This list covers 43 holidays that start with N, from “Naadam” to “Nandotsav.” You’ll find national days, religious festivals, harvest celebrations, ancient Roman observances, and a few lighthearted food days. Use it to plan a trip, learn about other cultures, prepare a school project, or find new reasons to celebrate throughout the year.
Holidays are special days set aside to mark an event, a belief, or a tradition, often with time off from work or school. Some are very old, like “Nowruz,” the Persian New Year, which people have celebrated at the spring equinox for thousands of years.
Below you’ll find the table with the holiday name, date, country or region, traditions, and description for each entry.
Holiday: The name of each celebration, listed alphabetically so you can quickly find a specific holiday or browse what else begins with N.
Date: When the holiday happens, either a fixed day or a rule like “first Friday of June,” so you can mark your calendar.
Country/Region: The place where the holiday is mainly observed, which helps you see where it comes from and where you might experience it.
Traditions: The main customs, foods, and activities people take part in, so you know what to expect or how to join in.
Description: A short summary of what the holiday means, how it began, and why people celebrate it today.
Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Country/Region | Traditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naadam | July 11-13 | Mongolia | Wrestling, horse racing, archery, traditional dress |
| Nag Panchami | July or August (Shravana, fifth day of the bright fortnight) | India, Nepal | Offering milk to snake idols, prayers to cobras, fasting |
| Nakba Day | May 15 | Palestine | Marches, sirens, wreath-laying, public speeches |
| Namibian Independence Day | March 21 | Namibia | Parades, speeches, flag ceremonies, concerts |
| Narak Chaturdashi | October or November (day before Diwali) | India | Early morning oil bath, lighting lamps, rangoli, bursting firecrackers |
| Narali Purnima | July or August (Shravana full moon) | Maharashtra, India | Offering coconuts to the sea, boat decorations, coconut sweets |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 | Canada | Wearing orange shirts, memorial events, educational programs |
| National Day of Prayer | First Thursday of May | United States | Prayer gatherings, public ceremonies, presidential proclamation |
| National Dog Day | August 26 | United States | Adopting shelter dogs, treats, photo sharing |
| National Donut Day | First Friday of June | United States | Free donuts at bakeries, fundraising for charity |
| National Heroes Day | Last Monday of August | Philippines | Wreath-laying, memorial services, parades |
| National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21 | Canada | Cultural performances, storytelling, traditional food, community gatherings |
| National Pizza Day | February 9 | United States | Pizza deals, family pizza nights, pizza parties |
| National Siblings Day | April 10 | United States | Sharing photos, calling siblings, family gatherings |
| National Taco Day | October 4 | United States | Taco specials at restaurants, taco dinners |
| Native American Heritage Day | Friday after Thanksgiving | United States | Educational programs, cultural events, museum exhibits |
| Nativity of John the Baptist | June 24 | Christian world | Church services, bonfires, feasting |
| Nativity of the Virgin Mary | September 8 | Christian world (Catholic, Orthodox) | Church services, processions, family meals |
| Naval Day (Navy Day) | October 27 in the United States; last Sunday of July in Russia | United States, Russia | Parades, ship open houses, military ceremonies |
| Navigium Isidis | March 5 | Ancient Rome | Procession to the sea, launching a decorated ship, prayers |
| Navratri | September or October (nine nights) | India, Nepal | Fasting, Garba and Dandiya dances, worship of goddess Durga |
| Navroz (Parsi New Year) | August (date varies) | India, Pakistan (Parsi community) | Prayers at fire temples, new clothes, feasting, sweet dishes |
| Nemoralia | August 13 | Ancient Rome | Torch-lit processions, offerings to Diana, rest for hunting dogs |
| Neptunalia | July 23 | Ancient Rome | Leafy huts, feasting, drinking, games |
| Nevada Day | Last Friday of October | Nevada, United States | Parades, a carnival, historical events, fireworks |
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Worldwide | Parties, resolutions, special meals, fireworks, parades |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | Worldwide | Countdown to midnight, fireworks, parties, toasts |
| Nigerian Democracy Day | June 12 | Nigeria | Presidential speech, parades, civic events |
| Nigerian Independence Day | October 1 | Nigeria | Parades, military displays, speeches, cultural events |
| Nikolaustag | December 6 | Germany, Austria, Switzerland | Children leave out shoes or boots to be filled with sweets, nuts, and small gifts |
