November 18

Holidays & Observances

Christianfeast day:

Abhai of Hach(Syriac Orthodox Church), Alphaeus and Zacchaeus, Barulas, Constant, Dedication of Saints Peter and Paul, Elizabeth of Hungary(Church of England), Juthwara, Mabyn(Roman Catholic ChurchandAnglicanism), The main day of theFeast of the Virgen de Chiquinquiráor Chinita's Fair (Maracaibo,Venezuela), Maudez (Mawes), Nazarius (Nazaire), Odo of Cluny, Romanus of Caesarea, Rose Philippine Duchesne, November 18 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A Christian feast day commemorating a diverse group of saints and martyrs observed across various denominations on November 18.
Christian feast days on November 18 commemorate a diverse group of saints and martyrs across multiple Christian traditions. Among them are Abhai of Hach revered by the Syriac Orthodox Church and Alphaeus and Zacchaeus celebrated in Western liturgies. The day also honors the Dedication of Saints Peter and Paul, a key event in church history. Figures like Elizabeth of Hungary, Rose Philippine Duchesne, and Odo of Cluny are remembered for their charity and monastic contributions. In regions such as Maracaibo, Venezuela, the Feast of the Virgen de Chiquinquirá, known as Chinita's Fair, brings vibrant celebrations. Eastern Orthodox liturgics include saints like Nazarius of Caesarea, enriching the spiritual heritage of the day.
feast day Abhai of Hach Syriac Orthodox Church Alphaeus and Zacchaeus Barulas Constant Dedication of Saints Peter and Paul Elizabeth of Hungary Church of England Juthwara Mabyn Roman Catholic Church Anglicanism Feast of the Virgen de Chiquinquirá Maracaibo Venezuela Maudez (Mawes) Nazarius (Nazaire) Odo of Cluny Romanus of Caesarea Rose Philippine Duchesne November 18 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Day of Army and Victory(Haiti)

A public holiday in Haiti commemorating the Haitian army’s decisive victory at the Battle of Vertières in 1803, leading to the country's independence.
Observed on November 18, Day of Army and Victory honors the Haitian army’s triumph at the Battle of Vertières, which sealed Haiti’s independence from France. The holiday pays tribute to the bravery of revolutionaries led by Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Henri Christophe. Military parades and wreath-laying ceremonies are held at monuments in Port-au-Prince and other cities. Schools and public institutions close to allow citizens to attend commemorations and festive events. Speeches, cultural performances, and traditional music underscore national pride and remembrance of the revolutionary struggle. The day serves as a reminder of Haiti’s unique history as the first Black republic formed through a successful slave revolt.
Day of Army and Victory Haiti

Independence Day (Morocco), celebrates the independence ofMoroccofrom France and Spain in 1956.

Morocco's national holiday marking the end of French and Spanish protectorates and the restoration of sovereignty in 1956.
Independence Day in Morocco is celebrated on November 18 to mark the country's liberation from French and Spanish rule in 1956. The return of King Mohammed V from exile in 1955 galvanized nationalist sentiment across the kingdom. Festivities include parades, fireworks, and official ceremonies led by the King and government officials. Military displays at Rabat's Independence Square showcase Morocco’s defense forces, accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. Families gather for festive meals featuring Moroccan cuisine, and public institutions close to allow citizens to participate in patriotic events. The holiday highlights Morocco's journey from colonial rule to modern statehood.
Independence Day (Morocco) Morocco

National Day (Oman)

Oman's National Day commemorating the birthday of Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the country's period of modernization and national unity.
National Day in Oman, observed on November 18, celebrates the birth of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, the architect of Oman's modern renaissance. The occasion is marked by grand parades, fireworks, and cultural exhibitions across Muscat and other cities. Streets and public buildings are adorned with national flags and portraits of the Sultan. Official ceremonies at the Royal Opera House and the Sultan’s palace feature speeches, traditional music, and dance performances. Schools and businesses close to allow families to enjoy community festivals and military displays. The holiday reflects on Oman's rapid development, the Sultan’s vision, and the unity of the Omani people.
National Day (Oman)

Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latviacelebrates the independence ofLatviafrom Russia in 1918.

