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Pakistan To Start Ramadan On March 2nd Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) Earlier tonight, Pakistan's Moon sighting committee, chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Moulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, announced that the Ramazan Moon had not been sighted in Pakistan and therefore that "the first day of Ramazan will be observed on March 2". Recall that, earlier this week, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) declared a bank holiday in Pakistan on 1st working day of the upcoming month of Ramadan ("All banks/DFIs/MFBs shall, therefore, remain closed for public dealing on 1st working day of Ramadan.").
Pakistan To Start Ramadan On March 2nd Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) Earlier tonight, Pakistan's Moon sighting committee, chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Moulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, announced that the Ramazan Moon had not been sighted in Pakistan and therefore that "the first day of Ramazan will be observed on March 2". Recall that, earlier this week, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) declared a bank holiday in Pakistan on 1st working day of the upcoming month of Ramadan ("All banks/DFIs/MFBs shall, therefore, remain closed for public dealing on 1st working day of Ramadan.").
Palau Youth Day Public Holiday March 15 Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Saturday, March 15, 2025, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming annual Youth Day holiday. The aforementioned announcement that Saturday, March 15, 2025, would be a public holiday, is in line with the list of annual non-working public holidays in Palau for the calendar year 2025 that was released by the government of Palau, last December.
Palau Youth Day Public Holiday March 15 Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Saturday, March 15, 2025, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming annual Youth Day holiday. The aforementioned announcement that Saturday, March 15, 2025, would be a public holiday, is in line with the list of annual non-working public holidays in Palau for the calendar year 2025 that was released by the government of Palau, last December.
Honduras Declares March 10 Electoral Public Holiday La Prensa (Tegucigalpa) The Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization of the government of Honduras has decreed a one-off non-working public sector holiday on Monday, March 10, 2025, on the day following the upcoming primary elections. As per the aforementioned communique on X, "All public administration employees are granted time off on Monday, March 10, so that they can exercise their right to vote, which will take place on Sunday, March 9" specifying that this day off applies to "all officials and employees of the Centralized, Decentralized and Deconcentrated Public Administration of the State". The declaration of the day after primary elections is a novelty in Honduras. However, the day after every 4 years' election has systematically been declared a public holiday in Honduras for the past 15 years. A one-off non-working public sector holiday was declared on Monday, November 29, 2021, as was Monday, November 27, 2017, four years before. Similarly, Monday, November 25, 2013, was declared a one-off non-working public sector holiday, and four years before that, the then Honduran government of Roberto Micheletti declared a public sector holiday for Friday afternoon, November 27, 2009, starting at noon local time, as well as the entire day of Monday, November 30, 2009, to enable people who had to go back to their village to vote on Sunday, to return to the cities and resume work on Tuesday morning ("para que puedan viajar a sus ciudades el domingo 24 y así ejercer el sufragio").
Honduras Declares March 10 Electoral Public Holiday La Prensa (Tegucigalpa) The Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Decentralization of the government of Honduras has decreed a one-off non-working public sector holiday on Monday, March 10, 2025, on the day following the upcoming primary elections. As per the aforementioned communique on X, "All public administration employees are granted time off on Monday, March 10, so that they can exercise their right to vote, which will take place on Sunday, March 9" specifying that this day off applies to "all officials and employees of the Centralized, Decentralized and Deconcentrated Public Administration of the State". The declaration of the day after primary elections is a novelty in Honduras. However, the day after every 4 years' election has systematically been declared a public holiday in Honduras for the past 15 years. A one-off non-working public sector holiday was declared on Monday, November 29, 2021, as was Monday, November 27, 2017, four years before. Similarly, Monday, November 25, 2013, was declared a one-off non-working public sector holiday, and four years before that, the then Honduran government of Roberto Micheletti declared a public sector holiday for Friday afternoon, November 27, 2009, starting at noon local time, as well as the entire day of Monday, November 30, 2009, to enable people who had to go back to their village to vote on Sunday, to return to the cities and resume work on Tuesday morning ("para que puedan viajar a sus ciudades el domingo 24 y así ejercer el sufragio").
Amman Declares March 2 Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) The Greater Amman Municipality has announced that Sunday, March 2, 2025, will be a public sector holiday for its employees in celebration of City Day.
Amman Declares March 2 Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) The Greater Amman Municipality has announced that Sunday, March 2, 2025, will be a public sector holiday for its employees in celebration of City Day.
Namibia Declares Additional Public Holiday For Late President Nujoma The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's President, Nangolo Mbumba, has authorized Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, to declare tomorrow, Friday, February 28, 2025, as a public sector holiday in observance of the state memorial service for Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, being held on that date. As per the announcement, made by Cabinet secretary, George Simataa, "In light of the state memorial service at Independence Stadium for the founding president, the prime minister has authorized Friday, 28 February 2025, as a public holiday for all public servants, excluding those involved in emergency and critical services". Today's declaration of Friday, February 28, 2025, as a public sector holiday, in in addition to the declaration, earlier this month, of a one-off public holiday on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Recall that, a year ago, the date of the burial of late president Hage Geingob on Sunday, February 25, 2024, was also declared a public holiday throughout Namibia, meaning that Monday, February 26, 2024, was also a public holiday in Namibia. Interestingly, Zambian president, Hakainde Hichilema, had declared two days of national mourning in Zambia to honor the late Namibian president Hage Geingob, as a gesture of gratitude for president Geingob declaring seven days of national mourning in Namibia on account of the death of Zambia's first president, Kenneth David Kaunda, in 2021.
