Below is China public holidays 2014.

New Year’s Day – Wednesday to Friday, 1 to 3 January 2014

Despite China’s adherence to its traditional calendar, it celebrates the start of the Gregorian New Year on this day much like the rest of the Western world celebrates this occasion. Since the New Year’s Day starts on a Wednesday, the following two days are “weekends” while the actual weekends are working days.

Chinese New Year – Thursday to Wednesday, 30 January – 5 February 2014

The actual date of the first day of the first lunar month is on January 31, but in practice, holidays already start the day before and trail off several days after. The Chinese New Year is understandably the largest of the Chinese holidays, and it is not uncommon for celebrations to go on until the 15th day, when the Chinese celebrate the Lantern Festival, although only the first five days are recognized as official holidays. The Chinese has plenty of traditions to welcome the coming New Year, including the wearing of red-colored clothes, the performance of dragon and lion dances in the public, the giving of “ang pao” to children, and of course, the noisy celebrations that follow afterwards involving firecrackers which are believed to ward off evil. It is customary on these days to eat round, sticky and sweet food which signifies and invokes the deities for closeness in the family, a sweet life for the coming year, and good fortune in business for more money to come in.

Qingming – Friday to Sunday, 4 to 6 April 2014

The actual date of the Tomb Sweeping day is on April 5, but since this is a Saturday, the date is swapped with Friday to make one long weekend. On this day, families remember their departed by cleaning their graveyards. Families troop to the cemeteries together to weed and paint tombstones, and offer prayers, food and incense to the deceased. The Chinese also take this time to go outdoors and hike in the hills, and even fly kites in the shape of animals and characters from Chinese opera.

May Day – Thursday to Saturday, 1 to 3 May 2014

On this day, the social and economic contributions of Chinese workers are honored and celebrated with parades and programs in keeping with the international tradition of honoring the labor force.

Dragon Boat – Saturday to Monday, 31 May to 2 June 2014

June 2 is the actual date of the Dragon Boat Festival. To honor the memory of the national poet Qu Yuan, the Chinese hold dragon boat races to remember the attempt of rescuing the scholar from drowning. Dumplings are also eaten to remember the rice thrown into the water to dissuade the river fishes from eating the poet. The Chinese also drink realgar (arsenic sulfide mineral) wine and paint children’s foreheads with leftover wine on this day, an ancient practice that may soon have to be done away with due to the harmful nature of the traditional drink.

Mid-Autumn Festival – Saturday to Monday, 6 to 8 September 2014

Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunisolar calendar, the actual date of this harvest festival is on September 8. Also known by its variant name Mooncake Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival is an opportunity for the Chinese to come together and gather at their ancestral homes; give thanks to a bountiful rice and wheat harvest; pray for good health, a happy union, a fruitful year; and worship the moon. It is on this day that mooncakes are popular, which the people eat while watching the moon, a symbol of harmony and unity among the ancient Chinese. There are also lion and dragon dances that are held in southern China, and even the lighting of lanterns on towers or floating them skyward.

National Day – Wednesday to Tuesday, 1 to 7 October 2014

One of the largest events in China outside of the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, the National Day commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China which took place on September 21, 1949. It was, however, only on October 1, 1949 that the celebrations were made formal at Tiananmen Square. To celebrate this day, a military review and parade is held at the square, with many other parades taking place in Beijing. This is followed by a flag-raising ceremony and cultural program that culminates in fireworks display, the last being a nationwide event taking place in all cities.

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Cambodia may be keeping up with the influence of the West, but it clings fast to its historical roots and heritage. It was once the center of the mighty and expansive Angkorian empire, and this bit of history peeks out and tantalizes despite the “sweeping changes” (to put it mildly) made by Pol Pot and his cohorts.

Public holidays in Cambodia see closure of government offices, banks and most major establishments, but it is during the traditional Khmer New Year that the country grounds to a halt. Below is the Cambodia public holiday schedule 2014, with Buddhist holidays (which are based on the sighting of the moon) yet to be confirmed by ‘prakas’ or decrees issued by the Cambodian Royal Government.

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 01 January 2014
Cambodia also celebrates the first day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar but to a lesser degree than their own traditional New Year.

Makara – Tuesday, 07 January 2014
The atrocities of the Khmer Regime are one of the bloodiest in the history of the world. But modern Cambodians would rather move on than commemorate the destruction in life and liberty left by the Communist Party, and this moving forward is best reflected in the country’s celebration of Victory Day, or the day when Pol Pot’s regime ended. This day is celebrated with speeches from key government officials and cultural performances while street rallies take place in the capital, Phnom Penh. The families remember the victims of Pol Pot era in solemn ceremonies.

Meak Bochea Festival – Friday, 14 February 2014
Held on the full moon of the third lunar month, Meak Bochea is the commemoration of the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 monks to pay homage to Buddha. Seeing this as an opportunity to preach, Buddha laid down the three precepts of the religion to the monks in attendance: perform good deeds, refrain from doing harm, and cleanse the mind. This Buddhist occasion is celebrated by both monks and the lay who participate in candlelit processions around the nearest temples in their vicinity.

International Women’s Day – Saturday, 08 March 2014
Interestingly, despite its “colored” history, Cambodia celebrates the social, economic and political contributions of women in their society.

Chaul Chnam Thmey – Monday to Wednesday, 14 to 16 April 2014
The Khmer New Year is officially celebrated for three days. Families clean their homes on the first day and prepare traditional foods that are blessed by local monks. On the succeeding days, Cambodian Buddhists make merits in the temples and play traditional games. On the final day of Chaul Chnam Thmey, Cambodians bless each other with a sprinkling (or splashing) of water in the same tradition as Thailand’s Songkran and India’s Holi (although Indians use paint).

