worldwide public holidays news and updates of the past fourteen days
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Azerbaijan Extends Novruz 2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan had issued a decision that the upcoming Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-24, 2025, inclusively. Additionally, as March 22 and 23 falls 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.
Azerbaijan Extends Novruz 2025 Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan had issued a decision that the upcoming Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-24, 2025, inclusively. Additionally, as March 22 and 23 falls 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.
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".
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.
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 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 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.
Cuba Declares Forced Holidays Until Further Notice Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) The Cuban government has ordered the cancellation of work activity at non-essential government services and the closure of educational institutions until the national electricity system is restored.
Cuba Declares Forced Holidays Until Further Notice Órgano Oficial del Comité Central del Partido Comunista de Cuba (Granma) The Cuban government has ordered the cancellation of work activity at non-essential government services and the closure of educational institutions until the national electricity system is restored.
Goa Declares December 8 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 2/1/2017-GAD-III/4742 declaring Sunday, December 8, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946), as a paid public holiday constituencies where a by-election will be held on that date. As per the aforementioned notification, "In pursuance to sub-section (1) of section 40A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No.14 of 1994), the Government of Goa hereby declares Sunday, the 08th December, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946) as a paid holiday being the ‘polling day’ for the Bye Election to Ward No.V of Village Panchayat Nadora, Taluka Bardez, North Goa District in the State of Goa.". The aforementioned notification thus partially amends the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Goa ("The aforesaid paid holiday shall be in addition to the holidays indicated in the Government Notification No.37/4/2023-GAD-III/3993 dated 25/10/2023, published in the Official Gazette, Series II No.31, dated 02/11/2023").
Goa Declares December 8 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Goa (Panaji) The government of the Indian State of Goa has issued the vide notification No. 2/1/2017-GAD-III/4742 declaring Sunday, December 8, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946), as a paid public holiday constituencies where a by-election will be held on that date. As per the aforementioned notification, "In pursuance to sub-section (1) of section 40A of the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (Goa Act No.14 of 1994), the Government of Goa hereby declares Sunday, the 08th December, 2024 (Agrahayana 17, Saka 1946) as a paid holiday being the ‘polling day’ for the Bye Election to Ward No.V of Village Panchayat Nadora, Taluka Bardez, North Goa District in the State of Goa.". The aforementioned notification thus partially amends the list of 2024 public holidays in the state of Goa ("The aforesaid paid holiday shall be in addition to the holidays indicated in the Government Notification No.37/4/2023-GAD-III/3993 dated 25/10/2023, published in the Official Gazette, Series II No.31, dated 02/11/2023").
Kazakhstan Rules-Out December 31 Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a statement concerning the possible declaration of Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned statement, "We consider the approval of December 31 as a day off to be inappropriate. At the same time, we note that the ministry is not an authorized body for establishing national and state holidays. The ministry's competence only includes the approval of a list of professional holidays, which in turn are not days off.". Recall that, late last month, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection had announced changes to the list of January 2025 public holidays in a partial release of the upcoming О переносе дня отдыха в 2025 году annual decree, whereby "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025". Usually, the Government of Kazakhstan announces the list of one-off bridge public holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in December for the following year, but no such announcement was made in December 2023, and the draft decree On the postponement of the day of rest in 2024 (О переносе дня отдыха в 2024 году) was only posted on the eGov website of the Government of Kazakhstan on April 12 and officialized on April 18, 2024.
Kazakhstan Rules-Out December 31 Public Holiday Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan has issued a statement concerning the possible declaration of Tuesday, December 31, 2024, as a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned statement, "We consider the approval of December 31 as a day off to be inappropriate. At the same time, we note that the ministry is not an authorized body for establishing national and state holidays. The ministry's competence only includes the approval of a list of professional holidays, which in turn are not days off.". Recall that, late last month, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection had announced changes to the list of January 2025 public holidays in a partial release of the upcoming О переносе дня отдыха в 2025 году annual decree, whereby "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025". Usually, the Government of Kazakhstan announces the list of one-off bridge public holidays and compensatory working Saturdays in December for the following year, but no such announcement was made in December 2023, and the draft decree On the postponement of the day of rest in 2024 (О переносе дня отдыха в 2024 году) was only posted on the eGov website of the Government of Kazakhstan on April 12 and officialized on April 18, 2024.
