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 what holidays are also days when people do not work. The following are some guidelines:

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 also a public holiday in almost every country. In many British countries, 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.

Eastern Orthodox Christian

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

Islamic

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.

One of the requirements of the Muslim faith is to pray individually five times each day. Friday is the day that Muslims participate in congregational prayer at a mosque.

Jewish

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 Christian

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.

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