International Labor Day – Thursday, 01 May 2014
Cambodia honors its labor force and its political and social contributions to the country’s economy.

King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday – Tuesday to Thursday, 13 to 15 May 2014
Another occasion that pull all stops in Cambodia is King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday. The king makes merits to the monks (food offerings) and the country’s underprivileged, while for three days, Cambodia’s streets are filled with colorful signage that congratulate the king on his natal day.

Visaka Bochea – (to be determined, but usually in April or May)
Unlike Christians who celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of their savior on separate occasions, Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha on this day. Monks take this time to meditate on the teachings of Buddha and chant sacred hymns in their temples, while the lay offer food and robes to the local temple for the monks to use.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day – (to be determined, but usually on the third week of May)
Being a highly agricultural country, Cambodia celebrates the start of their rice planting season seriously. In a throwback to mid-13th century, Cambodians celebrate “Pithi Chrat Preah Neanng Korl” by ploughing the fields with sacred cows and divining the coming planting season based on what the cows ate afterwards. This ancient ritual is continued to this day by the representatives of the king who perform the ceremony in Phnom Penh.

International Children’s Day and Cambodia Children’s Day – Sunday, 01 June 2014
Cambodia upholds the United Nations’ Rights of the Child and celebrates these inalienable rights on this day.

Her Majesty the King’s Mother Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk Birthday – Wednesday,18 June 2014
Like Thais, Cambodians revere their royalty as manifested in the various occasions that celebrate key personalities in the current ruling family. This day celebrates the birthday of the Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, the mother of Cambodia’s current monarch.

Constitutional Day – Wednesday, 24 September 2014
After years under Pol Pot dictatorship and the ensuing dependence on the Vietnamese, Cambodia was ready to see some changes. On this day in 1993, Cambodia became a constitutional monarchy when the king became the head of state and the legislative body held de facto political power. Government offices, banks and financial institutions and a majority of businesses are closed on this day to observe the political transition of the country.

Pchum Ben Festival (Ancestor Day) – Friday to Sunday, 26 to 28 September 2014
The Khmer Festival of the Dead is celebrated for 15 days and culminates on Ancestor Day or Dak Ben. Much like the Filipino practice of “Visita Iglesia” or church visit, Cambodians try to visit at least seven pagodas during the festival to offer food to their departed and light candles to guide the path of the deceased to the offering. They also scatter rice-sesame seed mixtures on the ground to feed the hungry spirits of ancestors who roam Pchum Ben.

Anniversary of the Crowning Ceremony of His Majesty the King Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni – Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Norodom Sihanouk abdicated his throne in 2004. In his stead, a special Cambodian council appointed Prince Norodom Sihamoni to take his place. This day commemorates that event.

Paris Peace Agreement Day – Thursday, 23 October 2014
Reinstated as a public holiday in October 2012, the Paris Peace Agreement Day commemorates the day when the United Nations was given full authority – by four Cambodian parties, 18 countries and UN representatives who met in Paris two years earlier – to oversee ceasefire, send the displaced Khmer from Thai border back to the country, disarm warring parties, and pave the road for a national election.

King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day – Wednesday, 29 October 2014
Prince Norodom Sihamoni was officially crowned on this day in 2004 after his father King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne.

Independence Day – Sunday, 09 November 2014
Before Cambodia fell in the hands of Pol Pot, it was a French colony until 1953. Independence Day celebrations are held in the Independence Monument at Phnom Penh, where the current monarch lights a victory fire while the country’s key officials and personalities are in attendance. All throughout the day, there are cultural performances, parades along the Norodom Boulevard, and fireworks at night.

Water Festival Ceremony Day (to be determined, but usually around November)
On the full moon of Kadeuk, millions of Cambodians celebrate the reversing of the flow of Tonle Sap. As the lake drains into the Mekong River, fluvial parades and boat races are held in the lake’s banks. The riversides are a picture of boisterous merriment as the sound of the bands, the clink of beer bottles and roaring cheers for boat racers fill the atmosphere. Cambodians splash each other with water on this day as a sign of cleansing and good wishes for the year ahead.

International Human Rights Day – Wednesday, 10 December 2014
Despite Cambodia’s dubious record in human rights, it observes the United Nations General Assembly Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued on this day in 1948.

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South Korea public holidays are a combination of state holidays and celebrations of age-old traditions, so a visit to the country around these events will lend an insider perspective on how its people accommodate changes while it holds fast to its traditions. Below is the South Korea public holidays schedule 2014.

New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Like the rest of its Asian neighbors, South Korea observes the first day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar.

Seollal (Lunar New Year) – Thursday to Saturday, 30 January – 1 February 2014
The Korean Lunar New Year is celebrated for three days: the day before, the day of, and the day after. Seollal, as the New Year is locally called, is one of the most widely celebrated occasions in South Korea. The festivities are an opportunity for families to return to their provinces to celebrate the holidays with their parents and relatives. On this day, children perform the “sebae”, a deep traditional bow before their elders as they wish them a blessed New Year. In exchange, elders give the children “pocket money” in luck bags adorned with silk designs. This is also an occasion to wear “hanbok”, the traditional dress made from bright colorful fabric made of simple lines with no pockets. Traditional games like flying kites and spinning tops are played, and traditional foods like “ttokguk” (soup with sliced rice cakes) are eaten to signify becoming a year older.

Independence Movement Day – Saturday, 1 March 2014
On this day in 1919, a group of students declared independence from Japan, an incident that sparked a nationwide civil protest. What came to be known as the March 1st or the Samil Movement eventually paved the way for the founding of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Today, this state holiday is remembered with the reading of the declaration in a public ceremony held in Tapgol Park in Seoul.

Children’s Day – Monday, 5 May 2014
The well-being of children is institutionalized in South Korea. On this day, children are given special attention and brought to amusement parks, museums and zoos for a day filled with fun and games.

