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The year ahead

315 festivals, holy days, harvests and seasonal customs, with this year's dates. Dates are worked out afresh every day; those marked "about" follow the moon or local calendars and can shift by a day.

By year202620272028
Kind of dayAllFestivalsReligious daysHarvest and seasonsSolstices and equinoxesNational and civic daysFamily and lifeDays of the week

October 2026

On now, about 20 Sept to 19 Oct 2026RtveliThe Georgian grape harvest in Kakheti: whole families pick, press and ferment the wine in buried qvevri jars. On now, 9 Oct 2026Hangul DayThe proclamation of the Korean alphabet by King Sejong in 1446, with calligraphy shows and ceremonies in Seoul. 10 to 18 Oct 2026BathukammaTelangana's flower festival: women stack seasonal flowers into a cone and sing around it for nine evenings. about 10 Oct 2026Pchum BenCambodia's fifteen days for the ancestors, ending with offerings of rice balls and food at the temple at dawn. 10 Oct 2026Double Ten DayThe national day of Taiwan: a flag ceremony and speech in front of the Presidential Office, fireworks and cultural shows. 10 to 11 Oct 2026TbilisobaTbilisi's autumn festival of wine, bread, churchkhela and song, held every October in the old town. 10 Oct 2026Fiji DayIndependence from Britain in 1970, with a flag-raising, yaqona welcome ceremony and village celebrations. 11 to 19 Oct 2026NavratriNine nights for the goddess: fasting by day, and Garba and Dandiya dancing by night in Gujarat. 11 to 25 Oct 2026DashainNepal's longest and biggest festival: jamara barley shoots, a family tika from elders, kites and swings. 11 Oct 2026White SundayLotu a Tamaiti: children in white lead the church service, recite verses and are given the first of the feast. 12 Oct 2026Thanksgiving in CanadaThe second Monday of October: a harvest dinner at the peak of autumn colour. about 15 Oct to 28 Nov 2026Olive Harvest in the LevantFamilies gather under ancient trees in October and November to pick, press and share the year's oil. 17 to 20 Oct 2026Durga PujaBengal's great autumn festival: pandals, clay goddesses, drums, and the community on the streets for four days. 18 Oct 2026Double Ninth FestivalClimbing a hill, drinking chrysanthemum tea and honouring the elderly on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. 20 Oct 2026DussehraThe tenth day after Navratri, when the triumph of good over evil is marked with effigies, processions and new beginnings. 22 to 23 Oct 2026Abu Simbel Sun FestivalTwice a year the dawn sun slips down the temple corridor and lights the statues of Ramesses II in the sanctuary. about 25 to 31 Oct 2026Festival KreolA week of Creole music, food, dress and language in Seychelles at the end of October. about 26 Oct 2026Ok PhansaThe end of the Buddhist rains retreat: monks leave their three-month stay, and people offer new robes and light lanterns. 28 Oct 2026Oxi DayGreece's "No" day: school and military parades, blue and white flags, and the memory of 1940. 29 Oct 2026Karva ChauthA day of fasting kept by married women for their husbands, ended at moonrise through a sieve. 29 Oct 2026Republic Day of TurkeyThe proclamation of the republic in 1923, with flags on every building and wreaths at Atatürk's mausoleum. 31 Oct to 1 Nov 2026Samhain and HalloweenThe night of 31 October: turnip lanterns, costumes, bonfires and barmbrack with a ring baked in. 31 Oct 2026Halloween in North AmericaCostumes, carved pumpkins, trick-or-treating and haunted houses on 31 October.

November 2026

1 to 2 Nov 2026All Saints and All SoulsCemeteries glow with candles and chrysanthemums as families remember the dead on 1 and 2 November. 1 to 2 Nov 2026Day of the DeadDia de Muertos: altars with marigolds, sugar skulls and pan de muerto welcome the dead home for a night. 3 Nov 2026Melbourne Cup DayThe race that stops a nation: hats and fascinators, sweepstakes at work and a public holiday in Melbourne. 5 Nov 2026Bonfire NightGuy Fawkes Night: bonfires, fireworks, sparklers, and toffee apples on 5 November. 6 Nov 2026DhanterasThe first day of Diwali: buying a new utensil or a little gold for good fortune, and lighting a lamp for Yama. 6 to 10 Nov 2026TiharNepal's festival of lights, in which crows, dogs, cows and oxen are each honoured in turn before the Bhai Tika. 7 Nov 2026HogbetsotsoThe Ewe festival of the exodus from Notsie, with a durbar of chiefs, drums, and the symbolic casting-out of bad. 8 to 12 Nov 2026DiwaliThe festival of lights: lamps in every window, new clothes, sweets, and a prayer to Lakshmi for the year ahead. 8 Nov 2026Tihar and Bandi Chhor DivasThe Sikh day of liberation: lamps at the Golden Temple, to remember Guru Hargobind and the release of the 52 princes. 9 Nov 2026SigdThe Ethiopian Jewish festival of the covenant: fasting, prayer on a hilltop and the reading of the Torah. 11 Nov 2026Bhai DoojThe last day of Diwali, when sisters bless their brothers with a tilak and a meal, and receive a gift. 11 Nov 2026Remembrance DayThe poppy, a two-minute silence at 11 a.m. and the Last Post, remembering the dead of war. 11 Nov 2026St Martin's DayLantern processions of children, goose dinners and the first taste of the year's new wine. 13 to 16 Nov 2026Chhath PujaA four-day offering to the sun god, with devotees standing in rivers at dusk and dawn, kept in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. about 15 to 24 Nov 2026Pushkar Camel FairA Rajasthan desert fair of camels, horses, folk music and a holy dip in the lake on the full moon of Kartik. 15 Nov 2026Shichi-Go-SanChildren of three, five and seven are dressed in kimono or hakama and taken to the shrine for blessings, with long candy. 19 Nov 2026Beaujolais Nouveau DayThe third Thursday of November: the year's first Gamay is released at midnight and drunk young, in France and across the world. 23 Nov 2026Karthigai DeepamThe festival of lights of Tamil Nadu: rows of clay lamps, and a great beacon lit on the hill at Tiruvannamalai. about 24 Nov 2026Guru Nanak GurpurabThe birthday of the first Sikh guru, with a three-day reading of the scripture and late-night kirtan. about 24 Nov 2026Loy KrathongOn the full moon of November, small floats of banana leaf with candles and flowers are set on the river. about 24 Nov 2026TazaungdaingBurma's festival of lights on the November full moon, with hot air balloon contests at Taunggyi and robes woven overnight. about 26 Nov to 23 Dec 2026Christmas MarketsWooden stalls of mulled wine, gingerbread, ornaments and roasted almonds in the old town squares of Europe. 26 Nov 2026Thanksgiving in the United StatesThe fourth Thursday of November: a turkey dinner with family, football, the Macy's parade and a moment of thanks. 29 Nov to 22 Dec 2026AdventThe weeks of waiting before Christmas: wreaths, candles, calendars and little gifts.