Kuwait Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting of yesterday, issued a decree declaring Thursday, January 2, 2025, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government institutions on account of the upcoming Gregorian New Year. As per the aforementioned decree, "Thursday (January 2) will be a day off as it will fall between two official holidays" and "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Kuwait Extends New Year 2025 Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting of yesterday, issued a decree declaring Thursday, January 2, 2025, as a public holiday in Kuwait at government institutions on account of the upcoming Gregorian New Year. As per the aforementioned decree, "Thursday (January 2) will be a day off as it will fall between two official holidays" and "work at government institutions will resume on Sunday, January 5, 2025". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Maharashtra 2025 Public Holidays Released Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra has announced the list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Maharashtra for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in the Government vide Notification No.PHD-1124/C.R.91/Japuk (29). As per the aforementioned vide notification, "In exercise of the powers of Central Government under section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (XXVI of 1881) entrusted to it by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs vide its Notification No.39/l/68/JUDI-III, dated the 8th May, 1968, the Government of Maharashtra hereby declares the following days as Public Holidays in the State of Maharashtra during the calendar year 2025", adding that "The State Government has also decided to declare following additional holiday for the offices of the State Government, State Public Sector undertakings, Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayat, Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Village Panchayat.". The list of 2025 public holidays in Maharashtra comes a few weeks later than last year's Government vide Notification No.PHD-1123/C.R.148/JPK (Desk-29) which announced the list of 2024 public holidays in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra 2025 Public Holidays Released Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The General Administration Department of the Government of India's state of Maharashtra has announced the list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Maharashtra for the upcoming calendar year 2025 in the Government vide Notification No.PHD-1124/C.R.91/Japuk (29). As per the aforementioned vide notification, "In exercise of the powers of Central Government under section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (XXVI of 1881) entrusted to it by the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs vide its Notification No.39/l/68/JUDI-III, dated the 8th May, 1968, the Government of Maharashtra hereby declares the following days as Public Holidays in the State of Maharashtra during the calendar year 2025", adding that "The State Government has also decided to declare following additional holiday for the offices of the State Government, State Public Sector undertakings, Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Nagar Panchayat, Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Village Panchayat.". The list of 2025 public holidays in Maharashtra comes a few weeks later than last year's Government vide Notification No.PHD-1123/C.R.148/JPK (Desk-29) which announced the list of 2024 public holidays in Maharashtra.
Iraq Declares December 10 Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's 49th session of the Iraqi Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, the following decision was discussed and subsequently announced; "Declaring Tuesday, December 10, 2024, a public holiday for all ministries and government institutions in celebration of Victory Day and the liberation of Iraq from ISIS terrorist gangs.". The aforementioned announcement is in line with last spring's amended Law On Official Holidays, which was signed by Iraq's President, Abdullatif Rashid.
Iraq Declares December 10 Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) At today's 49th session of the Iraqi Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, the following decision was discussed and subsequently announced; "Declaring Tuesday, December 10, 2024, a public holiday for all ministries and government institutions in celebration of Victory Day and the liberation of Iraq from ISIS terrorist gangs.". The aforementioned announcement is in line with last spring's amended Law On Official Holidays, which was signed by Iraq's President, Abdullatif Rashid.
Madagascar Declares December 11 Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's government has issued the Décret n°2024-1493 portant convocation des électeurs pour les élections communales et municipales du 11 décembre 2024 which sets December 11 as the date of the upcoming communal and municipal elections, and a public holiday. Recall that, as per last January's Décret No. 2024-108 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés au titre de l’année 2024 the date of elections are public holidays ("Sont fériées, chômées et payées les journées d’élections communales et législatives, conformément au calendrier électoral fixé par décret pris en Conseil du Gouvernement.").
Madagascar Declares December 11 Public Holiday Filankevitry ny Governemanta (Mahazoarivo) Madagascar's government has issued the Décret n°2024-1493 portant convocation des électeurs pour les élections communales et municipales du 11 décembre 2024 which sets December 11 as the date of the upcoming communal and municipal elections, and a public holiday. Recall that, as per last January's Décret No. 2024-108 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés au titre de l’année 2024 the date of elections are public holidays ("Sont fériées, chômées et payées les journées d’élections communales et législatives, conformément au calendrier électoral fixé par décret pris en Conseil du Gouvernement.").
Maharashtra Declares December 6 Mahaparinirvan Diwas Public Holiday Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The government of India's State of Maharashtra has declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, for all government and semi-government offices to mark Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the 68th death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose birthday, on April 14, is a public holiday in 25 Indian states and union territories. Recall that, last year, the Maharashtra government had similarly declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, to commemorate Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The city of Mumbai traditionally also observes local holidays on Anant Chaturdashi and Gopalkala.
Maharashtra Declares December 6 Mahaparinirvan Diwas Public Holiday Government of Maharashtra (Mumbai) The government of India's State of Maharashtra has declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, for all government and semi-government offices to mark Mahaparinirvan Diwas, the 68th death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, whose birthday, on April 14, is a public holiday in 25 Indian states and union territories. Recall that, last year, the Maharashtra government had similarly declared Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as a public holiday in Mumbai, to commemorate Mahaparinirvan Diwas. The city of Mumbai traditionally also observes local holidays on Anant Chaturdashi and Gopalkala.