Buddha’s Birthday – Tuesday, 6 May 2014
Closely related to Vesak (which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and ascending to nirvana of Buddha), Buddha’s birthday, taking place as a month-long event called the Lotus Lantern Festival, is celebrated in South Korea on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month. On this day, Buddhist shrines and temples all over the country are ablaze with lanterns, hold solemn rituals and are filled with the devout performing merits. Lit lanterns are carried in evening parades.

Memorial Day – Friday, 6 June 2014
South Koreans honor the men and women who risked and lost their lives in defense of the country. Commemoration ceremonies take place all over the country on this day, with the largest ceremony happening in the National Cemetery in the country’s capital, Seoul.

Liberation Day – Friday, 15 August 2014
On this day in 1945, Korea was liberated from Japanese control after the latter’s surrender to the Allies. Three years after, the Republic of Korea was founded. The day is traditionally celebrated at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts with top government officials and key personalities of the South Korean army in attendance. At noon, the large bell of Bosingak Pavillion is rung to commemorate those who fought and died in the struggle for independence.

Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) – Sunday to Tuesday, 7-9 September 2014
Along with Seollal, Chuseok is a major South Korean holiday that, like the South Korean New Year, is celebrated on the day before, the day of and the day after. State offices and most businesses are closed on this day, and there appears an exodus from the cities to the countryside as families celebrate the duration of the holidays by going back to their ancestral towns. Elaborate meals are prepared for the Thanksgiving and these are shared with the departed members of the family in a ritual called “charye” or ancestor memorial service. Afterwards, families go to the burial mounds to clean the tombs and spend the dusk gazing at the full harvest moon. Increasingly, families take outdoor excursions after the obligatory rituals.

National Foundation Day – Friday, 3 October 2014
Korea as a nation goes as far back as 2333 B.C. (South Korea as a sovereign state only came after World War II.) To celebrate this day, a solemn religious ceremony is performed on an altar atop Mt. Manisan in Ganghwado. The altar was thought to have been constructed by the god-king Dangun in gratitude to his forebears.

Hangeul Day – Thursday, 9 October 2014
On this day in 1446, the Korean alphabet was instituted by the publication of Hunmin Jeongeum (a document that described the correct and proper sounds of the Korean language).

Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December 2014
The birth of the Christians’ savior is celebrated on this day, and Christian families in South Korea celebrate this occasion along with the rest of the western world.

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Indonesians enjoy “cuti bersama” or long weekends that have been instituted to encourage domestic travel. The Coordinating Minister for the People’s Welfare has not yet announced the official Indonesia public holiday schedule 2014, so dates of the events listed below may see changes as 2013 ends, particularly those of Islamic holidays.

These holidays are considered “tanggal merah” or red dates, so state offices, schools, banks, businesses and other institutions are closed on these events.

Below is the Indonesia Public Holiday schedule 2014.

New Year’s Day 2014 –Wednesday, 1 January 2014
Christians and other confessional groups that use the Gregorian calendar may be a minority, but Indonesia observes the worldwide celebration of western New Year.

Tahun Baru Masehi 2014 – Tuesday, 14 January 2014
The birth of the Prophet Muhammad is a major Islamic holiday and this day is marked with the reading of Koran, listening to sermons, and getting together in mosques and public places to pray.

Chinese New Year 2014 – Thursday, 30January 2014
The Chinese, like the Christians, are only a small percentage (3.7%) of Indonesia’s population, but still 8.8 million ethnic Chinese is a sizable community to make the Lunar New Year celebration significant. Indonesian Chinese, like their cousins in the mainland, commemorate the departed members of the family on this day and hold solemn rituals to remember their hard work that laid the foundation of the present generation’s fortunes. Customs vary from island to island, but the main components of ancestor worship are incorporated in New Year rituals. Families get together, clean their homes, settle debts and generally tie loose ends in anticipation of the New Year. The usual Chinese tradition of gift-giving, preparing special tray for guests, and burning incense in temples and places of worship endure. The New Year in Indonesia also features firecrackers and the lion dance; the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the New Year is even observed in some Chinese communities.

Hari Raya Nyepi or Balinese Day of Silence 2014 – Monday, 31 March 2014
Bali is home to at least 93% Hindus. Consequently, Hindu festivals are seriously observed. The most important of them all is the Balinese New Year, or the Day of Silence. As the name suggests, this day is spent indoors in meditative silence. There are religious patrols checking the streets for loiterers, so tourists will have to stay in their hotels for the duration of the Balinese New Year.

Good Friday 2014 – Friday, 18 April 2014
Indonesia regulates the religious activities of its citizens. Roman Catholicism is one such religion approved in this Muslim-dominated country, along with other minor religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. Christian communities, particularly the Roman Catholics, commemorate the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ with candlelit processions. In Flores, Catholic rituals, like the procession of the dead body of Christ, are more colorful and vibrant since this island was once under Portuguese control. In Central Java and Yogyakarta where there is significant Roman Catholic population, Christ’s crucifixion is reenacted, an event attended by thousands.

Hari Raya Waisak 2014 – Tuesday, 13 May 2014
Buddhism is a minor religion in Indonesia. Nonetheless, Hari Raya Waisak is a major Buddhist holiday that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Monks and the lay celebrate this occasion by performing a pilgrimage to Borobudur in Central Java and making merits like offering food to the monks, listening to the chanting of scriptures, and burning incense.

Ascension of Jesus Christ 2014 – Thursday, 29 May 2014
This day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. The largest gathering for the services is held in Jakarta, and millions more around the archipelago participate via satellite broadcasts.