December 2026

1 to 10 Dec 2026Hornbill FestivalNagaland's week-plus gathering of all its tribes at Kisama, with war dances, songs, crafts and morung displays. 1 to 31 Dec 2026Calabar CarnivalAfrica's biggest street party: a month of bands, floats and costumes in Calabar every December. 2 to 3 Dec 2026UAE National DayThe founding of the federation in 1971: heritage villages, harbour boats, flags, camel parades and fireworks. 5 to 12 Dec 2026HanukkahThe festival of lights: a candle is added each night on the menorah, with fried foods, spinning dreidels and gifts. 5 Dec 2026KrampusnachtThe Alpine night of the horned Krampus: costumed runners in carved masks and bells walk the streets before St Nicholas Day. 6 Dec 2026St Nicholas DayShoes are left out the night before, and good children find sweets, nuts and small gifts in the morning. 7 Dec 2026Día de las VelitasOn the night of 7 December Colombians light candles and paper lanterns in doorways and streets for the Immaculate Conception. 11 to 13 Dec 2026L'EscaladeGeneva's costumed march and the smashing of a chocolate cauldron full of marzipan vegetables. 12 Dec 2026Day of Our Lady of GuadalupeMillions of pilgrims arrive in Mexico City on 12 December, many on foot, with mariachi serenades at dawn. 13 Dec 2026St Lucia DayA procession of white-robed children with candle crowns and saffron buns on the darkest-feeling morning of the year. 16 to 24 Dec 2026Simbang GabiNine dawn masses before Christmas, followed by a breakfast of puto bumbong and bibingka outside the church. 16 to 24 Dec 2026Las PosadasNine nights of processions that re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for room, ending with a piñata and ponche. 17 to 26 Dec 2026Seb-i ArusThe "wedding night" of Rumi: whirling dervishes turn in Konya on the anniversary of the poet's death in 1273. 18 Dec 2026Qatar National DayThe unification day of Qatar: a Corniche parade in maroon and white, with camels, folk dances and fireworks. 21 Dec 2026Yalda NightThe longest night of the year: pomegranates, watermelon, nuts and the poems of Hafez read by family together. 21 Dec 2026Winter SolsticeThe longest night: Yule fires, Newgrange lit at dawn, Yalda, Dongzhi, and the return of the light. 22 Dec 2026Dongzhi FestivalThe winter solstice: tangyuan in the south, dumplings in the north, and families reunited on the longest night. 24 Dec 2026Christmas EveThe big family evening in much of the world: Wigilia in Poland, Julafton in Sweden, Nochebuena in Spain and Latin America. 25 Dec 2026ChristmasThe birth of Jesus: carols, the crib, trees, lights, presents and a family meal, kept with local foods everywhere. about 26 Dec 2026Zarthosht no DeesoThe death anniversary of the prophet Zarathustra, remembered by Parsis with prayers and a feast. 26 Dec to 1 Jan 2027KwanzaaA week of African American heritage from 26 December: a candle for each of seven principles and a feast, Karamu. 26 to 27 Dec 2026JunkanooA dawn parade in the Bahamas on Boxing Day and New Year's Day: cowbells, goatskin drums, and paper-and-crepe costumes. 31 Dec to 1 Jan 2027HogmanayScotland's New Year: first-footing with coal and whisky, torchlight processions, fireballs and Auld Lang Syne. 31 Dec to 1 Jan 2027New Year's EveTwelve grapes in Spain, white clothes in Brazil, lead pouring in Germany: the world greets midnight in its own way.

