Europe
Vacation Packages

New Year's Day January 1

School Holidays
Winter Break
20th Dec. ‘24 to 5Jan. ‘25

Spring Break/ School Holidays
10 March ‘25 and 21 March ‘25

Good Friday-Easter Weekend
(4 Days – Friday to Monday)
20 March and 23 April

Victoria Day 🇨🇦
The last Monday before May 25
2025, it will be on Monday, May 19

Summer Break/ School Holidays
28 June ‘25 to early September.

Canada Day Tues, 1 Jul ‘25

Labor Day Mon, 2nd Sept. ‘24

Thanksgiving Day (Canada)
Monday, October 13, 2025

Christmas Day Wed. 25 Dec ‘ 24

Christmas Day – December 25 (Federal holiday)
New Year's Day – January 1 (Federal holiday) Many offices close for the entire week between Christmas & New Year’s. If Christmas or New Year’s falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, workers often take a 4-day break.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2025 - Monday, January 20
2026: Monday, January 19

Presidents' Day
2025: Monday, February 17
2026: Monday, February 16

Typical Spring Break Periods USA:
Spring break in the USA varies by school district and university, but it typically falls between early March and mid-April. Colleges & Universities: Late February – Early April
K-12 Schools: Mid-March – Early April
Colleges & Universities:
March 3 – March 23, 2025
K-12 Schools: March 8 – April 6, 2025

Easter Dates: 2025 & 2026
2025: April 18,Good Friday
2025: April 20, 2025, Easter Sunday
2025: April 21, Easter Monday

2026: April 3, Good Friday
2026: April 5, 2026, Easter Sunday
2026: April 6, 2026: April 6

Memorial Day (Long Weekend)
2025: Monday, May 26

Independence Day (Long Weekend)
2025: Friday, July 4

Labor Day Weekend (Long Weekend)
2025: Monday, September 1

Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day USA
2025: Monday, October 13
2026: Monday, October 12

Thanksgiving Weekend (4+ Days)
Many workplaces give Friday off, creating a 4-day weekend (Thursday–Sunday
2025: Thursday, November 27

Academic holiday dates in Mexico vary by institution, but typical periods include:

Winter Break: Generally from: mid-December (around December 20) to early January (around January 10).

Mexico’s statutory public holidays, as defined by Federal Labor Law, are typically one-day observances. They include:
January 1, New Year’s Day
February 5: Constitution Day (observed on the first Monday in February)
March 21, Benito Juárez’s Birthday,
: (observed on the third Monday in March)

Academic Holidays:
Spring Break (Semana Santa): Usually a one-week break during Holy Week in late March or early April (exact dates change annually).

May 1: Labor Day

Academic Holidays:Summer Break: Typically extends from late May or early June until late August.

September 16: Independence Day

"Día de los Muertos" is celebrated on November 1 and November 2,but it’s only officially recognized as a public holiday in certain states or municipalities, not nationwide.

November 20: Revolution Day (observed on the third Monday in November)

December 25: Christmas Day

Barbados
Statutory Holidays:
January 1 (New Year’s Day)
January 21 (Errol Barrow Day)
Variable dates for Good Friday and Easter Monday
April 28 (National Heroes Day)
May 1 (Labor Day)
August 1 (Emancipation Day)
November 30 (Independence Day)
Academic holiday dates in Barbados vary by institution and academic year
Christmas Break: Usually from around December 20–January 4
December 25 (Christmas Day), and December 26 (Boxing Day).

Trinidad and Tobago
Statutory Holidays:
January 1 (New Year’s Day)
Variable dates for Good Friday and Easter Monday
Academic Holidays:
Easter Break:
Approximate duration: A one- to two-week period around Holy Week (dates vary each year based on the Easter calendar).
March 30 (Spiritual Baptist Liberation Day)
May 30 (Indian Arrival Day)

Academic Holidays:
Summer Break:
Approximate dates: July 1 to September 1

August 1 (Emancipation Day)
August 31 (Independence Day)
Variable dates for Diwali

Academic holiday dates in Trinidad and Tobago can vary by institution, but common break periods typically include:
Christmas Break:
Approximate dates: December 20 to 4 January
December 25 (Christmas Day)
December 26 (Boxing Day)

In South Africa, public holidays are established by the Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994). When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a holiday. The school calendar is determined by the Department of Basic Education and may vary slightly between provinces. Below are the public holidays and proposed school term dates for 2025 and 2026:

