Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
INTER FAITH, CULTURAL FESTIVALS AND EVENTS, NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL OBSERVANCES CALENDAR - 2016
This document contains information on the primary sacred times for world religions.
It also includes information on national commemorations and days of significance relevant to nations across the world.
It also includes multinational observations, days of international significance.
It includes some selected events of historical interest, particularly relevant to issues of human rights and equality/diversity.
Finally, it includes details of key sporting events.
As far as possible, related events have been grouped together to aid understanding and awareness.
Further details on the information included may be found on the relevant websites identified below.
Every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy. Please contact Julian Harrison should you notice any errors or omissions.
The Calendar will be updated as and when necessary and particularly with respect to rectifying any errors or omissions.
Guide:
Days/events related to religion, faith or belief
Days of national significance
Days of international significance
Days of historical interest
Sporting events
Primary Information taken from the following sources, amongst others:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/default.stm
http://www.onthisday.com/
http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/2016.htm
http://www.interfaith.org.uk/resources/2016-religious-festivals
https://provost.asu.edu/religious-holiday-calendar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_observances
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Public_holidays_by_country
http://ukbankholidaydates.co.uk/2016-uk-bank-holidays/
https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays
https://www.gov.uk/when-do-the-clocks-change
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0908270.html
https://eoss.asu.edu/cora/holidays
http://www.when-is.com/
http://www.whenis.co.uk/
http://www.timeanddate.com/
http://www.cute-calendar.com/
http://www.zapaday.com/home/
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http://www.marktheday.com/
http://www.answers.com
http://www.infoplease.com/
http://www.about.com/
http://holidays-worldwide.org/
http://www.officeholidays.com/index.php
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/
http://daysuntil.com/index.html
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/
http://www.kidsturncentral.com/holidays/glossary/defindependence.htm
http://www.mothersdaycentral.com/when/
http://www.abcul.coop/events/view/53
http://www.the-sports.org/sport-calendar-2016-p0-62016.html
http://www.topendsports.com/events/calendar-2016.htm
http://calendarcustoms.com/
https://provost.asu.edu/religious-holiday-calendar
http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/
http://www.holiday-times.com/calender/public-holidays/2015/
http://www.qppstudio.net/
http://www.day-finder.com/
http://www.reonline.org.uk
http://www.national-day.com/
http://www.holidaycityflash.com/
http://www.wordtravels.com/
http://www.about.com/
http://www.safedvs.co.uk/news/day-of-remembrance-for-victims-of-honour-based-violence/
http://emancipationdayri.com/history-of-emancipation-day.php
http://www.oneworldweek.org/v2/
http://bahai-invitation.com/feast/
http://www.balitrips.net/temple_ceremony/calender_of_event.html
http://www.bermuda-online.org/pubhols.htm
http://www.boliviabella.com/bolivia-celebrates-four-holidays-on-one-day.html
http://www.jodo.org/about_js/annual_ceremo.html
http://jsri.jp/English/Jodoshu/ceremonies/ceremonies.html
http://12121.hostinguk.com/festivals.htm
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ee/awsa-eng.asp
http://ezinearticles.com/?Holidays-in-the-Caribbean&id=241916
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/resources/traditional_liturgical_calendar_sundays_2015_2019.pdf
http://catholicism.about.com/
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http://www.catholic.org/saints/
http://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/index.shtml
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_Calendar
http://oca.org/fs/paschal-cycle
http://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/calendar/index.php?year=2016&today=7&month=3&trp=1&tzo=1
http://www.acrod.org/prayercorner/movablefeasts
http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/middle-autumn-festival-date.htm
http://www.chinasage.info/festivals.htm
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/see-do/events-festivals/chinese-festivals/index.jsp
http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/chinese-festivals.html
http://www.hkfastfacts.com/Hong-Kong-Festivals-2016.html#.VajWYk13vcs
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/essential/public-holiday.htm
http://www.herongyang.com/chinese/festivals/lantern_festival.html
http://www.herongyang.com/chinese/festivals/dragon_boat_festival.html
http://infopiper.com/leylet-en-nuktah-egyptian-festival/
http://www.eupedia.com/europe/european_festivals_holidays.shtml
http://www.schulferien.org/Feiertage/feiertag_Totensonntag.html
http://www.hinduism.co.za/moon6.htm
http://www.hindu-blog.com/
http://www.drikpanchang.com/vrats/shraddhadates.html?year=2016
http://hindusphere.com/
http://goindia.about.com/od/indiafestivaldates/India-Festival-Dates.htm
http://goindia.about.com/od/indiafestivaldates/f/When-Is-Durga.htm
http://www.islamicfinder.org/index.php
http://www.islamicfinder.org/Hcal/hdate_year.php?year=2016
http://www.makkahcalendar.org/en/hijriCalendar.php
http://www.astudyofquran.org/web/index.php?id=118,0,0,1,0,0
http://www.holidayscelebration.com/calendar/jain-calendar-2015.html
http://www.wheeloftheyear.com/2015/jain&sikh.htm
http://www.tsubakishrine.org/kaminomichi/kami_no_michi_appendix_b.html
http://calendar.zoznam.sk/jewish_calendar-en.php?ly=2016
https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/2015-2016
http://www.yes-liberia.com/14
http://www.timebie.com/calendar/myanmar2016.php
http://www.kiwifamilies.co.nz/articles/matariki-maori-new-year/
http://www.demotix.com/photo/6950812/maslenitsa-pancake-day-celebrated-russia
http://www.sikhworld.co.uk/page19.html
http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/sikh-festivals/the-sikh-calendar-gurupurabs-and-festival-dates
http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Main_Page
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http://www.wheeloftheyear.com/2015/taoist&shinto.htm
http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/Reference_Paper_No_45.doc.htm
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/gahambar/
http://www.avesta.org/zcal.html
Produced by Julian Harrison
Contact Details:
Telephone: 07767 297566
Email: [email protected]
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JANUARY 2016
Date
Day
01/01/2016 Friday
Sacred Time/Event etc
New Years Day
Shogatsu
New Year's Day (元日Ganjitsu)
Faith/Nation etc
Multinational
Shinto
Japan
Other Info
New Year. Also known as Gantan-Sai.
Japanese New Year's Day. Beginning of the New Year season (正月,
shōgatsu).
Wales
Welsh New Year celebration involving the traditional giving of gifts and
Calennig
money.
Italy
Came into force on 1st January 1948.
Constitution Day
Austria
Takes place on 1st January every year in Vienna. The Vienna
New Year's Concert
Philharmonic Orchestra primarily plays music by the Strauss family.
UK (London)
An annual charitable event attracting 10,000 performers through the
New Year's Day Parade
streets of West London. First occurred in 1987.
Christian
Marks the day when Jesus was circumcised.
Circumcision
Re-establishment of the independent Czech Republic in 1993. This
Czech Independence Day (Den obnovy Czech Republic
followed the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and was known as the
samostatného českého státu)
'Velvet Divorce'.
Re-establishment of the independent Slovak Republic in 1993. See
Slovak Republic (Deň vzniku Slovenskej Slovakia
above.
republiky)
Orthodox Christian Also celebrated on this date in the Lutheran Church.
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Orthodox Christian St Basil (otherwise known as Basil of Caesarea) was a leading
Festival of St Basil the Great
churchman of the 4th Century and Bishop of Caesarea. He is
considered a saint in the Eastern Churches and died on this day in the
year 379.
Republic of China The Republic of China was founded on this day in 1912.
Founding Day (開國紀念日)
(Taiwan)
Multinational
Formerly 'One Day of Peace and Sharing'. See www.gfday.org/ for
Global Family Day
more information.
Brunei
Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1984.
Independence Day
Cameroon
Cameroon achieved independence from France and the UK on this day
Independence Day
in 1960.
Haiti
First commemorated (independence from France) in 1804.
Independence Day
Sudan
Sudan achieved independence in 1956 (from Egypt and the United
Independence Day
Kingdom).
USA, Africa
Kwanzaa aims to strengthen African cultural identity and community
Last Day of Kwanzaa
values. For further info:
http://www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org/index.shtml
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Liberation Day
Cuba
National Tree Planting Day
Public Domain Day
Tanzania
Multinational
Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
World Day of Peace
02/01/2016 Saturday
Ancestry Day
Berchtoldstag
Victory of Armed Forces Day
03/01/2016 Sunday
Anniversary of the 1966 coup d’état
Covenant Sunday
Commemoration of Fidel Castro's opposition to the Batista regime in
1953. Also known as Triumph of the Revolution (Triunfo de la
Revolución).
Observation of the day when copyrights expire and works enter into the
public domain.
Catholic Christian A celebration of the motherhood of Mary, both divine and virginal.
Multinational
A global campaign for One Day In Peace on 1st January 2000 helped
inspire a UN Resolution and a joint United States Congressional
Resolution, inviting the first day of the New Year to be celebrated every
year as a day of peace and sharing. The day is traditionally
commemorated by a message from His Holiness the Pope.
Europe
On this day in 2007, Bulgaria and Romania officially joined the
European Union.
Europe
On this day in 2009, Slovakia officially adopted the Euro as currency
and became the 16th Eurozone country.
UK
On this day in 1801, the legislative union of the Kingdom of Great
Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland was completed to form the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
USA
On this day in 1808, the importation of slaves into the United States of
America was banned.
USA
On this day in 1892, Ellis Island opened to begin the process of
immigration into the USA.
Haiti
Commemoration of ancestors and the deceased.
Switzerland
A public holiday in Switzerland. Berchtoldstag is also commemorated in
Liechtenstein and Alsace. Of course, the day is named differently in
French, Italian and Romansh.
Cuba
Bullets are shot into the air at 12.00 noon.
Puerto Rico
On this day in 2001, Sila María Calderón became the first and to date
only female Governor of Puerto Rico. She held office until 2005.
Burkina Faso
The military coup deposed President Maurice Yaméogo.
Christian Methodist Often celebrated on the first Sunday of the year, the service is a key
part of Methodism, celebrating the extended covenant with God.
Feast Day of St Genevieve
Catholic Christian Patron Saint of Paris.
/ Eastern Orthodox
Holy Name of Jesus
Catholic Christian
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World Darts Championships Final
UK
The final (and the tournament itself) takes place at Alexandra Palace in
London. The winner in 2015 was Scotland's Gary Anderson.
On this day in 1924, the sarcophagus of Egyptian Pharaoh
Tutankhamen was discovered in the Valley of the Kings.
There is an extra Bank Holiday in Scotland.
Egypt
04/01/2016 Monday
Bank Holiday
Day of the Fallen against Colonial
Repression
Day of the Martyrs
Handsel Monday
Scotland
Angola
Democratic
Republic of the
Congo
Scotland, England
(North)
Observed on the first Monday of the year. Handsel refers to gifts and
money given at the beginning of the first working week of the New Year.
Independence Day / National Day (Lut
lat yay nei)
Ogoni Day
Myanmar (Burma) Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1948.
Shigoto Hajime (仕事始め)
Japan
St Elizabeth Ann Seton
Catholic Christian
World Braille Day
Multinational
Nigeria
UK
05/01/2016 Tuesday
Commemorates the events of 1959 when there was an uprising in
Kinshasa against the Belgian colonial regime.
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh
Sikh
National Bird Day
USA
Twelfth Night
Christian
Twelfth Night
Pagan
06/01/2016 Wednesday Armed Forces Day
The Ogoni are one of many indigenous peoples from the South Eastern
area of Nigeria. Commemorates the mass protest for environmental
rights that took place on this day in 1993.
Also known as Beginning of Work Day. It is said to be a good day to
begin work or a task. When 4th January falls on a Saturday or Sunday,
Shigoto Hajime is observed on the following Monday.
St Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native born American to be
canonised by the Catholic Church.
Louis Braille, the inventor of the famous system of reading and writing,
was born on this day in 1809.
On this day in 1972 Rose Heilbron became the first female judge to sit
at the Old Bailey in London.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Gobind Singh was the
tenth and last of the Sikh Gurus. Parkash is a term that is used to refer
to birth, though it actually means 'light, radiance, expansion etc'.
The reasons for National Bird Day can be found on the homepage of
this website: http://www.nationalbirdday.com/
Traditional end of the Christmas period (the Twelve Days of Christmas).
The end of Yule and a celebration of the returning Sun God's coming of
age and rejuvenation of the Goddess.
Columbia, Panama On this day in 1909, the independence of Panama was recognised by
Columbia.
Iraq
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Christmas Day (Սուրբ Ծնունդ Armenian
Orthodox)
Christmas Eve (Orthodox)
Epiphany
Theophany
Befana Day
Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings)
Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings)
Children's Day
Father's Day (Paterice)
Fête de Rois
Little Christmas (Nollaig Bheag)
Prettàndinn (Twelfth Night)
Pathet Lao Day
World Day for War Orphans
07/01/2016 Thursday
Anglo-Irish Treaty ratification
Christmas Day (Orthodox)
Armenian
Apostolic
Orthodox Christian
Christian
The Armenian Christmas is celebrated on 6th January, one day earlier
than other Orthodox Christian Churches.
See 07/01/2016.
Celebrates the visit by the magi (wise men) to the infant Jesus. In the
East, the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan is
celebrated. In some countries, Epiphany falls on the Sunday between
2nd and 8th January.
Orthodox Christian Orthodox churches mark the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in
the River Jordan.
Italy
The word 'Befana' comes from Epiphany. La Befana is an elderly
woman who traditionally gives sweets and toys to Italian children at
Epiphany. For further info go to
http://www.italytravelescape.com/befana.htm.
Christian
See Epiphany (above).
Puerto Rico
This is an official as well as a religious holiday in Puerto Rico.