Isra Mi’raj Nabi Muhammad or The Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad 2014 – Thursday, 26 June 2014
Another major Islamic holiday, the Night Journey of the Prophet Muhammad culminated in his ascension to the heavens. On this day, the faithful gather for a prayer of thanks and to hear recitations of Koran. This is also the day when Muslims start their rituals of praying five times a day.

Lebaran or Hari Raya Idul Fitri 2014 – Monday to Tuesday, 28 to 29 July 2014
Ramadan or the month of fasting is a very solemn occasion for Muslims as fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hence, at the end of this month, Indonesians move en masse to their provinces of origin to celebrate this important occasion with family. Days prior to Lebaran, business picks up as people buy new clothes, prepare traditional food and start their journeys back home. On the morning of Lebaran, the faithful gather in open spaces, mosques, parks and major streets to hold mass prayers. On the walk back home from this prayer gathering, people make quick visits to friends and members of their social circle to ask for forgiveness of past year’s mistakes as they forgive others for their transgressions. Lavish feasts are shared afterwards among members of the family and children receive gifts from their elderly.

Indonesian Independence Day 2014 – Sunday, 17 August 2014
On this day in 1945, the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read and led by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta who were appointed President and Vice President, respectively, the following day. It would, however, take four years for the Netherlands to acquiesce to Indonesia’s demand for sovereignty. On this day, the Indonesian flag of red and white is hoisted at the National Palace, a solemn occasion attended by the President and Vice President, key personalities in the Indonesian government and military, members of the family of the present and preceding president, and diplomatic corps. Outside of the solemn ceremonies, communities gear up for a day of fun and games.

Idul Adha 2014 – Saturday, 4 October 2014
The Feast of Sacrifice is another important Islamic holiday commemorating the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismael. This day is marked with the slaughter of four-legged animals and the distribution of their meat to the poor.

Muharram 2014 – Saturday, 25 October 2014
The Islamic New Year is celebrated with solemnity. On this day, the faithful perform “satu suro” or deep meditation. In some regions, Muslims engage in self-reflection the whole night without sleeping and are only kept awake by puppet shadow performance.

Christmas Day 2014 – Thursday, 25 December 2014
On this day, Christians celebrate the day of their Savior’s birth.

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Like India, Malaysia has a long list of public holidays that apply to all states and apply to only a few states. Below is Malaysia public holiday schedule 2017 with celebrations that are observed nationwide. (Gregorian New Year is observed in all states except in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terangganu.)

New Year’s Day – Sunday, January 1 2017

Like any other countries globally, Malaysia also celebrates the New Year except in some states like Perlis, Kelantan, Johor, Terennganu and Kedah. Fireworks display filled the air along with enthusiastic celebrations of festive meal family get together. This is the time which is believed to abound prosperity, peace and love in the country.

New Year’s Day (observed) – Monday, January 2 2017

Maulidur Rasul – Saturday, 14 January 2017
Being a predominantly Muslim nation, Malaysia celebrates the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad in all states. This day is marked with the reading of the Koran and listening to sermons in mosques.

Chinese New Year – Saturday to Sunday, 28 January 2017 to 29 January 2017
Roughly 30% of Malaysians are of Chinese descent. On this day, Chinatowns are ablaze with red lanterns and are filled with the sounds and colors of lion and dragon dancing. Children get red envelopes called “ang pow” stuffed with crisp bills (not coins). Malaysian Chinese sometimes open their homes to anyone “open-house” style and invite everybody to the banquet.

Labor Day – Monday, 1 May 2017
Like the rest of the international community, Malaysia honors the social and economic contributions of their laborers to the advancement of their economy.

Wesak – Wednesday, 10 May 2017
Although 60% of Malaysians are Muslims, 30% are of Chinese descent and many of them follow the teachings of Buddha. For these Buddhist Chinese, the most important religious festival of the year is Wesak which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. On this day, the devout make merits and perform acts of kindness like giving donations to the poor and the monks, lighting candles and burning incense and joss sticks at Buddhist shrines and temples, and reflecting on the precepts of Buddhism. This is also the day when Buddhists abstain from eating meat and consume vegetarian meals instead.

King’s Birthday – Saturday, 3 June 2017
This holiday celebrates the birthday of Yang Di-Pertuan Agong XIV. On this day, he will mark the occasion by inspecting the troops assembled in Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. The rest of the day’s festivities are centered around “Trooping the Colour.”

Hari Raya Puasa – Monday and Tuesday, 26 to 27 June 2017
Fasting is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of this month long abstinence from food, sexual relations, and using profanities from sun up to sun down. After a long period of abstinence, the end of fasting is celebrated with extravagant banquets.

Merdeka Day – Thursday, 31 August 2017
On this day in 1957, the British flag was lowered and the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time. To commemorate the country’s independence, the people join the Hari Merdeka Parade and elaborately decorated floats in Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur. Key personalities and top officials of the Malaysian government inspect the troops on this day.

Hari Raya Haji – Friday and Saturday, 1 September 2017 to 2 September 2017
The Feast of Sacrifice is one other major Islamic festival along with Hari Raya Puasa. On this day, families sacrifice four-legged animals according to established rites and distribute the meat to poor families. It is also during this day that the pilgrimage season to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, ends.

Malaysia Day – Saturday, 16 September 2017
On this day in 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was established. Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore joined together to form what is today known as Malaysia, although Singapore later broke free from this union. The Malaysian flag is proudly waved on this day, and people join grand celebrations that feature cultural performances, indigenous music and extravagant fireworks held all over the country, with Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur the center of festivities.

Awal Muharram – Friday, 22 September 2017
The Islamic New Year is marked with prayer gatherings and reciting of verses from the Koran. Sermons are held in public spaces and mosques while the devout reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the new.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – Friday, 1 December 2017
This is a purely religious festival to Muslims in Malaysia. This is to commemorate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad last 570 AD. Prayers, sermons, Koran recital verses and other religious activities are done. Muhammad’s birthplace in Mecca was transformed into a place of prayer.

