Cultural Holidays

Holidays, traditions & the stories behind them

From Chuseok to Golden Week to Thanksgiving — explore the origin, history, food, and culture of the world's most celebrated holidays. Each entry links to a free printable calendar for the relevant month.

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Japan

ゴールデンウィーク

Golden Week

Late April to early May (Apr 29 – May 6)

Japan's biggest holiday cluster — a golden window of travel, culture, and celebration.

4 traditional dishes · 6 activities

お盆

Obon

August 13–16 (in most regions)

Japan's festival of lanterns — welcoming home the spirits of ancestors.

4 traditional dishes · 6 activities

正月

Shōgatsu

January 1–3 (national holidays Jan 1–3)

Japan's most sacred holiday — three days of ritual, family, and fresh beginnings.

4 traditional dishes · 6 activities

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South Korea

추석

Chuseok

Lunar

15th day of the 8th lunar month (Sept–Oct)

Korea's harvest moon festival — three days of gratitude, family, and songpyeon.

5 traditional dishes · 6 activities

설날

Seollal

Lunar

1st day of the 1st lunar month (Jan–Feb)

Korea's lunar new year — bowing to elders, tteokguk, and the promise of a fresh year.

5 traditional dishes · 6 activities

광복절

Liberation Day

August 15 (fixed)

South Korea's day of light — celebrating liberation and the birth of a free nation.

3 traditional dishes · 5 activities

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United States

Thanksgiving

4th Thursday of November

America's feast of gratitude — turkey, family, and a tradition that defines autumn.

5 traditional dishes · 6 activities

Independence Day

July 4 (fixed)

America's birthday — fireworks light the sky on the Fourth of July.

5 traditional dishes · 6 activities