There are 22 public holidays in Myanmar (Burma) in 2023, seven of which fall on weekends.
New Year's Day
New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1, 2023, is the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar, and it is one of the most popular holidays in the world.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Myanmar, observed on January 4, 2023. The holiday celebrates the anniversary when Myanmar achieved its independence in 1948.
Union Day
Union Day, observed on February 12, 2023, marks when the Panglong Agreement was signed on February 12, 1947. After over 60 years Anglo-Burmese Wars, the Burmese were defeated by the British Empire, and Burma became a colony of Great Britain in the 19th century.
Peasants' Day
Peasants' Day, observed on March 2, 2023, is a day to mark and honor the contribution of agriculture and farming to Myanmar. Agriculture is the main industry in Myanmar, which employs about 65% of the labor force, and accounts for about 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Myanmar has many agricultural products, but rice is the most important one.
Full Moon of Tabaung
The Full Moon of Tabaung is a public holiday in Myanmar observed on March 6, 2023. The holiday celebrates when Buddha's 1,250 disciples spontaneously gathered to listen to his teachings. The Full Moon of Tabaung is a day for people to make merits by doing only good things and not committing any sins.
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day, observed on March 27, 2023, commemorates the start of the Burmese army's resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. In 1940, the Burma Independence Army was established by General Aung San in Japan and fought for the Japanese initially in World War II, but switched to the Allied side in 1945.
Thingyan Festival
Thingyan Festival is the most important festival in Myanmar and marks the start of the new year, the first day of the Myanmar lunar calendar. The celebration lasts four days, starting from April 13, 2023.
Myanmar New Year
Following Thingyan Festival is New Year's Day, observed on April 17, 2023. People visit elders on new year's day. They also offer food donations to people and do other meritorious deeds.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Full Moon of Kasong
Full Moon of Kasong is a public holiday in Myanmar on May 3, 2023. The full Moon of Kasong commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of Gautama Buddha, the religious leader from Ancient India. He was the founder of the world religion of Buddhism.
Martyrs' Day
Martyrs' Day, or Burmese Martyrs' Day, is a public holiday in Myanmar, observed on July 19, 2023. The holiday commemorated when General Aung San, seven other leaders of the pre-independence interim government, and one bodyguard were assassinated on July 19, 1947.
Full Moon Day of Waso
Full Moon Day of Waso is one of the important Buddhist festivals observed on August 1, 2023, commemorating the Buddha's first sermon. Full Moon Day of Waso marks the start of Buddhist Lent.
Full Moon Day of Thadingyut
Full Moon Day of Thadingyut is one of the important Buddhist festivals observed on October 28 to 30, 2023. It commemorates the end of Buddhist Lent, which lasts 3 months from the start of the full moon of Waso, the fourth month of the traditional Burmese calendar.
National Day
The holiday, observed on November 7, 2023, marks the beginning of student-led protests against the British in 1920.
Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone
Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone, celebrated on November 26 and 27, 2023, marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the winter. It also marks the end of Kathina season, a time of giving. People bring donations, such as robes, basic utensils, food, etc., to temples to express gratitude to monks.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
The following is the list of public holidays in Myanmar 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Jan 04, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Union Day | Feb 12, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Peasants' Day | Mar 02, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon of Tabaung | Mar 06, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Armed Forces Day | Mar 27, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Thingyan Festival | Apr 13, 2023 | Thursday | Public Holiday |
| Thingyan Festival | Apr 14, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Thingyan Festival | Apr 15, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Thingyan Festival | Apr 16, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Myanmar New Year | Apr 17, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon of Kasong | May 03, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Martyrs' Day | Jul 19, 2023 | Wednesday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon Day of Waso | Aug 01, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon Day of Thadingyut | Oct 28, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon Day of Thadingyut | Oct 29, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon Day of Thadingyut | Oct 30, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| National Day | Nov 07, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone | Nov 26, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Full Moon Day of Tazaungmone | Nov 27, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Myanmar in 2023.