Uruguay
Officially 6th January, but celebrated, commercially, in August.
Serbia
France
See Epiphany (above).
Ireland
Also known as Women's Christmas - a traditional day in Ireland
(particularly in the Cork area) for men to undertake all the household
chores.
Iceland
Icelanders celebrate by lighting bonfires and fireworks.
Laos
Pathet Lao was a political movement in Laos. Formed in January 1950,
it was both communist and nationalist, and was the equivalent of the
Viet Minh and Viet Cong in Vietnam.
Multinational
Italy
On this day in 1907, the Italian Maria Montessori opened her first
school/day care centre for working class children in Rome. The
Montessori method of education has spread to many other areas of the
world.
Ireland
On this day in 1922, the Dáil Éireann ratified the Anglo-Irish Treaty by a
64-57 vote, precipitating the Irish Civil War.
Orthodox Christian Many Eastern Orthodox and Armenian churches still use the Julian, as
opposed to the Gregorian calendar. As a consequence Christmas and
other fixed festivals are celebrated thirteen days after the Western
churches, so the 6th and 7th January in the Orthodox calendar equate
to 24th and 25th December in the Western calendar.
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08/01/2016 Friday
09/01/2016 Saturday
Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)
Ethiopian /
Rastafari
The Ethiopian Nativity of Christ. Celebration of the life of His Imperial
Majesty (HIM) Haile Selassie I. Rastafarians consider Ethiopia to be
their spiritual homeland.
Orthodox Christian Combines both the incarnation and re-creation of Christ in the world.
Feast Day of the Nativity of Christ
Coptic Orthodox
There are approximately 10-15 million Coptic Christians in the world.
Coptic Christmas
Christian
They are found mainly in Egypt (Coptic means 'Egyptian'), but also in
diaspora communities elsewhere.
Europe
Also called Roc Day. The day after Epiphany.
Distaff Day
Italy
Flag Day. Commemorates the adoption of the Italian national flag in
Festival of the Tricolour (Festa del
1797.
tricolore)
Liberia
Commemorates
the arrival of the first Americo-Liberians in 1820.
Pioneers' Day
Japan
The long-standing Japanese custom of eating seven-herb kayu (rice
Seven Herbs Festival/Nanakusa
porridge or scoop) on Jinjitsu (one of the five season festivals). This
(七草の節句, nanakusa no sekku)
ensures good health for the coming year.
Cambodia
Commemoration of the defeat of the Khmer Rouge by the Vietnamese
Victory from Genocide Day
in 1979, marking the end of their regime.
USA, UK
The first transatlantic telephone call was made on this day in 1927 from New York City to London.
South Africa
The African National Congress (ANC) was established on this day in
African National Congress
1912.
Bulgaria
Midwife Day. A day to celebrate those who help in the birth process.
Babin Den
Whilst 'Den' means 'day', the word 'Baba' refers to an old woman or
grandmother. Or 21st January.
Northern Mariana
Commonwealth Day
Islands
North Korea
Kim Jung-un (김정은) is the current leader of North Korea. He
Kim Jung-un's Birthday
succeeded his father Kim Jong-il and assumed office on 17th
December 2011.
France / Algeria
On this day in 1961, the French people voted in a referendum to grant
Algeria its independence.
USA
On this day in 1867, African American men were given the right to vote
in Washington, District of Columbia.
The
Philippines
See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Nazarene for more information.
Feast of the Most Holy Black Nazarene
Martyrs' Day
Panama
National Children's Day (วันเด็กแห่งชาติ
Wan Dek Haeng Chat)
Thailand
A holiday in Panama to commemorate the riots against sovereignty of
the Panama Canal Zone on this day in 1964.
Observed on second Saturday in January since 1965.
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Republic Day (Dan Republike)
10/01/2016 Sunday
11/01/2016 Monday
Republika Srpska
Republika Srpska is one of the two territories that comprise Bosnia and
Herzegovina. In this territory 9th January is important as it was on that
day that the territory was effectively created by Bosnian Serb authorities.
Switzerland
On this day in 1349, the Jewish population of Basel (Basle) were
rounded up and incinerated. The other residents of the city believed that
they were the cause of the Black Death.
Sunday within the Octave of the Epiphany.
Occurs on the first Sunday after Epiphany. Commemoration of the
baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist.
Traditional celebration on the eve of the beginning of the agricultural
year in England (13/01/2016). It is traditionally observed on the Sunday
after Epiphany.
First Sunday after Epiphany
Baptism of the Lord Jesus
Christian
Christian
Plough Sunday
England
Sunday within the Octave of the
Epiphany/Feast of the Holy Family
Traditional Day
Christian
Adults (Coming of Age) Day (成人の日
Seijin no hi)
Benin
UK
The London Underground opened on this day in 1863. The world's
oldest underground railway, the first stretch was between Paddington
and Farringdon stations.
Japanese & Shinto Commemoration of Japanese young people who have reached the age
of 20 during the previous year. Held on the second Monday in January.
Includes the Coming of Age Ceremonies (成人式, seijin-shiki).
Birthday of Eugenio Maria de Hostos
(Natalicio de Eugenio María de Hostos)
First Day of Rabi al-Thani (‫) ﺭﺑﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﺛﺎﻧﻲ‬
First Day of the Month of Shevat (‫)שׁבָ ט‬
ְ
Puerto Rico
Independence
Chad
Independence Resistance Day (Takdim
watikat al-istiqlal)
International Thank You Day
Kagami Biraki (鏡開き)
Morocco
Multinational
Japan
Plough Monday
England
Islam
Jewish
Commemorates the famous educator who was an advocate of Puerto
Rican independence. He was born on this day in 1839.
Fourth month in the Islamic Calendar.
Eleventh month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Fifth month of
the civil year.
On this day in 1960, Chad declared its independence from France.
Though Independence Day is 11th August, it is celebrated on the 11th
January in order to avoid the monsoon period.
Commemorates the issuing of an independence manifesto by
nationalists during French colonial rule, on this day in 1944.
Launched in 1994.
Translates as 'Opening the Mirror'. Observed on 11th January as odd
numbers are considered to be good luck in Japan.
The traditional start of the agricultural year in England. Though local
customs do lead it to vary, it is generally observed on the first Monday
after Epiphany.
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Memorial Day
Albania
Bangladesh
Turkmenistan
National Youth Day
India
Zanzibar Revolution Day
Tanzania
Republic Day
12/01/2016 Tuesday
Multinational
13/01/2016 Wednesday Democracy Day
First Day of Magh (ਮਾਘ)
Korean American Day
Liberation Day
Lohri
Maghi
St Hilary's Day
St Knut's Day (Tjugondag Knut)
Tyvendedagen
14/01/2016 Thursday
Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar
of Negeri Sembilan
Jesus' Circumcision
Makar Sankrant
Cape Verde
Sikh
USA
Commemorates the establishment of Albania in 1946.
East Pakistan was renamed Bangladesh on this day in 1972.
Commemoration of those who died on this day in 1881 in defending the
Geok Tepe fortress against Russian forces.
In commemoration of the birth of the philosopher Swami Vivekananda
on this day in 1863.
Commemorates the 1964 revolution, in which the people of Zanzibar
revolted against the government who they saw as continuing the line of
the recently departed British colonial administration.
Famous people born on this day include the Irish statesman Edmund
Burke (1729), American author Jack London (1876) and TV personality
and broadcaster Michael Aspel (1933).
Magh is the eleventh month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Observed in a number of US states to celebrate the contributions of
Korean Americans.
Togo
Hindu
Northern Indian harvest festival, marked by traditional songs and
dances, the lighting of a bonfire and prayers.
Sikh
Commemoration of the martyrdom of the Forty immortals (followers of
Guru Gobind Singh).
Christian
Traditionally believed to be the coldest day of the year.
Sweden, Finland
St Knut is better known in the UK as King Canute. He declared that
Christmas should be celebrated for twenty days, officially ending the
season on 13th January.
Norway
Translates as 'the twentieth day' (after Christmas). Traditionally, the day
when Christmas trees and decorations are taken down in Norway.
Former Yugoslavia On this day in 1953, Marshal Tito was chosen to become President of
the former Yugoslavia. He took office one day later.
Malaysia
Translated as 'Great Ruler', Yang di-Pertuan Besar is a royal title in
Malaysia. Negeri Sembilan is a Malaysian state. There is a new ruler
from 2009 (Tuanku Muhriz ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir) whose
birthday falls on 14th January.
Coptic Orthodox
Also commemorated on this day in other Orthodox churches.
Christian
Hindu
Based on the Sonar rather than Lunar Calendar, and the first Hindu
festival of the solar calendar year. Days and nights are of equal duration
on this date.
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Pongal
Hindu
Jallikattu
India
Makara Jyothi
India
Georgia
National Flag Day (საქართველოს
სახელმწიფო დროშის დღე)
Thailand
National Forest Conservation Day (วัน
อนุรักษ์ ทรัพยากรป่ าไม ้ของชาติ Wan Anurak
Sappayakon Pa Mai Khong Chat)
Multinational
New Years Day
(Orthodox)
USA
Ratification Day
Multinational
15/01/2016 Friday
16/01/2016 Saturday
Armed Forces Day
Nigeria
Army Day
John Chilembwe Day
India
Malawi
Korean Alphabet Day (Chosŏn'gŭl Day)
North Korea
Tree Planting Day
Flag Day
Martyrs Day
Egypt
Multinational
Israel
Benin
National Religious Freedom Day
USA
Shinran Shonin Memorial Day (Ho-onko) Buddhist
Harvest festival originating in Southern India. Lasts for two days and
characterised by the making of 'pongal' (a sweet rice dish) which is
shared amidst prayers to the Shiva. See www.pongalfestival.org/.
Occurs as part of the Pongal celebration. Jallikattu is a wild bull taming
sport played in Tamil Nadu.
Festival in Kerala in India, marked by the appearance of a flame in the
hills.
Alternatively known as Day of the State Flag of Georgia.
Observed to focus on the preservation of Thailand's forest areas.
New Year's Day for those who follow the Julian as opposed to the
Gregorian Calendar.
Anniversary of the ratification of the Treaty of Paris on this day in 1784,
an act that officially ended the American Revolution and established the
United States as a sovereign nation.
Pope Leo X issued a papal bull (a charter) against slavery on this day in
1514.
Alternatively, Remembrance Day. Commemoration of the event in 1966
that led to the Nigerian Civil War.
John Chilembwe is considered in Malawi to be a hero in the cause of
independence. He was an orthodox Baptist educator and an early figure
in the resistance to colonialism.
Commemorates the invention and proclamation of Hangul, the native
alphabet of the Korean language. Hangul Day, the South Korean
equivalent, takes place on 9th October.
Wikipedia went online on this day in 2001.
Also known as Magen David (Star of David) Day.
Commemoration of the anniversary of an attack by mercenary soldiers
in 1977 on Cotonou, Benin's largest city.
Commemorates the adoption by the Virginia State Assembly of Thomas
Jefferson's landmark Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on this day
in 1786.
Celebrated by some Buddhists in the Mahayana tradition. Shinran
Shonin (1173-1263) founded Jodo Shin-shu, one of the schools of Pure
Land Buddhism.
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17/01/2016 Sunday
Teachers Day (วันครู Wan Khru)
Thailand
Czech Republic &
Slovakia
Blessing of the Animals
Hispanic Catholic
Christian
China
Laba Festival (腊八节 làbājié)
Traditional Chinese festival commemorating the Buddha's attainment of
enlightenment. People traditionally eat Laba congee (congee being the
alternative festival name) which comprises mixed grains and fruits.
Peace Sunday
Christian, England See 'World Day of Peace' (1st January 2016). Celebrated in England
and Wales
and Wales on the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Sinulog Festival
Christian
The Philippines
World Religion Day
18/01/2016 Monday
Observed since 1957.
On this day in 1969, Jan Palach (a student at Charles University)
committed suicide by self-immolation (setting on fire) in Prague, in
protest against Soviet occupation and the relative lack of national
resistance.
The feast day of St Anthony the Great, Patron Saint of animals.
Australian Open Tennis
Championships begin
Elephant Duel Day (วันยุทธหัตถี Wan
Yuttha Hatthi)
Martin Luther King Day
Royal Thai Armed Forces Day (วัน
กองทัพไทย Wan Kong Thap Thai)
Feast of the Confession of Peter
Observed on the third Sunday in January in Cebu City. The Sinulog
festival honours the child Jesus (known as Santo Niño de Cebú, a
Roman Catholic depiction of the child Jesus), and symbolises the
acceptance of Christianity in a country with a pagan past.
Bahá'í & Multifaith Observed on the third Sunday in January. Usually begins at sundown
the day before. Instituted in 1950 to help promote interfaith
understanding and harmony.
Multinational
The United Nations Security Council held its first session on this day in
1946.
Australia
Until 31st January. Held in Melbourne Park. The respective Men's and
Women's Champions of 2015 are Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Serena
Williams of the USA.
Thailand
Officially known as King Naresuan the Great Day, it commemorates his
victory against the Burmese Uparaja in an elephant duel in 1953.
Observed on this day since 2007.
USA
Commemorates the date of his birth in 1929. A national holiday in the
USA and observed on the third Monday in January.
Thailand
A celebration of Thailand's armed forces.
Anglican, Lutheran The Confession is a statement made by St Peter in which he
and Eastern
acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. The Feast of the Chair of St Peter
Orthodox Christian is celebrated by these Churches as the Feast of the Confession of
Peter.
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National Revolution Day
Tunisia
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
begins
Christian
Also known as Remembrance Day. A commemoration of the nationalist
movements of the 1930s and 1940s whose activity led to independence
and the abolition of the monarchy.
