Wondering when are the holidays in Myanmar ? Myanmar or Burma officially has 21 public holidays per year, many of which were established based on Buddhist traditions or to honor political freedom in many parts of the country. Burmese get five days of official holiday for the Lunar New Year Thingyan, one day for Waso Full Moon (or the day that Buddhist Lent begins), and three days for Thadingyut Full Moon (or the day that Buddhist Lent ends).
1. New Year’s Day
Like many other Asian countries, Burmese people celebrate both Lunar New Year and International New Year, which is on the 1th January. They get one day of for New Year’s Day.
2. Independence Day
Myanmar Independence Day is observed on 4thJanuary, marking the country’s independence from British Empire. Myanmar was conquered by the British in 1824, and in 1886, Myanmar came under the full control of the UK. From the very early days of colonization, there was a strong independence movement against the rule of the British, in which Buddhist monks played an important role, till they finally gain their own Independence in 1984, led by the national hero Aung San.
Aside from official ceremonies such as military parade or saluting Burmese national flag in the early morning in every town of Myanmar, there are also interesting events of local people participating racing competition, like running or football and chinlone, a traditional sport of Myanmar, in their own quarter and together celebrate the day when they got their Independence. Burmese people usually wear their colorful traditional costume, aingyi (a blouse) and longyi (a long skirt) in this day.
3. Union Day
Myanmar Union Day is held annually on February 12 to commemorate the Panglong Conference, in which an agreement was made between Myanmar’s minorities on February 12, 1947.
Myanmar people start celebrating the Union Day months before the actual date with school students writing patriotic poems and essays and politicians and experts giving speeches on the importance of national unity. About 2 months before February 12, the Myanmar flag is carried through the capital cities of Myanmar states till it arrives in People’s Square in Yangon. Tourists visiting Myanmar during this time will find many patriotic and cultural events as well as find themselves learning so much about the history and tradition of Burmese people.
4. Armed Force Day
Burma observes the Armed Force Day annually on March 27, which is meant to commemorate the resistance of Burmese military against the Japanese forces at the height of the Second World War in 1945. The holiday is celebrated with military parades in the country capital, Naypyidaw. It is also the day when troops members are reviewed for their loyalty to the military.
5. National Day
Myanmar National Day is the anniversary of the beginning of the rise against the British rule in 1920, with the fist student strike at Rangoon (now Yangon) University, which eventually led to Myanmar Independence in 1948. It is worth noting that the date of this holiday is based on the lunar calendar. It falls on the tenth day after the full moon in the month of Tazaungmon, which is usually in October or December.
