Holidays in 2026: All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center Studies Production Calendars of Eight CIS Countries
In the new year, the “eight” countries—Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—citizens of Azerbaijan will enjoy the biggest number of the days off: 124, while Belarusians will have the fewest: 111.
Azerbaijan not only has the most frequent holidays but also the longest celebrations. In 2026, the overlapping Novruz and Ramadan holidays, including transferred days off, will be observed fr om March 20 to 30.
Belarusians are the hardest working in the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center ranking due to their own legislation, which prohibits transferring a day off even if it coincides with a public holiday. The country’s production calendar includes only 111 days off, 10 of which are public holidays. The New Year break in Belarus was also the shortest—from January 1 to 4.
Kazakhstan ranks second in the VTSIOM list for the number of non-working days, with 119 holidays and days off planned. March and May will be the least convenient months for vacations, as the high number of spring holidays and extra days off could significantly impact budgets.
Russia holds a middle position in the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center “labor days” ranking, with 118 holidays and days off. However, New Year’s holidays in Russia are the longest—12 days. On the positive side, holidays are an opportunity for family bonding. There will be no more than three consecutive days off for the rest of the year, and the next 12-day break for Russians is not expected until 2030.
Kyrgyzstan also started the year with record-long holidays, lasting until January 12. Citizens will enjoy another long break from May 1 to 9. In total, Kyrgyzstanis will have 117 days off. Tajikistan’s production calendar is slightly less generous, with 116 days off. The longest work pause will be for Navruz, with a 10-day non-working period in March.
These eight CIS countries share many common holidays, not just New Year’s Day. On Victory Day, flowers are laid at memorials and “Immortal Regiment” marches are held everywhere except in Tajikistan, wh ere the holiday is not observed. May 1 is celebrated as Spring and Labor Day in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, while in Kazakhstan it is Unity Day. However, National Unity Day or Independence Day are public holidays in all CIS countries.
GCTU News
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