Selected holidays and other observances

Selected holidays and other observances

▪ Table
Selected holidays and other observances
January
February
March April
May
June July
August
September October
November
December
1 various New Year's Day, the first day of the modern calendar.
1 Cuba Liberation Day, for independence from Spain (1899).
1 The Sudan Independence Day, for independence from Britain and Egypt (1956).
1 Taiwan Founding of Republic of China, for Chiang Kai-shek's founding of republic (1949).
1–2 Haiti Independence Day and Heroes' Day, for independence from France (Jan. 1, 1804).
3 Burkina Faso Revolution Day, for 1966 revolution.
4 Myanmar (Burma) Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1948).
6 various eastern Christian Christmas, celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
6 various Christian Epiphany, 12th day after Christmas, for visit of Magi to the child Jesus.
7 Liberia Pioneers Day, for early black settlers, mostly from U.S.
11 Albania Proclamation of the Republic Day, for establishing the republic (1946).
11 Chad Independence Day, for independence from France (actual date Aug. 11, 1960).
11 Nepal National Unity Day, for founding of present royal dynasty (1769–75).
13 Togo Liberation Day, for new constitution (1979).
15 Japan Adults' Day, for persons attaining age 20.
17 Philippines Constitution Day, for 1935 constitution.
17 Poland Liberation Day, for liberation from Nazis (1945).
18 Tunisia Revolution Day, for struggles leading to independence from France (1956) and abolition of monarchy (1957).
19 or 3rd Monday southern U.S. Robert E. Lee Birthday, for birth of Confederate general (1807).
19 various eastern Christian Epiphany, 12th day after Christmas, for visit of Magi to the child Jesus.
20 U.S. Inauguration Day, for quadrennial inauguration of U.S. president.
3rd Monday U.S. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, for birth of civil rights leader (1929).
1st Monday on or after 26 Australia Australia Day, for first British settlement (1788).
26 Dominican Republic Duarte's Day, for birthday of patriot Juan Pablo Duarte (1813).
26 India Republic Day, for proclamation of the republic (1950).
31 Nauru Independence Day, for release from Australian trusteeship (1968).
January/February
2nd new moon after winter solstice (earliest January 21; latest February 19) Chinese New Year, for Chinese lunar year, inaugurating 10- to 14-day celebration.
Shebat 15 Jewish Tu bi-Shebat, for Jewish arbour day.
2 various Christian Candlemas Day, for presentation of Jesus in the Temple and purification of Mary 40 days after his birth.
4 Sri Lanka Independence and National Day, for independence from Britain (1948).
6 New Zealand Waitangi Day, or New Zealand Day, for Treaty of Waitangi (1840), granting British sovereignty.
7 Grenada Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1974).
11 Iran Revolution Day, or National Day, for overthrow of shah (1979).
11 Japan National Foundation Day, for founding by first emperor (660 BC).
11 Vatican City Independence Anniversary, for signing of Lateran Treaty (1929).
12 Myanmar Union Day, for formation of Union of Myanmar, or Burma (1947).
12 or 1st Monday various U.S. Lincoln's Birthday, for birth of President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12, 1809).
14 various St. Valentine's Day, celebrating the exchange of love messages and named for either of two 3rd-century Christian martyrs.
16 Lithuania Independence Day, for proclamation of independence (1918).
18 The Gambia Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1965).
21 Bangladesh Martyrs Day, for martyrs advocating Bengali language (1952).
3rd Monday various U.S. Presidents' Day, Washington-Lincoln Day, or Washington's Birthday, for birthdays of Presidents George Washington (Feb. 22, 1732) and Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12, 1809).
22 Saint Lucia Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1979).
23 Brunei Independence Day, or National Day, for independence from Britain (granted Jan. 1, 1984).
23 Guyana Republic Day, for proclamation of republic (1970).
24 Estonia Independence Day, for proclamation of independence (1918).
25 Kuwait National Day, celebrating accession of Sheikh 'Abdullah al-Salim al-Sabah (1950), under whom came independence from Britain (June 19, 1961).
