This page lists 46 holidays that start with the letter I, from “Ides of March” to “International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.” The list covers ancient festivals, national independence days, religious feasts, and United Nations observances. You can use it to plan celebrations, find ideas for school or work events, or learn how people around the world mark special days.
Holidays are days set aside to honor a person, event, belief, or shared value, and they often come with special customs. “Inti Raymi” in Peru, for example, began as an Inca ceremony for the sun god and is still staged near Cusco each June.
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, so you can quickly scan the list and spot the observances you already know or want to learn about.
Date: When the holiday takes place. You can use it to plan ahead, and some entries follow a weekday rule instead of a fixed day.
Country/Region: The places where the holiday is observed. This shows you whether it is a local event or a worldwide observance.
Traditions: The common ways people celebrate, such as parades, special foods, ceremonies, or gatherings, which gives you ideas for joining in or hosting your own event.
Description: A short summary of what the holiday means and where it comes from, so you understand the story behind the celebration.
Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Country/Region | Traditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ides of March | March 15 | Ancient Rome / Worldwide | Literary references, historical reenactments, Caesar-themed events |
| Imbolc | February 1-2 | Ireland / Celtic regions | Lighting candles, making Brigid’s crosses, spring cleaning |
| Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Italy, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, other Catholic countries | Church services, processions, family gatherings, start of Christmas decorating |
| Inauguration Day | January 20 | United States | Swearing-in ceremony, inaugural address, parade, inaugural balls |
| Independence Day (United States) | July 4 | United States | Fireworks, parades, barbecues, patriotic displays |
| Independence Day (India) | August 15 | India | Flag hoisting at the Red Fort, Prime Minister’s speech, kite flying |
| Independence Day (Mexico) | September 16 | Mexico | El Grito ceremony, parades, fireworks, traditional food |
| Independence Day (Brazil) | September 7 | Brazil | Military parades, patriotic displays, school events |
| Independence Day (Philippines) | June 12 | Philippines | Flag raising, parades, wreath laying, fireworks |
| Independence Day (Ukraine) | August 24 | Ukraine | Flag displays, concerts, wearing vyshyvanka shirts, military ceremonies |
| Independence Day (Indonesia) | August 17 | Indonesia | Flag ceremonies, neighborhood games, climbing greased poles, parades |
| Indian Arrival Day | May 30 | Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname | Cultural performances, Indian food, traditional dress, historical reenactments |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Second Monday of October | United States | Cultural events, powwows, educational programs, community gatherings |
| Inti Raymi | June 24 | Cusco, Peru | Costumed reenactment, music, dance, offerings to the sun god |
| Inventors’ Day | February 11 | United States | School projects, exhibitions, invention contests |
| Iri Ji (New Yam Festival) | August | Nigeria (Igbo people) | Offering first yams to ancestors and deities, feasting, dancing, masquerades |
| Isra and Mi’raj | 27th of Rajab | Muslim-majority countries / Worldwide | Night prayers, Quran recitation, sermons, lighting mosques |
| Italian Republic Day | June 2 | Italy | Military parade in Rome, flyover, wreath at the Altar of the Fatherland |
| Icelandic National Day | June 17 | Iceland | Parades, flags, brass bands, children’s games, speeches |
| Ilinden | August 2 | North Macedonia | Wreath laying, commemorations, cultural events |
| Ivan Kupala Day | July 6-7 | Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Poland, Slavic regions | Jumping over bonfires, flower wreaths, searching for fern blossoms, water rituals |
| International Women’s Day | March 8 | Worldwide | Marches, flowers, gifts for women, panel discussions |
| International Workers’ Day | May 1 | Worldwide (especially Europe, Latin America, Asia) | Labor marches, rallies, speeches, days off work |
| International Day of Peace | September 21 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Moment of silence, ringing the Peace Bell, peace events |
| International Children’s Day | June 1 | China, Russia, Eastern Europe, other countries | Gifts, school performances, outings, parties |
| International Literacy Day | September 8 | Worldwide (UNESCO) | Reading campaigns, book drives, literacy programs |
| International Mother Language Day | February 21 | Worldwide (UNESCO), especially Bangladesh | Language festivals, poetry readings, floral tributes at memorials |