Public Holidays:

2025:

• New Year's Day: Wednesday, 1 January

• Human Rights Day: Friday, 21 March

• Good Friday: Friday, 18 April

• Family Day: Monday, 21 April

• Freedom Day: Sunday, 27 April (observed on Monday, 28 April)

• Workers' Day: Thursday, 1 May

• Youth Day: Monday, 16 June

• National Women's Day: Saturday, 9 August

• Heritage Day: Wednesday, 24 September

• Day of Reconciliation: Tuesday, 16 December

• Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December

• Day of Goodwill: Friday, 26 December

2026:

• New Year's Day: Thursday, 1 January

• Human Rights Day: Saturday, 21 March

• Good Friday: Friday, 3 April

• Family Day: Monday, 6 April

• Freedom Day: Monday, 27 April

• Workers' Day: Friday, 1 May

• Youth Day: Tuesday, 16 June

• National Women's Day: Sunday, 9 August (observed on Monday, 10 August)

• Heritage Day: Thursday, 24 September

• Day of Reconciliation: Wednesday, 16 December

• Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December

• Day of Goodwill: Saturday, 26 December

There are 9 Provinces in South Africa, so school holiday dates will vary by a few days difference between provinces. Private Schools in South Africa work on same principle. Generally speaking Academic institutions in South Africa are only few days apart.

Herewith an indication for general School Term Dates:

2025:

• Term 1: Wednesday, 15 January – Thursday, 20 March

• Term 2: Tuesday, 1 April – Friday, 20 June

• Term 3: Tuesday, 15 July – Friday, 26 September

• Term 4: Monday, 6 October – Wednesday, 10 December

2026:

• Term 1: Wednesday, 14 January – Friday, 27 March

• Term 2: Wednesday, 8 April – Friday, 26 June

• Term 3: Tuesday, 21 July – Friday, 2 October

• Term 4: Tuesday, 13 October – Wednesday, 9 December

Please note that these dates are subject to change. For the most current information, it's advisable to consult the official South African Government website

gov.za

and the Department of Basic Education's school calendar.

In the United Kingdom, statutory holidays, commonly known as bank holidays, vary across its constituent nations: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Below are the confirmed bank holiday dates for 2025 and 2026:

England and Wales:

2025:

• New Year's Day: Wednesday, 1 January

• Good Friday: Friday, 18 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May

• Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August

• Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December

• Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December

2026:

• New Year's Day: Thursday, 1 January

• Good Friday: Friday, 3 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May

• Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August

• Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December

• Boxing Day (Substitute Day): Monday, 28 December

Scotland:

2025:

• New Year's Day: Wednesday, 1 January

• 2nd January: Thursday, 2 January

• Good Friday: Friday, 18 April

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May

• Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 August

• St. Andrew's Day (Substitute Day): Monday, 1 December

• Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December

• Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December

2026:

• New Year's Day: Thursday, 1 January

• 2nd January: Friday, 2 January

• Good Friday: Friday, 3 April

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May

• Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 August

• St. Andrew's Day: Monday, 30 November

• Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December

• Boxing Day (Substitute Day): Monday, 28 December

Northern Ireland:

2025:

• New Year's Day: Wednesday, 1 January

• St. Patrick's Day: Monday, 17 March

• Good Friday: Friday, 18 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May

• Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) (Substitute Day): Monday, 14 July

• Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 August

• Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December

• Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December

2026:

• New Year's Day: Thursday, 1 January

• St. Patrick's Day: Tuesday, 17 March

• Good Friday: Friday, 3 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April

• Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May

• Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May

• Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) (Substitute Day): Monday, 13 July

• Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August

• Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December

• Boxing Day (Substitute Day): Monday, 28 December

Please note that substitute days are used when a bank holiday falls on a weekend, allowing the public holiday to be observed on the next weekday. These dates are subject to change, so it's advisable to consult official government sources or local authorities closer to the time for any updates.