Netherlands May 5 Public Holiday Update Netherlands Info Services (Amsterdam) A large majority of the Dutch House of Representatives, led by the NSC, is in favor of making May 5 an annual public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, and has tasked the Cabinet with investigating this possibility. Currently, May 5th is only a general public holiday in the Netherlands every 5 years (2020, 2025, 2030,...). On other years, the status of the holidays depends on sectorial collective bargaining agreements, with the public sector and many large companies generally having the day off. The topic comes back to the fore, on and off again. In 2010, a majority of the parties in the Dutch Parliament had responded favorably to the Dutch Labour (PvdA) leader, Job Cohen, proposing that May 5th should become a general public holiday every year. In 2015, the Comité 4 en 5 mei, the committee which organizes the commemorations for the end of World War II in the Netherlands, had come out in support of the movement to make the May 5th, Liberation Day, public holiday a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Netherlands. In 2019, Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had indicated that the Dutch Cabinet and the House of Representatives wanted as many Dutch employees as possible to be released on the Liberation Day public holiday. Then, in 2021, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had opined that May 5 would soon be a public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, not just the public sector ("Ik heb de indruk dat we daar heel dichtbij zitten"). One option being considered is to cancel the Whit Monday public holiday, in exchange for the declaration of May 5th as a nationwide annual public holiday in the Netherlands.
Netherlands May 5 Public Holiday Update Netherlands Info Services (Amsterdam) A large majority of the Dutch House of Representatives, led by the NSC, is in favor of making May 5 an annual public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, and has tasked the Cabinet with investigating this possibility. Currently, May 5th is only a general public holiday in the Netherlands every 5 years (2020, 2025, 2030,...). On other years, the status of the holidays depends on sectorial collective bargaining agreements, with the public sector and many large companies generally having the day off. The topic comes back to the fore, on and off again. In 2010, a majority of the parties in the Dutch Parliament had responded favorably to the Dutch Labour (PvdA) leader, Job Cohen, proposing that May 5th should become a general public holiday every year. In 2015, the Comité 4 en 5 mei, the committee which organizes the commemorations for the end of World War II in the Netherlands, had come out in support of the movement to make the May 5th, Liberation Day, public holiday a nationwide annual non-working public holiday in the Netherlands. In 2019, Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had indicated that the Dutch Cabinet and the House of Representatives wanted as many Dutch employees as possible to be released on the Liberation Day public holiday. Then, in 2021, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, had opined that May 5 would soon be a public holiday for everyone in the Netherlands, not just the public sector ("Ik heb de indruk dat we daar heel dichtbij zitten"). One option being considered is to cancel the Whit Monday public holiday, in exchange for the declaration of May 5th as a nationwide annual public holiday in the Netherlands.
Pakistan Declares December 5 Electoral Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Deputy Commissioner’s Office of the Sheikhupura district of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has declared a public holiday on Thursday, December 5, 2024, on account of the upcoming by-election in the Punjab Assembly constituency of PP-139 Ferozewala.
Pakistan Declares December 5 Electoral Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Deputy Commissioner’s Office of the Sheikhupura district of Pakistan's Province of Punjab has declared a public holiday on Thursday, December 5, 2024, on account of the upcoming by-election in the Punjab Assembly constituency of PP-139 Ferozewala.
Philippines Postpones Next Barangay Elections Until 2029 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) A bill that to extend the term of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials' term of office from 3 to 6 years has been approved at the committee level in the Philippines House of Representatives. Under the terms of the aforementioned bill, Section 42 of Republic Act No. 7160 will be amended to hold the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections by the second Monday of May 2029, instead of in October 2026. Normally, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections occur every 3 years, and are usually accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Philippines Postpones Next Barangay Elections Until 2029 Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines (Manila) A bill that to extend the term of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials' term of office from 3 to 6 years has been approved at the committee level in the Philippines House of Representatives. Under the terms of the aforementioned bill, Section 42 of Republic Act No. 7160 will be amended to hold the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections by the second Monday of May 2029, instead of in October 2026. Normally, the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections occur every 3 years, and are usually accompanied by the declaration of a one-off public holiday. However, over the past decade, these elections have often been rescheduled. The 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were supposed to be held in late 2016, but were twice postponed, once to 2017 and a second time to 2018. Then in September 2019, three panels of the Philippines Senate approved moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections from May 2020 to May 2023. Eventually, the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were held on October 30, 2023.