Christmas Day – Monday, 25 December 2017
Malaysian Christians celebrate the birth of their savor on this day by spending the holidays with their families. The usual tradition of gift-giving includes the bestowing of “ang pow”, red envelopes that contain crisp bills, to children instead of the usual boxed gifts.

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The Vietnam public holiday schedule 2017, though few, remind the travelers that despite the scars left by its history, it still knows how to get back to its roots and acknowledge turning points in its nationhood and celebrate them all with equal fervor.

New Year’s Day (Tết dương lịch) – Sunday, 1 January 2017
Vietnam takes part in the international celebration of the first day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar.

New Year’s Day (Observed) – Monday, 2 January 2017

Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán, Tet Holiday) – Friday, 27 January 2017 (Tet Eve ) and Saturday to Wednesday, 28 January 2017 – 1 February 2017
The “Feast of the First Morning”, or simply “Tet”, is the most important occasion of all Vietnam public holidays. The week leading to Tet is very busy as families clean their homes, settle their debts, buy new clothes, personal effects and other needs for the coming year, cook food to last through the festivities, and reconcile with themselves and others to leave behind any ill will. To mark this occasion, incense is burned in altars at homes as a tribute to their ancestors, red is worn in clothing and ornaments, families visit their relatives, friends and business circle, and gambling is played to divine their luck for the coming year. Arguments are taboo, along with sweeping (good luck might be swept away with the bad as the year is welcomed), drawing water and digging (to give the earth a rest too).

Hung King Festival (Giỗ tổ Hùng Vương) – Thursday, 6 April 2017
On this day, the people pay tribute to the Hung kings who were instrumental in founding Vietnam. A ceremonial incense burning in temples is performed in their memory and honor. The holiday features bronze drum performances, parades on stilts, folk song contests, and dragon parades.

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Reunification/Liberation Day (Ngày giải phóng) – Sunday, 30 April 2017
On this day in 1975, Saigon was captured by the Communist-backed Viet Cong, ending the Vietnam War with the United States on the losing side. The “Fall of Saigon” led to the reunification of both North and South which for years have been divided ideologically. On this day, there are military parades, cultural performances that highlight the triumph of Vietnamese revolutionaries, and fireworks that signal the hour when the South Vietnamese government finally surrendered. The president and other key personalities in the government can be seen giving speeches in the capital city, Hanoi.

Reunification/Liberation Day (Observed) – Monday, 1 May 2017

International Labour Day (Ngày Quốc tế Lao động) – Monday, 1 May 2017
True to its working class ideology, Vietnam honors the laborers on this day and their economic and social contributions to the country.

National Day/Independence Day (Quốc khánh) – Saturday, 2 September 2017
Commemorates the day when President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence from colonial forces. On this day in 1945, Ho Chi Minh read a declaration of independence from France. Sovereignty would only come, however, after the Vietnam War when finally, Northern Vietnam, backed by communist China, won. To mark this turning point in the country’s history, the yellow-star-red-background Vietnamese flags are flown everywhere, and the streets and billboards are flooded with the pictures of “Uncle HO.”

National Day/Independence Day (Observed) – Monday, 4 September 2017

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Below is Thailand public holiday schedule 2017. Should the holiday fall on a weekend, it is compensated on the workday immediately following the holiday. Note that on major Buddhist holidays, bars are closed and serving of alcohol is prohibited.

New Year’s Day – Sunday, 01 January 2017
Although Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country and uses a luni-solar calendar in observance of its major religious holidays, it considers the first day of the Gregorian calendar as a public holiday.

New Year’s Day – (Observed) – Monday, 02 January 2017

Makha Bucha – Saturday, 11 February 2017
The third lunar month in Thai is referred to as “Makha” and “Bucha” means to venerate. So on the full moon of the third lunar month, Buddhists venerate through meditative introspection the three fundamental teachings of Buddha (Ovada Patimokkha) which are to do good, refrain from doing evil, and purify the mind.

Makha Bucha – (Observed) – Monday, 13 February 2017

Chakri Memorial Day – Thursday, 06 April 2017
King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the 9th king of the Chakri lineage. This day was established to remember the founding of the Chakri Dynasty by King Rama I. He assumed the throne on April 6, 1782. This is a busy day for the Thai monarchy, the government and the people as they pay respects to the previous monarchs by holding religious ceremonies in the royal chapel and laying down wreaths in front of the Royal Pantheon and at the statue of King Rama 1.

Songkran – Thursday to Sunday, 13-16 April 2017
The Thai version of India’s Holi, Songkran is a Sanskrit derivative of “sankranti”, meaning “pass” or “move into.” This is in reference to the passing of the sun to the constellation Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. Songkran, since it was based on astrological calculations, is Thailand’s traditional New Year (it was replaced by April 1 in 1888 and April 1 was replaced by January 1 in 1940). This day is celebrated with sprinkling Buddha images and each other with water (or more like splashing each other with water), offering food to the monks, and going back to hometowns to pay respects to the elders.

Songkran – (Observed) Monday, 17 April 2017

Labor Day – Monday, 01 May 2014
This day celebrates the socio-economic achievements of laborers in Thailand and all over the world.

Coronation Day – Friday, 05 May 2017
King Bhumibol Adulyadej was crowned as Rama IX on this day in 1950. This day is actually a three-day celebration (starts on May 3) that culminates on the 5th of May. On the anniversary of the coronation itself, the King opens several quarters of the Grand Palace that are often off-limits to the public and changes the robe of the Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew (the Buddhist temple inside the palace complex).

