Public Holidays in Bulgaria 2026

Public holidays in Bulgaria in 2026 include national celebrations, Orthodox Christian holidays, substitute days off and a special non-working day connected with the country's adoption of the euro. Article 154 of the Bulgarian Labour Code establishes the official holiday framework, including rules for replacement days when certain holidays fall on weekends.

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The 2026 calendar contains 18 nationally applicable holiday or specially designated non-working dates. This guide explains the official schedule, Orthodox Easter celebrations, Bulgaria's national holidays, employment rules and important distinctions between general public holidays and education-specific observances.

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Bulgaria's public holiday calendar combines fixed annual dates with Orthodox Easter observances and statutory substitute days. The main legal basis is Article 154 of the Bulgarian Labour Code.

The 2026 schedule also includes a one-time non-working day on 2 January, introduced to support the country's transition to the euro. Unlike the permanent statutory holidays, this was a special government decision applying specifically to the changeover period.

The Council of Ministers' official holiday guidance identifies Bulgaria's nationally recognized holidays and explains the general rules for substitute days.

How Many Public Holidays Are There in Bulgaria in 2026?

Bulgaria has 18 nationally applicable holiday or specially declared non-working dates in 2026. These consist of 14 statutory holiday dates, three substitute non-working days and one special non-working day associated with euro adoption.

The total counts individual calendar dates rather than only the days on which a typical Monday-to-Friday employee receives additional time off. Several statutory celebrations fall on Saturdays or Sundays.

National Awakeners Day on 1 November is excluded because the Labour Code designates it as a non-study day for educational establishments rather than a general nationwide day off for employees.

National Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's national and civic holidays commemorate important events in its history, independence, education and cultural identity. Several dates are particularly significant in the country's official calendar.

Liberation Day – Bulgaria's National Day

Liberation Day is celebrated on 3 March and is Bulgaria's official national holiday. It commemorates the country's liberation from Ottoman rule, associated with the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano in 1878.

In 2026, Liberation Day falls on Tuesday, 3 March. It is a nationwide public holiday recognized under Article 154 of the Labour Code.

St. George's Day and Bulgarian Armed Forces Day

St. George's Day is observed on 6 May and is also celebrated as the Day of Valour and of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.

The holiday combines a traditional Christian observance with recognition of Bulgaria's armed forces and military heritage. It is a statutory public holiday throughout the country.

Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture

Observed on 24 May, this holiday honours Saints Cyril and Methodius and celebrates the Bulgarian alphabet, education, culture and Slavonic literature.

It is among Bulgaria's most important cultural observances, recognizing the historical development of literacy and the country's educational traditions.

In 2026, 24 May falls on Sunday. Consequently, Monday, 25 May is a substitute non-working day under Bulgaria's statutory weekend replacement rules.

Unification Day

Unification Day is celebrated annually on 6 September. It commemorates the unification of the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia in 1885.

In 2026, the holiday falls on Sunday, 6 September. Monday, 7 September is therefore a substitute non-working day.

Independence Day

Bulgaria observes Independence Day on 22 September, commemorating the declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908.

Independence Day is distinct from Liberation Day on 3 March. Both are officially recognized holidays, but Liberation Day is designated as Bulgaria's national holiday.

In 2026, Independence Day falls on Tuesday, 22 September.

Orthodox Easter Holidays in Bulgaria in 2026

Orthodox Easter is one of Bulgaria's principal religious celebrations. The national holiday period covers four consecutive days: Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

In 2026, Orthodox Easter Sunday falls on 12 April, making the official Easter holiday period 10–13 April.

Orthodox Good Friday

Good Friday falls on 10 April 2026. In the Orthodox Christian tradition, it commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is observed as a solemn religious day.

Orthodox Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday falls on 11 April 2026. It is part of the statutory Easter holiday period and precedes the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

Orthodox Easter Sunday

Orthodox Easter Sunday falls on 12 April 2026. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is commonly marked by church services, family gatherings, decorated eggs and traditional Easter foods.

Orthodox Easter Monday

Orthodox Easter Monday falls on 13 April 2026. It completes Bulgaria's four-day statutory Easter holiday period.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms the relevant 2026 Orthodox Easter dates in its official embassy holiday announcement.

Why Does Orthodox Easter Have Different Dates?

Orthodox Easter is calculated using an ecclesiastical calendar and can occur on a different date from Western Easter.

Bulgaria follows the Orthodox Easter calendar for its statutory Easter holidays. The dates change each year, so employers, travellers and schools should use the official calendar for the relevant year.

The four Orthodox Easter days are already recognized as holidays under the Labour Code. Unlike other statutory holidays, they are not subject to the general weekend substitute-day rule.