Angolan Public Holidays December 3-4 For President Biden's Visit Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Social Communication Office of the State Government of Luanda has issued the communiqué Observância de Tolerância de Ponto a Nível da Província de Luanda Nos Dias 3 e 4 de Dezembro declaring public holidays for both the public and private sector, throughout the Province of Luanda, on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 3 and 4, 2024, on account of the visit to Angloa of US President Joe Biden. Asper the aforementioned communique, the measure is justified "considering the importance of the arrival of several entities of the highest political and economic relevance in the world", which "will carry out an intense working day in different parts of the City of Luanda".
Angolan Public Holidays December 3-4 For President Biden's Visit Jornal de Angola (Luanda) The Social Communication Office of the State Government of Luanda has issued the communiqué Observância de Tolerância de Ponto a Nível da Província de Luanda Nos Dias 3 e 4 de Dezembro declaring public holidays for both the public and private sector, throughout the Province of Luanda, on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 3 and 4, 2024, on account of the visit to Angloa of US President Joe Biden. Asper the aforementioned communique, the measure is justified "considering the importance of the arrival of several entities of the highest political and economic relevance in the world", which "will carry out an intense working day in different parts of the City of Luanda".
Burkina Faso's PM Questions December 11 Independence Day Public Holiday Date Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambèla, in a lengthy speech given earlier today, has questioned the choice of December 11 as the date of the annual public holiday marking Burkina Faso's Independence Day. As per the aforementioned speech, "L’indépendance du pays a été proclamée le 5 août 1960. Pourquoi alors célébrer encore l’indépendance le 11 décembre ?".
Burkina Faso's PM Questions December 11 Independence Day Public Holiday Date Ministère du Travail et de la Sécurité Sociale (Ouagadougou) The Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambèla, in a lengthy speech given earlier today, has questioned the choice of December 11 as the date of the annual public holiday marking Burkina Faso's Independence Day. As per the aforementioned speech, "L’indépendance du pays a été proclamée le 5 août 1960. Pourquoi alors célébrer encore l’indépendance le 11 décembre ?".
Canada 2025 Bank Holidays Updated Bank of Canada - Banque du Canada (Ottawa) The Bank of Canada, Canada's central bank, has released an updated version of its previously-released list of 2024-2025 bank holidays in Canada, including later dates in November 2025.
Canada 2025 Bank Holidays Updated Bank of Canada - Banque du Canada (Ottawa) The Bank of Canada, Canada's central bank, has released an updated version of its previously-released list of 2024-2025 bank holidays in Canada, including later dates in November 2025.
Mauritius Union Calls For January 3 A Public Holiday In 2025 Mauritius News Information Portal (Port-Louis) Mauritius' General Workers Federation (GWF) has sent a letter to Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, asking for Friday, January 3, 2025, to be declared a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned letter, "Un jour de congé additionnel est nécessaire pour les citoyens qui ont fait confiance à son leadership et à la vision de l’Alliance du Changement lors des élections générales. Ce sera également un jour de repos supplémentaire pour de nombreux travailleurs mauriciens qui travaillent dur et leur permettra de socialiser avec leurs familles.". Recall that, in 2022, then Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, had declared Monday, January 3, 2022, a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, due to the annual January 1st and 2nd public holidays both falling on the weekend. In a similar manner, Monday, January 3, 2011, had also been declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, when then Prime Minister Ramgoolam realized that the annual public holidays of January 1 and 2 both fell on a weekend in 2011. However, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2012, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, as only January 1st fell on a weekend, and in 2017, which started on the same weekday as 2012, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2017, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius either.
Mauritius Union Calls For January 3 A Public Holiday In 2025 Mauritius News Information Portal (Port-Louis) Mauritius' General Workers Federation (GWF) has sent a letter to Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, asking for Friday, January 3, 2025, to be declared a one-off public holiday. As per the aforementioned letter, "Un jour de congé additionnel est nécessaire pour les citoyens qui ont fait confiance à son leadership et à la vision de l’Alliance du Changement lors des élections générales. Ce sera également un jour de repos supplémentaire pour de nombreux travailleurs mauriciens qui travaillent dur et leur permettra de socialiser avec leurs familles.". Recall that, in 2022, then Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, had declared Monday, January 3, 2022, a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, due to the annual January 1st and 2nd public holidays both falling on the weekend. In a similar manner, Monday, January 3, 2011, had also been declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, when then Prime Minister Ramgoolam realized that the annual public holidays of January 1 and 2 both fell on a weekend in 2011. However, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2012, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius, as only January 1st fell on a weekend, and in 2017, which started on the same weekday as 2012, Mauritius' government did not declare Tuesday, January 3, 2017, as a one-off non-working public holiday in Mauritius either.