Vesak – Wednesday, 10 May 2017
Christians celebrate the birth and death of their savior as separate occasions, but Buddhists celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha as one. Visakah Puja, as Vesak is called in Thailand, is celebrated with giving alms to the monks, giving bath to Buddha images, making merits at the temples (flowers and incense), and chanting sacred hymns.

Asalha Puja – Saturday, 8 July 2017
Buddha’s first sermon, which laid down the foundation of Buddhism, is celebrated on this day. Buddhists make merits, perform the “wien thien” or a candlelit procession around the temples and shrines done three times, and hold reunions with the family.

Asalha Puja – (Observed) – Monday, 10 July 2017

Beginning of Vassa (Buddhist Lent) – Tuesday, 11 July 2017
Monks roam around Thailand during the dry season to share the teachings of Buddha. But during the start of the rainy season – the beginning of Vassa (rains retreat) – they remain indoors in temple grounds to engage in intensive meditation. On this day, the lay refrain from eating meat, smoking and drinking alcohol.

The Queen’s Birthday (Mothers Day) – Saturday, 12 August 2017
On this day in 1932, Queen Sirikit, King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s consort, was born. Because she is regarded as the mother of all Thais, this day is also observed as the National Mother’s Day. On this day, the royal emblems fly and buntings of yellow cloth adorned with the Queen’s portraits are hung outside.

The Queen’s Birthday – (Observed) – Monday, 13 August 2017

Chulalongkorn Day – Monday, 23 October 2017
Rama V, more popularly known as King Chulalongkorn, was the monarch who fought off European colonization, making Thailand the only non-colonized Southeast Asian country. King Chulalongkorn was also instrumental in the abolition of slavery, the installation of post and telegraph services, the construction of railways, and the creation of a ministerial system. Thais mourned his death on this day in 1910, and continue to revere the King on the anniversary of his passing.

The King’s Birthday (Fathers Day) – Tuesday, 05 December 2017
Rama IX or King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-serving monarch, was born on this day in 1927. On his birthday, Thais display the national flag and put up buntings of yellow cloth adorned with the King’s portraits. The Grand Palace is lavishly adorned on this day, and roads nearby are closed to traffic in preparation for the evening celebrations that attract thousands of loyal Thais.

Constitution Day – Monday, 11 December 2017
Siam, as Thailand was then known, was once under absolute monarchy (where all the power rests on the king alone). But in June of 1932, the Thai monarchy was upset by a bloodless coup that allowed for the transition towards constitutional monarchy. This means that the ultimate power belonged to the Thai people, and the King’s veto can be overruled.

New Year’s Eve – Sunday, 31 December 2017
In observance of the Gregorian calendar, Thais also celebrate the final day of the year along with the rest of the western world.

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Japan’s official public holidays are established by the Public Holiday Law of 1948. For 2013, the following dates are declared as non-working days, where banks and most offices are closed for business. This law also states that if a national holiday happens on a Sunday, the next working day will be a public holiday. If a regular day falls between two holidays, then that day is also considered a holiday.

New Year’s Day – January 1, Tuesday
Japan’s New Year’s Day was established in 1948 and it signals the start of the country’s New Year season. It can refer to the first one, three or seven days of the year. Most stores and workplaces are closed on this day.

Coming-of-Age Day – January 14, Monday
In Japan, the age of maturity is at 20 years, so this holiday celebrates those who have reached that landmark age.

National Foundation Day – February 11, Monday
This holiday celebrates patriotism, and encourages the people to nurture their love for the country.

Vernal Equinox Day – March 20, Wednesday
This is a holiday that is related to the Shinto faith, but is celebrated as a non-religious holiday. It occurs on the date of the Northward equinox according to Japanese Standard Time.

Showa Day – April 29, Monday
Prior to the death of Emperor Hirohito in 1989, April 29 has been the declared Emperor’s Birthday holiday. The date was moved when Emperor Akihito took over the throne, and April 29 was renamed as Showa Day. It encourages people to reflect on the Emperor’s tumultuous reign, rather than the man himself.

Constitution Memorial Day – May 3, Friday
This holiday commemorates the establishment of the current Japanese constitution.

Greenery Day – May 4, Saturday
Midori no Hi is set as a day to appreciate nature and be thankful for the blessings it gives each year. Originally held on April 29, it was moved its present date in 2007.

Children’s Day – May 5, Sunday
Children’s Day or Kodomo no Hi celebrates and honors the young children. Families with sons fly koi (golden carp) streamers outside their homes. Japan’s version of the Dragon Boat Festival also happens on this day. Kodomo no Hi also marks the end of the Golden Week. In 2013, Children’s Day falls on a Sunday so the next day, May 6 Monday, is declared as a holiday.

Marine Day – July 15, Monday
Japan is a highly maritime nation, and this day celebrates the bountiful blessings the powerful ocean gives the country. The day was originally celebrated on July 20 but changed to its present date because of the “Happy Monday System”.

Respect-for-the-Aged Day – September 16, Monday
Japan has a sizable population of elderly people, and like most Asian nations, hold them in high esteem. This holiday was set to give respect to them, as well as to celebrate the beauty of a long life. Again, this holiday was set to its present date because of the “Happy Monday System”.

Autumnal Equinox Day – September 23, Monday
The Autumnal Equinox Day is another Japanese holiday that honors their ancestors and their departed ones.

Health-Sports Day – October 14, Monday
This holiday was first established two years after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It is a day where people are encouraged to participate in sports activities, as well as the promotion of a healthy body and sound mind.

Culture Day – November 3, Sunday
Culture Day commemorates the day when the Japanese Constitution was announced. It pushes the celebration of the Japanese culture, as well as peace and freedom. Because it falls on the Sunday, the succeeding day, November 4, Monday, is when Culture Day is observed.

