Ashura: Observance and Holiday Status (June 24-25 2026, Tentative)
Ashura, observed on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, is one of the most significant dates in the Islamic calendar, marked very differently by Sunni and…
Category: Holiday Explainers
Plain-language explainers on how public holidays work, from lunar calendars to substitute days.
Islamic New Year: Where It’s a Public Holiday (Tentative, Moon-Sighting)
The Islamic New Year, marking the first day of Muharram, is a public holiday in many Muslim-majority countries, though its observance varies widely around the world.…
Arafat Day: Holiday Status in the Gulf (May 26 2026, Tentative)
Arafat Day, known as Yawm Arafah, is one of the holiest days in Islam and a public holiday across the Gulf states. In 2026, it is…
UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad): Dec 2-3 Guide
UAE National Day, known as Eid Al Etihad, is celebrated every December 2 and 3, marking the 1971 unification of the emirates into the United Arab…
Victoria Day: Canada’s May Holiday Explained (May 18 2026)
Victoria Day is a Canadian public holiday observed on the Monday before May 25 each year. In 2026, that is Monday, May 18. It honors the…
Canada Day (July 1): How Canada Celebrates
Canada Day, celebrated every July 1, is Canada’s national day, marking the anniversary of Confederation in 1867. In 2026, July 1 falls on a Wednesday, and…
Anzac Day (Apr 25): Australia and New Zealand Remembrance
Anzac Day, observed every April 25, is Australia and New Zealand’s most solemn national day of remembrance. In 2026, April 25 falls on a Saturday, and…
Australia Day (Jan 26): Public Holiday and Debate
Australia Day, observed every January 26, is Australia’s national day and a public holiday across the country. In 2026, January 26 falls on a Monday, giving…
Spain’s National Day (Oct 12): Fiesta Nacional
Spain’s National Day, or Fiesta Nacional de Espana, is celebrated every October 12. In 2026, October 12 falls on a Monday, and it is one of…
Italy’s Republic Day (June 2): Festa della Repubblica
Republic Day, or Festa della Repubblica, is Italy’s national day, celebrated every June 2. In 2026, June 2 falls on a Tuesday, and it is a…