Namibia Declares Additional Public Holiday For Late President Nujoma The Namibian Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (Windhoek) Namibia's President, Nangolo Mbumba, has authorized Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, to declare tomorrow, Friday, February 28, 2025, as a public sector holiday in observance of the state memorial service for Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, being held on that date. As per the announcement, made by Cabinet secretary, George Simataa, "In light of the state memorial service at Independence Stadium for the founding president, the prime minister has authorized Friday, 28 February 2025, as a public holiday for all public servants, excluding those involved in emergency and critical services". Today's declaration of Friday, February 28, 2025, as a public sector holiday, in in addition to the declaration, earlier this month, of a one-off public holiday on Saturday, March 1st, 2025. Recall that, a year ago, the date of the burial of late president Hage Geingob on Sunday, February 25, 2024, was also declared a public holiday throughout Namibia, meaning that Monday, February 26, 2024, was also a public holiday in Namibia. Interestingly, Zambian president, Hakainde Hichilema, had declared two days of national mourning in Zambia to honor the late Namibian president Hage Geingob, as a gesture of gratitude for president Geingob declaring seven days of national mourning in Namibia on account of the death of Zambia's first president, Kenneth David Kaunda, in 2021.
Portugal Declares Carnival Tuesday Public Sector Holiday Assembleia da República (Lisboa) Portugal's Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, has announced that the government had approved the declaration of Carnival Tuesday, on March 4, 2025, as a public sector holiday. Traditionally, Carnival is an annual optional public holiday for Portugal's public sector, as reconfirmed, following the reintroduction of 4 annual non-working public holidays in 2016. Over the years, the Greens have campaigned to make Carnival a full public holiday in Portugal, but they were usually blocked by their government partners, the Socialists, as happened in 2021, 2020, and 2017. In 2021, the public sector holiday for Carnival on February 16 was canceled by the government "because the country is in lockdown".
Portugal Declares Carnival Tuesday Public Sector Holiday Assembleia da República (Lisboa) Portugal's Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, has announced that the government had approved the declaration of Carnival Tuesday, on March 4, 2025, as a public sector holiday. Traditionally, Carnival is an annual optional public holiday for Portugal's public sector, as reconfirmed, following the reintroduction of 4 annual non-working public holidays in 2016. Over the years, the Greens have campaigned to make Carnival a full public holiday in Portugal, but they were usually blocked by their government partners, the Socialists, as happened in 2021, 2020, and 2017. In 2021, the public sector holiday for Carnival on February 16 was canceled by the government "because the country is in lockdown".
Timor Leste Declares March 5 Ash Wednesday Public Holiday Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had once again decided to grant an additional public sector holiday for Ash Wednesday, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 ("Tolerância de ponto no período da manhã do dia 5 de março de 2025 por ocasião da celebração da Quarta-Feira de Cinzas") as being justified by "the importance that the celebration of “Ash Wednesday” has for a large number of believers, who participate in the religious ceremonies that take place on this day". Contrary to what was the case in recent years, the aforementioned public sector holiday is only for a half-day ("A day off is granted in the morning of March 5, 2025. This order covers all employees, agents and workers who work in the State's direct administration services, whether central or decentralized, or in indirect administration bodies"). Note that the aforementioned declaration of Wednesday, March 5, 2025, as a public sector holiday, is in addition to the list of 2025 public holidays announced by the government of Timor Leste last month. Timor Leste has declared Ash Wednesday as a one-off public sector holiday since 2011, usually for a full day, except in 2013 and 2015 when it was declared for the morning only.
Timor Leste Declares March 5 Ash Wednesday Public Holiday Press Release Government Of Timor-Leste (Dili) The government of Timor Leste has announced that it had once again decided to grant an additional public sector holiday for Ash Wednesday, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 ("Tolerância de ponto no período da manhã do dia 5 de março de 2025 por ocasião da celebração da Quarta-Feira de Cinzas") as being justified by "the importance that the celebration of “Ash Wednesday” has for a large number of believers, who participate in the religious ceremonies that take place on this day". Contrary to what was the case in recent years, the aforementioned public sector holiday is only for a half-day ("A day off is granted in the morning of March 5, 2025. This order covers all employees, agents and workers who work in the State's direct administration services, whether central or decentralized, or in indirect administration bodies"). Note that the aforementioned declaration of Wednesday, March 5, 2025, as a public sector holiday, is in addition to the list of 2025 public holidays announced by the government of Timor Leste last month. Timor Leste has declared Ash Wednesday as a one-off public sector holiday since 2011, usually for a full day, except in 2013 and 2015 when it was declared for the morning only.
