In a world as diverse as ours, where cultures, traditions, and histories intermingle, there exists a rich tapestry of public holidays that celebrate the essence of nations and peoples. These holidays serve as a collective pause in the rush of our daily lives, offering a moment to reflect, commemorate, and come together in unity. From ancient traditions passed down through generations to modern observances rooted in contemporary significance, the world’s public holidays are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience, creativity, and capacity for celebration.
This compilation, the “World’s Public Holidays Listing,” provides a glimpse into the global mosaic of public celebrations. It is a journey that takes us across continents and time periods, offering insights into the unique customs, rituals, and festivities that define each holiday. As we explore this global calendar of observances, we discover not only the diversity of our world but also the universal human longing for connection, meaning, and the simple joy of coming together.
All World’s Public Holidays
Upcoming World’s Public Holidays
Day of Castile-La Mancha in Spain
The Day of Castile-La Mancha is a public holiday in the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha, Spain, celebrated annually on May 31st. This holiday marks the autonomy of the region and its culture is celebrated throughout Castile-La Mancha.
National Day in Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein National Day is an annual public holiday that takes place each August 15th. It celebrates the Princely Family of Liechtenstein as well as the country’s rich history and culture. The day features colorful parades, musical performances, carnivals, and activities for all ages. People also gather to raise the national flag and sing the Liechtenstein national anthem. It's a great time to get together and celebrate Liechtenstein!
Peace Festiva in Augsburg
Peace Festival Augsburg offers an intersection of entertainment, culture, and spirituality. Enjoy a weekend full of street music, dance stages, interactive workshops, contortion, aerial and physical circus, modern circus acts, drum shows and much more. There is something for everybody: concerts, family shows, a creative playground for children, crafts, marketplaces and a 5k yoga run. Don't miss out on this unique occasion to experience a unique and joyful celebration of peace and community in Augsburg.
Pidjiguiti Day
Pidjiguiti Day, celebrated annually on August 3 in Guinea-Bissau, marks the historic resistance of Guinea-Bissau’s dockworkers who staged a strike in 1959 to protest exploitation on the docks. After the strike, Pidjiguiti, a dockworker, was murdered by Portuguese authorities. The holiday serves to remember this day of resistance and to honor the legacy of Pidjiguiti. Large rallies are held and official ceremonies take place throughout the country.
British Columbia Day in Canada
British Columbia Day is a Canadian statutory holiday observed in the province of British Columbia on the first Monday in August. It honours the anniversary of the July 19, 1871, union of the British colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia to form the province of British Columbia. This holiday gives residents of the province an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of British Columbians and acknowledge the ongoing accomplishments of citizens and organizations across the province.
Natal Day in Nova Scotia in Canada
Nova Scotia's Natal Day is a provincial statutory holiday celebrated on the first Monday in August. The day honors the anniversary of the British creation of the province on July 1, 1867. The holiday celebrates the province's diverse culture and heritage, and is an official day of celebration that includes parades, music, firework displays, and family-friendly activities in many communities.
Independence Day in Jamaica
Independence Day is a national holiday in Jamaica, held on August 6th. The holiday celebrates the nation gaining independence from the United Kingdom on this day in 1962. The day is marked with a parade of officials and members of the military through the streets of Jamaica's capital city, Kingston. There are also local parades and ceremonies, as well as concerts and other cultural events.
New Brunswick Day
New Brunswick Day is a statutory holiday in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, celebrated annually on the first Monday of August. Officially established in 1989, the holiday marks the anniversary of the signing of the British North America Act in 1867, which united the colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada into the single Dominion of Canada. Local events mark the occasion, featuring cultural activities, music, performances, and food. This year, the holiday will be celebrated on August 3rd.
Civic Holiday in Canada
Civic Holiday, also known as the Simcoe Day, is a Canadian statutory holiday celebrated on the first Monday of August in provinces and territories. It serves to recognize the public service and civic contributions of citizens in their communities. The holiday allows the public to take part in various local festivals, fairs, parades, and other outdoor activities. The day was originally proclaimed by Ontario in 1868 and is now recognized in most Canadian provinces.
Independence Day in Ivory Coast
Independence Day (Fête de l'Indépendance) is a public holiday in Ivory Coast, celebrated annually on 7 August to commemorate the nation's independence from France in 1960. This date was chosen because August 7 is the date of the proclamation of the Republic of Ivory Coast in 1960. During the festivities, military parades and performances are held throughout the country. This day is regarded as a celebration of the nation's historical heritage.