Labor Thanksgiving Day – November 23 (Sat.)
Instead of celebrating May 1 Labor day like the rest of the world, Japan observes Labor Thanksgiving Day, an occasion for celebrating the labor and production force of the country.

The Emperor’s Birthday – December 23 (Mon.)
The Japanese believe that their Emperor is a direct descendant of heavenly gods, hence the name of this holiday “Tennō Tanjōbi” with the word “tennō” carrying the character that means “heaven”. This holiday celebrates the birthday of the reigning emperor, and has been observed since 1868. December 23 is the birthday of the current ruler, Emperor Akihito.

Happy Monday System

Notice that several of Japan’s holidays fall on a Monday? That is no coincidence, but rather a result of the country’s “Happy Monday System”. This is a set of modified Japanese laws that moves several public holidays to Monday, allowing a three-day weekend for those who typically work for five days a week.

Golden Week

Golden Week or Ōgon Shūkan is the term given to the time period that covers the holidays that fall on April 29, May 3, 4 and 5.

Bank Holidays

The Bank of Japan follows the prescribed holiday dates, but often declares a few days each year as a Bank Holiday. For 2013, January 2 and 3, and December 31 are declared as bank holidays and operations are closed on those dates.

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International New Year’s Day 2013 – 01 January, Tuesday
Cambodia celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar along with the rest of the world.

7 Makara 2013 – 07 January, Monday
Also known simply as Victory Day, this holiday commemorates the end of regime of the Khmer Rouge.

Meak Bochea Festival (Buddhist Ceremony) 2013 – 25 February, Monday
On this holiday held during the full moon of the 3rd lunar month, people honor Buddha and his teachings. Spiritually, this holiday aims to purify one’s mind, refrain from committing sins and perform only good deeds. Because of its lunar calendar basis, the date changes on the Gregorian calendar each year.

International Women’s Day 2013 – 08 March, Friday
Cambodia joins the whole world in celebrating the women. Various celebrations are done in honor of their achievements in the economic, social and political fields. It is also a show of respect and appreciation for them.

Khmer’s New Year Day 2013 – 14-15-16 April, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
This three day celebration is considered to be the most important holiday in the whole of Cambodia and marks the end of the season of harvest. Farmers take time to celebrate in thanksgiving before the rainy season arrives.

International Labor Day 2013 – 01 May, Wednesday
Cambodia recognizes the strength and importance of the workforce and commemorates their achievements and contributions on this day.

King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday 2013 – 13, 14, 15 May, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
This holiday celebrates and gives honor to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni on the occasion of his birth.

Visak Bochea Day 2013 – 25 May, Saturday
This holiday commemorates life of Prince Siddharta Gautama — from birth, to enlightenment and death. The date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar.

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day 2013 – 28 May, Tuesday
This national holiday celebrates the beginning of the planting season.

International Children’s Day and Cambodia Children’s Day 2013 – 01 June, Saturday
This holiday not just upholds the International Children’s Day as declared by the United Nations, but it also helps put awareness about the plight of many needy children in Cambodia. These children are at a high risk of various abuses including child labor and trafficking. This day aims to give these children their basic needs as well as protect them from further abuse.

Her Majesty the King’s Mother Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk Birthday 2013 – 18 June, Tuesday
The Cambodians celebrate the birth of the Queen Mother of Cambodia, Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, on this day. She is the mother of the current king, Norodom Sihamoni.

Constitutional Day 2013 – 24 September, Tuesday
This holiday honors the signing of the Cambodia’s Constitution by King Norodom Sihanouk.

Pchum Ben’s Festival (Ancestor Day) 2013 – 03, 04, 05 October, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
On this day, Cambodians pay their respects to relatives who has passed on. Monks chant prayers overnight when the gates of hell are open and ghosts or spirits are able to roam freely. People cook meals for the monks who take care of the temples where prayers and offerings are given.

Crowning Ceremony of His Majesty the King Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni Anniversary 2013 – 15 October, Tuesday
When His Royal Highness King Father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne in 2004, a special council picked His Highness Prince Norodom Sihamoni to take over the throne. This holiday commemorates that occasion.

Paris Peace Agreement Day 2013 – 23 October, Wednesday
This holiday was reinstated on October 2012 after it was dropped from the list of the official calendar of holidays in 2004. The Paris Peace Agreement Day also honors His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk who was instrumental in the implementation and success of the agreement.

King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day 2013 – 29 October, Tuesday
This day marks the official coronation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni as the reigning king of Cambodia.

Birthday of His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia 2013 – 31 October, Friday
This day celebrates the birth date of His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk.

Independence Day 2013 – 09 November, Saturday
Cambodia celebrates this day to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1953.

Water Festival Ceremony Day 2013 – 16, 17, 18 November, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
During this festival, people traditionally sprinkle each other with water as a form of respect and ritual cleansing, and as blessings and good wishes. While it celebrates the New Year for some other countries in Southeast Asia, in Cambodia it is a festival related to Bon Om Thook and referred to as the Boat Racing Water Festival in Cambodia.

International Human Right’s Day 2013 – 10 December, Tuesday
On December 10, 1948 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Cambodia recognizes the importance of this day and commemorates it as a public holiday.

For more information: http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/Cambodia-Public-Holiday.aspx

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The following dates mark the public holidays for China in 2013:

New Year’s Day – January 1 to January 3, 2013
China observes the coming of the new year based on the Gregorian calendar. This is a nod as well to the numerous nationalities who reside in China. Three days have been officially declared for this holiday, giving the Chinese plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. January 5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday respectively are counted as official working days.