First celebrated in 1908. Ends on 25th January.
Poland
19/01/2016 Tuesday
Baptism of the Lord Jesus
Epiphany
Timkat
Feast of Sulṭán (‫ ﺳﻠﻁﺎﻥ‬Sovereignty)
20/01/2016 Wednesday Armed Forces Day
Heroes' Day
Martyr's Day (Qara Yanvar)
Presidential Inauguration Day
St Sebastian's Day
21/01/2016 Thursday
Dia de Nuestra Senora de Altagracia
Errol Barrow Day
Grandmother's Day (Dzień Babci)
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising began on this day in 1943. Prompted by
the German deportation of Jews, fighters from the Żydowski Związek
Wojskowy, ŻZW (the Jewish Military League) and the Żydowska
Organizacja Bojowa, ŻOB (Jewish Combat Organisation) engaged the
Nazis in direct clashes.
Orthodox Christian For churches using the Julian Calendar. See Theophany (06/01/2016).
19th January in the Gregorian Calendar relates to 6th January in the
Julian Calendar.
Coptic Orthodox
Also commemorated on this day in other Orthodox churches. See
Christian
above and 06/01/2016.
Ethiopian
The Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany. For further
Orthodox Christian information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timkat.
Bahá'í
First day of the 17th month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
India
On this day in 1966, Indira Gandhi, the daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru,
became India's first woman Prime Minister.
Mali
Cape Verde
A public holiday in Cape Verde. Commemoration of the assassination
of Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral, a nationalist thinker and politician
who died on this day in 1973.
Azerbaijan
Commemoration of Black January in 1990 in which Soviet forces
entered the capital Baku and killed more than 180 civilians. It is also an
occasion to remember the victims of the Nagarno-Karabakh War (1988
to 1994).
USA
Occurs on 20th January every four years, following a Presidential
election.
Chile
A Catholic celebration. St Sebastian was a Christian Saint and Martyr
who died ca. 288 CE.
USA
On this day in 1941, Franklin D Roosevelt became the only US
President to be inaugurated for a third term of office.
Dominican
Patron Saint of the Dominican Republic.
Republic
Barbados
Recognition of the Father of the Nation. Errol Barrow was Barbados'
first Prime Minister.
Poland
Created in 1964 and celebrated from 1965.
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National Hug Day
USA
St Agnes of Rome
Christian
Albania
Poland
Iceland
Ukraine
UK
22/01/2016 Friday
Grandfather's Day (Dzień Dziadka)
Husband's Day (Bóndadagur)
Ukrainian Day
23/01/2016 Saturday
Bounty Day
National Pie Day
Thaipoosam Cavadee
Pitcairn Island
USA
Mauritius
Thaipusam
Malaysia,
Singapore
USA
USA
24/01/2016 Sunday
Education Sunday
Christian
Feast of Our Lady of Peace
Homelessness Sunday
Mahayana Buddhist New Year
Catholic Christian
Christian
Buddhist
Septuagesima Sunday
Christian
Third Sunday after Epiphany
Unification Day (Ziua Unirii)
Christian
Romania
Romania
25/01/2016 Monday
Egypt Police Day
Egypt
Officially recognised by the United States Copyright Office. Not a public
holiday.
Patron Saint of girls and gardeners (amongst others).
Albania was declared a republic on this day in 1925.
Celebrated a day after Grandmother's Day.
Observed on the Friday between 19th and 25th January.
Also known as Unification of Ukraine Day or Day of Togetherness.
The first live radio broadcast of a football match took place on this day
in 1927 - Arsenal versus Sheffield United at Highbury.
Celebration of the burning of HMS Bounty on this day in 1790.
Annual celebration by Hindus of Tamil origin, involving fasting and
abstinence, as well as a procession.
The focal point of this Hindu festival is the Batu Caves just north of the
Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.
On this day in 1907, Charles Curtis of Kansas became the first Native
American US Senator.
The first segment of the mini-series 'Roots' was aired on ABC
(American Broadcasting Company) on this day in 1977.
Three Sundays before the first Sunday of Lent. The ninth Sunday
before Easter.
A title of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Roman Catholic Church.
For further info: http://www.actionweek.org.uk/html/home.html.
Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of this date.
Celebrated on the first full moon day in January.
Still used in traditional calendars, Septuagesima Sunday is the third
Sunday before Lent.
Commemoration of the unification of Wallachia and Moldova and thus
the beginning of modern Romania. Not a public holiday.
Bucharest was formally proclaimed the capital of Romania on this day
in 1862.
A celebration of the Egyptian Police Force. Commemorates the events
on this day in 1952 when 50 members of the Egyptian Police force were
killed by British forces. The event sparked anti-British riots throughout
Egypt.
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Hōnen Memorial Day
Buddhist
Luanda's Day
National Voters' Day (राष्ट्रीय मतदाता
दिवस)
Robert Burns Night
Angola
India
St Dwynwen's Day (Dydd Santes
Dwynwen)
St Paul's Day/Conversion of St Paul
Tatiana Day (Татьянин день)
UK (Wales)
Tu B'Shevat (‫)ט״ו בשבט‬
Jewish
UK (Scotland)
Christian
Russia
Multinational
Uganda
26/01/2016 Tuesday
Australia Day
Australia
International Customs Day
Liberation Day
Multinational
Uganda
Patriot's Day
Dominican
Republic
Republic Day
India
Brazil
Hōnen Bo Genku (1133-1212), or simply Hōnen, is one of the
outstanding figures in the history of Japanese Buddhism, and the
founder of Jodo-shu, one of the schools of Pure Land Buddhism. He
died on 25th January 1212.
Luanda is the capital of Angola.
Began in 2011 as an encouragement to young voters to participate in
the political process.
Traditional celebration of the poet Robert Burns. Burns suppers involve
the eating of haggis and the drinking of Scotch whisky.
Welsh Patron Saint of friendship and love, and therefore the Welsh
equivalent of St Valentine. See www.museumwales.ac.uk/en/272/.
A celebration of St Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus.
Commemorates St Tatiana, a Christian martyr in 2nd Century Rome. St
Tatiana is the Patron Saint of Students, and the day is also therefore
Russian Students Day.
Usually begins at sundown the day before. Jewish New Year for Trees
and mainly - but not exclusively - celebrated in Israel. Observed on the
15th day of the month of Shevat.
The League of Nations was founded on this date in 1919.
On this day in 1971, General Idi Amin Dada seized power in Uganda
whilst President Milton Obote was attending a Commonwealth summit
meeting in Singapore.
Commemorates the arrival of the English to Australia in 1788. Public
Holiday in Australia.
Recognised by the World Customs Organisation.
Commemorates the events of 26th January 1986 when the National
Resistance Movement (NRM) came into power after a successful
guerrilla struggle led by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
A celebration of Juan Pablo Duarte (born on 26th January 1814) who
fought for his country's independence from Spain. Otherwise known as
Juan Pablo Duarte Day.
Commemorates India's declaration of independence from Great Britain
in 1950 and the adoption of the Indian Constitution.
The Spanish navigator and explorer Vicente Yáñez Pinzón became the
first European to set foot in Brazil on this day in 1500.
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27/01/2016 Wednesday National Holocaust Memorial Day
28/01/2016 Thursday
29/01/2016 Friday
30/01/2016 Saturday
Multifaith and
Multinational
National Holocaust Memorial Day
Saint Sava (Sveti Sava)
Jewish
Serbia
Finland
The first UK HMD Day was held in 2001. The date was chosen as the
anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945 by the
Soviet Red Army. For more information: www.hmd.org.uk. The day is
known by other names in other countries, e.g. in Germany it is called
'Gedenktag für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus' (Commemoration
Day for the Victims of National Socialism) and in Poland it is known as
'Dzień Pamięci Ofiar Nazizmu' (Memorial Day for the Victims of
Nazism).
As above.
Patron Saint of Serbian schools. A school holiday in Serbia.
The Finnish Civil War (Suomen sisällissota) began on this day in 1918.
Army Day (Բանակի օր)
Armenia
Celebration of the formation of the Armenian Army on this day in 1992.
Data Privacy (Protection) Day
Flag Day (Konungens namnsdag)
St Thomas Aquinas
Multinational
Sweden
Christian
Poland, Lithuania
Officially recognised by the Council of Europe.
Namesday of King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Patron Saint of students and theologians, and Doctor of the Church.
The Warsaw Confederation was signed on this day in 1573, sanctioning
freedom of religion in both Poland and Lithuania.
Constitution Day
Teachers Day (Día del Profesor)
Gibraltar
Spain
China, Taiwan
Day of Azerbaijani customs
King Abdullah's Birthday
Azerbaijan
Jordan
Martyrs Day
India
School Day of Non-Violence and Peace Spain
The Three Holy Hierarchs (Trion
Ierarchon Τριών Ιεραρχών)
Greece
Germany
31/01/2016 Sunday
Birthday of Guru Har Rai
Sikh
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Christian
Commercial flights between China and Taiwan recommenced on this
day in 2005.
The present King, Abdullah II bin al-Hussein, was born on this day in
1962.
Also called Sarvodaya Day. Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi, who
was assassinated on this day in 1948.
Observed in commemoration of Mahatma Gandhi (see above).
Commemorates the three Patron Saints of Education (St Basil the
Great, St Gregory the Theologian and St John Chrysostom).
Adolf Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor of Germany on this day in 1933.
One year later he would amalgamate the offices of Chancellor and
President into one, with himself as Führer.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Har Rai was the seventh
of the Sikh Gurus. Parkash is a term that is used to refer to birth,
though it actually means 'light, radiance, expansion etc'.
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Independence Day
Karen Revolution Day
Nauru
Karen people
Sexagesima
Street Children's Day
World Leprosy Day
Christian
Multinational
Multinational
Russia
Commemorates independence from Australia in 1968.
The Karen are an ethnic group in Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. 31st
January (1949) commemorates the beginning of their fight for
independence from Myanmar.
The second Sunday before Ash Wednesday.
First observed in 2009.
Observed on the last Sunday in January. For more information:
www.leprosymission.org.uk
The first McDonald's restaurant opened in Moscow on this day in 1990.
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FEBRUARY 2016
Date
Day
01/02/2016 Monday
02/02/2016 Tuesday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Air Force Day
Black History Month in the USA and
Canada
Faith/Nation etc
Nicaragua
USA, Canada
Clean Monday (Lent begins)
Orthodox Christian
Heroes' Day
Kitchen God Festival (謝灶 xièzào)
Rwanda
Chinese
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
History Month
UK
Memorial Day of the Republic (A
köztársaság emléknapja)
National Freedom Day
Hungary
Abolition of Slavery
St Bridget's Day
Mauritius
Republic of Ireland
World Interfaith Harmony Week
Multinational
Anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty
(Tartu rahulepingu aastapäev)
Candlemas - Presentation of Christ in the
Temple
Purification of St Mary the Virgin
La Chandeleur
Day of the Virgin of Candelaria
Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria
USA
UK, former Soviet
Union
Estonia
Christian
Christian
France
Spain (Tenerife)
Bolivia
Page 19 of 208
Other Info
Commemoration of the nation's air force.
This month is also considered very important by Rastafarians.
It is held every year in February. In Britain, Black History
Month takes place in October.
The beginning of Lent for Orthodox Christians. Lent is the
period Jesus spent in the wilderness.
An occasion for worshipping and showing gratitude to the
Kitchen God (named Zao Jun, 灶君) who helps with family
affairs. Observed a week before Chinese New Year.
First took place in 2005, when over 150 events were organised
nationwide. It is celebrated each year in February. For further
info: http://www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/.
Observed since 2006. The Hungarian Republic came into
being in 1946.
Commemoration of the signing (on this day in 1865) by
Abraham Lincoln of a resolution that was to become the 13th
Amendment to the US Constitution, thereby outlawing slavery
in the USA.
See above.
Also known as St Bridgid of Kildare (Naomh Bríd). One of
Ireland's patron saints alongside St Patrick and St Columba.
Observed in the first week of February. Proposed in 2010. For
further information: http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/
The United Kingdom formally recognised the USSR on this
day in 1924.
On this day in 1920 the Tartu Peace Treaty that ended the
Estonian War of Independence was signed.
Commemorates the day that Mary took Jesus to the Temple at
Jerusalem.
See above.
Pancake (Crêpe) Day in France.
Patron Saint of the Canary Islands.
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Feast of Our Lady of Navigators
Celebration of Yemanjá
Constitution Day
Brazil
Candomblé
The Philippines
Day of Youth
Groundhog Day
Azerbaijan
USA & Canada
Imbolc
Pagan
Mary's Festival of the Candles (Gŵyl Fair y
Canhwyllau)
Wales
Inventor's Day (วันนักประดิษฐ์ Wan Nak
Pradit)
National Agriculture Day (วันเกษตรแห่งชาติ
Wan Kaset Haeng Chat)
World Wetlands Day
Thailand
Associated with the length of winter, the tradition relates to
whether a groundhog on this day can see it's own shadow
(due to weather conditions), thus determining how long winter
is still to run.
Celebrates the awakening of the land, the traditional first
appearance of snowdrops and the growing power of the Sun
(characterised by the ritual of lighting fires). Also called Oimelc
and Candlemas, the name 'Imbolc' is of Irish derivation.
The old Welsh equivalent of Imbolc, it gets its name from the
pre-Reformation ceremony in which candles are lit, blessed
and then taken on a procession.
Observed since 1995.
Thailand
Multinational
South Africa
03/02/2016 Wednesday
Commemoration of the 1987 Constitution of The Philippines
which was ratified on this date.
