Bank Holidays
What Is a Bank Holiday? A Simple UK Explainer
If you have ever heard someone in Britain say they are looking forward to the next bank holiday, you might have wondered: what is a bank…
The blog
Plain-language guides on public holidays, bank holidays and how they work around the world.
Holiday Explainers
Oldest Continuously Observed Public Holidays
The oldest continuously observed public holidays have been days off — in spirit, if not in law — for well over a thousand years. Long before…
Holiday Explainers
Newest Public Holidays: Recently Added Days Off
The newest public holidays prove that the calendar is not frozen — governments still create days off, and 2026 itself brings a brand-new one. From America’s…
Holiday Explainers
Strangest Public Holidays Around the World
The strangest public holidays around the world remind us that “normal” is local. Every country’s calendar contains at least one day off that makes outsiders blink…
Planning Tips
Public Holidays in 2026: The Complete World Roundup
Public holidays in 2026 span 140 verified dates across the twelve countries we track — from New Year’s Day celebrated on five continents to Christmas closing…
Holiday Explainers
Which Country Has the Fewest Public Holidays?
Which country has the fewest public holidays? Among the twelve countries tracked in our 2026 holiday data, the United Kingdom has the leanest calendar with just…
Holiday Explainers
Which Country Has the Most Public Holidays?
Which country has the most public holidays? Among the twelve countries tracked in our 2026 holiday data, India takes the crown with 18 gazetted public holidays…
Planning Tips
Public Holidays in December 2026: Month Guide
Public holidays in December 2026 close the year with the most festive month on the calendar. Christmas Day is observed in ten of our twelve tracked…
Planning Tips
Public Holidays in November 2026: Month Guide
Public holidays in November 2026 bring the year’s festival season into full swing. India’s Diwali lights up the month, the United States pauses for Thanksgiving, Catholic…
Planning Tips
Public Holidays in October 2026: Month Guide
Public holidays in October 2026 cluster around the middle of the month, with national days in Germany, Spain, and the United States sharing space with India’s…
Planning Tips
Public Holidays in September 2026: Month Guide
Public holidays in September 2026 mark the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and the return to routine — but the month still holds meaningful…
Planning Tips
Public Holidays in August 2026: Month Guide
Public holidays in August 2026 span independence celebrations, religious observances, and summer bank holidays across eight countries. Pakistan and India mark their independence days a day…