Birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck(Bhutan)
A national holiday in Bhutan marking the birthday of the revered fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
On November 11th, Bhutan celebrates the Birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who reigned from 1972 to 2006 and is known for introducing the concept of Gross National Happiness. Festivities include prayers, traditional dances, and public gatherings. Bhutanese citizens and officials pay tribute at dzongs (fortresses) and temples across the country. Cultural performances, archery tournaments, and special broadcasts honor the King’s contributions. The day fosters national unity and pride, reflecting Bhutan’s unique values and traditions.
Birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Bhutan
Children's Day(Croatia)
A joyful celebration dedicated to the well-being and happiness of children across Croatia.
Children’s Day in Croatia honors the importance of children’s rights and welfare on November 11th. Schools, community centers, and public spaces host fun activities, including games, educational workshops, and cultural performances. Parents and local organizations arrange special treats and gifts for children to emphasize care and support. The day seeks to raise awareness about children’s needs, promote family bonding, and encourage a safe environment for growth. It highlights Croatia’s commitment to nurturing its youngest generation.
Children's Day
Croatia
Christianfeast day:
Bartholomew of Grottaferrata, Martin of Tours(Roman Catholic Church), and itsrelated observances., Menas, Mercurius(Coptic), Søren Kierkegaard(Lutheran Church), Theodore the Studite, November 11 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A series of Christian feast days honoring saints and theologians across various denominations.
November 11th is rich in Christian liturgical commemorations. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates St. Martin of Tours, known for his charity and humility, with processions and blessings. Monastic communities remember Bartholomew of Grottaferrata and Theodore the Studite for their spiritual writings. The Coptic Church honors martyrs like Menas and Mercurius, commemorating their steadfast faith. Lutheran congregations observe philosopher-theologian Søren Kierkegaard’s legacy. Eastern Orthodox churches include these and other saints in their liturgical calendar, offering special services and hymns. This day links diverse traditions in shared reflection and worship.
Christian
feast day
Bartholomew of Grottaferrata
Martin of Tours
Roman Catholic Church
related observances
Menas
Mercurius
Coptic
Søren Kierkegaard
Lutheran Church
Theodore the Studite
November 11 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
End of World War I-related observances:
Armistice Day(France, Belgium andSerbia), National Independence Day (Poland), commemorates the anniversary of Poland's assumption of independent statehood in 1918, Remembrance Day(United Kingdom and theCommonwealth of Nations, including Australia and Canada), Veterans Day, called Armistice Day until 1954, when it was rededicated to honor American military (Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force) veterans. (United States)
Commemorations marking the end of World War I and honoring those who served in the Great War.
On November 11th, nations worldwide observe the armistice that ended fighting in World War I in 1918. In France, Belgium, and Serbia, Armistice Day ceremonies feature wreath-laying at war memorials and moments of silence to honor the fallen. Poland celebrates its National Independence Day, marking the restoration of sovereignty. The United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries hold Remembrance Day services, with poppies symbolizing remembrance. The United States marks Veterans Day, honoring all military veterans. These solemn observances blend historical remembrance with national pride and respect for peace.
Armistice Day
Serbia
National Independence Day (Poland)
Remembrance Day
Commonwealth of Nations
Veterans Day
Independence Day, celebrates the independence ofAngolafrom Portugal in 1975.
Angola’s national holiday celebrating its independence from Portugal in 1975.
Independence Day in Angola on November 11th commemorates the country’s liberation from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975. Festivities include military parades, cultural performances showcasing Angolan music and dance, and official speeches reflecting on national identity. Citizens participate in community events, sporting matches, and gatherings at public squares. The day highlights Angola’s journey to sovereignty and its aspirations for unity and development. Schools and institutions organize exhibitions on independence history, fostering national pride among younger generations.
Independence Day
Angola
Independence of Cartagena(Colombia)
A regional celebration marking Cartagena’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1811.
