📅 holiday

Indian Independence Day

Saturday, August 15, 2026

— days to go

Indian Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th each year to commemorate India's independence from British colonial rule. The day marks the anniversary of the Indian Independence Movement and honors the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who struggled for the nation's sovereignty. The main celebration takes place at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister delivers the famous 'Address to the Nation' and hoists the Indian flag. Independence Day is a national holiday in India, observed with patriotic fervor across the country through flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and patriotic songs. The day serves as a reminder of the hard-won freedom and inspires citizens to uphold the values of unity, diversity, and democratic governance that define the world's largest democracy.

History

India's struggle for independence spanned nearly two centuries of British colonial rule, beginning with the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence. This rebellion, though initially suppressed, sparked the emergence of the Indian National Congress in 1885, which would become the primary vehicle for India's independence movement. Led by figures such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, and countless others, the movement employed various strategies including non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and the famous Salt March. The Quit India Movement of 1942 marked the final major uprising. After years of struggle, negotiations led by the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League under the leadership of Gandhi, Nehru, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah respectively, resulted in the Indian Independence Act 1947, passed by the British Parliament. At midnight on August 14-15, 1947, India achieved independence, partitioned into two separate nations: India and Pakistan. The first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, delivered his historic 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, marking the birth of a free nation.

How It's Celebrated

Indian Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor across the nation. The main ceremony takes place at the Red Fort in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers the 'Address to the Nation'. The ceremony includes cultural programs featuring patriotic songs, dances, and performances depicting India's freedom struggle. Schools and educational institutions organize flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic song competitions, and cultural events. Citizens celebrate by wearing tricolor attire, displaying the Indian flag, and participating in community gatherings. The evening is marked by spectacular fireworks displays in major cities. The day also commemorates the sacrifices of freedom fighters through wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials and memorials dedicated to national heroes.

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📅 holiday Dec 26

2nd Day of Christmas

The people of the Netherlands do not just celebrate Christmas on December 25. Christmas celebrations here begin on December 5, the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday 25 December. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 December in 2027. The saint was a bishop in the fourth century. One story about him claims he inherited money from his wealthy parents and used his wealth to help the poor. One legend tells how he helped a needy family. The three young girls in the family were unable to get married because their parents were too poor to provide dowries. St. Nicholas heard of their misfortune and dropped a bag of gold down their chimney to pay for the girls’ dowries. St. Nicholas’ generosity is commemorated in the Netherlands today. He is known as Sinterklaas, and he is credited with giving presents to children on December 5. Sinterklaas lives in Spain, and he arrives in Amsterdam by boat on December 5. He rides a white horse in a parade through the streets. Children put carrots and hay for the horse in their shoes. They leave their shoes near a fireplace or on a windowsill. Sinterklaas leaves presents in their shoes. December 5 is also a night for parties to celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Children receive presents from Sinterklaas at these parties. Other activities at the parties include games and treasure hunts. Biscuits made with marzipan or cinnamon are served for refreshments. The Netherlands’ Christmas celebration continues through the month of December. Houses are decorated with evergreens. People put up trees in their homes decorated with candles, bells and ribbons. Trees are put up in the city squares and decorated. Streets are adorned with strings of lights shaped like stars or bells. Food stalls in the streets sell seasonal sweet treats such as oliebollen and appelflappen. Oliebollen are similar to donuts, and appelflappen are apple beignets. People can hear Christmas music played in the streets. Red and green decorations are used in department stores. Children receive most of their presents during the celebrations of St. Nicholas Day, so Christmas Day is usually spent enjoying the company of family and eating. Children might hang up stockings and receive a few more presents. Some people attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas. Christmas Day may begin with a brunch of smoked salmon and fancy rolls. The last meal of the day is a dinner that may include pork, goose or game meats. Special dishes served for these meals include kerststol for brunch and gourmetten for dinner. Kerststol is a loaf with fruits. Gourmetten is made by placing a small grill on the table. People can grill small pieces of meat and vegetables. The day ends with people gathering around the fireplace to sing carols and tell stories. This day is known as First Christmas Day in the Netherlands. December 26 is Second Christmas Day. People dine on leftovers or go out to eat. They may attend concerts. If the weather permits, they might spend time in an outdoor activity such as ice skating.

NL AW SX +15

📅 holiday Apr 27

Abolition Day

The island of Réunion celebrates Abolition Day on 20 December each year. This holiday commemorates the day in 1848 when slavery was made illegal in the colony of Réunion by the French colonial government. In 2026, Abolition Day falls on Sunday 20 December. The holiday will be on Monday 20 December in 2027. Ever since Réunion was taken by France in 1642, it had become a major trade stop en route to India and the East Indies. It soon also became the site of many coffee plantations, and slaves were brought in to work those plantations. Although some came from Africa, China, and India under better terms than slavery, all non-European inhabitants were made slaves in 1690. When slavery was ended on the island in 1848, it created a labour shortage, which then led to indentured servants immigrating from other lands. This further increased the ethnic diversity of an island already quite diverse. Today, all citizens of Réunion look back to abolition as a key moment in the country’s history, and there are many cultural celebrations held all over the island on Abolition Day.

RE MQ GF +2

📅 holiday Nov 1

All Saints' Day

All Saints’ Day is a holiday in New Caledonia every 1 November. On this day, Christian believers remember known and unknown saints of past centuries. All Saints’ Day is a significant occasion on the traditional Christian calendar, and is observed by millions of Christians around the world. In 2026, All Saints’ Day falls on Sunday 1 November. The holiday will be on Monday 1 November in 2027. About half the population of New Caledonia are Roman Catholics, while most of the rest of Protestants. The Protestants are largely Evangelical and generally they do not significantly celebrate All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day is a somewhat low-key holiday in New Caledonia. But people often do get the day off work, and they will typically attend special mass services. Many also take the time to decorate the graves of loved ones with flowers and to pray for and think of their deceased relatives.

NC MQ HT +42

📅 holiday Nov 2

All Saints' Day Holiday

All Saints’ Day is a holiday in Burundi every 1 November. On this day, Christian believers remember known and unknown saints of past centuries. All Saints’ Day is a significant occasion on the traditional Christian calendar, and is observed by millions of Christians around the world. In 2026, All Saints' Day falls on Sunday 1 November. The holiday will be on Monday 1 November in 2027. Around two-thirds of Burundians are Roman Catholic, and most of the rest are Anglican or affiliated with another Protestant denomination. That means that the large majority of Burundi’s population celebrates All Saints’ Day, which is also a public holiday. The first day of November has been a Catholic feast day for centuries, having been set aside as a day to honour Christian saints and martyrs who lacked their own separate feast day by Pope Gregory IV in A.D. 837. German, Belgian, and English influences ultimately brought these traditions to Burundi during the 1800’s and 1900’s. Special church services are held on All Saints’ Day, during which the Beatitudes are traditionally read. Many also leave flowers on the graves of deceased relatives or light candles in their windows.

BI CO BF +4