Ang

While doing research for my trip to Italy and Greece, I've noticed several places that they mention Bank Holidays. What is a Bank Holiday? how often? once a year? when? which countries? is everything closed on those days?

Thanks!
Ang

Thyra

Generally speaking a "bank holiday" is any day which Banks and/or Government offices are closed (post office etc) In this country Memorial Day, Presidents Day, Labor Day could all be called Bank Holiday's.

Ed

A day when the banks are closed. e.g. US Fourth of July.

List of holidays by country at
http://www.holidayfestival.com

Ed

Thyra

OOPs forgot to add that Bank Holidays vary from country to country. In Italy for example a lot of places are closed on certain Saint's days or other religious holidays, In Greece they have Ochi "No" day which is also a bank holiday weekend. You just need to plan for these things, like in the US, expect locals to swarm out of city centers for mini-holidays, increased traffic, busy markets the day before etc. Just be sure you have enough money to see you through the weekend, if something should go wrong with your ATM card.

Nic

Bank Holidays are Public Holidays. In the UK we have quite a few in a year, one example is at Easter Good Friday and Easter Monday are Bank Holidays.

Many companies close for the day. In the larger towns and cities in the UK shops and things are usually open.

Ang

Thank you very much for your responses. I feel kind of stupid though! Duh, Bank Holiday = Banks are closed...I guess I should have known that. I just have never heard of a holiday being referred to as that. So thanks again!