27 Dominican Republic Independence Day, for independence from Haiti (1844).
February/March
3 days before Lent various Christian Carnival, or Shrovetide, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (Mardi Gras) before Ash Wednesday.
40 days (except Sundays) before Easter various Christian Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent (lasting until Easter).
Adar 14/15 Jewish Purim, for Esther's intervention to save Jews of Persia (5th century BC).
1 South Korea Independence Day, for movement toward independence from Japan (1919).
3 Bulgaria Liberation Day, for release from Ottoman rule (1878).
3 Morocco National Day, or Feast of the Throne, for accession of King Hassan II (1961).
6 Ghana Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1957).
8 international International Women's Day, celebration of the women's liberation movement.
8 Syria Revolution Day, for 1963 revolution.
12 Gabon Renovation Day, for national renewal.
12 Lesotho Mshweshwe's Day, for 19th-century leader of the Sotho.
12 Mauritius Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1968).
15 Hungary National Day, for uprising of 1848.
17 Ireland/various St. Patrick's Day, for patron saint of Ireland.
20 Tunisia Independence Day, for independence from France (1956).
21 Namibia Independence Day, for independence from South Africa (1990).
21 or 22 Japan Vernal Equinox Day, for beginning of spring.
23 Pakistan Republic Day, for establishment of the republic (1956).
25 Christian Feast of the Annunciation, or Lady Day, for the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary of the coming birth of Jesus.
25 Greece Independence Day, for proclamation of independence from the Ottoman Empire (1821).
26 Bangladesh Independence Day, for independence from Pakistan (1971).
29 Madagascar Memorial Day, for martyrs of rebellion against the French (1947).
31 Malta National Day, or Freedom Day, for independence from Britain (1964).
March/April/May
Nisan 15–22 (earliest March 26–April 2; latest April 25–May 1) Jewish Passover, 8-day commemoration of liberation of Jews from Egyptian bondage (13th century BC).
Sunday before Easter various Christian Palm Sunday, for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
Friday before Easter various Christian Good Friday, for Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
1st Sunday after 1st full moon after anciently calculated vernal equinox (March 21) in Gregorian calendar (earliest March 22; latest April 27) western Christian, some eastern Christian Easter, for Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1st Sunday after 1st full moon after anciently calculated vernal equinox (March 21) in Julian calendar (earliest April 3; latest May 10, New Style) most eastern Christian Easter, for Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
15th day of full moon of Phalguna Hindu Holi, spring festival commemorating the burning of the witch Holika.
1 various April Fools' Day, or All Fools' Day, day for playing jokes, falling one week after the old New Year's Day of March 25.
3 Guinea Independence Day, or Celebration of the Second Republic, commemorating renewal following President Sékou Touré's death (1984).
4 Hungary Liberation Day, for liberation from Nazis (1945).
4 Senegal National Day, or Independence Day, for completion of agreements with France giving sovereignty (1960).
5 Chinese Ching Ming, for sweeping tombs and honouring the dead.
6 South Africa Founders' Day, for first settlement of Dutch (1652).
6 Thailand Chakri Day, for founding of present dynasty by King Rama I (1782–1809).
7 international World Health Day, for founding of World Health Organization (1948).
8 Buddhist Flower Festival, for Buddha's birthday.
9 Bolivia National Day, for popular revolution of 1952.
11 Costa Rica National Heroes' Day, for repelling Nicaraguan invasion (1856).
14 Americas Pan American Day, for first conference of American states (1890).
14 Chad Independence Day, for promulgation of constitution (1962).
15 Shinto Sanno Festival, honouring mountain god Sanno.
16 Denmark Queen Margrethe's Birthday, for queen's birthday (1940).
17 American Samoa Flag Day, for raising American flag (1900) and establishing constitutional government (1960).
17 Syria Independence Day, or National Day, for withdrawal of French (1946).
18 Zimbabwe Independence Day, for end to white minority rule (1980).
19 Sierra Leone Republic Anniversary Day, for founding of the republic (1971).
19 Uruguay Landing of the 33 Immortals, for return of 33 patriots, leading to independence from Brazil (1825).
19 Venezuela Declaration of Independence Day and Day of the Indian, for founding of the republic (1830).
21/22 various Earth Day, for conservation and reclaiming of the natural environment.
