Folk Observances

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?

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Omisoka.

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

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

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

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

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.

An unofficial holiday, this is the Russian equivalent of Mardi Gras that takes place the week before Lent.

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

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

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.

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

Baba Marta on March 1st is believed to mark the beginning of spring.

Traditionally celebrated as the birthday of the God of Heaven.

Honors the popular national symbol of Kyrgyzstan, the four-paneled hat, or kalpak.

How to say ‘Happy St Piran’s Day’ in Cornish, what is the flag - and why is it celebrated?

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Saint Patricks Day