Public Holidays in East Timor 2024
East Timor, officially known as the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, observes several public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural diversity, historical events, and religious traditions. These holidays are significant occasions for celebration, reflection, and community gatherings. In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in East Timor for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.
National Holidays
New Year’s Day (Ano Novo) – January 1, 2024
New Year’s Day in East Timor marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. Many people make resolutions for the new year and spend time reflecting on the year gone by.
Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in East Timor, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
International Women’s Day (Dia Internacional da Mulher) – March 8, 2024
International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide to recognize the achievements and contributions of women to society. In East Timor, it is a day to honor women’s rights and promote gender equality through various events, rallies, and cultural activities.
Days off: International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in East Timor, but it is widely observed with events organized by women’s rights groups and civil society organizations.
Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa) – April 12, 2024
Good Friday is observed by Christians as the day of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and death. In East Timor, it is a solemn day marked by religious services, processions, and reflection on the significance of Christ’s sacrifice.
Days off: Good Friday is a public holiday in East Timor, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador) – May 1, 2024
Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In East Timor, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations.
Days off: Labour Day is a public holiday in East Timor, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Independence Restoration Day (Dia da Restauração da Independência) – May 20, 2024
Independence Restoration Day commemorates the restoration of East Timor’s independence on May 20, 2002, following centuries of colonial rule. It is a day to celebrate the nation’s sovereignty and freedom, marked by patriotic ceremonies, cultural events, and community gatherings.
Days off: Independence Restoration Day is a public holiday in East Timor, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
National Heroes Day (Dia dos Heróis Nacionais) – August 30, 2024
National Heroes Day honors the courage and sacrifices of East Timor’s heroes and martyrs who fought for independence and liberation. It commemorates significant historical events and pays tribute to those who contributed to the nation’s struggle for freedom.
Days off: National Heroes Day is a public holiday in East Timor, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos os Santos) – November 1, 2024
All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday dedicated to honoring all saints and martyrs, known and unknown. In East Timor, it is observed with religious services, visits to cemeteries, and the lighting of candles to remember departed loved ones.
Days off: All Saints’ Day is not a public holiday in East Timor, but it is widely observed by the Christian community.
Proclamation of Independence Day (Dia da Proclamação da Independência) – November 28, 2024
Proclamation of Independence Day commemorates the historic declaration of East Timor’s independence on November 28, 1975. It is a day to reflect on the nation’s journey to sovereignty and to celebrate its achievements since gaining independence.
Days off: Proclamation of Independence Day is a public holiday in East Timor, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Christmas Day (Natal) – December 25, 2024
Christmas Day in East Timor celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. Festive decorations adorn homes, churches, and public spaces, creating a joyful atmosphere.
Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in East Timor, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.
Table: Summary of Public Holidays in East Timor 2024
| Holiday | Date | Description | Days Off for Groups |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 1 | Beginning of the Gregorian calendar year | Nationwide |
| International Women’s Day | Mar 8 | Celebration of women’s achievements and rights | Not a public holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 12 | Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |
| Labour Day | May 1 | Honors the contributions of workers to society | Nationwide |
| Independence Restoration Day | May 20 | Commemorates the restoration of independence | Nationwide |
| National Heroes Day | Aug 30 | Honors East Timor’s heroes and martyrs | Nationwide |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 1 | Honors all saints and martyrs | Not a public holiday |
| Proclamation of Independence Day | Nov 28 | Commemorates the declaration of independence | Nationwide |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | Nationwide |