25 Australia/New Zealand/Samoa/Tonga ANZAC Day, for landing at Gallipoli (1915).
26 Tanzania Union Day, for union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar (1964).
27 Sierra Leone Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1961).
27 Togo Independence Day, for independence from France (1960).
30 various Walpurgis Night, witches' sabbath, eve of May Day.
30 The Netherlands Queen's Birthday, for Queen Beatrix's investiture and former Queen Juliana's birthday.
April/May
Iyyar 5 Israel Independence Day, for establishment of provisional government of Israel (1948).
Nisan 27 Israel Holocaust Day, commemorating the Nazi Holocaust (1933–45).
1st full moon of month Vishakha Buddhist Vesak, for birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
Vishakha 1 Hindu Vishakhi, New Year festival.
1 various May Day, celebrated as labour day or as festival of flowers.
1st Monday Japan Constitution Memorial Day, for establishment of democratic government (1947).
3 Poland Constitution Day, for adoption of first constitution (1794).
5 Japan/South Korea Children's Day, for honouring children.
5 Mexico Cinco de Mayo, for the defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla (1867).
5 Thailand Coronation Day, for crowning of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1946).
8/9 various V-E Day, or Liberation Day, for end of World War II in Europe (proclaimed to take effect at 12:01 AM, May 9, 1945, middle European standard time).
14 Malawi Kamuzu Day, for birthday of President H. Kamuzu Banda.
14–15 Paraguay Flag Day and Independence Day, for independence from Spain (May 14, 1811).
2nd Sunday U.S. Mother's Day, honouring mothers.
17 Nauru Constitution Day, for constitution amendments and independence from Australia (1968).
17 Norway Constitution Day, for adoption of constitution (1814).
20 Cameroon National Day, for independence from France (1960) and declaration of the republic (1972).
3rd Saturday U.S. Armed Forces Day, for U.S. armed forces.
22 Haiti Sovereignty and Thanksgiving Day, for Haitian rulers and Haitian customs.
22 Sri Lanka Heroes' Day, for ratification of constitution (1972).
24 Ecuador Independence Battle Day, or Battle of Pinchincha Day, for independence from Spain (1822).
25 various African African Freedom Day, or OAU Day, for founding of Organization of African Unity (1963).
25 Argentina National Day, for revolution against Spain (1810).
25 Jordan Independence Day, for autonomy from Britain (1946).
last Monday or 30 most U.S. Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, in honour of the deceased, especially the war dead.
last Monday U.K. Spring Bank Holiday, for recreation.
31 South Africa Republic Day, for establishment of the union (1910) and of the republic (1961).
May/June
40th day after Easter various Christian Ascension Day, for Jesus Christ's Ascension into heaven.
7th Sunday after Easter various Christian Pentecost, or Whitsunday, for descent of Holy Spirit among Christ's disciples, marking beginning of Christian mission.
1st Sunday after Pentecost various Christian Trinity Sunday, in honour of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
1st Thursday after Trinity Sunday various Christian Feast of Corpus Christi, in honour of the Holy Eucharist.
Sivan 6/7 Jewish Shabuoth, for the revelation of the Torah at Sinai.
1–2 Tunisia Constitution Day, or Victory Day, for promulgation of constitution (June 1, 1959).
1–3 Western Samoa Independence Days, for release from New Zealand trusteeship (actual date Jan. 1, 1962).
2 Italy Anniversary of the Republic, for referendum establishing republic (1946).
4 Tonga Emancipation Day, for release from British protectorship (1970).
5 international World Environment Day, for environmental concerns worldwide (marking anniversary of first UN Conference on Human Environment, 1972).
