Primary Catalogue

Series: Miniclips: Global Celebrations and Commemorations


Advent

Advent

You might know the calendars, but have you heard of the season of Advent? This Miniclip explains how people around the world celebrate the days leading up to Christmas, in a journey of hope, peace, joy and love. A great way for learners of any...Show More
Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is celebrated on the fifth of November every year. But how did this celebration begin? What is the story behind Bonfire Night? This Miniclip takes viewers back to London 1605, telling the story of the failed Gunpowder Plot. It also...Show More
Burns Night

Burns Night

Widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns reinvigorated the Scots language in a time when it was in danger of disappearing. But how did this lead to a celebration being formed in his name? And how is Burns Night celebrated...Show More
Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is full of fireworks, the colour red, and delicious food – but how did this celebration begin? Who is Nian and how does Chinese New Year prevent him from terrorising villages once more? What are some traditions observed during...Show More
Christmas Day

Christmas Day

Christmas is a hugely popular and fun celebration – but how did it begin? What happened on the day we now know as Christmas Day? And what are some traditions observed during the month of December? This Miniclip will take you back to the...Show More
Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo

Have you ever seen or taken part in celebrations for Cinco de Mayo? This video tells the story behind the holiday that takes place on May 5th every year, and explains how it is celebrated today in Mexico and in the United States. A great way for...Show More
Diwali

Diwali

Diwali is known as the celebration of lights and the triumph of good over evil – but what is the origin of this colourful Hindu celebration? Who are Rama, Sita, King Dashratha, Hanuman, and the ten-headed demon King Ravana? Why are homes...Show More
Easter

Easter

Easter is usually full of chocolates and bunnies – but what are the origins of this celebration? And why is it considered the most important celebration in the Christian religion? And how did chocolate eggs end up being so popular? This...Show More
El Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

El Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)

Have you ever heard of El Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead? This video explains how people in Mexico, the United States, and the world celebrate the lives of people who are no longer with us at the beginning of November every year. A great...Show More
Hanukkah

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is known as the celebration of lights in the Jewish faith – but how did it begin? Who is Antiochus and what did the Maccabees do to defeat him? What is the symbolism of the Menorah and how is it different to the Hanukkiah? Find out...Show More
High Holy Days

High Holy Days

The High Holy Days, an important 10-day period of the Jewish calendar every year, start with Rosh Hashana and end with Yom Kippur. In between, people of the Jewish faith practise self-reflection and think about the ways in which they can be a...Show More
Lent

Lent

Did you know that the weeks leading up to Easter are called Lent? This Miniclip explains the different ways that people all over the world prepare for the celebration of Easter Sunday. A great way for learners of any age to learn how they can...Show More
Passover (Pesach)

Passover (Pesach)

Journey through the captivating story of Passover, as the Israelites escape slavery in Egypt under Moses' leadership. During Passover each year, Jewish people join together in traditions, like the meal of seder, that symbolise the struggle and...Show More
Pentecost

Pentecost

Did you know that there is a special day that happens 50 days after Easter? This Miniclip explains how people around the world celebrate Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit and the gifts He shared. A great way for learners of any age to...Show More
Purim

Purim

Behind the joyful day of Purim is the thrilling tale of Queen Esther, whose courage saved the Jewish people from being wiped out in ancient Persia. On this day, people join in remembering Esther’s bravery with feasts, costumes and parades. This...Show More
Ramadan

Ramadan

Islam is the second largest religion in the world – but what exactly is involved in commemorating the holy month of Ramadan? What role did Muhammed play in the beginning of Islam? What is the purpose of observing Ramadan? And what does fasting...Show More
Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday

Each year at 11am on November 11 we remember those who died in World War I, and commemorate those who represent the United Kingdom in conflicts past and present. This Miniclip provides a simplified context for the beginning of the Great War, the...Show More
Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day

You may have heard of the day, but do you know who Saint Patrick really was? This Miniclip tells the story of Saint Patrick and his many legends and explains how people around the world celebrate Irish heritage and culture every year on March 17th.
Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

You may have heard of how Thanksgiving began with a feast between the Native Wampanoag people and the pilgrims in 1621, but this story leaves out the darker parts of the history of this holiday. This Miniclip takes viewers through a brief history...Show More
The Moon Festival

The Moon Festival

The Moon Festival is celebrated every year by many Chinese communities all over the world. But how did this celebration begin? What is the story behind the Mid-Autumn Festival? This Miniclip tells the story of how Chang’e flew to the Moon,...Show More
Windrush Day

Windrush Day

Windrush Day was first celebrated on 22 June, 2018, the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush in Essex. But what is the story behind this day? This Miniclip takes viewers on a brief tour of the history behind Windrush Day,...Show More