Western Australia Declares 2025 King's Birthday Public Holiday Date Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The Government of the State of Western Australia has announced that "The Governor has declared that the Celebration Day for the Anniversary of the Birthday of the Reigning Sovereign (King’s Birthday public holiday) will be observed in 2025 on Monday 29 September". As usual, "local governments interested in having an alternative date declared for the King’s Birthday public holiday in 2025 should provide a written request" before Friday, December 20, 2024. Recall that, this year, the King's Birthday public holiday was observed on Monday, August 5, 2024, in the City of Karratha and on Monday, August 12, 2024, in the Town of Port Hedland.
Western Australia Declares 2025 King's Birthday Public Holiday Date Western Australia Department of Labour Relations and Commerce (Perth) The Government of the State of Western Australia has announced that "The Governor has declared that the Celebration Day for the Anniversary of the Birthday of the Reigning Sovereign (King’s Birthday public holiday) will be observed in 2025 on Monday 29 September". As usual, "local governments interested in having an alternative date declared for the King’s Birthday public holiday in 2025 should provide a written request" before Friday, December 20, 2024. Recall that, this year, the King's Birthday public holiday was observed on Monday, August 5, 2024, in the City of Karratha and on Monday, August 12, 2024, in the Town of Port Hedland.
Bangladesh August 15 Public Holiday Update Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Appellate Division has stayed the 2008 High Court (HC) order that declared August 15 as a national holiday in observance of National Mourning Day. Recall that, shortly after last summer's military coup, the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's military government, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, had announced the cancellation of the annual August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the overthrown Awami League administration. The August 15 public holiday marking the anniversary of the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has had a turbulent past. It had been declared a public holiday in 1996 when Rahman's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, was prime minister. But a new government led by Hasina's rival, Khaleda Zia, canceled the holiday in late 2001, effective as of 2002. In 2008, following a ruling by the High Court on the constitutionality of the cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the interim government of Bangladesh, announced on August 10, 2008, that the cabinet had decided to restore the date of August 15th as a public holiday. Note that, in 2001, as well as cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the Khaleda Zia administration also canceled the March 17 public holiday marking Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Anniversary, and in last October's list of 2025 public holidays, both March 17 and august 15 were absent as public holidays.
Bangladesh August 15 Public Holiday Update Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The Appellate Division has stayed the 2008 High Court (HC) order that declared August 15 as a national holiday in observance of National Mourning Day. Recall that, shortly after last summer's military coup, the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's military government, chaired by Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, had announced the cancellation of the annual August 15, National Mourning Day, public holiday which had been closely tied to the overthrown Awami League administration. The August 15 public holiday marking the anniversary of the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has had a turbulent past. It had been declared a public holiday in 1996 when Rahman's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, was prime minister. But a new government led by Hasina's rival, Khaleda Zia, canceled the holiday in late 2001, effective as of 2002. In 2008, following a ruling by the High Court on the constitutionality of the cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the interim government of Bangladesh, announced on August 10, 2008, that the cabinet had decided to restore the date of August 15th as a public holiday. Note that, in 2001, as well as cancelling the August 15 public holiday, the Khaleda Zia administration also canceled the March 17 public holiday marking Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Anniversary, and in last October's list of 2025 public holidays, both March 17 and august 15 were absent as public holidays.
Swaziland Little Incwala Today Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The acting Governor of the Ludzidzini Royal Residence has announced the start of the annual Little Incwala, attended by King Mswati III, today. The Little Incwala is followed by the main Incwala dance, which is an annual non-working public holiday in Swaziland, whose actual date is usually announced only a few days beforehand. Due to the complex nature of the rule used to specify the date of the Incwala main day, and its related public holiday, the Incwala public holiday sometimes occurs twice in a year (as will be the case in 2026, 2029, 2034, ...). On the other hand some years it does not occur at all, as will be the case in 2025, 2028, 2033, ... Based on our calculations, we estimate that the upcoming Incwala public holiday will be announced for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Swaziland Little Incwala Today Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) The acting Governor of the Ludzidzini Royal Residence has announced the start of the annual Little Incwala, attended by King Mswati III, today. The Little Incwala is followed by the main Incwala dance, which is an annual non-working public holiday in Swaziland, whose actual date is usually announced only a few days beforehand. Due to the complex nature of the rule used to specify the date of the Incwala main day, and its related public holiday, the Incwala public holiday sometimes occurs twice in a year (as will be the case in 2026, 2029, 2034, ...). On the other hand some years it does not occur at all, as will be the case in 2025, 2028, 2033, ... Based on our calculations, we estimate that the upcoming Incwala public holiday will be announced for Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
Uzbekistan Announces Extended Constitution Day and New Year's Eve Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Government of Uzbekistan has announced that the upcoming Constitution Day public holiday would run for 3 consecutive days, from Saturday until Monday, December 7-9, 2024. As for the working day of Monday, December 30, 2024, it was moved to Saturday, December 14, 2024, as per last December's decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, declaring additional public holidays in Uzbekistan during the calendar year 2024 (Об установлении дополнительных нерабочих дней в период празднования официальных дат и переносе выходных дней в 2024 году).
