Raksha Bandhan
Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana (usually in August), sisters tie a decorative thread called a rakhi around their brothers’ wrists as a symbol of love and protection. In return, brothers give gifts and promise…
National Women’s Day, South Africa
Women’s Day is celebrated in South Africa every year on August 9th. Learn more.
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…
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 are balancing on the brink of seeing the last of this magnificent creature.
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.
Little League World Series
The Little League World Series, an annual baseball tournament in the United States for children 10 to 12 years of age, takes place from August 13 to August 24 at the Little League headquarters complex in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
India’s Independence Day
Independence Day in India is celebrated every year on August 15th. It is a national holiday commemorating the country's independence from the United Kingdom in 1947.
Yukon’s Discovery Day, Canada
Discovery Day is celebrated on the third Monday in August every year in Dawson City, Yukon. This week-long festival, also known as Klondike Gold Discovery Day, celebrates the Yukon's rich history of gold mining in the Klondike gold fields.
World Humanitarian Day
World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is held every year on August 19 to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world.
La Tomatina, Spain
La Tomatina is a food fight festival held every year on the last Wednesday of August in the town of Buñol, near Valencia in Spain. Thousands of people make their way from all over the world to throw over-ripe tomatoes in the streets.