case of any changes, you will be notified with a second notice.".
Sindh Declares December 25-26 Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has declared Wednesday, December 25, 2024, as a public holiday "on account of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birth anniversary". As per a separate notification, also issued by the Sindh Government, a public holiday is announced for Thursday, December 26, 2024, "for Christian employees in connection with Christmas". Recall that both dates had been included in the circular "Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2024", released by Pakistan's Federal Ministry of Interior late last year.
Sindh Declares December 25-26 Public Holidays Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department of the Government of Pakistan's Province of Sindh has declared Wednesday, December 25, 2024, as a public holiday "on account of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birth anniversary". As per a separate notification, also issued by the Sindh Government, a public holiday is announced for Thursday, December 26, 2024, "for Christian employees in connection with Christmas". Recall that both dates had been included in the circular "Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2024", released by Pakistan's Federal Ministry of Interior late last year.
Nicaragua Announces 2024-2025 Year-End Public Sector Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Vice President, Rosario Murillo, has announced that Nicaragua's state workers and their institutions would benefit from public sector holidays from Saturday, December 21, 2024, until Monday, January 6, 2025, inclusively, on the occasion of the 2024/2025 year-end. As per the aforementioned announcement, yet to be formalized by Nicaragua's Minister of Labour, Alba Luz Torres, "The last day of work for workers in the service of the State and its institutions will be Friday, December 20, 2024, at the end of their workday, returning to their regular work on Tuesday, January 7, 2025" and the return to work on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, is described as "the beginning of a year full of great victories for the Nicaraguan people".
Nicaragua Announces 2024-2025 Year-End Public Sector Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Vice President, Rosario Murillo, has announced that Nicaragua's state workers and their institutions would benefit from public sector holidays from Saturday, December 21, 2024, until Monday, January 6, 2025, inclusively, on the occasion of the 2024/2025 year-end. As per the aforementioned announcement, yet to be formalized by Nicaragua's Minister of Labour, Alba Luz Torres, "The last day of work for workers in the service of the State and its institutions will be Friday, December 20, 2024, at the end of their workday, returning to their regular work on Tuesday, January 7, 2025" and the return to work on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, is described as "the beginning of a year full of great victories for the Nicaraguan people".
Portugal Declares December 24 and 31 Public Sector Holidays Governo de Portugal (Lisboa) The government of Portugal, in a decree signed by the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, has declared national public sector holidays (tolerância de ponto) on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024. As per the order published in the Official Gazette, "Tolerance is granted to civil servants who perform public functions in direct State administration services, and in public institutes on the 24th and 31st of December 2024".
Portugal Declares December 24 and 31 Public Sector Holidays Governo de Portugal (Lisboa) The government of Portugal, in a decree signed by the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, has declared national public sector holidays (tolerância de ponto) on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and Tuesday, December 31, 2024. As per the order published in the Official Gazette, "Tolerance is granted to civil servants who perform public functions in direct State administration services, and in public institutes on the 24th and 31st of December 2024".
Azerbaijan Extends Novruz Ramadan and Gurban Bayram 2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued a decision that the upcoming Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-24, 2025, inclusively, and that, as March 22 and 23 fall on a Saturday and a Sunday, in accordance with the Labor Code, March 25 and 26, 2025, will also be non-working days in Azerbaijan. Additionally, Ramazan Bayram will be on March 30-31, 2025, and similarly April 1st will be an additional day in lieu public holiday. Finally, Gurban Bayram will be on June 6-7, 2025, 2025, and due to June 7 falling on a Saturday, Monday, June 9, 2025, will also be an additional day in lieu public holiday in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan Extends Novruz Ramadan and Gurban Bayram 2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued a decision that the upcoming Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-24, 2025, inclusively, and that, as March 22 and 23 fall on a Saturday and a Sunday, in accordance with the Labor Code, March 25 and 26, 2025, will also be non-working days in Azerbaijan. Additionally, Ramazan Bayram will be on March 30-31, 2025, and similarly April 1st will be an additional day in lieu public holiday. Finally, Gurban Bayram will be on June 6-7, 2025, 2025, and due to June 7 falling on a Saturday, Monday, June 9, 2025, will also be an additional day in lieu public holiday in Azerbaijan.
