Public Holidays in Myanmar 2023
1 January (Sun) – New Year's Day
4 January (Wed) – Independence Day
12 February (Sat) – Union Day
2 March (Thur) – Peasants' Day
5 March (Sun) – Full Moon Day of Tabaung
27 March (Mon) – Armed Forces Day
9 April to 16 April (Sun to Sun)– Thingyan Water Festival
17 April (Mon) – Myanmar New Year
1 May (Mon) – Labour Day
3 May (Wed) – Full Moon Day of Kasong
19 July (Wed) – Martyrs' Day
1 August (Tue) – Full Moon Day of Waso
28 October to 30 October (Sat-Mon) – Full Moon Day of Thadingyut
26 November to 27 November (Sun to Mon) – Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone
7 December (Thur) – National Day
25 December (Mon) – Christmas Day
31 December (Sun) – New Year Holiday
Meaning of each holiday
4 January – Independence Day
On this day, the Burmese people reflect on the country’s history and celebrate Myanmar’s independence from British rule. Independence Day celebrations consist of a presidential address, parades, ceremonies and the singing of patriotic songs.
12 February – Union Day
This public holiday commemorates the Panglong Agreement in 1947. The Panglong Agreement was signed to give Myanmar full independence from Great Britain after more than 100 years of colonial rule. Celebratory ceremonies and concerts are held in major cities in Myanmar on this day.
2 March – Peasants’ Day
Peasants’ Day recognises the farmers in Myanmar who make up 70% of the population and is considered the backbone of the country’s economy.
5 March – Full Moon Day of Tabaung
The Buddhist community in Myanmar celebrate the Full Moon Day of Tabaung that signifies the full moon of the third month of the Burmese Calendar. The entire month of Tabaung is dedicated to celebration, colourful cultural events, and Buddhist devotion in Myanmar.
27 March – Armed Forces Day
On this day, the Burmese people commemorate the National Army’s resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. Formerly known as Resistance Day, the holiday is mainly celebrated with a marching parade and displays of Myanmar’s military forces.
9 April to 16 April – Thingyan Water Festival
The Thingyan Water Festival is one of Myanmar’s largest and celebrated holidays. Although the festival is traditionally Budshist, Burmese people from all walks of life celebrate the Thingyan Water Festival. A number of Buddhists observe Thingyan Eve with fasting and the Eight Precepts of Buddhism. Other traditions include giving offerings to monks, washing Buddha statues with sacred water, parades and concerts.
17 April – Myanmar New Year
Myanmar New Year is essentially a Buddhist holiday. The celebrations last four or five days up until Myanmar New Year itself. One of the ways the Burmese people celebrate Myanmar New Year is to douse or spray water on people.
3 May – Full Moon Day of Kasong
This holiday is also known as Buddha Day and commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and nirvana (death) of Buddha. The ceremonial watering of the “Holy Bodhi Tree” is one of the major festivities that take place on the Full Moon Day of Kasong.
19 July – Martyrs' Day
On this day, Burmese people pay their respects to Myanmar’s seven top independence leaders that were all assassinated on 19 July 1948. Many of Myanmar’s current leaders will visit the Martyrs’ Mausoleum in the capital city of Yangon.
1 Aug – Full Moon Day of Waso
The Full Moon Day of Waso marks the commencement of “Buddhist Lent”, which lasts for three full months during the rainy season. The Burmese people take part in a number of traditions and practices associated with Full Moon Day of Waso.
28 October to 30 October – Full Moon Day of Thadingyut
One of the most important public holidays in Myanmar, Full Moon Day of Thadingyut signifies the return of Buddha from heaven after he had stayed there during Buddhist Lent, teaching his mother and other heavenly gods his various laws and doctrines. This holiday is also known as Myanmar’s Festival of Lights.
26 November to 27 November – Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone
The most popular celebration that takes place during the Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone is the hot air balloon event in Taunggyi. In addition, many locals prepare and share “bitter Mezali-bud salad” with family and friends on this day,
7 December – National Day
National Day in Myanmar signifies the anniversary of the beginning of unrest against British rule in 1920 that eventually led to independence in 1948.
School Holidays - by state/region/by private/public
School holidays in Myanmar depend on the type and location of the school. Public and private schools have different school holidays. Generally, private or international schools have a five-week summer break in July and August.
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