Albania's 2026 public holiday calendar lists 15 nationwide holiday dates and eight substitute days, making 23 dates in the official schedule. The calendar includes national commemorations, cultural celebrations, Catholic and Orthodox Easter, Muslim religious holidays and Christmas.
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Both the Bank of Albania and the General Directorate of Industrial Property publish the national dates and their corresponding replacement holidays. When a public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the day off is carried forward to the next working day. This guide explains the official calendar, religious holidays, substitute-day arrangements, long weekends and practical holiday rules.
Next Public Holiday in Albania
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Public Holidays in Albania 2026
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Albania's nationwide holiday schedule contains 15 original public holiday dates and eight officially designated substitute days in 2026. The replacement days apply when statutory holidays coincide with weekends.
The dates are published in the Bank of Albania's official 2026 holiday calendar and the General Directorate of Industrial Property's 2026 holiday calendar.
The two Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, are listed according to the official annual schedule, which states that their dates may change depending on the lunar calendar.
How Many Public Holidays Are There in Albania in 2026?
Albania's 2026 holiday calendar lists 23 dates: 15 original nationwide public holiday dates and eight substitute working days.
The 15 original dates represent statutory celebrations, while the additional eight are replacement days arising from holidays falling on Saturdays or Sundays. They are not eight separate annual holiday categories.
Because some celebrations fall on weekends, the total number of calendar entries differs from the number of distinct statutory holiday dates.
National and Historical Public Holidays in Albania
Several public holidays commemorate Albania's independence, national identity, cultural heritage and democratic development.
Flag and Independence Day
Flag and Independence Day is observed annually on 28 November. It commemorates Albania's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.
The holiday is closely associated with the Albanian national flag and the country's independence movement, particularly the declaration made in Vlorë under Ismail Qemali.
In 2026, Independence Day falls on Saturday, 28 November. The official substitute holiday is Monday, 30 November.
Liberation Day
Liberation Day is celebrated on 29 November and commemorates Albania's liberation from Nazi occupation during the Second World War in 1944.
In 2026, Liberation Day falls on Sunday, immediately following Independence Day. Its substitute holiday is Tuesday, 1 December.
The two national commemorations therefore create consecutive replacement days at the end of November and beginning of December.
Alphabet Day
Alphabet Day, known as Dita e Alfabetit, is celebrated on 22 November. It commemorates the Congress of Manastir in 1908, a major event in the standardisation of the Albanian alphabet.
In 2026, Alphabet Day falls on Sunday, and its substitute holiday is Monday, 23 November.
National Youth Day
National Youth Day is observed on 8 December. It commemorates the student demonstrations of December 1990, which contributed to Albania's transition away from communist one-party rule.
In 2026, National Youth Day falls on Tuesday, 8 December. It is a nationwide public holiday.
Saint Teresa Sanctification Day
Saint Teresa Sanctification Day is celebrated on 5 September in honour of Mother Teresa, the internationally recognised Catholic nun and humanitarian of Albanian heritage.
The holiday commemorates her canonisation as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016.
In 2026, Saint Teresa Sanctification Day falls on Saturday, with Monday, 7 September designated as the substitute holiday.
Cultural Public Holidays in Albania
Albania's official holiday calendar includes celebrations that reflect the country's cultural traditions and historical identity.
Summer Day (Dita e Verës)
Summer Day is celebrated annually on 14 March and marks the traditional arrival of spring.
Known locally as Dita e Verës, the celebration is especially associated with Elbasan, although it is recognised nationally. Customs include family gatherings, outdoor celebrations and traditional foods such as ballokume.
In 2026, Summer Day falls on Saturday, 14 March. Its official substitute holiday is Monday, 16 March.
Nevruz Day
Nevruz Day is celebrated on 22 March and is particularly significant within Albania's Bektashi tradition.
The holiday is associated with renewal, spring and spiritual reflection. It is a nationwide public holiday rather than a celebration limited to a particular region.
In 2026, Nevruz falls on Sunday, 22 March, and its official substitute holiday is Monday, 23 March.
Religious Public Holidays in Albania in 2026
Albania recognises public holidays associated with Islam, Catholic Christianity and Orthodox Christianity. These celebrations reflect the country's religious traditions and are included in the nationwide holiday calendar.
Eid al-Fitr in Albania
Eid al-Fitr, known locally as Fitër Bajrami or Bajrami i Madh, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.