| Nirjala Ekadashi | May or June (Jyeshtha) | India, Nepal | Strict fast without food or water, prayers to Vishnu, charity |
| Nirvana Day | February 15 | East Asian Buddhism (Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam) | Temple services, chanting, meditation, hanging paintings of the Buddha’s death |
| Nisfu Syaaban | Mid-Sha’ban (15th day, date varies) | Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei | Night prayers, Quran recitation, Yasin readings, seeking forgiveness |
| Nobel Day | December 10 | Sweden, Norway | Award ceremonies, banquets, concerts, lectures |
| Noche Buena | December 24 | Spain, Latin America, Philippines | Large family dinner, midnight Mass, gift-giving |
| Noche de Rábanos | December 23 | Oaxaca, Mexico | Carving giant radishes into scenes, competition, public exhibition |
| Norwegian Constitution Day | May 17 | Norway | Children’s parades, bunad costumes, flags, ice cream and hot dogs |
| Nowruz | March 20 or 21 (spring equinox) | Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Kurdistan, Azerbaijan | Haft-sin table, spring cleaning, visiting relatives, jumping over bonfires |
| Nuakhai | August or September (the day after Ganesh Chaturthi) | Odisha, India | Offering new rice to the deity, family feasts, folk dances |
| Nuzul al-Quran | 17th day of Ramadan | Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei | Quran recitations, special prayers, religious talks |
| Nyepi | March or April (Balinese Saka New Year) | Bali, Indonesia | Day of silence, no lights or travel, fasting, Ogoh-ogoh parades the evening before |
| Nabanna | Mid-November to early December (Bengali month of Agrahayan) | West Bengal, Bangladesh | Offering first harvest rice, cooking new rice dishes, sharing meals |
| Nandotsav | August or September (day after Janmashtami) | India | Dahi Handi pot-breaking, singing, distributing sweets |
Descriptions
Naadam
Mongolia’s biggest national festival celebrates the “three manly games” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It marks the anniversary of the 1921 revolution and draws crowds to Ulaanbaatar every summer.
Nag Panchami
A Hindu festival honoring serpents, especially cobras. Worshippers pour milk on snake images or at anthills and pray for protection from snakebite and family wellbeing.
Nakba Day
A day of remembrance for the roughly 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Commemorations include rallies, moments of silence, and sirens across Palestinian territories.
Namibian Independence Day
Celebrates Namibia’s independence from South African rule in 1990. The day features official ceremonies, cultural performances, and gatherings across the country.
Narak Chaturdashi
Also called Choti Diwali, this Hindu festival marks the defeat of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. People take an early ritual bath and light lamps to welcome the main Diwali celebrations.
Narali Purnima
A coastal festival where fishing communities offer coconuts to the sea god Varuna to ensure safe voyages. It also marks the start of the new fishing season.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Honors Indigenous children who died in residential schools and the survivors and families still affected. Canadians wear orange and take part in learning events and ceremonies.
National Day of Prayer
An annual observance in which Americans are invited to pray for the nation. It was fixed in federal law in 1952 and is marked by gatherings at government buildings, churches, and community venues.
National Dog Day
Started in 2004 to promote dog adoption and recognize the work of working dogs. People often celebrate by spoiling their pets or adopting from shelters.
National Donut Day
Created in 1938 by the Salvation Army to honor volunteers who served donuts to soldiers in World War I. Many shops now give away free donuts.
National Heroes Day
A public holiday honoring Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s freedom. It falls near the anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin, which began the revolution against Spain.
National Indigenous Peoples Day
A day recognizing the heritage, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It was first proclaimed in 1996 and is held around the summer solstice.
National Pizza Day
An unofficial food holiday dedicated to one of America’s favorite meals. Pizzerias often run discounts and specials.
National Siblings Day
An informal day to celebrate brothers and sisters. It was started by Claudia Evart in 1995 in memory of her late siblings, and it is now widely observed on social media.
National Taco Day
A food holiday celebrating tacos, with restaurants offering deals across the country. Though it began as a fan favorite, it is now widely recognized in American food culture.
Native American Heritage Day
Established by Congress in 2009 to honor the history and contributions of Native Americans. It is observed with educational events and cultural programs.
