National Holidays in East Timor in 2024
Upcoming Holidays in East Timor
Touch a holiday for details
: New Year's Day
- New Year's Day is a public holiday in all countries that observe the Gregorian calendar, with the exception of Israel
- More details about New Year's Day
: Chinese New Year
- The Chinese New Year marks the start of the lunar new year, which occurs sometime between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20. Also known as the Spring Festival, it is considered one of China’s most important celebrations, with each year being named after one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. Festivities include fireworks, parades, and performances. The holiday closes with a lantern festival.
- More details about Chinese New Year
: Ash Wednesday
- Marks the beginning of lent. Marking the forehead with ash represents regret for past sins.
- More details about Ash Wednesday
: Veterans' Day
- A day to honour those who took part in the resistance against Indonesian occupation and fought for independence
- More details about Veterans' Day
: Holy Thursday
- Also Known as Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday commemorates the last supper and established the ceremony known as the Eucharist
- More details about Holy Thursday
: Holy Friday
- Good Friday occurs on the Friday before Easter. The day commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus.
- More details about Holy Friday
: Idul Fitri
- The festival of Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Fast breaking, marks the end of Ramadan
- More details about Idul Fitri
: Labour Day
- This holiday is most commonly associated as a commemoration of the achievements of the labour movement
- More details about Labour Day
: Independence Restoration Day
- East Timor became the first new sovereign state of the 21st century on 20 May 2002 when it gained independence from Indonesia
- More details about Independence Restoration Day
: Corpus Christi
- The Feast of Corpus Christi is a Catholic festival celebrated on the second Thursday after Whitsun
- More details about Corpus Christi
: Idul Adha
- Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice is the most important feast in the Muslim calendar. It celebrates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael in submission to Allah's command, before he was stopped by Allah.
- More details about Idul Adha
: Popular Consultation Day
- Marks the date of the 1999 referendum to decide whether East Timor should have autonomy within Indonesia or become independent
- More details about Popular Consultation Day
: All Saints' Day
- Pope Boniface IV dedicated the day as a holiday to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary and all martyrs
- More details about All Saints' Day
: All Souls' Day
- Dedicated to the remembrance of the departed. All Souls' Day follows All Saints' Day.
- More details about All Souls' Day
: Youth National Day
- Celebrates the youth on the anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre in 1991 when over 250 people were killed by Indonesian soldiers
- More details about Youth National Day
: Proclamation of Independence Day
- In November 1975, the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor declared the territory's independence from Portugal
- More details about Proclamation of Independence Day
: Memorial Day
- A day to honour the contribution made by martyrs, combatants and veterans who have fought for the independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
- More details about Memorial Day
: Day of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
- It is a day that celebrates the belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin all of her life
- More details about Day of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
: Christmas Day
- Christmas celebrates the Nativity of Jesus which according to tradition took place on December 25th 1 BC
- More details about Christmas Day
: National Heroes' Day
- A day to honour the first President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Nicolau Lobato, on the anniversary of his death in combat in 1978.
- More details about National Heroes' Day