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
WWII Victory Day
WWII Victory Day is a national holiday in Europe which commemorates the Allied victory and celebrates the end of WWII in Europe. It is marked with military parades, gun salutes, and memorial services honoring the millions of people who lost their lives during the war.
Galicia Literature Day in Spain
Galicia Literature Day is a public holiday in Spain celebrated on May 17th. It commemorates the historic Galician language and its literature, as well as the emergence of Galicia as a cultural and political identity.
Commemoration of Atatürk in Youth and Sports Day
Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day celebrates the Turkish Republic's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk as well as the youth of Turkey and the role of sports in the nation.
Victoria Day in Canada
Victoria Day is a federal holiday in Canada, celebrated annually on the last Monday before 25th of May. This holiday originated as a tribute to Queen Victoria's birthday and has been celebrated for many years. As an occasion of great national importance, it marks the official start of summer and is typically celebrated by Canadian citizens by enjoying picnics and barbecues or simply taking a stroll.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is an American holiday on the last Monday of May. Traditionally, the day is to remember and honor those who have died in military service. Commemorative ceremonies such as parades, speeches, and the decorating of graves with flags take place throughout the country. This is a special time for all those who have lost loved ones, friends, and family due to service in the armed forces.
Ganatantra Diwas (Republic Day) in Nepal
Ganatantra Diwas (Republic Day) in Nepal is one of the most important holidays in the country and marks the day when the country declared itself a republic in 2008. The day is celebrated annually on the 29th of May, and is a huge cause for national pride.
Day of the Canary Islands
The Day of the Canary Islands is a public holiday celebrated on May 30th each year across the seven islands of the Canary Archipelago. It marks the creation of a new autonomous community by the Spanish Parliament in 1982. On this day, locals take part in cultural events such as concerts, sports activities, processions, and carnivals. Even though it is a public holiday, particular attention is given to education and the environment. People make efforts to raise environmental awareness and remember the importance of preserving the ecological balance of the islands.
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.
Republic Day in Italy
Republic Day in Italy (Festa della Repubblica) is a national holiday celebrated annually on June, 2nd. It commemorates the birth of the Republic of Italy in 1946, when Italians voted in a referendum to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. Celebrations often include parades, fireworks and concerts, as well as performances and exhibitions, which are held specially to mark the occasion.
The Feast of St. John in Florence in Genoa in Turin in Italy
St. John's Feast is a traditional Italian holiday marked with festivals, religious ceremonies, feasts, and processions celebrating the life of St. John the Baptist in cities such as Florence, Genoa, and Turin.
Saint John the Baptist Day in Spain
John the Baptist Day is a celebration in Spain on June 24. It celebrates the birth of Saint John the Baptist and is observed with solemn masses and processions. It honors his life as spiritual leader and prophet, especially his role in preparing the way for Jesus.
The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome in Italy
The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is a Roman Catholic holy day celebrated on June 29th, honouring the two saints in the tradition of Christianity. The day is marked with processions, festivities, and prayers in the historic city of Rome, Italy.
Canada Day 2024
Canada Day is a national holiday celebrated on July 1 to honor the anniversary of Confederation, when the British North American colonies became the independent nation of Canada in 1867. Gatherings of friends, family, and community members take place, with parades, fireworks, food, and entertainment that celebrate Canad's unique cultural and geographic heritage.
Bastille Day
Bastille Day, also known as La Fete Nationale, is a national holiday in France and various French-speaking countries celebrated annually on July 14. The day commemorates the Storming of the Bastille, a turning point in the French Revolution, and is marked with parades, performances, fireworks, and general celebration. The day is seen as a national symbol of freedom and democracy.
Derg Downfall Day
Derg Downfall Day is an annual holiday in Ethiopia celebrated on 28th May to remember and honor the overthrow of the Marxist military dictatorship known as the Derg. This event is remembered with vigils, music, speeches, and colorful festivities that commemorate this significant moment in the country’s history and celebrate its newfound freedom.
Feast of Saint James the Apostle in Spain
The Feast of Saint James is a national holiday in Spain celebrated on July 25th. It is the Feast Day of the patron saint of Spain, Saint James the Apostle, and it honors the Christian martyrdom of James. The day is marked with parades, religious ceremonies, and fireworks.
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.
Women’s and Family Day in Tunisia
Women’s and Family Day is a holiday in Tunisia celebrated annually on August 13th. This day is devoted to the celebration and protection of women's rights, family values, and gender equality. It is marked with festivities in major cities and towns across the country and is the perfect occasion to recognize and honour the values and roles of Tunisian women in society. Many public activities are held, such as discussion groups, art exhibitions, and concerts.
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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