Everything You Ever Wondered About Public Holidays

We all love a day off. But public holidays are anything but simple. Who gets them, how many, and whether they’re paid varies wildly. It depends on your country, your state, even your religion—and yes, your calendar settings. Here’s what you need to know about how public holidays really work, and why they’re far from equal across the globe.

What is a Public Holiday, Really?

Not every country defines public holidays the same way. In the UK, for example, what many call public holidays are technically bank holidays with different rules for employers and workers. The name may be different, but the confusion is the same—who gets the day off depends on more than just the date.

In the U.S., there’s a list of 11 federal holidays, but American workers don’t enjoy as many guaranteed days off as people in most countries. That’s because private employers aren’t required to observe them—and many don’t.

Germany is a standout example of regional differences. There, public holidays vary by state. Some states get up to 13, others just 9. The list depends on religion, history, and local law.

Location, Location… and Holidays

Even within a single country, the holiday count can vary. In Australia, the total number of public holidays isn’t fixed nationwide. How many days off Australians get depends on where they live, with state-level holidays like regional show days or local observances adding to the list.

That means someone working in Melbourne might enjoy a few more long weekends than a person doing the same job in Perth. The reason some states get more public holidays comes down to local tradition, not national law.

Which Country Has the Most Public Holidays?

If you’re looking to move somewhere with frequent breaks, there’s one country that consistently leads the world in time off. The country with the most public holidays offers over 20 each year, putting even Europe’s generous systems to shame.

Surprising State Holidays

Not all holidays are nationally recognized. Take the U.S., where states can declare their own observances. The day after Thanksgiving—Black Friday—is treated as a paid day off in some places. Some U.S. states actually treat Black Friday as a public holiday, especially for government employees.

Holidays That Shift Each Year

Religious holidays don’t always follow the same calendar. In Singapore, several public holidays depend on the Islamic lunar cycle. Singapore adjusts public holidays annually to match Islamic dates, with festivals like Hari Raya Puasa moving earlier each year.

A National Celebration in Panama

Some holidays carry deep cultural significance. In Panama, December 8 is a day of celebration tied to Catholic tradition. Panama’s December 8 public holiday marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and it’s honored with national parades and school closures.

When You’re Sick on a Holiday

Falling ill on a public holiday can be a grey area. In some places, you’re entitled to take that day off later. In others, you may lose it. Here’s what happens if you’re sick on a public holiday and how it affects your pay.

Is Holiday Pay Guaranteed?

Not always. In the UK, for example, paid holidays aren’t a legal requirement unless your contract says so. UK employers aren’t obligated to pay staff for public holidays, though many do voluntarily.

Why Payroll Teams Dread Public Holidays

Managing holiday pay is complex. From varying rates to overlapping schedules, it’s not always clear how to calculate it properly. Holiday payroll rules can be tricky to get right, especially in companies that operate across regions or countries.

When Holidays Disrupt Your Schedule

Public holidays don’t just affect workers—they also delay shipping, banking, legal filings, and other “business-day” services. Public holidays can disrupt business-day calculations in ways you might not expect, especially if you’re coordinating internationally.

Why Holidays Go Missing from Your Calendar

Open your calendar app, and you’d expect to see your country’s holidays. But many people find them missing—or incorrect. Holidays often disappear from iPhone and Outlook calendars due to regional settings.

How to Fix Calendar Errors

Luckily, there’s a fix. Most digital calendars let you control which holidays show up. You can add or remove public holidays in Samsung, Teams, or Outlook with a few clicks.

What These Days Off Really Mean

Public holidays tell us more than when we don’t have to work. They show what a country values—faith, history, labor, or monarchy. They expose gaps between regions, between industries, and even between devices. And whether you're trying to plan ahead or just hoping for a quiet Friday, it’s clear: not all public holidays are created equal.