Ecuador Decrees Carnival Public Holidays VAT Reduction Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No. 542 ordering the reduction of the general rate of VAT for tourism services to 8% during the upcoming Carnival public holidays, from Saturday to Tuesday, March 1 to 4, 2025, inclusively. The aforementioned decree, which received the support of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, covers: Accommodation; Food and beverage service; transportation, when it is primarily dedicated to tourism; including air, sea, river, land transportation and vehicle rental for this purpose; Operation, when travel agencies provide their own transportation, this activity will be considered part of the agency; that of intermediation, tourist services agency and organizers of events, congresses and conventions; and, casinos, gaming halls (bingo-mechanical) racetracks and permanent amusement parks. Recall that, in May 2024, President Noboa had signed the Executive Decree No. 259 similarly ordering the reduction of the general rate of VAT to 8% during the May 24 public holiday corresponding to the Battle of Pichincha. The decree 259 covered Friday the 24th, Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of May 2024.
Ecuador Decrees Carnival Public Holidays VAT Reduction Agencia de Noticias del Ecuador y Sudamérica (ANDES) Ecuador's President, Daniel Noboa Azín, has signed the Executive Decree No. 542 ordering the reduction of the general rate of VAT for tourism services to 8% during the upcoming Carnival public holidays, from Saturday to Tuesday, March 1 to 4, 2025, inclusively. The aforementioned decree, which received the support of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, covers: Accommodation; Food and beverage service; transportation, when it is primarily dedicated to tourism; including air, sea, river, land transportation and vehicle rental for this purpose; Operation, when travel agencies provide their own transportation, this activity will be considered part of the agency; that of intermediation, tourist services agency and organizers of events, congresses and conventions; and, casinos, gaming halls (bingo-mechanical) racetracks and permanent amusement parks. Recall that, in May 2024, President Noboa had signed the Executive Decree No. 259 similarly ordering the reduction of the general rate of VAT to 8% during the May 24 public holiday corresponding to the Battle of Pichincha. The decree 259 covered Friday the 24th, Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of May 2024.
RBI Announces Gangtok Losar Bank Holiday Reserve Bank of India (New Delhi) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that banks in Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, will be closed on Friday, February 28, 2025, on account of the Losar festival. Recall that, on the other hand, earlier this month, the RBI directed all agency banks to keep their branches dealing with government transactions open for the public on March 31, 2025, despite the day being a public holiday on account of Id-Ul-Fitr (the End of Ramadan).
RBI Announces Gangtok Losar Bank Holiday Reserve Bank of India (New Delhi) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that banks in Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, will be closed on Friday, February 28, 2025, on account of the Losar festival. Recall that, on the other hand, earlier this month, the RBI directed all agency banks to keep their branches dealing with government transactions open for the public on March 31, 2025, despite the day being a public holiday on account of Id-Ul-Fitr (the End of Ramadan).
Lithuanian Government Supports January 13 Public Holiday Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas (Vilnius) At today's cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister, Gintautas Paluckas, the Government of Lithuania approved the conclusions prepared by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, proposing promoting the Defenders of Freedom Day, celebrated on January 13, to non-working public holiday status, and removing November 2 All Souls' Day from the list of non-working days in compensation. Recall that, in early January, Seimas (Lithuania's Parliament) speaker Skvernelis introduced a bill containing amendments to remove January 13, the Day of Defenders of Freedom, from the Law on Memorial Days and instead include it in the Labor Code a non-working annual public holiday, to coincide with next year's 35th anniversary of the January 13, 1991, events when Soviet military units stormed the Vilnius TV tower and the building of the Radio and Television Committee, leading to 14 civilian deaths. In a later interview, Speaker Skvernelis had already suggested that November 2 could be removed from the list of annual public holidays in compensation, although other politicians had also suggested replacing January 13 with May 1st instead. Later that month, the Seimas passed that bill in its first reading with 43 in favor, 3 against, and 27 abstentions, and following that vote, the Seimas decided to ask the Government’s opinion on the draft legislation amending the Labour Code and the Law on Memorable Days and return to the issue in the spring session due to start on March 10th.
Lithuanian Government Supports January 13 Public Holiday Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas (Vilnius) At today's cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister, Gintautas Paluckas, the Government of Lithuania approved the conclusions prepared by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, proposing promoting the Defenders of Freedom Day, celebrated on January 13, to non-working public holiday status, and removing November 2 All Souls' Day from the list of non-working days in compensation. Recall that, in early January, Seimas (Lithuania's Parliament) speaker Skvernelis introduced a bill containing amendments to remove January 13, the Day of Defenders of Freedom, from the Law on Memorial Days and instead include it in the Labor Code a non-working annual public holiday, to coincide with next year's 35th anniversary of the January 13, 1991, events when Soviet military units stormed the Vilnius TV tower and the building of the Radio and Television Committee, leading to 14 civilian deaths. In a later interview, Speaker Skvernelis had already suggested that November 2 could be removed from the list of annual public holidays in compensation, although other politicians had also suggested replacing January 13 with May 1st instead. Later that month, the Seimas passed that bill in its first reading with 43 in favor, 3 against, and 27 abstentions, and following that vote, the Seimas decided to ask the Government’s opinion on the draft legislation amending the Labour Code and the Law on Memorable Days and return to the issue in the spring session due to start on March 10th.
