Tag Archives: 2014

For Buddhist-majority countries in southeast Asia like Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, the full moon day of the third month in the lunar calendar is a sacred event, one that venerates the teachings of Buddha, a commemoration popularly known as Makha Bucha in Thailand. Among Burmese (Myanmar) Buddhists, however, the …

Thaipusam or Thai Poosam is a yearly holiday celebrated by the Tamil Hindus to honor Lord Murugan. This holiday is hugely anticipated and widely observed in many parts of the world where Tamil communities, big or small, can be found. Thaipusam is celebrated when the moon is full on the …

No other festival in the world could claim to be more flamboyant, delectably riotous and over-the-top bacchanalian than the Rio Carnival of Brazil. Imagine not only hundreds, but thousands of barely-clad, tail-feathered samba dancers cavorting on and around equally lavish gigantic floats, and you get only half the picture. Throw …

The Chinese New Year is China’s most important holiday. It is also known as the Spring Festival. Traditionally, the New Year period lasts for 15 days, starting from the middle of the last month and ends sometime in the middle of the first month. The holiday not only welcomes in …

Taiwan may be geographically separated from mainland China, but it still clings on to the traditions of the ancient Chinese, while commemorating events and personalities that shaped Taiwan and led the country to its founding in 1912. Taiwan classifies its public holidays as commemorative (using the Gregorian calendar) and traditional …

The Japanese are a resilient and disciplined people. They are as observant of their heritage and ancient traditions as they are experts in things electronic and digital. No other people in Asia seem to be as bent as the Japanese in doing things right, in executing them perfectly, and in …

Cambodia is a study in contrast. Bathed in the grim aftermath of the Khmer Regime, it shines bright with its cultural and architectural pride, Angkor Wat. Cambodia may be keeping up with the influence of the West, but it clings fast to its historical roots and heritage. It was once …

South Korea is becoming more visible in the international travelers’ scene, especially after K-pop music went global and viral. This music craze sparked interest in the country which brims with allure that requires a little bit of digging to truly appreciate. South Korea, as much as it is the origin …

Unlike the country itself, Indonesia’s public holidays are not as diverse: Most are centered around the celebration of Islamic festivals since the people are predominantly Muslim. Indonesians enjoy “cuti bersama” or long weekends that have been instituted to encourage domestic travel. The Coordinating Minister for the People’s Welfare has not …

Hong Kong public holidays are a mix of Buddhist, Christian and traditional Chinese celebrations, so these days offer a glimpse of Hong Kong’s heritage and culture in one snapshot. Since visitors are likely to belong to any one of these religious denominations, they can participate in any of Hong Kong …

Malacanang Palace is yet to release the official schedule for Philippines public holidays in 2014 sometime in the middle of the year in the form of an executive order (EO). Every year, Philippine public holidays are celebrated on the followings dates, except moveable dates that depend on the liturgical calendar …