What holiday falls on 24 June 2026: Ivan Kupala, the Nativity of John the Baptist and folk traditions

On 24 June according to the New Julian calendar, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

John the Baptist, or John the Forerunner, was born to the righteous couple Zechariah and Elizabeth. According to the Gospel, his birth was announced by the Archangel Gabriel. It was John who later baptised Jesus Christ in the River Jordan and became one of the most revered figures in Christianity.

The Nativity of John the Baptist is one of the few church feasts that commemorates the saint’s birth rather than the day of his death.

Who is honoured

On this day, the Church commemorates Saint John the Baptist – the prophet, preacher of repentance and Forerunner of the Lord.

In Christian tradition, he is regarded as the last prophet of the Old Testament and the man who prepared the people for the coming of Jesus Christ.

What you can do

On the feast day of St John the Baptist, believers attend church services, pray for the health of their loved ones and give thanks for the blessings they have received.

In folk tradition, 24 June is associated with the festival of Ivan Kupala. It is believed that on this day one can gather medicinal herbs, which are said to possess special powers.

It is also traditional for people to weave wreaths, gather by the water and take part in folk festivities.

What not to do

According to folk beliefs, on this day one should not quarrel, use foul language, wish ill upon anyone or refuse to help others.

The Church emphasises that the main prohibitions are sinful acts, hatred, envy and indifference towards one’s neighbours.

Folk omens

Our ancestors believed that the weather on Ivan Kupala Day could give an indication of what the summer and the coming harvest would be like.

Common omens include:

If the night is starry, there will be plenty of mushrooms in autumn.

Heavy dew in the morning promises a good harvest.

Rain on this day was considered a sign of a wet summer.

Clear weather foreshadowed warm and sunny days in the coming weeks.

A special legend associated with the festival is the search for the fern flower, which is said to bloom only once a year. In folk culture, it symbolises happiness, good luck and the fulfilment of wishes.

Who celebrates their name day

On 24 June, the following people celebrate their name day:

Ivan;

Yan;

Ioan.

Those with these names may consider Saint John the Baptist their heavenly patron.

What holidays are celebrated around the world

As well as the church holiday, 24 June is also celebrated as:

International Fairy Day;

International Make-up Artist Day;

World History Day.

These dates are dedicated to creativity, cultural heritage, the art of transformation and the promotion of historical knowledge.

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