Are you looking for a comprehensive guide to holidays around the world? Look no further! In this guide, we will be breaking down holidays around the world by month, giving you a month-by-month breakdown of all the festive fun. From New Year’s Eve in Japan to Independence Day in the United States, we’ll cover it all. So whether you’re planning a trip or just looking to learn more about different cultures, this guide has you covered. Get ready to explore the world through its holidays!
Celebrating Diversity: A List of Holidays Around the World
National Holidays
National holidays are celebrations that are observed by a country as a whole, and they often reflect the cultural, historical, and political values of the nation. These holidays provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their shared identity and heritage. Here is a list of some of the most important national holidays in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- United States
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January): This holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of January in honor of the civil rights leader and his advocacy for racial equality.
- Presidents’ Day (February): This holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of February and honors all of the American presidents, both past and present.
- Memorial Day (May): This holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of May and honors the men and women who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
- Independence Day (July): This holiday is celebrated on July 4th and commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which declared the United States independent from Great Britain.
- Labor Day (September): This holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of September and honors the contributions of American workers.
- Columbus Day (October): This holiday is celebrated on the second Monday of October and honors the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, who is credited with discovering America.
- Veterans Day (November): This holiday is celebrated on November 11th and honors all of the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces.
- Thanksgiving (November): This holiday is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and is a time for Americans to gather with family and friends to give thanks for their blessings.
- Christmas (December): This holiday is celebrated on December 25th and is a time for Americans to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the holiday season.
- Canada
- New Year’s Day (January): This holiday is celebrated on January 1st and marks the beginning of the new year.
- Family Day (February): This holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of February and is a time for Canadians to spend time with their loved ones.
- Good Friday (March or April): This holiday is celebrated on the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Victoria Day (May): This holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of May and honors Queen Victoria, who ruled over Canada from 1837 to 1901.
- Canada Day (July): This holiday is celebrated on July 1st and marks the anniversary of the confederation of Canada in 1867.
- Labour Day (September): This holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of September and honors the contributions of Canadian workers.
- National Day (October): This holiday is celebrated on October 1st and marks the anniversary of the creation of the Canadian Crown.
- Remembrance Day (November): This holiday is celebrated on November 11th and honors all of the men and women who have served in the Canadian armed forces.
- Christmas (December): This holiday is celebrated on December 25th and is a time for Canadians to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the holiday season.
- United Kingdom
- Plough Monday (First Monday after Epiphany): This holiday is celebrated on the first Monday after January 6th and marks the start of the agricultural
Religious Holidays
Christianity
- Epiphany (January 6)
- Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is a Christian feast day that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, and is thus considered the end of the Christmas season.
- Lent (February to April)
- Lent is a period of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and penance that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. It is a time of reflection and preparation for Easter, during which many Christians abstain from meat, dairy, and other indulgences.
- Easter (March or April)
- Easter is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is a time of joy and hope, marked by church services, family gatherings, and traditional foods.
- Ascension (May)
- Ascension is the Christian feast day that commemorates the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is traditionally celebrated 40 days after Easter.
- Pentecost (May or June)
- Pentecost is a Christian holiday that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament. It is traditionally celebrated 50 days after Easter.
- Trinity Sunday (May or June)
- Trinity Sunday is a Christian feast day that celebrates the doctrine of the Trinity, which holds that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- Corpus Christi (June)
- Corpus Christi is a Christian feast day that celebrates the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is traditionally celebrated 60 days after Easter.
- All Saints’ Day (November 1)
- All Saints’ Day is a Christian feast day that honors all saints, both known and unknown. It is traditionally celebrated on November 1.
- Advent (December)
- Advent is the period of four weeks before Christmas, during which many Christians prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time of reflection, penitence, and hope.
Islam
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
- Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting from dawn to sunset. It is a time of feasting, gift-giving, and celebration.
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
- Eid al-Adha is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael, as described in the Quran. It is a time of sacrifice, charity, and feasting.
- Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Destiny)
- Laylat al-Qadr is the anniversary of the night on which the first revelation of the Quran was received by the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered the holiest night of the year for Muslims.