Communist Party of Vietnam Foundation
Anniversary (Ngày thành lập Đảng)
Vietnam
Day of the Virgin of Suyapa (Virgen de
Suyapa)
Honduras
Heroes' Day
Mozambique
Martyr's Day
São Tomé and
Príncipe
Page 20 of 208
Commemorates the date of the signing of the Convention on
Wetlands on this day in 1971. It is called the Ramsar
Convention after the Iranian city in which the signing took
place.
On this day in 1990, South African President FW de Klerk
lifted the 30 year old ban on the African National Congress, a
decisive action towards the removal of apartheid.
The Communist Party of Vietnam was founded on this day in
1930.
The Virgin of Suyapa - a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary - is
arguably Honduras' most popular religious image as well as
being a focus of pilgrimage. Our Lady of Suyapa is the
country's patroness.
In homage to Eduardo Mondlane, considered by some to be
the father of Mozambican independence.
Known as Dia dos Mártires.
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Setsebun (beginning of Spring)
Shinto/Japan
St Ansgar
Christian / Denmark
St Blaze Day
St Margaret of England
Veterans Day (วันทหารผ่านศึก Wan Thahan
Phan Suek)
Christian
Christian
Thailand
Australia
04/02/2016 Thursday
Day of the Armed Struggle
Fat Thursday
Angola
Germany, Greece,
Poland
Independence Day
Lichun (立春) begins
Sri Lanka
Chinese and East
Asian
Farmer's Day (農民節)
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Multinational
World Cancer Day
Multinational
05/02/2016 Friday
Birthday of Johan Ludvig Runeberg
Finland
Carnival (Carnaval)
Brazil
Page 21 of 208
Also known as Risshun (立春). There are traditional rituals
(e.g. the throwing of beans) which have regional variations.
Patron Saint of Denmark. Known as the 'Apostle of the North'.
Veterans Day is commemorated by remembrance ceremonies
at the Victory Monument in the capital, Bangkok.
The last person to be legally executed in Australia, Ronald
Ryan, was hanged in the State of Victoria on this day in 1967.
Associated with Carnival, in Poland and Germany the
Thursday before Lent is known as Fat Thursday (Fetter
Donnerstag in German, Τσικνοπέμπτη (Tsiknopempti) in
Greek and Tłusty czwartek in Polish).
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1948.
Signifies the beginning of Spring. It is often celebrated with
village festivities, worship and thanksgiving. In traditional
calendars it is also the first solar term and usually lasts for
about two weeks. Lichun usually ends on 18th February.
Or 5th February. Commemoration of the beginning of Spring.
Led by the International Union Against Cancer, this day is used
to promote awareness of cancer and to encourage its
prevention, detection and its treatment.
Facebook was launched on this day in 2004 from the Harvard
University room of student Mark Zuckerberg.
Runeberg (who was born on this day in 1804) is Finland's
national poet. Runeberg's torte (a Danish pastry with almonds
and rum) is traditionally eaten on this day.
To 9th February. In Rio de Janeiro. Festivities begin on the
Friday before Ash Wednesday. The festival commemorates
the beginning of Lent, but has secular and profane
connotations in that it is considered an act of farewell to
pleasures of the body. Carnival, therefore, involves parades,
colourful costumes, music and dancing etc.
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Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
Mexico
Crown Princess Mary's Birthday (Prinsesse Denmark
Marys fødselsdag)
Kashmir Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﮐﺷﻣﻳﺭ‬Yom-e-Kashmir)
Pakistan
Liberation from the Alberoni Occupation
San Marino
National Weatherperson's Day
St Agatha of Sicily
USA
Catholic Christian
Unicef Day for Change
Multinational
Unity Day
Wadda Ghalughara
Burundi
Sikh
UK
06/02/2016 Saturday
Bob Marley Day
Rastafari
International Day of Zero Tolerance to
Female Genital Mutilation
Rugby Union Six Nations begins
Multinational
British Isles, France
and Italy
Page 22 of 208
Commemorates the promulgation of the constitutions of 1857
and 1917.
Crown Princess Mary is the wife of the heir to the Danish
throne, Crown Prince Frederik. She was born on this day in
1972.
Observed since 1990. A public holiday in Pakistan. Also known
as Solidarity Day.
Feastday of St Agatha of Sicily, Patron Saint of breast cancer
patients, martyrs, wet nurses, bell-founders, bakers, fire,
earthquakes, and eruptions of Mount Etna. She is also Patron
Saint of a number of other places including Malta and San
Marino.
Observed on the first Friday of February. The 2016 Day for
Change focuses on protecting children caught in emergencies.
For further information, go to http://www.unicef.org.uk/GetInvolved/Your-organisation/Schools/day-for-change/.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar (27 Magh). Wadda
Ghalughara is known as the 'Great Holocaust' and
commemorates the deaths of thousands of Sikhs at the hands
of the Afghan ruler, Ahmad Shah Abdali on 5th February 1762.
23 Chinese cockle-pickers drowned in Morecambe Bay on this
day in 2004. Their story has been commemorated and told in
the film 'Ghosts', directed by Nick Broomfield.
Bob Marley was born on this day in 1945, and is regarded by
many as a prophet of the Rastafari religion.
Adopted by the UN Sub-Commission on Human Rights as an
international awareness day.
Rugby Union's Six Nations international tournament begins.
The opening fixtures are France v Italy, Scotland v England
and Ireland v Wales. The 2015 winners were Ireland. The
tournament concludes on 19th March.
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Sámi National Day
Scandinavia
Teachers Day (Багш нарийн баярын өдөр)
Mongolia
Waitangi Day
New Zealand
Multinational
07/02/2016 Sunday
5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Church Action on Poverty Sunday
Christian
Christian
Day for the Unemployed
Christian
Fastelavn
Denmark
Feast of Mulk (‫ ﻣﻠﻙ‬Dominion)
Four Chaplains Sunday
Bahá'í
Interfaith
Homstrom
Switzerland
Independence Day
Quinquagesima
Super Bowl
Grenada
Christian
USA
Page 23 of 208
Commemorates the first Sámi congress held on this day in
1917 in Trondheim, Norway. The Sámi (often called
Laplanders) are the indigenous people of Sápmi, which today
encompasses parts of Northern Sweden, Norway, Finland and
the Kola Peninsula of Russia.
Observed on the first weekend in February.
A public holiday and the National Day of New Zealand. It is
held each year on 6th February to celebrate the signing of the
Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, on that
date in 1840.
The international arbitration court in The Hague, The
Netherlands, was created on this day in 1900.
Last Sunday before Lent.
Observed on the last Sunday before Lent. For further info:
http://www.church-poverty.org.uk/sunday.
Occurs on the Sunday before the first Sunday of Lent. Today
is also the 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
Celebrated seven weeks before Easter Sunday, Fastelavn is
the Danish word for Carnival. Children dress up, play games
and gather treats for the traditional Fastelavn feast.
First day of the 18th month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Commemoration of the event in World War II when four
Chaplains of Jewish and Christian traditions (Catholic and
Protestant) gave their life jackets to others as a troop ship
sank in the Atlantic Ocean. Observed on the first Sunday in
February.
Observed on the first Sunday in February. A celebration of the
end of Winter.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1974.
Sunday before Ash Wednesday
The Super Bowl takes place at the Levi's Stadium in Santa
Clara, California. This will be the 50th Annual Edition. The
Super Bowl was won by the New England Patriots in 2015.
They beat the Seattle Seahawks 28-24. The game is shown
live in the UK and Ireland.
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Transfiguration Sunday
Christian
Europe
08/02/2016 Monday
Carnival
Carnival's Monday
Chinese New Year (春節 chūnjié)
Korean New Year's Day (설날 Seollal)
Losar
Tết Nguyên Đán
Parinirvana (Nirvana Day)
Prešeren Day (Prešernov dan, slovenski
kulturni praznik)
St Josephine Bakhita
09/02/2016 Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday
Russian Federation
and former states of
the USSR
Trinidad & Tobago
Commemoration of the experience on Mount Tabor when
Jesus' physical appearance became brilliant as his connection
with traditional Jewish holy figures became evident to the
disciples.
The European Union was formed on this day in 1992 through
the signing of the Maastricht Treaty.
On this day in 1990, the Central Committee of the Soviet
Communist Party agreed to give up its monopoly of power.
Observed on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash
Wednesday, the Carnival is the Islands' most significant
cultural and tourist event.
Panama
Observed on the Monday before Ash Wednesday.
Confucian / Daoist / According to the Solar Calendar. The most important event in
Buddhist / Chinese
the Chinese Calendar. The year beginning on 08/02/2016 is
communities
the Year of the Monkey.
South Korea
The first day of the Lunar Korean Calendar and the most
important of the traditional Korean holidays. It relates to and
coincides with Chinese New Year.
Buddhist
The Tibetan New Year. Coincides with Chinese New Year.
Includes the rededication of the country to Buddhism. Losar is
celebrated for 15 days.
Vietnam
Vietnamese New Year. Coincides with Chinese New Year.
Many of the customs observed at Chinese New Year are
shared with its Vietnamese counterpart, e.g. cooking special
foods, family reunions, cleaning of houses. 2016 is the Year of
the Monkey.
Buddhist - Mahayana Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.
Marks the anniversary of the death of Buddha. (See
15/02/2016)
Slovenia
National holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the death
of the poet France Prešeren in 1849. Established as the
National Cultural Day in 1944.
Catholic Christian
Also Day for Victims of Trafficking.
Romania
Slavery in the region of Wallachia was abolished on this day in
1856 by Prince Barbu Dimitrie Ştirbei.
Christian
Pancake Day. The British name of 'Pancake Day' comes from
the tradition of making pancakes to use up all the food that
could not be eaten during Lent.
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Carnaval Parade
Brazil, Chile, Spain
Carnival's Tuesday
Mardi Gras
Panama
USA
St Maron's Day (‫)ﻋﻳﺩ ﻣﺎﺭﻭﻥ‬
Lebanon
St Teilo
Christian / Wales
Jamaica
10/02/2016 Wednesday
11/02/2016 Thursday
Ash Wednesday (Lent begins)
Christian
Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck (San Pawl
Nawfragu)
Malta
Fenkil Day
Eritrea
First Day of Jumada al-awwal (‫)ﺟﻣﺎﺩﻯ ﺍﻷﻭﻝ‬
First Day of the Month of Adar (‫)אֲ ָדר‬
Islam
Jewish
National Memorial Day of the Exiles and
Foibe
Italy
Armed Forces Day
Day of Revenue Service
European 112 Day
India
Liberia
Azerbaijan
European Union
Page 25 of 208
Carnivals in a number of countries focus around Shrove
Tuesday, some of them (e.g. Rio's Carnival) culminating on
this day.
Observed on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Mardi Gras (French for 'Fat Tuesday) is the last day of the
carnival period and precedes the beginning of Lent. It involves
parades and pageantry and is famously associated with the
city of New Orleans.
An official national day in Lebanon, the day is also
commemorated by Maronite churches globally. St Maron was
a 5th Century monk from what is now Southern Turkey.
St Teilo was from Penalun (Penally), near Tenby in
Pembrokeshire, south Wales. He founded monasteries and
churches.
Jamaica became an independent nation within the
Commonwealth of Nations on this day in 1962.
The beginning of Lent (the time Jesus spent in the wilderness
and endured temptation) in Western Christian Churches. Lent
is a forty-day period of fasting and prayer.
A public holiday in Malta to commemorate St Paul's
shipwrecking on Malta, his subsequent preaching of the
Gospel and the conversion of Maltese people to Christianity.
The Roman Catholic Church named Paul as the Patron Saint
of Malta.
Commemorates the military action in and around the city of
Massawa which ended on this day in 1990.
Fifth month in the Islamic Calendar.
Twelfth month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Sixth
month of the civil year. In leap years, Adar I (otherwise called
Adar Aleph or Adar Rishon) acts as an intercalary month and
precedes Adar II (otherwise called Adar Bet or Adar Sheni).
New Delhi became the capital of India on this day in 1931.
Events take place on this day to promote the existence and
use of 112, the European Union Emergency Number.
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Evelio Javier Day
The Philippines
Giorno della Conciliazione
Italy
National Foundation Day (建国記念の日
Kenkoku kinen no hi)
Japan
National Inventor's Day
USA
National Youth Day
Our Lady of Lourdes
Cameroon
Christian
World Day of the Sick
Multinational
St Cædmon
Victory of the Islamic Revolution (‫ﺍﻧﻘﻼﺏ‬
‫)ﺍﺳﻼﻣﯽ‬
Christian / England
Iran
South Africa
12/02/2016 Friday
Darwin Day
Multinational
First Day of Phagun (ਫੱਗਣ)
Sikh
National Freedom to Marry Day
USA
Red Hand Day
Multinational
St Julian the Hospitaller
Triodion begins
Catholic Christian
Orthodox Christian
Union Day (Pyidaungzu nei)
Myanmar (Burma)
Youth Day
Venezuela
Page 26 of 208
Commemoration of the death on this day in 1986 of Evelio
Bellaflor Javier, a Filipino lawyer, politician and opponent of
President Marcos.
Translates as Day of Conciliation. Commemorates the treaty
signed on this day in 1929 between the Holy See and Italy
which gave the Vatican City international status.
Commemorates the founding of the nation and the anniversary
of the first Emperor's (Emperor Jimmu) accession to the
throne in 660 BC.
Coincides with the birth of Thomas Edison on this day in 1847.
A celebration of young people in Cameroon.
Commemorates St Bernadette's vision of the Blessed Virgin
Mary at Lourdes in 1818.
Coincides with Our Lady of Lourdes. Event devoted to health
care and human dignity. First observed in 1993.
St Cædmon was the first known English poet.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini seized power in Iran on this day
in 1979.