Special Public Holiday for Bulgaria's Euro Adoption in 2026

Friday, 2 January 2026 was declared a special non-working day to support Bulgaria's introduction of the euro as its official currency.

The decision was made under Council of Ministers Decision No. 808 of 19 November 2025, published in State Gazette No. 99 of 21 November 2025.

The decision designated two one-time non-working days: 31 December 2025 and 2 January 2026. These dates were associated with preparations for the euro changeover.

Bulgaria officially adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, becoming the 21st member of the euro area.

The official State Gazette decision establishes the special non-working days. The European Central Bank's announcement confirms Bulgaria's euro adoption on 1 January 2026.

The 2 January holiday was a one-time measure and should not be treated as a permanent annual public holiday.

Substitute and Observed Public Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgarian law provides replacement non-working days when designated public holidays fall on Saturdays or Sundays. The relevant provision is Article 154(2) of the Labour Code.

When an applicable holiday falls on a weekend, the first working day or days following it become non-working days. This preserves time off for holidays that would otherwise coincide with the normal weekly rest period.

In 2026, three substitute non-working days apply:

Monday, 25 May: Substitute day for the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius on Sunday, 24 May.
Monday, 7 September: Substitute day for Unification Day on Sunday, 6 September.
Monday, 28 December: Substitute day for the Second Day of Christmas on Saturday, 26 December.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs identifies these dates in its official 2026 holiday notice.

The four Orthodox Easter holidays are an exception to the general substitution rule because the Labour Code separately establishes the Easter holiday period.

Christmas and New Year Holidays in Bulgaria in 2026

Bulgaria recognizes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas as statutory public holidays.

In 2026, Christmas Eve falls on Thursday, Christmas Day on Friday and the Second Day of Christmas on Saturday. The weekend occurrence of 26 December creates a substitute non-working day on Monday, 28 December.

For people following a standard Monday-to-Friday work schedule, this produces a five-day break from 24 to 28 December inclusive.

New Year's Day is observed on 1 January each year. The additional non-working day on 2 January 2026 extended the New Year break during the euro transition, but that extra day is not part of the permanent holiday calendar.

Long Weekends in Bulgaria in 2026

Bulgaria's 2026 public holiday calendar offers several extended breaks. The following periods are particularly relevant for employees who normally work Monday to Friday and have Saturdays and Sundays off.

1–4 January: New Year's Day and the specially declared 2 January non-working day create a four-day break.
10–13 April: The four-day Orthodox Easter holiday period runs from Good Friday through Easter Monday.
1–3 May: Labour Day on Friday creates a three-day weekend.
23–25 May: The substitute holiday on Monday extends the weekend following Saints Cyril and Methodius Day.
5–7 September: The Monday substitute holiday creates a three-day break for Unification Day.
24–28 December: The Christmas holidays and substitute Monday create a five-day break.

These periods reflect the statutory holiday calendar and a standard Saturday–Sunday weekend. Employees working shifts, weekends or alternative schedules may have different arrangements.

Taking annual leave on a working day between a holiday and a weekend may provide an additional break, but such bridge days are not automatically official public holidays.

Is National Awakeners Day a Public Holiday in Bulgaria?

National Awakeners Day, observed on 1 November, is officially recognized as a non-study day for educational establishments. It is not a general nationwide non-working holiday for all employees.

Known in Bulgarian as Den na narodnite buditeli, the observance honours educators, writers, spiritual leaders and cultural figures who contributed to Bulgaria's national identity and intellectual development.

Article 154 of the Bulgarian Labour Code specifically identifies 1 November as a non-attendance day for educational establishments.

In 2026, National Awakeners Day falls on Sunday. It remains an important educational and cultural observance, but it is excluded from the general public holiday database because its statutory treatment differs from nationwide holidays.

Religious Holidays for Minority Faiths in Bulgaria

Bulgaria provides a separate legal framework for religious observances followed by faiths other than Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Under the Labour Code, the Council of Ministers determines the relevant dates based on proposals from the recognized leadership of the respective religious communities.

For 2026, Council of Ministers Decision No. 845 of 4 December 2025 establishes religious observance dates for other faiths. Eligible individuals may use paid or unpaid annual leave under the applicable employment provisions.

These arrangements are distinct from nationwide statutory public holidays. A date recognized for religious leave does not automatically become a general non-working day for every employee in Bulgaria.

The full legal decision is available in the Bulgarian State Gazette, Issue No. 106 of 9 December 2025.

Are Public Holidays Paid in Bulgaria?

Bulgarian employment law establishes official public holidays and regulates the treatment of work performed on those dates.

