7 Exciting Holidays Across the World to Celebrate This Summer
Summer is the most cheerful season! Music festivals, backyard cookouts, Sunday brunches with friends, and picnics under the sun. And this is also a perfect time for celebrations – no matter the occasion. So, if you’re looking for fresh ideas and inspirations for your summer gatherings with friends and family, this article is for you!
Below, we will share the essential information about several most amazing holidays across the whole world you can celebrate this summer. They range from China’s Qixi Festival and Tanabata in Japan to Pride Parade and Independence Day celebrations in the US to the European Summer Solstice holiday and Krishna Janmashtami in India, just to name a few. Continue reading and choose some holidays across the world to celebrate this summer!
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The European Summer Solstice (June 21)
If you’re traveling to Europe this summer, make sure to catch the longest day of the year – the European Summer Solstice. It falls on June 21 and is one of the oldest holidays in the world that has been celebrated for thousands of years by many cultures. The celebration of the Summer Solstice is based on the astronomical event when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. This holiday is all about enjoying the warm weather and spending time outside with friends and family.
There are many ways people celebrate the Summer Solstice across Europe. The most popular ones include holding massive bonfires, decorating homes and public places with flowers, and organizing street parties. In some places, such as Stonehenge, people also like to stay up all night to watch the sunrise on the Summer Solstice morning.
Independence Day (July 4)
Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States that is celebrated on July 4th. Each year Americans come together to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the document declaring that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject to the British Empire.
Independence Day is typically celebrated with parades, fireworks, barbecues, and picnics. Many people also take advantage of the long weekend to travel. If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day this year, check out the local events in your area and plan ahead.
Pride Parade (June-July)
The Pride Parade is a massive annual event that is celebrated in many cities all over the world to support the LGBT community. Some of the best places to attend Pride are New York, Tel Aviv, São Paulo, and Sydney, though each celebration is magical. It usually takes place in June or July and lasts for several days. The parade features colorful floats, live music, and dancing.
The Pride Parade is an excellent opportunity to have fun and show your support for the LGBT community. If you’re planning to attend the Pride Parade this year, make sure to wear something colorful and be prepared to go wild!
Tanabata (July 7)
Tanabata is a traditional Japanese festival celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar, though the dates might vary depending on the region. It commemorates the tragic love story of two lovers – Hikoboshi (cowherder) and Orihime (weaver girl). According to the legend, they were forced to live apart on different sides of the Milky Way. And they were only allowed to meet once a year on the 7th day of the 7th month.
A special Tanabata tradition is wish making. People write their wishes on tanzaku, special pieces of colorful paper, and then tie them to bamboo branches alongside other decorations. If you are able to travel to Japan, make sure to visit the amazing Tanabata festivals around the country. Some of the most famous ones are in Sendai and Hiratsuka, Kanagawa.
International Day of Friendship (July 30)
The International Day of Friendship is an UN-sponsored holiday celebrated every year on July 30th. The main goal of the holiday is to inspire people to reflect on their friendships, improve them, and encourage others to do the same.
There are many ways to celebrate the International Day of Friendship. For sure, you should dedicate it to your friends so you can spend time together. For example, you could have a movie marathon or hit a pub together. You could also use that opportunity to reach out to someone new to make even more friends.
The Qixi Festival (August 4)
The Qixi Festival is one of the most romantic holidays in China. It is celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. It’s also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day as it commemorates the love story of two lovers – Niulang (cowherd) and Zhinu (weaver girl). It is similar to Japanese Tanabata. In fact, they are both based on the same myth.
On this day, couples exchange gifts and spend time together. The most popular gift ideas include flowers, chocolates, and jewelry. Many couples also like to go on romantic dates or take a trip together to celebrate their love.
Krishna Janmashtami (August 11-12)
Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Shravana. It commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most popular Hindu deities.
Krishna Janmashtami is a very important festival for all the Hindus. It is typically celebrated with fasting, prayer, as well as bathing and clothing the idol of Krishna. Other important elements are decorating the temples, singing songs and aarti of Lord Vishnu and Krishna, and sharing food.
Summer Holidays
There is no doubt that summer is the most exciting and active season of the year. This is the time for spending time with family and friends, traveling, celebrating holidays and traditions. If you’re looking for some holiday inspiration, make sure to check out the list of holidays above. From the European Summer Solstice to the Pride Parade, there’s something for everyone!
Enjoy your summer!
For more on this topic, check out the full Summer Learning collection
