Slovakia (SK)
Slovakia is a landlocked Central European republic that joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2009.
Capital: Bratislava
Region: Europe
Language: Slovak
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Affordable (index 44)
Emergency: 112
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Public Holidays 2026
16 holidays in Slovakia. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day / Day of Slovak Republic's Establishment Public Holiday
Nový rok / Deň vzniku Slovenskej republiky
Dual significance: New Year's Day and the anniversary of the establishment of the independent Slovak Republic on 1 January 1993 (the Velvet Divorce from Czechoslovakia). Public holiday — all businesses and government offices closed.
Tue 6
Epiphany (Three Kings Day) Public Holiday
Zjavenie Pána (Traja králi)
Public holiday. In Catholic tradition, marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. Children often dress as the Three Kings and go carolling (s koliedou). The initials C+M+B (Christus Mansionem Benedicat) are traditionally chalked above doorways.
April 2026
Fri 3
Good Friday Public Holiday
Veľký piatok
Public holiday. Good Friday was only added as a public holiday in Slovakia from 2017 — primarily to give non-Catholics equal rights, but is observed by all. Shops and businesses closed.
Sun 5
Easter Sunday Public Holiday
Veľkonočná nedeľa
Easter Sunday — public holiday. Easter (Veľká noc, literally "Great Night") is one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in Slovakia.
Mon 6
Easter Monday Public Holiday
Veľkonočný pondelok
Easter Monday — public holiday. A uniquely Slovak/Czech tradition: men symbolically whip women with a decorated willow switch (korbáč) for good health and youth, and receive painted Easter eggs (kraslice) in return. This tradition, known as šibačka, is mostly playful and still widely practised in rural areas.
May 2026
Fri 1
International Labour Day Public Holiday
Sviatok práce
May Day — public holiday. Formerly a major communist-era celebration; now a quieter day off. Some communities hold small Labour Day events.
Fri 8
Liberation Day / Victory in Europe Day Public Holiday
Deň víťazstva nad fašizmom
Commemorates the end of World War II in Europe. Public holiday. Ceremonies at war memorials across Slovakia, particularly those commemorating the Slovak National Uprising (Slovenské národné povstanie — SNP).
July 2026
Sun 5
St Cyril and Methodius Day Public Holiday
Sviatok svätého Cyrila a Metoda
National and religious holiday commemorating the arrival of the Byzantine missionaries Saints Cyril and Methodius in Great Moravia in 863 AD. They created the Glagolitic alphabet (predecessor to Cyrillic) and translated liturgical texts into Old Church Slavonic — a foundational moment in Slovak and Slavic cultural history.
August 2026
Sat 29
Slovak National Uprising Anniversary Public Holiday
Výročie Slovenského národného povstania
Commemorates the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) of 29 August 1944 — the armed resistance against Nazi occupation and the puppet Slovak State. The most important Slovak national event. Central commemorations are held in Banská Bystrica where the uprising started. A day of national pride and reflection.
September 2026
Tue 1
Constitution Day Public Holiday
Deň Ústavy Slovenskej republiky
Commemorates the adoption of Slovakia's constitution on 1 September 1992. Public holiday. The constitution established the framework for the independent Slovak state that came into being on 1 January 1993.
Tue 15
Our Lady of Sorrows Day Public Holiday
Sviatok Panny Márie Sedembolestnej
The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, patroness of Slovakia. A public holiday with significant Catholic religious observance. Major pilgrimage to the Šaštín basilica (the national Marian shrine) is traditionally held on this day.
November 2026
Sun 1
All Saints Day Public Holiday
Sviatok všetkých svätých
Public holiday. Slovaks traditionally visit cemeteries to honour their deceased relatives, lighting candles and placing flowers on graves. Cemeteries are beautifully illuminated at night and are open to the public. This practice is more culturally prominent in Slovakia than in many Western countries.
Tue 17
Day of Freedom and Democracy Public Holiday
Deň boja za slobodu a demokraciu
Commemorates the Velvet Revolution of 17 November 1989, when student demonstrations in Prague and Bratislava triggered the peaceful overthrow of communist rule. Also marks the Nazi suppression of Czech university students in 1939. Public holiday shared with the Czech Republic.
December 2026
Thu 24
Christmas Eve Public Holiday
Štedrý deň
The most important day of the Slovak Christmas celebration — literally "Generous Day". The main family gathering, gift-giving under the Christmas tree (associated with the baby Jesus — Ježiško — not Santa), and the traditional Christmas Eve dinner: kapustnica soup, fried carp (kapor), and potato salad. A deeply family-centred day.
Fri 25
Christmas Day Public Holiday
1. sviatok vianočný
Public holiday. Family visits, Christmas church services, and continuation of the festive season. Many Slovaks travel to visit relatives across the country.
Sat 26
Second Christmas Day Public Holiday
2. sviatok vianočný
Boxing Day equivalent — public holiday. Extended family visits, rest, and winter walks. The end of the main Christmas period before New Year.
Note: Some holidays in Slovakia apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.