December 26

Mummer's Day in Padstow revives ancient winter customs that date back hundreds of years in Cornwall. Locals don colorful costumes and elaborate masks to perform dances and processions through the streets. Musicians play traditional tunes on fiddles, accordion, and drums to accompany the performers. The event centers on the 'White Boys' and 'Mummers' who enact short plays and greet spectators with festive cheer. Community members gather to share food and drink, reinforcing bonds and preserving regional heritage. Despite the chilly weather, joyful energy and warmth of the festivities make Padstow's Mummer's Day a highlight of the holiday season.

Junkanoo in the Bahamas traces its roots to West African traditions brought by enslaved people during the colonial era. Participants create elaborate costumes adorned with feathers, sequins, and cardboard to form striking patterns and designs. Parades kick off in the early hours, with music driven by goatskin drums, cowbells, and conch shells. Teams compete for top honors in categories like music, dance, and visual impact. Streets in Nassau and other islands fill with spectators who enjoy the festive spectacle and local cuisine. Junkanoo showcases national pride, communal creativity, and the enduring spirit of Bahamian culture.

Wren Day traditions date back to Celtic folklore, where the wren was once considered the king of birds. On December 26, 'wren boys' dress in straw suits, colorful ribbons, and masks to parade through towns and villages. They carry decoy wrens or boxes adorned with the bird's image while singing traditional songs and playing instruments like tin whistles and drums. Donations collected during the procession are given to support local schools and hospitals. Celebrations often culminate in communal dances, feasting, and storytelling that honor the cycle of life and death. This unique custom reflects the blending of pagan heritage and Christian symbolism in Irish culture.