Seasonal celebrations

Find out how different countries and cultures celebrate the passing of the seasons and how their traditions have been shaped around nature.

Seasonal traditions and occasions

Gallery

Children and adults alike get playful when it's snowy outside.

Gallery

Kissing under the mistletoe is a well-known Christmas tradition. Across many cultures from the past

A gallery of colourful decorations for Christmas trees

Gallery

Take a look at our gallery of markets organised in many countries during the weeks of Advent

O Christmas tree

Christmas trees, decorated with tinsels, baubles, lights, candles and more, are symbols of the holidays all across Europe. Enjoy this gallery of Christmas trees, and happy holidays to all from us at Europeana.

Story

Learn about all about Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations.

Story

Why the shamrock is a symbol of Ireland thanks to Saint Patrick

Exhibition

Explore Europe's remarkable variety of customs and traditions in this special exhibition

Gallery

Midsummer is celebrated across Europe in June, marking the longest day of the year.

Gallery

Easter eggs from across the continent, decorated in a variety of ways and techniques

Story

Meet St. Gregory, the 6th monk who became Pope and the patron saint of schoolchildren and scholars.

Gallery

Explore the magic of carnival through photographs, paintings and artefacts from across Europe.

Story

Learn about Hungary’s oldest and most famous carnival tradition, which banishes winter and welcomes spring.

Story

From earth goddess festival to family feast - did you know that Mother’s Day has its roots in ancient traditions?

Gallery

Pride parades are a celebration of queerness, a protest against normativity, and a cry for equal rights.

Seasons

Gallery

Enjoy depictions of spring in Europeana, filled with birds, flowers and sunny skies with dappled clouds.

Autumn in Art

Autumn has inspired artists for centuries. This gallery shows how artists have depicted the harvest season through colourful paintings and drawings.

Winter wonderland

Here are some scenes in paintings, photographs, drawings and more of how people across Europe and the world celebrate and enjoy life when the weather gets colder.