Latvia's national holiday marking the proclamation of its independence from Russia on November 18, 1918.
Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia is celebrated on November 18 to honor the declaration of statehood in 1918 by the Latvian People's Council. Ceremonies at the Freedom Monument in Riga include wreath-laying by state leaders and military honors. Cultural events such as concerts, folk dancing, and art exhibitions showcase Latvian heritage and traditions. Schools and public institutions close, allowing citizens to participate in patriotic gatherings and historical reenactments. The day reflects on the sacrifices made during World War I and the subsequent War of Independence. Fireworks and community festivals in cities and towns reinforce national pride and unity.
Proclamation Day of the Republic of Latvia Latvia

Remembrance Day of the Sacrifice of Vukovar in 1991(Croatia)

A Croatian observance honoring the defenders and victims of the 1991 siege of Vukovar during the Homeland War.
Observed on November 18, Remembrance Day of the Sacrifice of Vukovar commemorates the 87-day siege that symbolized Croatian resistance during the Homeland War. The siege led to widespread devastation and loss of civilian and military lives, reflecting the high cost of national independence. Annual ceremonies at the Vukovar Memorial Cemetery include laying wreaths and playing the names of the fallen over loudspeakers. Former soldiers, families of victims, and government officials gather in solemn remembrance. Candlelit vigils at the Broken Column monument in Vukovar emphasize themes of sacrifice, resilience, and reconciliation. Educational programs and exhibitions across Croatia recall the events and lessons for future generations.
Remembrance Day of the Sacrifice of Vukovar in 1991 Croatia

Abhai of Hach(Syriac Orthodox Church)

A feast day in the Syriac Orthodox Church honoring Saint Abhai of Hach, celebrated for his monastic devotion and spiritual teachings.
According to Syriac Orthodox tradition, Saint Abhai of Hach was a 4th-century monk who founded monastic communities in Mesopotamia. Renowned for his ascetic practices and devotion to prayer, he guided many disciples toward deeper spiritual life. His feast day on November 18 includes hymns, liturgical readings, and prayers that reflect on monastic ideals of humility and charity. Churches dedicated to Abhai preserve relics and icons commemorating his ministry. Pilgrims visit these sites seeking spiritual renewal and inspiration from his legacy.
Abhai of Hach Syriac Orthodox Church

Alphaeus and Zacchaeus

A Christian feast commemorating Saints Alphaeus and Zacchaeus for their examples of faith and transformation.
Saint Alphaeus, mentioned in the Gospels as the father of the apostle James the Less, is honored alongside Zacchaeus, the tax collector whose encounter with Jesus led to his repentance. Their joint commemoration on November 18 highlights themes of faith, conversion, and divine calling. Liturgical services include readings from the New Testament recounting Zacchaeus’s story and hymns celebrating Alphaeus’s connection to the early Church. Prayers focus on God’s mercy and the transformative power of Christ’s grace. The day invites believers to reflect on personal journeys of faith and openness to spiritual renewal.
Alphaeus and Zacchaeus

Barulas

A feast day honoring Saint Barulas, venerated as a young martyr of the early Christian Church.
Saint Barulas is remembered as a youthful martyr who steadfastly refused to renounce his faith amid persecution. Tradition holds that he faced trials at a young age, offering an example of unwavering conviction and courage. His feast on November 18 includes special prayers and liturgical commemorations in some Christian communities. Stories of his martyrdom inspire reflections on the costs of discipleship and the power of steadfast belief. Although historical details are limited, Barulas’s witness continues to encourage the faithful to hold firm in their convictions.
Barulas

Constant

A feast day commemorating Saint Constant, celebrated for his steadfast devotion and defense of early Christian teachings.
Saint Constant, honored on November 18 in various Christian traditions, is known for his steadfast devotion and defense of the early Church’s teachings. According to tradition, he served as a teacher and confessor, guiding communities through times of trial and persecution. His commemoration includes liturgical readings that emphasize perseverance in faith and love. Churches may celebrate with prayers invoking his intercession for guidance and strength. Despite limited historical records, Constant’s feast encourages believers to remain faithful amid challenges, following his example of courage and piety.
Constant

Dedication of Saints Peter and Paul

A Catholic feast commemorating the dedication of the basilicas honoring Saints Peter and Paul in Rome.
On November 18 the Church observes the dedication of the ancient basilicas built to honor the apostles Peter and Paul. This solemn celebration recalls the consecration of these historic sites where countless pilgrims have gathered through the centuries. The feast highlights the enduring legacy of the two pillars of Christianity and the architectural grandeur of their Roman shrines. Liturgical observances often include special vespers, processions, and prayers for unity and faithfulness. This dedication feast connects believers with the early Church and inspires reflection on service, martyrdom, and apostolic witness.
Dedication of Saints Peter and Paul

Elizabeth of Hungary(Church of England)

A day honoring St. Elizabeth of Hungary, celebrated in the Church of England for her life of charity and devotion.
Observed by the Church of England on November 18, this feast commemorates St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a medieval princess renowned for her compassion and hospitality. Born in 1207, she dedicated herself to serving the poor and marginalized, founding hospitals and distributing alms during times of famine and plague. Her selfless acts of charity earned her recognition as a model of Christian love and service. Liturgical services on this day include special prayers, hymns, and reflections on the call to serve others. Believers are invited to emulate her generosity in their own communities.
Elizabeth of Hungary Church of England