Public Holidays in Timor-Leste 2026 – National & Catholic Holidays
Timor-Leste observes a blend of national, religious, and commemorative public holidays. These holidays highlight its independence struggle, Catholic and Islamic faiths, and key historical milestones.
Explore more: Compare with Public Holidays in Thailand.
Overview of Public Holidays in Timor-Leste
Public holidays in Timor-Leste include fixed national dates and variable religious observances determined by lunar or ecclesiastical calendars. The national holiday framework is defined under Law No. 10/2005 (as amended), which outlines official public holidays and commemorative days across the country.
Many of these holidays create extended weekends, offering opportunities for domestic travel, family gatherings, and participation in cultural or religious events.
List of Public Holidays in Timor-Leste (2026)
| Holiday | Date (2026) | Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. |
| New Year Holiday | January 2 | Friday | Extended New Year observance for the public sector. |
| Chinese New Year | February 17 | Tuesday | Government-recognized Lunar New Year holiday. |
| Veterans’ Day | March 3 | Tuesday | Honors veterans of Timor-Leste’s independence struggle. |
| Ash Wednesday (Carnival) | February 18 | Wednesday | Christian observance marking the beginning of Lent. |
| Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | March 20 | Friday | Islamic festival concluding Ramadan (subject to moon sighting). |
| Holy Thursday (partial) | April 2 | Thursday | Partial public observance for Holy Week. |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Christian commemoration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. |
| Easter Monday | April 6 | Monday | Post-Easter public sector holiday. |
| Labor Day / May Day | May 1 | Friday | International Workers’ Day. |
| Restoration of Independence Day | May 20 | Wednesday | Celebrates restoration of independence in 2002. |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | May 27 | Wednesday | Major Islamic feast honoring devotion and sacrifice. |
| Corpus Christi | June 4 | Thursday | Catholic feast celebrating the Body of Christ. |
| Popular Consultation Day | August 30 | Sunday | Commemorates the 1999 referendum for independence. |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | Sunday | Christian feast honoring all saints. |
| All Souls’ Day | November 2 | Monday | Remembrance of the deceased. |
| National Women’s Day | November 3 | Tuesday | Recognizes women’s role in national development. |
| Youth National Day | November 12 | Thursday | Commemorates youth and the Santa Cruz massacre. |
| Proclamation of Independence Day | November 28 | Saturday | Marks the 1975 declaration of independence. |
| Memorial Day | December 7 | Monday | Honors national martyrs and veterans. |
| Immaculate Conception (Patroness Day) | December 8 | Tuesday | Catholic feast and national patroness day. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday | Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. |
| National Heroes’ Day | December 31 | Thursday | Honors national heroes of Timor-Leste. |
Note: Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha depend on lunar sighting and may vary by one day.
List of Public Holidays in Timor-Leste (2025)
| Holiday | Date (2025) | Day | Significance |
|---|
Religious and Cultural Significance
Timor-Leste’s public holidays reflect its strong Catholic foundation, respected Muslim minority, and profound national history. Religious observances such as Holy Week, Corpus Christi, and the Immaculate Conception hold nationwide importance, while independence-related holidays honor resilience, sacrifice, and national unity.
Public Observances and Closures
Government offices, schools, and many businesses close nationwide on public holidays. Religious services, memorial ceremonies, and community events are common. Because of lunar-based holidays, final dates may be officially confirmed closer to the observance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Timor-Leste have in 2026?
Timor-Leste is expected to observe around 18 to 20 public holidays in 2026, including national, religious, and commemorative days.
Do religious holiday dates change each year?
Yes. Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, while Christian holidays tied to Easter change annually based on ecclesiastical calculations.
Conclusion
Timor-Leste’s public holidays embody faith, remembrance, and national pride. From independence commemorations to sacred religious festivals, these holidays provide meaningful moments for reflection, unity, and celebration across the nation.
