This page lists 62 holidays that start with B, from “Baba Marta” to “Burns Night.” The list covers national days, religious festivals, harvest celebrations, carnivals, and a few lighthearted observances from around the world. Use it to plan a trip around a festival, find a date for a classroom lesson, or learn how different cultures mark the year.
Holidays are days set aside to honor a belief, an event, a person, or a season. Some are thousands of years old, like “Bacchanalia,” an ancient Roman festival of wine that the Senate restricted in 186 BC.
Below you’ll find the table with the holiday, date, country or region, traditions, and description for each entry.
Holiday: The name of the celebration, listed alphabetically so you can quickly find a specific one or browse by name.
Date: When the holiday takes place. Some have fixed dates, while others follow lunar or religious calendars, so you can see when to check each year.
Country/Region: Where the holiday is observed. This tells you which country, state, or community celebrates it and helps you plan travel or research.
Traditions: The customs, foods, and activities that people take part in. You get a quick picture of what the celebration looks and feels like.
Description: A short summary of the holiday’s origin and meaning. It gives you the background you need to understand why people celebrate it.
Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Country/Region | Traditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baba Marta | March 1 | Bulgaria | Wearing red-and-white martenitsi tassels, tying them to trees |
| Bacchanalia | March 16-17 (ancient calendar) | Ancient Rome | Wine, feasting, music, secret rites |
| Bahamas Independence Day | July 10 | The Bahamas | Flag raising, parades, Junkanoo music, fireworks |
| Bahrain National Day | December 16 | Bahrain | Fireworks, parades, flag displays, air shows |
| Baisakhi | April 13 or 14 | India (especially Punjab) | Bhangra dancing, gurdwara visits, processions, harvest fairs |
| Bakrid | 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah (varies) | India and South Asia | Prayers, animal sacrifice, sharing meat with the poor, family feasts |
| Bandi Chhor Divas | October or November (same time as Diwali) | India and the Sikh diaspora | Lighting lamps, Golden Temple illumination, fireworks, langar |
| Barbados Independence Day | November 30 | Barbados | Parades, church services, honors ceremony, cultural shows |
| Basant Panchami | January or February | India, Nepal, Pakistan | Saraswati worship, yellow clothing, kite flying |
| Basler Fasnacht | Monday after Ash Wednesday (72 hours) | Basel, Switzerland | Morgestraich lantern parade at 4 a.m., piccolo and drum bands, masks |
| Bastille Day | July 14 | France | Military parade, fireworks, street dances, picnics |
| Bathukamma | September or October (9 days) | Telangana, India | Stacking flowers into tiered mounds, women’s songs and dances |
| Battle of Boyacá Day | August 7 | Colombia | Military ceremonies, wreath-laying, flag displays |
| Battle of Britain Day | September 15 | United Kingdom | Memorial services, RAF flypasts, wreath-laying |
| Battle of Carabobo Day | June 24 | Venezuela | Military parades, official ceremonies |
| Battle of Vertières Day | November 18 | Haiti | Ceremonies, military parades, wreath-laying |
| Beaujolais Nouveau Day | Third Thursday of November | France and worldwide | Midnight wine release, tastings, parties |
| Beer Day | March 1 | Iceland | Pub gatherings, beer tastings |
| Befana | January 5-6 | Italy | Hanging stockings, sweets and coal, Befana markets |
| Belgian National Day | July 21 | Belgium | Military parade, Te Deum service, fireworks, concerts |
| Belize Independence Day | September 21 | Belize | Parades, concerts, flag raising, street parties |
| Beltane | May 1 (begins evening of April 30) | Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man (Celtic regions) | Bonfires, maypoles, flower garlands |
| Bengali New Year | April 14 | Bangladesh and West Bengal, India | Mangal Shobhajatra procession, panta bhat, fairs |
| Benito Juárez Day | Third Monday of March | Mexico | Ceremonies, wreath-laying, school events |
| Bennington Battle Day | August 16 | Vermont, United States | Parades, reenactments, ceremonies |
| Bermuda Day | Last Friday in May | Bermuda | Parade, half marathon, heritage events |
| Bhai Dooj | Two days after Diwali | India | Sisters apply tilak to brothers, gift exchange, family meals |
| Bhai Tika | Fifth day of Tihar (October or November) | Nepal | Seven-colored tika, garlands, feasts, gifts |