Nelson Mandela was freed on this day in 1990 after 27 years
in captivity.
Commemorates the birth of Charles Darwin on this day in
1809. Darwin Day is a celebration of science and humanity.
See www.darwinday.org/.
Phagun is the twelfth and final month in the Nanakshahi
Calendar.
A non-official holiday in the USA to promote same-sex
marriage.
Red Hand Day is an annual commemoration day created to
draw attention to the fate of children who are forced to serve
as soldiers in wars and armed conflicts. For further info:
http://www.redhandday.org/
Also known as Julian the Poor.
Time period leading up to Lent in the Orthodox Christian
Church. The Triodion itself is the liturgical book used by
Eastern Orthodox Christians during this period.
Commemoration of the anniversary of the Panglong
Agreement in 1947.
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USA
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, was
born on this day in 1809.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP) was founded on this day in 1909.
Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of
this date. Festival marks the beginning of Spring. Dedicated to
Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and Brahma's wife. Vasant
Panchami is also known as Saraswati Puja (see below).
USA
13/02/2016 Saturday
Vasant Panchami
Hindu
Saraswati Puja
Hindu
World Radio Day
Multinational
Spain, Portugal
14/02/2016 Sunday
15/02/2016 Monday
Feast Day of St Cyril and St Methodius
Catholic Christian
First Sunday of Lent
Mother's Day (Morsdag)
Quadragesima
Christian
Norway
Christian
Random Acts of Kindness Week begins
Multinational
St Valentine's Day
Christian
Israel
Flag Day
Canada
John Frum Day
Liberation Day
Vanuatu
Afghanistan
Page 27 of 208
Celebration and worship of the Goddess Saraswati, the
goddess of knowledge, music and art. The colour yellow is
associated with this festival.
Adopted on 03/11/2011 by UNESCO's 36th General
Conference.
Spain recognised Portugal as an independent nation on this
day in 1668.
Patron Saints of Europe. This day is a public holiday in
Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Macedonia, and
Slovakia. It is also celebrated in Russia as a holiday
associated with the Saints (who were brothers), who are
considered patrons of learning and education.
Observed on the second Sunday in February.
The Sunday following Ash Wednesday. Quadragesima means
'fortieth'. Good Friday falls exactly forty days on from
Quadragesima.
For further information go to:
http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/.
Now a more secularised than sacred occasion.
The Israeli Parliament, The Knesset (‫ )כנסת‬convened for the
first time on this day in 1949.
Commemorates the day that the Canadian flag was first raised
(in 1965).
Commemoration of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in
1989.
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Louis Riel Day
Parinirvana (Nirvana Day)
Buddha's Memorial Day (Nehane-e)
Presidents' Day / Washington's Birthday
16/02/2016 Tuesday
Canada (Manitoba)
Observed on the third Monday in February. Louis Riel was a
Native Canadian, leader of the Métis people, founder of
Manitoba province, a politician and considered to be a
Canadian folk hero.
Buddhist - Mahayana Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.
(See 08/02/2016).
Buddhist
The memorial day of Shakyamuni (Gautama) Buddha, the
Supreme Buddha and founder of Buddhism.
USA
Observed on the third Monday in February. Presidents' Day is
the common name for the federal holiday commemorating the
birthday of George Washington, the first President of the USA.
Family Day (Fête de la famille)
Canada
Presidents' Day (Día de los Presidentes
Natalicio de Washington)
Singles Awareness Day
Puerto Rico
Sretenje (National Day)
Serbia
Susan B Anthony Day
USA
Total Defence Day (全民防卫日 Hari Total
Defence முழுமைத் தற்காப்பு தினம்)
Singapore
Independence Day (Nepriklausomybės
diena) or Day of the Re-establishment of
the State of Lithuania (Lietuvos valstybės
atkūrimo diena)
Kim Jong Il's (김정일) Birthday
Multinational
Multinational
Lithuania
North Korea
Page 28 of 208
A relatively new holiday in Canada. It coincides with
Presidents' Day in the USA. Observed on the third Monday in
February.
See above.
Observed particularly in France. Can also be held on 13th or
14th February. This isn't a serious holiday - it serves as an
alternative to Valentine's Day.
A commemoration of the First Serbian Uprising of 1804 and
the proclamation of the first Serbian Constitution in 1935. Both
occurred on 15th February.
Commemoration of women's suffrage in the USA. Susan B
Anthony was an American civil rights (particular women's
rights) campaigner who was born on this day in 1820.
Commemorates the beginning of the Japanese occupation of
Singapore during the Second World War which followed the
surrender of the British on this day in 1942.
YouTube was launched in the USA on this day in 2005.
Commemoration of independence from German, Prussian,
Austrian and Russian occupation in 1918 and the reestablishment of the Lithuanian state.
Commemorates the birth in 1942 (though Soviet records
showed 1941) of the former leader of the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea (North Korea). Also known as the Day of the
Shining Star.
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Cuba
17/02/2016 Wednesday
18/02/2016 Thursday
Kosovo / Serbia
Birthday of Luis Alberto Muñoz Marín
(Natalicio de Luis Muñoz Marín)
Democracy Day
Independence Day
Sepandārmazgān (‫)ﺳﭘﻧﺩﺍﺭﻣﺫﮔﺎﻥ‬
19/02/2016 Friday
Armed Forces Day (Día del Ejército)
Commemoration of Bulgaria's Apostle of
Freedom Vassil Levski
Constitution Day
Flag Day
Lent Fast Day
20/02/2016 Saturday
Martyrs' Day (Ye-Ethiopia)
World Day of Social Justice
21/02/2016 Sunday
On this day in 1959, Fidel Castro was sworn in as Cuban
Prime Minister, becoming the country's youngest ever premier.
International Mother Language Day
The Assembly of Kosovo declared the state's independence
on this day in 2008. The legality of the Declaration was, and
is, disputed.
Puerto Rico
Marín - who was born on this day in 1898 - was the first
democratically elected governor of Puerto Rico.
Nepal
Begins on 18th and continues until 20th February.
Commemoration of the events of 1951 which culminated in
King Tribhuvan declaring Nepal a democracy.
The Gambia
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1965.
Iran / Zoroastrian
Zoroastrian festival dedicated to women that has been revived
in modern Iran as a celebration of love towards mothers and
wives.
The Sahara (Algeria) Snow actually fell in the Sahara on this day in 1979, the only
recorded time in history.
Mexico
Commemoration of the role of the Mexican Army in escorting
President Madero to the National Palace.
Bulgaria
Vassil Levski (Васил Левски) was a Bulgarian revolutionary
considered a national hero and given the accolade 'Apostle of
Freedom'. His real name was Vassil Ivanov Kunchev.
Gabon
Commemorates the anniversary of the day in 1959 when the
constitution was proclaimed.
Turkmenistan
The State Flag of Turkmenistan Day. Commemoration of the
birthday of former President Saparmyrat Ataýewiç Nyýazow
(1940-2006).
Christian
Initially known as Family Fast Day. Occurs on the Friday
during the first full week of Lent.
Russia
On this day in 1861, serfdom was abolished in Russia.
Ethiopia
Commemoration of the thousands of Ethiopians who died
during the 1936 invasion of the country by Italian forces.
Multinational
Day recognised by the United Nations. Approved on
26/11/2007 and begun in 2009.
Antarctica, Norway
The Norwegian, Caroline Mikkelsen became the first woman
to set foot on Antarctica on this day in 1935.
Multinational
First proclaimed in 1999 to promote awareness of
multilingualism and of linguistic and cultural diversity.
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22/02/2016 Monday
23/02/2016 Tuesday
Language Martyrs' Day (শহীদ দিবস Shohid
Dibôsh)
Robert Mugabe's Birthday
Bangladesh
Second Sunday of Lent
Toshi-goi-no-Matsuri (Yakuyoke festival)
Christian
Shinto
Woman's Day (Konudagur)
Iceland
Europe
Celebrity Day
Scientology
Feast of the Chair of St Peter
Catholic Christian
Independence Day
Rihanna Day
St Lucia
Barbados
The Lantern Festival (元宵節 yuánxiāojié)
Chinese
Washington's Birthday
USA
World Thinking Day
Multinational
International Scouts Day
Multinational
Germany
Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland
(День защитника отечества)
Russia
Mashramani
Guyana
Celebrated by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. 22nd February was
the birthday of both Scouting and Guiding founder Robert
Baden-Powell and his wife, Olave.
See above.
Members of the White Rose resistance movement (against the
Nazis) - brother and sister Hans and Sophie Scholl, and
Christoph Probst - were executed in Munich on this day in
1943.
Formerly known - in the Soviet era - as Red Army Day.
Commemoration of members of the Russian armed forces,
past and present. Also commemorated in some former Soviet
states (Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan).
A celebration of Guyana's independence from the UK in 1966.
National Day
Brunei
Commemorates independence from British protection in 1984.
Zimbabwe
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Commemoration of the Bengali language struggle in 1952.
Also known as Ekushey or Language Movement Day.
A public holiday in Zimbabwe. Robert Mugabe, President of
Zimbabwe, was born on this day in 1924.
Festival linked to rites of passage and to the harvest festival.
Yakuyoke means a talisman, designed to ward off evil spirits.
Occurs on the Sunday between 18th and 24th February.
The first European political party organisation, the European
Greens, was established in Rome on this day in 2004.
Major holiday celebrating the existence and work of the
Celebrity Centres.
The Chair of St Peter is a relic to be found in St Peter's in
Rome.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1979.
Day of recognition in Barbados for the singer Rihanna who
was born in Barbados in 1988.
According to the Solar Calendar. Marks the ending of Chinese
New Year, and characterised by the lion dance and children
going out at night with lanterns.
George Washington, first President of the United States, was
born on this day in 1732 in Westmoreland, Virginia Colony.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
Purim (‫ פורים‬Pûrîm)
24/02/2016 Wednesday
Jewish
14th Adar in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar. Begins at sundown
the day before. Commemorates the saving of the Jewish
people from oppression in Persia by the courage of Esther. It
is one of the most cheerful and colourful of Jewish holidays.
Multinational
Famous people born on this day include the diarist Samuel
Pepys (1633) and the composer G.F. Handel (1685).
A Romanian holiday, traditionally seen as a day of protection
from fever and a day for picking flowers for courting couples.
Similar to St Valentine's Day.
Implemented in 1937, a celebration of the current and past
flags of Mexico.
Commemorates the foundation of the first Estonian republic in
1918.
Commemoration of the birth on this day in 1767 of Buddha
Loetla Nabhalai, second monarch of the Chakri Dynasty and
himself a notable artist and poet.
15th Adar in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar. Commemorates
the victory celebrations of the Jews of Shushan, the city in
which King Achashverosh lived).
On this day in 2008, Fidel Castro retired as President of Cuba.
Dragobete
Romania
Flag Day (Día de la Bandera)
Mexico
Independence Day (Iseseisvuspäev)
Estonia
National Artist Day (วันศิลปิ นแห่งชาติ Wan
Sinlapin Haeng Chat)
Thailand
Sushan Purim
Jewish
Cuba
25/02/2016 Thursday
Day of the Revolution
Suriname
Memorial Day for the Victims of the
Communist Dictatorships (A kommunista
diktatúrák áldozatainak emléknapja)
Hungary
National Day
Kuwait
Commemoration of the creation of Kuwait as a nation in 1961.
People Power Day (Araw ng People Power
(Lakas ng Bayan))
The Philippines
Soviet Occupation Day
St Walburga
Georgia
Catholic Christian
Commemorates the events on this day in 1986, when
President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines fled after 21
years of rule. Corazon Aquino became the first Filipino woman
President.
Commemoration of the Soviet invasion of 1921.
Feastday of St Walburga. Born in Devon, St Walburga is the
Patron Saint of protection against famine.
Page 31 of 208
Commemoration of the events on this day in 1980 when the
government of Prime Minister Henck Arron was overthrown,
thus marking the beginning of a military dictatorship which
lasted until 1991.
Held since 2000. It commemorates the arrest and deportation
to the Soviet Union of Béla Kovács, Secretary-General of the
Independent Smallholders' Party, on this day in 1947.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
26/02/2016 Friday
Multinational
On this day in 2006, the world's population reached 6.5 billion.
Day of Remembrance for Victims of
Khojaly massacre
Intercalary Days (Ayyám-i-Há ‫ ﺍﻳﺎﻡ ﺍﻟﻬﺎء‬The
Days of Há) begin
Azerbaijan
Liberation Day
Kuwait
Saviour's Day
Nation of Islam
The Khojaly massacre involved the killing of at least 161 ethnic
Azerbaijani civilians over the period of 2 days in 1992.
Until 1st March. Bahá'í insertion of days into the calendar in
order to maintain their solar calendar. Days of spiritual
preparation for the Fast, service and gift-giving.
Commemoration of the liberation of Kuwait on this day in 1991
by a multi-national force following Iraqi occupation.
A holiday of the Nation of Islam (NOI) and the Nation of Gods
and Earths. It celebrates the birthdate of Wallace Fard
Muhammad, whom the NOI believe to have been Allah in
human form, the Saviour of the Black race.
The Second French Republic was proclaimed on this day in
1848.
Established in 1955.
Commemoration of independence from Haiti in 1844.
To raise awareness of the need to conserve polar bears.
On this day in 1999, Oluṣẹgun Ọbasanjọ became Nigeria's
first-elected President since 1983. He would remain in office
until 2007.
The Final of the League Cup competition takes place at
Wembley. The current holders are Chelsea, who beat
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in 2015. Liverpool are the
competition's most successful club with 8 wins to their name.