Morocco Once Again Cancels Eid Al Adha Sacrifices Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) Following last month's census of the available livestock by Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, Morocco's Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, announced today that King Mohammed VI had decided the cancellation of Eid Al-Adha sacrifice rituals this year in Morocco, due to a significant decline in livestock due to difficult climatic conditions and persistent economic challenges. Last March, we had reported that as Morocco entered its seventh year of drought, prices for animals to be sacrificed on the occasion of the Eid al Adha public holiday were soaring, leading to speculation that the Moroccan State might cancel the sacrificing of live animals from the 2024 Eid al Adha public holiday celebrations. In the end, this did not happen in 2024, but such cancellations have happened in the past. In 1996, the late King Hassan II canceled the Eid al Adha sacrifices due to years of drought. Likewise, in 1981, due to a drought aggravated by the program of structural adjustment of the government of Maati Bouabid, Eid al Adha sacrifices were also canceled, as they were in 1963, in the context of an economic crisis due to the war of sands with Algeria.
Morocco Once Again Cancels Eid Al Adha Sacrifices Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) Following last month's census of the available livestock by Morocco's Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, Morocco's Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, announced today that King Mohammed VI had decided the cancellation of Eid Al-Adha sacrifice rituals this year in Morocco, due to a significant decline in livestock due to difficult climatic conditions and persistent economic challenges. Last March, we had reported that as Morocco entered its seventh year of drought, prices for animals to be sacrificed on the occasion of the Eid al Adha public holiday were soaring, leading to speculation that the Moroccan State might cancel the sacrificing of live animals from the 2024 Eid al Adha public holiday celebrations. In the end, this did not happen in 2024, but such cancellations have happened in the past. In 1996, the late King Hassan II canceled the Eid al Adha sacrifices due to years of drought. Likewise, in 1981, due to a drought aggravated by the program of structural adjustment of the government of Maati Bouabid, Eid al Adha sacrifices were also canceled, as they were in 1963, in the context of an economic crisis due to the war of sands with Algeria.
Nawalparasi District Declares Public Holiday For Magar Unity Day Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) All eight local governments of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) have declared a public holiday on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to mark the 43nd Magar National Unity Day. Last year, all eight local levels in the Nawalpur District of Nepal's Gandaki Province similarly declared a public holiday for Magar Unity Day on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Nawalparasi District Declares Public Holiday For Magar Unity Day Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) All eight local governments of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) have declared a public holiday on Thursday, February 27, 2025, to mark the 43nd Magar National Unity Day. Last year, all eight local levels in the Nawalpur District of Nepal's Gandaki Province similarly declared a public holiday for Magar Unity Day on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
Pakistan Declares Bank Holiday On First Weekday Of Ramadan The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a bank holiday in Pakistan on 1st working day of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 1446 AH. As per the aforementioned announcement, "All banks/DFIs/MFBs shall, therefore, remain closed for public dealing on 1st working day of Ramadan.". Though the date of the first of Ramadan has not yet been officially announced, the first working day of Ramadan will be Monday, March 3, 2025. Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025 published by the Government of Pakistan last December.
Pakistan Declares Bank Holiday On First Weekday Of Ramadan The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has declared a bank holiday in Pakistan on 1st working day of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 1446 AH. As per the aforementioned announcement, "All banks/DFIs/MFBs shall, therefore, remain closed for public dealing on 1st working day of Ramadan.". Though the date of the first of Ramadan has not yet been officially announced, the first working day of Ramadan will be Monday, March 3, 2025. Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan is in line with the list of 2025 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025 published by the Government of Pakistan last December.
Qatar Declares March 2nd Bank Holiday Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Qatar's Central Bank (QCB) has declared a bank holiday for Sunday, March 2, 2025, for all financial institutions in the country. As per the official announcement, the decision was taken "pursuant to the Council of Ministers' Decision No 33 of 2009, amending certain provisions of Decision No. 6 of 2008, regarding public holidays in the State of Qatar", adding that "all financial institutions will reopen to the public on Monday, March 3, 2025". Recall that the first Sunday of March was approved as an annual bank holiday by Qatar's cabinet decision No.33 of 2009, in April 2009, and it was endorsed by Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, in September 2009, effective in 2010. This bank holiday applies 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). Finally, note that, since 2000, the weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays.
Qatar Declares March 2nd Bank Holiday Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Qatar's Central Bank (QCB) has declared a bank holiday for Sunday, March 2, 2025, for all financial institutions in the country. As per the official announcement, the decision was taken "pursuant to the Council of Ministers' Decision No 33 of 2009, amending certain provisions of Decision No. 6 of 2008, regarding public holidays in the State of Qatar", adding that "all financial institutions will reopen to the public on Monday, March 3, 2025". Recall that the first Sunday of March was approved as an annual bank holiday by Qatar's cabinet decision No.33 of 2009, in April 2009, and it was endorsed by Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, in September 2009, effective in 2010. This bank holiday applies 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). Finally, note that, since 2000, the weekends in Qatar are Fridays and Saturdays.
