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Also known as: festival
Written by Linwood Fredericksen
Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:•Article History
News•
More festivals in N.L. pull the plug on summer events due to tight margins, planning woes• July 7, 2025, 4:06 AM ET (CBC)
Marcel Barelli to Get Locarno Kids Award, Annecy Winner ‘Arco’ to Screen at Fest• July 2, 2025, 9:29 AM ET (The Hollywood Reporter)
Rising festival 'sound experience' Saturate asks audiences to jump in a pool• June 14, 2025, 2:56 AM ET (ABC News (Australia))
| January | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| *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 | |||
| 1 | various countries | New Year's Day, the first day of the modern calendar | |
| 1 | Cuba | Liberation Day, for independence from Spain (1899) | |
| 1 | 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 andHeroes' 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 Christians | Christmas, celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | |
| 6 | various Christians | Epiphany, 12th day after Christmas, for visit of Magi to the infant 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 the Nazis (1945) | |
| 18 | Tunisia | Revolution Day, for struggles leading to independence from France (1956) and abolition of the monarchy (1957) | |
| 19 or 3rd Monday | southern U.S. | Robert E. Lee Birthday, for birth of Confederate general (1807) | |
| 19 | various Eastern Christians | Epiphany, 12th day after Christmas, for visit of Magi to the infant 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 the 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 10–14-day celebration | |
| Shebat 15 | Jewish | Tu bi-Shebat, for Jewish arbour day | |
| February | |||
| 2 | various Christians | 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, orNew Zealand Day, for Treaty of Waitangi (1840), granting British sovereignty | |
| 7 | Grenada | Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1974) | |
| 11 | Iran | Revolution Day, orNational Day, for overthrow of the shah (1979) | |
| 11 | Japan | National Foundation Day, for founding by first emperor (660 BCE) | |
| 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. states | 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 the Bengali language (1952) | |
| 3rd Monday | various U.S. states | Presidents' Day,Washington-LincolnDay, orWashington'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, orNational Day, for independence from Britain (granted Jan. 1, 1984) | |
| 23 | Guyana | Republic Day, for proclamation of the 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 Christians | Carnival, orShrovetide, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday (Mardi Gras) before Ash Wednesday | |
| 40 days (except Sundays) before Easter | various Christians | Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent (lasting until Easter) | |
| Adar 14/15 | Jewish | Purim, for Esther's intervention to save Jews of Persia (5th century BCE) | |
| March | |||
| 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, orFeast 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, orLadyDay, 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, orFreedom 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 the Jews from Egyptian bondage (13th century BCE) | |
| Sunday before Easter | various Christians | Palm Sunday, for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem | |
| Friday before Easter | various Christians | 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 Christians, some Eastern Christians | 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 Christians | Easter, for Resurrection of Jesus Christ | |
| 15th day of full moon of Phalguna | Hindu | Holi, spring festival commemorating the burning of the witch Holika | |
| April | |||
| 1 | various | April Fools' Day, orAll Fools' Day, day for playing jokes, falling one week after the old New Year's Day of March 25 | |
| 3 | Guinea | Independence Day, orCelebrationof the Second Republic, commemorating renewal following Pres. Sékou Touré's death (1984) | |
| 4 | Hungary | Liberation Day, for liberation from the Nazis (1945) | |
| 4 | Senegal | National Day, orIndependence 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 the 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 the American flag (1900) and establishing constitutional government (1960) | |
| 17 | Syria | Independence Day, orNational Day, for withdrawal of the 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 andDay 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 | 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 | |
| May | |||
| 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, orLiberation 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 Pres. H. Kamuzu Banda | |
| 14–15 | Paraguay | Flag Day andIndependence 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, orBattle of Pinchincha Day, for independence from Spain (1822) | |
| 25 | various African countries | African Freedom Day, orOAU Day, for founding of the 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. states | Memorial Day, orDecoration 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 Christians | Ascension Day, for Jesus Christ's Ascension into heaven | |
| 7th Sunday after Easter | various Christians | Pentecost, orWhitsunday, for descent of the Holy Spirit among Christ's disciples, marking the beginning of the Christian mission | |
| 1st Sunday after Pentecost | various Christians | Trinity Sunday, in honour of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit | |
| 1st Thursday after Trinity Sunday | various Christians | Feast of Corpus Christi, in honour of the Holy Eucharist | |
| Sivan 6/7 | Jewish | Shabuoth, for the revelation of the Torah at Sinai | |
| June | |||
| 1–2 | Tunisia | Constitution Day, orVictory 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 the referendum establishing the 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 ascent to the throne (1523) and adoption of constitution (1809) | |