January 2027

1 to 3 Jan 2027OshogatsuThe Japanese new year: osechi in lacquered boxes, a first shrine visit, kadomatsu at the gate and money for children. 2 Jan 2027Kaapse KlopseCape Town's New Year carnival: troupes in satin suits, banjos and brass, parading and singing on Tweede Nuwe Jaar. about 5 Jan 2027Isra and Mi'rajThe night journey of the Prophet from Mecca to Jerusalem and up through the heavens, remembered with prayer. 6 Jan 2027Epiphany and Three KingsThe twelfth day of Christmas: the Magi arrive with gifts, rosca and galette hide a bean or a figure, and waters are blessed. 6 Jan 2027La BefanaItaly's good witch flies in on a broomstick on Epiphany eve and fills stockings with sweets, or coal for the naughty. 6 Jan 2027Three Kings Day in Puerto RicoChildren cut grass for the camels and leave it under their beds; the Kings leave gifts and parrandas go door to door. 7 Jan 2027Coptic ChristmasChristmas for Orthodox Christians in Egypt, kept after a 43-day fast with a midnight mass and a feast of meat. 7 Jan 2027GennaEthiopian Christmas on 7 January: a fast, a pre-dawn church service in white and the game of genna. 7 Jan 2027Orthodox ChristmasChristmas on 7 January in churches that keep the Julian calendar: a fast, Holy Supper of twelve dishes and carolling. 11 Jan 2027Coming of Age DayTwenty-year-olds in furisode and suits attend city ceremonies on the second Monday of January. 12 Jan 2027YennayerThe Amazigh new year: a family couscous with seven vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, and the start of the farming year. 13 Jan 2027LohriA winter bonfire in Punjab with songs, bhangra, popcorn, peanuts and sweets thrown into the flames. 13 to 22 Jan 2027GalunganBali's victory of dharma over adharma: tall decorated penjor bamboo poles line every road, and ancestors return to their homes. 14 to 17 Jan 2027PongalThe Tamil harvest festival: rice boiled until it spills over, sugarcane, decorated cattle and kolam at every door. 14 Jan 2027Makar SankrantiThe sun enters Capricorn: kites in Gujarat, sesame sweets, holy dips in rivers and a harvest meal. 14 Jan 2027Lavagem do BonfimSalvador's washing of the church steps: Bahian women in white sweep and wash the stairs with scented water. 15 Jan 2027Laba FestivalThe eighth of the twelfth month: Buddhists remember the Buddha's enlightenment with a sweet, many-grain porridge. 17 to 25 Jan 2027SinulogCebu's dance procession for the Santo Nino, with drums, costumes and a ritual two-steps-forward, one-step-back dance. 19 to 21 Jan 2027TimkatEthiopian Epiphany: the tabots are carried in procession to water, and thousands are sprinkled with the blessed river. 22 Jan 2027ThaipusamA Tamil festival for Murugan: devotees carry decorated kavadi and milk pots in processions, most famously at Batu Caves. 22 Jan 2027ÞorrablótAn Icelandic midwinter feast of preserved traditional foods, with songs and brennivín. about 23 Jan 2027Mid-ShabanShab-e-Barat or Nisfu Shaban, the night of forgiveness in the month before Ramadan. 23 Jan 2027Tu BiShvatThe New Year of the Trees: planting saplings, eating the fruits of the land of Israel, and a seder of fruit. about 23 Jan to 9 Feb 2027Carnival of VeniceEighteen days of masks and costumes in the lagoon city, ending on Shrove Tuesday. 24 Jan 2027AlasitasBolivia's fair of miniatures: tiny houses, cars and money are blessed for a wish to come true, under the god Ekeko. 25 Jan 2027Burns NightA supper for the poet Robert Burns: the haggis piped in, the Address read, whisky toasts and poems. 26 Jan 2027Republic Day of IndiaThe grand parade on Kartavya Path in Delhi, with tableaux from every state and a chief guest from abroad. 26 Jan 2027Australia DayThe national holiday of 26 January: barbecues and beaches for many, a day of mourning and survival for many First Nations people. 26 Jan 2027Up Helly AaLerwick's Viking fire festival: a Guizer Jarl and hundreds of torch-bearers burn a galley ship on the last Tuesday of January. 30 Jan 2027Little New YearThe kitchen god's farewell: sticky sweets are offered so he will say sweet things to heaven. 30 Jan 2027SadehThe midwinter fire feast, fifty days before Nowruz: a great bonfire and the celebration of the discovery of fire.

February 2027

1 Feb 2027Imbolc and St Brigid's DayThe first stirrings of spring in Ireland: rush crosses are woven and Brigid's cloak is left out for blessing. 2 Feb 2027CandlemasForty days after Christmas: candles are blessed, French families make crepes, and Mexican tamales are shared. 2 Feb 2027Festa de IemanjáIn Salvador, thousands bring white flowers and gifts to the sea for Iemanjá, the Afro-Brazilian queen of the ocean. 2 to 15 Feb 2027Fiesta de la CandelariaThe folkloric capital of Peru: two weeks of dance, brass bands and costumes on Lake Titicaca for the Virgin of Candelaria. 3 Feb 2027SetsubunThe day before spring: beans are thrown out the door with the cry "Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi" to drive out bad luck. 4 to 9 Feb 2027Cologne CarnivalFasteleer: women cut ties on Weiberfastnacht, Rose Monday parades, costumes and Kölsch beer in the streets. 5 to 9 Feb 2027Carnaval in Rio de JaneiroFour days of samba schools in the Sambadrome, street blocos, costumes and music before Lent. 6 Feb 2027Waitangi DayNew Zealand's national day, remembering the 1840 treaty, with a powhiri and dawn ceremony at Waitangi. 6 to 9 Feb 2027Carnaval de BarranquillaColombia's Caribbean carnival: the Battle of Flowers, Marimonda masks, cumbia and the burial of Joselito. 6 to 8 Feb 2027Oruro CarnivalBolivia's mountain carnival: thousands of dancers in devil masks and embroidered costumes for the Virgin of the Mineshaft. about 7 to 9 Feb 2027LosarThe Tibetan new year, kept with butter lamps, cham masked dances, khapse biscuits and a sweet barley porridge. 7 to 11 Feb 2027TetThe Vietnamese lunar new year: banh chung, peach blossom and kumquat trees, red envelopes and a return to family. 7 to 21 Feb 2027Lunar New YearThe Spring Festival: the great family reunion dinner, red envelopes, firecrackers, lion dances and fifteen days of visiting. 7 to 9 Feb 2027SeollalThe Korean lunar new year: hanbok, ancestral rites, deep bows for elders, sebae money and tteokguk soup. about 7 to 9 Feb 2027Tsagaan SarThe Mongolian White Moon: a pyramid of biscuits, mutton, deep greeting with the blue silk khadag and the exchange of snuff bottles. about 8 Feb to 9 Mar 2027RamadanThe month of fasting from dawn to sunset, with night prayers, shared iftar meals and charity. about 8 Feb to 9 Mar 2027Ramadan in EgyptLanterns hung across the streets, the cannon of iftar and the musaharati's drum are the sights and sounds of Cairo. 8 to 9 Feb 2027Trinidad CarnivalThe greatest show of the Caribbean: J'ouvert at dawn, then masquerade bands in feathers, soca and steelpan on Carnival Tuesday. 9 Feb 2027Shrove Tuesday and Mardi GrasThe last day before Lent: pancakes in Britain and Ireland, king cake and parades in New Orleans. 9 Feb 2027Mardi Gras in New OrleansKrewes on floats, beads thrown to the crowd, king cake and Mardi Gras Indians in hand-sewn suits. 10 Feb 2027Ash WednesdayThe first day of Lent: the sign of ashes on the forehead and a call to fasting, prayer and giving. 11 Feb 2027Vasant PanchamiThe spring festival of Saraswati: yellow clothes, books at her feet and a child's first letters. 14 Feb 2027Valentine's DayThe day of lovers: cards, flowers and chocolates, with local twists such as white-day returns in Japan and Korea. 21 Feb 2027Lantern FestivalThe fifteenth night of the new year: lantern displays and riddles, glutinous rice balls and the end of the holiday. 21 Feb 2027DaeboreumThe first full moon of the Korean year: nut-cracking, five-grain rice, daljip burning and a rope tug-of-war. about 21 Feb 2027GarangaoMid-Ramadan night in the Gulf: children go door to door in bright clothes singing for sweets and nuts. about 27 Feb 2027Nc'walaThe Ngoni first-fruits ceremony in eastern Zambia, with warriors in animal skins and a blessing of the harvest by the paramount chief.