Uzbekistan Announces Extended Constitution Day and New Year's Eve Public Holidays Uzbek National News Agency (Tashkent) The Government of Uzbekistan has announced that the upcoming Constitution Day public holiday would run for 3 consecutive days, from Saturday until Monday, December 7-9, 2024. As for the working day of Monday, December 30, 2024, it was moved to Saturday, December 14, 2024, as per last December's decree by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, declaring additional public holidays in Uzbekistan during the calendar year 2024 (Об установлении дополнительных нерабочих дней в период празднования официальных дат и переносе выходных дней в 2024 году).
Punjab Guru Tegh Bahadur Public Holiday December 6 Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of the Indian State of Punjab has declared December 6, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The aforementioned announcement is in line with last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024. Recall that, a week ago, the Government of India's neighboring Union Territory of Chandigarh had announced that the date of its upcoming restricted public holiday for the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur was to be moved from November 24, to December 6, 2024 "in partial modification of this Administration's Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2023/17123, dated 15.12.2023 regarding declaring of Restricted Holidays in the Union Territory of Chandigarh during the calendar year 2024".
Punjab Guru Tegh Bahadur Public Holiday December 6 Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Government of the Indian State of Punjab has declared December 6, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The aforementioned announcement is in line with last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024. Recall that, a week ago, the Government of India's neighboring Union Territory of Chandigarh had announced that the date of its upcoming restricted public holiday for the Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur was to be moved from November 24, to December 6, 2024 "in partial modification of this Administration's Notification No.6/1/1-IH(I)-2023/17123, dated 15.12.2023 regarding declaring of Restricted Holidays in the Union Territory of Chandigarh during the calendar year 2024".
UK Announces 2027 Bank and Public Holidays GOV.UK The government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has published the list of 2027 bank holidays and public holidays in the United Kingdom, in the 3 following lists; "Bank holidays in England and Wales 2027", "Bank holidays in Scotland 2027", and "Bank holidays in Northern Ireland 2027". As usual, the aforementioned announcement, also available in Welsh, specifies that "If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday" but that "Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays". Fans of Outlander will be interested to learn, from the Welsh version of the list of 2027 UK bank holidays, that English is translated to Saesneg in Welsh.
UK Announces 2027 Bank and Public Holidays GOV.UK The government of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has published the list of 2027 bank holidays and public holidays in the United Kingdom, in the 3 following lists; "Bank holidays in England and Wales 2027", "Bank holidays in Scotland 2027", and "Bank holidays in Northern Ireland 2027". As usual, the aforementioned announcement, also available in Welsh, specifies that "If a bank holiday is on a weekend, a substitute weekday becomes a bank holiday, normally the following Monday" but that "Your employer does not have to give you paid leave on bank or public holidays". Fans of Outlander will be interested to learn, from the Welsh version of the list of 2027 UK bank holidays, that English is translated to Saesneg in Welsh.
Chad Declares December 1-2 Public Holidays Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Ministre de la Fonction Publique et de la concertation sociale, Abdoulaye Mbodou Mbami, has issued a communiqué declaring Sunday, December 1st, 2024, a as public holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "en application de l'article 2 du décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, du 07 mars 2019, modifiant l’article 2 du décret N°413/PR/ M/MEPTEM/97 du 30 septembre 1997, portant révision de la liste et du régime des jours fériés et chômés, le ministre de la Fonction publique et de la Concertation sociale, a l'honneur de porter à la connaissance des travailleuses et travailleurs des secteurs public et privé que le journée du dimanche 1er décembre 2024, journée de la liberté et de la démocratie, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur l'ensemble du territoire national". Additionally, and also in line with the décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, the Minister informs the population that Monday, December 2, 2024, is also "déclarée chômée et payée sur l’étendue du territoire national". Note that the aforementioned communiqué does not point out that the next day shall be a regular working day, as is often the case.
