Important Holidays

Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven. It is observed 40 days after Easter and signifies the end of Jesus' earthly ministry. While not as widely celebrated as Christmas or Easter, Ascension Day is still an important event in the Christian liturgical calendar.

December 12, 2023

Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, this holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. However, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. Muslims celebrate by performing the Eid prayer, sacrificing an animal (Qurbani), and sharing the meat with those in need.

December 12, 2023

This festival marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is a day of joy, gratitude, and communal prayers. Muslims celebrate by giving to charity (Zakat al-Fitr), sharing meals with family and friends, and expressing gratitude for the blessings received during Ramadan.

December 12, 2023

Good Friday is observed during Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is a solemn day of reflection, prayer, and often includes church services focused on the Passion of Christ.

December 12, 2023

Pentecost, observed 50 days after Easter, celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It marks the birth of the Christian Church and is often associated with the speaking in tongues. Pentecost is a joyous occasion and a time for reflection on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.

December 12, 2023

January 15 is a day to honor the sacrifices of Nigerian veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces. Events include memorial services and parades.

December 14, 2023

Asalha Puja marks the day when the Buddha delivered his first sermon, known as the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, in Deer Park in Sarnath, India. Celebrated on the full moon day of the eighth lunar month (usually July), it is a day of reflection on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Buddhists may participate in meditation, listen to teachings, and make offerings at temples.

December 12, 2023

Also known as Canada's birthday, July 1 is a national holiday that celebrates the anniversary of the confederation in 1867. Canadians commemorate the day with fireworks, parades, concerts, and various patriotic events.

December 13, 2023

Canada's Civic Holiday is on the first Monday in August. Known by different names in various provinces, this day is a public holiday, often celebrated as a midsummer day off with various local events and activities.

December 13, 2023

One of the biggest and most famous celebrations in Brazil, Carnaval takes place in the days leading up to Lent. It involves elaborate parades, vibrant costumes, samba music and dance, street parties, and masquerade balls.

December 13, 2023

The most important and widely celebrated festival in China, Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar new year. It involves family reunions, feasts, dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and the giving and receiving of red envelopes (hongbao) containing money for good luck.

December 14, 2023

Christmas is perhaps the most widely celebrated Christian holiday, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed on December 25th each year in many Christian traditions, although the specific customs and practices may vary. Christmas is a time of joy, gift-giving, festive decorations, and special church services.

December 12, 2023

The Hispanic celebration known as Cinco de Mayo is on May 5 each year. While often associated with Mexican independence, Cinco de Mayo actually commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is celebrated with parades, music, and traditional foods.

December 13, 2023

Mexico’s Constitution Day is on February 5 each year. This holiday celebrates the promulgation of the Mexican Constitution in 1917. It is a day off for many Mexicans, and there are often civic events and ceremonies.

December 13, 2023

The date for Corpus Christi varies but is usually in June. Corpus Christi is a Catholic holiday celebrating the Eucharist, marked by religious processions, street carpets made of flowers, and traditional festivities.

December 13, 2023

Commemorating Nigeria's return to civilian rule in 1999, Democracy Day is on June 12, and is a public holiday with events, speeches, and reflections on the country's democratic journey.

December 14, 2023

Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, Dia de los Muertos is a time to honor and remember deceased loved ones. Families create altars with photos, candles, and offerings, and there are often parades and festivities.

December 13, 2023

The date varies, but Diwali usually takes place in October or November. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People celebrate with decorations, diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, sweets, and exchanging gifts.

December 14, 2023

Easter is a central holiday in Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. The date of Easter varies each year and is determined by the lunar calendar. Good Friday, which precedes Easter Sunday, remembers the crucifixion of Jesus. Easter is a time of spiritual reflection, worship, and celebration of new life.

December 12, 2023

A collection of public holidays that occur in late April and early May, including Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Memorial Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4), and Children's Day (May 5). Many Japanese people take advantage of the consecutive days off for travel and relaxation.

December 14, 2023

Halloween is celebrated on October 31 each year. A festive holiday where people dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend Halloween parties, and decorate their homes with spooky themes.

December 13, 2023

This day marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. It is a time for reflection on the Hijra's significance and its lessons of sacrifice, faith, and perseverance. While it is not as elaborate as Eid celebrations, it is still considered an important time for introspection and self-improvement.

December 12, 2023

The date varies, but Holi usually falls in March. Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi marks the arrival of spring. Participants throw colored powders and water at each other, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the joy of life.

December 14, 2023

Honoring the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation, this festival takes place on the 10th day of the third lunar month. It involves ceremonies, processions, and performances to pay respects to the Hung Kings.

December 14, 2023

Brazil’s Independence Day is on September 7 each year. Commemorating Brazil's declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822, this day is marked with patriotic events, parades, and celebrations across the country.

December 13, 2023

On September 16, Mexicans celebrate their independence from Spanish rule with patriotic events, fireworks, parades, and the traditional "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores) ceremony on the night of September 15.

December 13, 2023

Celebrating Nigeria's independence from British rule in 1960, Independence Day is on October 1 each year and includes patriotic events, parades, cultural displays, and festivities across the country.

December 14, 2023

Independence Day is on July 4. Also known as the Fourth of July, this holiday marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Americans celebrate with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and patriotic displays.