Bahrain National Day Bank Holidays December 16-17 Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Central Bank has published a circular declaring the dates of the bank holidays in Bahrain for the upcoming National Day holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by the Director of the Banking Services Directorate, Hessa Saif Al Buflasa, "the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) will be closed during the National Day Holiday which will fall on Monday, 16th December 2024 and Tuesday, 17th December 2024 and will resume operations on Wednesday, 18th December, 2024.". The aforementioned announcement follows yesterday's announcement by Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, that "the Kingdom’s ministries, government departments and public institutions will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, corresponding to 16 and 17 December 2024, respectively".
Bahrain National Day Bank Holidays December 16-17 Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Central Bank has published a circular declaring the dates of the bank holidays in Bahrain for the upcoming National Day holidays. As per the aforementioned announcement, signed by the Director of the Banking Services Directorate, Hessa Saif Al Buflasa, "the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) will be closed during the National Day Holiday which will fall on Monday, 16th December 2024 and Tuesday, 17th December 2024 and will resume operations on Wednesday, 18th December, 2024.". The aforementioned announcement follows yesterday's announcement by Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, that "the Kingdom’s ministries, government departments and public institutions will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, corresponding to 16 and 17 December 2024, respectively".
Punjab 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Punjab has released its annual list of public holidays and restricted holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2024 in the Government vide Notification No. 06/01/2024-2PP3/677, dated 11-12-2024 ("It is hereby notified that the holidays enumerated in the schedule below shall be observed as Public Holidays in the public offices under the Punjab Government during the calendar year-2025"). The aforementioned vide notification further states that "Besides the above holidays, each employee will also be permitted to avail himself/herself any two (2) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the Restricted Holidays below during the Calendar Year-2025" and that "In addition to the above holidays each employee will be permitted to avail himself/herself any four (4) second half day holidays to be chosen by him/her to join the Nagar Kirtan/Sobha Yatra in connection with the list of occasion given below during the Calendar Year, 2025 and the concerned Controlling Authority shall ensure to maintain the record of such holidays".
Punjab 2025 Public Holidays Announced Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Punjab has released its annual list of public holidays and restricted holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2024 in the Government vide Notification No. 06/01/2024-2PP3/677, dated 11-12-2024 ("It is hereby notified that the holidays enumerated in the schedule below shall be observed as Public Holidays in the public offices under the Punjab Government during the calendar year-2025"). The aforementioned vide notification further states that "Besides the above holidays, each employee will also be permitted to avail himself/herself any two (2) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the Restricted Holidays below during the Calendar Year-2025" and that "In addition to the above holidays each employee will be permitted to avail himself/herself any four (4) second half day holidays to be chosen by him/her to join the Nagar Kirtan/Sobha Yatra in connection with the list of occasion given below during the Calendar Year, 2025 and the concerned Controlling Authority shall ensure to maintain the record of such holidays".
Tajikistan Adds January 11 Antimonopoly Holiday Majlisi namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan (MNMORT) The government of Tajikistan has issued a resolution to approve, and submit to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower house of parliament), amendments to the law on public holidays, the establishment of a new annual holiday on January 11, the Day of Antimonopoly Authorities.
Tajikistan Adds January 11 Antimonopoly Holiday Majlisi namoyandagon of Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan (MNMORT) The government of Tajikistan has issued a resolution to approve, and submit to the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower house of parliament), amendments to the law on public holidays, the establishment of a new annual holiday on January 11, the Day of Antimonopoly Authorities.
Bahrain Announces National Day Public Holidays Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has issued a circular announcing the date of the upcoming public holidays commemorating Bahrain's National Day and the Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Accession to the Throne. As per the aforementioned statement, "the Kingdom’s ministries, government departments and public institutions will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, corresponding to 16 and 17 December 2024, respectively". Recall that weekends in Bahrain have been observed on Friday-Saturday, since September 2006.
Bahrain Announces National Day Public Holidays Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has issued a circular announcing the date of the upcoming public holidays commemorating Bahrain's National Day and the Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Accession to the Throne. As per the aforementioned statement, "the Kingdom’s ministries, government departments and public institutions will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, corresponding to 16 and 17 December 2024, respectively". Recall that weekends in Bahrain have been observed on Friday-Saturday, since September 2006.