| Bhogi | January 13 or 14 | Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, India | Bonfires of old items, rangoli, toys for children |
| Bhutan National Day | December 17 | Bhutan | Archery, traditional dances, speeches, national anthem |
| Bihu | Mid-April (Bohag Bihu), plus January and October festivals | Assam, India | Bihu dance, dhol drums, gamosa gifts, feasts |
| Binche Carnival | Shrove Tuesday | Binche, Belgium | Gilles with wax masks and ostrich feather hats, throwing oranges, drumming |
| Birth of Bahá’u’lláh | October or November (based on the Bahá’í lunar calendar) | Worldwide Bahá’í communities | Prayers, gatherings, readings, festive meals |
| Birth of the Báb | October or November (based on the Bahá’í lunar calendar) | Worldwide Bahá’í communities | Prayers, gatherings, readings, festive meals |
| Black Friday | Day after US Thanksgiving (fourth Friday of November) | United States and worldwide | Early-morning shopping, big discounts, doorbuster deals |
| Black History Month | February (US and Canada), October (UK) | United States, Canada, United Kingdom | Educational events, exhibitions, lectures, community gatherings |
| Bodhi Day | December 8 | Mahayana Buddhist communities (Japan, East Asia) | Meditation, lighting a tree with colored lights, chanting |
| Bolivian Independence Day | August 6 | Bolivia | Parades, speeches, ceremonies in Sucre, folk dances |
| Bon Festival | Mid-August (13th-16th) in most regions | Japan | Bon Odori dances, lantern floating, visiting graves |
| Bonalu | July or August (Ashadha month) | Telangana, India | Offering food pots to Goddess Mahakali, dappu drums, processions |
| Bonfire Night | November 5 | United Kingdom | Bonfires, fireworks, burning a Guy Fawkes effigy, toffee apples |
| Bonifacio Day | November 30 | Philippines | Wreath-laying, parades, historical reenactments |
| Book Lovers Day | August 9 | United States and worldwide | Reading, visiting bookstores and libraries, book swaps |
| Botswana Independence Day | September 30 | Botswana | Presidential address, parades, cultural performances |
| Boun Bang Fai | May (varies by lunar calendar) | Laos and northeastern Thailand | Launching homemade rockets, music, dance, parades |
| Boun Pimai | April 13-15 | Laos | Water splashing, washing Buddha images, sand stupas, baci ceremony |
| Boun That Luang | Full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually November) | Vientiane, Laos | Procession to That Luang stupa, alms-giving, fireworks, fair |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand | Post-Christmas sales, sporting events, giving to charity |
| Boys’ Day | May 5 | Japan | Koinobori carp streamers, samurai dolls, kashiwa mochi, iris baths |
| Brazilian Carnival | February or March (before Lent) | Brazil | Samba parades, street parties (blocos), elaborate costumes |
| Brazilian Independence Day | September 7 | Brazil | Military parades, flag displays, civic events |
| Brigid’s Day | February 1 | Ireland | Weaving St. Brigid’s crosses, blessing wells, community events |
| Brumalia | November 24 to December 25 (ancient) | Ancient Rome and Byzantine Empire | Feasting, gift-giving, drinking |
| Brunei National Day | February 23 | Brunei | Parades, prayers of thanksgiving, fireworks |
| Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day | Last Monday of January | United States | Popping bubble wrap, sharing packaging jokes |
| Buddha Purnima | April or May (full moon) | India, Nepal, Sri Lanka | Temple visits, meditation, bathing Buddha statues, charity |
| Buddha’s Birthday | 8th day of the 4th lunar month | South Korea | Lotus lantern parade, temple visits, free tea and rice |
| Bulgarian Liberation Day | March 3 | Bulgaria | Wreath-laying, ceremonies at Shipka Pass, flag raising |
| Bun Festival | April or May (8th day of 4th lunar month) | Cheung Chau, Hong Kong | Bun towers, parades with children on stilts, lion dances |
| Bunker Hill Day | June 17 | Boston area, Massachusetts, United States | Parade in Charlestown, reenactments, ceremonies |
| Burning of the Clavie | January 11 | Burghead, Scotland | Carrying a burning tar barrel through town, handing out embers |
| Burns Night | January 25 | Scotland and Scottish communities worldwide | Burns supper with haggis, poetry readings, whisky, Auld Lang Syne |
Descriptions
Baba Marta
A Bulgarian welcome-to-spring festival. People exchange red-and-white woven tassels for health and luck, and wear them until they spot a stork or a blossoming tree.
