Slovenia Public Holidays
Slovenia Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Slovenia? All public holidays in Slovenia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Slovenia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Slovenia 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 Slovenia is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the year. The day is a national holiday observed with various events and celebrations. People celebrate with family gatherings, parties, and various public festivities. Many individuals also participate in New Year’s Day church services, which is a common tradition in the country. It is a day for rest and to mark new beginnings, with many businesses closed across the country.
Duration
The holiday lasts for one day, and businesses, government offices, and educational institutions are generally closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Slovenia.
- Government Employees: Typically granted a day off.
Prešeren Day (February 8)
Description
Prešeren Day, celebrated on February 8th, is Slovenia’s national cultural holiday. It commemorates the death of France Prešeren, Slovenia’s greatest poet and a prominent cultural figure. This day is observed with cultural events, including performances, concerts, and poetry readings. It is a celebration of Slovenian language, literature, and culture. The Prešeren Award, the most prestigious cultural award in Slovenia, is presented on this day.
Duration
One-day holiday, marked by cultural activities across the country.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those involved in the arts and culture.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Easter Sunday (Variable Date in March or April)
Description
Easter Sunday is one of the most important religious holidays in Slovenia, celebrated by Christians to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The date of Easter varies each year, falling on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. In Slovenia, Easter is observed with church services, family gatherings, and special meals. Traditional Easter activities include painting eggs and preparing special dishes like potica (a type of nut roll).
Duration
One-day holiday, observed on Easter Sunday.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily 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 observed in Slovenia as an official public holiday. It is a continuation of the Easter celebration, where families often gather for outdoor activities or to visit relatives. In rural areas, people may participate in traditional customs, such as the blessing of Easter baskets. The day is seen as a time for relaxation and spending time with family.
Duration
One-day holiday, typically observed on the Monday following Easter Sunday.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Labour Day (May 1)
Description
Labour Day, observed on May 1st, is an international celebration of workers’ rights. It is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of workers and advocating for labor rights. In Slovenia, Labour Day is celebrated with parades, speeches, and other demonstrations. Many trade unions hold rallies, and some political parties use the occasion to promote workers’ rights.
Duration
One-day holiday, with government offices and businesses closed.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially workers and union members.
- Government Employees: Granted the day off.
Statehood Day (June 25)
Description
Statehood Day, observed on June 25th, commemorates Slovenia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. This day is a significant national holiday, celebrated with various events, including military parades, concerts, and other patriotic festivities. It marks Slovenia’s emergence as an independent nation after centuries of foreign rule. Statehood Day is one of the most important public holidays in Slovenia, and it is a time for citizens to reflect on their nation’s history and sovereignty.
Duration
One-day holiday, with national celebrations taking place across the country.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens of Slovenia.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Assumption of Mary (August 15)
Description
The Assumption of Mary is a Christian holiday celebrated on August 15th, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is particularly important for Slovenian Catholics, and it is celebrated with church services and religious processions. Many people attend Mass, and some regions hold traditional feasts or festivals in honor of the Virgin Mary. It is also a time for families to gather and celebrate the religious significance of the day.
Duration
One-day holiday, observed with religious activities.
Groups Affected
- General Public: Primarily Catholics.
- Government Employees: Typically granted the day off.
Slovene National Revolution Day (October 31)
Description
Slovene National Revolution Day, observed on October 31st, commemorates the beginning of the Slovene National Liberation War during World War II. The day honors those who fought for Slovenia’s independence from Nazi occupation and is dedicated to remembering the resistance movement during the war. The holiday is marked with various commemorative activities, including wreath-laying ceremonies at memorials and other cultural events.
Duration
One-day holiday, with national events and activities.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, particularly those with ties to the history of World War II.
- Government Employees: Granted the day off.
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description
Christmas Day is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. In Slovenia, it is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. Slovenian families often decorate their homes with Christmas trees, and traditional dishes such as roasted meats, potica, and gingerbread are commonly served. This holiday is a time for families to come together and celebrate the spirit of giving and the birth of Christ.
Duration
One-day holiday, marked by religious and familial celebrations.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially Christians.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Boxing Day (December 26)
Description
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a holiday that follows Christmas. It is traditionally a time for giving to the less fortunate. In Slovenia, this day is observed with family gatherings and continued festive meals. While it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas, it is a public holiday where many people continue their holiday celebrations. Some regions hold additional church services or community events.
Duration
One-day holiday, following Christmas Day.
Groups Affected
- General Public: All citizens, especially those continuing Christmas celebrations.
- Government Employees: Given the day off.
Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Slovenia
| Public Holiday | Date | Duration | Groups Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Prešeren Day | February 8 | 1 day | General Public, Cultural Community |
| 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 |
| Statehood Day | June 25 | 1 day | General Public, Government Employees |
| Assumption of Mary | August 15 | 1 day | General Public (Catholics) |
| Slovene National Revolution Day | October 31 | 1 day | General Public, World War II Veterans |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 1 day | General Public (Christians) |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | 1 day | General Public |