March 2027

1 Mar 2027Mărțișor and Baba MartaA red and white thread given on 1 March, worn until the first stork or blossom is seen, to bring health and spring. about 1 Mar to 14 Apr 2027Sugaring OffThe maple sap run in March and April: sugar shacks, taffy on snow and a long table of maple-glazed food. 3 Mar 2027HinamatsuriThe Doll Festival for girls: tiered displays of imperial court dolls, peach blossom and sweet hishimochi. 6 Mar 2027Maha ShivaratriThe great night of Shiva: fasting, night-long vigil, and bathing the lingam with milk and water. about 6 Mar 2027Laylat al-QadrThe Night of Power, when the Quran was first revealed, sought in the last ten nights of Ramadan. 6 Mar 2027Fiesta Nacional de la VendimiaMendoza's grape harvest festival: an enormous open-air show, a parade of floats and the crowning of the Vendimia Queen. 7 Mar 2027Mothering SundayThe fourth Sunday of Lent in Britain: posies and cards for mothers, and simnel cake. 8 to 14 Mar 2027MaslenitsaThe pancake week before Orthodox Lent: blini by the stack, sledding, fistfights for fun and the burning of Lady Maslenitsa. about 9 Mar 2027NyepiThe Balinese Day of Silence: no fire, no travel, no work and no noise, after a night of giant ogoh-ogoh monsters. about 9 to 11 Mar 2027Hari Raya AidilfitriThe end of Ramadan in the Malay world: balik kampung, ketupat, open houses and a mass journey home. about 9 to 11 Mar 2027Eid al-FitrThe festival of breaking the fast: morning prayer, new clothes, charity first, then family, sweets and gifts. 15 Mar 2027Clean MondayThe first day of Orthodox Lent in Greece and Cyprus: kites in the hills, a meatless picnic and lagana bread. 15 to 19 Mar 2027Las FallasValencia's fire festival: giant satirical sculptures are paraded and burned on the night of 19 March. about 16 Mar 2027Chaharshanbe SuriThe fire-jumping Wednesday eve before Nowruz: "give me your red, take my yellow" is said over the flames. 17 Mar 2027St Patrick's DayIreland's national day: shamrocks, parades, Mass in the morning, and green around the world. 20 Mar 2027Tunisian Independence DayThe anniversary of independence from France in 1956, with flags, a parade and ceremonies on Avenue Habib Bourguiba. 20 Mar 2027Spring EquinoxDay and night are equal: Nowruz, Higan in Japan, Ostara, and the pyramid of Chichén Itzá casting its serpent of light. 21 Mar to 4 Apr 2027Nowruz in AfghanistanAfghan new year at the spring equinox: haft mewa fruit compote, the Mazar-i-Sharif tulip fair and the raising of the Janda. 21 Mar to 2 Apr 2027NowruzThe Persian new year at the spring equinox: a haft-sin table, spring cleaning, jumping over fires and thirteen days of visits. 21 to 23 Mar 2027Nauryz in KazakhstanThe spring new year of the steppe: yurts raised in city squares, nauryz kozhe soup of seven ingredients and horse games. 21 to 23 Mar 2027Navruz in UzbekistanThe Uzbek new year: women stir sumalak through the night, plov for hundreds in the street, and spring fairs. 21 Mar 2027Nooruz in KyrgyzstanSpring in the mountains: ala kiyiz felt, ak-kiyiz yurts, kok boru horse games and a shared seven-grain porridge. 21 Mar 2027Palm SundayThe start of Holy Week: palms and olive branches are blessed and carried in procession. 21 to 28 Mar 2027Semana Santa in SevilleHoly Week: brotherhoods carry sculpted floats of Christ and the Virgin through candlelit streets in hooded robes. 22 to 23 Mar 2027HoliThe festival of colours: a bonfire the night before, then a day of coloured powder, water, music and sweets. 23 Mar 2027Pakistan DayThe anniversary of the 1940 Lahore Resolution, with a military parade in Islamabad and flags across the country. 23 Mar 2027PurimThe story of Esther read aloud with noise at each mention of Haman, costumes, gifts of food and a festive meal. 26 Mar 2027Good FridayA day of fasting and silence, with the Stations of the Cross, solemn processions and hot cross buns. 28 to 29 Mar 2027EasterThe feast of the resurrection: dawn services, painted eggs, hot cross buns and the end of Lent. 29 Mar 2027Dyngus DayEaster Monday in Poland: the playful water-throwing of Śmigus-dyngus, with pussy-willow switches and wet streets.

