Exploring North Korea’s Hidden Celebrations

Imagine a night of fireworks, elaborate performances, and extravagant celebrations. Families gather together over rice cakes, & spend time together lighting up lanterns. It feels like any other celebration in Asia - a night of joy, comfort, and celebration. However, what may surprise you is that this scene belongs to Pyongyang. Although North Korea has a reputation as the world’s most isolated & enigmatic nations, it has its own list of celebrations. 

One of North Korea’s most important days is October 10. On this day, the founding of the Worker’s Party of Korea is celebrated, marking the party’s establishment and serves as a reminder that the party is the core of North Korea. Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang turns into a massive stage. Military parades echo the nation, and civilians part-take in dances. Government officials may introduce new laws & legislatures through speeches (Yonhap, 2025). Although this day celebrates the loyalty of North Korean citizens, it is also a moment of pride - a chance to be a part of something greater than themselves. 

Another day to note is February 16, known as the Day of the Shining Star. This day commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong Il. The name originates from the belief that on the day of his birth, a shooting star signified his birth. For that reason, he was referred to as the ‘shining’ star (Young Pioneer Tours, n.d). This day not only celebrates his birth, but the contributions he made as the leader of North Korea. Civilians lay flowers at monuments, & children recite poems that praise him. Performances line the streets, and at night, fireworks illuminate the sky. 

Yet, what supersedes all other celebrations is the Day of the Sun, celebrated yearly on April 15th in commemoration of the birthday of Kim Il Sung, the country’s founding leader. The morning of the 15th begins solemnly. Citizens dress in black attire, or traditional hanbok, and gather to make offerings at monuments of Kim Il Sung (Young pioneer sun, n.d). Many of these offerings occur at Mansu Hill, marked by the presence of two bronze statues of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung (Young pioneer sun, n.d). The morning sets the stage for the rest of the day, where colorful celebrations & performances are expected to occur. 

By the afternoon, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. Thousands of children & students take part in dances, and marching bands play anthems. Giant banners of Kim Il-Sung are unfolded, and museums showcase revolutionary art & films commemorating the life of Kim (Young pioneer sun, n.d). 

By nightfall, the city transforms into a festival. Fireworks light up the Pyongyang skyline. The city illuminates with lanterns, candles, & colored lights (Young pioneer sun, n.d). Families stay out late into the night, and enjoy street food along the road (Young pioneer sun, n.d). 

Taken together, these holidays offer a perspective into how North Korea celebrates. For us, it resembles propaganda, but for the citizens, it is a rare moment of joy, belonging, and memory. Even in countries portrayed by fear and control, these moments remind us that moments of happiness still exist, even if it is for a single day. 

Reference

Yonhap. (2025, September 21). N. Korea appears to be preparing for military parade marking key party anniv. The Korea Times. Retrieved from 

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/northkorea/20250921/n-korea-appears-to-be-preparing-for-military-parade-marking-key-party-anniv

Young Pioneer Tours. (n.d.). Day of the Shining Star. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://www.youngpioneertours.com/day-shining-star/

Young Pioneer Tours. (n.d.). Day of the Sun: Kim Il Sung’s Birthday. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from https://www.youngpioneertours.com/day-sun-kim-il-sung-birthday/