Chad Declares December 1-2 Public Holidays Agence Tchadienne de Presse (N’Djamena) Chad's Ministre de la Fonction Publique et de la concertation sociale, Abdoulaye Mbodou Mbami, has issued a communiqué declaring Sunday, December 1st, 2024, a as public holiday. As per the aforementioned communique, "en application de l'article 2 du décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, du 07 mars 2019, modifiant l’article 2 du décret N°413/PR/ M/MEPTEM/97 du 30 septembre 1997, portant révision de la liste et du régime des jours fériés et chômés, le ministre de la Fonction publique et de la Concertation sociale, a l'honneur de porter à la connaissance des travailleuses et travailleurs des secteurs public et privé que le journée du dimanche 1er décembre 2024, journée de la liberté et de la démocratie, est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur l'ensemble du territoire national". Additionally, and also in line with the décret N°273/PR/MFPTDS/2019, the Minister informs the population that Monday, December 2, 2024, is also "déclarée chômée et payée sur l’étendue du territoire national". Note that the aforementioned communiqué does not point out that the next day shall be a regular working day, as is often the case.
Neuchâtel Releases List of 2026 Public Holidays République et canton de Neuchâtel (Neuchâtel) The Swiss Canton of Neuchâtel has released its list of 2026 public holidays (Jours fériés officiels dans le Canton de Neuchâtel - jours de repos assimilés au dimanche selon la loi sur le dimanche et les jours fériés du 30 septembre 1991 (RSN 941.02)) as well as the much longer list of cantonal public sector holidays (Jours fériés dans l'administration cantonale). As usual the aforementioned announcement specifies that "le 2 janvier et le 26 décembre sont fériés lorsque le 1er janvier respectivement le jour de Noël tombent un dimanche" and that "les magasins sont fermés le dimanche et les jours fériés, ainsi que le lundi de Pâques, le lundi de Pentecôte, et le lundi du Jeûne fédéral. Quant au 2 janvier et au 26 décembre, les magasins peuvent ouvrir pour autant que le 1er janvier, respectivement le 25 décembre, ne tombent pas un dimanche".
Neuchâtel Releases List of 2026 Public Holidays République et canton de Neuchâtel (Neuchâtel) The Swiss Canton of Neuchâtel has released its list of 2026 public holidays (Jours fériés officiels dans le Canton de Neuchâtel - jours de repos assimilés au dimanche selon la loi sur le dimanche et les jours fériés du 30 septembre 1991 (RSN 941.02)) as well as the much longer list of cantonal public sector holidays (Jours fériés dans l'administration cantonale). As usual the aforementioned announcement specifies that "le 2 janvier et le 26 décembre sont fériés lorsque le 1er janvier respectivement le jour de Noël tombent un dimanche" and that "les magasins sont fermés le dimanche et les jours fériés, ainsi que le lundi de Pâques, le lundi de Pentecôte, et le lundi du Jeûne fédéral. Quant au 2 janvier et au 26 décembre, les magasins peuvent ouvrir pour autant que le 1er janvier, respectivement le 25 décembre, ne tombent pas un dimanche".
NSW Newcastle Show Day Update NSW Government (Sydney) The Council of City of Newcastle, in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), has reported on its recent community feedback outreach, asking people who live, work, and run businesses in Newcastle, whether they support holding a Local Public Holiday for the Newcastle Show on Friday 28 February 2025. Based on the positive response, the City of Newcastle plans to make another application to the NSW Government for Newcastle Regional Show Day to be declared a Local Public Holiday or Local Event Day given its significance to the local community. Recall that, last February, the Industrial Relations Minister of New South Wales has rejected the Newcastle city council's request to declare Newcastle Show Day as a local public holiday. The Newcastle city council had made the request last November, hoping to create an extra long weekend at the beginning of March 2024.
NSW Newcastle Show Day Update NSW Government (Sydney) The Council of City of Newcastle, in Australia's State of New South Wales (NSW), has reported on its recent community feedback outreach, asking people who live, work, and run businesses in Newcastle, whether they support holding a Local Public Holiday for the Newcastle Show on Friday 28 February 2025. Based on the positive response, the City of Newcastle plans to make another application to the NSW Government for Newcastle Regional Show Day to be declared a Local Public Holiday or Local Event Day given its significance to the local community. Recall that, last February, the Industrial Relations Minister of New South Wales has rejected the Newcastle city council's request to declare Newcastle Show Day as a local public holiday. The Newcastle city council had made the request last November, hoping to create an extra long weekend at the beginning of March 2024.
Nicaragua Extends Extends Immaculate Conception Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) has announced that the Government of Nicaragua had declared Sunday, December 8, 2024, a national public holiday for all workers in the public and private sectors, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Law No. 290, Ley de Organización, Competencia y procedimientos del Poder Ejecutivo, and article 66 of the Law No. 185 (Código del Trabajo). The aforementioned communiqué states in its article 1 that "Sunday, December 8 of this year, is declared a NATIONAL HOLIDAY for all workers in the public and private sectors of the country so that Nicaraguan families may participate in the celebrations of the Immaculate Conception of Mary" and adds in article 2 that "Since December 8, 2024 coincides with the seventh day, in accordance with article 68 of the labor code, it will be compensated with Monday, December 9 of the current year and the worker who works will be paid as an extraordinary day of work; all workers in the country will return to their daily work on Tuesday, December 10, 2024".