April 2027

about 1 to 14 Apr 2027HanamiCherry blossom viewing: picnics beneath the pink trees, lanterns at night and a close following of the blossom front. 2 Apr 2027Sizdah BedarThe thirteenth day of Nowruz, spent outdoors: families picnic by the water and throw the sprouted wheat into a stream. 4 to 10 Apr 2027Merrie Monarch FestivalHawaii's week of hula in Hilo, a competition of kahiko and auana dance which honours King Kalakaua. 5 Apr 2027Qingming FestivalTomb-sweeping day in early April: families clean graves, make offerings and picnic in the spring air. 7 Apr 2027Ugadi and Gudi PadwaThe new year of the Deccan: neem and jaggery pachadi, mango leaf garlands, and the Marathi gudi raised on a pole. 13 to 14 Apr 2027Sinhala and Tamil New YearSri Lanka's shared new year: the sun enters Aries, a lit hearth, oil-bathing, kiribath and traditional games. 13 to 15 Apr 2027SongkranThe Thai new year: first a gentle pour of water on the hands of elders, then three days of street water fights. 13 to 16 Apr 2027ThingyanThe Burmese water festival at the new year: pavilions on every road, thabyay flowers and gentle blessings. 14 Apr 2027BaisakhiThe Punjabi harvest and the founding of the Khalsa: gurdwara processions, nagar kirtan, fairs and bhangra. 14 Apr 2027PuthanduThe Tamil new year: mango pachadi, kolam, temple visits and the first look at auspicious things. 14 Apr 2027Nepali New YearBikram Sambat new year, which starts in mid-April with fairs, processions and the Bisket Jatra of Bhaktapur. 14 to 20 Apr 2027Bohag BihuThe Assamese spring new year: bihu dances in red and white, gamosa gifts, and seven days of feasting. 14 Apr 2027Pohela BoishakhThe Bengali new year: red and white clothes, panta ilish, fairs and the Mangal Shobhajatra of Dhaka. 14 to 16 Apr 2027Choul Chnam ThmeyThe Khmer new year: sand mounds at the pagoda, a bath for the Buddha, games of angkunh and Bonn Chol Chnam. 14 to 16 Apr 2027Pi Mai LaoThe Lao new year: processions of Buddha images in Luang Prabang, baci strings on wrists and playful splashing. 15 Apr 2027VishuKerala's New Year, begun by seeing the Vishukkani, an arrangement of auspicious things, as the first sight of the day. 15 Apr 2027Rama NavamiThe birthday of Rama: readings of the Ramayana, cradle ceremonies at noon, and processions from Ayodhya to Bhadrachalam. about 15 Apr to 13 Jun 2027Naghol Land DivingOn Pentecost Island, men leap from a tower of tree trunks with vines tied to their ankles, to bless the yam harvest. 19 Apr 2027SechseläutenZurich's spring festival: guild parade, and the burning of Böögg, a snowman, to forecast the summer. about 20 Apr 2027Mahavir JayantiThe birthday of Mahavira, the last Jain teacher: processions, temple bathing and acts of charity. about 22 Apr 2027Hanuman JayantiThe birthday of Hanuman: sunrise prayers, the Hanuman Chalisa, vermilion and a Tuesday-style devotion. 22 to 29 Apr 2027PassoverThe festival of freedom: a seder with matzah, bitter herbs and four cups of wine, and no leavened bread for a week. 25 Apr 2027Anzac DayA dawn service, the Last Post and rosemary on 25 April, remembering those who served from Australia and New Zealand. 27 Apr 2027King's DayThe Dutch national day in orange: free markets selling anything, boat parties on the canals and tompouce pastries. about 29 Apr to 7 May 2027Matsu PilgrimageTaiwan's nine-day walking pilgrimage with the sea goddess from Dajia, among the largest religious events in the world. 29 Apr 2027MimounaThe Moroccan Jewish celebration at the end of Passover: open doors, mufleta pancakes, honey and a table of sweets. 30 Apr to 1 May 2027VappuFinland's spring and student festival: white caps on, sparkling wine, sima mead and funnel cakes on 1 May. 30 Apr 2027Walpurgis NightThe eve of May: bonfires on the hills, singing and the driving away of witches and winter. 30 Apr to 2 May 2027Gathering of Nations PowwowNorth America's largest powwow in Albuquerque: drum groups, grass and jingle dancers, and a Miss Indian World pageant.