Bacchanalia
An ancient Roman festival honoring Bacchus, the god of wine. It was known for uninhibited celebrations and was heavily restricted by the Roman Senate in 186 BC.
Bahamas Independence Day
Marks the Bahamas’ independence from Britain in 1973. Communities celebrate with ceremonies, concerts, and cultural events across the islands.
Bahrain National Day
Celebrates Bahrain’s national unity and the accession of Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1961. Streets are decked in red and white flags.
Baisakhi
A spring harvest festival and the Sikh commemoration of the founding of the Khalsa in 1699. Celebrations include parades, music, and community meals.
Bakrid
The South Asian name for Eid al-Adha, honoring Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Families share meals and give a portion of meat to those in need.
Bandi Chhor Divas
A Sikh festival marking the release of Guru Hargobind from prison in 1619 along with 52 princes. It coincides with Diwali.
Barbados Independence Day
Commemorates Barbados’ independence from Britain in 1966. The day features a national parade and the announcement of national honors.
Basant Panchami
A festival welcoming spring and honoring Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. People wear yellow, and in Punjab the skies fill with kites.
Basler Fasnacht
Basel’s carnival begins in the dark with a pre-dawn lantern procession. Costumed groups march with fifes and drums and poke fun at local news with satirical lanterns.
Bastille Day
France’s national day, marking the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison during the French Revolution. Paris holds a large military parade and evening fireworks.
Bathukamma
A nine-day floral festival celebrating the goddess Gauri. Women build colorful flower stacks, sing folk songs, and carry them to float on water.
Battle of Boyacá Day
Commemorates the 1819 battle that secured Colombian independence from Spain. The date is also when new Colombian presidents are inaugurated.
Battle of Britain Day
Remembers the pivotal air battle of 1940, when the Royal Air Force defended Britain against the German Luftwaffe. Services are held at Westminster Abbey and other sites.
Battle of Carabobo Day
Honors the 1821 victory that effectively secured Venezuelan independence from Spain. It is also celebrated as Army Day.
Battle of Vertières Day
Marks the 1803 battle that sealed Haitian independence from France. It is also observed as Armed Forces Day in Haiti.
Beaujolais Nouveau Day
The annual release of the year’s first Beaujolais wine, just weeks after harvest. Bars and restaurants around the world mark the occasion.
Beer Day
Celebrates the end of Iceland’s beer prohibition on March 1, 1989. Bars fill with locals and visitors sampling Icelandic and imported beers.
Befana
Italy’s Epiphany tradition centers on the Befana, a kindly witch who delivers sweets to good children and coal to naughty ones. Piazza Navona in Rome hosts a famous market.
Belgian National Day
Marks Leopold I taking the oath as first King of the Belgians in 1831. Brussels hosts a parade, royal events, and evening fireworks.
Belize Independence Day
Celebrates Belize’s independence from Britain in 1981. It caps the national September Celebrations that begin with St. George’s Caye Day.
Beltane
An ancient Gaelic festival marking the start of summer. Traditionally, people lit bonfires and drove cattle between them for protection and fertility.
Bengali New Year
Also called Pohela Boishakh, it marks the first day of the Bengali calendar. People wear new clothes, eat festive foods, and attend street fairs.
Benito Juárez Day
Honors Benito Juárez, Mexico’s reformist president born on March 21, 1806. It is a national holiday observed on the third Monday of March.
Bennington Battle Day
A Vermont state holiday remembering the 1777 Battle of Bennington during the American Revolution. Events are held around the Bennington Battle Monument.
Bermuda Day
Marks the unofficial start of summer in Bermuda. Highlights include a parade through Hamilton and a half marathon.
Bhai Dooj
A festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters pray for their brothers’ well-being, and brothers give them gifts in return.
Bhai Tika
The Nepali version of Bhai Dooj, held on the last day of Tihar. Sisters place a multicolored tika on their brothers’ foreheads and give them garlands.
Bhogi
The first day of Pongal and Sankranti celebrations. People burn old belongings in a bonfire to mark a fresh start.