Nicaragua Extends Extends Immaculate Conception Public Holiday Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) has announced that the Government of Nicaragua had declared Sunday, December 8, 2024, a national public holiday for all workers in the public and private sectors, in the exercise of the powers conferred by Law No. 290, Ley de Organización, Competencia y procedimientos del Poder Ejecutivo, and article 66 of the Law No. 185 (Código del Trabajo). The aforementioned communiqué states in its article 1 that "Sunday, December 8 of this year, is declared a NATIONAL HOLIDAY for all workers in the public and private sectors of the country so that Nicaraguan families may participate in the celebrations of the Immaculate Conception of Mary" and adds in article 2 that "Since December 8, 2024 coincides with the seventh day, in accordance with article 68 of the labor code, it will be compensated with Monday, December 9 of the current year and the worker who works will be paid as an extraordinary day of work; all workers in the country will return to their daily work on Tuesday, December 10, 2024".
Ontario Rules-Out September 30 Public Holiday The Government of the Province of Ontario (Toronto) The Indigenous affairs minister of the Government of Canada's Province of Ontario has announced that the Ford government will not support a New Democrat's bill to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday in the province. However, Minister Greg Rickford did add that "We are not prepared to support a holiday for now". The aforementioned bill was submitted, by New Democrat deputy leader, Sol Mamakwa, earlier this month, and had its second reading and debate last night. Recall that, already in 2021, the then Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs had announced that the Ontario government would not make the then new federal public sector holiday of September 30, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a provincial statutory holiday. Bill C-5 which declared September 30, a new annual federal public holiday in Canada was added to the list of annual Canadian bank holidays, in 2021, though. The Province of Ontario currently observes 9 public holidays, after adding Family Day as a public holiday on the third Monday of February, beginning in 2008.
Ontario Rules-Out September 30 Public Holiday The Government of the Province of Ontario (Toronto) The Indigenous affairs minister of the Government of Canada's Province of Ontario has announced that the Ford government will not support a New Democrat's bill to make the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation a statutory holiday in the province. However, Minister Greg Rickford did add that "We are not prepared to support a holiday for now". The aforementioned bill was submitted, by New Democrat deputy leader, Sol Mamakwa, earlier this month, and had its second reading and debate last night. Recall that, already in 2021, the then Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs had announced that the Ontario government would not make the then new federal public sector holiday of September 30, National Truth and Reconciliation Day, a provincial statutory holiday. Bill C-5 which declared September 30, a new annual federal public holiday in Canada was added to the list of annual Canadian bank holidays, in 2021, though. The Province of Ontario currently observes 9 public holidays, after adding Family Day as a public holiday on the third Monday of February, beginning in 2008.
Sweden 2025 Bank Holidays Holidays Announced Sveriges Riksbank (Stockholm) Sweden's Central Bank (Sveriges Riksbank) has released its list of bank holidays in Sweden with the announcement of Swedish bank holidays, as well as public holidays in Sweden, for the calendar year 2025.
Sweden 2025 Bank Holidays Holidays Announced Sveriges Riksbank (Stockholm) Sweden's Central Bank (Sveriges Riksbank) has released its list of bank holidays in Sweden with the announcement of Swedish bank holidays, as well as public holidays in Sweden, for the calendar year 2025.
Thailand Adds 2025 and 2026 Bank Holidays The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The Bank of Thailand (Thailand's Central Bank) has announced that Monday, June 2, and Monday, August 11, 2025, would be bank holidays as well as "additional special holiday for financial institutions and Special Financial Institutions", matching the recent decision by the Thai Cabinet declaring two additional one-off public holidays for the calendar year 2025. Note that the aforementioned decision by the Thai Cabinet also declared an additional one-off public holiday for the calendar year 2026, to which today's announcement by the Bank of Thailand makes no reference.
Thailand Adds 2025 and 2026 Bank Holidays The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The Bank of Thailand (Thailand's Central Bank) has announced that Monday, June 2, and Monday, August 11, 2025, would be bank holidays as well as "additional special holiday for financial institutions and Special Financial Institutions", matching the recent decision by the Thai Cabinet declaring two additional one-off public holidays for the calendar year 2025. Note that the aforementioned decision by the Thai Cabinet also declared an additional one-off public holiday for the calendar year 2026, to which today's announcement by the Bank of Thailand makes no reference.