Karnataka Declares December 11 Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The State Government of India's state of Karnataka has announced that, following the death of former Karnataka Chief Minister and External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, it had decided to declare a one off public holiday on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. As per the aforementioned announcement, the holiday will apply to all schools, colleges, and government offices, and no government functions or entertainment programs will take place during the mourning period. The declaration of a one-off public holiday on December 11, 2024, thus amends the terms of the Government vide Notification No. DPAR 16 HHL2023 of last November which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Karnataka for the calendar year 2024.
Karnataka Declares December 11 Public Holiday Government of Karnataka (Bengaluru) The State Government of India's state of Karnataka has announced that, following the death of former Karnataka Chief Minister and External Affairs Minister, S.M. Krishna, it had decided to declare a one off public holiday on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. As per the aforementioned announcement, the holiday will apply to all schools, colleges, and government offices, and no government functions or entertainment programs will take place during the mourning period. The declaration of a one-off public holiday on December 11, 2024, thus amends the terms of the Government vide Notification No. DPAR 16 HHL2023 of last November which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Karnataka for the calendar year 2024.
Vanuatu Electoral Public Holiday January 14 Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) As expected, Vanuatu's President, Nikenike Vurobaravu, has declared Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as a public holiday on account of the snap elections being held on that date. Recall that, earlier this month, Vanuatu's Electoral Office announced that the snap elections would be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. At that time we stated that, as per the Constitution (Eighth) (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2023, we expected the date of these elections to be declared a one-off public holiday as was the case in the past.
Vanuatu Electoral Public Holiday January 14 Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) As expected, Vanuatu's President, Nikenike Vurobaravu, has declared Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as a public holiday on account of the snap elections being held on that date. Recall that, earlier this month, Vanuatu's Electoral Office announced that the snap elections would be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. At that time we stated that, as per the Constitution (Eighth) (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2023, we expected the date of these elections to be declared a one-off public holiday as was the case in the past.
Andorra 2025 Public Holidays Announced Associació De Bancs Andorrans (Andorra) Andorra's "Ministère des Finances et de la Fonction Publique" in conjunction with the "Associació de Bancs Andorrans" has released its annual list of the official bank holidays and public holidays in Andorrra, for the calendar year 2025.
Andorra 2025 Public Holidays Announced Associació De Bancs Andorrans (Andorra) Andorra's "Ministère des Finances et de la Fonction Publique" in conjunction with the "Associació de Bancs Andorrans" has released its annual list of the official bank holidays and public holidays in Andorrra, for the calendar year 2025.
Qiang New Year Festival Joins UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The Qiang New Year festival was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at last week's 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place in Paraguay from December 2 to 7, 2024. The Qiang people, from southwest Sichuan Province, are one of China's oldest ethnic groups and they celebrate Qiang New Year on the first day of the 10th Chinese lunar month (early November in 2024). Recall that, during that same UNESCO session, Mongolia became the 13th country to recognize the Novruz holiday as part of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage (the other 12 countries being Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan) and Myanmar's traditional Ata Thingyan festival was also inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Qiang New Year Festival Joins UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The Qiang New Year festival was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at last week's 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place in Paraguay from December 2 to 7, 2024. The Qiang people, from southwest Sichuan Province, are one of China's oldest ethnic groups and they celebrate Qiang New Year on the first day of the 10th Chinese lunar month (early November in 2024). Recall that, during that same UNESCO session, Mongolia became the 13th country to recognize the Novruz holiday as part of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage (the other 12 countries being Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan) and Myanmar's traditional Ata Thingyan festival was also inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Kyrgyzstan Passes Law To Reduce Noise On Public Holidays Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, has signed into law the Law on Silence bill that had been introduced by MP Dastan Bekeshev. The aforementioned law specifies time periods during which exceeding established sound pressure and noise levels is not allowed, including on weekends and public holidays, from 22:00 to 09:00.
Kyrgyzstan Passes Law To Reduce Noise On Public Holidays Ministry of Labor Employment and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek) The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, has signed into law the Law on Silence bill that had been introduced by MP Dastan Bekeshev. The aforementioned law specifies time periods during which exceeding established sound pressure and noise levels is not allowed, including on weekends and public holidays, from 22:00 to 09:00.
Myanmar's Thingyan Festival Joins UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed Myanmar's traditional Ata Thingyan festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Thingyan is observed annually as a public holiday in Myanmar on the Akya day of the solar calendar, at the beginning of the annual weeklong Myanmar New Year holidays. This decision was made at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place in Paraguay from December 2 to 7, 2024. Recall that, during that same session, Mongolia became the 13th country to recognize the Novruz holiday as part of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage (the other 12 countries being Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan).
