1998 world commercial holidays

Business America, Dec, 1997

Be Prepared When You Travel Abroad: Hundreds of Local Holidays Will Close Business and Government Offices in Every Country Around the World At Various Times During 1998

Since 1966 Business America has published an annual list of business holidays around the world. Our purpose is to help American business travelers avoid being surprised and frustrated by finding upon their arrival in another country that most commercial activity is shut down because of a local holiday. U.S. government officials can benefit from this same information: a number of years ago, for example, a top Commerce Department official expressed disappointment that an unexpected local holiday had interrupted delicate trade negotiations with Japanese government officials in Tokyo. Upon his return he was advised that had he consulted the holiday listing of his own agency's magazine, he would have been forewarned of that Japanese holiday and could have planned around it or visited at another time.

Virtually every day in 1998 will be a holiday somewhere in the world with business and government offices closed while employees watch parades, pray, or perhaps enjoy a quiet holiday at home with their family. Seasoned business travelers build their schedules around these holidays, because the alternative can be a frustrating day wasted in a hotel room while the local people from the top executives on down observe their traditional holiday rituals.

The following pages list alphabetically by country, the hundreds of commercial holidays around the world each year that will close business and government offices for a day or more. Major regional holidays that are observed in many countries are included, plus any other pertinent information. In addition, throughout the listing we have interspersed tips and observations by U.S. Commercial Service Officers around the world that illustrate the diversity of local customs and business practices, and the importance of being aware of these differences and applying this knowledge during your business travels.

In some cases, the 1998 holiday schedule is not yet available, so the list is projected based on 1997 holidays.

In cases where holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, commercial establishments may be closed the preceding Friday or following Monday.

For many countries, such as those in the Moslem world, holiday dates can only be approximated because the holidays are based on actual lunar observation and exact dates are announced only shortly before they occur. Note that references to the Moslem holidays often vary in spelling and dates, and that businesses in many Moslem countries are closed on Fridays.

Although U.S. holidays are not listed in this schedule, they should also be considered when appointments are made with U.S. Commercial Service officers abroad.

This calendar is intended as a working guide only. Corroboration of dates is suggested in final travel planning.

Algeria

January 1--New Year's February 23--Aid El-Fitr April 30--Aid El-Adha May 1--Labor Day May 31--Awal Mouharem June 7--Achoura June 19--Revolutionary Recovery Day July 5--Independence Day August 9--El Mawlid Ennabaoui November 1--Revolution Day

Muslim religious holidays vary with appearance of the moon.

Argentina

January 1--New Year's April 10--Good Friday May 1--Labor Day May 25--Revolution (1810) Day June 10--Sovereignty Day June 22--Flag Day (actual date June 20) July 9--Independence (1816) Day August 17--Death of General J. de San Martin October 12--Columbus Day December 8--Immaculate Conception December 25--Christmas

In addition, on many "non-work days," government offices, banks, insurance companies and courts are closed, but closing is optional for business and commerce. These are: Holy Thursday and Good Friday (immediately before Easter).

Australia

January 1--New Year's January 26--Australia Day April 10--Good Friday April 13--Easter Monday April 25--ANZAC Day December 25--Christmas December 26--Boxing Day

Some holiday dates may vary from state to state, and individual states have their own additional public holidays. For example, all states have a public holiday for the Queen's Birthday, but the date varies. Australians tend to take their long annual holiday in December and January, combining Christmas/New Year celebrations with the long summer school holidays. Consequently, business slows down and it is usually difficult to make appointments. Business travelers should be sure that their contacts will be available during this period before scheduling trips.

Austria

January 1--New Year's January 6--Epiphany April 13--Easter Monday May 1--Labor Day May 21--Ascension June 1--Whit Monday June 11--Corpus Christi Day August 15--Assumption October 26--National Day November 1--All Saints December 8--Immaculate Conception December 25--Christmas December 26--St. Stephen's Day

The Austrian holiday season is in July and August, and many decision-makers take extended vacations during that time--sometimes four weeks or more. Business visits or events are thus not recommended during these two months. Many offices and businesses close Friday afternoons, reflecting the widely implemented 38.5-hour workweek. Business visits planned for a Friday will therefore be limited to 1-2 appointments in the morning.