Discover holidays worldwide

Aortic Dissection Awareness

Aortic Dissection Description. Physicians Rudolf Virchow and Sir William Osler first describe aortic dissection in medical literature, highlighting its serious nature

Batman

A Character Without Superpowers. Batman's appeal hinged on a different premise than Superman's. Bruce Wayne had no alien biology or superhuman abilities. He relied onforensic skill, physical training, and technological gadgetsfunded by inherited wealth. This grounded approach attracted readers who found the character's vulnerability more relatable than invulnerability.By 1940, Batman had his own self-titled comic, selling 800,000 copies per issue. The franchise expanded rapidly, introducing Robin in 1940, the Joker and Catwoman in the same year, and the Batcave in 1943. The 1966 Adam West television series pushed comic sales to nearly 900,000 copies and turned Batman into a household name across demographics

International Coastal Cleanup

In 1986, Coastal Cleanup. The Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit environmental advocacy group in the US, initiated the first International Coastal Cleanup Day

International Eat An Apple

American Apple Orchards. The 1800s marked a significant time for apple cultivation in America with the establishment of several commercial orchards

National Butterscotch Pudding

Birth of Butterscotch. The term "Butterscotch" was first recorded in Doncaster, England, when Samuel Parkinson began making the confectionery in 1817

National Jude

Saint Jude the Apostle. Saint Jude, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is recognized in religious texts

National Sew a Jelly Roll

In 1856, Birth of. Patchwork Quilting. This year marks the beginning of American patchwork quilting, the technique which later extended to using 'jelly rolls' for quilt making

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Puppy Mill Awareness

Rise of Puppy Mills. Following World War II, farmers in the US started breeding puppies for commercial sale due to economic downfall in the midwest, laying the groundwork for what we now know as puppy mills

German World Children's

In 1954, Establishment of. World Children’s Day. In Germany, World Children’s Day was established in 1954 by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth to celebrate children's rights

National Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation

In 1945, Central Intelligence Agency. CIA was established shortly after World War II, starting a journey of intelligence analysis in the US

National Punch

Punch Originates in India. The punch beverage originated in India and was made with alcohol, sugar, lemon, water, and tea or spices

'Wife Appreciation

The Modern Marriage Landscape. In the United States, marriage rates peaked at16.4 per 1,000 peoplein 1946, driven by post-World War II prosperity and reuniting families. That figure has declined steadily since, with the median age at first marriage reaching 30.2 for men and 28.6 for women by 2024, according to Census Bureau data. As marriages form later, many couples have spent years building individual careers and identities before merging households.This shift has made the dynamics of daily partnership more complex. Both spouses are more likely to hold jobs, manage separate professional pressures, and navigate household responsibilities simultaneously. The invisible labor of maintaining a home, coordinating schedules, managing emotional well-being, and sustaining social connections often falls disproportionately on one partner

Day after the Federal Fast

In Switzerland, the third Sunday of every September is designated as the Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer. The day afterward is also a public holiday in the canton of Vaud. The Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer is a day on which Catholic, Reformed, Jewish, and other denominations and faiths join together in ecumenical causes and prayer events in various Swiss cities. Days of fasting and prayer are mentioned throughout the Bible, and a Protestant tradition of designating national days of fasting and prayer arose in the years following the Reformation. Such days also existed prior to the Reformation, typically as ways to seek Divine mercy after a famine, plague, or other calamity struck. Originally, days of thanksgiving and prayer were sporadic and only on the canton level. Later, in 1831, a permanent, federation-level day was established on 8 September. The date was eventually moved to the third Sunday in September, except in Geneva, which retains the old date. The attachment to the old date in Geneva stems from its origin in the days of the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in neighbouring France, when huge numbers of French Protestants were murdered in a deliberate plot to exterminate them. In French-speaking, Protestant Geneva, empathy for the victims was very strong, and today, “Jeune Genevois,” the Genevan version of the federal day of thanksgiving and prayer, is both a patriotic and religious symbol of Geneva’s proud history and identity. Much of Switzerland today is very secular, and this holiday is not as much observed today as it once was. Nevertheless, it is a time when all Christian denominations, local governments, and secular foreign aid organisations join together to give to special projects for the aid of the world’s poor and needy.

Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day

Every 21 September is Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day in Ghana. This holiday commemorates the birthday of Ghana’s main independence leader, first prime minister, and first president, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah. In 2026, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day falls on Monday 21 September. The holiday will be on Tuesday 21 September in 2027. This holiday on 21 September was previously known as Founders’ Day. However, there has long been a movement in Ghana to celebrate 4 August as Founders’ Day instead of or in addition to 21 September. This is because there were six main independence leaders, not just one. And many others contributed to securing Ghana’s freedom as well. THis movement has succeeded, and the holiday on 21 September has now been renamed as Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day, with a new public holiday on 4 August added to the national calendar. Nkrumah was prime minister just before and after Ghana gained its independence from the British Empire in 1957. And he was the major force pushing for independence with the most influence. He then became the nation’s first president upon the passing of a new constitution in 1960. Kwame Nkrumah spent 12 years abroad, acquiring an education and organising before returning to his home country, founding a political party, and leading the independence movement. Nkrumah put socialistic policies in place during his time in office, and he also undertook many big national projects to strengthen the economy and the educational system. But in 1966, he was thrown out of office by the National Liberation Council, which also privatised some state-owned corporations. Despite being a controversial figure in Ghana’s history and the controversy surrounding Nkrumah alone among Ghana’s founders getting a special day of recognition, many people in Ghana watch parades, listen to speeches, and remember Nkrumah’s positive achievement every 21 September.

Ramdev Jayanti

Ramdev Jayanti is a public holiday in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The main celebration of Ramdev Jayanti takes place at the temple dedicated to him that is located in Ramdevra. However, Ramdev is so popular that he has many temples both in and outside of Rajasthan and his birthday is celebrated by many people all over India. In 2026, Ramdev Jayanti falls on Monday 21 September. The holiday will be on Friday 10 September in 2027. Born around A.D. 1409 in the town of Pokharan in western Rajasthan, Ramdev became famous both for his attempts to revive Hinduism and for his alleged miraculous powers. Many of his followers believe he was an avatar of Krishna, and so they worship him as a god. One particular community in Rajasthan have an unusual way of worshiping Ramdev. As he is usually depicted as riding a horse with a cloth covering, worshipers bring toy wooden horses covered in cloth as offerings. There are also fairs put on in some cities of Rajasthan on Ramdev Jayanti, and people go to pray at any of the many temples dedicated to him.

Respect for the Aged Day

Respect for the Aged Day in Japan is held every third Monday of September. This national holiday is meant to honour all elderly citizens of the country for their many contributions to family and society throughout their long lives. In 2026, Respect for the Aged Day falls on Monday 21 September. The holiday will be on Monday 20 September in 2027. The first Respect for the Aged Day celebrations were held in 1966 and on 15 September. But under the Happy Monday System reforms, it was moved to its current date. As early as 1947, Old Folks’ Day was held on 15 September, and honouring the elderly is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. So the roots of Respect for the Aged Day go deeper than the holiday’s history might suggest. Every year, the Japanese media will search out and interview some of the oldest citizens in the whole nation. The Japanese government will give out silver cups to each citizen who reaches age 100. These cups have been given out since the 60s, but the much larger number of citizens reaching 100 each year has led to smaller cups being given out in an effort to reduce costs. Many will visit their elderly parents, grandparents, and other relatives on Respect for the Aged Day. Some will also provide free lunches for the elderly or put on special performances for them. TV and radio will be full of programs dedicated to honouring the aged of society throughout the day.

Armenia Independence

Republic of Armenia. The First Republic of Armenia is established on May 28, marking the country's first modern period of independence

Belize Independence

Discovery. Christopher Columbus's voyages open the American continents to European exploration, and the coast of Belize is first noted by Europeans

BEUS

Escapology

Magic Trick Beginnings. During the 1800s, escapology sparked interest as a magic trick, with performers using techniques to escape from sold locks, ropes, and other forms of restrain

Malta Independence

Becomes British Colony. The Treaty of Paris officially ceded Malta to the British Empire, marking the beginning of a 150-year long British rule

Miniature Golf

In 1867, Origins of. Miniature Golf. The earliest form of miniature golf, known as "garden golf", emerges in Scotland as a way for women to participate in golf

