Laos Public Holidays
Laos Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Laos? All public holidays in Laos are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Laos employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Laos and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year and is observed as a public holiday in Laos. The holiday is primarily secular, and it is a time for people to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming year. It is celebrated with family gatherings, social events, and public festivities.
In major cities like Vientiane, the capital, there are often public celebrations, including fireworks, concerts, and street parties. Many people spend the day with family, visiting relatives, and enjoying traditional foods. While New Year’s Day is widely observed in Laos, it is less extravagant than in Western countries, with a more focused, family-oriented atmosphere.
Duration
New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Laos.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Lao New Year (Pi Mai) (April 13–15)
Description
Lao New Year, or Pi Mai, is the most significant and widely celebrated traditional holiday in Laos. It usually takes place from April 13 to April 15, marking the beginning of the Lao solar calendar year. The holiday is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and is a time for cleansing, renewal, and family gatherings.
Pi Mai is celebrated with various cultural and religious activities. People visit temples to make offerings, pray, and participate in religious ceremonies. Water plays a central role during this time, with water fights and the ritual of pouring water over Buddha statues for blessings. The holiday is also a time for families to reunite, prepare traditional Lao food, and celebrate together. In urban areas, large public celebrations include parades, traditional dances, and fireworks.
Duration
Lao New Year is a three-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Laos.
- Government Employees: Given the days off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.
Labor Day (May 1)
Description
Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st, is an international holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers and their rights. In Laos, the day is marked by official ceremonies, speeches by political leaders, and public events that promote labor rights and social justice. The holiday is recognized by the government and celebrated in various parts of the country with parades and public gatherings.
In Vientiane, workers, students, and government officials participate in parades, and workers’ unions may organize events to discuss labor issues. It is a day for the people of Laos to reflect on the rights of workers, labor conditions, and social justice. It is also a day for relaxation, with many people enjoying the day off and spending time with family and friends.
Duration
Labor Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Laos, especially workers.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Buddha’s Birthday (Variable Date, April or May)
Description
Buddha’s Birthday, celebrated on the full moon of the month of Visakha, is a major religious holiday in Laos. The date varies each year based on the lunar calendar, but it typically falls in April or May. This holiday commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.
On Buddha’s Birthday, people across Laos visit temples to make offerings, pray, and participate in religious ceremonies. In some towns and villages, there are processions where devotees carry images of the Buddha and pour water over statues to cleanse them of negative energy. It is a day for reflection on the teachings of the Buddha and for people to engage in charitable activities, such as giving food and donations to monks.
Duration
Buddha’s Birthday is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Buddhists.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Independence Day (October 12)
Description
Independence Day in Laos, celebrated on October 12th, commemorates the day in 1954 when Laos gained independence from French colonial rule. This is an important national holiday that reflects the country’s sovereignty and the struggles for freedom that led to independence.
The day is marked by official ceremonies, including speeches from political leaders, military parades, and cultural performances that highlight Laos’ independence and its achievements since gaining sovereignty. Independence Day is a time for the citizens of Laos to reflect on their nation’s history, celebrate its independence, and honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country’s freedom.
Duration
Independence Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Laos.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Although Christianity is a minority religion in Laos, Christmas is still observed by Christians in the country. It is a time for religious reflection, family gatherings, and festive meals.
For Christians in Laos, Christmas Day is marked by church services, where people come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. Many families also gather for meals, exchange gifts, and spend quality time together. While Christmas is not as widely celebrated in Laos as it is in predominantly Christian countries, it is an important day for the Christian community.
Duration
Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
- Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Laos
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Lao New Year (Pi Mai) | April 13–15 | 3 days | General Public |
| Labor Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Buddha’s Birthday | Variable (April/May) | 1 day | General Public (Buddhists) |
| Independence Day | October 12 | 1 day | General Public |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