Sikkim Adds Annual February 26 Public Sector Holiday The Home Department of Government of Sikkim (Gangtok) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's State of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, has announced that henceforth February 26 would be an annual public sector holiday in honour of the Khas community. Recall that, last summer, the Government of Sikkim had extended the number of monthly days off for its public sector employees to the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
Sikkim Adds Annual February 26 Public Sector Holiday The Home Department of Government of Sikkim (Gangtok) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's State of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang, has announced that henceforth February 26 would be an annual public sector holiday in honour of the Khas community. Recall that, last summer, the Government of Sikkim had extended the number of monthly days off for its public sector employees to the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.
Venezuela Announces Carnival Bank Holidays March 3-4 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday and Tuesday, March 3-4, 2025, would be bank holidays in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Carnival, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Venezuela Announces Carnival Bank Holidays March 3-4 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Monday and Tuesday, March 3-4, 2025, would be bank holidays in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Carnival, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario.
Belgium's Extension Of July 11 Public Holiday Stalled De Standaard (Antwerp) Flemish Prime Minister, Matthias Diependaele, has indicated in the Flemish Parliament that there are no concrete plans to extend the scope of the July 11 public holiday whose observance is currently limited to the public sector. Recall that, in October 2020, the then newly formed Belgian government had given impetus to the Consultation Committee on Institutional Reform whose proposals included the change of each federal state (community) government public holiday into full public holidays for both the private and public sectors. At the time, the proposed new public holidays would have been on July 11 for the Flemmish Community, September 27 for the Walloon Community, and November 15 for the German Community. These 3 dates were, and still are, for the moment, government-only holidays. Then, earlier this month, the federal government of Belgium was reported to be once again considering allowing each federal state (community) government to declare its own public holiday for both the private and public sectors, in exchange for the cancellation of one of the nationwide public holidays (August 15 is mentioned as a likely choice). The most recent proposed changes would include May 8 as a regional public holiday for the Brussels region. The list of public holidays in Belgium has remained stable over the past 2 decades, apart from the confusion that occurred in 2008 due to the conjunction of Labour Day and Ascension Day.
Belgium's Extension Of July 11 Public Holiday Stalled De Standaard (Antwerp) Flemish Prime Minister, Matthias Diependaele, has indicated in the Flemish Parliament that there are no concrete plans to extend the scope of the July 11 public holiday whose observance is currently limited to the public sector. Recall that, in October 2020, the then newly formed Belgian government had given impetus to the Consultation Committee on Institutional Reform whose proposals included the change of each federal state (community) government public holiday into full public holidays for both the private and public sectors. At the time, the proposed new public holidays would have been on July 11 for the Flemmish Community, September 27 for the Walloon Community, and November 15 for the German Community. These 3 dates were, and still are, for the moment, government-only holidays. Then, earlier this month, the federal government of Belgium was reported to be once again considering allowing each federal state (community) government to declare its own public holiday for both the private and public sectors, in exchange for the cancellation of one of the nationwide public holidays (August 15 is mentioned as a likely choice). The most recent proposed changes would include May 8 as a regional public holiday for the Brussels region. The list of public holidays in Belgium has remained stable over the past 2 decades, apart from the confusion that occurred in 2008 due to the conjunction of Labour Day and Ascension Day.
Dominican Republic Fixes Independence Day Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué confirming that, as per the current legislation on public holidays in the Dominican Republic, the upcoming Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) annual non-working public holiday would be observed, on its traditional date, namely Thursday, February 27, 2025, and that "the working class must return to their daily work on Friday, February 28, as established by Law 139-97, taking into account the application of public holidays". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the 1997 Ley No. 139-97 mediante la cual los días feriados del calendario que coincidan con los días martes y miércoles, jueves o viernes serán trasladados de fecha which excludes January 1st, January 21, February 27, August 16, September 24, and December 25, from its scope.
Dominican Republic Fixes Independence Day Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo República Dominicana (Santo Domingo) The Ministry of Labour of the Dominican Republic has issued an official communiqué confirming that, as per the current legislation on public holidays in the Dominican Republic, the upcoming Día de la Independencia (Independence Day) annual non-working public holiday would be observed, on its traditional date, namely Thursday, February 27, 2025, and that "the working class must return to their daily work on Friday, February 28, as established by Law 139-97, taking into account the application of public holidays". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the 1997 Ley No. 139-97 mediante la cual los días feriados del calendario que coincidan con los días martes y miércoles, jueves o viernes serán trasladados de fecha which excludes January 1st, January 21, February 27, August 16, September 24, and December 25, from its scope.
Iraqi PM Directs Governors To Limit Provincial Public Holidays Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, has instructed all provincial governors to ensure that official holidays are declared only for "genuine and compelling reasons", such as extreme weather events. As per Iraqi Government Spokesman, Basim Alawadi, "PM Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of ensuring sufficient time for the completion of educational curricula and adhering to the established academic calendar". One can only guess that today's statement by Prime Minister Al-Sudani is in response to last week's last-minute declaration of a public holiday to coincide with the funeral of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in the provinces of Al-Diwaniyah, Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Maysan.
