Folk Observances

In Germany, Austria and various parts of Europe, Krampus arrives with St. Nicholas the night before the feast on December 6th to punish misbehaved children.

Discover the magic of Yule, the ancient festival of rebirth, and explore its rich traditions that predate modern Christmas celebrations.

A national holiday in Iceland to honour their patron saint, a 12th century bishop.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Omisoka.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Traditionally celebrated as the birthday of the God of Heaven.

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 Dragobete.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Fat Thursday.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Mother Goose Day

Beltane is a Celtic festival celebrating the start of Spring

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Turkmen Carpet Day.

If you are female, over 30, unmarried and live in the 19th century, this is your day.

A day to embrace positivity and to not let the small everyday annoyances of modern life stop us enjoying every moment.

❤️ This Brazilian equivalent of Valentine's Day comes from Portugal and is linked to Saint Anthony.

The rose is the traditional flower of June, so it makes sense to observe red rose day in June.

The Inca Festival of the Sun takes place on the Winter Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Paul Bunyan Day

A day to celebrate Scottish heritage through arguably its most obvious manifestation - Tartan.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Kupala Night.

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Tanabata.

What's more sensible as a weather forecast? The bones of a 1,200 year old saint or a groundhog?

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

Obon is a popular three-day Buddhist festival in Japan focused on the spirits of ancestors.