In the United States fruitcakes are commonly given as gifts as Christmas, but around the world fruitcake is eaten for many different types of occasions.  Fruitcake is the most common type of dessert in the world. Nearly every country has a particular type of fruitcake that is eaten regularly.  Fruitcake is popular everywhere because it's easy to make, it's simple, but delicious. Some of the many other occasions that you can give fruitcakes as gifts for or serve fruitcake at are:

Weddings - In England the traditional wedding cake is fruitcake. A dark fruitcake soaked in wine or rum and then frosted with a layer of marzipan, then a layer of sugar frosting, and then a fruit glaze is the most popular type of wedding cake.  In Italy a rich fruitcake called Panforte is often served for wedding receptions or for wedding showers. In many Eastern European countries fruitcake is served made from recipes that go back several generations. Fruitcakes also travel well and last for years, so a couple can save a few pieces of their original wedding cake for anniversary celebrations in the future.