There are 12 public holidays in Papua New Guinea 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.
Remembrance Day of the Late First Prime Minister
The holiday is a public holiday in Papua New Guinea observed on February 26, 2023. It honors the memory of the first Prime Minister, Michael Somare, the Father of the Nation and the Grand Chief.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrating the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. It is observed on Friday immediately preceding Easter Sunday, April 7, 2023.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday and after Good Friday, and it is a public holiday in many countries. It falls on April 8, 2023.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is an important Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday is a public holiday in many countries. In 2023, it falls on April 9.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and it is the Monday after Easter Sunday. It is observed on April 10, 2023.
King's Birthday
King's Birthday, observed on June 12, 2023, was celebrated as Queen's Birthday before 2023 to celebrate the monarch's birthday. The holiday is an important recognition of the new monarch, King Charles III, who became the King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms following the death of his mother, Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022.
National Remembrance Day
National Remembrance Day is a public holiday in Papua New Guinea on July 23, 2023. The holiday commemorates those who have died during World War I, World War II, and any other military engagements.
Repentance Day
Repentance Day, observed on August 26, 2023, was created following a group of churches' requests to have a day to pray together and ask the Lord to forgive the wrongs.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a public holiday in Papua New Guinea, observed on September 16, 2023. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of Papua New Guinea's independence from Australia in 1975.
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.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is also known as St. Stephen's Day and is widely known as a shopping holiday in some countries. It falls on December 26, 2023.
The following is the list of public holidays in Papua New Guinea 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 01, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Remembrance Day of the Late First Prime Minister Holiday | Feb 24, 2023 | Friday | Observed |
| Remembrance Day of the Late First Prime Minister | Feb 26, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Good Friday | Apr 07, 2023 | Friday | Public Holiday |
| Holy Saturday | Apr 08, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Sunday | Apr 09, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Easter Monday | Apr 10, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| King's Birthday | Jun 12, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| National Remembrance Day | Jul 23, 2023 | Sunday | Public Holiday |
| Repentance Day | Aug 26, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Independence Day | Sep 16, 2023 | Saturday | Public Holiday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | Public Holiday |
| Boxing Day | Dec 26, 2023 | Tuesday | Public Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Papua New Guinea in 2023.