Bhutan National Day
Commemorates the crowning of Ugyen Wangchuck as Bhutan’s first king in 1907. Celebrations are centered in Thimphu.
Bihu
Assam’s most important festival, celebrating the harvest and the Assamese New Year. People dance, sing, and share homemade sweets.
Binche Carnival
A UNESCO-recognized carnival in which costumed Gilles dance through town to drum beats. They toss blood oranges into the crowd as a gesture of good luck.
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
Celebrates the birth of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith in 1817. It is one of the faith’s holiest days, and Bahá’ís traditionally pause work.
Birth of the Báb
Celebrates the birth of the Báb in 1819, the herald of the Bahá’í Faith. It is observed alongside the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh as the Twin Holy Birthdays.
Black Friday
The traditional start of the US holiday shopping season, famous for deep discounts. It has since spread to many countries and now often runs online for days.
Black History Month
A month dedicated to recognizing the achievements and history of Black people. It grew out of Negro History Week, started by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926.
Bodhi Day
Marks the day Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. Many practitioners meditate and share a simple meal.
Bolivian Independence Day
Marks Bolivia’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1825. Official events are held in Sucre, the constitutional capital.
Bon Festival
Also called Obon, this Buddhist custom honors the spirits of ancestors. Families clean graves, light lanterns to guide spirits home, and join community dances.
Bonalu
A Telangana folk festival honoring the goddess Mahakali. Women carry decorated pots of food to temples, accompanied by drumming and dancers.
Bonfire Night
Remembers the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes tried to blow up Parliament. Communities hold bonfires and fireworks displays.
Bonifacio Day
Honors Andrés Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan and a leader of the Philippine Revolution against Spain. The date is his birthday.
Book Lovers Day
An informal day for readers to spend time with a favorite book. People often celebrate by visiting a local bookshop or reading outside.
Botswana Independence Day
Celebrates Botswana’s independence from Britain in 1966. The country also observes Presidents’ Day at around the same time.
Boun Bang Fai
The Rocket Festival, held to encourage rain at the start of the planting season. Villagers build and fire large bamboo rockets into the sky.
Boun Pimai
Lao New Year, celebrated with water fights and temple visits. Luang Prabang’s festivities are especially well known.
Boun That Luang
Laos’ biggest religious festival, centered on the golden That Luang stupa in Vientiane. Monks receive alms, and a large fair runs for several days.
Boxing Day
Observed the day after Christmas. Traditionally a day for giving gifts to workers and the needy, it is now known for sales and sports.
Boys’ Day
A Japanese celebration of boys’ health and growth, now part of Children’s Day. Families fly carp-shaped windsocks outside their homes.
Brazilian Carnival
One of the world’s largest carnivals, with samba school competitions in Rio de Janeiro and lively street parties in Salvador, Recife, and Olinda.
Brazilian Independence Day
Marks Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822. Cities hold parades and patriotic events.
Brigid’s Day
A Gaelic festival, also known as Imbolc, that marks the start of spring and honors St. Brigid. It is now a public holiday in Ireland.
Brumalia
An ancient Roman winter festival tied to the winter solstice, later continued in the Byzantine world. It involved feasts and revelry.
Brunei National Day
Marks Brunei’s regaining of full independence from Britain in 1984. A large parade and ceremonies are held in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
A lighthearted observance honoring bubble wrap, invented in 1957. People mark it by popping the bubbles for stress relief.
Buddha Purnima
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is also known as Vesak in some countries.
Buddha’s Birthday
Korea’s celebration of the Buddha’s birth, marked by colorful lotus lanterns. Seoul’s Yeon Deung Hoe parade is a highlight.
Bulgarian Liberation Day
Marks the 1878 Treaty of San Stefano and Bulgaria’s liberation from Ottoman rule. Ceremonies are held across the country, notably at Shipka Pass.
Bun Festival
A Hong Kong festival on Cheung Chau island that honors the sea god Pak Tai. Giant towers covered in sweet buns are the centerpiece.
Bunker Hill Day
Commemorates the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill, an early battle of the American Revolution. It is a legal holiday in Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
Burning of the Clavie
An old Scottish fire festival marking the New Year under the old Julian calendar. A flaming barrel is carried through town and embers are given for luck.
Burns Night
Celebrates the life of poet Robert Burns, born in 1759. The supper features haggis, neeps and tatties, and the Address to a Haggis.