The European Union (EU) does not have statutory holidays that are uniformly observed across all member states. Each member country determines its own public holidays based on national traditions, cultural significance, and historical events. However, within EU institutions, certain holidays are commonly observed. Below are the public holidays for the EU institutions for the years 2025 and 2026:

2025:

• New Year's Day: Wednesday, 1 January

• Day following New Year's Day: Thursday, 2 January

• Second day following New Year's Day: Friday, 3 January

• Maundy Thursday: Thursday, 17 April

• Good Friday: Friday, 18 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April

• Labor Day: Thursday, 1 May

• Anniversary of the Robert Schuman Declaration (Europe Day): Friday, 9 May

• Ascension Day: Thursday, 29 May

• Day after Ascension Day: Friday, 30 May

• Whit Monday: Monday, 9 June

• National Day in Luxembourg: Monday, 23 June

• National Day in France: Monday, 14 July (depending on place of employment)

• National Day in Belgium: Monday, 21 July

• Assumption Day: Friday, 15 August

• Christmas and New Year Holidays: Wednesday, 24 December to Friday, 2 January 2026

2026:

• New Year's Day: Thursday, 1 January

• Day following New Year's Day: Friday, 2 January

• Maundy Thursday: Thursday, 2 April

• Good Friday: Friday, 3 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April

• Labor Day: Friday, 1 May

• Anniversary of the Robert Schuman Declaration (Europe Day): Saturday, 9 May

• Ascension Day: Thursday, 14 May

• Whit Monday: Monday, 25 May

• Assumption Day: Saturday, 15 August

• Christmas and New Year Holidays: Thursday, 24 December to Friday, 1 January 2027

Please note that these dates are specific to EU institutions and may not correspond to public holidays in individual member states. For country-specific public holidays, it's advisable to consult the official government websites of each member state.

Austria

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• January 6 – Epiphany

• April 21 – Easter Monday

• May 1 – Labour Day

• May 29 – Ascension Day

• June 9 – Whit Monday

• June 19 – Corpus Christi

• August 15 – Assumption of the Virgin Mary

• October 26 – National Day

• November 1 – All Saints' Day

• December 8 – Immaculate Conception

• December 25 – Christmas Day

• December 26 – St. Stephen's Day

France

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• April 21 – Easter Monday

• May 1 – Labour Day

• May 8 – Victory in Europe Day

• May 29 – Ascension Day

• June 9 – Whit Monday

• July 14 – Bastille Day

• August 15 – Assumption Day

• November 1 – All Saints' Day

• November 11 – Armistice Day

• December 25 – Christmas Day

Note: Good Friday and St. Stephen’s Day are observed only in Alsace and Moselle regions

Germany

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• January 6 – Epiphany (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt)

• March 8 – International Women's Day (Berlin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)

• April 18 – Good Friday

• April 21 – Easter Monday

• May 1 – Labour Day

• May 29 – Ascension Day

• June 9 – Whit Monday

• June 19 – Corpus Christi (certain states)

• October 3 – German Unity Day

• October 31 – Reformation Day (certain states)

• November 1 – All Saints' Day (certain states)

• December 25 – Christmas Day

• December 26 – Second Christmas Day

• Note: Some holidays are observed only in specific federal states

Greece

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• January 6 – Epiphany

• March 3 – Clean Monday (Ash Monday)

• March 25 – Independence Day & Annunciation

• April 18 – Orthodox Good Friday

• April 20 – Orthodox Easter Sunday

• April 21 – Orthodox Easter Monday

• May 1 – Labour Day

• June 8 – Orthodox Pentecost

• June 9 – Holy Spirit Monday

• August 15 – Assumption Day

• October 28 – Ochi Day (National Day)

• December 25 – Christmas Day

• December 26 – Synaxis of the Mother of God

Italy

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• January 6 – Epiphany

• April 20 – Easter Sunday

• April 21 – Easter Monday

• April 25 – Liberation Day

• May 1 – Labour Day

• June 2 – Republic Day

• August 15 – Assumption Day

• November 1 – All Saints' Day

• December 8 – Immaculate Conception

• December 25 – Christmas Day

• December 26 – St. Stephen's Day

Netherlands

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• April 18 – Good Friday (observed by some sectors)

• April 20 – Easter Sunday

• April 21 – Easter Monday

• April 26 – King's Day

• May 5 – Liberation Day (public holiday every 5 years; next in 2025)

