Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Scotland's capital hosts the largest performing arts festival in the world. Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place annually in the month of August and is open to anyone, with any type of performance.
Kanto Matsuri, Japan
The Kanto Festival is an annual event held every year in Akita City, Japan. Eight-meter tall bamboo poles decorated with hanging lanterns are balanced by performers on their foreheads or lower backs. The lanterns are decorated to resemble bags of rice. This is a time for people to pray for a good harvest.
Baba Jie, Taiwan
Baba Jie is Father's Day in Taiwan. It is not an official holiday in Taiwan, but is observed and celebrated every August 8th. People honor their fathers by going out for dinner, giving gifts, and spending time together.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous peoples. It is also a day to acknowledge and recognize the many achievements made by indigenous people around the world.
National Women’s Day, South Africa
Women’s Day is celebrated in South Africa every year on August 9th. Learn more.
Double Seventh Festival
The Double Seventh Festival, or Qixi Festival, is similar to Valentine's Day in China. It falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.
International Youth Day
The United Nations’ (UN) International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 each year to recognize efforts of the world’s youth in enhancing global society. It also aims to promote ways to engage them in becoming more actively involved in making positive contributions to their communities. A theme is selected every year for this day…
Spicemas Festival, Grenada
Grenada (known as the "Spice Island" for its tremendous production of nutmeg) hosts its annual carnival called the Spicemas Festival.
World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day was launched to bring attention to the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants. The elephant is loved, revered and respected by people and cultures around the world, yet we balance on the brink of seeing the last of this magnificent creature. Read more HERE.
Obon Festival, Japan
Obon or Bon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return to visit during this time, so families visit the graves and make food offerings at altars and temples. Chochin (paper lanterns) are hung to guide the spirits.