Holidays & Traditions

Explore the origins, cultural significance, and modern-day practices of global holidays and traditions. From Lunar New Year to Ramadan and Christmas, uncover the rich history behind festive celebrations around the world.

Menu section: History & Culture · 904 stories on nationalgeographic.com

Recent stories in Holidays & Traditions: By Land and Sea—17 European Trips From London; What I Learnt About Mongolia by Eating With its Nomadic Families; How to Plan a Trip to This Lesser-Known Region of Switzerland; What's Next for Luxury Train Travel?; The Ultimate Guide to Egypt in 15 Experiences; Watch the Seasons Unfold on a Journey Through Nikko, Japan; See Island Weavers at Work in Peru's Lake Titicaca; 7 of Latin America's Unmissable Festivals; Walk the Streets of Panama City Like a Local—Here's How; A new generation is bringing Pennsylvania Dutch folk magic back to life; Why Amsterdam locals are reviving the art of 'dusking'; The Middle East's smallest state offers some of the region's biggest flavours; Discover the story behind the Reuben sandwich; The Shaker chair is iconic. But what do we know about the people who made it?; These Italian villages still make the world’s rarest pastas; Did humans observe the solstice at this site centuries before Stonehenge?; The festival that honors Scotland’s chaotic—and rebellious—history; What you should know before booking a trip to Costa Rica; Inside the thrilling chariot races of ancient Rome’s Circus Maximus; Want to see a different side to Vienna? Board the Austrian capital's wine train; 11 of the best hotels in Santorini, Greece; What 6 months in Armenia revealed to this photography duo; Why Chania could be the best place for Cretan food; As seen on screen—the best set-jetting spots in Greece; What it's like to stay at a First Nations village in Quebec City