Public holidays in the Philippines

Banks are closed today due to the transfer of the May Day holiday

As Bulgaria enters Holy Saturday, a day steeped in age-old customs and spiritual significance, families across the nation prepare for a solemn yet celebratory culmination of Holy Week. Known as Soul Saturday, this day holds special rituals and practices aimed at honoring the deceased, preparing for Easter, and welcoming the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Maundy Thursday, observed on April 13 this year, marks a significant moment in Holy Week for Bulgarians, rich in traditions and spiritual meaning. It is the day before the Resurrection feast, where ancient customs intertwine with religious rituals.

Easter, or the Resurrection of Christ, stands as the most significant and vibrant holiday in the Orthodox Christian calendar. Rooted in the celebration of Jesus Christ's return to life after crucifixion, Easter embodies both spiritual renewal and the triumph of spring over winter.

Today marks the commencement of Holy Week in Bulgaria as Orthodox Christians observe Holy Monday, initiating a period of profound reflection on the final days of Jesus Christ's earthly life leading up to Easter.

With the same conclusion, employers are recommended to provide employees working on January 8, 2024, with the rights that belong to the employee for working on a holiday that is a non-working day, as Novosti has learned.

Republic Day is a public holiday commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey, on 29 October 1923

On Great and Holy Saturday the Orthodox Church commemorates the burial of Christ and His descent into Hades. It is the day between the Crucifixion of our Lord and His glorious Resurrection. The Matins of Holy Saturday is conducted on Friday evening, and while many elements of the service represent mourning at the death and burial of Christ, the service itself is one of watchful expectation.

In Eastern Orthodoxy this day, known as Holy Saturday, is also called The Great Sabbath since it is on this day that Christ "rested" physically in the tomb. But it is also believed that it was on this day he performed in spirit the Harrowing of Hell and raised up to Paradise, having liberated those who had been held captive.

For Orthodox Christians, this is normally a time of reflection and communal mourning followed by joyful release, of centuries-old ceremonies steeped in symbolism and tradition.

But this year, Easter - by far the most significant religious holiday for the world's roughly 300 million Orthodox - has essentially been canceled.