This page lists 54 holidays that start with W, from “Waitangi Day” to “World Wildlife Day”. The list mixes national days, religious festivals, regional customs, and international awareness days from around the globe. You can use it to plan trips, find ideas for school lessons, prepare cultural events, or simply learn how different communities celebrate.
Holidays are special days set aside to honor a person, an event, a belief, or a shared cause. They can be official public holidays or local customs passed down for generations. For example, “Whuppity Scoorie” in Scotland has children swinging paper balls around a church to chase away winter.
Below you’ll find the table with the holiday, 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 observance or browse through all the options from start to finish.
Date: when the holiday takes place each year, including fixed dates and movable ones, so you can plan ahead or check whether an event falls on a particular day.
Country/Region: where the holiday is observed, whether in one nation, a single region, or worldwide, which helps you see where each custom belongs.
Traditions: the common ways people celebrate, such as parades, feasts, ceremonies, and activities, so you get a clear picture of what to expect or how to join in.
Description: a short explanation of what the holiday marks, where it comes from, and why it matters, giving you the background behind each celebration.
Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Country/Region | Traditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waitangi Day | February 6 | New Zealand | Official ceremonies at Waitangi, cultural performances, community events, picnics |
| Walpurgis Night | April 30 | Germany, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Estonia | Bonfires, spring songs, dancing, student celebrations |
| Washington’s Birthday | Third Monday in February | United States | Parades, mattress and car sales, historical reenactments, cherry pie |
| Wellington Anniversary Day | Monday nearest January 22 | New Zealand (Wellington region) | Regatta, harbor boating, picnics, family outings |
| Western Australia Day | First Monday in June | Western Australia | Community events, family gatherings, local history celebrations |
| Wattle Day | September 1 | Australia | Wearing sprigs of golden wattle, tree plantings, community events |
| Wesak | Full moon day in May | Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Indonesia | Temple visits, candlelit processions, releasing animals, offering food to monks |
| Whit Monday | Day after Pentecost (May or June) | Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, UK | Public holiday outings, church services, processions, fairs |
| Whitsun | Pentecost Sunday and the following week (May or June) | United Kingdom, Europe | White clothing, church services, morris dancing, Whitsun ales |
| Whit Friday | Friday after Whit Sunday | Northern England (Saddleworth, Tameside, Oldham) | Brass band contests, street marches, village parades |
| White Day | March 14 | Japan, South Korea, Taiwan | Men give gifts, white chocolate, candy, and jewelry in return for Valentine’s Day presents |
| White Sunday | Second Sunday in October | Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Cook Islands | Children lead church services, wear white, recite verses, and enjoy a large feast |
| Wren Day | December 26 | Ireland, Isle of Man | Wrenboys in straw costumes, music, dancing, house-to-house visits |
| Whuppity Scoorie | March 1 | Lanark, Scotland | Children run around the church swinging paper balls, then scramble for coins |
| Windrush Day | June 22 | United Kingdom | Exhibitions, talks, music, community events |
| Wassailing | January 5 or January 17 (Twelfth Night) | England | Singing to apple trees, toasting with spiced cider, noise-making, pouring cider on roots |
| Wianki | June 21 to 24 (around Midsummer) | Poland | Floating flower wreaths on rivers, concerts, bonfires, fireworks |
| Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) | Full moon of the 12th lunar month (November) | Cambodia | Boat races on the Tonlé Sap, illuminated floats, fireworks, concerts |
| Wangala Festival | Mid-November | Meghalaya, India (Garo Hills) | Hundred Drums Festival, traditional dances, rice beer, colorful dress |
| Winter Solstice | December 21 or 22 | Worldwide | Bonfires, feasts, lighting candles, gatherings at Stonehenge |
| Winter Carnival | Late January to early February | Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States | Ice sculptures, parades, ice palace, snow slides |
| Women’s Equality Day | August 26 | United States | Speeches, voter registration drives, educational events, marches |
| Women’s Day | March 8 | Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Bulgaria, Vietnam | Giving flowers, small gifts, special dinners, a day off work |
| Workers’ Day | May 1 | South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, many other countries | Marches, union rallies, speeches, a day off work |
| Workers’ Memorial Day | April 28 | Worldwide | Moments of silence, candlelight vigils, wreath-laying at workplaces |
| Wright Brothers Day | December 17 | United States | Flag displays, ceremonies at Kitty Hawk, aviation events |
| World AIDS Day | December 1 | Worldwide | Wearing red ribbons, vigils, fundraising, public health campaigns |
| World Animal Day | October 4 | Worldwide | Pet blessings, shelter fundraising, awareness events, volunteering |
| World Bee Day | May 20 | Worldwide | Planting pollinator-friendly flowers, buying local honey, beekeeping events |
| World Book Day | April 23 | Worldwide (UNESCO), United Kingdom and Ireland observe it in March | Reading, book swaps, costume days for schoolchildren, book vouchers |