Suriname Indigenous People’s Day
Indigenous People’s Day is a national holiday in Suriname, observed every August 9th. This day is dedicated to commemoration and celebration of the indigenous people who inhabit Suriname—the three major groups being the Arawak, Carib, and Bush Negro—and their history and contributions to the country. Indigenous People's Day is marked with festivities, traditional ceremonies, and celebrations featuring music, dance, painting, craft displays, and cultural foods.
National Day in Singapore
National Day is an annual celebration which commemorates Singapore's independence from Malaysia in 1965. It is usually celebrated on August 9th with an official flag-raising ceremony, followed by a parade consisting of floats, singing, and dancing. The parade culminates in a spectacular show in the evening featuring spectacular fireworks and laser displays. National Day also marks an opportunity to celebrate Singapore's progress since independence, with people coming together to reflect on its achievements.
Mountain Day in Japan
Mountain Day is a Japanese holiday that is celebrated on the 11th of August every year. It was first celebrated in 2016 and is meant to raise awareness of and appreciation for Japan’s mountains and natural beauty, as well as providing a day of rest and outdoor recreation for workers, many of whom take time off to climb mountains or go camping. The holiday is intended to give people an opportunity to rest and enjoy nature, as well as strengthen ties between families, friends, and communities.
Royal National Agricultural Show Day Queensland in Australia
Royal National Agricultural Show Day is a public holiday celebrated in Queensland, Australia every year on the first Wednesday of August. This day is commemorated to acknowledge the importance of agriculture and its contribution to the Queensland economy. On this day, the Royal National Show is held in Brisbane and features agricultural competitions, livestock displays, exhibitions, entertainment and activities for the whole family. The show is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Queensland’s agricultural industry and the hardworking people who contribute to building a vibrant, prosperous state.
The Queen’s Birthday in Thailand
The Queen’s Birthday, also known as Mother’s Day in Thailand, is an annual public holiday observed on August 12. Celebrations, including special prayers and the presentation of special gifts, take place in honor of the beloved Queen. Many Thais visit temples to pray for Her Majesty’s health and to give merit to the royal family. Official public ceremonies and festivities are also held to honor the Queen. People are encouraged to wear shades of blue, pink and yellow on the day, the traditional colors of the Thai monarchy.
Independence Day in Pakistan
Independence Day is a national holiday in Pakistan celebrated annually on 14 August, to mark the anniversary of the nation’s independence from British rule in 1947. The day is celebrated throughout Pakistan in a special way with flags, marches, cultural shows, and fireworks. Government officials address the nation and emphasize the importance of patriotism, unity, and national identity.
Anniversary of the Recovery of Oued Ed-Dahab
Oued Ed-Dahab Recovery Day is an annual celebration in Morocco. The holiday marks the recovery of the Oued Ed-Dahab region from the Spanish occupation in 1979. The event honours those who fought for the freedom of the area during the armed conflict and is observed on August 14th each year. Celebrations typically include marches, speeches by leaders, and performances of traditional songs and dances.
Mother’s Day in Costa Rica
Mother's Day in Costa Rica is celebrated on August 14th and is seen as a day to honor mothers and all they do for their children. People visit their mothers throughout the day, bringing cards and gifts, and celebrating with festive meals. Many families also take part in religious ceremonies, giving thanks for the gift of motherhood. Throughout the country, Mother's Day is an important date observed by all, and a reminder of the importance of family.
Carnival in Grenada
Carnival is a holiday celebration held in Grenada each year from August 14 to August 18. It includes five days of dance, music, pageantry, and partying. During the first day, revelers don costumes and parade in the streets, accompanied by steel pan bands, with performances and competitions. Carnival gives expression to the culture and community of Grenada, inspiring pride and collective joy.
National Navajo Code Talkers Day in United States
National Navajo Code Talkers Day is an annual U.S. holiday in honor of Native American code talkers who used their native language in World War II to create an unbreakable code. It is celebrated on August 14 each year.
In the grand tapestry of our shared humanity, public holidays stand as vibrant threads, each contributing to the intricate design of our global culture. As we conclude our exploration of the “World’s Public Holidays Listing,” we recognize that these celebrations are not merely days marked on a calendar but reflections of our collective history, values, and aspirations. They remind us of our past triumphs and challenges, and they beckon us towards a future of unity, understanding, and shared experiences.
May this collection serve as an invitation to delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage of our world, fostering greater appreciation for the traditions and celebrations that bind us all. Whether we observe these holidays personally or simply gain a broader perspective on the global tapestry, we are reminded that, at our core, we are part of a diverse and interconnected human family. Public holidays, in all their forms and manifestations, illuminate the path towards greater cultural exchange, tolerance, and the celebration of our shared humanity.
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