Also known as Eostre, the Spring Equinox is regarded as a time of fertility and conceptions. Celebrations during this holiday have themes of balance, renewal and rebirth. Communities: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid Common practices: Lighting fires to commemorate the return of...

Naw-Rúz, which begins at sundown, is the Baha'i New Year, a traditional celebration in Iran adopted as a holy day as associated with Baha'i. It is a celebration of spring and new life. Community: Bahá’í Common practices: Festive music Dancing...

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, as described in the Gospels. Crowds gathered and welcomed him by laying cloaks and waving palm branches on the road, shouting praises. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week for most Western...

Purim, which begins at sundown on the first day and ends at sunset on the second, commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved from genocide by the courage of a young Jewish woman named...

Holi, often called the "Festival of Colors," is a vibrant and ancient Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the celebration of love. Community: Hindu Common practices: Sprinkling colored water and powder...

Maundy, or Holy Thursday, is the Thursday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. Community: Christian Common practices: Prayer Communion (Eucharist) Services that include foot washing in some denominations

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Community: Christian Common practices: Prayer In some sects of Christianity and in many countries this is a day of fasting and in some denominations, afternoon services Wrapping or...

Easter is the most important religious festival in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which Christians believe occurred on the third day after his crucifixion. It is a celebration of renewal. Community: Christian Common...

Passover (Pesach) is one of the most meaningful holidays in Jewish tradition. During this time, Jewish communities around the world gather to remember and retell the story of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, led by one of the greatest...

Yom HaSho'ah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) is a solemn day for Jews and people worldwide to commemorate the approximately six million Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust. Yom HaSho'ah begins at sundown on the first day and concludes at...