Eastern Europe is a region rich in history and tradition, especially when it comes to celebrating holidays. From the enchanting Christmas markets of Poland to the vibrant Easter rituals in Romania, each country offers unique and fascinating customs.
These celebrations are a blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, reflecting the cultural diversity and communal spirit of the region.
Join us as we explore the most beloved holidays in Eastern Europe and discover the warmth and joy they bring to people’s lives.
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Table of Contents
Bosnia and Herzegovina
New Year's Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day is celebrated nationwide in Bosnia and Herzegovina as the beginning of the calendar year. People celebrate by gathering with family and friends, attending parties, and watching fireworks displays. This day is filled with joy and hope for new beginnings.
New Year Holiday (2nd January)
The day after New Year’s Day is also a public holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing people with an extended period to celebrate and relax with family and friends. Many take advantage of this extra day off to rest and continue the festive mood.
Orthodox Christmas Eve (6th January)
In Republika Srpska, Orthodox Christians observe Christmas Eve as a time of fasting and reflection. Families gather to prepare for the next day’s celebration, attending evening church services and sharing traditional meals in preparation for Christmas.
Orthodox Christmas Day (7th January)
Orthodox Christians in Republika Srpska celebrate Christmas Day with church services, festive meals, and family gatherings. Traditional foods, prayers, and customs are central to this religious holiday, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar.
Republic Day (9th January)
Republic Day is observed in Republika Srpska, marking the founding of the entity in 1992. It is a day of political significance, celebrated with official speeches, parades, and cultural events in recognition of the region’s autonomy within Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Orthodox New Year (14th January)
Orthodox New Year, celebrated in Republika Srpska, is a quieter observance following the Julian calendar. Families gather for festive meals, and some attend church services, though it is less elaborate than the Gregorian New Year celebrations.
Independence Day (1st March)
Independence Day is celebrated in the Bosnian Federation to commemorate Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 1992 independence from Yugoslavia. It is marked with ceremonies, parades, and patriotic events, though it is not observed in Republika Srpska.
Catholic Easter Sunday (31st March)
Catholic Easter is celebrated in the Bosnian Federation with traditional church services and family meals. Easter eggs are decorated, and festive meals are shared in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Catholic Easter Monday (1st April)
The day after Catholic Easter is a public holiday in the Bosnian Federation. It allows families to continue their celebrations, often with extended gatherings, outdoor activities, and visits with relatives.
Ramadan Bajram (10th April)
Ramadan Bajram, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated by Muslims in the Bosnian Federation to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a day of prayers, feasting, and giving to the poor. Families gather to enjoy traditional foods and celebrate together.
Labour Day (1st May)
Labour Day is a national holiday celebrated by workers across Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a day of rest and recognition of workers’ contributions, often marked with picnics, outdoor activities, and public events.
Labour Day Holiday (2nd May)
The second day of Labour Day celebrations allows for an extended period of rest and enjoyment. People typically spend this day with family and friends, taking advantage of the holiday to relax and unwind.
Orthodox Good Friday (3rd May)
Orthodox Good Friday is observed in Republika Srpska as a day of mourning and reflection. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with church services held in the evening and a somber atmosphere maintained throughout the day.
Orthodox Easter Sunday (5th May)
Orthodox Christians in Republika Srpska celebrate Easter Sunday with great joy, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Church services, festive meals, and the exchange of Easter eggs are key elements of the day’s celebrations.
Orthodox Easter Monday (6th May)
The day after Orthodox Easter allows for continued celebrations with family and friends. It is a public holiday in Republika Srpska, providing time for rest and reflection following the religious festivities.
Victory Day (9th May)
Victory Day is observed in Republika Srpska to commemorate the defeat of fascism in World War II. The holiday is marked with memorial services, parades, and remembrance events honoring the sacrifices made during the war.
Kurban Bajram (16th June)
Kurban Bajram, or Eid al-Adha, is celebrated by Muslims in the Bosnian Federation. It is a day of sacrifice, prayer, and charity, commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God. Families gather to share meals, and the holiday is marked by giving to the poor.
St Vitus Day (28th June)
St Vitus Day, also known as Vidovdan, is an important religious and cultural holiday in Republika Srpska. It commemorates the Battle of Kosovo in 1389 and is a day of reflection on national identity and history, often marked by church services and cultural events.
All Saints' Day (1st November)
All Saints’ Day is celebrated in the Bosnian Federation as a day to honor the saints and remember deceased loved ones. Families visit cemeteries, light candles, and participate in church services in remembrance of their ancestors.
Dayton Agreement Day (21st November)
Dayton Agreement Day commemorates the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the Bosnian War in 1995. It is observed in Republika Srpska with memorials, political events, and discussions on peace and reconciliation.
Statehood Day (25th November)
Statehood Day is celebrated in the Bosnian Federation to mark the formation of the Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Yugoslavia in 1943. The day is marked with patriotic events, cultural performances, and official ceremonies.
Catholic Christmas Day (25th December)
Catholic Christmas is celebrated in the Bosnian Federation with religious observances, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Families come together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with traditions that have been passed down through generations.
How to work with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s nations Holidays as an American Employer
As an American employer working with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s diverse holiday calendar, it’s important to recognize the different cultural and religious observances within the country. The country’s two main entities, Republika Srpska and the Bosnian Federation, observe different holidays based on religious and historical backgrounds, which can impact scheduling and availability of employees. Orthodox Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are significant in Republika Srpska, while Catholic and Islamic holidays are more prominent in the Bosnian Federation.
