Public Holidays in Slovenia in 2025 offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and national values. These special days provide Slovenians with opportunities to celebrate their identity, honor essential figures, and commemorate crucial moments in their history. From traditional Christian observances to modern national celebrations, these holidays reflect the diverse tapestry of Slovenian society. Throughout the year, these days off work allow people to come together, participate in cultural events, and enjoy time with family and friends. Understanding these holidays gives insight into Slovenian life and the moments that shape the nation’s collective experience.
Public Holidays in Slovenia in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Slovenia in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year Holiday | Jan 02, 2025 | Thursday |
| Prešeren Day | Feb 08, 2025 | Saturday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Day of UprisingAgainst Occupation | Apr 27, 2025 | Sunday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Labour Day Holiday | May 02, 2025 | Friday |
| Whit Sunday | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Statehood Day | Jun 25, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| Reformation Day | Oct 31, 2025 | Friday |
| All Saints’ Day | Nov 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Independence and Unity Day | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Slovakia in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new year in Slovenia. It’s a time for fresh starts and new resolutions. Slovenians typically celebrate with family and friends, enjoying festive meals and watching fireworks displays. Many people stay up late on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year at midnight. The day is usually spent relaxing, recovering from the previous night’s celebrations, and preparing for the year ahead. Some families maintain the tradition of having a special lunch together. It’s a public holiday, so most businesses and government offices are closed, allowing people to enjoy a day off work.
New Year Holiday
The New Year Holiday, observed on January 2nd, is an extension of the New Year’s Day celebrations in Slovenia. This additional day off allows people to fully recover from the festivities and spend more time with family and friends. It’s common for Slovenians to use this day for leisurely activities, such as going for walks in nature, visiting relatives, or simply relaxing at home. Some families take short trips or engage in winter sports if the weather permits. The extra holiday also gives people time to reflect on their goals for the new year and prepare for the return to work or school routines.
Prešeren Day
Prešeren Day, celebrated on February 8th, is Slovenia’s cultural holiday. It honors France Prešeren, Slovenia’s greatest poet, who lived from 1800 to 1849. Prešeren’s work played a crucial role in establishing Slovenian as a literary language. On this day, many cultural events take place across the country, including poetry readings, concerts, and art exhibitions. Schools often organize special programs to teach children about Prešeren and Slovenian culture. The day is also known as the Slovenian Cultural Holiday, emphasizing its importance in celebrating the nation’s artistic and literary heritage. Many cultural institutions offer free entry on this day to encourage participation.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday, a moveable feast usually falling in March or April, is an essential Christian holiday in Slovenia. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Slovenian families often attend church services and gather for festive meals. Traditional Easter foods include potica (a rolled pastry), ham, and painted eggs called “pirhi.” Egg decorating and egg-tapping games are popular activities. Some regions maintain unique customs, like carrying blessed food to church in baskets for blessing. While not a public holiday in the work sense, Easter Sunday is a significant day for religious and cultural traditions, bringing families together for celebration and reflection.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday, the day following Easter Sunday, is a public holiday in Slovenia. It adds another day to Easter festivities, giving people more time to be with loved ones. Many Slovenians use this day for outdoor activities, weather permitting. Traditional Easter Monday customs include going for walks or hikes, having picnics, and visiting relatives. In some regions, there are Easter Monday festivals or events. It’s also common to enjoy leftover Easter foods from Sunday’s feast. For many, it’s a day of relaxation before returning to work or school. The holiday helps extend the festive Easter spirit and family time.
Day of Uprising Against Occupation
The Day of Uprising Against Occupation, observed on April 27th, commemorates the establishment of the Liberation Front in 1941, which organized resistance against Nazi and Fascist occupation during World War II. This day honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for Slovenia’s freedom. Official ceremonies, wreath-laying at monuments, and speeches by political leaders are expected. Many towns organize local events to remember their role in the resistance. Schools often hold special lessons about this period in history. This national festival promotes solidarity and pride by honoring Slovenia’s fight for independence and the value of resisting tyranny.
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors workers’ rights and achievements. In Slovenia, it’s traditionally a two-day holiday (May 1st and 2nd). The day’s origins may be traced back to the eight-hour workday fight and the labor movement. Slovenians often celebrate with outdoor gatherings, picnics, and bonfires on the eve of May 1st. Many towns organize parades or rallies. A tradition in some areas is to erect a “maj,” a tall pine tree decorated with a wreath and ribbons. It’s a day off work for most people, symbolizing the importance of rest and recognition of workers’ contributions to society.
