Serbia Public Holidays

Serbia Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Serbia? All public holidays in Serbia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Serbia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Serbia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Holidays in Serbia

Public holidays in Serbia reflect a mix of religious traditions, national pride, and cultural observances. These holidays showcase the country’s deep connection to its Orthodox Christian faith, its storied history, and its cultural identity. Observed by both the public and private sectors, these holidays play an important role in Serbian society, allowing citizens to honor their faith, heritage, and shared history.

Religious Holidays in Serbia

According to prozipcodes.com, Serbia’s religious holidays are primarily tied to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which is the dominant faith in the country. However, other religious communities, such as Catholics and Muslims, also celebrate their respective holidays. These religious holidays often bring families together for worship, feasts, and special traditions.

Christmas (January 7)

In Serbia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7, following the Julian calendar, which is used by the Serbian Orthodox Church. This date differs from the December 25 observance by most Western Christian denominations.

  • Celebration: Christmas is a deeply spiritual time for Orthodox Christians in Serbia. The celebration begins on Christmas Eve (January 6) with a special dinner that includes symbolic foods like wheat, walnuts, and dried fruit. The day itself begins with church services and family gatherings.
  • Traditions: One of the unique Serbian traditions is the burning of the “badnjak” (oak branch) on Christmas Eve, symbolizing warmth and prosperity. Families also exchange gifts, share a festive meal, and greet each other with “Mir Božiji, Hristos se rodi” (“God’s peace, Christ is born”).
  • Public Holiday: January 7 is a public holiday, with most businesses and government offices closed, allowing citizens to celebrate with their families.

Easter

Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in Serbia, celebrated according to the Orthodox calendar. The dates for Orthodox Easter usually differ from Western Christian Easter because of the use of the Julian calendar.

  • Celebration: Easter celebrations in Serbia begin with a week of preparation known as Holy Week, which includes Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On Easter Sunday, families attend church services and greet each other with “Hristos vaskrse” (“Christ is risen”).
  • Traditions: A key Easter tradition in Serbia is the decorating and exchanging of red eggs, symbolizing the resurrection of Christ. Families also prepare a festive meal that typically includes lamb or other traditional dishes.
  • Public Holiday: Easter Monday is a public holiday in Serbia, allowing for an extended period of celebration and family gatherings.

St. Sava’s Day (January 27)

St. Sava’s Day is a significant religious and cultural holiday in Serbia, honoring Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the founder of Serbian law and education.

  • Celebration: Schools and religious institutions commemorate St. Sava’s contributions to Serbian culture, education, and spirituality with ceremonies, plays, and other cultural activities.
  • Public Holiday: While it is not an official national holiday for everyone, it is observed as a school holiday, and many educational and religious institutions hold special events to honor Saint Sava.

Assumption of Mary (August 28)

The Assumption of Mary, known as “Velika Gospojina” in Serbia, is a major religious holiday for Orthodox Christians, commemorating the day when the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven.

  • Celebration: The holiday is marked with church services, prayers, and feasts. Many people visit monasteries and churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary on this day.
  • Public Holiday: Although it is not a national public holiday, it is widely observed by religious communities in Serbia.

National Holidays in Serbia

Serbia’s national holidays are centered around the country’s history, independence, and cultural identity. These holidays highlight important milestones in Serbia’s past and celebrate the nation’s journey toward sovereignty and unity.

Statehood Day (February 15-16)

Statehood Day, known as “Sretenje,” commemorates two significant events in Serbian history: the First Serbian Uprising in 1804, which led to the liberation from Ottoman rule, and the adoption of the first Serbian constitution in 1835.

  • Celebration: The holiday is marked by official ceremonies, including speeches by government officials, flag-raising events, and parades. Cultural programs, historical reenactments, and patriotic music are also common during this time.
  • Public Holiday: February 15-16 are public holidays in Serbia, and all government offices and most businesses are closed. It is a time for reflection on Serbia’s independence and its role in shaping modern Europe.

Constitution Day (April 27)

Constitution Day celebrates the adoption of the current Serbian constitution, which was established in 2006 following the dissolution of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro.

  • Celebration: While Constitution Day is not widely celebrated with public events, it serves as an important reminder of the legal and political framework that governs modern Serbia.
  • Public Holiday: Constitution Day is a public holiday in Serbia, providing a day of rest for citizens.

Armistice Day (November 11)

Armistice Day is observed in Serbia to commemorate the end of World War I and to honor the Serbian soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the war.

  • Celebration: The day is marked by official ceremonies, including wreath-laying at monuments dedicated to the fallen soldiers. Schools and public institutions may hold educational events to teach about Serbia’s role in World War I.
  • Public Holiday: November 11 is a public holiday in Serbia, and many institutions are closed in honor of the day.

National Unity Day (September 15)

National Unity Day, also known as the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom, and the National Flag, is a relatively new public holiday that celebrates the unity of all Serbs, both in Serbia and abroad.

  • Celebration: The day is marked with official speeches, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events that emphasize the importance of unity and national identity.
  • Public Holiday: September 15 is a public holiday, and citizens are encouraged to display the Serbian flag on their homes and participate in events that promote national pride.

Cultural Holidays in Serbia

In addition to religious and national holidays, Serbia has several cultural holidays that reflect the traditions and lifestyle of its people. These holidays often feature vibrant celebrations, music, and food, bringing communities together.

May Day (International Workers’ Day – May 1)

May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a celebration of labor rights and the contributions of workers to society. It is a significant holiday in Serbia, where labor unions and workers have a strong tradition.

  • Celebration: May Day is typically celebrated with picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Many people travel to the countryside or parks to enjoy the spring weather. In some cities, workers’ organizations hold parades or rallies to advocate for labor rights.
  • Public Holiday: May 1 is a public holiday, and many businesses and government offices are closed. The holiday often extends into May 2, providing a long weekend for citizens.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Like many countries, Serbia celebrates the New Year on January 1, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. However, due to the Serbian Orthodox Church’s use of the Julian calendar, the country also observes an additional New Year on January 14, known as the “Old New Year.”

  • Celebration: New Year’s Eve (December 31) is celebrated with fireworks, concerts, and parties across the country. Cities like Belgrade host large public events, featuring live music, entertainment, and midnight countdowns.
  • Public Holiday: January 1 is a public holiday, with businesses and government offices closed for the day. The Old New Year, celebrated on January 14, is not an official public holiday but is widely observed by families and in rural communities.

Observance of Public Holidays

Government and Public Institutions

On public holidays in Serbia, government offices, schools, and most businesses close to allow citizens to celebrate and observe the occasion. The Serbian government publishes an official calendar of public holidays each year, and both public and private sectors adhere to these dates. Some holidays, particularly religious ones, may also be accompanied by special services or events organized by religious institutions.

Private Sector

While many businesses in the private sector close on public holidays, essential services such as healthcare, public transportation, and emergency services continue to operate. In some industries, employees may be required to work during holidays, often receiving additional compensation or time off on alternate days.

Holiday Calendar

Each year, the Serbian government issues an official calendar of public holidays, outlining the dates for national, religious, and cultural observances. Orthodox holidays based on the Julian calendar, such as Christmas and Easter, are especially important in Serbian culture and may vary from Western Christian observances.

Serbia Public Holidays