Immersing oneself in a foreign culture is an excellent reward for studying abroad. Holidays are ideal for celebrating and learning about new things while visiting other lands. Here are 25 international holidays that show you another lifestyle:
1. Thanksgiving
Many nations celebrate Thanksgiving with a lavish meal. For example, South Korea celebrates in August, Canada in October, and the USA in November.
2. Diwali
The Hindu festival of lights, celebrated in October and November, has gained popularity worldwide, with many countries joining in the festivities.
3. Liberation Day
Italy’s national holiday, celebrated on April 25th, commemorates the end of World War II and the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation.
4. Christmas
In many nations, Christians and non-Christians celebrate Christmas religiously and culturally with gift exchanges, music, and Santa Claus stories.
5. Halloween
This holiday is primarily celebrated in the US and Canada with pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, and spooky-themes.
6. St. Patrick's Day
On March 17, many cities and countries celebrate St. Patrick's Day with greenery, music, beverages, and corned beef with cabbage. Boston, New York, and Chicago have world-famous festivities.
7. Holi
Celebrated in March, this vibrant event involves dancing, singing, and joyfully throwing colored powders and water to welcome spring and positive energy.
8. Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year, usually in late January or early February, begins the lunisolar or lunar calendar and spring. Many Asian nations and groups commemorate it.
9. Boxing Day
December 26 in the UK and Canada—is a day for sports, shopping, and leftovers to relax after Christmas.
10. Fair of Seville
One of Spain's major festivals, the Fair of Seville, occurs two weeks following Easter Holy Week.
11. Epiphany
Spain, France, and South America celebrate the three Wise Men's visit to infant Jesus on January 6th with cake and wine.
12. Oktoberfest
Germany celebrates Oktoberfest with food, beverages, music, and beer gardens from late September to early October.
13. Dia de Los Muertos
When families and friends meet two days after Halloween to honor deceased loved ones with ofrendas, homemade shrines.
14. Hanukkah
An eight-night Jewish celebration recognizing Jerusalem's recovery with special meals, family time, and gift-giving.
15. Bastille Day
France celebrates this holiday with fireworks, unique illuminations, large-scale public activities, and events.
16. Japanese Golden Week
This week comprises four national holidays in seven days in spring. Locals love to travel, hike, picnic, and enjoy the weather this season.
17. New Year's Eve
Parties, countdowns, music, and joy—mark the start of the new year worldwide.
18. Mardi Gras
Also known as “Fat Tuesday," it is Christians' penultimate celebration before the next day, Ash Wednesday, which marks Lent. Several European nations and US cities, including New Orleans, host this party.
19. Easter
Christians celebrate Easter by commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, although many non-relgious love hiding and decorating Easter eggs and surprising kids with Easter Bunny presents.
20. Italian Labor Day
Also known as Festival del Lavoro or Labor Day in Italy, is observed on May 1. It celebrates workers' rights, the labor movement, solidarity, and community.
21. Carnival
A joyous season after the Christian pre-Lenten period, consisting of Shrove Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday or Mardi Gras. Celebrate with parades and other events.
22. 4th of July
This summer celebration in the US includes hot dogs, hamburgers, popsicles, fireworks, and aquatic sports.
23. Emperor Day
Japan celebrates the Emperor's Birthday with a public celebration at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, where the gates are opened (the palace is generally closed to the public).
24. Dano Spring Festival
On Dano, the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar Korean calendar, people hope for a prosperous harvest after sowing crops.
25. German Unity Day
Germany's most significant non-religious holiday. Germany's national holiday on October 3rd is a day off. After West and East Germany reunited in 1990, the holiday was created. Every year, a new city holds a significant ceremony, which is celebrated nationwide.
When you’re ready to learn more about exploring another country with an academic program, book a consultation with an SAF counselor.