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
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.
National Mourning Day in Bangladesh
Mourning Day in Bangladesh is a National Holiday observed on August 15 to remember those who lost their lives during the War of Liberation of 1971. The day is also known as Martyred Intellectuals Day as it commemorates those who were killed in the war, during the violent political upheaval leading up to the independence of Bangladesh. The day is marked by the nation coming together in solemn contemplation and by visiting memorials and monuments dedicated to the memory of the dead.
Independence Day in Congo
Independence Day, or "Fête Nationale," is celebrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 15. Commemorating the nation's independence from Belgium in 1960, this day includes a variety of cultural and religious activities for the Congolese people. Parades, parties, fireworks, and other festivities take place throughout the country as a way to celebrate the nation’s sovereignty.
Gold Cup Parade in PEI in Canada
The Gold Cup Parade is a fun, family-friendly event held annually in PEI, Canada. Celebrating the island's maritime heritage, it features floats, music, processions, and much more.
Constitution Day in Indonesia
Constitution Day is a public holiday in Indonesia, celebrated annually on August 18. This holiday commemorates the 1945 Indonesian Constitution, which was adopted on that day. It marks the formal formation of the Indonesian Republic as an independent nation. Several events are organized in the capital, Jakarta, including honor guards, flag raising, singing of the national anthem, government speeches and folk performances. In the provinces, local governments usually plan competitions to promote voter education.
Independence Day in Afghanistan
Independence Day is celebrated on August 19 in Afghanistan. It is the day where Afghans celebrate their nation’s independence from the British and gain access to self-rule. This is a major national holiday for Afghanistan, where the red, green, and black flags of Afghanistan can be seen flying in major public areas throughout the country. During the festivities, traditional Afghan folk music, dancing, and cultural activities such as poetry-reading occur. Additionally, a parade is led through the city to celebrate the day.
St. Stephen’s Day in Hungary
St. Stephen's Day, a public holiday in Hungary, marks the foundation of the country in 1000 AD by King Stephen I. It is celebrated on August 20, and a daylong holiday is observed, with public and state institutions closed, and public events such as processions and concerts held. Special St. Stephen’s Day cakes and other delicacies are prepared for the occasion. These symbols of friendship, welcome and hospitality often include an "extra slice" for an unexpected guest.
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.
We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, please click here to contact us!