| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2026-03-15 | Youth Day | National |
| 2026-03-16 | Youth Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 2026-05-05 | Senior Citizens Day | National |
| 2026-06-01 | President's Day | National |
| 2026-07-09 | Constitution Day | National |
| 2026-09-07 | Labor Day | National |
| 2026-10-01 | Independence Day | National |
| 2026-10-23 | United Nations Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 2026-10-24 | United Nations Day | National |
| 2026-11-26 | Thanksgiving Day | National |
| 2026-11-27 | Family Day | National |
| 2026-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
How many public holidays does Palau have in 2026?
Palau has 13 public holidays in 2026: 11 national holidays, 2 substitute days. The dates run from 1 January 2026 to 25 December 2026, and no public holiday falls in February, April, August. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how Palau's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in Palau 2026
Palau's public holidays create 6 long weekends in 2026 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Sat 14 - Mon 16 March: Youth Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 14 March to Monday 16 March).
- Sat 30 May - Mon 1 June: President's Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 30 May to Monday 1 June).
- Sat 5 - Mon 7 September: Labor Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 5 September to Monday 7 September).
- Fri 23 - Sun 25 October: United Nations Day (observed) (3-day weekend, Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October).
- Thu 26 - Sun 29 November: Thanksgiving Day (4-day weekend, Thursday 26 November to Sunday 29 November).
- Fri 25 - Sun 27 December: Christmas Day (3-day weekend, Friday 25 December to Sunday 27 December).
Observed and substitute holidays in Palau 2026
A substitute holiday is a day off moved to a nearby working weekday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The legal date never changes - only the day most people actually get off.
- 16 March 2026 (Monday) - given as the day off for Youth Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
- 23 October 2026 (Friday) - given as the day off for United Nations Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across Oceania for the wider picture.
Public holidays in Palau: is your date a holiday in 2026?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in Palau in 2026. If the date you are checking appears there, it is a day off; if it does not, it is not a public holiday - however widely it may be marked.
For example, 1 January 2026 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in Palau.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in Palau (2026)
Our Palau public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Youth Day
Youth Day recognises the contribution of young people to society and draws attention to issues affecting them. South Africa observes it on 16 June, commemorating the 1976 Soweto uprising, while other countries including Turkey, Morocco and Brazil mark it on their own dates. In several nations it is a public holiday. Events typically include youth conferences, cultural performances and sporting activities.
Constitution Day
Constitution Day commemorates the adoption or signing of a country's constitution. The date varies by nation: Norway marks 17 May, Denmark 5 June, Poland 3 May, Spain 6 December, India 26 January and Japan 3 May. It is usually a public holiday marked by official ceremonies, parades and educational events about citizenship. In several countries it is treated as a celebration of national identity as much as of the legal document itself.
Labor Day
Labor Day honours the achievements of workers and the labour movement. Most countries observe it on 1 May, known internationally as May Day or International Workers' Day, which grew out of the campaign for an eight hour working day. Others, including the United States and Canada, hold it on the first Monday of September. Typical events include trade union marches, rallies and public speeches on working conditions.
Independence Day
Independence Day marks the anniversary of a nation's formal separation from another state, or of the founding moment of its sovereignty. Because it commemorates a specific historical event, the date differs from country to country and the name often includes the year. Typical observances include flag raising, military parades, speeches by heads of state, and public concerts. It is frequently the most prominent national holiday on the calendar.