| International Day of Friendship | July 30 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Spending time with friends, small gifts, friendship events |
| International Day of Happiness | March 20 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Acts of kindness, wearing yellow, community gatherings |
| International Men’s Day | November 19 | Worldwide | Awareness campaigns, health talks, tributes to male role models |
| International Yoga Day | June 21 | Worldwide, especially India | Mass yoga sessions, workshops, meditation |
| International Day of Families | May 15 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Family outings, shared meals, awareness events |
| International Youth Day | August 12 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Youth forums, volunteering, workshops, campaigns |
| International Talk Like a Pirate Day | September 19 | Worldwide | Dressing as pirates, saying “Ahoy” and “Arr”, themed parties |
| International Holocaust Remembrance Day | January 27 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Memorial ceremonies, lighting candles, educational programs |
| International Human Rights Day | December 10 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Speeches, exhibitions, campaigns, awards |
| International Nurses Day | May 12 | Worldwide | Appreciation events, awards, thank-you messages |
| International Dance Day | April 29 | Worldwide (UNESCO) | Performances, workshops, flash mobs, open classes |
| International Jazz Day | April 30 | Worldwide (UNESCO) | Concerts, jam sessions, educational events |
| International Museum Day | May 18 | Worldwide | Free admission, special exhibits, evening openings |
| International Tea Day | May 21 | Worldwide, especially India, China, Sri Lanka, Kenya | Tea tastings, plantation events, awareness campaigns |
| International Beer Day | First Friday of August | Worldwide | Pub gatherings, tastings, toasts to brewers |
| International Cat Day | August 8 | Worldwide | Sharing cat photos, shelter donations, adoption drives |
| International Coffee Day | October 1 | Worldwide | Free or discounted coffee, tastings, café events |
| International Day of Non-Violence | October 2 | Worldwide (United Nations), especially India | Peace marches, prayer meetings, educational events |
| International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples | August 9 | Worldwide (United Nations) | Cultural performances, conferences, community events |
Descriptions
Ides of March
The date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE. Once a Roman day for settling debts and honoring Mars, it is now known mostly as a day of omens and betrayal.
Imbolc
A Gaelic festival marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It honors the goddess and saint Brigid and the first signs of spring.
Immaculate Conception
A Catholic feast celebrating the belief that Mary was conceived free of original sin. It is a public holiday in several countries and often kicks off the Christmas season.
Inauguration Day
The day the US president is sworn into office at the start of each four-year term. The ceremony is held at the Capitol and followed by a parade and celebrations.
Independence Day (United States)
Celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Americans mark the day with fireworks, cookouts, and community events.
Independence Day (India)
Marks India’s independence from British rule in 1947. The Prime Minister raises the flag in Delhi and gives a national address.
Independence Day (Mexico)
Commemorates the 1810 call to arms by Miguel Hidalgo that began Mexico’s war of independence. The president re-enacts the “Grito” on the night of September 15.
Independence Day (Brazil)
Marks Brazil’s 1822 declaration of independence from Portugal. Cities hold civic and military parades across the country.
Independence Day (Philippines)
Commemorates the 1898 proclamation of independence from Spain. Ceremonies are held at Rizal Park in Manila and across the country.
Independence Day (Ukraine)
Marks the 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. Ukrainians celebrate with flags, concerts, and traditional embroidered clothing.
Independence Day (Indonesia)
Celebrates Indonesia’s 1945 proclamation of independence. Communities hold playful contests such as sack races and pole climbing.
Indian Arrival Day
Honors the arrival of indentured workers from India to the Caribbean starting in the 1800s. It celebrates Indo-Caribbean heritage and culture.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Honors Native American history and culture, and in many places replaces or sits alongside Columbus Day. Events highlight Indigenous traditions and contributions.
Inti Raymi
The Inca “Festival of the Sun” honors Inti, the sun god, at the winter solstice. Today it is staged as a large theatrical ceremony near Cusco.
