Public Holidays in Bulgaria 2026
18 listed public holiday dates in 2026
Bulgaria's public holiday calendar reflects its own legal, religious and civic traditions. Bulgaria’s official calendar includes civic holidays, Christmas and a four-day Orthodox Easter period. Weekend substitution rules apply to specified public holidays, which can create Monday non-working days after weekend dates.
Bulgaria Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Jan 2 | Friday | New Year Holiday Observed |
| Mar 3 | Tuesday | Liberation Day |
| Apr 10 | Friday | Orthodox Good Friday |
| Apr 11 | Saturday | Orthodox Holy Saturday |
| Apr 12 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter Sunday |
| Apr 13 | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 6 | Wednesday | St George's Day |
| May 24 | Sunday | Culture and Literacy Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Culture and Literacy DayObserved |
| Sep 6 | Sunday | Unification Day |
| Sep 7 | Monday | Unification DayObserved |
| Sep 22 | Tuesday | Independence Day |
| Dec 24 | Thursday | Christmas Eve |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Second Day of Christmas |
| Dec 28 | Monday | Christmas Holiday Observed |
Bulgaria observes Orthodox Easter from Good Friday through Easter Monday. Under the Labour Code, when specified public holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, the following working day or days become non-working days.
Orthodox Easter and Substitute Days 2026
Holiday Rules in Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s official calendar includes civic holidays, Christmas and a four-day Orthodox Easter period. Weekend substitution rules apply to specified public holidays, which can create Monday non-working days after weekend dates.
Bulgaria Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- 3 March is Bulgaria’s National Holiday.
- Orthodox Easter includes Good Friday through Easter Monday.
- Weekend public holidays can create substitute non-working weekdays.
- 1 November is a day off for educational establishments rather than a general public holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Bulgaria’s National Holiday?
The National Holiday is 3 March, marking Liberation Day.
How long is the Orthodox Easter public holiday?
The public holiday period runs from Good Friday through Easter Monday.
Does Bulgaria substitute weekend public holidays?
Yes. For specified public holidays falling on Saturday or Sunday, following working days become non-working days.
Is 1 November a general public holiday?
It is National Awakeners Day and is a day off for educational establishments, not a general nationwide day off for all workers.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official statutory holiday list and weekend-substitution rule.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is used as the primary reference where available. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent calendar cross-check. Later official declarations take precedence.