Bahá'í
France
27/02/2016 Saturday
Doctor's Day
Independence Day
International Polar Bear Day
Vietnam
Dominican Republic
Multinational
Nigeria
28/02/2016 Sunday
Football League Cup Final
England and Wales
International Pashtun Jirga Day
Kalevala Day
Multinational
Finland
National Science Day
Peace Memorial Day (和平紀念日)
India
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Orthodox Christian
Page 32 of 208
The Kalevala is the national epic poem of Finland. It was
written by Elias Lönnrot and is based on Finnish and Karelian
folklore. The author inscribed the date 28th February in his first
version of the Kalevala in 1835.
Commemorates the 228 Incident that began on this day in
1947. This was an anti-government and anti-Chinese uprising,
suppressed by the Kuomintang government.
As preparation for Great Lent, Christ's parable about the loving
forgiveness of God is read. Sunday before Meatfare Sunday.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
29/02/2016 Monday
Teachers Celebration Day (‫ ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻡ‬Eid Al
Moalim)
Algeria, Bahrain,
A day to celebrate the contribution of teachers.
Egypt, Jordan, Libya,
Morocco, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia,
Tunisia, United Arab
Emirates, Yemen
Third Sunday of Lent
Christian
Egypt
Fair Trade Fortnight begins
Multinational
Rare Disease Day
Multinational
Canada
Page 33 of 208
On this day in 1922, Egyptian independence is accepted by
the UK. Fifty-two years later - to the very day - diplomatic
relations between Egypt and the USA are re-established (in
1974).
Until 13th March. An annual campaign aimed at increasing
awareness of the FAIRTRADE Mark among consumers. See
www.fairtrade.org.uk/.
Observed on the last day in February since 2008.
On this day in 1988, Svend Robinson becomes the first
member of Canada's House of Commons to come out as gay.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
MARCH
2016
Date
Day
01/03/2016 Tuesday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Baba Marta (Баба Марта)
Faith/Nation etc
Bulgaria
Mărţişor
Beer Day (Bjórdagurinn)
Romania and
Moldova
Iceland
Chalanda März
Switzerland
Heroes' Day (Día de los Héroes)
Paraguay
Independence Day (Dan nezavisnosti)
Independence (Declaration) Day (Samiljeol)
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
South Korea
Irish-American Heritage Month
USA
National Pig Day
Remembrance Day
USA
Marshall Islands
Self-Injury Awareness Day
Multinational
St David of Wales Day
Christian
World Civil Defence Day
Multinational
Page 34 of 208
Other Info
Traditional Bulgarian custom celebrating the beginning
of Spring. Also known as Martenitsa.
Traditional celebration of the beginning of Spring.
Commemoration of the ending of the prohibition of beer
after 74 years (on 1st March 1989).
The First of March. Involves the ringing of bells to
effectively 'ring out the winter'. Takes place in the
Engadin area of the country.
Commemorates the end of the Triple Alliance War in
1870. The War was between Paraguay and the allied
forces of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.
Commemoration of independence from the Socialist
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1992.
Independence 'Movement' Day, commemorating
independence from Japan in 1919 and specifically the
series of demonstrations that took place on 1st March
1919. Also known as March 1st Movement
Remembrance Day.
Commemoration of the achievements of Irish Americans.
A minor observance.
Formerly called Nuclear Victims Day and Nuclear
Survivors Day.
Some people chose this day to be more open about their
own self-harm. An orange awareness ribbon or
wristband may be worn.
Patron Saint of Wales. Characterised by parades and
the wearing of traditional Welsh costume and emblems,
as well as the holding of Eisteddfods (eisteddfodau),
which are festivals of music and literature.
Commemorates the entry into force in 1972 of the
International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO)
Constitution as an inter-governmental organisation.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
UK
02/03/2016 Wednesday Air Force Day
Battle of Adwa
Feast of 'Alá (‫ ﻋﻼء‬Loftiness)
Start of Nineteen Day Fast
Jamahiriya Day
Sri Lanka
Rastafari / Ethiopia Also known as Adowa or Adua (Italian name).
Commemoration of the battle that took place in 1896
between Ethiopian and Italian forces that resulted in the
defeat of the colonial power and the recognition of
Ethiopia by the Italians as an independent state.
Bahá'í
First day of the 19th month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Bahá'í
Ends on 20th March. The fast is a time for reflection and
making an effort to detach from material desires.
Libya
Commemoration of the declaration of Libya as a
'Jamahiriya' (a 'state of the masses') on this day in 1977.
National Read Across America Day
USA
Peasants Day (Taungthu lèthama nei)
St Chad's Day
Myanmar (Burma)
Christian
Czech Republic
Morocco
03/03/2016 Thursday
The Bank of England was nationalised on this day in
1946.
Hina-matsuri - Festival of Dolls (雛祭り)
Shinto, Japan
International Day for Ear and Hearing
Liberation Day (Den na osvobozhdenieto Ден на
Освобождението)
Martyr's Day
Multinational
Bulgaria
Malawi
Mother's Day (დედის დღე)
Sportsmen's Day
Teachers Day (‫)ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻡ‬
World Book Day
Georgia
Egypt
Lebanon
UK and Ireland
Page 35 of 208
Observed on the school day closest to 2nd March, the
birthday of writer and poet, Dr Seuss.
Commemoration of Ne Win's military coup of 1962.
Chad of Mercia died on this day in the year 672.
The Czech Cosmonaut Vladimír Remek became the first
non-Russian or non-American to go into space when
Soyuz 28 was launched on this day in 1978.
Morocco gained independence from France and Spain
on this day in 1956.
A celebration of daughters, characterised by the
displaying of dolls.
Recognised by the World Health Organisation.
Commemorates liberation from the Ottoman Empire in
1878.
Commemorates the death of 40 people in an uprising
against the Federation (British colonial rule) in 1959.
A celebration of Egyptian sportsmen.
Observed between 3rd and 9th March.
Observed on the first Thursday in March. A promotion of
books and reading, particularly to children. This date
only applies to UK and Ireland - most other countries
hold World Book Day on 23rd April. See
www.worldbookday.com/.
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World Wildlife Day
Multinational
India
04/03/2016 Friday
Feast Day of Rhiannon
Saint Casimir's Day
UK (Wales)
Lithuania, Poland
The Women's World Day of Prayer
Christian
World Day of the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation
Multinational
Multinational
05/03/2016 Saturday
Butter Lamp Festival (Chunga Choepa)
Tibet
Custom Chief's Day
Day of Physical Culture and Sport
Learn from Lei Feng Day (向雷鋒同志學習)
Vanuatu
Azerbaijan
China
National Tree Planting Day
Shabbat Shekalim (‫)שבת שקלים‬
Iran
Jewish
St Piran's Day
Christian
Poland, Germany
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Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in
2013.
On this day in 1939, Mahatma Gandhi began to fast in
protest against autocratic rule in India.
Celtic Moon/Dawn Goddess.
Commemoration of the death of St Casimir, Patron Saint
of both Lithuania and Poland.
Dates from 1887, and observed on the first Friday in
March. Celebrated in more than 170 countries. The 2016
theme is 'Jesus Said to them: Do You Know What I
Have Done to you?'
First observed in 2009.
The first case of Spanish flu was recorded on this day in
1918. In a global epidemic that lasted two years, an
estimated 50 million people (3% of the world's
population) were to die.
Commemorated on the 15th day of the first Tibetan
month, it is a celebration of the victory of Buddha
(Shakyamuni) over non- Buddhist opponents. Giant
'tormas' (figures/statues) made of butter are exhibited in
Barkhor Square in the capital, Lhasa.
A day of community activities in China. Lei Feng was a
selfless and modest soldier in the People's Liberation
Army, portrayed as a role model.
Part of the preparation for Purim. Begins at sundown on
the previous day (the beginning of the Jewish day).
Patron Saint of Cornwall as well as tin miners. The
Cornish flag is also the flag of St Piran, and may have
been inspired by the legend that Piran discovered the
process for smelting tin: black rock with a white cross of
pure metal.
Polish-born Marxist theorist and activist Rosa
Luxemburg was born on this day in 1871.
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06/03/2016 Sunday
European Day of the Righteous
Multinational
Foundation Day
Territory of Norfolk
Island
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Laetare Sunday
Christian
Christian
Mothering Sunday
Grandmother's Day
Independence Day
Meatfare Sunday
Sunday of Orthodoxy
07/03/2016 Monday
Lavity Stoutt's Birthday
Maslenitsa (Ма́сленица)
Teachers Day (Dita e Mësuesit)
08/03/2016 Tuesday
International Women's Day
Established in 2012 by the European Union.
Commemoration of those who have stood up to crimes
against humanity and totalitatarianism.
Commemoration of the founding of Norfolk Island on this
day in 1788. The island lies in the Pacific Ocean
between Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.
Fourth Sunday of Lent. Also known as Mothering
Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday and
Rose Sunday.
Christian
Simnel Sunday/Mid-Lent Sunday. Secularised as
Mothering Sunday. Observed as Mother's Day in the UK,
Ireland and Nigeria. The fourth Sunday of Lent.
France
Observed on the first Sunday in March since 1987.
Ghana
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1957.
Orthodox Christian For Orthodox Christians, the last day for the eating of
meat prior to Lent.
Orthodox Christian First Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox Church. A
celebration of the restoration of icons to the Church.
USA
On this day in 1964, boxer Cassius Clay was officially
given the name Muhammad Ali by the Nation of Islam's
Elijah Muhammad.
British Virgin Islands Lavity Stoutt (1929-1995) was the longest serving Chief
Minister of the Islands.
Russia
Roughly translates to 'butter week'. A Russian week-long
folk holiday dating back to pagan times, involving the
making of pancakes and traditional activities such as
sleigh rides. Also known as Blini Day, it is the Russian
equivalent of Mardi Gras.
Albania
Commemoration of teachers. The first school in which
lessons were taught in Albanian was opened in 1867.
Israel
On this day in 1969, Golda Meir was elected Israel's first
female Prime Minister.
Multinational
Also known as the United Nations Day for Women's
Rights and International Peace. First commemorated in
1911. Mother's Day is also commemorated in many
countries including Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Laos, Moldova, Romania and the Ukraine on this day.
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Maha Shivaratri
Hindu
Motherhood and Beauty Day
Armenia
United Nations Day for Women's Rights and
International Peace
March 8 Revolution (‫ ﺛﻭﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺛﺎﻣﻥ ﻣﻥ ﺍﺫﺍﺭ‬Ṯaurät aṯ-Ṯāmin
min Āḏār)
St John of God
Multinational
Syria
Catholic Christian
USA, UK
09/03/2016 Wednesday Baron Bliss Day
10/03/2016 Thursday
Belize
Decoration Day
Liberia
Taras Shevchenko Day
Ukraine
Teacher's Celebration Day (Eid Al Moalim)
Lebanon
Italy, Americas
Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna
Hindu
First Day of Jumada al-Thani (‫)ﺟﻣﺎﺩﻯ ﺍﻵﺧﺭ ﺃﻭ ﺟﻣﺎﺩﻯ ﺍﻟﺛﺎﻧﻲ‬
Islam
Page 38 of 208
Local or regional customs may use a variation of this
date. Festival dedicated to Shiva, one of the deities of
the Hindu Trinity, that involves fasting and the keeping of
vigils. See www.mahashivratri.org/.
The beginning of a whole month of holidays in Armenia
honouring women. Lasts until 7th April.
Recognised by the United Nations.
Commemoration of the seizure of power by the Baath
Party in 1963.
Feastday of St John of God, Patron Saint of booksellers.
On this day in 1655, John Casor became the first person
known to be declared a slave in Britain's North American
colonies.
Celebration in honour of Henry (Baron) Bliss, who left
two million US dollars for the benefit of the citizens of
what was then British Honduras (now Belize). He died on
9th March 1926.
Observed on the second Wednesday in March. On this
day, Liberians visit and clean the graves of their
deceased. It is a day of reflection and mourning.
Commemoration of the birth on this day in 1814 of Taras
Shevchenko (Тара́с Григо́рович Шевче́нко), a poet and
artist who is considered to be the father of Ukrainian
literature and of the Ukrainian language.
The explorer Amerigo Vespucci was born on this day in
1454 in Florence.
Sri Ramakrishna Jayanti. Sri Ramakrishna (1836 - 1886)
was the most revered saint in Bengal and was declared
an incarnation of God during his own lifetime. He was
born in Kamarpukur in West Bengal.
Sixth month in the Islamic Calendar.
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11/03/2016 Friday
Longtaitou Festival (龙抬头 龍抬頭)
Chinese
National Uprising Day
Tibet
St John Ogilvie
Catholic Christian /
Scotland
UK (Scotland)
Day of Restitution of Independence of Lithuania
(Lietuvos nepriklausomybės atkūrimo diena)
First Day of the Month of Adar II (‫)אֲ ָדר‬
ICC World Twenty20 (cricket) begins
Lithuania
Commemorates independence from the USSR in 1990.
Jewish
India
Johnny Appleseed Day
USA
Moshoeshoe Day
Lesotho
World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue and
Film
Multinational
See 10/02/2016
To 3rd April. The defending champions are Sri Lanka,
who defeated India in the 2014 Final at Mirpur in
Bangladesh.
Johnny Appleseed (actually born John Chapman) was
an legendary figure in American society, a missionary
and nurseryman who introduced apple trees to many
parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Johnny Appleseed
Day is also observed on the day of his birth (26th
September).
Commemorates the founder of Lesotho, King
Moshoeshoe I, who died on this day in 1870.
Created in 2010.
