Here are the major religious holidays you need to be aware of when planning events. The list covers holy days where
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Work is prohibited (or most people observing consider it a day to be with family)
AND
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Followed by most of it’s adherents
"Most" is a tricky term and is definitely geography dependent. If you live in a Christian majority country - the holy days below are like Christmas or Easter. Before you schedule an event during these days think if you would schedule the same event during Christmas or Easter.
If you edit a category below please:
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Try define most, especially with regards to important geographies.
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Please try to give the rough time of year so people can know when to look for the holy day on the calendar.
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Try to give the length of the holy day (start time and end time).
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If you know there is popular misconception of the importance certain days please note those days as well.
| Name(s) | Season | Length | Start and End Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Christmas |
Dec 24th-26th |
3 days |
Some countries (esp. USA) consider the 24th (Christmas Eve) important, others (UK, Ireland) consider the 26th more important. |
|
Easter |
Spring |
2 days |
Most Catholic countries have Easter Monday off as a holiday, some also have Good Friday. |
| Name(s) | Season | Length | Start and End Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Passover (Pesach) |
Spring |
8 days |
Sundown the night before until Sundown of the 8th day |
a lot of dietary restrictions |
Rosh Hashanah |
Autumn |
2 days |
Sundown the night before until Sundown of the 2nd day |
This is the New Year and the beginning of the Week of Awe, ending with Yom Kippur |
Yom Kippur |
Autumn |
1 day |
Sundown the night before until Sundown the night after |
This is a day of fasting and it usually concludes with a festive meal, so most people won’t travel until the next day |
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It is not forbidden to work on Hanukah and it lasts for 8 days. If you want to schedule something during this time it would be best to just avoid having people miss the first night.
If you are planning an event in Israel this list will not work. There are many observant Jews in Israel and you should consult a local observant Jew about dates. Please note there is also a sizable number of Christians and Muslims in Israel, be sure to consult their calendar as well.
Some countries attach a particular importance to certain holidays, which tend to be 3 or 4 day family holidays. If you expect a significant contingent from these countries, you should beware of scheduling the event on the week these holidays take place, or at least allow people to get home the night before the holiday.
| Name(s) | Season | Length | Start and End Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
May Day |
Spring |
1 day |
May 1st |
Internationally recognised as a holiday for the labour movement. For many countries, this day is an important day off. |
| Name(s) | Season | Length | Start and End Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Thanksgiving |
Winter |
4 days |
3rd Thursday in November through Sunday |
Big family get-together |
Memorial Day |
May |
1 day |
Last Monday in May |
Americans typically celebrate the start of Summer with family on this 3 day weekend |
Independence Day |
July 4th |
1 day |
Fireworks and barbecue |