Holidays are special occasions that bring people together to celebrate, commemorate, or honor something meaningful. They can also be opportunities to learn about different cultures, traditions, and histories around the world. Whether you are a traveler looking for new experiences, or a culture lover who wants to expand your knowledge, here are some of the top 20 most celebrated holidays in the world that you should know about.
1. New Year’s Day
When: January 1
Where: Worldwide
What: New Year’s Day marks the start of a new calendar year and is a public holiday in many countries. People celebrate this day by making resolutions, exchanging greetings and gifts, and enjoying fireworks and parties. Some countries have their own unique customs and traditions for welcoming the new year, such as eating grapes in Spain, smashing plates in Denmark, or wearing red underwear in Italy.
2. Christmas
When: December 25
Where: Worldwide
What: Christmas is a religious and cultural celebration that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, who decorate their homes and public places with lights, trees, and ornaments, sing carols, attend church services, and exchange presents. Some of the most popular symbols of Christmas are Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, and mistletoe.
3. Valentine’s Day
When: February 14
Where: Worldwide
What: Valentine’s Day is a celebration of romance and love that originated as a Western Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine. It is now recognized in many regions of the world as a day to express affection and appreciation to one’s partner, family, or friends. People celebrate this day by sending cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts, as well as going on dates or romantic getaways.
4. Halloween
When: October 31
Where: Mostly Western countries
What: Halloween is a festival that has roots in ancient Celtic and Christian traditions. It is associated with themes of death, horror, and the supernatural. People celebrate this day by dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, watching scary movies, and attending parties. Some of the most common symbols of Halloween are ghosts, witches, vampires, zombies, and skeletons.
5. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
When: Varies according to the lunar calendar
Where: Mostly Muslim countries
What: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk as a way of spiritual purification and devotion. Eid al-Fitr is the festival that marks the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast. It is a joyous occasion that involves prayers, charity, feasting, and social gatherings.
6. Easter
When: Varies according to the lunar calendar
Where: Mostly Christian countries
What: Easter is a religious holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is preceded by Lent, a period of fasting and penance. Easter is also linked to pagan traditions of spring and fertility. People celebrate this day by attending church services, decorating eggs, hunting for Easter eggs or baskets filled with candy and toys,
and eating special foods such as lamb or ham.
7. Thanksgiving Day
When: Fourth Thursday of November in the US; second Monday of October in Canada; varies in other countries
Where: Mostly North America
What: Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday that originated as a harvest festival to give thanks for the blessings of the past year. It is also a time to express gratitude to one’s family, friends, and community. People celebrate this day by having a feast with turkey, stuffing,
cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and other dishes,
as well as watching parades or football games.
8. St. Patrick’s Day
When: March 17
Where: Mostly Ireland and Irish diaspora
What: St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration that honors St. Patrick,
the patron saint of Ireland who brought Christianity to the island. It is also a celebration of Irish heritage and culture. People celebrate this day by wearing green clothes or accessories,
drinking beer or whiskey,
attending parades or festivals,
and listening to Irish music or dancing.
9. Chinese New Year
When: Varies according to the lunar calendar; usually between late January and mid-February
Where: Mostly China and Chinese diaspora
What: Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important and festive holiday in Chinese culture. It marks the beginning of a new year and a new zodiac animal sign. People celebrate this day by cleaning their houses, hanging red lanterns and couplets, giving red envelopes with money to children and elders, setting off fireworks, and having a reunion dinner with family.
10. Diwali
When: Varies according to the lunar calendar; usually between mid-October and mid-November
Where: Mostly India and Hindu diaspora
What: Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major religious and cultural festival in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. People celebrate this day by lighting candles, lamps, and fireworks, decorating their homes and temples with colorful rangoli patterns, exchanging gifts and sweets, and performing prayers and rituals.
11. Independence Day
When: Varies according to the country
Where: Worldwide
What: Independence Day is a national holiday that commemorates the anniversary of a country’s independence from a foreign power or colonial rule. It is often a day of patriotic pride and celebration. People celebrate this day by displaying their national flag, anthem, or symbols,
participating in parades or ceremonies,
and enjoying fireworks or concerts.
12. Hanukkah
When: Varies according to the lunar calendar; usually between late November and late December
Where: Mostly Israel and Jewish diaspora
What: Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire. It also commemorates the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the temple’s menorah. People celebrate this day by lighting one candle on the menorah each night,
playing with dreidels,
eating fried foods such as latkes and sufganiyot,
and giving gifts or money to children.
13. Holi
When: Varies according to the lunar calendar; usually between late February and late March
Where: Mostly India and Hindu diaspora
What: Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. It also celebrates love, joy, and harmony. People celebrate this day by throwing colored powder or water at each other,
dancing and singing,
and sharing food and drinks.
14. Bastille Day
When: July 14
Where: Mostly France and French-speaking countries
What: Bastille Day is a national holiday that commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which was a turning point in the French Revolution. It is also a celebration of French democracy and culture. People celebrate this day by watching military parades or air shows,
waving tricolor flags or wearing blue-white-red accessories,
and enjoying fireworks or balls.
15. Cinco de Mayo
When: May 5
Where: Mostly Mexico and Mexican diaspora
What: Cinco de Mayo is a regional holiday that celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is also a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. People celebrate this day by wearing traditional Mexican costumes or colors,
eating Mexican food such as tacos or enchiladas,
drinking tequila or margaritas,
and attending fiestas or festivals.
16. International Women’s Day
When: March 8
Where: Worldwide
What: International Women’s Day is a global day that recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also raises awareness about gender equality and women’s rights issues. People celebrate this day by organizing events such as marches, rallies, conferences, or workshops,
supporting women-led businesses or organizations,
and expressing appreciation or admiration to women in their lives.
17. Oktoberfest
When: Varies according to the local calendar; usually between late September and early October
Where: Mostly Germany and German-speaking countries
What: Oktoberfest is a folk festival that originated in Munich in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. It is now a celebration of German beer, food, music, and culture. People celebrate this day by wearing traditional German outfits such as lederhosen or dirndl,
drinking beer from large steins,
eating sausages or pretzels,
and listening to oompah bands or folk songs.
18. Carnival
When: Varies according to the local calendar; usually between late February and early March
Where: Mostly Latin America and Caribbean countries
What: Carnival is a pre-Lenten festival that has roots in Catholic and pagan traditions. It is a celebration of life, fun