Folk Observances

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.

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.

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?

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

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

Find out the dates, history and traditions of International Astrology Day.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of April Fools Day

An annual celebration of Scottish culture and heritage that began in Canada in the 1980s.

St. George's Day is celebrated as a day of love and culture in Catalonia, Spain.

In parts of Northern and Eastern Europe, the Mass of Saint Walburga or Walpurgis Night is celebrated on the evening of April 30th.

Beltane is a Celtic festival celebrating the start of Spring