• May 29 – Ascension Day

• June 8 – Whit Sunday

• June 9 – Whit Monday

• December 25 – Christmas Day

• December 26 – Boxing Day

Portugal

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• April 18 – Good Friday

• April 20 – Easter Sunday

• April 25 – Freedom Day

• May 1 – Labour Day

• June 10 – Portugal Day

• June 19 – Corpus Christi

• August 15 – Assumption Day

• October 5 – Republic Day

• November 1 – All Saints' Day

• December 1 – Restoration of Independence

• December 8 – Immaculate Conception

• December 25 – Christmas Day

Poland

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• January 6 – Epiphany

• April 20 – Easter Sunday

• April 21 – Easter Monday

• May 1 – Labour Day

• May 3 – Constitution Day

• June 8 – Pentecost

• June 19 – Corpus Christi

• August 15 – Assumption Day

• November 1 – All Saints' Day

• November 11 – Independence Day

• December 25 – Christmas Day

• December 26 – Second Day of Christmas

Spain

• January 1 – New Year's Day

• January 6 – Epiphany

• April 18 – Good Friday

• April 20 – Easter Sunday

• May 1 – Labour Day

• August 15 – Assumption Day

• October 12 – National Day

• November 1 – All Saints' Day

• December 6 – Constitution Day

• December 8 – Immaculate Conception

• December 25 – Christmas Day

• Note: Spain has additional regional holidays that vary by autonomous community.

Sweden – Public Holidays

1. New Year’s Day – January 1

2. Epiphany (Trettondedag jul) – January 6

3. Good Friday – Friday before Easter Sunday (March or April)

4. Easter Sunday (Påskdagen) – March or April

5. Easter Monday (Annandag påsk) – Monday after Easter

6. Labour Day (Första maj) – May 1

7. Ascension Day (Kristi himmelsfärdsdag) – 40 days after Easter

8. Whit Sunday (Pingstdagen) – 7th Sunday after Easter

9. Sweden’s National Day (Sveriges nationaldag) – June 6

10. Midsummer Day (Midsommardagen) – Saturday between June 20–26

11. All Saints’ Day (Alla helgons dag) – Saturday between October 31 and November 6

12. Christmas Day (Juldagen) – December 25

13. Boxing Day (Annandag jul) – December 26

Australia's public holidays are determined by both federal and state or territory governments, leading to variations across regions. Below is a comprehensive list of national and state-specific public holidays for 2025 and 2026:

National Public Holidays:

These holidays are observed nationwide:

2025:

• New Year's Day: Wednesday, 1 January

• Australia Day: Monday, 27 January (observed, as 26 January falls on a Sunday)

• Good Friday: Friday, 18 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April

• Anzac Day: Friday, 25 April

• Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December

• Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December

2026:

• New Year's Day: Thursday, 1 January

• Australia Day: Monday, 26 January

• Good Friday: Friday, 3 April

• Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April

• Anzac Day: Saturday, 25 April

• Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December

• Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December

State and Territory Specific Holidays:

In addition to national holidays, each state and territory observes its own public holidays. Here are some key state-specific holidays for 2025 and 2026:

New South Wales (NSW):

• Labour Day: Monday, 6 October 2025; Monday, 5 October 2026

Victoria (VIC):

• Labour Day: Monday, 10 March 2025; Monday, 9 March 2026

• Melbourne Cup Day: Tuesday, 4 November 2025; Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Queensland (QLD):

• Labour Day: Monday, 5 May 2025; Monday, 4 May 2026

• Royal Queensland Show (Brisbane area only): Wednesday, 13 August 2025; Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Western Australia (WA):

• Labour Day: Monday, 3 March 2025; Monday, 2 March 2026

• Western Australia Day: Monday, 2 June 2025; Monday, 1 June 2026

South Australia (SA):

• Adelaide Cup Day: Monday, 10 March 2025; Monday, 9 March 2026

• Labour Day: Monday, 6 October 2025; Monday, 5 October 2026

Tasmania (TAS):

• Eight Hours Day: Monday, 10 March 2025; Monday, 9 March 2026

• Royal Hobart Regatta: Monday, 10 February 2025; Monday, 9 February 2026

Australian Capital Territory (ACT):

• Canberra Day: Monday, 10 March 2025; Monday, 9 March 2026

• Reconciliation Day: Monday, 2 June 2025; Monday, 1 June 2026

Northern Territory (NT):

• May Day: Monday, 5 May 2025; Monday, 4 May 2026

• Picnic Day: Monday, 4 August 2025; Monday, 3 August 2026

Please note that some holidays, such as the King's Birthday, are observed on different dates across various states and territories. Additionally, certain regions may have local public holidays or variations. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's advisable to consult the official government websites of the respective state or territory.