Myanmar's Thingyan Festival Joins UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Union of Myanmar (Yangoon) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed Myanmar's traditional Ata Thingyan festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Thingyan is observed annually as a public holiday in Myanmar on the Akya day of the solar calendar, at the beginning of the annual weeklong Myanmar New Year holidays. This decision was made at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place in Paraguay from December 2 to 7, 2024. Recall that, during that same session, Mongolia became the 13th country to recognize the Novruz holiday as part of UNESCO's Cultural Heritage (the other 12 countries being Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Turkmenistan).
Syrian HTS Rebels Declare December 8 As National Day Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) The HTS rebel groups that have overthrown the regime of Bashar al-Assad have declared December 8, 2024, a national holiday for Syria.
Syrian HTS Rebels Declare December 8 As National Day Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) The HTS rebel groups that have overthrown the regime of Bashar al-Assad have declared December 8, 2024, a national holiday for Syria.
Geneva Canton Releases 2026 Public Holidays République et Canton de Genève (Geneva) The government of the République et Canton de Genève has published its list of official public holidays in the Canton of Geneva, for the calendar year 2026, including a link to the special rules that govern the regional Restauration de la République public holiday and the Jeûne Genevois. ("le Jeûne genevois est fixé au jeudi qui suit le premier dimanche du mois de septembre (loi additionnelle à la loi du 28.12.1821 sur les jours de fête légale et les jours fériés du 10.05.1844)").
Geneva Canton Releases 2026 Public Holidays République et Canton de Genève (Geneva) The government of the République et Canton de Genève has published its list of official public holidays in the Canton of Geneva, for the calendar year 2026, including a link to the special rules that govern the regional Restauration de la République public holiday and the Jeûne Genevois. ("le Jeûne genevois est fixé au jeudi qui suit le premier dimanche du mois de septembre (loi additionnelle à la loi du 28.12.1821 sur les jours de fête légale et les jours fériés du 10.05.1844)").
Guyana Announces 2024-2025 Year-End Public Holidays Guyana Ministry of Home Affairs (Georgetown) Guyana's Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has signed the Gazette Notification 368/2024/3475 declaring December 25 and 26, 2024, as well as January 1, 2025 as public holidays in Guyana. As per the aforementioned gazette publication, published this morning in the Official Gazette Of Guyana, "Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (1) and 3 (2) of The Public Holidays Act, Chapter 19:07, Of The Laws Of Guyana, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday, December 26, 2024, Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 and are hereby declared public holidays".
Guyana Announces 2024-2025 Year-End Public Holidays Guyana Ministry of Home Affairs (Georgetown) Guyana's Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, has signed the Gazette Notification 368/2024/3475 declaring December 25 and 26, 2024, as well as January 1, 2025 as public holidays in Guyana. As per the aforementioned gazette publication, published this morning in the Official Gazette Of Guyana, "Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 (1) and 3 (2) of The Public Holidays Act, Chapter 19:07, Of The Laws Of Guyana, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday, December 26, 2024, Wednesday, January 1st, 2025 and are hereby declared public holidays".
Latvia 2025 Bank Holidays Announced Latvijas Banka (Riga) Tha Bank of Latvia (Latvijas Banka) has published the list of 2025 bank holidays in Latvia, in line with last April's draft decree On postponing the working day in 2025 by the Latvian Ministry of Welfare, which was approved in May by the Latvian Cabinet, and which moves the 2 working days of May 2 and November 17, 2025, to May 10 and November 8, 2025, respectively. The practice of moving working days to a nearby Saturday has been followed by Latvia for over 15 years, with very few exceptions (2011, 2016, and 2022).
Latvia 2025 Bank Holidays Announced Latvijas Banka (Riga) Tha Bank of Latvia (Latvijas Banka) has published the list of 2025 bank holidays in Latvia, in line with last April's draft decree On postponing the working day in 2025 by the Latvian Ministry of Welfare, which was approved in May by the Latvian Cabinet, and which moves the 2 working days of May 2 and November 17, 2025, to May 10 and November 8, 2025, respectively. The practice of moving working days to a nearby Saturday has been followed by Latvia for over 15 years, with very few exceptions (2011, 2016, and 2022).