National Brittany

Brittany Name Surge. The name Brittany surged in popularity in the United States during the 1980s, becoming one of the most popular names for girls

National Pecan Cookie

Origins of Pecan. Pecans are native to North America, and were consumed by prehistoric people as early as 6000 BC, forming a major part of their staple diet

World Mini Golf

Golf's Early Beginnings. Thomas Mc. Culloch Fairbairn, a golf fanatic, revolutionized the game by creating a suitable surface for mini golf, using a mixture of cottonseed hulls, sand, oil, and dye

📅 holiday Sep 22

Independence Day

Independence Day is a public holiday in BG.

📅 holiday Sep 22

National Holiday

National Holiday is a public holiday in JP.

Car-free

Car-Free Sunday Inception. The Car-Free Sunday concept originated in Belgium as a public awareness campaign to promote alternative forms of transportation

Falls Prevention Awareness

Establishment. The National Council on Aging establishes Falls Prevention Awareness Day to help the public understand the serious issue of fall-related injuries

Mali Independence

Colonization Begins. France began its colonization of Mali, then part of the larger region of French Sudan

MASU

National Dante

In 1265, Birth of. Dante Alighieri. The famous Italian poet, Dante Alighieri, and namesake of many, was born in Florence, Italy

ITUS

National Elephant Appreciation

First Elephant Arrives in America. The first elephant arrived in America from India, marking the beginning of human-elephant interaction in the western world

INUS

'National White Chocolate

Invention of White Chocolate. White chocolate, made by blending cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, and vanilla, was first invented in Switzerland in the 1930s

World Car-Free

Crisis Sparks Awareness. The 1973 oil embargoes sparks global awareness about over-reliance on private car use and the importance of alternative transportation methods

📅 holiday Sep 23

Autumnal Equinox Day

On either 28 or 29 September, at the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, Japan observes Autumnal Equinox Day. This has been a public holiday since 1948. Earlier, the same date was the time of the Shinto holiday “Shuki Koreisai”, but separation of state and religion led to the secularisation of that under the 1948 constitution. In 2026, Autumnal Equinox Day falls on Wednesday 23 September. The holiday will be on Thursday 23 September in 2027. It is at the point of the autumn equinox that days start getting shorter and nights longer, and thus, this holiday is a harbinger of cooler weather ahead. In early times, it was also an occasion for thanking the gods for an abundant harvest and for worshiping ancestors. Many do still venerate ancestors on Autumnal Equinox Day and visit their graves. They will clean the tombs and adorn them with flowers and plants. People will also hold special family reunions in honour of specific deceased relatives. And Buddhists in Japan believe that the division between the world of the living and the world of the dead is at its “thinnest” this time of year, which is reminiscent of the Western roots of Halloween. One of the most traditional foods served for Autumnal Equinox Day is botomachi rice balls rolled in azuki sauce. These and other tasty snacks will be consumed in large numbers.

📅 holiday Sep 23

Blessed Rainy Day

Every 23 September is a national holiday in Bhutan called “Blessed Rainy Day”, or “Thrue-Bab” in the local language. In 2026, Blessed Rainy Day falls on Wednesday 23 September. The holiday will be on Thursday 23 September in 2027. Blessed Rainy Day arrives near the end of the annual monsoons, at the end of the agricultural season, and at the beginning of harvest time. It is considered an especially holy day on the Buddhist calendar. The tradition is for people to take a bath outside on this day, and it is believed that “bad karma” from any bad deeds in the past year will be washed away. This bath is supposed to also get rid of diseases, bad luck, and other negative influences. Taking the Blessed Rainy Day bath early in the morning at the hour recommended by astrologers is thought to guarantee the biggest possible benefit. Other traditions of the day include trying one’s hand at archery or at “khuru”, a traditional Bhutanese dart game that is played outside where large darts are hurled at wooden posts.