Every November 11th, the city of Cartagena, Colombia, commemorates its 1811 declaration of independence from Spain. Colorful parades wind through the historic walled city, with participants in colonial-era costumes reenacting revolutionary events. Folk music, dance performances, and fireworks light up the night sky. Local artisans display traditional crafts and cuisine in street markets. The day fosters local pride, honors the city’s pivotal role in Colombia’s independence movement, and invites visitors to experience Cartagena’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
Independence of Cartagena
Colombia
Lāčplēsis Day, celebrates the victory over theBermontiansat the Battle of Riga in 1919. (Latvia)
Latvia’s national remembrance of the 1919 Battle of Riga victory over Bermontian forces.
On November 11th, Lāčplēsis Day honors the Latvian troops who defended Riga against Bermontian invaders in 1919 during the Latvian War of Independence. Ceremonies at Riga’s Freedom Monument include speeches, reenactments, and the laying of wreaths. Historical exhibitions and educational programs recount the battle’s significance in securing Latvia’s sovereignty. The day also celebrates the national epic hero Lāčplēsis, symbolizing courage and resilience. Schools and organizations hold special events to instill patriotic values in younger generations.
Lāčplēsis Day
Bermontians
Latvia
Opening ofcarnival("Karneval"/"Fasching"), on 11-11, at 11:11. (Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries)
The traditional kick-off of the carnival season at 11:11 AM on November 11th in German-speaking regions.
Carnival season in parts of Germany, the Netherlands, and nearby regions begins at 11:11 AM on November 11th. Known as Karneval or Fasching, the festivities launch with symbolic ceremonies, street parades, and the ceremonial ‘key handover’ where city officials relinquish authority to the carnival princes. Participants don vibrant costumes and masks, and clubs host lively balls and gatherings. This whimsical tradition marks the countdown to the height of carnival before Lent, blending local customs with a spirit of humor and community celebration.
carnival
Fasching
National Education Day (India)
A day to honor educational achievements and commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s first Education Minister.
National Education Day in India, observed on November 11th, marks the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India. Schools and colleges across the country celebrate with seminars, competitions, and exhibitions on educational innovations. Teachers’ associations hold conferences to discuss challenges and improvements in the sector. The day emphasizes the importance of literacy, quality teaching, and lifelong learning. Initiatives are launched to promote inclusive education and technological integration in classrooms.
National Education Day (India)
Republic Day (Maldives)
A national holiday marking the day the Maldives became a republic in 1968.
Republic Day on November 11th celebrates the Maldives’ transition from a monarchy to a republic in 1968. Government offices and schools close for patriotic ceremonies featuring flag hoisting, military parades, and cultural performances. Speeches by the President and dignitaries reflect on democratic values and national development. Public concerts and community events showcase Dhivehi music, dance, and crafts. The day reinforces national unity and the Maldives’ commitment to governance and social progress.
Republic Day (Maldives)
Singles' Day(China)
Singles' Day is the world's largest online shopping festival celebrated on November 11 in China, known for massive discounts and flash sales.
Originally started by university students in the 1990s as a celebration of singlehood, Singles' Day has evolved into the world's largest 24-hour online shopping event. Major e-commerce platforms like Alibaba report record-breaking sales volumes each year, turning November 11 into a global retail phenomenon. Retailers across China and increasingly around the world offer deep discounts on electronics, fashion, and everyday goods. The event combines flash sales, live-streamed product demonstrations, and celebrity endorsements to create a shopping carnival atmosphere. Singles' Day showcases the power of digital marketing and consumer culture in China, reflecting broader trends in e-commerce and social media. It has also inspired similar shopping festivals in other countries and regions, highlighting its impact on global retail.
Singles' Day
St. Martin's Day(Sint Maarten,Kingdom of the Netherlands)
St. Martin's Day in Sint Maarten features lantern processions and communal festivities to honor Saint Martin of Tours.
Observed on November 11, St. Martin's Day honors Saint Martin of Tours, known for his kindness and generosity. In Sint Maarten, local communities hold lantern parades, children's songs, and communal gatherings to celebrate the occasion. Participants craft colorful paper lanterns and walk through streets at dusk, symbolizing the saint's act of sharing light. Traditional treats like gingerbread and spiced wine may be enjoyed during the festivities. St. Martin's Day also marks the end of the agricultural season and the beginning of winter preparations in many European traditions. The day fosters community spirit and connects modern celebrations with centuries-old folklore and religious heritage.
St. Martin's Day
Sint Maarten
Kingdom of the Netherlands