You might not think about it often, but public holidays are a big deal. These are the special days when you can take a break from work or school, spend time with family and friends, or celebrate important events. Every country has its own set of holidays, some having more days off than others.
Imagine having a few extra days each year to relax or join in on festive traditions. Well, in some places around the world, people get to enjoy a large number of public holidays. The reasons vary, from cultural and religious celebrations to historical commemorations. Curious yet? Let’s take a peek into the countries that top the list with the most public holidays.
1. Nepal
You’ll find that Nepal tops the chart with the most public holidays out of any country in the world. In Nepal, you get to enjoy 35 days off throughout the year, thanks to a variety of cultural and religious celebrations. Just imagine, nearly every ten days, there’s a reason for the whole country to take a break and celebrate! With a six-day workweek, these holidays offer you precious time to dive into Nepal’s rich tapestry of traditions. Get ready to mark your calendar because these dates can change. They follow a lunar calendar, which keeps things interesting but requires a bit of extra attention to stay on top of the shifting holiday schedule.
2. Cambodia
You might find it interesting that Cambodia tops the charts when it comes to public holidays. They celebrate around 28 public holidays each year. Many of these days off are for religious events linked to Buddhism. The Khmer traditional calendar, a lunisolar system, guides these holidays. This means it considers both the moon’s phases and the solar year. So, if you’re in Cambodia, expect the holiday vibe to kick in pretty often. It’s a unique feature of their culture that reflects the nation’s value on tradition and religion.
3. Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, you get to enjoy a generous number of public holidays. The country stands out with 25 public holidays each year. Part of these holidays are the Full Moon Poya Days, celebrated monthly and based on the lunar calendar. So if you work there, you’re looking at a guaranteed paid day off on each of these Poya Days. If you find yourself working on one, expect to be paid extra. And it’s not just about getting days off; these holidays offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural traditions and celebrations.
Myanmar
In Myanmar, you’ll find a lot of public holidays on the calendar—21 in fact. These days off are a blend of Buddhist, cultural, and national celebrations. Imagine splashing water everywhere during Thingyan, the Burmese New Year, which is one of the big highlights. The Full Moon Day of Kasong is also a key holiday, marking Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment, and Nirvana. On top of that, you’ve got the traditional Full Moon Day of Waso and the anniversary of the Panglong Agreement. Your year would be packed with festivals and days to honor both history and spirituality.
5. India
In India, you get to enjoy 21 public holidays each year. Each state has its own set of holidays, but there are several national ones that everyone looks forward to. You’ll find that many of these days off are tied to festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Eid. Given the country’s rich diversity, your calendar will be dotted with a variety of cultural and religious celebrations. Just remember, if you’re planning a trip or have business, it’s best to check the holiday schedule since it can vary depending on where you are in India.
6. Kazakhstan
You’ll find Kazakhstan celebrating around 21 public holidays throughout the year. As the largest country in Central Asia, it’s rich in cultural diversity, and this is reflected in its many festivities. The holidays include traditional observances and national pride events. From long-standing cultural ceremonies to modern commemorations, your calendar would be pretty full if you lived there. Imagine taking time off from work to join in celebrations like Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day and Defender of the Fatherland Day—just a couple of the holidays enjoyed by the locals.
7. Colombia
In Colombia, you get to enjoy a generous number of public holidays. There are 18 official days off scattered throughout the year. The country’s holidays are a mix of both Catholic and Civic celebrations. Among these, you’ll find traditional religious holidays like Easter and Christmas, but also independence-related festivities and historical commemorations.
Colombians are known for their vibrant celebrations, and certain cities even add their own local holidays to the mix. For example, Barranquilla has its famous Carnival, which gives you two extra days to experience the city’s festive spirit. Whether it’s a national holiday or a local fiesta, you’re in for a treat with Colombia’s festive calendar.
8. Philippines
The Philippines treats you to a generous number of public holidays, standing out with 18 annual festivities. Your calendar can get pretty packed, especially with both regular and special non-working days. Revel in long-standing traditions like the vibrant Sinulog festival in January and the reflective Holy Week routines. In August, National Heroes Day gives you a moment to honor the country’s valued historical figures. December holds a special place with Simbang Gabi—a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas. Each holiday reflects facets of the Philippines’ rich historical tapestry, inviting you to explore its unique cultural celebrations.
9. Trinidad And Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago gives you a lot of time to kick back and enjoy festivals, with 18 public holidays each year. You’ll see the entire country come alive for Carnival, a two-day pre-Lenten celebration. But that’s not all. On Emancipation Day, you celebrate the end of slavery, and on Labour Day, you mark the birth of the local trade union movement. These are just a few examples of the holidays that make your calendar in Trinidad and Tobago one of the most festive.
10. China
In China, you get to enjoy between 11-17 public holidays each year. These holidays span traditional celebrations like the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, which is the biggest one. You might have the chance to take part in the festivities that often start in late January or early February. Other holidays include the National Day on October 1, which marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Expect grand celebrations and, if you’re working there, some days off to join in the fun!
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