Festivals & culture

National and community days

Simple, respectful celebrations of national days and community observances - in any country - with a short programme, shared food, and a moment of reflection.

When: On your country’s national day and other local observances
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Budget: Low
Who is involved: The whole office, or each country team

How to plan it - step by step

1
List the national days and observances for every country where you have people.
2
Ask colleagues from each country to help plan, so the celebration feels authentic.
3
Plan a short programme: a welcome, a story or reading, and a few words from a leader.
4
Add a light quiz or music round about that country’s culture and history.
5
End with refreshments and a group photo, and thank those working on the day.

Benefits

Celebrates diversity and makes everyone feel included.
Builds pride in the workplace and its culture.
Gives teams moments to look forward to through the year.
Opens friendly conversations across teams.

Celebration ideas

A quiz about the country’s history, geography, and culture.
Themed snacks and decorations in the national colours.
A volunteering or community drive linked to the day.
A short talk by a colleague on what the day means to them.
Virtual greetings and a photo wall for remote teams.

What you need

A calendar of national days for each country where you operate.
A flag or symbols handled with respect, following local customs and law.
Sound for any anthem or music, a programme, and refreshments.

Messages you can use

2 notes - click Copy to use one.

Wishing everyone celebrating [national day] a wonderful and meaningful day.
Happy [national day] to our colleagues in [country]. Thank you for everything you bring to the team.

Tips

Follow local protocol for flags, anthems, and symbols.
Keep the programme brief and respectful, and make participation optional.
Celebrate every country’s day, not just the headquarters’ one.

Mistakes to avoid

Treating it like a party when the day has a solemn meaning.
Celebrating only one country’s days.
Making participation compulsory.

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