Asalha Puja
Asalha Puja is one of the most sacred Buddhist holidays in Thailand, commemorating the day the Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon, which laid the foundation of the Buddhist faith. The observance of Asalha Puja in Thailand is deeply tied to the country’s religious heritage, monarchy, and Theravāda Buddhist tradition.
Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Esala Full Moon Poya is one of Buddhism’s most historic days. It commemorates the conception and renunciation of Prince Siddhartha, the Buddha’s first sermon at Isipatana (introducing the Four Noble Truths), and the founding of the Sangha. In Sri Lanka, Esala is marked by temple observances and the world-famous Kandy Esala Perahera, honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
Martyrs' Day (South Sudan)
Martyrs’ Day was created in memory of Dr. John Garang, who died in 2005, but it has since become a broader national commemoration of all South Sudanese who gave their lives in the long struggle for independence.
Throne Day (Morocco)
Throne Day in Morocco marks the anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne in 1999, honoring national unity, loyalty to the monarchy, and Morocco’s progress under his reign.
Grand Magal de Touba
The Grand Magal de Touba is a massive religious pilgrimage in Senegal, honoring the exile and return of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, founder of the Mouride Brotherhood. It is marked by prayer, charity, and community gathering, drawing millions of participants each year to Touba.
August Bank Holiday
The August Bank Holiday in Ireland was introduced as part of 19th-century bank holiday legislation but draws on much older traditions of Lughnasadh harvest festivals. Today, it is celebrated with festivals, fairs, sports and holidays, marking the peak of the Irish summer.
Emancipation Monday (BVI)
Emancipation Monday in British Virgin Islands honors the abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834, when enslaved Africans in the Virgin Islands and across the British Empire were granted freedom under the Slavery Abolition Act. The day is both a reminder of the struggles of the past and a celebration of freedom and resilience.
Commerce Day (Iceland)
Once created as a holiday for shopkeepers and workers, Commerce Day has grown into Iceland's biggest summer festival weekend. It's celebrated with concerts, camping and community events across the country.
Emancipation Tuesday (BVI)
Emancipation Tuesday in British Virgin Islands extends the holiday beyond a single day, showing the depth of importance emancipation holds in the BVI’s identity. It keeps alive both the joy of freedom and the cultural pride of Virgin Islanders.
Our Lady of Africa
Our Lady of Africa in Spain refers to the Patroness of Ceuta, venerated since the 15th century. Her shrine and image remain central to the city’s identity, and her annual feast is one of Ceuta’s most important celebrations, blending faith, history, and culture.
Emancipation Wednesday (BVI)
Emancipation Wednesday in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a public holiday, forming the third and final official holiday of the annual Emancipation Festival. It honors the abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834, when the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 freed enslaved Africans across the British Empire, including the Virgin Islands.
Indigenous Peoples Day Suriname
Indigenous Peoples Day in Suriname, known as Keti Koti, is to mark the abolition of slavery in 1863 (with full freedom realized in 1873). Celebrated with ceremonies, parades, music, and traditional dress, it is a national day of remembrance and cultural pride, symbolizing the breaking of chains and the enduring spirit of freedom.