The government will grant a half-day holiday on Thursday afternoon, citing the 'customary practice' of many people travelling away from their place of residence for Easter, according to an order signed by the Prime Minister this Monday, March 30. In the order by Luís Montenegro, it is stated that 'a half-day holiday is granted to public sector workers in direct state administration services, whether central or decentralized, and in public institutes, for the afternoon of Maundy Thursday, April 2, 2026'. This holiday is justified by the Prime Minister 'considering that it is a customary practice for many people to travel away from their places of residence during the Easter period for family gatherings'. The order notes that exceptions are made for 'services and bodies that, for reasons of public interest, must remain operational during that period, as defined by the competent government member'. It adds that, without prejudice to the continuity and quality of service, the heads of these services must promote an equivalent time off for their employees on a date to be determined in due course.