Public Holidays in Hungary 2025 – National & Religious Days
Hungary observes a set of national public holidays each year, combining national commemorations, Christian observances, and cultural celebrations. On these days, government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses close. Some dates shift based on Easter, while others are fixed by law.
Overview of Public Holidays in Hungary
Hungarian public holidays include national memorial days (Revolution of 1848, 1956), Christian holidays tied to Easter, and state foundation celebrations. Some holidays are “state holidays” defined in Hungary’s constitution. The number of legal public holidays in 2025 is 16, though some fall on weekends.
List of Public Holidays in Hungary (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Remarks / Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day | Start of Gregorian year |
| March 15 | Saturday | Revolution Memorial Day | Commemoration of the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence |
| April 18 | Friday | Good Friday | Christian observance |
| April 20 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Christian celebration of resurrection |
| April 21 | Monday | Easter Monday | Christian holiday |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| June 9 | Monday | Whit Monday | Christian holiday after Pentecost |
| August 20 | Wednesday | Saint Stephen’s Day | State Foundation Day, day of the country’s founding king |
| October 23 | Thursday | 1956 Revolution Memorial Day | Commemoration of the 1956 uprising |
| November 1 | Saturday | All Saints’ Day | Christian remembrance of saints |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas Day | Christian holiday celebrating birth of Jesus |
| December 26 | Friday | Second Day of Christmas | Boxing Day equivalent / Saint Stephen’s remembrance |
Note: Some years include additional holidays such as “state holidays” or “bridge days,” but the above are the legally recognized national public holidays in 2025.
Observance & Business Closures
On public holidays, governmental bodies, schools, banks, and many private businesses in Hungary are closed. Some holidays overlapping Sundays may not be shifted to Monday, so people should check the specific year’s schedule.
Significance of Key Holidays
- March 15 (Revolution Day): A national day commemorating the 1848 Revolution against Habsburg rule.
- August 20 (Saint Stephen’s Day): Honors Hungary’s first king and foundation of the state.
- October 23 (1956 Memorial): Remembers the 1956 Hungarian uprising and fighting for freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Hungary have in 2025?
Hungary has 16 legal public holidays in 2025, though some fall on weekends.
Do Hungarian holidays shift when they fall on Sunday?
No, in general most public holidays stay on their calendar date, even if on a Sunday.
Are Good Friday and Easter holidays always observed in Hungary?
Yes, Good Friday and Easter Monday are among the Christian holidays observed in Hungary’s public holiday list.
Why are there multiple national memorial days in Hungary?
Hungary honors its national history and struggles through memorial days—March 15 for the 1848 Revolution, October 23 for the 1956 uprising, and August 20 as the state foundation day.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Hungary intertwine religious observance, historical memory, and national identity. From Easter celebrations to commemorating revolutions and state founding, these holidays shape public life and reflection in Hungary each year.
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