Important Dates You Need to Know Around the World 2024

If you're far from home, seasonal holidays are a wonderful way to stay connected to your roots and also become familiar with the culture of the country you're in now. National and International celebrations are also a great way to explore the amazing aspects of different cultures around the world.

As you explore this blog, you'll learn about many interesting aspects of the different celebrations that will occur around the world in 2024. Don’t forget to mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the many colourful holidays that are coming in 2024.

January

Once Christmas celebrations are over, celebrations for an incoming new year usually begin around the world. New Year’s Day is celebrated in many countries on January 1. However, countries that follow the Lunar calendar such as China, Vietnam or the Philippines celebrated a New Year in February.

Notably, Haiti Independence Day also falls on January 1. In the USA, celebrating Martin Luther King Day on January 15 is significant. Let’s not forget, that Martin Luther King's efforts led to the the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It bans discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

February

Looking for a good reason to hang out with friends or loved ones, have some drinks, and enjoy good food? February has got you covered with plenty of opportunities. Don't miss out on the Super Bowl (National Football League championship game) on Feb 11th in Las Vegas. It is one of the most important dates on the calendar every year in the USA.

If sports aren't your thing, there's the Carnival from Feb 8 to 13, celebrated in Spain, Brazil, and other countries. It's a fantastic chance to throw on a colourful costume and dive into a wild party. Of course, also don't forget to celebrate Valentine's Day on Feb 14 with your significant other.

Egypt and China are two ancient countries who celebrate blessing in February. Wish for your 2024 to be as bright as the sunlight at the Abu Simbel Sun Festival on Feb 22 in Egypt. And as exciting as the Year of the Dragon starting on Feb 10 in China. Here's to a fantastic year ahead.

March

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a holy month where people spend sunlit hours praying and avoid eating or drinking. It lasts for 29-30 days, from March 10 to April 8 this year. Likewise, after fasting (Lent) & praying for 40 days, Christians celebrate Easter (Mar 31) to remember Jesus coming back to life.

Mother's Day is a day to celebrate the amazing mother figures in our lives (March 10 in the UK & March 21 in the UAE). March 8th marks International Women's Day, celebrating women's achievements in every aspect of work, art, life and society.

April

April is a relaxing month after the busy calendars of the first three months of the year. After a month of Ramadan, people come together to break the fast at Eid al-Fitr on April 10-11. It's a time to gather with friends and family for some fun. And whether you're naturally funny or not, April Fool's Day is your moment to shine in the comedy spotlight. Here are some of the best pranks for you to try out.

On Earth Day (April 22), let's take time to think about our fast fashion habits and our tendency to overuse plastic. It's a chance to gain a better idea of plastic and join in to clean up our environment from plastic waste.

May

May is a special month for the hard workers in our societies and more countries around the world celebrate Mother's Day. In Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador International Worker's Day is celebrated on May 1. This day has historical significance, as workers once united on this day to strike in support of the eight-hour workday movement.

Now, when it comes to Mother's Day, it's celebrated on various dates. One of the most common dates (as you can see) is the second Sunday of May, which falls on May 12 2024. For many, including:

May 10:

• Mexico

• El Salvador

May 12:

• North America (US & Canada)

• Caribbean (Cuba & Jamaica)

• Oceania (Australia & New Zealand)

• South America (Guyana & Brazil)

• South Africa

• Asia (China, India & Philippines)

May 21:

• Egypt

May 26:

• Haiti

• Dominican

Sure, Mother's Day isn't the only time to connect with your mom, but it's a sweet moment to show some extra love. If you're far away, in your next call, take a moment to listen to her everyday needs. And surprise her with a thoughtful gift card. We've got some amazing ideas if you need a little inspiration.

June

Pride Month (June 1-30) is a time to celebrate and show support for the LGBTQ community. It's the time of year to celebrate everyone and the uniqueness of each individual.

Father's Day usually falls on the third Sunday of June, like on June 16, 2024. Meanwhile, on the same day, Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, lasting for three days until June 19 among Muslim communities. It's a time when Muslims remember Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice for Allah. Also, it marks the final day of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

July

July is not just the middle of the year; it's also a fresh start in Islamic countries and the USA. Muharram is the first month in the Islamic calendar. And its meaning, "forbidden," signifies promoting good deeds and avoiding warfare during this holy month.

Speaking of history, July 4 marks the USA's independence from Great Britain. In the Declaration of Independence, it's stated that all people are created equal and this holiday in the USA is to celebrate people and their with inherent rights such as liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

August

August 6 and 15 mark Jamaica and India's independence from Great Britain. Similarly, the Philippines celebrates National Heroes Day, honouring those who fought for the nation's freedom.

Adding a romantic touch to August, there's the Teej Festival on August 7, mainly celebrated by Hindu women in India and Nepal. It's a day when many Hindu women pray and fast to seek the blessings of Goddess Parvati. This tradition shows their love and commitment to their husbands.

September

September 16 is when Mexico remembers its independence from Spain. Youman Nabi marks the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. It is celebrated as a public holiday in over 40 countries, including Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan, Guyana, UAE, and more.

Now, let's talk about Oktoberfest, the world's biggest beer festival in Munich, Germany, taking place from September 22 to October 7, 2024. Picture this: over 125 oxen were eaten, and 6.5 million liters of beer were consumed in 2023. With 14 large beer tents, each with its unique vibe, it's a massive festival.

October

Nationwide, Heroes Day on October 21 in Jamaica honors outstanding individuals for their contributions to public service. On a more personal level, we all have our own heroes – be it family, friends, or teachers. On World Teacher's Day (October 5), take a moment to remember the most important teacher in your life.

Moving on to Diwali on October 31, observed by Hindu communities. Known as the festival of lights, it's a time for worshipping the goddess Lakshmi, who brings wealth and prosperity. While Diwali lanterns symbolize light conquering darkness, Jack-o'-lanterns carved from pumpkins bring a spooky vibe when Halloween season arrives, playing a key role in Halloween traditions like trick-or-treating and costumes. Originally, it was a day to honour the deceased. However, it has evolved into a fantastic opportunity to unleash your creativity with a fun fancy dress costume.

November

Similar to Halloween, the Day of the Dead, or El Día de los Muertos, is all about remembering loved ones who have passed away. Despite its name, this holiday is celebrated between Nov 1-2 in Mexico.

As the year winds down, Thanksgiving (November 28) approaches, a time for reunions and showing gratitude to your loved ones in the USA. Thanksgiving features turkey, ham, pies and casseroles. If you're missing your hometown cuisine, we have some great ideas. Why not make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with your home flavor, making it feel just like home?

The day after Thanksgiving (November 29) is Black Friday, offering the best deals around the year. It is a global event. So, are you excited about checking items off your or your loved ones’ wishlists on Black Friday?

December

Cyber Monday on December 2 is an extension of the Black Friday shopping. It provides a perfect opportunity to grab all your Christmas gifts. If you've missed it, no worries – we have some excellent last-minute gift ideas that can be delivered in seconds.

Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus, has become a global holiday. It is embraced not only by Western countries but also by Asian nations like the Philippines. The joy of waiting by the tree for Santa Claus and Rudolf to deliver gifts must be a cherished memory from childhood.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan out your 2024 by marking the days above in your calendar. All of the dates mentioned will help you to plan celebrations for the year and to remember to call loved ones at home to stay connected during seasonal times of the year.

Ding are also always here to help you and your loved ones stay connected all year round no matter where you are in the world. Instantly send a mobile top-up or gift card to a loved one via our website or our app within 3 seconds. Try it today.