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Public Holidays and Festivals in Timor-Leste (2026)

Last verified: Checked against the Government of Timor-Leste holiday list and Tourism Timor-Leste events

By David · Updated

Quick answer · as of October 2026

Timor-Leste has 18 public holidays in 2026, set by Law 10/2005. The biggest are Restoration of Independence Day (20 May), Popular Consultation Day (30 August), Proclamation of Independence Day (28 November) and the Catholic feasts, especially Christmas, Easter and 8 December. Offices and banks close, and some shops and transport run reduced hours.

Public holidays (2026)
18
Independence days
20 May, 30 August, 28 November
Biggest religious days
Easter, 8 December, Christmas
Dili Marathon (2026)
8 August
On this page

Public holidays in 2026

These are the 18 public holidays for 2026 published by the Government of Timor-Leste under Law 10/2005. Four of them (Idul Fitri, Good Friday, Idul Adha and Corpus Christi) move each year.

Timor-Leste public holidays 2026 (official list)
DateHoliday
1 JanuaryNew Year's Day
3 MarchVeterans Day
20 MarchIdul Fitri
3 AprilGood Friday
1 MayWorld Labour Day
20 MayRestoration of Independence Day
27 MayIdul Adha
4 JuneCorpus Christi
30 AugustPopular Consultation Day
1 NovemberAll Saints' Day
2 NovemberAll Souls' Day
3 NovemberNational Women's Day
12 NovemberNational Youth Day
28 NovemberProclamation of Independence Day
7 DecemberMemorial Day
8 DecemberImmaculate Conception, patroness of Timor-Leste
25 DecemberChristmas Day
31 DecemberNational Heroes Day

The fixed dates repeat every year. For 2027, check the government's announcement, usually published in December, for the moving holidays.

What happens on public holidays

Government offices and banks close, and the independence days bring ceremonies, flags and crowds in Dili. Restaurants, supermarkets and hotels in Dili usually stay open. ATMs can run out of cash over long weekends, so withdraw money in advance, and book transport and rooms early around 20 May and Christmas.

12 November (National Youth Day) is also the anniversary of the 1991 Santa Cruz massacre, and 7 December remembers the Indonesian invasion of 1975: expect commemorations rather than celebrations.

Festivals and events

Most festivals are religious or seasonal, plus a growing calendar of sports and music events. Dates below are as announced for 2026.

Festivals and events in Timor-Leste, 2026
Date (2026)EventWhere
15 MarchSau Batar corn harvest ceremonyKamanasa, Covalima
23 MarchMeci harvest ceremonyLore, Lautém
3 AprilSenhor Morto (Good Friday) processionPante Macassar, Oecusse
20 MayRestoration of Independence Day celebrationsDili and nationwide
29–30 MayTasifest music and cultural festivalTasitolu, Dili
6–8 AugustDili International Marathon expoPresidential Palace, Dili
8 AugustDili International Marathon (full, half, 10 km and 5 km)Dili
24 September – 12 OctoberDili International Film FestivalDili
27 SeptemberAileu Coffee FestivalAileu
7 OctoberOur Lady of Ramelau pilgrimageMount Ramelau
8 OctoberChrist the King ceremony on MatebianMount Matebian
16 OctoberOur Lady of Aitara pilgrimageAitara shrine, Manatuto
8 DecemberImmaculate Conception masses and processionsDili (Cathedral) and nationwide

The Tour de Timor mountain-bike race was being revived after a long break, with dates not confirmed when we checked.

Planning around holidays

  • Best for culture: Restoration of Independence Day (20 May) and the October pilgrimages.
  • Busiest for transport: Christmas, New Year and Easter, when many people travel home to the districts.
  • Quietest for business: the first half of November, with several holidays in a row.

See when to go and Timor-Leste weather by month.

Frequently asked questions

What is the national day of Timor-Leste?

There are three independence days: Restoration of Independence Day on 20 May (independence in 2002), Popular Consultation Day on 30 August (the 1999 vote) and Proclamation of Independence Day on 28 November (the 1975 declaration).

Are shops and banks open on public holidays?

Government offices and banks close. Supermarkets, restaurants and hotels in Dili usually stay open, but ATMs can run out of cash over long weekends, so withdraw money beforehand.

Is Christmas a big holiday in Timor-Leste?

Yes. Timor-Leste is overwhelmingly Catholic, and Christmas, Easter and the feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December are major celebrations, with Mass, processions and family gatherings.

Sources

Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.

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