| 10 | Portugal | Portugal's Day, orCamões MemorialDay, for birthday of Luis de Camões (1580) | |
| 11 | Hawaii | King Kamehameha I Day, for the 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 the 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 (born April 21, 1926) | |
| 3rd Sunday | U.S. | Father's Day, honouring fathers | |
| 23 | Luxembourg | National Day, for Grand Duke Jean's official birthday (born Jan. 5, 1921) | |
| 23–24 | various European | Midsummer Eve andMidsummerDay, 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 weeklong advocacy of rights of homosexuals | |
| July | |||
| 1 | Burundi | Independence Day, for independence from Belgium (1962) | |
| 1 | Canada | Canada Day, orDominion 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 | Cabo Verde | 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 Islands | Independence Day, orNational Day, for independence from Britain (1978) | |
| 9 | Argentina | Independence Day, for independence from Spain (1816) | |
| 9 | South Sudan | Independence Day, for independence from Sudan (2011) | |
| 10 | The Bahamas | National Day, for independence from Britain (1973) | |
| 11–12 | Mongolia | National Days, for revolution against China (1921) | |
| 12 | Northern Ireland | Orangemen's Day, orOrange Day, anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne (1690) | |
| 12 | Kiribati | Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1979) | |
| 12 | Sao Tome and Principe | Anniversary of NationalIndependence, for independence from Portugal (1975) | |
| 14 | France | Bastille Day, for fall of the Bastille and onset of the French Revolution (1789) | |
| 14 | Iraq | Revolution Day, for revolution of 1958 ending the 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 the Nazis (1944) and enactment of constitution (1952) | |
| 23 | Egypt | Anniversary of the Revolution, for end of monarchy (1952) | |
| 24 | various South American countries | Bolívar's Birthday, for birthday of Simón Bolívar (1783) | |
| 25 | Puerto Rico | Commonwealth Day, orConstitutionDay, 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 | |
| August | |||
| 1 | Benin | National Day, for independence from France (1960) | |
| 1 | Switzerland | Anniversary of the Founding of theSwiss 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 Christians | 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, orNational 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, orGaneshChaturthi, festival honouring the elephant-headed god Ganesa and the independence leader Balgangadhar Tilak | |
| full-moon day of 8th lunar month | Korea | Chuseok, harvest festival | |
| September | |||
| 1 | Libya | National Day, orRevolution 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, orLiberation Days, for liberation from the Nazis (1944) | |
| 10 | Belize | National Day, orSt. George's Day, for victory against Spain (1798) | |
| 11 | Pakistan | Jinnah Day, anniversary of death of founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah (1948) | |
| 12 | Cabo Verde | 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 andArmedForces 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 ofthe 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 Christians | Michaelmas, for celebration of the archangel Michael | |
| 30–Oct. 1 | Botswana | Independence Days, orBotswanaDays, 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 the marriage of King Louis (Ludwig) I on Oct. 17, 1810 | |
| October | |||
| 1 | Nigeria | Independence Day, for independence from Britain (1960) and the 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 GuineanIndependence, for independence from France (1958) | |
| 2 | India | Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday, for nationalist Mohandas K. Gandhi (born 1869) | |
| 3 | Germany | Day of German Unity, for reunification of Germany (1990) | |
| 3 | South Korea | Foundation Day, for legendary founding of Korea in 2333 BCE | |
| 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, orPhysical EducationDay, commemorating Tokyo Olympics of 1964 | |
| 12 or 2nd Monday | Spain/various | Hispanic Day, Columbus Day,Discovery Day, orDay of theRace, 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 Islands | 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 ofPope 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 IndependenceDay, for independence from Britain (1979) | |
| 29 | Turkey | Anniversary of the Declaration of theRepublic, for establishment of the republic (1923) | |
| 31 | various | Halloween, orAll 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 | |
| November | |||
| 1 | various Christians | All Saints' Day, orAll 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 Christians | All Souls' Day, Memorial Day, orDayof 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 the king and Parliament | |
| 1st Tuesday after 1st Monday | U.S. | Election Day, for general and presidential elections | |
| 11 | various countries | Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, orVeterans 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 the 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) | |
| December | |||
| 1 | Central African Republic | Anniversary of the Proclamation ofthe 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 | 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 the 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 Christians | Christmas, celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ | |
| 25 | Taiwan | Constitution Day, for adoption of constitution of Republic of China (1946) | |
| 26 | various countries | 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 countries | 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 BCE) | |
| Muslim year* | |||
| Rabi' 1 | Muhammad's Birthday (12 Rabi' 1, c. 570 CE) | ||
| Ramadan | Fast of Ramadan, monthlong 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 | ||