Malaysian 2026-2027 Islamic Public Holidays Announced Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) Malaysia's governmental Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, aka. JAKIM) has published its annual Islamic calendar of public holidays in Malaysia for the western years 2026 and 2027 corresponding to 1447-1448 and 1448-1449 AH (Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2026 and Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2027).
Malaysian 2026-2027 Islamic Public Holidays Announced Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) Malaysia's governmental Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia, aka. JAKIM) has published its annual Islamic calendar of public holidays in Malaysia for the western years 2026 and 2027 corresponding to 1447-1448 and 1448-1449 AH (Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2026 and Tarikh Penting Dalam Islam Tahun 2027).
Madhesh Province Declares December 8 Public Holiday For Gadhimai Mela Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Government of the Madhesh Province of Nepal has declared Sunday, December 8, 2024, as a public holiday on the occasion of the grand Gadhimai Mela held in Bariyarpur, Bara, every five years. Recall that Nepal had observed a one-day weekend on Saturdays, for decades, apart for 2 brief intervals, in 2000-2001, and in the spring of 2022, when a two-day weekend was tried briefly.
Madhesh Province Declares December 8 Public Holiday For Gadhimai Mela Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Government of the Madhesh Province of Nepal has declared Sunday, December 8, 2024, as a public holiday on the occasion of the grand Gadhimai Mela held in Bariyarpur, Bara, every five years. Recall that Nepal had observed a one-day weekend on Saturdays, for decades, apart for 2 brief intervals, in 2000-2001, and in the spring of 2022, when a two-day weekend was tried briefly.
Andhra Pradesh Announces 2025 Public Holidays Government of Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati) The Government of India's State of Andhra Pradesh has issued the vide notifications G.O.RT. No.1032 and No.1033, 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". 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 notifications G.O.RT. No.1032 and No.1033, 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". 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.
Assam 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Assam (Dispur) The Government of India's state of Assam has gazetted the vide notification No.E-221561/347 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2025. Recall that, late last month, the Assam cabinet had announced that the list of non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 would be gazetted shortly.
Assam 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Assam (Dispur) The Government of India's state of Assam has gazetted the vide notification No.E-221561/347 containing the list of public holidays in Assam for 2025. Recall that, late last month, the Assam cabinet had announced that the list of non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 would be gazetted shortly.
Chhattisgarh Govardhan Puja Public Holiday Replaced Locally Government of Chhattisgarh (Raipur) The Collector of the Chhattisgarh District of Bilaspur, Avanish Sharan, has issued a government order declaring Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as a local public holiday on account of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s martyrdom day. Recall that, in late October, the General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Chhattisgarh had issued the vide notification No.F1-1/2024/A-5 declaring Friday, November 1, 2024, as an additional public holiday on account of the upcoming Govardhan Puja (the second day of Diwali). But, at that time, the Bilaspur District Collector had canceled this November 1st public holiday in his jurisdiction, opting instead for the declaration of Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as a local public holiday in the District of Bilaspur.
Chhattisgarh Govardhan Puja Public Holiday Replaced Locally Government of Chhattisgarh (Raipur) The Collector of the Chhattisgarh District of Bilaspur, Avanish Sharan, has issued a government order declaring Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as a local public holiday on account of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s martyrdom day. Recall that, in late October, the General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Chhattisgarh had issued the vide notification No.F1-1/2024/A-5 declaring Friday, November 1, 2024, as an additional public holiday on account of the upcoming Govardhan Puja (the second day of Diwali). But, at that time, the Bilaspur District Collector had canceled this November 1st public holiday in his jurisdiction, opting instead for the declaration of Tuesday, December 10, 2024, as a local public holiday in the District of Bilaspur.
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".
Serbia Releases 2025 Bank Holidays National Bank of Serbia (Belgrade) The National Bank of Serbia (Serbia's national bank) has released the list of bank holidays in Serbia for the calendar year 2025, in line with the list of 2025 public holidays announced by the Serbian Government last month.
Serbia Releases 2025 Bank Holidays National Bank of Serbia (Belgrade) The National Bank of Serbia (Serbia's national bank) has released the list of bank holidays in Serbia for the calendar year 2025, in line with the list of 2025 public holidays announced by the Serbian Government last month.
