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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
New Brunswick Day
New Brunswick Day is a provincial public holiday celebrating the founding of New Brunswick, featuring cultural events, fireworks, and community gatherings to honor local history and heritage each August.
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.
Civic Holiday in Canada
Civic Holiday (local public holiday) — Canada’s municipal August long weekend: a cultural traveler's chance to enjoy neighbourhood festivals, farmers’ markets, and staycations, highlighting local traditions and summer events across towns and cities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mountain Day in Japan
Mountain Day (Yama no Hi) — Japan's national holiday on August 11 celebrating mountains, nature appreciation, and hiking; a traveler's chance to explore alpine vistas, join local mountain festivals, and reflect on the cultural reverence for Japan's sacred peaks.
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.
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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