Former Soviet
Union
12/03/2016 Saturday
Arbor Day (植樹節)
China, Taiwan
Girl Scout Birthday
USA
Page 39 of 208
Observed on the second day of the second month of the
Chinese Calendar. Celebrated by eating Chinese
pancakes and noodles and also a day to clean the
home. Also known as the Blue Dragon Festival or the
Azure Dragon.
Commemoration of the unsuccessful uprising against
ten years of Chinese occupation in Lhasa in 1959, during
which thousands were massacred by the occupying
Chinese army. 2016 will be the 57th Anniversary of the
Tibetan National Uprising.
St John Ogilvie, who died on this day in 1615, was a
Scottish Roman Catholic Jesuit martyr.
On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made what
is considered to be the world's first telephone call.
Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of the Soviet Union
on this day in 1985. He became the seventh and last
General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet
Union.
A day for the planting of trees and to promote the
importance of nature.
Commemoration of the founding of the first Girl Scout
group in the United States.
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Namesday of Crown Princess Victoria
(Kronprinsessans namnsdag)
Mass of St Gregory (Grækarismessa)
Sweden
An official Flag Day in Sweden.
Faroe Islands
National Day / Independence Day
Renovation Day
Mauritius
Gabon
World Against Cyber Censorship
Youth Day
Multinational
Zambia
India
Celebrated in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands.
Traditionally, the Islands' national bird, the
Oystercatcher, returns on this day.
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1968.
Commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the
political party, Parti Démocratique Gabonais, on this day
in 1968.
First observed in 2008.
UK (Scotland)
13/03/2016 Sunday
Birthday of L. Ron Hubbard
Scientology
Burgsonndeg
Luxembourg
Cheesefare Sunday
Orthodox Christian
Gerald of Mayo
Catholic Christian
Passion Sunday
Scottish League Cup Final
Christian
Scotland
Page 40 of 208
Mahatma Gandhi led a 200-mile march to the sea in
defiance of British opposition, to protest about the British
monopoly on salt on this day in 1930.
On this day in 1881, Andrew Watson made his Scotland
debut as the world's first black international football
player and captain. He played for Queen's Park in
Glasgow, amongst other clubs.
The founder of Scientology. Born in 1911 in Nebraska,
USA.
A Pagan fire festival to welcome Spring and the re-birth
of the Sun. Characterised by the lighting of bonfires.
Also known as Burgbrennen.
Also known as Forgiveness Sunday. It is called
Cheesefare Sunday as from canonical prescription it is
the last day until Pascha that cheese, eggs and dairy
can be consumed.
Born in Northumbria, he was one of the monks at
Lindisfarne who accompanied Colmán of Lindisfarne
firstly to Iona and then on to Ireland. He became the first
abbot of the monastery in Mayo.
The fifth Sunday of Lent
The Final of the Scottish Football Association Cup
competition takes place at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
The current holders are Celtic who beat Dundee United
2-0 in 2015. Rangers are the competition's most
successful club with 27 wins to their name.
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14/03/2016 Monday
Poland
The liquidation of the Jewish ghetto of Kraków by
German forces began on this day in 1943 during the
Holocaust, an event depicted in the film 'Schindler's List'.
Commonwealth Day
Commonwealth
nations
Observed on the second Monday in March. The purpose
of Commonwealth Day is to promote understanding and
co-operation at a global level and the work of the
Commonwealth as a collection of nations.
Constitution Day
Great Lent begins
Heroes' Day
International Day of Action for Rivers
Andorra
Orthodox Christian
St Vincent and the
Grenadines
Multinational
Native Language Day (emakeelepäev)
Estonia
Pi Approximation Day
Sikh New Year's Day
Multinational
Sikh
Gurgadi Guru Har Rai
Sikh
The Spring Day (Dita e Verës)
White Day ((ホワイトデー, Howaito dē and 화이트데이
Hwaiteu dei)
Albania
Japan, South
Korea and the
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Zambia
Youth Day
USA, Russia
Page 41 of 208
The period of preparation for Holy Week.
In 2011, more than 112 actions took place in 36
countries across the world.
Alternatively known as Mother Tongue Day.
Commemorates the anniversary of the birth on this day
in 1801 of the eminent Estonian poet Kristjan Jaak
Peterson.
See also 22/07/2016.
First day of Chet (ਚੇਤ), the first month of the Sikh
Nanakshahi calendar. 14th March 2016 will mark the
beginning of year 546 in the Sikh Nanakshahi calendar.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a
Punjabi phrase used to refer to the day when a Guru
effectively ascends to Guruship and is installed as a
Guru. Guru Har Rai became the seventh Sikh Guru on
this day in 1644.
Ratified by Parliament in 2004 as an official holiday.
A Japanese and Korean complement to St Valentine's
Day, though with the onus on men who have received
gifts on 14th February to reciprocate one month later on
White Day.
Commemorates the involvement of young people in the
liberation of Zambia from colonial rule. Observed on the
second Monday in March.
On this day in 1995, Norman Thagard became the first
American Astronaut to join a Russian launch into space.
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15/03/2016 Tuesday
Cheltenham Festival begins
Multinational
Commemoration of the 1848 Revolution
Hungary
Constitution Day (Дзень Канстытуцыi Dzień
Kanstytucyji)
Hōnen Matsuri (豊年祭)
Belarus
Japan
International Day Against Police Brutality
J.J. Roberts' Birthday
Multinational
Liberia
World Consumer Rights Day
Multinational
World Contact Day
Multinational
Youth Day
Palau
UK, Australia
16/03/2016 Wednesday Day of the Book Smugglers (Knygnešio diena)
Lithuania
Gahambar Hamaspathmaidyem
Zoroastrian (Fasli)
Halabja Commemoration
Iraqi Kurdish
Latvian Legion Remembrance Day (Latviešu leģiona
atceres diena)
St Urho's Day
Latvia
Finland
Page 42 of 208
The Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival begins on 15th
and ends on 18th March. The highlight event is the
Cheltenham Gold Cup on the last day of the festival.
National Day (Nemzeti ünnep) in Hungary.
Commemorates the anniversary of the democratic
revolution against the Hapsburgs.
Constitution adopted in 1994.
Harvest Festival' in the Japanese language. Hōnen
Matsuri is a fertility festival.
Originated in Switzerland in 1997.
Joseph Jenkins Roberts, the first (and seventh)
President of Liberia was born on this day in 1809.
An international celebration within the consumer market,
and a promotion of consumer rights.
A day for attempts to make contact with extra-terrestrial
beings. First declared in March 1953.
Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean.
The first cricket Test Match between England and
Australia began on this day in 1877 in Melbourne.
Australia would win by 45 runs.
Commemorates those people who defied a ban imposed
by Imperial Russia from 1866 to 1904 to smuggle books
printed in the Latin alphabet into Lithuanian-speaking
regions of what was the Russian Empire.
A celebration of the creation of human beings. The feast
of all souls. Hamaspathmaidyem means 'mid-path-of-all'.
Gahambar means 'proper season', and these seasonal
festivals occur six times every year. They are observed
for five days.
Commemoration of the poison gas attack by Iraqi
Government forces in Halabja in 1988 which killed many
people (estimates range from several hundred to 7,000).
Patron Saint of Finland. Traditionally, St Urho rid
vineyards of grasshoppers.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
England
UK
USA
17/03/2016 Thursday
18/03/2016 Friday
Birthday of Bangabandhu
Bangladesh
St Patrick's Day
Republic of Ireland National Day
Christian
Republic of Ireland
Poland
Expropiación Petrolera
Mexico
Flag Day
Aruba
Gallipoli Memorial Day
Men and Soldiers Day
Sheelah's Day
Turkey
Mongolia
Republic of Ireland
Teachers Celebration Day (‫ ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻣﻌﻠﻡ‬Eid Al Moalim)
World Sleep Day
Syria
Multinational
UK
Page 43 of 208
On this day in 1190, an attempt was made to force Jews
into Christian baptism in the city of York. Many chose to
commit suicide instead. Many others were murdered by
Crusaders. The last refuge was in Clifford's Tower in
York Castle.
On this day in 1953, Marshal Josef Tito of Yugoslavia
arrived in Britain for a state visit, becoming the first
Communist head of state to visit the UK.
On this day in 1995, Mississippi formally ratified the
Thirteenth Amendment, becoming the last US state to
approve the abolition of slavery. The Thirteenth
Amendment was initially ratified in 1865.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (শেখ মুজিবুর
রহমান) was the founding father of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu translates as 'Friend of Bengal'. He was
born on this day in 1920. Also Children's Day.
Lá Fhéile Phádraig. Patron Saint of Ireland.
Coincides with St Patrick's Day.
The March Constitution was adopted on this day in 1921.
Meaning 'Oil expropriation', this is one of Mexico's
national civic holidays, celebrating a presidential
declaration that oil reserves on Mexican soil belong to
the nation.
The national flag of Aruba (a 32 km island in the Lesser
Antilles and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) was
adopted on this day in 1976.
The day following St Patrick's Day. In ancient Ireland,
this was a festival to honour the fertility Goddess Sheelana-gig.
Observed on the third Friday of March. For further
information, go to: http://www.worldsleepday.org/.
British Sign Language was recognised as an official
British language on this day in 2003.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
19/03/2016 Saturday
Day of Equality
Finland
Father's Day
Multinational
St Joseph's Day
Feast of St Joseph (San Ġużepp)
Festa di San Giuseppe
Jotijot Guru Hargobind
Christian
Malta
Italy
Sikh
Kashubians Unity Day
Poland
Shabbat Zachor (‫)שבת זכור‬
Jewish
Australia
20/03/2016 Sunday
Independence Day
Tunisia
International Day of the Francophonie
Multinational
International Day of Happiness
Palm Sunday
Multinational
Christian
Spring Equinox - Eoster
Pagan
Beginning of Chūnfēn
International Astrology Day
China
Multinational
Page 44 of 208
Begun in 2007. Commemoration of the birth on this day
in 1844 of the Finnish writer and social activist, Minna
Canth.
Father's Day in the following countries: Andorra, Bolivia,
Honduras, Italy, Liechtenstein, Macao, Portugal and
Spain.
St Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
See above. A public holiday in Malta.
See above. No longer a public holiday.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not
only to 'physical death' but with the subsequent
accession to heaven and the re-joining of the Guru with
God, given the immortality of the soul. Guru Hargobind
became jotijot in 1664.
Commemoration of the promotion of the Dukes of
Pomerania to the title of the 'Duke of the Slavs and the
Kashubs' by Pope Gregory IX on this day in 1238.
Sabbath immediately prior to Purim. Begins at sundown
on the previous day (the beginning of the Jewish day).
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened on this day in
1932.
Commemoration of independence from France on this
day in 1956.
La Francophonie is an international organisation of
French-speaking countries, currently comprising 55
member states.
Recognised by the United Nations.
The beginning of Holy Week. The sixth and last Sunday
of Lent. Marks the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem.
A celebration of Spring and the renewed life of the Earth.
Commemorated on the day when the length of the day
and night are equal. Traditional rituals include the
planting of seeds and activities relating to eggs.
Coincides with Nowrūz and the Equinox. Seen by
astrologers as the first day of the astrological year.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
Poutūterangi
New Zealand
World Storytelling Day
Multinational
World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People Multinational
World House Sparrow Day
21/03/2016 Monday
Benito Juárez's Birthday (Natalicio de Benito Juárez)
Independence Day
International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination
Week of Solidarity with the People's Struggling
Against Racism and Racial Discrimination begins
Harmony Day
Human Rights Day
Mother's Day
Naw-ruz (New Year)
Nowrūz (New Year)
Multinational
Maori celebration of the Autumn Equinox (Southern
hemisphere).
Coincides with the Spring Equinox in the Northern
hemisphere. A celebration of oral storytelling.
Celebrated since 2001.
Raises awareness of the increasing rarity of the House
Sparrow.
Roma people,
The first operetta in the Romani language was
Russia
premiered in Moscow on this day in 1888. Entitled
'Children of the Forests', it would run successfully for 18
years.
Mexico
Commemorates the birthday of Benito Juárez (who
served five terms as President of Mexico) on 21st March
1806.
Namibia
Commemorates independence from the South African
mandate in 1990.
Multinational
Held on this day in commemoration of the Sharpeville
Massacre in South Africa in 1960.
Multinational
Called for by the United Nations General Assembly in
1979. Coincides with the anniversary of the Sharpeville
Massacre of 1960.
Australia
Coincides with the International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination.
South Africa
Instituted in 1994 on the occasion of Nelson Mandela
and the ANC's election to power..
Lebanon, Egypt,
Commemorated in most Arab Nations on 21st March. In
Syria etc
Egypt, this involves the annual selection of an 'ideal
mother'.
Bahá'í
A celebration of the beginning of Spring. Naw-Rúz is the
first day of the month of Bahá (‫ ﺑﻬﺎء‬Splendour) which is
the first month in the Bahá'í calendar. One of the nine
holy days of the year when work is suspended. Usually
begins at sundown the day before.
Persian/Zoroastrian The beginning of Spring. Nowrūz is the traditional Iranian
New Year holiday. However, it is celebrated in many
parts of Asia as well as North Western China, the
Caucasus and Crimea, and also in Balkan countries
(Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Macedonia).
Page 45 of 208
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
Jamshedi Noruz (Fasli)
Shubun-sai - Equinox Day
Zoroastrian
Shinto
Vernal Equinox (春分の日 Shunbun no hi)
Japan
Truant's Day
Poland
World Down Syndrome Day
Multinational
World Forest Day
Multinational
World Poetry Day
World Puppetry Day
Multinational
Multinational
World Wood Day
Youth Day
Multinational
Tunisia
Germany
USA
22/03/2016 Tuesday
Day of the People's Party
Laos
Emancipation Day (Día de la Abolición de Esclavitud)
Puerto Rico
Nevruz Day (Novruz)
St Nicholas Owen
Albania
Catholic Christian
World Day for Water
Multinational
Page 46 of 208
Zoroastrian New Year in the Fasli calendar.