For a detailed list of public holidays by state and territory, you can refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman's website.
fairwork.gov.au

China: five religions:
Short Definitions:

1. Buddhism: Originating in India, Buddhism emphasizes the pursuit of enlightenment through understanding the nature of reality, practicing meditation, and following ethical precepts.

2. Taoism (Daoism): A native Chinese religion and philosophy that advocates living in harmony with the Tao (the Way), which is the natural order of the universe. It emphasizes simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action.

3. Islam: A monotheistic faith centered on belief in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Qur’an. Islam emphasizes prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage (Hajj) as key practices.

4. Protestantism: A branch of Christianity that originated with the Reformation, emphasizing salvation by faith alone, the authority of the Bible, and the priesthood of all believers.

5. Catholicism: The largest branch of Christianity, led by the Pope, emphasizing the sacraments, the authority of the Church, and tradition alongside the Bible.

In addition to these, Confucianism and Chinese folk religions have historically played significant roles in Chinese culture, though they are not officially recognized as religions by the government.

Religious Holidays in China:

While China is officially secular, several traditional festivals have religious origins and are widely celebrated:

1. Chinese New Year (Spring Festival): Celebrated from January 28 to February 4, 2025, this festival marks the beginning of the lunar new year. It involves family reunions, feasting, and various cultural rituals.

2. Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day): Observed from April 4 to April 6, 2025, it is a time for families to honor their ancestors by cleaning gravesites and making offerings.

3. Dragon Boat Festival: Taking place from May 31 to June 2, 2025, this festival commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan with dragon boat races and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings).

4. Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on October 6, 2025, it is a time for families to gather, admire the full moon, and enjoy mooncakes.

Public Holidays in China 2025:

China's official public holidays for 2025 are as follows:

• New Year's Day: January 1, 2025

• Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): January 28 – February 4, 2025

• Qingming Festival: April 4 – April 6, 2025

• Labor Day: May 1 – May 5, 2025

• Dragon Boat Festival: May 31 – June 2, 2025

• National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival: October 1 – October 8, 2025

• Golden Week in China is not a religious holiday. It is a national holiday period that includes two major public holidays:

  1. Spring Festival Golden Week – Celebrated during Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) in late January or February.

  2. National Day Golden Week – Celebrated from October 1 to October 7, marking the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

  These holidays are meant for travel, family reunions, and economic stimulation

These dates are subject to change based on official government announcements.

Academic Holidays in China:

Academic calendars in China can vary by institution and region. Generally, the school year is divided into two semesters:

• Fall Semester: Starts in early September and ends in mid-January.

• Spring Semester: Begins in mid-February and concludes in early July.

Major academic holidays typically include:

• Winter Break: Aligns with the Spring Festival, usually spanning three to four weeks in January or February.

• Summer Break: Extends from early July to late August.

  For exact dates regarding Academia Holidays. it's advisable to consult the academic calendar of the particular institution for precise information

Brief definition: Christian Religion
The Christian religion is a faith centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is based on the Bible and emphasizes beliefs such as the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), salvation through faith in Jesus, and love for God and others. Christianity has various denominations, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy

Christmas Day: December 25 (celebrates the birth of Jesus)

Epiphany: January 6 (commemorates the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles)

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: December 8 (observed in Roman Catholic traditions)

All Saints' Day: November 1 (honors all saints, known and unknown)

All Souls' Day: November 2 (commemorates all the faithful departed)

Palm Sunday: The Sunday before Easter (marks Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem)

Maundy Thursday: The Thursday before Easter (commemorates the Last Supper)

Good Friday: The Friday before Easter (observes the crucifixion of Jesus)

Easter Monday: The day after Easter (observed in many countries)

Ascension Day: 39 days after Easter Sunday (always a Thursday, commemorating Jesus’ ascension)

Pentecost: 49 days after Easter Sunday (celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit)

Trinity Sunday: The first Sunday after Pentecost (honors the Holy Trinity)

Corpus Christi: Typically the Thursday after Trinity Sunday (celebrates the Eucharist, sometimes moved to the following Sunday)

Brief definition: Jewish Religion
The Jewish religion (Judaism) is a monotheistic faith centered on the belief in one God and the teachings of the Torah. It emphasizes ethical living, religious law (Halakha), and traditions passed down through the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic teachings. Judaism has several branches, including Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform, and is deeply connected to Jewish history, culture, and identity.