5 Denmark Constitution Day, for two constitutions (1849, 1953).
5 Seychelles Liberation Day, for change of government (1977).
6 Sweden National Day, for Gustav I Vasa's ascension to the throne (1523) and adoption of constitution (1809).
10 Portugal Portugal's Day, or Camões Memorial Day, for birthday of Luis de Camões (1580).
11 Hawaii King Kamehameha I Day, for Hawaiian monarch (1758–1819).
12 Philippines Independence Day, for declaration of independence from Spain (1898).
13 Yemen Reform Movement Day, for anniversary of 1974 reforms.
14 U.S. Flag Day, for honouring flag.
17 Iceland Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, for independence from Denmark (1944).
3rd Saturday U.K. Queen's Official Birthday, for Queen Elizabeth II (b. April 21, 1926).
3rd Sunday U.S. Father's Day, honouring fathers.
23 Luxembourg National Day, for Grand Duke Jean's official birthday (b. Jan. 5, 1921).
23–24 various European Midsummer Eve and Midsummer Day, for celebrating the return of summer.
24 Zaire Day of Fishers, for fishermen and for adoption of constitution (1967) and currency.
25 Mozambique Independence Day, for independence from Portugal (1975).
26 Madagascar Independence Day, for independence from France (1960).
26 Somalia Independence Day, for agreement on Italian Somaliland's release from Italian trusteeship and British Somaliland's independence from Britain (1960).
27 Djibouti Independence Day, for independence from France (1977).
29 Seychelles Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1976).
final Sunday international Gay and Lesbian Pride Day, final day of week-long advocacy of rights of homosexuals.
1 Burundi Independence Day, for independence from Belgium (1962).
1 Canada Canada Day, or Dominion Day, for establishment of dominion (1867).
1 Ghana Republic Day, for proclamation of republic (1960).
1 Rwanda Independence Day, for independence from Belgium (1962).
1 Somalia Union Day, for merger of Italian and British territories into new republic (1960).
1 Suriname Day of Freedom, for abolition of slavery (1863).
3 Algeria Independence Day, for independence from France (1962).
4 U.S. Independence Day, for passage of Declaration of Independence from Britain (1776).
5 Cape Verde Is. Independence Day, for independence from Portugal (1975).
5 Venezuela Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1811).
6 Comoros Independence Day, for independence from France (1975).
6 Malawi Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1964) and proclamation of republic (1966).
7 Solomon Is. Independence Day, or National Day, for independence from Britain (1978).
9 Argentina Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1816).
10 Bahamas National Day, for independence from Britain (1973).
11–12 Mongolia National Days, for revolution against China (1921).
12 Northern Ireland Orangemen's Day, or Orange Day, anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne (1690).
12 Kiribati Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1979).
12 São Tomé and Príncipe Anniversary of National Independence, for independence from Portugal (1975).
14 France Bastille Day, for fall of the Bastille and onset of French Revolution (1789).
14 Iraq Revolution Day, for revolution of 1958 ending monarchy.
15 Brunei Sultan's Birthday, for birthday of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
17 Iraq 17th of July Revolution Day, for revolution of 1968.
17 South Korea Constitution Day, for adoption of constitution (1963).
18 Uruguay Constitution Day, for adoption of constitution (1951).
19 Myanmar (Burma) Martyrs' Day, for assassination of Aung San and compatriots (1947).
20 Colombia Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1819).
21 Belgium National Day, for separation from The Netherlands (1831).
22 Poland National Liberation Day, for liberation from Nazis (1944) and enactment of constitution (1952).
23 Egypt Anniversary of the Revolution, for end of monarchy (1952).
24 various South American Bolívar's Birthday, for birthday of Simón Bolívar (1783).
25 Puerto Rico Commonwealth Day, or Constitution Day, for proclamation of constitution (1952).
25 Tunisia Republic Day, for proclamation of the republic (1957).
25–27 Cuba National Revolutionary Festival, in commemoration of Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement, founded 1953.
26 Liberia Independence Day, for establishment of Liberia (1847).
26–27 Maldives Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1965).
28–29 Peru Independence Days, for independence from Spain (1821).
30 Vanuatu Independence Day, for independence from Britain and France (1980).
July/August
mid-July or mid-August Buddhist Bon Festival, lighting of lanterns in honour of ancestors.
