If you’re planning a trip to Kosovo or doing business in the country, it’s useful to know the national public holidays. On these days, government offices, banks, and many businesses are closed, and the streets are often filled with local celebrations, cultural events, or religious observances.
Kosovo observes a mix of secular, religious, and historical holidays that reflect its diverse cultural and social identity.
National Public Holidays in Kosovo
|
Date |
Holiday Name |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
January 1–2 |
New Year’s Day |
Celebrated with family gatherings and fireworks |
|
January 6 |
Orthodox Christmas |
Observed by the Serbian Orthodox community |
|
February 17 |
Independence Day |
Celebrates Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence |
|
March 8 |
International Women’s Day |
Widely celebrated with gifts and flowers |
|
April (varies) |
Catholic Easter |
Observed by the Catholic community |
|
April (varies) |
Orthodox Easter |
Observed by the Orthodox community |
|
May 1 |
Labour Day |
International holiday, day off work |
|
May 9 |
Europe Day |
Marks European unity; public institutions may hold events |
|
June (varies) |
Eid al-Fitr (Fiter Bajram) |
Celebrated by the Muslim community |
|
June 28 |
Vidovdan |
Serbian religious and historic holiday |
|
July 11 |
Peace Day in honor of Srebrenica |
Day of remembrance (recently observed) |
|
August (varies) |
Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bajram) |
Muslim holiday with family visits and traditional meals |
|
November 28 |
Flag Day (Albanian National Day) |
Celebrated by ethnic Albanians across Kosovo |
|
December 25 |
Catholic Christmas Day |
National holiday observed by all communities |
What to Expect on Public Holidays
-
Shops & Restaurants: Many small businesses close, but cafes and restaurants usually remain open in cities.
-
Government & Banks: Closed on official public holidays.
-
Transport: Buses and taxis operate on reduced schedules, but major routes still run.
Cultural Tip
Some holidays are more national and official, while others are community-specific. For example:
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Eid is widely celebrated in Muslim-majority areas.
-
Orthodox holidays are more visible in Serb-majority municipalities.
-
Flag Day (28 November) is a major cultural event for Albanians in Kosovo.
Good to Know
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Some holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar or Orthodox calendar, so the dates change each year.
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Local festivals and concerts often happen around Independence Day (17 Feb) and Flag Day (28 Nov).