May 2027

1 May 2027AboakyerThe deer hunt festival of the Effutu people of Winneba, with two companies racing to capture a live deer for the gods. 1 May 2027Lei DayMay Day is Lei Day in Hawaii: garlands of flowers, lei-making contests, hula and a Lei Queen. 1 May 2027Beltane and May DayThe first day of summer in the Gaelic year: bonfires, dew washed on the face, maypoles and morris dancers at dawn. 1 May 2027May Day and Labour DayInternational Workers' Day: marches, red flags and lily of the valley, and in some places maypoles. 2 May 2027FasikaEthiopian Easter: after a 55-day Lent, an all-night service and a joyful meal of lamb and doro wat. 2 May 2027Orthodox EasterPascha: midnight candles, "Christ is risen" and the breaking of the long fast with red eggs and lamb. 3 May 2027Sham el-NessimEgypt's ancient spring festival, kept on the Monday after Coptic Easter with picnics, salted fish and coloured eggs. 4 May 2027Yom HaShoahHolocaust Remembrance Day: a siren sounds across Israel, and the names of the dead are read. 5 May 2027Children's Day in JapanCarp streamers fly from poles, boys' helmets are set out, and children eat kashiwamochi and chimaki. 5 May 2027Cinco de MayoRemembering the 1862 victory at Puebla, a local holiday in Mexico and a celebration of Mexican heritage in the United States. 6 May 2027HidirellezThe day spring begins in Turkey and the Balkans, when wishes are written, tied to a rose bush and jumped over a fire. 9 May 2027Victory DayThe anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, with the Immortal Regiment portraits and flowers at memorials. 9 May 2027Mother's DayThe second Sunday of May: flowers, cards and a meal for mothers, a custom begun in West Virginia in 1908. about 12 May 2027Yom HaAtzmautIsrael's Independence Day: a day after the memorial day for the fallen, with barbecues, flags and fireworks. about 13 May 2027Buddha's Birthday in KoreaLotus lanterns line Seoul and Jogyesa temple, with a lantern parade, Yeondeunghoe, before the day itself. 13 to 17 May 2027Cheung Chau Bun FestivalA Hong Kong island festival with towers of buns, bamboo scaffolds and children floating on stilts. about 14 to 18 May 2027HajjThe annual pilgrimage to Mecca, in white garments, circling the Kaaba and standing in prayer on the plain of Arafat. about 15 May 2027Day of ArafahThe ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah: pilgrims stand in prayer on the plain of Arafat, and many others fast at home. about 16 to 19 May 2027Eid al-AdhaThe festival of sacrifice, remembering Ibrahim's obedience, with a shared sheep or goat and meat for the poor. about 16 to 18 May 2027Aid el-Kebir in the MaghrebThe Great Eid in Morocco and Algeria: a sheep in every courtyard, the first meal of liver and the days of meat feasts. 16 to 17 May 2027PentecostFifty days after Easter: the coming of the Holy Spirit, with red vestments, birch branches and spring processions. 17 to 19 May 2027KataklysmosCyprus's Festival of the Flood on Pentecost Monday, with water games by the sea and in the squares. 17 May 2027Syttende MaiNorway's Constitution Day: children's parades in bunad, flags, ice cream and hot dogs in the streets. 20 May 2027VesakThe full moon of May, when the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha are remembered with lanterns and offerings. about 21 to 24 May 2027Qoyllur Rit'iThe Star Snow festival: Quechua pilgrims climb to a glacier at 4,700 metres to honour the Lord of Qoyllur Rit'i and the mountain spirits. 25 May 2027Lag BaOmerBonfires, bows and arrows and a pilgrimage to Meron: a joyful pause in the counting of the Omer. 26 May 2027National Sorry DayA day to remember the Stolen Generations, with gatherings and healing ceremonies across Australia.

June 2027

about 6 Jun 2027Islamic New YearThe first of Muharram, the start of the Hijri year, which counts from the migration of the Prophet to Medina. 9 Jun 2027Dragon Boat FestivalLong painted boats race to drums on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and zongzi dumplings are eaten. 11 to 12 Jun 2027ShavuotThe Feast of Weeks, remembering the giving of the Torah, with all-night study, flowers and dairy foods. 11 Jun 2027Kamehameha DayA parade of floral floats and horseback riders in pa'u dress honours King Kamehameha the Great in Honolulu. about 13 to 29 Jun 2027Festa JuninaBrazil's June festivals: bonfires, quadrilha square dancing, corn dishes and checked shirts for St Anthony, St John and St Peter. about 15 Jun 2027AshuraThe tenth of Muharram: for Shia Muslims a day of mourning for Husayn, for many Sunnis a day of fasting. about 15 Jun 2027Achoura in MoroccoIn Morocco Ashura is a children's day of gifts, bonfires and splashing, with zakat and toys. 16 Jun 2027BloomsdayDubliners dress in Edwardian clothes and walk the route of Leopold Bloom, with gorgonzola sandwiches and readings. 19 Jun 2027JuneteenthThe day that news of freedom reached enslaved people in Texas in 1865: parades, red foods, readings and family gatherings. 21 Jun 2027Fête de la MusiqueEvery street corner becomes a stage on the summer solstice, with free concerts by amateurs and professionals. 21 Jun 2027National Indigenous Peoples DayA day around the summer solstice to celebrate First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, with drumming, storytelling and feasts. 21 Jun 2027Summer SolsticeThe longest day: sunrise at Stonehenge, bonfires, the Fête de la Musique and the white nights of the north. 23 to 24 Jun 2027Ligo and JaniLatvia's midsummer: oak-leaf crowns, caraway cheese, a night of fires and songs that lasts until dawn. 24 Jun 2027Fête nationale du QuébecQuebec's Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day: blue and white flags, bonfires, songs and the pride of the French language. 24 Jun 2027Inti RaymiThe Inca festival of the sun, restaged each 24 June at Sacsayhuamán above Cusco. 25 Jun 2027MatarikiThe Maori new year, when the Pleiades star cluster rises before dawn in mid-winter, with remembrance, food and stories. 25 to 26 Jun 2027MidsummerThe Nordic midsummer: a flowered pole raised and danced around, herring and strawberries, and bonfires by the water.