1 Benin National Day, for independence from France (1960).
1 Switzerland Anniversary of the Founding of the Swiss Confederation (1291).
2 Trinidad and Tobago Discovery Day, for discovery by Christopher Columbus (1498).
3 Guinea-Bissau Martyrs' Day, for martyrs of colonialism.
3 Niger Independence Day, for independence from France (1960).
4 Burkina Faso Anniversary of the Revolution, for independence from France (Aug. 5, 1960).
6 Bolivia Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1825).
6 Japan Hiroshima Day, for dropping of atomic bomb (1945).
1st Monday The Bahamas Emancipation Day, for freeing of slaves (1838).
1st Monday Jamaica Independence Day, for independence from Britain (Aug. 6, 1962).
9 Singapore National Day, for independence from Malaysia (1965).
10 Ecuador Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1809).
11 Chad Independence Day, for independence from France (1960).
11 Jordan King's Accession Day, for accession to throne by King Hussein (1952).
11–12 Zimbabwe Heroes' Day, for national heroes.
13 Central African Republic Proclamation of Independence Day, for independence from France (1960).
13–15 Congo (Brazzaville) Three Glorious Days, for independence from France (Aug. 15, 1960).
14 Pakistan Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1947).
15 various Christian Assumption Day, for Virgin Mary's Assumption into heaven.
15 India Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1947).
15 South Korea Independence Day, for liberation from Japan (1945) and proclamation of the republic (1948).
16 Dominican Republic Restoration Day, for establishment of the first democratic government (1963).
16–18 Gabon Independence Anniversary, for independence from France (Aug. 17, 1960).
17 Argentina San Martín Day, for death of patriot José de San Martín (1850).
17 Indonesia Independence Day, for proclamation of independence from The Netherlands (1945).
19 Afghanistan Independence Day, for signing of the Treaty of Rawalpindi (1919).
23–24 Romania National Holidays, for switch from Axis to Allied allegiance (1944).
25 Paraguay Constitution Day, for adoption of constitution (1967).
25 Uruguay Independence Day, for independence from Brazil (1825).
30 Peru St. Rose of Lima Day, feast day of native-born saint.
31 Malaysia Merdeka Day, or National Day, for independence from Britain (1957).
31 Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1962).
last Monday Hong Kong Liberation Day, for liberation from Japan (1945).
last Monday U.K. Late Summer Holiday, for recreation.
August/September
Bhadrapada 4 Hindu Ganesa-caturthi, or Ganesh Chaturthi, festival honouring the elephant-headed god Ganesa and the independence leader Balgangadhar Tilak.
full-moon day of 8th lunar month Korea Chusok, harvest festival.
1 Libya National Day, or Revolution Day, for overthrow of monarchy and formation of the republic (1969).
2–3 Vietnam Independence Days, for Ho Chi Minh's proclamation of independence (Sept. 2, 1945).
3 Qatar Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1971).
6 Swaziland Sobhuza Day, for independence from Britain (1968), named in honour of the 19th-century founder King Sobhuza I.
7 Brazil Independence Day, for independence from Portugal (1822).
1st Monday U.S., Canada Labor Day, tribute to workers.
9 North Korea Independence Day, for founding of democratic republic (1948).
9–10 Bulgaria National Days, or Liberation Days, for liberation from Nazis (1944).
10 Belize National Day, or St. George's Day, for victory against Spain (1798).
11 Pakistan Jinnah Day, anniversary of death of founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah (1948).
12 Cape Verde Is. National Day, for independence from Portugal (1974).
12 Ethiopia National Revolution Day, for deposition of Emperor Haile Selassie (1974).
12 Saudi Arabia National Day, celebrating national progress.
14 Nicaragua Battle of San Jacinto Day, for defeat of invaders under William Walker (1856).
15 Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua Independence Day, for Central American independence from Spain (1821).
15 Japan Respect-for-the-Aged Day, for the elderly.
16 Mexico Independence Day, for call for independence from Spain (1821).
16 Papua New Guinea Independence Day, for release from Australian trusteeship (1975).
16 Singapore Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1963).
17 Angola National Hero Day, for revolts against Portugal (1961–62) and civil war (1975).
18–19 Chile Independence Day and Armed Forces Day, for independence from Spain (1818) and for armed forces.