Nativity of John the Baptist
A Christian feast marking the birth of John the Baptist, six months before Christmas. It is celebrated in many countries, often with bonfires and festivals around midsummer.
Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Commemorates the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is a major feast in the Catholic and Orthodox churches, and a public holiday in some countries.
Naval Day (Navy Day)
A day to honor naval forces. In the United States, it was held on Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday, and in Russia it features large naval parades and ship reviews.
Navigium Isidis
An ancient Roman festival opening the sailing season. Followers of the goddess Isis carried a ship to the sea and launched it as an offering for safe voyages.
Navratri
A nine-night Hindu festival devoted to the goddess Durga in her various forms. It is marked by fasting, prayer, music, and energetic circle dances, especially in Gujarat.
Navroz (Parsi New Year)
The Parsi Zoroastrian New Year, celebrated by the community in India and Pakistan. Families visit fire temples, share special meals, and exchange greetings.
Nemoralia
An ancient Roman festival of Diana, goddess of the hunt, held at her sacred grove near Lake Nemi. Women carried torches and lit lanterns around the lake.
Neptunalia
An ancient Roman festival honoring Neptune, god of the sea, held at the height of summer. Celebrants built shelters from branches to seek relief from the heat.
Nevada Day
Marks Nevada’s admission to the Union on October 31, 1864. The state’s capital, Carson City, hosts one of the largest parades in the West.
New Year’s Day
The first day of the Gregorian calendar year, celebrated in most countries. Customs vary widely, from watching bowl games and parades to eating lucky foods like black-eyed peas or grapes.
New Year’s Eve
The last day of the year, celebrated with parties and fireworks around the world. People often count down to midnight and toast with champagne or other drinks.
Nigerian Democracy Day
A national holiday commemorating the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely seen as Nigeria’s freest. It replaced May 29 as Democracy Day in 2019.
Nigerian Independence Day
Marks Nigeria’s independence from British rule in 1960. The day features a presidential address, a parade, and cultural performances.
Nikolaustag
The German-language celebration of St. Nicholas Day. Children polish their shoes and set them out the night before, hoping to find them filled with treats the next morning.
Nirjala Ekadashi
A Hindu observance considered the most demanding of the 24 yearly Ekadashi fasts. Devotees abstain from both food and water for a full day and honor Lord Vishnu.
Nirvana Day
Also known as Parinirvana Day, it commemorates the death of the Buddha and his final release from the cycle of rebirth. Temples hold services and reflection on impermanence.
Nisfu Syaaban
A Muslim observance on the middle of the month of Sha’ban. Many believe it is a night when sins are forgiven and the year’s destinies are recorded, so people spend it in prayer.
Nobel Day
The anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death, when the Nobel Prizes are presented in Stockholm and the Peace Prize in Oslo. The evening includes a formal banquet attended by royalty.
Noche Buena
The Christmas Eve family feast, celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries. Families gather for a late dinner, often with roast pork, tamales, or other special dishes, and then attend midnight Mass.
Noche de Rábanos
Known as the Night of the Radishes, this event in Oaxaca City features artists who carve oversized radishes into nativity scenes, animals, and other figures. Visitors line up to view them.
Norwegian Constitution Day
Norway’s national day marks the signing of its constitution in 1814. Instead of military parades, the day centers on children’s marches and families dressed in traditional bunad.
Nowruz
The Persian New Year, celebrated for thousands of years at the spring equinox. Families set a special table with symbolic items, clean their homes, and visit relatives for 13 days of festivities.
Nuakhai
A harvest festival of western Odisha, where the first crop of new rice is offered to the local goddess before it is eaten. Families gather for meals and exchange greetings.
Nuzul al-Quran
Commemorates the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a public holiday in Malaysia and is marked with prayers and readings.
Nyepi
The Balinese Day of Silence, when the whole island shuts down for 24 hours. The day before, large demon statues called Ogoh-ogoh are paraded and burned to drive out evil spirits.
Nabanna
A Bengali harvest festival, whose name means “new rice.” Households make the first meal from the fresh harvest and offer it to the gods before eating.
Nandotsav
A Hindu celebration of Krishna’s foster father, Nanda, held the day after Krishna’s birthday. Communities hold joyful festivities, including human pyramids to break pots of curd.