Customs and Traditions: How People Celebrate Around the World
Festive Foods
Across the globe, food plays a central role in holiday celebrations. Different cultures have their unique culinary traditions, which often reflect the historical, religious, and cultural background of the region. This section explores the festive foods enjoyed by people around the world during various holidays.
United States
- Thanksgiving feast
- Roasted turkey
- Sweet potatoes
- Cranberry sauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Gravy
- Green bean casserole
- Pumpkin pie
- Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses
- Gingerbread men and women
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Sugar cookies
- Fruitcake
- Christmas-shaped cookies
Canada
- Turkeys and pies on Thanksgiving
- Mistletoe and eggnog at Christmas
- Eggnog
- Mistletoe
- Maple taffy
- Poutine
United Kingdom
- Roast beef and Yorkshire pudding on Christmas
- Roast beef
- Roast potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Yorkshire pudding
- Mince pies and Christmas pudding
- Mince pies
- Christmas pudding
- Mulled wine
- Wassail
In many countries, holiday feasts bring families and friends together to share traditional dishes and create lasting memories. The festive foods enjoyed during these celebrations often reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region and serve as a symbol of unity and joy.
Festive Decorations
As the holiday season approaches, people around the world prepare for festive celebrations by decorating their homes and public spaces. Here are some of the unique decorations used in different countries.
- Japan
- Kadomatsu: A traditional New Year’s decoration made of pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms, arranged in a specific way to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.
- Shigomas: A decorative rice cake made of glutinous rice and red bean paste, typically eaten on New Year’s Day.
- China
- Chinese New Year decorations: Colorful decorations, such as lanterns, streamers, and banners, are displayed to welcome the Year of the Ox.
- Lanterns and firecrackers: Lanterns are hung in streets and homes, while firecrackers are used to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck.
- Germany
- Advent wreaths: A wreath made of four candles and an evergreen tree, traditionally used to count down the days until Christmas.
- Christmas markets: Large outdoor markets that sell traditional German food, gifts, and decorations, such as wooden ornaments and glass baubles.
- Candles and holly on Christmas trees: Christmas trees are decorated with candles, ornaments, and holly, and often placed in the center of the living room.
Festive Clothing
During holidays around the world, festive clothing plays a significant role in enhancing the atmosphere of celebration. Here are some examples of how different cultures celebrate with their unique traditional attire:
- Mexico
- Day of the Dead celebrations involve vibrant traditional clothing, such as sugar skulls and colorful skeleton costumes. The garments are often adorned with intricate designs and symbols that reflect the Mexican culture and beliefs.
- India
- During Diwali, people wear colorful saris and sherwanis, which are traditional Indian dresses for women and men, respectively. The sari is a length of cloth draped around the body, while the sherwani is a long robe-like garment. The festive clothing is often decorated with glittering embroidery, sequins, and mirrors, adding to the overall festive ambiance.
- South Korea
- During Seollal (Lunar New Year), people wear the traditional Korean dress called Hanbok. This is a beautiful and elaborate garment that consists of a long-sleeved jacket, a high-waisted skirt, and a long bow-tied scarf. The Hanbok is made of lightweight silk or cotton, and its bright colors and intricate patterns make it a perfect representation of the Korean culture and heritage.
Overall, festive clothing plays a crucial role in adding to the beauty and vibrancy of holiday celebrations around the world. Each culture has its unique traditions and attire, which help to make the holidays a truly special and memorable experience.
Regional Festivals: The World’s Best Celebrations
Music and Dance
Carnival
- Brazil: Samba parades and dancing in the streets
- The Brazilian Carnival, held in Rio de Janeiro, is a world-renowned celebration that showcases the country’s vibrant music and dance culture.
- The highlight of the event is the Samba parade, where participants dressed in elaborate costumes and performing intricate samba routines.
- The energy and excitement of the Carnival can be felt throughout the city, with street parties and music filling the air day and night.
- Venice: Masked balls and processions
- Venice Carnival, one of the oldest and most famous carnivals in the world, takes place in the city of Venice, Italy.
- The event is known for its elaborate masks and costumes, which have been a part of the tradition since the 13th century.
- The highlight of the Carnival is the Grand Ball, where masked revelers dance to the music of live orchestras.