Jewish holidays are set according to the Hebrew calendar, so their Gregorian dates change each year. Below are the major holidays with their fixed Hebrew calendar dates:

Taking a closer look

It's interesting to see that 5784 is a Hebrew leap year, which shifts Passover 2025 to April 12, 2025, due to the Hebrew calendar's variety of leap years.

Tu Bishvat
2025 Sunset, 12 Feb –Dusk, 13 Feb
2026 Sunset, 1 Feb – Dusk, 2 Feb
2027 Sunset, 22 Jan – Dusk, 23 Jan

• Purim: 14 Adar (celebrated on 15 Adar in Jerusalem and other walled cities as Shushan Purim)
  Purim 2025:

  • Begins at sundown on Wednesday, March 12, 2025

  • Ends at nightfall on Thursday, March 13, 2025

  Purim 2026:

  • Begins at sundown on Friday, February 28, 2026

  • Ends at nightfall on Saturday, March 1, 2026

• Passover (Pesach): 15–21 Nissan (diaspora observances extend to 22 Nissan)

• Passover 2025 (Pesach 5785):

  • In Israel:

  • Begins at sundown on Saturday, April 12, 2025

    Ends at nightfall on Sunday, April 20, 2025

  • In the Diaspora:

    Observed for an extra day, ending at nightfall on Monday, April 21, 2025

  Passover 2026 (Pesach 5786):

  • In Israel:

    Begins at sundown on Thursday, April 1, 2026

  • Ends at nightfall on Friday, April 9, 2026

  • In the Diaspora:

    Extended observance concludes at nightfall on Saturday, April 10, 2026

  Note: Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the previous evening, so these dates reflect the start of the holiday at sundown on the stated day.

• Shavuot (Feast of Weeks): 6 Sivan (in some communities, observed over 6–7 Sivan)

• Pinpointing Shavuot's arrival

  Counting 49 days from April 2, 2026, Shavuot will fall on April 20, coinciding with Gregorian April 30. Using nightfall guidelines, Shavuot spans April 20 to April 22.

• Shavuot 2025:

  • In Israel:

  • Begins at sundown on June 1, 2025

    Ends at nightfall on June 2, 2025

  • In the Diaspora:

    Observed for two days, from sundown on June 1, 2025 until nightfall on June 3, 2025

  Shavuot 2026:

  • In Israel:

  • Begins at sundown on May 21, 2026

    Ends at nightfall on May 22, 2026

  • In the Diaspora:

    Observed for two days, from sundown on May 21, 2026 until nightfall on May 23, 2026

  Note: Shavuot is celebrated on the 50th day of the Omer count, with observance beginning at sundown per Jewish tradition.

• Tisha B’Av (Fast of the Ninth of Av): 9 Av

• I’m piecing together the Tisha B'Av dates for 2023-2026, considering leap years. The progression shows nonlinear shifts: July 27, 2023; August 12, 2024; August 1, 2025; and July 21, 2026.

• Assessing calendar transitions

  I'm considering the gap between Tisha B'Av in 2023 and 2024, which should be 354 or 384 days. This discrepancy highlights the differences between the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars.

• Confirming the timeline

  I’m aligning the Tisha B'Av dates for 2023-2026 with Hebcal: July 26-27, 2023; August 12-13, 2024; August 1-2, 2025; and July 21-22, 2026.

• Tisha B’Av (Fast of the Ninth of Av):

  • 2025:

  • Begins at sundown on Friday, August 1, 2025

    Ends at nightfall on Saturday, August 2, 2025

  • 2026:

  • Begins at sundown on Tuesday, July 21, 2026

    Ends at nightfall on Wednesday, July 22, 2026

  Note: These dates are determined by the Hebrew calendar, with observance beginning at sundown.

• Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year): 1–2 Tishrei

• Rosh Hashanah 2025:

  • Begins at sundown on Sunday, September 21, 2025

  • Ends at nightfall on Tuesday, September 23, 2025

• Rosh Hashanah 2026:

  • Begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026

  • Ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 13, 2026

• Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement): 10 Tishrei
  Yom Kippur 2025:

  • Begins at sundown on Tuesday, September 30, 2025

  • Ends at nightfall on Wednesday, October 1, 2025

• Yom Kippur 2026:

  • Begins at sundown on Sunday, September 20, 2026

  • Ends at nightfall on Monday, September 21, 2026

• Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles): 15–21 Tishrei

  • Shemini Atzeret: 22 Tishrei (with Simchat Torah on 23 Tishrei in the diaspora)
    For 2025:

    In Israel:

    Sukkot: Begins at sundown on Sunday, October 5, 2025 (with the first full day on Monday, October 6) and runs through the seventh day ending at nightfall on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

    Shemini Atzeret: Begins at sundown on October 12 and ends at nightfall on Monday, October 13, 2025.