Labour Day Holiday
The Labour Day Holiday on May 2nd extends the Labour Day celebrations in Slovenia, creating a two-day break for most workers. This additional day allows for more relaxation and enjoyment of spring weather. Many Slovenians use this time for short trips, family gatherings, or outdoor activities like hiking or cycling. Some towns continue their Labour Day events into this second day. It’s also an opportunity for people to participate in community events or volunteer activities. The extended holiday emphasizes the value placed on work-life balance in Slovenian society and provides a welcome break as spring fully sets in.
Whit Sunday
Whit Sunday, also known as Pentecost, is a Christian holiday celebrated 50 days after Easter. As a reminder of when the Holy Spirit came down on the disciples, it is observed on this day. In Slovenia, while not a public holiday, it holds religious significance for many. Churches hold special services, and some families gather for meals. The day is associated with the coming of spring and renewal. Some Slovenian traditions include decorating homes with greenery and flowers. In rural areas, it may be celebrated with outdoor masses or processions. While not an official day off, Whit Sunday remains an essential day in the religious calendar.
Statehood Day
Statehood Day, celebrated on June 25th, commemorates Slovenia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. This day marks a crucial moment in Slovenia’s history, representing the country’s journey to becoming a sovereign nation. Official ceremonies, including the raising of the Slovenian flag and speeches by political leaders, are held in Ljubljana and other cities. Many towns organize cultural events, concerts, and fireworks displays. It’s a day of national pride, with people often wearing national colors or traditional costumes. Families might gather for picnics or barbecues. The holiday reminds Slovenians of their shared history and the importance of national unity.
Assumption Day
Christians celebrate the idea that the Virgin Mary was bodily transported into heaven at the end of her earthly life on August 15th, which is known as Assumption Day. In Slovenia, it’s both a religious and public holiday. Many people attend church services, and some participate in pilgrimages to Marian shrines. The day is also known as “Veliki šmaren” and often coincides with local festivals and fairs in various towns. It’s common for families to gather for meals and enjoy the summer weather. Some areas have processions with statues of Mary. The holiday blends religious observance with cultural traditions and summer festivities.
Reformation Day
Reformation Day, celebrated on October 31st, commemorates the Protestant Reformation and its impact on Slovenian culture and language. It honors Primož Trubar, who wrote the first printed books in Slovenia and played a crucial role in standardizing the language. While Slovenia is predominantly Catholic, this holiday recognizes the Protestant influence on Slovenian literature and national identity. Many schools and cultural institutions organize events focusing on Slovenian language and literature. Some Protestant churches hold special services. The day emphasizes the importance of education, literacy, and cultural heritage. It’s a time to reflect on the development of Slovenian national consciousness and linguistic identity.
All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day, observed on November 1st, is a day to honor all Christian saints and remember deceased loved ones in Slovenia. It’s known locally as “Dan spomina na mrtve” (Remembrance Day of the Dead). Cemeteries are visited by people who clean the graves and who adorn them with candles and flowers. Families often gather to remember their ancestors and share memories. The sight of candlelit cemeteries on this evening is particularly moving. Some attend church services or masses for the dead. While it’s a solemn day, it also strengthens family bonds and community ties. It’s a public holiday, allowing people time for reflection and family gatherings.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most important Christian holidays in Slovenia. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Slovenian Christmas traditions often begin on Christmas Eve with family dinners and midnight mass. On Christmas Day, families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy time together. Traditional foods include potica (a rolled pastry) and various meat dishes. Many homes display nativity scenes and decorated Christmas trees. Some regions have unique local customs. While religious observance is central for many, the holiday is also celebrated secularly as a time of goodwill, family togetherness, and giving. It’s a public holiday, with most businesses closed.
Independence and Unity Day
Independence and Unity Day, observed on December 26th, commemorates the 1990 referendum where Slovenians voted for independence from Yugoslavia. The results were announced on December 26th, marking a crucial step towards sovereignty. This holiday celebrates both Slovenia’s independence and the unity of its people in making this historic decision. Official ceremonies, including speeches by political leaders, are held. Many towns organize cultural events or concerts. Families often use this day for gatherings, continuing the festive spirit of Christmas. It’s a time to reflect on Slovenia’s journey as a nation and to foster a sense of national pride and solidarity among citizens.