A ceremonial groundbreaking is a festive event celebrating the beginning of construction. It may occur anywhere in the planning or early construction phases of a structure, but most commonly occurs shortly before or after the beginning of site preparation.

This event is often celebrated by someone planting a shovel in the earth at the construction site and loosening or moving one shovelful of earth. It is often attended by dignitaries from the locality as well as persons who are key to the structure's construction, design, and development.

The ceremony and the physical start of work can have different dates. Excavation begins records the first digging for the project, while foundation work begins requires installation of a permanent supporting element.