Iraqi PM Directs Governors To Limit Provincial Public Holidays Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed S. Al-Sudani, has instructed all provincial governors to ensure that official holidays are declared only for "genuine and compelling reasons", such as extreme weather events. As per Iraqi Government Spokesman, Basim Alawadi, "PM Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of ensuring sufficient time for the completion of educational curricula and adhering to the established academic calendar". One can only guess that today's statement by Prime Minister Al-Sudani is in response to last week's last-minute declaration of a public holiday to coincide with the funeral of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in the provinces of Al-Diwaniyah, Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Maysan.
Mizoram Declares March 12 CADC Public Holiday Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The Government of India's State of Mizoram has declared Wednesday, March 12, 2025, as a public holiday for all Government Servants including employees under Central/State Public Undertakings, Educational Institutions and Banking Institutions within Chakma Autonomous District Council area in order to enable the voters to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming General Election to Village Councils under Chakma Autonomous District Council, 2025. The aforementioned announcement partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Mizoram as published last August by the Government of Mizoram in the vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92, which listed national and state-wide public holidays and restricted holidays.
Mizoram Declares March 12 CADC Public Holiday Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The Government of India's State of Mizoram has declared Wednesday, March 12, 2025, as a public holiday for all Government Servants including employees under Central/State Public Undertakings, Educational Institutions and Banking Institutions within Chakma Autonomous District Council area in order to enable the voters to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming General Election to Village Councils under Chakma Autonomous District Council, 2025. The aforementioned announcement partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Mizoram as published last August by the Government of Mizoram in the vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92, which listed national and state-wide public holidays and restricted holidays.
Azerbaijan Celbrates Water Tuesday of Novruz Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) Tomorrow, Azerbaijan will be marking Water Tuesday, the first of four Tuesdays leading to the annual Novruz public holidays of Azerbaijan. Since 2024, Azerbaijan has been marking the four Tuesdays leading to Novruz, namely Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday), Hava Charshanbasi (Wind Tuesday), and Torpag Chershenbe/Ilakhir Chershenbe (Earth Tuesday/Last Tuesday). Recall that, last December, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan decided that the 2025 Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively. But a couple of weeks ago, the same Cabinet of Ministers issued the decision No. 23 dated February 15, 2025 (решению Кабинета министров №23 от 15 февраля 2025), signed by Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, which amended the schedule of public holidays for Novruz ("in order to ensure the sequence of working and non-working days, the working days of March 27 and 28, 2025 (Thursday and Friday) will be swapped with the non-working days of March 10 (Monday) and April 1 (Tuesday)").
Azerbaijan Celbrates Water Tuesday of Novruz Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) Tomorrow, Azerbaijan will be marking Water Tuesday, the first of four Tuesdays leading to the annual Novruz public holidays of Azerbaijan. Since 2024, Azerbaijan has been marking the four Tuesdays leading to Novruz, namely Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday), Hava Charshanbasi (Wind Tuesday), and Torpag Chershenbe/Ilakhir Chershenbe (Earth Tuesday/Last Tuesday). Recall that, last December, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan decided that the 2025 Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively. But a couple of weeks ago, the same Cabinet of Ministers issued the decision No. 23 dated February 15, 2025 (решению Кабинета министров №23 от 15 февраля 2025), signed by Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, which amended the schedule of public holidays for Novruz ("in order to ensure the sequence of working and non-working days, the working days of March 27 and 28, 2025 (Thursday and Friday) will be swapped with the non-working days of March 10 (Monday) and April 1 (Tuesday)").
Tibetan New Year Public Holidays February 27 to March 4 Government Portal of the State Council of China (Beijing) Led by the Lhasa Municipal People's Government Office, various cities and regions throughout Tibet have successively announced the dates of the regional public holidays to be observed for the upcoming Tibetan New Year. This year, the public holidays arrangement will run from Thursday, February 27, until Tuesday, March 4, 2025, inclusively. The aforementioned announcement is in addition to last November's Notice of the General Office of the State Council on the Arrangements for Some Holidays in 2025, reference 000014349/ 2024-00094 (国务院办公厅关于2025年部分节假日安排的通知) which listed the nationwide 2025 public holidays and postponed working days in China.
Tibetan New Year Public Holidays February 27 to March 4 Government Portal of the State Council of China (Beijing) Led by the Lhasa Municipal People's Government Office, various cities and regions throughout Tibet have successively announced the dates of the regional public holidays to be observed for the upcoming Tibetan New Year. This year, the public holidays arrangement will run from Thursday, February 27, until Tuesday, March 4, 2025, inclusively. The aforementioned announcement is in addition to last November's Notice of the General Office of the State Council on the Arrangements for Some Holidays in 2025, reference 000014349/ 2024-00094 (国务院办公厅关于2025年部分节假日安排的通知) which listed the nationwide 2025 public holidays and postponed working days in China.
