Holidays and Work Schedules

In addition to fixed public holidays when public offices are closed and workers have time off, each country has certain religious or other moveable holidays when offices are closed and people do not work. Before arranging meetings, travel, or work schedules, check with the embassy or other representative of the countries involved to see which holidays are also days when people do not work. For bank holidays, consult Public Holidays by Country.

Fixed Holidays—General

The first day of January is observed as New Year’s Day and is a public holiday in almost every country. December 25 is celebrated as Christmas and is a public holiday in many countries worldwide. In the United Kingdom and in many countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, the day following Christmas is celebrated as Boxing Day and is a public holiday. In some European countries, Christmas is celebrated from December 25 to December 26, with December 26 celebrated as St. Stephen’s Day in predominantly Roman Catholic countries. The last day of December is also a half-day or full-day holiday in many countries. October 12, the birthday of Christopher Columbus, is celebrated in many Latin American countries as either Discovery Day or as Día de la Raza.

Baha’i Faith

Baha’i festivals take place from sunset to sunset, and followers may wish to leave work early in order to be home by sunset on the evening prior to the festival day. Baha’is also refrain from working on the nine key festival dates, including the first, ninth, and twelfth days of the Festival of Ridvan, and during the Baha’i Fast, which occurs annually from March 2 to March 20.

Buddhism

Buddhist holidays are often celebrated in more industrialized societies on the weekend closest to the day on which the holiday occurs. Different Buddhist traditions celebrate holidays on different dates and various traditions may observe festivals unique to them. Please consult the followers of the tradition in your area for the exact date they will celebrate a given holiday.

Eastern Orthodox Christian

Countries such as Armenia, Greece, Russia, and the Ukraine celebrate holidays according to the Eastern Orthodox religious calendar.

Islam

Business openings and work schedules may be significantly affected by Islamic religious festivals and holidays. This is especially true of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which observant Muslims may celebrate for three days. Also, work schedules are often affected during the month of Ramadan. Friday prayer is obligatory and is held from noon until mid-afternoon, although it is also allowed before noon. Since the Muslim population is very large and geographically diverse, variations in customs will occur. This calendar gives a general idea of traditions and customs surrounding each holiday.

Judaism

Strictly observant Jews keep the laws of kashrut (keep kosher), and refrain from work on the Sabbath and holidays, except where life is at risk. Prohibitions include traveling (except on foot), writing, switching electricity on and off, using a telephone, and performing transactions of a commercial nature (i.e., buying and selling). Work schedules may be affected by Jewish holidays, especially Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkoth, Passover (8 days), and Shavuoth. Jewish religious holidays are public holidays in Israel.

Western Christianity

Countries with a majority Christian population will celebrate the major Christian holidays as times when people do not work. In addition, many European countries celebrate the Thursday before through the Monday after Easter as holidays. In some countries where Roman Catholicism is the major religion, the entire Lenten period includes many days when people do not work. Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.

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