July 2027

1 Jul 2027Canada DayThe anniversary of Confederation: red and white, fireworks on Parliament Hill, picnics and citizenship ceremonies. 2 Jul 2027Palio di SienaA bareback horse race around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, run for the contrade of Siena on 2 July and 16 August. 2 to 11 Jul 2027Calgary StampedeTen days of rodeo, chuckwagon races, pancake breakfasts and a parade in white hats in Alberta every July. 4 Jul 2027VardavarArmenia's water festival: fourteen weeks after Easter, children and adults splash everyone they meet. about 4 Jul 2027TirganThe ancient summer water festival: splashing, rainbow ribbons on the wrist and the story of the arrow of Arash. 4 to 10 Jul 2027NAIDOC WeekA week in July for the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. about 4 to 10 Jul 2027Heilala FestivalTonga's festival around the king's birthday, with a float parade, brass bands and the lakalaka dance. 4 Jul 2027Fourth of JulyIndependence Day in the United States: barbecues, parades, flags and fireworks on 4 July. 5 to 13 Jul 2027Rath Yatra of PuriThree enormous wooden chariots carry Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra down the Grand Road of Puri. 6 to 7 Jul 2027Ivan Kupala NightThe eve of John the Baptist in the Slavic lands: wreaths on rivers, fires to jump over and the search for the fern flower. 6 to 14 Jul 2027San FermínPamplona's nine-day fiesta: all in white with a red scarf, the daily bull run and the rite of the Pobre de Mí. 7 Jul 2027TanabataPeople write wishes on paper strips and hang them on bamboo, for the two star lovers who meet once a year. about 8 to 18 Jul 2027Kandy Esala PeraheraTen nights of torchlight processions in Kandy, with drummers, whip-crackers, dancers and caparisoned elephants carrying the relic casket. 11 to 13 Jul 2027NaadamMongolia's three manly games of wrestling, archery and horse racing, in the National Stadium and out on the steppe. 14 Jul 2027Bastille DayLa Fête nationale: the military parade on the Champs-Élysées, balls at fire stations, and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. about 15 Jul to 12 Sept 2027FamadihanaThe Malagasy turning of the bones: families bring ancestors from the tomb, wrap them in fresh cloth, and dance with them. 16 to 19 Jul 2027Fiesta de La TiranaChile's desert pilgrimage to the Virgen del Carmen, with thousands of dancers in devil masks and sequins. 17 Jul to 16 Aug 2027Gion MatsuriKyoto's month-long festival of towering floats, with the great parade of Yamaboko on 17 July. 18 Jul 2027Guru PurnimaThe full moon on which students honour their teachers: Hindu, Buddhist and Jain communities each keep it. about 22 Jul 2027Grand Magal of ToubaSenegal's Mouride pilgrimage to Touba: millions gather to remember Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba's exile. about 23 Jul 2027Mwaka KogwaThe Shirazi new year of Zanzibar: a mock fight with banana stalks, a hut set alight, and a feast at Makunduchi. about 24 Jul 2027ArbaeenThe fortieth day after Ashura: millions of pilgrims walk to Karbala, welcomed with free food and rest along the road. 30 Jul 2027Throne Day in MoroccoThe anniversary of the king's accession, with a speech, flags and a ceremony of allegiance at the royal palace.

August 2027

about 1 to 4 Aug 2027Garma FestivalA gathering of the Yolngu people in north-east Arnhem Land, with bunggul dance, song, forums on policy and bush skills. 1 Aug 2027Swiss National DayBonfires on the mountains, lanterns, alphorns and fireworks on 1 August. 1 Aug 2027Pachamama DayIn the Andes, the first of August is the day Mother Earth is thanked and fed with offerings of food, drink and coca leaves. 1 Aug 2027Emancipation DayThe Caribbean remembers 1 August 1834, when slavery ended in the British colonies, with church services, drumming and food. 1 Aug 2027Lughnasadh and LammasThe first-fruits of the grain harvest: hilltop climbs, bilberries and the Lammas loaf blessed in the church. 2 Aug 2027Crop OverBarbados' harvest festival, which ends on Kadooment Day with costumed bands, calypso and soca. 4 to 13 Aug 2027Te Maeva NuiThe Cook Islands' constitution celebrations: ten days of drumming and dancing by each island group. 8 Aug 2027Qixi FestivalThe seventh night of the seventh month: the cowherd and the weaver girl meet across the Milky Way. 8 Aug 2027Melon DayA national holiday for the Turkmen melon, sold, judged and eaten in parks across the country. 9 Aug 2027Singapore National DayThe anniversary of 1965 independence, with a parade, a "Pledge" and fireworks over Marina Bay. about 12 Aug 2027Tisha B'AvA day of fasting and mourning for the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem, with lamentations read on the floor. 13 to 15 Aug 2027ObonMid-August festival for the ancestors: lanterns welcome the spirits home, bon odori dances follow, and fires send them back. 14 Aug 2027Pakistan Independence DayFlags, green clothes, fireworks at midnight and flag-raising in the Pakistani cities on 14 August. about 14 Aug 2027MawlidThe birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, with recited praise poems, lit streets, sweets and gifts of food. about 14 Aug 2027Moulid an-Nabi in EgyptEgypt's birthday of the Prophet: stalls of sugar dolls and horses, Sufi processions and a great fair in Cairo. about 14 Aug 2027Mawlid in TimbuktuIn Timbuktu and the Sahel the Prophet's birthday is marked with all-night readings, processions and food shared in the streets. 15 Aug 2027Independence Day of IndiaThe prime minister raises the flag at the Red Fort, kites fly over Delhi and schools hold flag-hoisting. 15 Aug 2027Parsi New YearNavroze of the Parsis: fire temple prayers, rangoli, sev and dar ni pori, and a long family lunch of patra ni machhi. about 15 Aug 2027Wafaa el-NilThe ancient celebration of the Nile flood: once a bride of clay was offered to the river, today there are boats, songs and feasts. about 15 to 17 Aug 2027HomowoThe Ga festival of "hooting at hunger" in Accra, with kpokpoi, fasts of silence and a procession of chiefs. about 15 to 17 Aug 2027New Yam FestivalThe Igbo Iri Ji: the first yams of the year are offered to the gods and ancestors before anyone eats them. 15 Aug 2027Assumption and FerragostoMid-August: the feast of the Virgin Mary, a holiday of the beach, big lunches, flowers and herb blessings. 16 Aug 2027Vu LanThe Vietnamese festival of filial piety and the wandering spirits, on which people pin a rose in thanks to their parents. 16 Aug 2027Hungry Ghost FestivalIn the seventh lunar month, offerings and burnt paper are left for wandering spirits, with street operas for the unseen audience. 17 Aug 2027Raksha BandhanSisters tie a rakhi thread on their brothers' wrists, and brothers promise their care and a gift. 17 Aug 2027Indonesian Independence DaySeventeen August: flag raising at dawn, panjat pinang pole climbing, sack races and kerupuk-eating contests in every kampung. 25 Aug 2027Krishna JanmashtamiThe birthday of Krishna: midnight prayers, fasting, swings for the child god, and human pyramids to break the pot. 25 Aug 2027La TomatinaAn hour-long tomato fight in Buñol, near Valencia, on the last Wednesday of August. 27 Aug to 7 Sept 2027Osun-Osogbo FestivalThe Yoruba festival of the river goddess Osun, in a sacred grove at Osogbo, with a procession to the river for her blessing. 29 to 30 Aug 2027Notting Hill CarnivalEurope's largest street festival: Caribbean costumes, steel pans, sound systems and jerk chicken in west London. about 31 Aug to 7 Sept 2027Umhlanga Reed DanceTens of thousands of young Swazi women cut reeds and carry them to the royal residence, singing and dancing before the king.