Jersey Releases 2026 Public Holidays States of Jersey (Saint Helier) The States of Jersey (the government of Jersey) have released the annual list of official Jersey non-working public holidays and bank holidays in Jersey for the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement of the annual list of official Jersey non-working public holidays and bank holidays in Jersey for the calendar year 2026 follows the pattern set in previous years, apart from 2024 when the Government of Jersey declared a one-off public holiday on Monday, July 15, 2024, on the occasion of the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Jersey.
Jersey Releases 2026 Public Holidays States of Jersey (Saint Helier) The States of Jersey (the government of Jersey) have released the annual list of official Jersey non-working public holidays and bank holidays in Jersey for the calendar year 2026. The aforementioned announcement of the annual list of official Jersey non-working public holidays and bank holidays in Jersey for the calendar year 2026 follows the pattern set in previous years, apart from 2024 when the Government of Jersey declared a one-off public holiday on Monday, July 15, 2024, on the occasion of the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Jersey.
Kenyan Report Highlights Economic Cost Of Public Holidays Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (Nairobi) A survey by the research firm Kasi Insight, based on data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the World Bank and the IMF, as well as academic literature on holiday economics highlights the financial costs of Kenya’s statutory holidays. The main conclusion reached by the report is that "Kenya forfeits at least U$1.46 billion annually due to public holidays, with manufacturing and construction among the biggest losers" with the highest losses due to midweek and last-minute declaration of one-off public holidays.
Kenyan Report Highlights Economic Cost Of Public Holidays Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (Nairobi) A survey by the research firm Kasi Insight, based on data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the World Bank and the IMF, as well as academic literature on holiday economics highlights the financial costs of Kenya’s statutory holidays. The main conclusion reached by the report is that "Kenya forfeits at least U$1.46 billion annually due to public holidays, with manufacturing and construction among the biggest losers" with the highest losses due to midweek and last-minute declaration of one-off public holidays.
Mizoram Extends Chapchar Kut Public Holiday Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The Government of India's State of Mizoram has announced that the March 7th Chapchar Kut Public Holiday would be extended by one day, February 6th, for all Government servants stationed in Aizawl, Mizoram's capital. The aforementioned announcement partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Mizoram as published last August by the Government of Mizoram in the vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92, which listed national and state-wide public holidays and restricted holidays.
Mizoram Extends Chapchar Kut Public Holiday Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The Government of India's State of Mizoram has announced that the March 7th Chapchar Kut Public Holiday would be extended by one day, February 6th, for all Government servants stationed in Aizawl, Mizoram's capital. The aforementioned announcement partially amends the list of 2025 public holidays in the state of Mizoram as published last August by the Government of Mizoram in the vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92, which listed national and state-wide public holidays and restricted holidays.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Amend 2025 Public Holidays Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (Saint Vincent) The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines has released an amended version of its previously-released list of official bank holidays and non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2025. As we reported at that time, the initial list of 2025 public holidays in St Vincent and the Grenadines contained an incorrect date for Good Friday 2025.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Amend 2025 Public Holidays Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (Saint Vincent) The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines has released an amended version of its previously-released list of official bank holidays and non-working public holidays for the calendar year 2025. As we reported at that time, the initial list of 2025 public holidays in St Vincent and the Grenadines contained an incorrect date for Good Friday 2025.
Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha Bank Holidays Saudi Press Agency (SPA) The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced the dates for the upcoming Eid holidays; Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Recall that, a year ago, the Saudi Council of Ministers decreed that in the future the government public holidays for Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha would each last a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 5 days. In previous years, the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha public sector holidays would often last between 12 and 15 days.
Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha Bank Holidays Saudi Press Agency (SPA) The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has announced the dates for the upcoming Eid holidays; Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Recall that, a year ago, the Saudi Council of Ministers decreed that in the future the government public holidays for Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha would each last a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 5 days. In previous years, the Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha public sector holidays would often last between 12 and 15 days.
Bangladesh Declares Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibosh On February 25 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The government of Bangladesh has declared that February 25 will henceforth be observed as Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibosh or National Martyred Soldiers' Day. In its announcement, the Cabinet Division clarified that, while Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibosh will be observed annually, it will not be marked as a public holiday, but rather as a ‘C’ category day. The aforementioned announcement thus does not amend last October's announced list of 2025 public holidays, published by the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's interim military government.
Bangladesh Declares Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibosh On February 25 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) The government of Bangladesh has declared that February 25 will henceforth be observed as Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibosh or National Martyred Soldiers' Day. In its announcement, the Cabinet Division clarified that, while Jatiya Shaheed Sena Dibosh will be observed annually, it will not be marked as a public holiday, but rather as a ‘C’ category day. The aforementioned announcement thus does not amend last October's announced list of 2025 public holidays, published by the Advisory Council of Bangladesh's interim military government.
New Zealand 2026 Public Holidays Announced New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released the list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2026. As was the case for the list of 2025 public holidays announced last year, the aforementioned list of 2026 contains the date of the recently-added Maori New Year public holiday. The previous list of New Zealand 2023-2024 public holidays had been released almost 4 years ago, but it was amended in 2022, following the passage of the Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill which established a new annual public holiday in New Zealand for the Matariki Maori New Year.
