Palau : public and bank holidays, closure of banks, stock exchanges, school vacations

Secular holiday : Commemorates the birth date of Palau's first president, Haruo Ignacio Remeliik (1933 - 1985). He served from 2 March 1981 until his assassination on 30 June 1985.

Secular holiday : Validated on 9 July, 1980 by referendum.

Secular holiday : Validated on 9 July, 1980 by referendum.

School holidays :

School holidays :

Secular holiday : Celebrated on the first Monday in September with parades. For most Americans, it marks the end of summer holidays, and for many students the beginning of the classes.

Culture : Celebration of Palau’s unique and distinct culture and traditions, bringing the entire Republic of the community together to celebrate the country’s heritage

Secular holiday : After three decades as part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific under United States administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was ratified in 1993. Implemented on independence (1 October, 1994).

Secular holiday : After three decades as part of the United Nations Trust Territory of the Pacific under United States administration, this westernmost cluster of the Caroline Islands opted for independence in 1978 rather than join the Federated States of Micronesia. A Compact of Free Association with the US was ratified in 1993. Implemented on independence (1 October, 1994).

Secular holiday : Marks the anniversary of the U.N. Charter ratified in 1945.

School holidays :

Secular holiday : Many Americans take the following day off and enjoy a four-day holiday. The first formal celebration was held by an English explorer, Martin Frobisher, who attempted to establish a settlement on Baffin Island, after failing to discover a northern passage to the Orient in 1576. The Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock held their Thanksgiving in 1621 as a three-day thank you celebration to the leaders of the Wampanoag Indian tribe and their families for teaching them the survival skills they needed to make it in the New World. The turkey tradition was introduced by Benjamin Franklin who made it a national symbol: quick runner, wary, sharp eyesight... The one-time holiday was declared by George Washington, whereas Abraham Lincoln elected the 4th Thursday in November.

Secular holiday :

School holidays :

School holidays :

Catholic or protestant : Since pre-historic times in Europe, festivities (bonfires, offrerings) were marking the beginning of longer hours of daylight with fires and ritual. The Roman festival of Saturnalia lasted several days in December (gambling and offerings). Germanic tribes also celebrated mid-winter (drinking and rituals). The Bulgarian (with Koleduvane) and the Polish (with Gwiazdka) perpetuate this tradition. Jesus of Nazareth was probably born in springtime (Reformists favour autumn). But in the 4th century, December 25th was chosen for the celebration of his birth by Pope Julius I (Bishop Liberus is also mentioned in 354 A.D.). Thus, a Christian element was introduced in the long-established mid-winter festivals. Before 1582, the Papal States and other Italian city states celebrated New Year’s Day on Christmas Day