Folk Observances

Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Paul Bunyan Day

A day to celebrate Scottish heritage through arguably its most obvious manifestation - Tartan.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Kupala Night.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Tanabata.

What's more sensible as a weather forecast? The bones of a 1,200 year old saint or a groundhog?

Obon is a popular three-day Buddhist festival in Japan focused on the spirits of ancestors.

Obon is a popular three-day Buddhist festival in Japan focused on the spirits of ancestors.

Obon is a popular three-day Buddhist festival in Japan focused on the spirits of ancestors.

Though the French colony of Acadia may have disappeared the spirit of those early settlers lives on through its descendants.

The seventh day of the seventh month is the most romantic day in the Chinese calendar.

A melting pot of different cultures has created a unique and rich folklore for the country.

Because anyone who can make a money magically appear under your pillow deserves a special day!

Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters.

The holiday has been observed annually on Labor Day weekend since 1953 to commemorate the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution.

Oktoberfest is held annually in Munich attracting over 5 million visitors each year.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Mabon

Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Batik Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of National German-American Day

Find out the history and background to the Spiritual Consent Day observed in Kazakhstan.

The festival, otherwise known as Autumn Remembrance, has been celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth moon for millennia.

Ireland is believed to be the birthplace of the Halloween festival.

In Germany, Austria and various parts of Europe, Krampus arrives with St. Nicholas the night before the feast on December 6th to punish misbehaved children.

Discover the magic of Yule, the ancient festival of rebirth, and explore its rich traditions that predate modern Christmas celebrations.

A national holiday in Iceland to honour their patron saint, a 12th century bishop.

Dive into the vibrant celebration of Wren Day in Ireland with music, dancing, and unique costumes, honoring folklore and community spirit.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Omisoka.

It's time to take down those Christmas decorations for another year.

Discover Nollaig na mBan, Ireland's beloved "Women's Christmas." Celebrated on January 6th, it’s a day for women to relax after the busy holiday season. Learn about this cozy tradition.

Discover the history of Saint Distaff’s Day on January 7th. Learn how medieval women marked the end of the Christmas season by returning to their spinning wheels with humor and tradition.

The Christmas period in Sweden carries on until the “dancing out” of Christmas on “tjugondag Knut”.

The festival of Lohri is believed to be the end of the winter season and marks the beginning of longer days.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of St Dwynwen's Day.

Experience the heat of Up Helly Aa, Europe's largest fire festival! Discover how the Shetland Islands celebrate their Viking heritage with a massive torch-lit parade and the burning of a traditional galley.

Imbolc is a Celtic festival celebrating the start of Spring

February 2nd each year brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year—and the only one led by a rodent.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of the Setsubun Festival.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Fat Thursday.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Lunar New Year.

Mardi Gras falls on the day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

Traditionally celebrated as the birthday of the God of Heaven.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Dragobete.

Celebrate Kalevala Day on February 28th, honoring Finland's rich folklore and national identity with events, storytelling, and cultural pride.