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
Vinayaka Chathurthi in India
Vinayaka Chathurthi is an Indian holiday celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. People decorate temple altars and homes with clay statues of the elephant-headed god and offer prayers and sweets.
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.
National Day in Hungary
The National Day of Hungary is an annual public holiday celebrated on the 15th of March. It marks the official anniversary of the 1848 revolution against Austrian rule. Commemorations are held throughout the country with marches, speeches and performances. People show their respect by displaying the Hungarian tricolour and the iconic Árpád Stripes. It is a day of reflection on the country’s history, and of celebration for modern-day Hungarians.
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.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s Day in Norway
Crown Princess Mette-Marit Day in Norway (observance): A reflective, community-focused day celebrating her humanitarian, cultural and youth advocacy—marked by charity events, museum exhibits and local gatherings that spotlight Norway’s modern monarchy and civic engagement.
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.
Our Lady of Sorrows in Portugal
Our Lady of Sorrows in Portugal is celebrated on August 20th, where people come together in a traditional pilgrimage to honour the Virgin Mary in the hope of asking for salvation and protection.
Ninoy Aquino Day
Ninoy Aquino Day is a national holiday in the Philippines celebrated annually on August 21. It commemorates the assassination of Benigno (“Ninoy”) Aquino Jr., a prominent opposition leader to the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, who was seen as a symbol of freedom and democracy. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and celebration of his life and legacy.
Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Hol Day in Malaysia
Marhum Sultan Iskandar Hol Day is an annual holiday commemorating the birthday of the late Sultan of Johor, Malaysia.
Birthday of the Governor of Malacca in Malaysia
The Birthday of the Governor of Malacca, Malaysia is celebrated on 24 August each year and commemorates the birthday of the current state governor. Activities include a parade, official ceremonies, and the lighting of a large birthday cake to symbolize the joy of the occasion.
Day of Songun in North Korea in August 25
Day of Songun is a North Korean holiday celebrated annually on August 25. The holiday acknowledges the significance of former North Korean president and leader Kim Jong Il's Songun (‘Military-first’) philosophy which stresses the importance of reviving and building the power of the nation's armed forces by elevating them above all other aspects of the country. During the holiday, citizens across North Korea gather in shows of loyalty and gratitude for the country's military and their leader. Parades, speeches, and rallies in support of the military are common.
National Heroes Day in Philipines
National Heroes Day in the Philippines is an annual nationwide holiday celebrated on the last Monday of August to honor the country's national heroes. It is an opportunity for the Filipino people to remember those who have fought and made sacrifices for the country's independence, freedom, and democracy. Veterans of all wars, those who served in the military, police, and other government agents are honored on this day. The flag is flown at half-staff to show respect for those who gave their lives for the country and the nation's anthem is sung as a tribute.
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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