19 Saint Kitts and Nevis Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1983).
21 Belize Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1981).
21 Malta Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1964).
22 Mali Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, for independence from France (1960).
23 Saudi Arabia Unification of the Kingdom, for unification of the country (1932).
23 or 24 Japan Autumnal Equinox Day, for beginning of autumn; in honour of ancestors.
24 Guinea-Bissau Independence Day, for proclamation of independence from Portugal (1973).
26 Yemen National Day, for proclamation of the republic (1962).
29 Brunei Constitution Day, for promulgation of the constitution (1959).
29 various Christian Michaelmas, for celebration of the archangel Michael.
30–Oct. 1 Botswana Independence Days, or Botswana Days, for independence from Britain (Sept. 30, 1966).
September/October
Tishri 1 or 2 Jewish Rosh Hashana, new year's day initiating a 10-day period of penance and prayer.
Tishri 10 Jewish Yom Kippur, day of atonement and collective purification.
Tishri 15 Jewish Sukkoth, harvest festival and time of thanksgiving.
two weeks ending on 1st Sunday in October Germany Oktoberfest, festival of food and drink, formerly commemorating marriage of King Louis (Ludwig) I on Oct. 17, 1810.
1 Nigeria Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1960) and establishment of the republic (1963).
1–2 China National Days, for proclamation of the people's republic (Oct. 1, 1949).
1–2 Tuvalu Tuvalu Days, for independence from Britain (Oct. 1, 1978).
2 Guinea Anniversary of Guinean Independence, for independence from France (1958).
2 India Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday, for nationalist Mohandas K. Gandhi (b. 1869).
3 Germany Day of German Unity, for reunification of Germany (1990).
3 South Korea Foundation Day, for legendary founding of Korea in 2333 BC.
4 Lesotho Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1966).
5 Portugal Republic Day, for founding of the republic.
6 Egypt Armed Forces Day, for Egyptian crossing of Suez in invasion of Sinai (1973).
9 Uganda Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1962).
10 Fiji Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1970).
10 Japan Sports Day, or Physical Education Day, commemorating Tokyo Olympics of 1964.
12 or 2nd Monday Spain/various Hispanic Day, Columbus Day, Discovery Day, or Day of the Race, for Christopher Columbus's discovery of the New World on behalf of Spain (1492).
12 Equatorial Guinea Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1968).
2nd Monday Canada Thanksgiving Day, harvest festival.
20 Kenya Kenyatta Day, honouring nationalist Jomo Kenyatta (c. 1894–1978).
21 Marshall Is. Independence Day, for release from U.S. trusteeship (1986).
21–22 Somalia Revolution Days, for revolution of 1969.
22 Vatican City Anniversary of the Installation of Pope John Paul II, for beginning of pontificate (1978).
24 international United Nations Day, for effective date of UN Charter (1945).
24 Zambia Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1964).
25 Taiwan Restoration Day, for release from Japanese occupation (after 50 years) and return to Chinese control (1945).
26 Austria National Day, for end of postwar occupation and return of sovereignty (1955).
27 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Thanksgiving and Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1979).
29 Turkey Anniversary of the Declaration of the Republic, for establishment of the republic (1923).
31 various Halloween, or All Hallows' Eve, festive celebration of ghosts and spirits, on eve of All Saints' Day.
October/November
Asvina 13–Kartika 2 Hindu Diwali, festival of lights honouring Lakshmi, goddess of wealth.
1 various Christian All Saints' Day, or All Hallows' Day, celebrating all saints.
1 Algeria Anniversary of the Revolution, for beginning of the revolution against France (1954).
1 Antigua and Barbuda National Day, for independence from Britain (1981).
2 various Christian All Souls' Day, Memorial Day, or Day of the Dead, paying respect to the dead.
2–3 Dominica Independence Days, for independence from Britain (Nov. 3, 1978).
3 Panama Independence Day, for independence from Colombia (1903).
3 Japan Culture Day, for cultural activities, originally commemorating Emperor Meiji's birthday (1852).
5 Britain Guy Fawkes Day, anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot (1605) to blow up king and Parliament.