September 2027

4 to 13 Sept 2027Ganesh ChaturthiThe birthday of Ganesha: clay idols at home and in street pandals, ending in a joyful immersion in water. about 5 Sept 2027Kwita IzinaRwanda's naming ceremony for newborn mountain gorillas, with a name given to each baby in the Volcanoes National Park. about 5 to 11 Sept 2027Teuila FestivalSamoa's week-long festival in Apia: fire knife dancing, outrigger races, tattooing, weaving and the Teuila Queen. 7 Sept 2027Brazilian Independence DaySeven September: military and school parades in green and yellow, remembering the Cry of Ipiranga in 1822. 12 to 21 Sept 2027OnamKerala's harvest festival: flower carpets, snake-boat races, tiger dancers and the great sadya on a banana leaf. 12 Sept 2027EnkutatashThe Ethiopian New Year in September, with yellow Meskel daisies, children's songs and a family coffee ceremony. 15 Sept 2027Tet Trung ThuThe Mid-Autumn children's festival of Vietnam: star lanterns, lion dances and mooncakes. 15 Sept 2027Mid-Autumn FestivalThe harvest moon: families gather outside to share mooncakes, pomelos and the legend of the moon lady Chang'e. 15 to 17 Sept 2027ChuseokThe Korean harvest moon: family gathering, songpyeon rice cakes shaped by hand, and rites at ancestors' graves. 15 Sept 2027TsukimiMoon viewing in autumn: dango stacked on a stand, pampas grass in a vase and tea in the evening. 15 to 16 Sept 2027Mexican Independence DayThe Grito on the night of 15 September: the president rings the bell and thousands in the Zócalo shout "Viva México". about 16 to 18 Sept 2027Goroka ShowHighland tribes in feathers and paint gather for the sing-sing, a display of dance, song and body decoration. about 17 to 19 Sept 2027Imilchil Marriage MoussemA September gathering of the Ait Haddidou in the High Atlas, with songs, dance, trading and match-making. 18 Sept to 3 Oct 2027OktoberfestMunich's great beer festival: a parade of brewery horses, a tapping of the first keg, dirndl, lederhosen and roast chicken. 18 to 19 Sept 2027Fiestas Patrias in ChileChile's national days of 18 and 19 September: fondas, cueca dancing, empanadas, asado and kite flying. 23 Sept 2027Saudi National DayThe unification of the kingdom in 1932: green flags, sword dances, concerts and fireworks across Saudi Arabia. 23 Sept 2027Autumn EquinoxDay and night are equal again: harvest festivals, Higan in Japan, and Mabon for the modern pagan. 24 Sept 2027Heritage DaySouth Africa's day of cultural pride, known as National Braai Day, with the fire lit and food from every community. 28 Sept 2027MeskelThe Finding of the True Cross: a great bonfire, the demera, is lit in Addis Ababa's Meskel Square.

October 2027

1 to 7 Oct 2027National Day of ChinaThe founding of the People's Republic in 1949, kept with a flag-raising and the week-long Golden Week holiday. about 1 to 7 Oct 2027OdwiraThe Akan festival of purification and thanksgiving, with a cleansing of stools and a durbar of chiefs, strongest at Akropong. 2 Oct 2027Gandhi JayantiThe birthday of Mahatma Gandhi: prayers at Raj Ghat, charkha spinning, and the International Day of Non-Violence. 2 to 3 Oct 2027Golden Eagle FestivalKazakh eagle hunters of Bayan-Olgii gather on the steppe in October to show their birds and their horsemanship. 2 to 3 Oct 2027Rosh HashanahThe Jewish new year: the ram's-horn shofar, apples and honey, and ten days of reflection before Yom Kippur. about 3 Oct 2027IrreechaThe Oromo thanksgiving: millions gather by water in Bishoftu to thank Waaqa for the end of the rains with grass and flowers. 8 Oct 2027MehreganThe ancient autumn festival of Mithra: harvest, friendship and love, kept by Zoroastrians and in Persian culture. 11 Oct 2027Yom KippurThe Day of Atonement: a full day of fasting, prayer and forgiveness, ending with a final shofar blast. 16 to 22 Oct 2027SukkotThe Feast of Booths: meals in a leafy hut under the stars, and the waving of palm, myrtle, willow and citron. 23 to 24 Oct 2027Simchat TorahRejoicing with the Torah: scrolls are carried in dancing circles and the yearly reading starts again.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

The weekly EveryParampara

Every week: one tradition from somewhere new, what is being celebrated around the world this week, and one idea explained.