Albania's official 2026 calendar lists Eid al-Fitr on Friday, 20 March.
The celebration traditionally includes communal prayers, charitable giving, family gatherings and visits to relatives.
The Bank of Albania notes that Eid al-Fitr dates may change according to the lunar calendar. Any official revision should take precedence over the original annual schedule.
Eid al-Adha in Albania
Eid al-Adha, also known as Kurban Bajrami, commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
The official 2026 Albanian holiday calendar lists Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, 27 May.
The celebration includes communal prayers, charitable giving and the sharing of sacrificial meat with relatives and people in need.
Because Eid al-Adha follows the Islamic lunar calendar, its date remains subject to any official correction issued by the relevant authorities.
Catholic Easter Sunday
Catholic Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a nationwide public holiday in Albania.
In 2026, Catholic Easter falls on Sunday, 5 April. The corresponding substitute holiday is Monday, 6 April.
The date is calculated according to the Western Christian Easter calendar.
Orthodox Easter Sunday
Orthodox Easter is an important religious celebration for Albania's Orthodox Christian community.
In 2026, Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday, 12 April, one week after Catholic Easter. The official substitute holiday is Monday, 13 April.
Catholic and Orthodox Easter are separate nationwide public holidays in Albania, even when their dates differ.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is observed on 25 December and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday, creating a three-day weekend for employees who normally work Monday to Friday.
Substitute Public Holidays in Albania in 2026
Albania operates a statutory replacement-day system for public holidays that fall on weekends.
When a public holiday coincides with Saturday or Sunday, the corresponding day off is transferred to the following working day. Where consecutive holidays fall on a weekend, the replacement days can extend into both Monday and Tuesday.
Eight substitute days are specified in the 2026 official calendars:
- 16 March: Replacement for Summer Day.
- 23 March: Replacement for Nevruz Day.
- 6 April: Replacement for Catholic Easter Sunday.
- 13 April: Replacement for Orthodox Easter Sunday.
- 7 September: Replacement for Saint Teresa Sanctification Day.
- 23 November: Replacement for Alphabet Day.
- 30 November: Replacement for Flag and Independence Day.
- 1 December: Replacement for Liberation Day.
These dates are explicitly identified by the Bank of Albania and the General Directorate of Industrial Property as replacement holidays.
Substitute days should be distinguished from the original holiday dates. Both appear in the 2026 calendar, but they do not represent separate commemorative events.
Long Weekends in Albania in 2026
Albania's Saturday-Sunday weekend and official substitute-day arrangements create several extended breaks in 2026.
The following periods are particularly useful for employees following a standard Monday-to-Friday schedule:
- 1–4 January: The two New Year's holidays fall on Thursday and Friday, creating a four-day break with the weekend.
- 14–16 March: Summer Day and its Monday substitute create a three-day weekend.
- 20–23 March: Eid al-Fitr falls on Friday, followed by the weekend and the Nevruz substitute holiday on Monday.
- 4–6 April: Catholic Easter and its substitute day create a three-day break.
- 11–13 April: Orthodox Easter and its substitute day create another three-day break.
- 1–3 May: International Workers' Day falls on Friday.
- 5–7 September: Saint Teresa Sanctification Day and its Monday substitute create a three-day weekend.
- 21–23 November: Alphabet Day and its substitute Monday create a three-day break.
- 28 November–1 December: Independence Day and Liberation Day fall on Saturday and Sunday, followed by substitute holidays on Monday and Tuesday.
- 25–27 December: Christmas Day falls on Friday, creating a three-day weekend.
These periods follow the official calendar and assume a Saturday-Sunday weekend. Employees with different working schedules may have different arrangements.
Additional annual leave may extend a holiday break, but such leave is not automatically granted under the public holiday calendar.
Are Public Holidays Paid in Albania?
Albania's Labour Code provides rules governing official public holidays, working time and compensation for employees required to work on statutory holidays.
Official public holidays are generally recognised as paid non-working days for eligible employees. Working on a public holiday may trigger additional remuneration or compensatory rest under the applicable employment rules.
The precise entitlement can depend on the employee's working schedule, employment agreement and the relevant Labour Code provisions.
Employees working in sectors that operate continuously should confirm the applicable arrangements with their employer.
Are Banks Closed on Public Holidays in Albania?