Inventors’ Day
Held on Thomas Edison’s birthday to celebrate inventors and their work. Schools and museums often run invention-themed activities.
Iri Ji (New Yam Festival)
An Igbo harvest festival giving thanks for the new yam crop. Yams are blessed before anyone eats them, followed by music and communal meals.
Isra and Mi’raj
Commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascension to heaven. Muslims mark it with prayer and reflection.
Italian Republic Day
Celebrates the 1946 referendum in which Italians chose a republic over the monarchy. The main event is a parade along Via dei Fori Imperiali in Rome.
Icelandic National Day
Marks the birthday of independence leader Jon Sigurdsson and Iceland’s 1944 founding as a republic. Towns hold parades and family-friendly festivities.
Ilinden
Remembers the 1903 Ilinden Uprising against Ottoman rule and the 1944 founding session of ASNOM. It is a national holiday in North Macedonia.
Ivan Kupala Day
A Slavic midsummer festival tied to St. John the Baptist and older pagan customs. Young people jump over fires and float wreaths on rivers.
International Women’s Day
A global day celebrating women’s achievements and calling for gender equality. It is a public holiday in many countries.
International Workers’ Day
Honors the labor movement and workers’ rights, with roots in the 1886 Haymarket events in Chicago. It is a public holiday in most countries.
International Day of Peace
Declared by the United Nations as a day devoted to peace and a ceasefire in conflicts. Schools and groups hold events promoting nonviolence.
International Children’s Day
A day dedicated to children’s welfare and happiness. Many countries celebrate with treats, shows, and special school activities.
International Literacy Day
Promotes reading and the importance of literacy as a human right. UNESCO has marked it every year since 1967.
International Mother Language Day
Promotes linguistic diversity and honors the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in Bangladesh. People celebrate their native languages through poetry and cultural events.
International Day of Friendship
Proclaimed by the United Nations to promote friendship across cultures and communities. People use it to reach out and strengthen bonds.
International Day of Happiness
Recognizes happiness as a basic human goal. People mark it with kind gestures and social media posts about what makes them happy.
International Men’s Day
Focuses on men’s health, positive role models, and gender relations. Events range from workplace talks to community fundraisers.
International Yoga Day
Established by the United Nations in 2014 after a proposal from India. Large public yoga sessions take place in parks and landmarks around the world.
International Day of Families
Highlights the importance of families as the foundation of society. People mark it with gatherings and community programs.
International Youth Day
Raises awareness of issues affecting young people and celebrates their contributions. Governments and organizations host events on education and employment.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
A humorous unofficial holiday started in 1995 by two friends in Oregon. Fans spend the day speaking in pirate slang and dressing up.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Marks the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz and honors the victims of the Holocaust. Ceremonies and school programs promote remembrance and fight prejudice.
International Human Rights Day
Commemorates the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Organizations hold events promoting equality and justice.
International Nurses Day
Held on Florence Nightingale’s birthday to honor nurses and their work. Hospitals and communities mark it with ceremonies and gifts.
International Dance Day
Created in 1982 to celebrate dance in all its forms. Studios and theaters host performances and free classes.
International Jazz Day
Celebrates jazz and its role in uniting people across cultures. A different host city stages a major concert each year.
International Museum Day
Highlights the role of museums in society. Many museums offer free entry or special programs.
International Tea Day
A United Nations observance that celebrates the cultural and economic importance of tea. It also draws attention to tea workers and growers.
International Beer Day
A casual celebration of beer, the people who brew it, and the pubs that serve it. Fans gather for tastings and group toasts.
International Cat Day
Dedicated to cats and cat welfare. Owners post pictures online, and shelters often promote adoption.
International Coffee Day
Celebrates coffee and the farmers who grow it. Cafés commonly offer special deals and events.
International Day of Non-Violence
Marks Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday and promotes the philosophy of nonviolence. In India it is also observed as Gandhi Jayanti.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Honors the cultures, languages, and rights of Indigenous communities around the globe. Events include traditional music, dance, and talks.