    In the Diaspora:

    Sukkot: Observed for eight days, beginning at sundown on Sunday, October 5, 2025 and ending at nightfall on Monday, October 13, 2025.

    Simchat Torah: Celebrated immediately after Shemini Atzeret, typically on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

    For 2026:

    In Israel:

    Sukkot: Begins at sundown on Thursday, September 25, 2026 (with the first full day on Friday, September 26) and runs through the seventh day, ending at nightfall on Thursday, October 2, 2026.

    Shemini Atzeret: Begins at sundown on October 2 and ends at nightfall on Friday, October 3, 2026.

    In the Diaspora:

    Sukkot: Observed for eight days, beginning at sundown on Thursday, September 25, 2026 and ending at nightfall on Friday, October 3, 2026.

    Simchat Torah: Celebrated on Saturday, October 4, 2026.

    These dates provide the framework for the Sukkot observance, with the exact schedule adjusted by community practice and local custom.

• Hanukkah (Festival of Lights): 25 Kislev – 2 Tevet (8 days)
  Hanukkah 2025:

  Begins at sundown on Tuesday, December 23, 2025

  Ends at nightfall on Wednesday, December 31, 2025

  Hanukkah 2026:

  Begins at sundown on Saturday, December 12, 2026

  • Ends at nightfall on Sunday, December 20, 2026

Brief definition of Hindu Religion
The Hindu religion (Hinduism) is a diverse and ancient faith that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, traditions, and practices. It is polytheistic and monotheistic, with devotion to deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi, and is guided by sacred texts like the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita. Hinduism emphasizes karma (cause and effect), dharma (duty/righteousness), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of rebirth). It has various sects and philosophical schools.

Please note that Hindu holiday dates are determined by the lunisolar calendar and astronomical calculations; the dates below are estimated and can vary by region and local sighting.

Hindu Holidays 2025 (Estimated):

Makar Sankranti:
January 14, 2025 (fixed solar date)

Maha Shivaratri:
February 26, 2025

Holi:
March 14, 2025

Rama Navami:
April 17, 2025

Raksha Bandhan:
Approximately August 8, 2025

Ganesh Chaturthi:
Approximately August 31, 2025

Janmashtami:
Approximately September 1, 2025

Navaratri / Dussehra (Vijayadashami):
Navaratri: October 1–October 9, 2025
Dussehra (Vijayadashami): October 9, 2025

Diwali (Deepavali):
Approximately November 11, 2025

Hindu Holidays 2026 (Estimated):

• Makar Sankranti:

  January 14, 2026 (fixed solar date)

• Maha Shivaratri:

  February 13, 2026

• Holi:

  March 3, 2026

• Rama Navami:

  April 6, 2026

• Raksha Bandhan:

  Approximately July 29, 2026

• Janmashtami:

  Approximately August 21, 2026

• Ganesh Chaturthi:

  Approximately August 22, 2026

  Navaratri / Dussehra (Vijayadashami):

• Navaratri: September 20–September 28, 2026

  Dussehra (Vijayadashami): September 28, 2026

• Diwali (Deepavali):

  Approximately October 31, 2026

  These dates serve as a general guide. For the most accurate observance details, please refer to a local Hindu calendar or consult community authorities as the holidays approach.

Brief definition Muslim Religion: The Muslim religion (Islam) is a monotheistic faith centered on belief in one God (Allah) and the teachings of the prophet Muhammad as revealed in the Qur’an. Islam emphasizes prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage (Hajj) as key practices. The two main branches are Sunni and Shia.

Islamic holidays depend on the lunar Islamic calendar, causing Gregorian dates to shift by a day or two. Focusing on the key holidays: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and possibly Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr.

Evaluating Ramadan dates
It appears that Ramadan 2025 could start on March 31 or April 1. Eid al-Fitr would then be around April 30 or May 1, depending on the Ramadan duration.

Assessing Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr in 2025 is tentatively set for April 30, assuming Ramadan spans 29 days. The date is subject to moon sighting and may shift to May 1.