- The procession of masked figures, known as the Flight of the Angel, is another spectacular event that takes place during the Carnival.
Holi
- India: Colors and water fights
- Holi, the festival of colors, is a major Hindu holiday celebrated in India and other countries with significant Hindu populations.
- The festival is marked by the throwing of colored powder and water, which is said to symbolize the colorful and lively spirit of the holiday.
- The celebrations often include music, dance, and feasting, as well as the traditional Holi bonfire, which is lit the night before the main event.
- Nepal: Festivals with religious significance
- In Nepal, Holi is a major religious festival that marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the spring.
- The festival is celebrated with music, dance, and feasting, as well as the throwing of colored powder and water.
- The festival also has deep religious significance, with many Hindus visiting temples to offer prayers and make offerings to the gods.
- The festival is also known as the “Festival of Love” and is seen as a time to express love and affection for family and friends.
Light Festivals
- Yule Festival
- Iceland: Yule Lads and Christmas lights
- The Yule Festival in Iceland is a unique and enchanting celebration that takes place during the month of December. One of the main highlights of the festival is the Yule Lads, a group of mischievous elves who bring gifts to children on the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
- Another important aspect of the Yule Festival is the Christmas lights, which are strung up throughout the streets and towns of Iceland. The lights add a festive atmosphere to the already magical holiday season.
- Norway: Advent season and lighting of the Christmas tree
- The Advent season in Norway is a time of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas holiday. The season begins on the first Sunday of Advent and lasts until Christmas Eve.
- One of the most beloved traditions of the Advent season is the lighting of the Christmas tree. This ceremony typically takes place on the first Sunday of Advent and marks the official start of the holiday season in Norway.
- Iceland: Yule Lads and Christmas lights
- Festivals of Lights
- China: Lights and lanterns during Chinese New Year
- The Festival of Lights in China is one of the most stunning and elaborate celebrations in the world. During Chinese New Year, the streets and temples of China are adorned with colorful lights and intricate lanterns.
- The lanterns are often shaped like animals, mythical creatures, and other symbols of good luck and prosperity. The Festival of Lights is a time of joy and celebration for the Chinese people, and it is a truly unforgettable experience.
- Thailand: Festival of Lights to honor the Buddha
- The Festival of Lights in Thailand is a religious celebration that takes place on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month. The festival is also known as the “Boon Bang Fai” and is a time to honor the Buddha and seek his blessings.
- During the festival, people light candles and lanterns and release them into the sky. The candles and lanterns are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the people of Thailand. The Festival of Lights is a beautiful and spiritual celebration that is not to be missed.
- China: Lights and lanterns during Chinese New Year
Parades and Processions
Parades and processions are a common sight during regional festivals around the world. These celebrations bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds, providing a platform for expression and showcasing the region’s unique traditions.
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, also known as Carnival, is a festival celebrated in many countries around the world, but it is most famous in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. The celebration is marked by parades of floats and costumes, as well as street parties and live music. In New Orleans, the celebration is known for its elaborate floats, while in Rio de Janeiro, the parade is led by the “King of Carnival” and features elaborate costumes and samba dancing.
Pride Parades
Pride parades are celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community, held in cities around the world. In New York City, the Pride Parade is a massive event that attracts millions of people, with a march and celebration featuring floats, music, and performances. In London, the Pride Parade is a more subdued affair, but no less important, with a procession of rainbow flags and performances from LGBTQ+ artists and activists.
Make Your Own Holiday Traditions: Crafts and Activities
Seasonal Crafts
+ Thanksgiving decorations: centerpieces and table runners
- Create a beautiful table setting for your Thanksgiving feast with handmade centerpieces and table runners. Consider using natural materials like pinecones, leaves, and berries to create a rustic and festive atmosphere.
+ Christmas ornaments: homemade gifts and decorations
- Make unique and special Christmas ornaments as gifts or to decorate your own tree. You can use materials like beads, ribbon, and construction paper to create ornaments that reflect your personal style and holiday spirit.
+ Winter-themed crafts: snowflakes and mittens
- Celebrate the winter season by making snowflake decorations and warm mittens. You can use materials like wool, cotton, and glitter to create unique and cozy mittens that will keep your hands warm during the coldest months.