Chinese New Year’s Eve – February 9, 2013
Chinese New Year – February 10 to February 15, 2013
The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for the Chinese and is celebrated all over the world. In the People’s Republic of China, the celebrations begin from the eve of the 1st lunar month up until four days after the first day. This year’s holiday extends up until February 15, giving the Chinese one week to enjoy the holidays. The dates February 16 and 17 are considered as working days to compensate for the 14th and 15th.

Qingming Festival – April 4 to 6, 2013
The Qingming Festival is a day set for the Chinese people to visit the graves or burial places of their ancestors. It is a time for them to remember and honor their ancestors, offer prayers and spend time with their families. The Qingming Festival is one of China’s most oldest traditional holidays, having been around for more than two thousand years.

Labor Day – April 29 to May 1, 2013
The Chinese has adapted the Western practice of celebrating and honoring the workforce, their achievements and their contributions to the society and economy.

Dragon Boat Festival – June 10 to 12, 2013
This festival is also known as the Duanwu or Double Fifth, because it falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. People gather to join in dragon boat races, eat rice dumplings and drink realgar wine. While there are many theories about its origin, its most popular story is related to the suicide of poet Qu Yuan.

Mid-Autumn Festival – September 19 to 21, 2013
This holiday is considered to be a integral part of the Chinese cultural heritage. It is celebrated during the full moon of the harvest season as thanksgiving. Another key part of the festival is related to moon worship, and the preparation and gifting of mooncakes is a tradition that the Chinese partake in.

National Day – October 1 to 7, 2013
The People’s Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949. This date commemorates the occasion, and is one of the country’s two Golden Weeks. A fireworks display is held nationwide, and parades are held in Beijing.

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Below is the list of Turkey public holiday schedule 2013. As any Islamic country, traveling to Turkey during major Islamic festivals pose challenges to the availability of certain conveniences and needs like food, drinks and shopping.

New Year’s Day, Tuesday 1 January 2013
The first day of the Gregorian calendar is also celebrated even in a largely Muslim society.

National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, Tuesday 23 April 2013
This day in 1920 marks the first opening of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey in the country’s capital, Ankara. This is an important national event dedicated to children.

May Day, Wednesday 1 May 2013
Turkey participates in the international recognition of laborers and their social and economic contribution to the society.

Commemoration of Ataturk and Youth and Sports Day, Sunday 19 May 2013
Turkey’s struggle for independence from the Allies led by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk began on this day in 1919 and ended on July 24, 1923.

Ramazan Bayrami, Thursday to Saturday 8-10 August 2013
The End of Ramadan is celebrated in Turkey for three days. The latter half of the previous day is also considered part of the religious holiday.

Victory Day, Friday 30 August 2013
The final battle fought in Dumlupinar on this day in 1922 proved to be a triumphant turning point to the Turkish forces.

Liberation of Izmir, Monday 9 September 2013
This day in 1922 marks the end of the Smyrna Offensive and the eventual conclusion of the Turkish Independence War. This holiday is only observed in Izmir.

Liberation of Istanbul, Sunday 6 October 2013
This day marks the end of Allied occupation of Istanbul. On October 6, 1923, the last ships of the combined forces of Britain, Italy and France left Turkey’s shores. This holiday is only observed in Istanbul.

Kurban Bayrami, Tuesday to Friday 15-18 October 2013
The Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated in Turkey for 4 days, and the half day (in the afternoon) prior to the first day of the Feast is also considered a holiday. The Feast of Sacrifice is the other major Islamic holiday in Turkey, and the slaughter of livestock is performed on this day. The meat is then distributed to everyone especially the needy.

Republic Day, Tuesday 29 October 2013
Turkey declared to be a republic on April 23, 1920, but it was only on this day in 1923 that its new status was officially acknowledged.

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Below is the list of the Maldives public holiday schedule 2013.

New Year’s Day, Tuesday 1 January 2013
The first day of the first month of the Gregorian calendar is celebrated in Maldives albeit its deep Islamic roots.

National Day, Thursday 24 January 2013
This day in 1573, Muhammad Thakurufaanul Auzam triumphed over the Portuguese colonizers after 15 years of struggle for independence.

Mawlid al-Nabi, Monday 4 February 2013
As a deeply devout Muslim country, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is a major religious festival in Maldives.

The Day Maldives Embraced Islam, Friday 29 March 2013
Buddhism has a 1,400-year-long history in Maldives, but in 1153, the entire island nation converted to Islam. It has been a predominantly Muslim country ever since.

Independence Day, Friday 26 July 2013
On this day in 1965, Maldives declared independence from the United Kingdom after having been under its control for 77 years.

Start of Ramadan, Saturday 20 July 2013
Ramadan, or the month of fasting, is a major Muslim festival because fasting is considered as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During this period, restaurants are closed, so finding food may be a challenge as the country is predominantly Muslim. Expect that attendants at hotels may be less receptive and slower than usual. Their fast starts at sunrise and is broken at sundown, a cleansing they have to do for the duration of Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr, Monday 19 August 2013
The end of Ramadan is a period of rejoicing and a time for families to share a feast.

Victory Day, Sunday 3 November 2013
On this day in 1988, Sri Lankan terrorists, in collaboration with Maldivian subversives, attempted to overthrow the government but failed. The Maldivian army, assisted by the Indian military, prevailed. The collaborators were able to flee the country, but they left casualties of serious injury and death of hostages.

Hajj Day, Thursday 24 October
Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Eid al-Adha, Saturday 26 October 2013
The Feast of the Sacrifice is another major Islamic festival celebrated with the slaughter of livestock and the sharing of slaughtered meat to family, friends and the needy.

Republic Day, Monday 11 November 2013
Maldives were once ruled by kings and queens, but the monarchy ended on this day in 1968 and the country elected to become a republic.

Muharram Friday, 15 November 2013
Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Islamic New Year differs from the traditional Western New Year. Muharram is derived from the first month of the year of the same name.

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