Date	Holiday Name
2026-01-01	New Year’s Day
2026-01-02	New Year’s (Day 2)
2026-01-07	Orthodox Christmas Day
2026-01-19	Orthodox Epiphany
2026-02-14	Valentine’s Day
2026-03-03	Mothers’ Day
2026-03-08	International Women’s Day
2026-03-20T18:46:00+04:00	March Equinox
2026-03-21	Nowruz
2026-04-09	Independence Restoration Day
2026-04-10	Orthodox Good Friday
2026-04-11	Orthodox Holy Saturday
2026-04-12	Orthodox Easter Sunday
2026-04-13	Orthodox Easter Monday
2026-05-09	Victory Day
2026-05-12	St Andrew’s Day
2026-05-26	Independence Day
2026-06-21	Fathers’ Day
2026-06-21T12:24:30+04:00	June Solstice
2026-08-28	Day of the Assumption of Mary
2026-09-23T04:05:13+04:00	September Equinox
2026-10-14	Svetitskhovloba
2026-11-23	St George’s Day
2026-12-22T00:50:14+04:00	December Solstice
2026-12-31	New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most countries worldwide. This festive occasion signifies new beginnings and is often accompanied by a myriad of traditions and celebrations. Historically, the earliest recorded New Year celebrations date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon, where the new year was celebrated during the vernal equinox in March. Today, customs vary by culture; for instance, in Spain, it is traditional to eat twelve grapes at midnight—one for each stroke of the clock—to bring good luck for the coming year. In many countries, fireworks light up the sky, symbolizing the joy and hope of a fresh start. New Year’s Day is also a time for resolutions, where individuals pledge to improve aspects of their lives, reflecting a universal desire for growth and renewal.

New Year’s (Day 2) Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is one of the most widely recognized holidays around the world. However, many cultures also observe a second day of celebration, often referred to as “Day 2” of the New Year. This day serves as an extension of the festivities, allowing people to recover from the previous night’s celebrations and spend quality time with family and friends.

In various cultures, traditions abound on this day. For example, in some Asian communities, it is customary to enjoy special meals that symbolize prosperity and good fortune, such as dumplings in China or rice cakes in Korea. In many Western countries, the second day of the New Year is often a time for reflection, goal-setting, and making resolutions for the year ahead.

Interestingly, in Scotland, the second day of the New Year is known as “Hogmanay,” and it is celebrated with unique customs, including the practice of “first-footing,” where the first visitor to a home after midnight is believed to bring good luck. As the world embraces this extended celebration, New Year’s Day 2 serves as a reminder of new beginnings, hope, and the importance of community and togetherness as we step into the future.

Orthodox Christmas Day Introduction

Orthodox Christmas Day, celebrated on January 7th, marks a significant religious observance for millions of Christians around the world who follow the Julian calendar. Unlike the majority of the Western Christian world, which celebrates Christmas on December 25th, Orthodox Christians, including those in Russia, Greece, Serbia, and Ethiopia, adhere to this date due to the calendar differences. This holiday is steeped in rich traditions, often featuring midnight church services, festive meals, and unique customs that vary by region. In many cultures, it is customary to fast prior to the holiday, culminating in a grand feast that includes traditional dishes such as roasted meats and sweet pastries. The day is not only a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but also a time for family reunions and the sharing of goodwill. Interestingly, Orthodox Christmas also coincides with the Feast of the Epiphany in some traditions, adding further significance to the celebration. As a time of joy, reflection, and community, Orthodox Christmas Day holds a special place in the hearts of its observants, highlighting the enduring power of faith and tradition across generations.

Orthodox Epiphany Introduction

Orthodox Epiphany, also known as Theophany, is a significant Christian holiday celebrated on January 19th in many Eastern Orthodox churches, marking the revelation of Christ as the Son of God during His baptism in the Jordan River. This feast highlights the manifestation of the Holy Trinity, with the voice of God the Father, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove.

Traditionally, the celebration includes a special church service, where priests bless water, symbolizing the sanctification of creation and the importance of baptism in the Christian faith. A fascinating custom associated with this day is the “Great Blessing of Water,” where believers often participate in a ritual of diving into icy waters to retrieve a cross, symbolizing Christ’s triumph over death. In some cultures, this event is a testament to bravery, as participants brave freezing temperatures to honor their faith. Orthodox Epiphany not only represents a pivotal moment in the Christian narrative but also serves as a time for community gatherings, reflection, and renewal of spiritual commitments.

Valentine’s Day Introduction

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and affection between intimate partners. Its origins trace back to ancient Rome, where the feast of St. Valentine honored a martyr who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples. Over centuries, this day evolved into a global celebration of romance, marked by the exchange of heartfelt cards, flowers—especially red roses, symbolizing passion—and chocolates. Interestingly, nearly 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually in the U.S. alone, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas. The day is not just for couples; it has also expanded to include expressions of love among friends and family, making it a versatile celebration of human connection.