Please note that Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and depend on the local sighting of the moon; therefore, the following dates are estimated and may vary by one day in different regions.

For 2025:

• Ramadan:

  • Begins: Evening of March 31, 2025 (with the first day of fasting on April 1, 2025)

• Eid al-Fitr:

  Celebrated: April 30, 2025

• Eid al-Adha:

  • Celebrated: July 9, 2025 (with festivities starting the evening of July 8)

• Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1447 AH):

  • Expected: July 28, 2025

• Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, 12 Rabi' al-Awwal 1447 AH):

  • Expected: October 28, 2025

For 2026:

• Ramadan:

  • Begins: Evening of March 19, 2026 (with the first day of fasting on March 20, 2026)

• Eid al-Fitr:

  • Celebrated: April 19, 2026

• Eid al-Adha:

  • Celebrated: June 28, 2026 (with festivities starting the evening of June 27)

• Islamic New Year (1 Muharram 1448 AH):

  • Expected: July 17, 2026

• Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday, 12 Rabi' al-Awwal 1448 AH):

  • Expected: October 17, 2026

These dates are approximate and should be confirmed with local religious authorities as the holidays approach.

Brief definition: Pagan Religion
Paganism originated from the ancient, pre-Christian religious traditions of various indigenous cultures, particularly in Europe and the Mediterranean. These early belief systems were characterized by polytheism, animism, and a deep reverence for nature, evolving long before the emergence of monotheistic religions.(Monotheism is the belief in the existence of only one God or deity, distinguishing it from polytheism, which recognizes multiple gods. It is the foundation of many major world religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. “Pagan': someone practicing a polytheistic or nature-based religion, often showing a reverence for natural forces, cycles, and multiple deities. The term spans various spiritual and religious beliefs outside major monotheistic traditions.

These festivals, part of the modern Pagan Wheel of the Year, encapsulate the cyclical nature of the seasons and offer opportunities for reflection, community, and celebration throughout the year.

Traditional celebrations for each of these pagan festivals in 2025:

• Imbolc (February 1, 2025)

  • Meaning: Marks the early stirrings of spring and the gradual end of winter. Often associated with the goddess Brigid and themes of purification and renewal.

  • Celebrations: Lighting candles and bonfires, performing cleansing rituals, and creating Brigid's crosses to welcome the increasing light.

• Ostara (Spring Equinox, March 20, 2025)

  • Meaning: Celebrates the balance between light and darkness at the vernal equinox, symbolizing rebirth, fertility, and new beginnings.

  • Celebrations: Egg decorating, planting seeds, enjoying feasts, and engaging in rituals that honor the earth’s rejuvenation.

• Beltane (May 1, 2025)

  • Meaning: Celebrates the onset of summer, fertility, and the growth of nature. It is a time of passion, creativity, and the vibrant energy of life.

  • Celebrations: Dancing around the maypole, lighting bonfires, and performing rituals to invoke prosperity, love, and abundant growth.

• Litha (Summer Solstice, June 21, 2025)

  • Meaning: Commemorates the longest day of the year when the sun is at its peak, symbolizing warmth, abundance, and the power of light.

  • Celebrations: Outdoor gatherings, feasting, and ritual bonfires to honor the sun’s energy and celebrate the height of summer.

• Lughnasadh (Lammas, August 1, 2025)

  • Meaning: Marks the beginning of the harvest season and honors the Celtic god Lugh, celebrating the first fruits of the season.

  • Celebrations: Baking bread, hosting communal feasts, playing games, and offering thanks for the harvest and nature’s bounty.

• Mabon (Autumn Equinox, September 22, 2025)

  • Meaning: Celebrates the autumnal equinox, when day and night are equal, symbolizing balance, gratitude, and the second harvest.

  • Celebrations: Sharing harvest meals, expressing gratitude for the year’s produce, and performing rituals to mark the turning of the seasons.

• Samhain (October 31, 2025)

  • Meaning: Recognized as the Celtic New Year and a time to honor ancestors, it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The veil between the living and the dead is believed to be thin.

  • Celebrations: Lighting bonfires, feasting, engaging in divination, and remembering loved ones who have passed on.

• Yule (Winter Solstice, December 21, 2025)

  • Meaning: Celebrates the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, and symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead.

  • Celebrations: Lighting candles and fires, decorating evergreens, feasting, and partaking in rituals that welcome the return of light and new beginnings