Under Article 264 of the Labour Code, work performed on an official public holiday must be compensated at no less than double the applicable remuneration, regardless of whether the work also qualifies as overtime.

Additional employment rules, collective agreements and special working arrangements may affect the final amount payable.

Employees required to work during official holidays should consult their employment agreements and the relevant provisions of Bulgarian labour legislation.

Are Banks, Schools and Government Offices Closed on Public Holidays?

Public holidays generally affect the regular operations of government offices, schools, banks and many private businesses in Bulgaria. However, the practical arrangements depend on the institution and the type of service.

Government Offices

Government departments and administrative offices generally do not provide normal counter services on official non-working holidays. Essential public services may continue operating.

Banks and Financial Institutions

Commercial bank branches may close or operate modified schedules during statutory holidays. Electronic banking, payment systems and other financial services can follow separate operating arrangements.

Customers should check their bank's published holiday schedule before arranging time-sensitive transactions.

Schools and Educational Establishments

Schools generally follow official public holidays as well as the education calendar. National Awakeners Day is a separate non-study day specifically recognized for educational establishments.

School vacations, examination schedules and institution-specific closures should be checked against the relevant education authority's calendar.

Shops, Restaurants and Transport

Retail shops, restaurants, accommodation providers and public transport services may remain open during some public holidays. Their schedules can differ from those of government offices.

Holiday visitors should verify opening hours, especially during Orthodox Easter, Christmas and New Year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the next public holiday in Bulgaria?

The next public holiday depends on the current date. The Next Public Holiday in Bulgaria section near the top of this page displays the upcoming holiday using the VisaBoards public holiday database.

How many public holidays are there in Bulgaria in 2026?

Bulgaria has 18 nationally applicable holiday or specially declared non-working dates in 2026. This includes 14 statutory holiday dates, three substitute days and one special non-working day for euro adoption. National Awakeners Day is excluded because it applies specifically to educational establishments.

What is Bulgaria's country code?

Bulgaria's ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 country code is BG. This code is used in international country identification systems and structured public holiday databases.

What is Bulgaria's national holiday?

Bulgaria's official national holiday is Liberation Day, celebrated annually on 3 March. It commemorates the country's liberation from Ottoman rule in 1878.

When is Orthodox Easter in Bulgaria in 2026?

Orthodox Easter Sunday falls on 12 April 2026. The official four-day Easter holiday period runs from Good Friday, 10 April, through Easter Monday, 13 April.

Why is 2 January 2026 a non-working day in Bulgaria?

The Bulgarian Council of Ministers declared 2 January 2026 a one-time non-working day to support the country's transition to the euro. The measure was established by Decision No. 808 of 19 November 2025 and is not a permanent annual holiday.

Does Bulgaria provide substitute holidays when a public holiday falls on a weekend?

Yes. Under Article 154(2) of the Labour Code, designated public holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday generally lead to substitute non-working days. The four Orthodox Easter holidays are excluded from this general replacement rule.

Is National Awakeners Day a nationwide public holiday in Bulgaria?

No. National Awakeners Day on 1 November is a statutory non-study day for educational establishments. It is not a general paid public holiday for all employees.

Are minority religious holidays public holidays in Bulgaria?

Religious observances for faiths other than Eastern Orthodoxy are governed by separate legal provisions. Eligible individuals may use paid or unpaid annual leave on recognized dates, but these observances are not automatically nationwide public holidays.

Are employees paid extra for working on Bulgarian public holidays?

Yes. Article 264 of the Bulgarian Labour Code requires work performed on an official public holiday to be compensated at no less than double the applicable remuneration. Other relevant employment provisions may also apply.

Official Sources for Public Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's public holiday dates and classifications are supported by the Labour Code, government announcements, State Gazette decisions and official Ministry of Foreign Affairs publications.

Bulgarian Ministry of Justice – Labour Code: Article 154 defines statutory public holidays and weekend substitution rules, while Article 264 addresses remuneration for work on public holidays.
Council of Ministers – Bulgarian Official Holidays: Provides the official national holiday list, including the distinction applying to National Awakeners Day.
State Gazette – Council of Ministers Decision No. 808: Establishes 31 December 2025 and 2 January 2026 as specially declared non-working days.
Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – 2026 Embassy Holiday Calendar: Confirms the 2026 Orthodox Easter dates, national holiday dates and substitute non-working days.
State Gazette – Council of Ministers Decision No. 845: Establishes 2026 religious observance dates for faiths other than Eastern Orthodoxy.
European Central Bank – Bulgaria Introduces the Euro: Confirms the country's adoption of the euro on 1 January 2026.

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