December 13, 2023

India’s Independence Day is on August 15 and their Republic Day is January 26. These national holidays commemorate India's independence from British rule and the adoption of the Indian Constitution, respectively. They are marked by patriotic ceremonies, flag hoisting, and cultural events.

December 14, 2023

Vietnam's International Workers' Day, also known as "Ngày Quốc tế Lao động" in Vietnamese, is a public holiday celebrated on May 1st each year. This holiday has several meanings and significance.

December 14, 2023

The most significant holiday in Japan, New Year's celebrations last for several days. Families clean their homes, visit shrines and temples, and enjoy special foods, such as osechi-ryori and mochi.

December 14, 2023

The Kathina Ceremony is an annual celebration that marks the end of the Buddhist monastic rains retreat (vassa). It is an occasion for lay Buddhists to express gratitude to monks and support the monastic community. The ceremony involves the offering of a special robe (kathina robe) and other requisites to monks, as well as communal activities and merit-making.

December 12, 2023

Labor Day is honored on the first Monday in September and honors the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. It often marks the end of summer and is celebrated with barbecues and outdoor activities.

December 13, 2023

Mexico’s Labor Day is on May 1 each year. Similar to International Workers' Day, Mexicans observe Labor Day with parades, demonstrations, and events advocating for workers' rights.

December 13, 2023

Known as the Night of Power or Decree, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, with the exact night not specified. Muslims engage in intense prayers, seeking forgiveness and spiritual blessings during this highly revered night.

December 12, 2023

Magha Puja, also known as Sangha Day, commemorates an event where 1,250 arahants (enlightened disciples) spontaneously gathered to pay homage to the Buddha. Celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month (usually February), Magha Puja emphasizes the importance of the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community). Buddhists participate in candlelit processions, meditation, and acts of generosity.

December 12, 2023

This holiday commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad. While the celebration methods vary among Muslim communities, it typically involves prayers, feasts, and gatherings where the life and teachings of the Prophet are discussed. Some Muslim communities do not observe Mawlid as a religious holiday, while others celebrate it with great enthusiasm.

December 12, 2023

Commemorated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service. Many Americans honor the day by visiting cemeteries and memorials or participating in parades.

December 13, 2023

Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, this festival is a time for families to gather and appreciate the full moon. Mooncakes, a traditional pastry, are exchanged and eaten during this festival.

December 14, 2023

Celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, National Day is marked by various patriotic events, fireworks, and festivities across the country.

December 14, 2023

Vietnam’s National Day is on September 2 each year. Celebrating Vietnam's declaration of independence in 1945, National Day is marked by patriotic events, parades, and festivities across the country.

December 14, 2023

New Year’s Day takes place on January 1 each year. The first day of the year is often celebrated with parties, fireworks, and various festivities to welcome the new year.

December 13, 2023

Our Lady of Aparecide Day is on October 12 each year and is a day dedicated to Brazil's patron saint, and it is a national holiday. Many Brazilians participate in religious processions and attend Mass.

December 13, 2023

A time for families to visit the graves of ancestors, clean the tombstones, and make offerings. It usually takes place in early April.

December 14, 2023

Remembrance Day is a Canadian holiday that takes place on November 11. Canadians observe Remembrance Day to honor the military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. The day is marked by ceremonies at war memorials, including the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

December 13, 2023

Vietnam's Reunification Day, also known as "Ngày Thống nhất" in Vietnamese, is a significant national holiday commemorating the reunification of North and South Vietnam. The day holds historical importance and marks the end of the Vietnam War, resulting in the reunification of the country.

December 14, 2023

The week leading up to Easter is a significant religious observance in Mexico. Many communities hold processions, religious services, and reenactments of the Passion of Christ.

December 13, 2023

Celebrated on November 15, Shichi-Go-San is a rite of passage for children of ages three, five, and seven. Families dress children in traditional attire and visit shrines to pray for their well-being.

December 14, 2023

The most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam, Tet marks the beginning of the lunar new year. It involves family reunions, traditional foods, fireworks, dragon and lion dances, and the giving and receiving of "li xi" (lucky money in red envelopes).

December 14, 2023

Canada’s Thanksgiving is on the second Monday in October. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving with a festive meal, usually featuring turkey, and give thanks for the blessings of the harvest and the preceding year.

December 13, 2023

Thanksgiving Day in the United States is on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a day for expressing gratitude and enjoying a festive meal with family and friends. It typically involves a traditional dinner with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

December 13, 2023

Uposatha days are observance days occurring four times each lunar month (on the new moon, full moon, and two quarter moons). These days are dedicated to practicing ethical conduct, meditation, and studying Buddhist scriptures. Lay Buddhists may visit temples, observe precepts, and participate in communal activities. Uposatha serves as a regular opportunity for spiritual renewal.

December 12, 2023

Valentine’s Day is on February 14 each year and is a day to celebrate love and affection between intimate companions. It is often marked by the exchange of cards, flowers, and chocolates.

December 13, 2023

Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death (or parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. Celebrated on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vesakha (usually April or May), Vesak is a time for prayer, meditation, acts of kindness, and communal activities. Buddhists reflect on the life and teachings of the Buddha and engage in philanthropic activities.

December 12, 2023

Veterans Day is commemorated on November 11 each year and is set aside to honor and thank military veterans for their service. Many communities hold parades and ceremonies to honor the day.

December 13, 2023