| World Cancer Day | February 4 | Worldwide | Wearing awareness ribbons, fundraising, screenings, public campaigns |
| World Day of Prayer | First Friday in March | Worldwide (170+ countries) | Ecumenical services, prayers written by women of a featured country |
| World Diabetes Day | November 14 | Worldwide | Blue circle symbol, free health screenings, landmark lighting |
| World Elephant Day | August 12 | Worldwide | Donations to sanctuaries, awareness campaigns, educational events |
| World Environment Day | June 5 | Worldwide | Tree planting, clean-up drives, conservation campaigns, community events |
| World Food Day | October 16 | Worldwide | Awareness events, food drives, educational programs |
| World Health Day | April 7 | Worldwide | Health screenings, awareness campaigns, public lectures |
| World Hello Day | November 21 | Worldwide | Greeting ten people, messages of peace, social media posts |
| World Humanitarian Day | August 19 | Worldwide | Tributes to aid workers, volunteering, fundraising, awareness campaigns |
| World Kindness Day | November 13 | Worldwide | Random acts of kindness, volunteering, charity giving, thank-you notes |
| World Mental Health Day | October 10 | Worldwide | Awareness events, free counseling sessions, community talks |
| World Milk Day | June 1 | Worldwide | Dairy farm events, school milk programs, tastings |
| World Oceans Day | June 8 | Worldwide | Beach clean-ups, aquarium events, conservation campaigns, wearing blue |
| World Poetry Day | March 21 | Worldwide (UNESCO) | Public readings, poetry slams, school activities, new publications |
| World Population Day | July 11 | Worldwide | Educational events, discussions, reports on population trends |
| World Press Freedom Day | May 3 | Worldwide | Conferences, tributes to journalists, awards, awareness campaigns |
| World Radio Day | February 13 | Worldwide (UNESCO) | Special broadcasts, radio station events, themed programming |
| World Refugee Day | June 20 | Worldwide | Cultural events, exhibitions, fundraising, advocacy campaigns |
| World Smile Day | First Friday in October | Worldwide | Acts of kindness, wearing yellow, smiley-face imagery |
| World Teachers’ Day | October 5 | Worldwide | Thank-you cards, school ceremonies, awards for educators |
| World Television Day | November 21 | Worldwide | Documentary screenings, discussions on media, special programming |
| World Toilet Day | November 19 | Worldwide | Awareness campaigns, fundraising for sanitation, educational events |
| World Water Day | March 22 | Worldwide | Awareness walks, water conservation campaigns, educational events |
| World Wildlife Day | March 3 | Worldwide | Wildlife documentaries, conservation talks, school activities |
Descriptions
Waitangi Day
New Zealand’s national day marks the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between Māori chiefs and the British Crown. It is a time to reflect on the country’s founding document and its ongoing legacy.
Walpurgis Night
A traditional spring festival marking the eve of the feast of Saint Walpurga. Large bonfires are lit to welcome warmer weather, and in Germany folklore says witches gather on this night.
Washington’s Birthday
A federal holiday honoring George Washington, the first U.S. president. Many people know it as Presidents’ Day, and it creates a long weekend in the middle of winter.
Wellington Anniversary Day
A regional public holiday celebrating the founding of the Wellington settlement in 1840. It is best known for the Wellington Regatta on the harbor.
Western Australia Day
A state public holiday, formerly called Foundation Day, marking the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829. It is a day to celebrate the state’s history and culture.
Wattle Day
A celebration of Australia’s national floral emblem, the golden wattle. People wear a sprig of the yellow blossom, which flowers at the end of winter and signals the arrival of spring.
Wesak
The Southeast Asian spelling of Vesak, the Buddhist festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Devotees decorate temples, give alms, and join lantern processions.
Whit Monday
The day after Pentecost Sunday, observed as a public holiday in many European countries. It marks the continuing celebration of the Holy Spirit’s descent on the apostles and often brings spring excursions.
Whitsun
The Christian festival of Pentecost, named for the white garments worn by new converts baptized at that time. In Britain it historically came with fairs, processions, and a week-long holiday.
Whit Friday
A local tradition in the Pennine villages of northern England where dozens of brass bands march through the streets and compete in short contests. Crowds gather with drinks to cheer the bands from village to village.
White Day
Observed exactly one month after Valentine’s Day, when men return gifts to those who gave them chocolates. It began in Japan in the late 1970s and spread across East Asia.
White Sunday
Known in Samoa as Lotu a Tamaiti, this day honors children. Dressed in white, they take center stage in church and are served the first plate at the family feast.
Wren Day
Also called St. Stephen’s Day in Ireland, this tradition once involved hunting a wren. Today groups of wrenboys dress in straw suits and masks and go from house to house playing music and collecting money for charity.
Whuppity Scoorie
A Scottish spring custom in which local children race counterclockwise around St Nicholas’ Church, swinging paper balls above their heads. It is thought to chase away winter and evil spirits.
Windrush Day
A national day honoring the Caribbean migrants who arrived in Britain on the ship HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. It recognizes the contribution of the Windrush generation to British life.