Bruce Springsteen

In 1949, Birth of. Bruce Springsteen. Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen, an iconic American singer-songwriter, was born on September 23, 1949 in Long Branch, New Jersey

Fall

Chankillo Observatory. In Peru, the pre-Columbian civilization built Chankillo, an astronomical observatory that tracks equinoxes and solstices

National Apple Cider Vinegar

Hippocrates Endorses ACVHippocrates, the father of modern medicine, uses vinegar for its healing properties, setting the stage for the future reputation of apple cider vinegar (ACV

National Checkers

Origins of Checkers. Early forms of the game, known as "draughts" in many countries, were discovered during archaeological digs in Egypt's city of Ur

National Great American Pot Pie

Birth of Pot Pies. Pot pies originate in the 1700s, featuring a thick crust filled with meats, vegetables, fruits, and spices

Redhead Appreciation

Red hair in the ancient world. Red hair was not confined to Northern Europe. Ramesses II, who ruled Egypt around 1213 BCE, had naturally red hair, as forensic analysis of his mummified remains confirmed. Ancient Greek writers described the Thracians as red-haired. Romans considered red hair both suspicious and desirable: they imported red-haired wigs from Celtic and Germanic peoples in Northern Europe, making red hair a luxury fashion item even as they stereotyped the people it grew from

EGUS

September

Stonehenge Construction. Stonehenge, built in England around this time, is thought to have been used to observe equinoxes and solstices

GBUS

Teal Talk

Rise of Advocacy. Advocacy groups begin to use certain colors to represent different causes, eventually leading to the adoption of teal for sexual violence awareness

Za'atar

Za'atar In Ancient Egypt. Earliest records of using za'atar spice blend date back to Ancient Egypt, found in recipes painted on tomb walls

EGUS

📅 holiday Sep 24

Heritage Day

Heritage Day in South Africa comes every 24th of September as a reminder of the nation’s cultural diversity and as a chance to express national unity. In 2026, Heritage Day falls on Thursday 24 September. The holiday will be on Friday 24 September in 2027. The first Heritage Day was instituted in 1995, after the first free elections that spelled the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new, non-racially based democracy. The roots of Heritage day, however, precede 1995. The 24th of September was originally simply a Zulu holiday celebrated in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. It was a remembrance to Shaka, the great chief who united the Zulu tribes into a unified nation. When a bill was being passed in 1995 by the South African parliament to establish South Africa’s official public holidays, the Zulus objected that “Shaka Day” was not included. A compromise finally kept the date but broadened the meaning to include celebration of the heritage of all South African peoples. Thus, it was renamed “Heritage Day”. The official government definition of the “heritage” in “Heritage Day” counts it to include all that the people inherit, such as culture, history, wildlife, monuments, artwork, literature, music, folklore, languages, culinary traditions, and more. In 1996, president Nelson Mandela declared that Heritage Day would help South Africans use their “rich and varied cultural heritage“ to “build our new nation.” Each year, the government declares a special theme for that year’s Heritage Day. In 1995, for example, the theme was on Enoch Sontonga, the author of South Africa’s national anthem. His grave was declared a new national monument, and his music and life were remembered. Should you be in South Africa for Heritage Day, you will be able to hear the president’s speech on television, learn much about the cultural heritage of various South African peoples, and enjoy the beauty of the land. Some specific things to do in South Africa on Heritage Day include: South Africa has a rich and diverse heritage, and scheduling your visit for Heritage Day is one of the best ways to appreciate it. The history, people, and wildlife of South Africa hold endless variety, and you will never regret the trip.

📅 holiday Sep 24

Heritage Day Holiday

📅 holiday Sep 24

New Caledonia Day

September 24 is a public holiday known simply as “New Caledonia Day”. The holiday commemorates the incorporation of New Caledonia as a French protectorate back in 1853. In 2026, New Caledonia Day falls on Thursday 24 September. The holiday will be on Friday 24 September in 2027. The first contacts between the people of what is now New Caledonia and Europeans were tragic. At first, whalers and sandal wood traders came, and all was relatively peaceful. But soon, diseases spread, and many native islanders died. Then, when the sandal wood trade declined, the traders started enslaving islanders and shipping them off to Fiji or Australia. Finally, in 1853, the French led an expedition to the South Seas and seized and formally annexed New Caledonia. This improved conditions some, but things were still rough. New Caledonia became a penal colony, apartheid and discrimination was practiced against the native islanders, and European disease still did harm. Nevertheless, conditions did slowly improve. A big parade is held each year in Noumea, the capital city, on New Caledonia Day. There are also smaller festive events throughout the territory.

