Slovakia Public Holidays
Slovakia Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Slovakia? All public holidays in Slovakia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Slovakia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Slovakia 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 in Slovakia is celebrated on January 1st, marking the start of the new year. The day is typically filled with festive events and gatherings, including fireworks displays, parties, and family meals. It is a national holiday, and many Slovakians attend church services to mark the occasion. The day is also a time for reflection on the year past and setting goals for the upcoming year.
Duration
The holiday lasts for one day, and businesses, government offices, and educational institutions are usually closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Slovakia.
- Government Employees: Typically granted a day off.
Epiphany (January 6)
Description
Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, is a Christian holiday that commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus. It is also known as Theophany in some traditions. In Slovakia, it marks the end of the Christmas season. The day is observed with church services, processions, and other religious events. In rural areas, some people also practice the tradition of blessing their homes by marking a cross with chalk above the door.
Duration
One-day holiday, with church services and some traditional customs.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Christians.
- Government Employees: Typically given the day off.
Easter Sunday (Variable Date in March or April)
Description
Easter Sunday is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Slovakia, Easter Sunday is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. The day is marked with church attendance and traditional Slovak dishes. Easter is also a time for special Easter customs, such as decorating eggs and participating in traditional Easter Monday activities.
Duration
One-day holiday, observed on Easter Sunday.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Mainly Christians.
- Government Employees: Generally given the day off.
Easter Monday (Variable Date in March or April)
Description
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated as a public holiday in Slovakia. It is a continuation of the Easter celebrations, with families coming together for additional gatherings and meals. In Slovakia, Easter Monday has a distinct tradition known as “šibačka,” in which men and boys lightly “whip” women and girls with decorated willow branches. This is believed to bring health and beauty for the upcoming year.
Duration
One-day holiday, typically observed on the Monday following Easter Sunday.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those celebrating Easter traditions.
- Government Employees: Granted the day off.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, observed on May 1st, is an international celebration of workers and their rights. In Slovakia, the holiday is marked with parades, demonstrations, and political events that celebrate labor rights. Many people also take the opportunity to rest and enjoy time with family and friends. Labour Day is an important public holiday for those in unions and the working class.
Duration
One-day holiday, with public demonstrations, rallies, and leisure activities.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Victory Day over Fascism (May 8)
Description
Victory Day over Fascism, celebrated on May 8th, commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. The day marks the defeat of Nazi Germany and the liberation of Slovakia and other Central and Eastern European countries. It is observed with military parades, remembrance ceremonies, and commemorations in honor of the soldiers and citizens who fought and died during the war. Many Slovakians also visit war memorials to honor those who lost their lives.
Duration
One-day holiday, marked by national ceremonies and events.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially veterans and those with historical ties to World War II.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Constitution Day (September 1)
Description
Constitution Day, observed on September 1st, commemorates the adoption of the Slovak Constitution in 1992. This day celebrates Slovakia’s democratic foundations and its transition to a democratic republic. The holiday is marked by official ceremonies, public speeches, and educational events that emphasize the country’s commitment to democratic principles. It is a day to reflect on the values of the Slovak Constitution and its role in shaping the country.
Duration
One-day holiday, with public and governmental observances.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Slovak National Uprising Day (August 29)
Description
Slovak National Uprising Day is celebrated on August 29th to commemorate the Slovak National Uprising of 1944. This was a major resistance movement against the Nazi occupation during World War II. The day is marked with ceremonies, including laying wreaths at war memorials and honoring those who participated in the resistance. National pride and remembrance of the country’s fight for freedom are central themes of the day.
Duration
One-day holiday, with national events and remembrance ceremonies.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those with historical ties to the Slovak National Uprising.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15)
Description
Our Lady of Sorrows is a Catholic feast day celebrated on September 15th. This day honors the Virgin Mary’s sorrow during the suffering and crucifixion of her son, Jesus Christ. It is particularly important to the Catholic community in Slovakia, and many people attend church services and prayer vigils. The day also holds cultural significance in Slovak towns and villages, often celebrated with local festivals.
Duration
One-day holiday, with religious observances and community events.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Catholics.
- Government Employees: Typically granted the day off.
All Saints’ Day (November 1)
Description
All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1st, is a Christian holiday dedicated to honoring all saints, known and unknown. In Slovakia, it is a time for people to visit the graves of deceased relatives and loved ones, decorating them with flowers and candles. The day is solemn, and many Slovakians participate in Mass and other religious services. It is a time of remembrance and reflection on the lives of saints and those who have passed.
Duration
One-day holiday, marked by church services and family visits to cemeteries.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those observing the day of remembrance.
- Government Employees: Typically granted a day off.
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Description
Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, is a major holiday in Slovakia. It is the time for the traditional Christmas dinner, which often includes fish, soup, and a variety of desserts. Families gather for a festive meal, and many Slovakians attend church services on the evening of Christmas Eve. It is a time for families to come together and celebrate the Christmas season.
Duration
One-day holiday, with family gatherings and religious observances.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, marks the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a major Christian holiday and is observed with church services, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. In Slovakia, people often celebrate with traditional foods, singing carols, and spending time with family. Christmas Day is one of the most significant holidays in Slovak culture.
Duration
One-day holiday, observed with church services and family celebrations.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Slovakia
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Epiphany | January 6 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Easter Sunday | Variable (March/April) | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Easter Monday | Variable (March/April) | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Labour Day | May 1 | 1 day | General Public, Workers |
| Victory Day over Fascism | May 8 | 1 day | General Public, World War II Veterans |
| Constitution Day | September 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Slovak National Uprising Day | August 29 | 1 day | General Public, War Veterans |
| Our Lady of Sorrows | September 15 | 1 day | General Public (Catholics) |
| All Saints’ Day | November 1 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