+ Maple syrup DIY: learn how to make syrup and other maple products
- Discover the tradition of maple syrup making and try your hand at creating your own syrup and other maple products. You can use materials like maple sap, sugar, and spices to create a delicious and authentic taste of Canada.
+ Advent calendars: DIY and fill with treats
- Create your own advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas. You can use materials like cardboard, paper, and glue to create a custom advent calendar and fill it with small treats or gifts for each day leading up to the holiday.
+ Christmas wreaths: fresh or DIY with evergreen branches
- Add a touch of holiday cheer to your front door with a homemade Christmas wreath. You can use fresh evergreen branches, ribbon, and other materials to create a beautiful and fragrant wreath that will brighten up your home during the holiday season.
Family Activities
Holidays are a time for families to come together and create lasting memories. In this section, we will explore some popular family activities that can be enjoyed during various holidays throughout the year.
- Halloween
- United States: pumpkin carving and costume contests
- Pumpkin carving is a popular activity during Halloween in the United States. Many families gather together to carve pumpkins into various shapes and designs, creating spooky jack-o’-lanterns that can be displayed on the front porch or in the living room. Costume contests are also common, with families and friends competing to see who can create the most creative and scary costumes.
- Canada: haunted houses and trick-or-treating
- In Canada, haunted houses are a popular Halloween activity. Families can visit local haunted houses or create their own at home, using fake blood, ghostly makeup, and other spooky props to create a thrilling experience. Trick-or-treating is also a popular activity, with children dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door to collect candy and other treats from neighbors.
- United States: pumpkin carving and costume contests
- Easter
- United States: Easter egg hunts and dyeing Easter eggs
- Easter egg hunts are a beloved tradition in the United States, with families hiding eggs filled with candy or small toys for children to find. Dyeing Easter eggs is also a popular activity, with families using natural or artificial dyes to create colorful eggs that can be displayed in the home or given as gifts.
- Canada: Easter-themed crafts and baking
- In Canada, families enjoy a variety of Easter-themed crafts and baking activities. Children can decorate Easter baskets or create Easter-themed cards, while adults can bake traditional Easter treats such as hot cross buns or simnel cake.
- United States: Easter egg hunts and dyeing Easter eggs
- Winter Solstice
- United Kingdom: winter solstice events and bonfires
- The winter solstice is celebrated in the United Kingdom with a variety of events, including bonfires and festivals. Families can attend local events or create their own bonfires in the backyard, using logs and other materials to create a warm and welcoming fire.
- Iceland: celebrating the return of the sun with friends and family
- In Iceland, the winter solstice is a time to celebrate the return of the sun. Families gather together to enjoy traditional Icelandic foods and drinks, such as hot cocoa and pastries, while watching the sun rise over the horizon. This is a time of joy and reflection, as families look forward to the longer days and warmer weather that will come with the return of the sun.
- United Kingdom: winter solstice events and bonfires
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the guide?
The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive list of holidays celebrated around the world, organized by month. This guide is intended to help people plan their travels and understand the cultural significance of different holidays.
2. How is the guide organized?
The guide is organized by month, with each month having its own section. Within each month, the holidays are listed in chronological order. The guide also includes information on the origins and traditions associated with each holiday.
3. Are all holidays included in the guide?
While we have strived to include as many holidays as possible, it is not possible to include every holiday celebrated around the world. However, we have tried to include the most widely celebrated holidays from various cultures and countries.
4. Can I find holidays specific to my country in the guide?
Yes, the guide includes holidays from various countries around the world. You can use the table of contents to navigate to the section for your country and find the holidays celebrated there.
5. Are the holidays listed in chronological order within each month?
Yes, the holidays are listed in chronological order within each month. This makes it easy to plan your travels around specific holidays or events.
6. What kind of information can I find in the guide?
The guide provides information on the origins and traditions associated with each holiday, as well as practical information such as dates and duration of the holiday. We have also included tips on how to celebrate the holidays, where to go, and what to do.
7. How can I access the guide?
The guide is available in e-book format, which can be downloaded from our website. You can also purchase a printed copy of the guide from select bookstores.