New Zealand 2026 Public Holidays Announced New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released the list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2026. As was the case for the list of 2025 public holidays announced last year, the aforementioned list of 2026 contains the date of the recently-added Maori New Year public holiday. The previous list of New Zealand 2023-2024 public holidays had been released almost 4 years ago, but it was amended in 2022, following the passage of the Te Pire mō te Hararei Tūmatanui o te Kāhui o Matariki/Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill which established a new annual public holiday in New Zealand for the Matariki Maori New Year.
Russian Regions To Be Allowed To Declare Additional Public Holidays ITAR-TASS (Moscow) Following the introduction in the State Duma (the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia) of legislation calling for the declaration of 2 additional annual Easter-related public holidays, the Ministry of Labor of Russia has clarified to the media that "Within the framework of the delimitation of powers, regional government bodies have the right to independently declare additional non-working (holiday) days in the constituent entity of the Russian Federation". The aforementioned announcement goes on to add that "the authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation can also declare religious holidays non-working days". Recall that, earlier this month, the first deputy chairman of the Duma committee on control, Dmitriy Gusev, had announced a bill to declare Easter and Trinity as new annual public holidays in Russia. As a consequence of that bill, since Easter and Trinity both fall on Sundays, the following Mondays would be observed as public holidays.
Russian Regions To Be Allowed To Declare Additional Public Holidays ITAR-TASS (Moscow) Following the introduction in the State Duma (the lower house of the Federal Assembly of Russia) of legislation calling for the declaration of 2 additional annual Easter-related public holidays, the Ministry of Labor of Russia has clarified to the media that "Within the framework of the delimitation of powers, regional government bodies have the right to independently declare additional non-working (holiday) days in the constituent entity of the Russian Federation". The aforementioned announcement goes on to add that "the authorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation can also declare religious holidays non-working days". Recall that, earlier this month, the first deputy chairman of the Duma committee on control, Dmitriy Gusev, had announced a bill to declare Easter and Trinity as new annual public holidays in Russia. As a consequence of that bill, since Easter and Trinity both fall on Sundays, the following Mondays would be observed as public holidays.
Telangana Declares February 27 MLC Public Sector Holiday Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) The State Government of India's state of Telangana has announced that it had declared a special holiday on Thursday, February 27, 2025, for government employees eligible to vote in the upcoming MLC elections in Telangana. The initial list of 2025 public holidays in Telangana was set out in last November's vide Notification G.O.Rt.No.1479.
Telangana Declares February 27 MLC Public Sector Holiday Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) The State Government of India's state of Telangana has announced that it had declared a special holiday on Thursday, February 27, 2025, for government employees eligible to vote in the upcoming MLC elections in Telangana. The initial list of 2025 public holidays in Telangana was set out in last November's vide Notification G.O.Rt.No.1479.
Eswatini Swaps Marula Festival And King Father's Holidays Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) Eswatini's King Mswati III has declared a new annual public holiday recognizing the Lutsango women’s regiment and to be observed on the Monday that follows the Hlane Buganu ceremony. The King added that "after some consultation, an agreement was made that the holiday of July 22, which was celebrated in remembrance of the late King Sobhuza II, be shifted to the Monday after the celebration of the second leg of the Buganu ceremony". Recall that, late last month, Eswatini's Indvuna yeLutsango announced that King Mswati III had decided to move the date of the 2025 Marula (Buganu) Festival from the weekend of February 7-8-9 to the weekend of February 21-22-23, 2025.
Eswatini Swaps Marula Festival And King Father's Holidays Government of Swaziland Ministry of Home Affairs (Mbabane) Eswatini's King Mswati III has declared a new annual public holiday recognizing the Lutsango women’s regiment and to be observed on the Monday that follows the Hlane Buganu ceremony. The King added that "after some consultation, an agreement was made that the holiday of July 22, which was celebrated in remembrance of the late King Sobhuza II, be shifted to the Monday after the celebration of the second leg of the Buganu ceremony". Recall that, late last month, Eswatini's Indvuna yeLutsango announced that King Mswati III had decided to move the date of the 2025 Marula (Buganu) Festival from the weekend of February 7-8-9 to the weekend of February 21-22-23, 2025.
Three More Provinces Declare February 23 Public Holiday For Nasrallah Funeral Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) Three additional Iraqi Provinces (Al-Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar, and Maysan) have declared a regional public holiday to coincide with the funeral of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Recall that, last Thursday, in line with a decision by the Baghdad Provincial Council, the Governor of Iraq's Baghdad Governorate, Abdul-Muttalib Al-Alawi, had announced that Sunday, February 23, 2025, would be a public holiday, to coincide with Nasrallah's funeral.
Three More Provinces Declare February 23 Public Holiday For Nasrallah Funeral Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) Three additional Iraqi Provinces (Al-Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar, and Maysan) have declared a regional public holiday to coincide with the funeral of former Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Recall that, last Thursday, in line with a decision by the Baghdad Provincial Council, the Governor of Iraq's Baghdad Governorate, Abdul-Muttalib Al-Alawi, had announced that Sunday, February 23, 2025, would be a public holiday, to coincide with Nasrallah's funeral.