Wassailing
An old English custom of blessing orchards to ensure a good apple harvest. Participants sing, drink warm spiced cider, and make loud noises to drive away bad spirits from the trees.
Wianki
A Polish midsummer festival based on the Slavic tradition of Kupala Night. Girls float flower wreaths on the water to find love, and Kraków holds a large concert on the Vistula river.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Cambodia’s biggest annual festival marks the reversal of the Tonlé Sap river’s flow. Millions gather in Phnom Penh to watch dragon boat races and enjoy the festivities.
Wangala Festival
A harvest festival of the Garo people honoring Saljong, the sun god. Dancers in feathered headdresses move to the beat of long drums in thanks for a good harvest.
Winter Solstice
The shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and a turning point after which daylight grows longer. Cultures around the world have marked it with festivals, including Yule and Dongzhi.
Winter Carnival
One of the oldest winter festivals in the United States, held annually in Saint Paul since 1886. It celebrates the cold with ice carving contests, parades, and outdoor events.
Women’s Equality Day
Marks the certification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which gave American women the right to vote. It highlights the continuing push for gender equality.
Women’s Day
Better known elsewhere as International Women’s Day, in many countries it is a public holiday where women are honored with flowers and gifts, much like Mother’s Day.
Workers’ Day
A public holiday honoring workers and the labor movement. Trade unions often organize parades and rallies to push for better pay and working conditions.
Workers’ Memorial Day
A day to remember workers killed, injured, or made ill by their jobs. Unions and safety groups hold ceremonies and campaign for safer workplaces.
Wright Brothers Day
Commemorates the first successful powered airplane flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. A presidential proclamation is issued every year.
World AIDS Day
Held annually since 1988, it raises awareness about HIV and AIDS, remembers those lost, and supports those living with the virus.
World Animal Day
Celebrated on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. It encourages better treatment and protection of animals everywhere.
World Bee Day
A United Nations day that highlights the vital role bees and other pollinators play in food production and ecosystems. It falls on the birthday of beekeeping pioneer Anton Janša.
World Book Day
A UNESCO celebration of books, reading, and authors. April 23 was chosen because Shakespeare and Cervantes both died on this date in 1616.
World Cancer Day
An international day led by the Union for International Cancer Control that promotes cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
World Day of Prayer
A global ecumenical movement led by Christian women. Each year, women from a different country write the service, and churches around the world follow the same order of worship.
World Diabetes Day
Held on the birthday of Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin. It raises awareness about diabetes prevention, care, and the growing number of people affected.
World Elephant Day
An international day that draws attention to the threats facing African and Asian elephants, such as poaching and habitat loss, and promotes conservation efforts.
World Environment Day
The United Nations’ principal day for encouraging environmental action. Each year it focuses on a specific theme and is hosted by a different country.
World Food Day
Marks the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945. It draws attention to hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
World Health Day
Marks the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. Each year highlights a particular global health topic.
World Hello Day
Started in 1973 in response to the Yom Kippur War, it encourages people to say hello to at least ten others as a simple way to promote peace and communication.
World Humanitarian Day
Honors aid workers who have lost their lives in service and recognizes those who continue to help people in crisis. The date commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad.
World Kindness Day
An international observance that encourages people to perform acts of kindness for others. It was launched in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement.
World Mental Health Day
Promotes awareness of mental health issues and advocates for better support and care. It is coordinated by the World Federation for Mental Health with the World Health Organization.
World Milk Day
Started by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2001 to recognize milk as a global food and to celebrate the dairy industry.
World Oceans Day
A day for celebrating the oceans and promoting their protection. It highlights threats like plastic pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
World Poetry Day
Established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote reading, writing, and teaching poetry. It also supports linguistic diversity through poetic expression.
World Population Day
Established by the United Nations in 1989 to focus attention on population issues such as family planning, gender equality, and health.
World Press Freedom Day
Celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom and honors journalists who have died or been imprisoned for their work. UNESCO awards a prize in honor of Guillermo Cano on this day.
World Radio Day
Celebrates radio as a medium for communication, education, and emergency information. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011.
World Refugee Day
A United Nations observance honoring the strength and courage of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.
World Smile Day
Created by artist Harvey Ball, who designed the smiley face. The day encourages people to do a kind act and help someone smile.
World Teachers’ Day
Honors teachers and the work they do. It marks the 1966 adoption of the UNESCO recommendation on the status of teachers.
World Television Day
A UN observance recognizing television’s influence on public opinion and its role in sharing information across the globe.
World Toilet Day
A United Nations day focused on the 3.5 billion people without access to safely managed sanitation and on the importance of clean, safe toilets for health and dignity.
World Water Day
A UN day that spotlights the importance of freshwater and calls for sustainable water management. Each year has a theme tied to access to clean water.
World Wildlife Day
Celebrates the world’s wild animals and plants and raises awareness about illegal wildlife trade. The date marks the signing of the CITES treaty in 1973.