Heritage

In 1995, Heritage Day. Heritage Day was first proclaimed in South Africa by the government post-apartheid as a day to celebrate cultural diversity

National Cherries Jubilee

Jubilee Invented. Created by French chef Auguste Escoffier to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, the first Cherries Jubilee dessert was served

National Mofongo

In 1493, Arrival of. Plantains in Caribbean. Christopher Columbus brings plantains to the Caribbean from Africa during his second voyage. This introduces the key ingredient of Mofongo to the region

Schwenkfelder

Arrival in Pennsylvania. A devout religious group of German Protestants, the Schwenkfelders, fled religious persecution in Europe and arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

World Bollywood

In 1899, Origins of. Indian Cinema. The first short films in India were screened, marking the birth of Indian cinema

World Maritime

In 1948, Birth of. International Maritime Organization. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) was established, focusing on safety, security, and pollution prevention in the global shipping industry

Brother Klaus Festival

Brother Klaus Festival is a public holiday in the Swiss Canton of Obwalden. Although Brother Klaus, or Nicholas of Flue, is the patron saint of Switzerland according to Roman Catholicism, it is only a holiday in Obwalden where he lived. In 2026, Brother Klaus Festival falls on Friday 25 September. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 September in 2027. Nicholas of Flue was a man of diverse pursuits, to say the least. He was in the military until age 37 and attained to the rank of captain. He is said to have fought with his sword in the one hand and his rosary clutched in the other. Yet, in 1481, he gave timely counsel that helped prevent a Swiss civil war among some of the cantons. “Brother Klaus”, as he is now generally known, was also a councilman in his canton, a farmer, a mystic, a hermit, and one who is said to have seen visions from God. For example, he reported seeing a vision of a horse eating a lily and interpreted it as meaning his worldly life was devouring his spiritual life. In response, he retired to become a hermit and focus on the “contemplative life”. IN 1947, Brother Klaus was declared a Catholic saint by Pope Pius XII, making him the only sainted person hailing from Switzerland. Churches and the people of Obwalden Canton take time to honour his memory every 25 September.

Indra Jatra *

Indra Jatra is an important annual festival in Nepal, particularly in the capital city of Kathmandu. “Indra” is the name of the Hindu god of rain of heaven, while “Jatra” means “procession”. Thus, Indra Jatra is a procession held in honour of the Hindu god Indra. In 2026, Indra Jatra falls on Friday 25 September. The holiday will be on Tuesday 14 September in 2027. Note: Indra Jatra is observed in Kathmandu valley only. Many thank Indra for the rain on Indra Jatra, especially farmers and those whose livelihood depends on receiving sufficient rainfall. Others, however, focus instead on the Shiva manifestation called “Bahirab” who is supposed to be the destroyer of all evil, on Indra Jatra. The parade in Kathmandu consists largely of colourful and ornate chariots, while ceremonial poles and a giant festive mask that spouts out local Nepali liquors are also key to the celebrations. Many Nepali families will also put idols of Indra or of Bahirab on display this time of year. The festival of Indra Jatra lasts for eight or sometimes nine days, and being based on the Hindu Calendar, its date varies on the Gregorian Calendar.

Manit Day

The people of Marshall Islands celebrate Manit Day on the final Friday of every September. Manit Day can also be called “Culture Day” since Manit is the name used by islanders for local cultural traditions. In 2026, Manit Day falls on Friday 25 September. The holiday will be on Friday 24 September in 2027. Marshall Islands has a very diverse and long-storied culture, and Manit Day is the occasion on which it is all put on public display. The whole last week of September is a culture fest known as “Lutok Kobban Alele”, and Manit Day is a part of that bigger celebration. On Manit Day, people gather at the Alele Museum. Many also visit booths just outside the museum where they can buy crafts and snacks. The museum is full of historic artifacts that show the development of Marshall Islands culture, and the booths give you a chance to own a piece of the current culture. Products like woven baskets and coconut oil soap are commonly for sale. Another part of Manit Day is the dance, song, and storytelling performances put on by school children. There are also basket-weaving contests, coconut-husking competitions, and other unique cultural events.