Seychelles Public Holiday December 9 The Central Bank of Seychelles (Victoria) The Department of Public Administration of the government of the Seychelles has announced that Monday, December 9, 2024, would be a public holiday on account of the annual Feast of the Immaculate Conception public holiday falling on a Sunday in 2024 ("Lendi le 9 Desanm ki en konze piblik vi ki Lafet Imakile Konsepsyon i tonm demen, Dimans le 8 Desanm").
Seychelles Public Holiday December 9 The Central Bank of Seychelles (Victoria) The Department of Public Administration of the government of the Seychelles has announced that Monday, December 9, 2024, would be a public holiday on account of the annual Feast of the Immaculate Conception public holiday falling on a Sunday in 2024 ("Lendi le 9 Desanm ki en konze piblik vi ki Lafet Imakile Konsepsyon i tonm demen, Dimans le 8 Desanm").
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.
Gibraltar 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) The Government of Gibraltar has gazetted the Bank And Public Holidays Order 2024 (LN. 2024/216), which specifies the official list of Gibraltar bank holidays and public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025. As per the aforementioned order, "This Order may be cited as the Bank and Public Holidays Order 2024" and "It is hereby declared that holidays set out in the Schedule shall be Bank and Public Holidays in the year 2025". Recall that the Government of Gibraltar has released an unofficial list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays, in early October.
Gibraltar 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted Government of Gibraltar Press Office (Gibraltar) The Government of Gibraltar has gazetted the Bank And Public Holidays Order 2024 (LN. 2024/216), which specifies the official list of Gibraltar bank holidays and public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025. As per the aforementioned order, "This Order may be cited as the Bank and Public Holidays Order 2024" and "It is hereby declared that holidays set out in the Schedule shall be Bank and Public Holidays in the year 2025". Recall that the Government of Gibraltar has released an unofficial list of 2025 bank holidays and public holidays, in early October.
Jammu and Kashmir Promises To Restore December 5 Public Holiday For Sheikh Abdullah's Birthday Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The Deputy Chief Minister of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, has announced that the Omar Abdullah government would soon restore the December 5th annual state public holiday marking the birth anniversary of late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. As per the aforementioned announcement, a proposal in that sense has already been submitted to lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha. Recall that, on October 31, 2019, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was split into 2, as the new Union Territory of Ladakh was carved out of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently to that split, in its Government Order No.251-JK(GAD) of 2019, dated 27.12.2019 (Holidays to be observed throughout the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the Calendar year 2020), the Government of Jammu and Kashmir dropped 2 traditional public holidays; Martyrs' Day on July 13 and the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah on December 5, while creating a new Accession Day public holiday on October 26. And, since 2020, neither Jammu and Kashmir nor Ladakh has listed December 5 as a public holiday.
Jammu and Kashmir Promises To Restore December 5 Public Holiday For Sheikh Abdullah's Birthday Government of Jammu and Kashmir (Srinigar) The Deputy Chief Minister of India's Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, has announced that the Omar Abdullah government would soon restore the December 5th annual state public holiday marking the birth anniversary of late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. As per the aforementioned announcement, a proposal in that sense has already been submitted to lieutenant governor, Manoj Sinha. Recall that, on October 31, 2019, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was split into 2, as the new Union Territory of Ladakh was carved out of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Subsequently to that split, in its Government Order No.251-JK(GAD) of 2019, dated 27.12.2019 (Holidays to be observed throughout the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir during the Calendar year 2020), the Government of Jammu and Kashmir dropped 2 traditional public holidays; Martyrs' Day on July 13 and the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah on December 5, while creating a new Accession Day public holiday on October 26. And, since 2020, neither Jammu and Kashmir nor Ladakh has listed December 5 as a public holiday.
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.
Vanuatu Electoral Public Holiday Expected On January 14 Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) Following the recent call for snap parliamentary elections by Vanuatu's President, Nikenike Vurobaravu, Vanuatu Electoral Office has now announced that the elections will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. As per the Constitution (Eighth) (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2023, we expect the date of these elections to be declared a one-off public holiday as was the case in the past.
Vanuatu Electoral Public Holiday Expected On January 14 Government of Vanuatu (Port Vila) Following the recent call for snap parliamentary elections by Vanuatu's President, Nikenike Vurobaravu, Vanuatu Electoral Office has now announced that the elections will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. As per the Constitution (Eighth) (Amendment) Act No. 21 of 2023, we expect the date of these elections to be declared a one-off public holiday as was the case in the past.
