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Bulgaria Public Holidays

Bulgaria observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.

Overview

Bulgaria observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.

Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.

Explore the holiday calendar for Bulgaria by year below.

2026 holidays

A quick look at upcoming holidays in Bulgaria.

DateDayHoliday
Jan 1ThursdayNew Year's Day
Jan 2FridayCurrency change day
Mar 3TuesdayLiberation Day
Apr 10FridayGood Friday
Apr 11SaturdayHoly Saturday
Apr 12SundayEaster Sunday
Apr 13MondayEaster Monday
May 1FridayInternational Workers' Day
May 6WednesdaySaint George's Day
May 24SundaySaints Cyril and Methodius Day
Sep 6SundayUnification Day
Sep 22TuesdayIndependence Day
Dec 24ThursdayChristmas Eve
Dec 25FridayChristmas Day
Dec 26SaturdaySecond day of Christmas

Holiday calendar by year

Years are listed in ascending order.

About public holidays in Bulgaria

This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Bulgaria. Holidays are observed on fixed dates or on variable dates determined by religious calendars. Some holidays may be observed on different days if they fall on a weekend.

For a comprehensive list of all public holidays and their observance rules, please refer to our public holidays definition page. You can find the full, dated list of Bulgarian holidays for any year by visiting our Bulgaria holidays 2026 page.

Major public holidays in 2026

In 2026, Bulgaria observes several significant public holidays. These include national celebrations, religious observances, and international days.

You can explore all of Bulgaria's public holidays for 2026 and other available years using the navigation tools on this page.

  • New Year's Day1 January 2026. The start of the Gregorian calendar year.
  • Liberation Day3 March 2026. Commemorates Bulgaria's liberation from Ottoman rule.
  • Good Friday10 April 2026. A solemn day observed by Christians.
  • Easter Monday13 April 2026. The day after Easter Sunday.
  • International Workers' Day1 May 2026. A day celebrating workers and labor movements.
  • Independence Day22 September 2026. Marks Bulgaria's declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire.
  • Christmas Day25 December 2026. A major Christian festival.

Planning around holidays

Bulgarian public holidays are spread throughout the year, with a concentration in the spring and late autumn. Many holidays are fixed-date, while others, like Easter, are determined by the lunar calendar, making their dates variable year to year.

When planning travel or business activities, it's advisable to check the specific dates for the year you are interested in, as some holidays may shift or be observed on adjacent days if they fall on a weekend.

The period around Easter often involves several consecutive days off, and the end of the year features a cluster of holidays including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the Second Day of Christmas.

National days like Liberation Day and Independence Day are significant observances that may affect business operations.

Be aware that some holidays, such as the 'Currency change day' entries, are specific events rather than traditional public holidays and may have varying impacts on daily life.

  • Spring: A period with several significant holidays, including Liberation Day and the Easter observances.
  • Autumn: Features important national days like Unification Day and Independence Day.
  • Winter: Marked by New Year's Day and the Christmas period.
  • Variable Dates: Easter and related holidays change annually based on the religious calendar.
  • Weekend Observance: Public holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday may sometimes be observed on the following Monday, though this can vary.

Plan Your Year Around BG Holidays

Calendar Tool

View Bulgaria holidays in calendar mode

Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.

Frequently asked questions