What February Means Around the World: Holidays You Didn’t Know About

Valentine’s Day tends to hog all the February limelight with its roses and heart-shaped everything. But here’s a truth bomb: there’s a whole world of February celebrations beyond Cupid’s arrow. From fire festivals to cultural contests and spiritual reflections, the shortest month of the year holds some of the richest, most vibrant traditions—many of which rarely make it into our social feeds.

Over the years, I’ve made it a personal mission to explore these lesser-known holidays firsthand—or at least dive into their stories—and what I’ve uncovered is a globe-spanning, soul-enriching adventure. So grab a cozy drink, because we’re going on a whirlwind tour through February’s global festivities.

The Hidden Layer Beneath the Roses

We’ve all been there—buying last-minute chocolates and wondering if we’re doing Valentine’s Day “right.” But what if February meant more than that? Much more.

1. Rediscovering the Month’s Deeper Meaning

The first time I stumbled across a February holiday that wasn’t Valentine's Day, I felt like I’d found a secret passage in a well-worn book. There’s a quiet magic in realizing the world is dancing to different rhythms, honoring love, light, ancestry, and even the playful banishment of demons. These aren’t just holidays—they’re windows into what makes a culture tick.

• It’s not just about romance. Many February traditions are tied to renewal, light, or community.
• They’re often tied to nature. From seasonal changes to moon cycles, these holidays remind us we’re part of something bigger.
• They’re wildly creative. We’re talking soybeans thrown at demons, glowing lanterns, and full-body body painting competitions.

And honestly? They make the month a whole lot more interesting.

February Festivals That Deserve the Spotlight

Let’s leave the greeting cards behind and explore the real cultural gems of February—ones that have left a lasting impression on me and millions of others across the world.

1. Imbolc (Ireland & Scotland)

Celebrated February 1–2

Welcome to the ancient Celtic celebration of Imbolc, the halfway point between winter and spring. Think of it as a quiet but powerful nod to the returning light. I once participated in a candlelit Imbolc ceremony outside of Dublin, and let me tell you—the mix of firelight, folklore, and homemade bread had a deeply grounding magic.

• Symbolism of Light: Candles are lit to honor the slow return of the sun, setting the tone for growth and new beginnings.
• Honoring Brigid: Goddess and saint, Brigid is the spiritual center of the celebration—linked to fertility, wisdom, and the hearth.
• Rituals of Renewal: House cleaning, storytelling, and weaving Brigid’s crosses are all ways to prepare for spring.

If you're feeling stuck or stagnant, Imbolc offers a gentle push forward—a reminder that transformation begins in quiet corners.

2. Setsubun (Japan)

Celebrated February 3rd

The first time I stood in a temple courtyard in Kyoto, soybeans in hand, yelling "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" ("Demons out! Luck in!"), I laughed so hard I cried. That’s Setsubun for you—a brilliantly quirky Japanese tradition where you literally throw beans at bad vibes.

• Mamemaki: Families toss roasted soybeans to banish evil spirits and invite good fortune.
• Eho-Maki Tradition: Participants eat an entire sushi roll silently while facing a “lucky” compass direction.
• Family Fun Meets Folklore: Kids often wear oni (demon) masks while parents drive them away with beans—equal parts hilarious and symbolic.

This celebration blends seasonal awareness with spiritual intention, all wrapped up in good food and fun.

3. Lantern Festival (Taiwan & Greater China)

Celebrated February 15th (end of Lunar New Year)

There are few sights as breathtaking as the Lantern Festival in Pingxi, Taiwan. Thousands of glowing lanterns float into the night sky, each carrying a message, a prayer, a wish. Watching them rise feels like witnessing collective hope in real-time.

• End of Lunar New Year: This marks the final day of Chinese New Year celebrations.
• Sky Lanterns: Participants release lanterns with written intentions—think vision boards that fly.
• Lantern Riddles: Some lanterns contain puzzles, challenging festival-goers to solve them for prizes or bragging rights.

It’s a celebration that bridges ancient tradition with contemporary spectacle. I left Pingxi that night feeling lighter—physically and emotionally.

4. Tapati Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

First two weeks of February

I didn’t expect to fall so deeply in love with a cultural festival, but Tapati Rapa Nui on Easter Island was unlike anything I’d experienced. This is living history—an intense, joyous celebration of Rapa Nui heritage and identity.

• Body Painting Competitions: Artists cover participants with intricate designs using natural pigments.
• Traditional Sports: Think canoe races, banana trunk sliding, and ancestral-style competitions.
• Cultural Showcases: Music, dance, and storytelling take center stage, reviving oral traditions that stretch back centuries.

What I found most moving was how the entire island seemed to unite—elders, teens, tourists—all part of a shared story.

5. Mawlid al-Nabi (Across the Islamic World)

Date varies (often in February)

In a Syrian town many years ago, I found myself surrounded by soft chants, flickering lights, and trays of homemade maamoul (date-filled cookies). It was Mawlid al-Nabi, a peaceful, heartfelt celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth. Even as an outsider, I was welcomed like family.

• Community Gatherings: Neighbors come together for recitations, spiritual songs, and shared meals.
• Emphasis on Compassion: Stories of kindness and humility are shared to honor the Prophet’s life.
• Global Diversity: While some regions celebrate publicly, others observe more quietly at home or in mosques.

This celebration is a beautiful reminder of unity through faith—and how food and storytelling can transcend cultural divides.

What We Learn From February’s Global Mosaic

There’s something incredibly human about these celebrations—whether you’re lighting a candle for the returning sun or tossing soybeans at symbolic demons. They remind us that we’re all trying to do the same thing: mark time, find meaning, and connect.

1. Universal Themes, Local Expressions

Look closely, and you’ll see the same threads running through different traditions:

• Light as Renewal: From Imbolc to the Lantern Festival, illumination signifies rebirth and hope.
• Communal Spirit: Whether through music, food, or prayer, many February festivals bring people together.
• Seasonal Awareness: These holidays are often rooted in nature’s rhythms, helping us realign with the Earth.

2. The Value of Participation

You don’t have to be in Taiwan or Ireland to celebrate. Light a candle. Write a wish. Learn a traditional dish. These actions create connection—between you and the world, between the present and the past.

Content Type & Element

Crash Course Closeout!

1. February holds far more than Valentine’s Day—it’s a gateway to global tradition.
2. Imbolc honors the return of light and fresh beginnings.
3. Japan’s Setsubun exorcises evil with soybeans and laughter.
4. Taiwan’s Lantern Festival turns wishes into floating firelight.
5. Tapati Rapa Nui celebrates culture, strength, and ancestral pride.
6. Mawlid al-Nabi offers spiritual reflection and community warmth.

Rewriting February: One Holiday at a Time

February doesn’t have to be all about boxed chocolates and Cupid’s predictable aim. When you open your calendar to the hidden gems scattered across the globe, the month transforms. It becomes richer. More meaningful. Infinitely more fun.

So here’s an idea—pick one of these global celebrations and weave it into your own February. Light a lantern. Solve a riddle. Try body painting (why not?). Or simply invite someone over and share stories the way they do in Mawlid.

Because in the end, the best kind of celebration isn’t one dictated by the stores. It’s the kind you choose, embrace, and make your own.