1st Tuesday after 1st Monday U.S. Election Day, for general and presidential elections.
11 various Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, or Veterans Day, honouring participants in past wars and recalling the Armistice of World War I (Nov. 11, 1918).
11 Angola Independence Day, for independence from Portugal (1975).
11 Poland Independence Day, for rebirth of Poland (1918).
11–12 Maldives Republic Days, for founding of the republic (1953, 1968).
12 Taiwan Sun Yat-sen's Birthday, for the republican patriot (1866).
15 Brazil Proclamation of the Republic, for overthrow of the emperor (1899).
18 Latvia Independence Day, for proclamation of independence (1918).
18–20 Oman National Days, honouring the sultan and nation's heritage.
19 Monaco Prince Rainier Day, in honour of Rainier III (acceded May 5, 1949).
22 Lebanon Independence Day, for independence from France (1941–46).
23 Japan Labour Thanksgiving Day, honouring workers.
24 Zaire Anniversary of New Regime, for beginning of a new government (1964).
25 Suriname Independence Day, for independence from The Netherlands (1975).
28 Mauritania Independence Day, for independence from France (1960).
28 Panama Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1821).
28–29 Albania Independence and Liberation Days, for independence from Turkey (1912) and liberation in World War II (1944).
4th Thursday U.S. Thanksgiving Day, harvest festival.
30 Barbados Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1966).
1 Central African Republic Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic, for independence from France (1958).
1 Romania National Day, for reunification of Romanian territories (1918).
2 Laos National Day, for establishment of the people's republic (1975).
2 United Arab Emirates National Day, for independence from Britain (1971).
5 Thailand King's Birthday, for birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (1927).
6 Finland Independence Day, for independence from Russia (1917).
6 The Netherlands St. Nicholas Day, for celebration of the saint and young children.
7 Côte d'Ivoire Independence Day, for independence from France (1960).
9 Tanzania Independence and Republic Day, for independence from Britain (1961) and establishment of the republic (1962).
12 Kenya Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1963).
12 Mexico Fiesta of Our Lady of Guadalupe, commemorating the appearance of the Blessed Virgin to an Indian convert (1531).
13 Malta Republic Day, for establishment of the republic (1974).
16 Bahrain Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1971).
16 Bangladesh Victory Day, for independence from Pakistan (1971).
17 Bhutan National Day, for national consciousness.
18 Niger Republic Day, for independence from France (1960).
23 Japan Emperor's Birthday, for birthday of Emperor Akihito (1933).
25 most Christian Christmas, celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
25 Taiwan Constitution Day, for adoption of constitution of Republic of China (1946).
26 various Boxing Day, second day of Christmas, for giving presents to service people.
26 central Europe St. Stephen's Day, feast day of first Christian martyr.
28 Nepal King's Birthday, birthday of King Birendra Bir Bikham Shah Deva (1945).
31 various New Year's Eve, celebration ushering out the old year and in the new year.
December/January
Kislev 25–Tebet 2/3 Jewish Hanukkah, eight-day commemoration of Maccabean victory over the Syrians and rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem (165 BC).
Muslim year*
Rabi' 1 Muhammad's Birthday (12 Rabi' 1, c. AD 570).
Ramadan Fast of Ramadan, month-long fasting and other abstentions from dawn to dusk.
Ramadan 29/30–
Shawwal 3 Festival of Fast Breaking, feasting with the end of the Fast of Ramadan.
Dhu al-Hijjah 10–13 The Great Festival, inaugurating the pilgrimage to Mecca and observing animal sacrifices.
*The Muslim lunar calendar of 354 or 355 days completely ignores the seasons or solar progress (so that a date in spring may over the years gradually move into winter, then autumn, then summer, and back to spring again). That is, relative to the Gregorian calendar, Muslim holidays continually move backward over the course of time, so that a holiday such as Ramadan may be in March one year and in February the next and, over a long span, may occur in every Gregorian month.
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* * *


Universalium. 2010.

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