Yes. The Bank of Albania publishes an official annual closure calendar covering national public holidays and substitute days.
For 2026, the Bank of Albania confirms that it is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, all 15 original public holiday dates and the eight applicable replacement days.
Commercial banks may publish their own operational schedules. Electronic banking services may remain available even when physical branches are closed.
Customers planning bank visits, payments or financial transactions should consult the official closure calendar and their bank's notices.
Are Government Offices, Schools and Shops Closed on Public Holidays?
Public holidays affect normal working arrangements across many government institutions, schools, banks and businesses in Albania.
Government Offices
Government institutions generally observe official public holidays and applicable substitute days.
The General Directorate of Industrial Property confirms its physical closure on weekends and the designated national and substitute holidays in 2026.
Schools and Universities
National public holidays are normally incorporated into educational schedules. However, school terms, examination periods and academic vacations are managed through separate institutional and education-sector calendars.
Parents and students should consult their school or university for the full academic holiday schedule.
Shops and Tourism Businesses
Shops, restaurants, hotels and tourism-related businesses may continue operating during public holidays, depending on their schedules and applicable employment arrangements.
Opening hours can vary during Easter, Eid, Independence Day and Christmas. Visitors should confirm operating hours directly with individual businesses.
Who Announces Public Holidays in Albania?
Albania's statutory public holidays are established through national legislation and relevant official decisions.
Public institutions, including the Bank of Albania and the General Directorate of Industrial Property, publish annual calendars listing the holidays and their applicable substitute days.
The Bank of Albania's 2026 holiday calendar was updated on 29 October 2025 and identifies all eight replacement dates.
Islamic religious dates may be adjusted in accordance with the lunar calendar. Where the government publishes a subsequent official announcement, the revised date should take precedence over the original scheduled date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays are listed in Albania in 2026?
Albania's official 2026 holiday calendar contains 23 listed dates: 15 original nationwide public holiday dates and eight substitute days for holidays falling on weekends.
What is the next public holiday in Albania?
The next public holiday depends on the current date. The live Next Public Holiday in Albania section near the beginning of this page displays the upcoming date from the holiday database.
Does Albania provide substitute holidays?
Yes. When an official public holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday, the day off is transferred to the following working day. Albania's official 2026 calendar includes eight substitute dates.
When is Summer Day in Albania in 2026?
Summer Day falls on Saturday, 14 March 2026. Monday, 16 March is the officially designated substitute holiday.
Are Catholic Easter and Orthodox Easter both public holidays in Albania?
Yes. Catholic Easter and Orthodox Easter are separate nationwide public holidays. In 2026, they fall on 5 April and 12 April, with substitute holidays on 6 April and 13 April respectively.
When is Eid al-Fitr in Albania in 2026?
Albania's official 2026 calendar lists Eid al-Fitr on Friday, 20 March. The published schedule notes that the date may change according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
When is Eid al-Adha in Albania in 2026?
The official 2026 calendar lists Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, 27 May. As a lunar-calendar holiday, the date is subject to any subsequent official correction.
Is Mother Teresa Day a public holiday in Albania?
Yes. Saint Teresa Sanctification Day is a nationwide public holiday observed on 5 September. In 2026, it falls on Saturday, with Monday, 7 September designated as the substitute day.
Why are November 30 and December 1 holidays in Albania in 2026?
November 30 and December 1 are substitute holidays for Flag and Independence Day on Saturday, 28 November, and Liberation Day on Sunday, 29 November respectively.
Are banks closed on public holidays in Albania?
Yes. The Bank of Albania closes on official public holidays, applicable substitute days and normal Saturdays and Sundays. Commercial bank schedules should be checked separately.
Official Sources for Public Holidays in Albania
- Bank of Albania – 2026 Official Bank Holiday Schedule: Confirms the 15 original holiday dates, eight substitute holidays, weekend replacement rules and lunar-calendar qualifications.
- General Directorate of Industrial Property – Official Holidays Calendar 2026: Government institution's published national holiday calendar, including replacement dates and institutional closures.
- Shkodër Municipality – Official Holiday Calendar 2026: Local government publication corroborating the national public holiday schedule and weekend substitution rule.
- Albanian Embassy in the United Kingdom – Eid al-Adha 2026: Official diplomatic information referring to the 27 May Eid al-Adha celebration.
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