New Year celebrations date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, making it one of the oldest known holidays.
In 1659, the Massachusetts Bay Colony banned Christmas, considering it a dishonorable tradition.
Valentine's Day originated from a Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia, which was Christianized in the 5th century.
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Halloween evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season.
The first Thanksgiving feast was shared by the Pilgrims and Wampanoag people in 1621.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is celebrated for eight nights.
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox.
Ramadan, a sacred Islamic month of fasting, falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
Also called Spring Festival, Chinese New Year celebrations continue for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
April Fools' Day dates back to at least the 1500s and has uncertain origins, possibly tied to calendar changes.
Mother's Day was officially recognized in the United States in 1914 due to Anna Jarvis's efforts.
Father's Day became a U.S. holiday in 1972, after decades of advocacy, inspired by the success of Mother’s Day.
Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14, commemorates the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution.
The first Oktoberfest in 1810 celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Bavaria.
Boxing Day, observed on December 26 in many Commonwealth nations, originated from the tradition of giving to the poor.
Earth Day, first celebrated in 1970, aims to raise environmental awareness globally.
July 4th marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, celebrating America's freedom from British rule.
St. Patrick’s Day honors the patron saint of Ireland and is widely celebrated with parades and green-themed festivities.
Kwanzaa, created in 1966, celebrates African-American culture and heritage over seven days from December 26 to January 1.
Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Islamic holidays follow a lunar calendar, causing them to shift dates each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Labor Day in the U.S., celebrated in September, honors the contributions and achievements of workers.
Arbor Day, first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872, promotes tree planting and conservation efforts.
November 5 commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605 with fireworks and bonfires across the UK.
Mardi Gras, also called Fat Tuesday, originated as a Christian tradition before the fasting season of Lent.
Celebrated in many East Asian countries, this festival honors the harvest and the full moon.
Observed on March 8, this day celebrates the achievements and rights of women worldwide.
Veterans Day in the U.S. honors all military veterans and coincides with Armistice Day in Europe.
Memorial Day commemorates those who died in military service, originally known as Decoration Day.
Songkran, the Thai New Year in April, is celebrated with large water fights and traditional blessings.
Celebrated on July 1, Canada Day marks the confederation of the country in 1867.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) honors deceased loved ones with vibrant celebrations and altars.
Eid al-Fitr is a festive Islamic holiday celebrating the end of fasting during Ramadan.
Carnival, especially in Brazil and Venice, marks a festive period before Lent in Christian traditions.
Celebrated 40 days after Easter, it marks the ascent of Jesus into heaven in Christian belief.
Observed on May 3, this day celebrates the postwar constitution enacted in 1947.
The Lantern Festival features beautiful lantern displays and symbolizes reunion and harmony.
Over 100 countries have their own version of Independence Day, each rooted in a unique historical event.
The tradition of decorating evergreen trees began in 16th-century Germany.
Also called May Day, it celebrates labor rights and is observed in over 80 countries.
Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving, but in October rather than November.
The exchange of hand-written notes and cards on Valentine’s Day became common in the 1700s.
Epiphany, observed on January 6, commemorates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus.
Countries like China, Vietnam, and India celebrate both the Gregorian and traditional New Year festivals.