Also associated with Buddhism in Japan. Characterised
by the visiting of graves.
Also known as Ohigon. Commemorates the beginning of
Spring and a time of Buddhist meditation. Also observed
in Korea.
Traditionally a day (the first day of Spring) for Polish
schoolchildren to play truancy.
Held to promote awareness of Down Syndrome. The
date was selected by Down Syndrome International
(DSI) to signify the uniqueness of Down Syndrome in the
triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome and is used
synonymously with Down Syndrome.
Recognised by the FAO (Food and Agriculture
Organisation) of the United Nations.
Recognised by UNESCO.
Recognised by UNIMA (Union Internationale de la
Marionnette - International Puppetry Association). First
celebrated in 2003.
On this day in 1933, Dachau, the first Nazi Concentration
Camp, was completed.
Martin Luther King Jr led 3,200 people on the start of the
third and finally successful civil rights march from Selma
to Montgomery, Alabama, on this day in 1965.
A celebration of the ruling Lao People's Revolutionary
Party.
An official holiday in Puerto Rico to commemorate the
abolition of slavery in the former Spanish colony in 1873.
See 21/03/2016.
St Nicholas Owen was an English Catholic martyr who
died in 1606. He built places for Catholic priests to hide
to escape religious persecution during the reign of
Queen Elizabeth I.
Designated by a United Nations General Assembly
resolution in 1992.
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Interfaith and International Calendar 2016.xls
World Mime Day
Multinational
China
23/03/2016 Wednesday Day of Hungarian-Polish Friendship
Day of the Ministry of Environment and Natural
Resources
Day of the Sea (Día del Mar)
24/03/2016 Thursday
Observed in commemoration of the birth on this day in
1923 of the celebrated French mime artist Marcel
Marceau.
The Republic of China was restored on this day in 1916
following the abdication of Yuan Shikai, China's last
Emperor.
Hungary, Poland
Azerbaijan
Bolivia
Fast of Esther (‫ תענית אסתר‬Ta'anit Ester )
Jewish
Holi
Hindu
Lord's Evening Meal
Jehovah's Witness
Magha Puja Day
Buddhist
Pakistan Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﭘﺎﮐﺳﺗﺎﻥ‬Yom-e-Pakistan) or Republic
Day
Pakistan
Spy Wednesday / Holy Wednesday
Christian
World Meteorological Day
Multinational
Multinational
Day of Memory for Truth and Justice (Día de la
Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia)
Argentina
Day of National Revolution (Элдик революция күнү)
Kyrgyzstan
Page 47 of 208
Commemoration of the loss of thousands of square
kilometres of coast line as a result of the War of the
Pacific in 1879.
Commemoration of the fast observed by Esther (‫)אֶ ְס ֵתּר‬
and Mordechai and all of Israel in the story of Purim.
Hindu Spring festival. Also called the 'Festival of
Colours'. The festival involves the lighting of bonfires and
the throwing of coloured powder and water. Local or
regional customs may use a variation of this date.
Alternatively known as the Memorial. It commemorates
the death of Jesus Christ and is the only annual
commemoration observed by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Local or regional customs may use a variation of this
date. Marks the day that Buddha addressed a meeting of
1250 arahants (enlightened saints).
Commemorates the anniversary of the resolution for the
independent Muslim state of Pakistan. In 1956 Pakistan
became the world's first Islamic republic.
The Wednesday of Holy Week. Commemorates the
activities of Judas.
Recognised by the United Nations.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in
India on this day in 1888 by Mīrzā Ghulām Ahmad.
Commemoration of the coup that began the dictatorial
rule of the Proceso in 1976. Commemoration of the
victims of the military dictatorship.
Public holiday in Kyrgyzstan.
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Hola Mohalla
Sikh
International Day for Achievers
International Day for the Right to the Truth
concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for
the Dignity of Victims
Maundy Thursday
Multinational
Multinational
National Tree Planting Day
Student Day
Uganda
Scientology
World Tuberculosis Day
Multinational
Christian
Canada
25/03/2016 Friday
Anniversary of the Arengo and the Feast of the
Militants (Festa delle Milizie)
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
San Marino
International Day of the Unborn Child
Multinational
International Waffle Day
Sweden
Lady Day
UK
Mother's Day
Good Friday
EU Talent Day
Slovenia
Christian
Multinational
Christian
Page 48 of 208
According to the Lunar Calendar. Initially a day for Sikhs
to practise their military exercises and hold mock battles.
Today, Sikhs celebrate by watching and partaking in
martial arts parades, led by the nishan sahibs of the
Gurdwaras. These are then followed by poetry readings
and music.
Recognised by the United Nations.
The day of the Last Supper and the establishment of
Eucharist.
Commemorates the beginning of the Saint Hill Special
Briefing Course in 1961.
Held to raise awareness of the fact that tuberculosis
remains an epidemic in many areas of the world. See
www.stoptb.org/events/world_tb_day/.
On this day in 1837, African men were given the right to
vote in Canada.
Marks the angel Gabriel's message to the Virgin Mary
that she would give birth to the incarnation of Christ. It
also celebrates the incarnation itself as the date falls
nine months before Christmas.
Established by Pope John Paul II to coincide with the
Annuncation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Known in Sweden as 'Våffeldagen'. Celebrated with the
eating of waffles, the day is associated with the
Annunciation of the Virgin Mary ('Our Lady's Day is
nominally similar in some dialects to 'Waffle Day'!).
See above in relation to the Annunciation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary (known as the 'Lady').
Commemoration of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
First held on 2011. Held on 25th March in
commemoration of the Hungarian composer Béla
Bartók, who was born on this day in 1881.
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26/03/2016 Saturday
Freedom Day
Belarus
Independence Day or 25th March (Eikosti-pempti
Martiou)
Struggle for Human Rights Day
Greece, Cyprus
Slovakia
The Abolition of the Slave Trade
UK
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of
Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and
Missing Staff Members
Tolkien Reading Day
Multinational
Commemoration of the creation in 1918 of the
Belarusian People's Republic. This is an unofficial
holiday used for protest against the current Belarus
Government.
Commemoration of Greek independence from the
Ottoman Empire in 1829.
Commemoration of the Candle Demonstration
(sviečková demonštrácia) on this day in 1988 in
Bratislava, the first mass demonstration against the
Communist regime since 1969.
Commemorates the passing on 25th March 1807 of the
Abolition of the Slave Trade Bill in Parliament.
See above. Recognised by the United Nations.
Multinational
Recognised by the United Nations.
Multinational
In 2003, this day was instigated by The Tolkien Society
as a way of encouraging reading of his work. March 25th
was chosen in commemoration of the fall of Sauron in
'The Lord of the Rings'.
The traditional date of the death (circa 33) of Jesus (b.
circa 1 BC in traditional dating).
Traditional date of the start of the new year until the
adoption of the Gregorian Calendar in 1752.
The second day that Jesus rested in the tomb. Holy
Saturday marks the end of Lent. Also known as Black
Saturday.
Lent ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter
Sunday. It lasts in total for 40 days (not counting
Sundays).
Commemoration of independence from Pakistan in 1971
following a nine-month long war (Mukti Juddha or the
Bangladesh Liberation War).
Also known as the Day of Democracy.
Held to raise awareness of epilepsy. People are
encouraged to wear a purple piece of clothing. For
further information, go to http://www.purpleday.org/.
English Saint and Martyr, also known as the 'Pearl of
York'.
Holy Saturday
Christian & other
faiths
UK (England and
Wales)
Christian
Lent ends
Christian
Independence Day (স্বাধীনতা দিবস Shadhinota Dibôsh) Bangladesh
Martyr's Day
Purple Day
Mali
Multinational
St Margaret Clitherow
Catholic Christian
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Austria
USA, Middle East
27/03/2016 Sunday
28/03/2016 Monday
Armed Forces Day (Tatmadaw nei)
Myanmar (Burma)
Clocks go forward
Easter
UK
Christian
The Boat Race
England
Victory Day
Angola
World Theatre Day
Multinational
UK
British Evacuation Day
Libya
Day of National Security
Easter Monday
Azerbaijan
Christian
Family Day
Śmigus Dyngus Day
South Africa
Poland
Pomlázka
Czech Republic /
Slovakia
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The composer Ludwig van Beethoven died on this day in
1827 in his home in Vienna. According to a
contemporary source, his moment of death coincided
with a peal of thunder. 20,000 people lined the streets of
Vienna for his funeral procession three days later.
The historic Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed and
celebrated at a ceremony at the White House in
Washington on this day in 1979.
Commemorates the beginning of resistance by the
Burmese Army to the Japanese occupation in 1945.
Formerly known as Resistance Day.
Start of British Summer Time (BST).
The most important of Christian festivals. A celebration
of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The University Boat Race between Oxford and
Cambridge Universities takes place on the Thames in
London. To date Cambridge have won 81 races to
Oxford's 79, with one dead heat. Oxford won in 2015.
Not an official recognised holiday, but nevertheless
popular and observed. Also known as Angola
Resistance Day.
Created in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute.
The first international rugby match took place on this day
in 1871 in Edinburgh. Scotland defeated England in a
game that lasted 100 minutes.
Commemoration of the evacuation of British forces from
Libya in 1970.
Bank Holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland,
but not in Scotland.
Holiday observed on the Monday after Easter.
Easter Monday in Poland is also known as Śmigus
Dyngus Day. It is an occasion when children traditionally
have water fights. Historically, as well, boys would wake
girls by pouring water over their heads and striking them
with decorated twigs.
Similar traditional activities to Śmigus Dyngus Day (see
above) take place in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
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Khordad Sal (Birth of Prophet Zarathushtra)
Zoroastrian
Serfs Emancipation Day (農奴解放日 / 农奴解放日)
China / Tibet
Teachers Day (Den učitelů, Deň učiteľov)
Czech Republic,
Slovakia
Turkey
29/03/2016 Tuesday
Boganda Day
Central African
Republic
Day of the Young Combatant (Día del joven
combatiente)
Chile
Memorial Day / Commemoration of the 1947
Rebellion
St Gwynllyw
Madagascar
Youth Day (青年節)
Catholic Christian
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
USA
30/03/2016 Wednesday National Doctors' Day
Palestinian Land Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﻷﺭﺽ‬Yom al-Ard)
Spiritual Baptist/Shouter Liberation Day
USA
Palestinian people
Trinidad & Tobago
Multinational
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According to the Fasli Calendar. Zarathushtra was a
Persian prophet who founded the Zoroastrian religion in
the 6th Century BC.
Commemoration of the 51st anniversary of the
establishment of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (on
this date in 1959) and reform of the theocratic based
social system in Tibet.
Held on this day in commemoration of the birth on this
day in 1592 of John Amos Comenius, the Czech
educator and writer.
On this day in 1930, Constantinople and Angora become
Istanbul and Ankara.
Commemoration of the anniversary of the death on this
day in 1959 of Barthélemy Boganda, a leading nationalist
politician in the Central African Republic.
Unofficial remembrance of the assassination of the
Toledo brothers (Rafael and Eduardo Vergara) on this
day in 1985 during the time of the military regime.
Commemoration of the 1947 revolt against French
colonisation.
Known as Gwynllyw Milwr or Gwynllyw Farfog. Welsh
king of the 5th Century and founder/patron saint of the
city of Newport.
A time to remind young people of their country's past
and of heroic accomplishments. Commemorates the
revolutionary Tenth Uprising of 1911.
On this day in 1799, the state of New York passed a law
aimed at gradually abolishing slavery within the state.
Commemorates the killing of six Palestinians in the
Galilee on this day 1976 by Israeli troops during protests
over the confiscation of Palestinian lands.
Celebrates the repeal of laws banning the Spiritual
Baptist faith.
Famous people born on this day include the painters
Francisco Goya (1746) and Vincent van Gogh (1853)
and Scottish actor/comedian Robbie Coltrane (1950).
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31/03/2016 Thursday
Cesar Chavez Day
USA
Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis
Azerbaijan
Freedom Day (Jum il-Ħelsien)
Malta
Hydesville Day
Spiritualist
International Transgender Day of Visibility
Multinational
King Nangklao Memorial Day (วันทีร่ ะลึกพระบาทสมเด็จ
พระนั่งเกล ้าเจ ้าอยูห
่ ัวฯ Wan Thi Raluek Phra Bat Somdet
Phra Nangklao Chao Yuhua)
Transfer Day
Thailand
US Virgin Islands
World Backup Day
Multinational
UK
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Cesar Chavez was an American farm worker, labour
leader and civil rights activist who was born on this day
in 1927.
Commemoration of the events of 1918 when anywhere
between 3,000 and 12,000 Azerbaijanis and other
Muslims were killed.
Commemorates the withdrawal of British troops from
Malta in 1979.
Considered the date of the 'birth of modern Spiritualism',
it commemorates the events on this day in 1848 in
Hydesville, New York when a system of spiritualist
contact was first used.
Founded in 2009 to celebrate trans people and to
increase awareness of transphobia.
Observed since 1998. Commemoration of the birthday of
King Nangklao on this day in 1787.
Commemoration of the transfer of the Islands from
Danish control to that of the USA on this day in 1917.
A day to backup data. Click on
http://www.worldbackupday.com/.
The city of Stoke-on-Trent was formed on this day in
1910 when six individual towns effectively join together.
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APRIL
2016
Date
Day
01/04/2016 Friday
Sacred Time/Event etc
April Fools Day
Civil Service Day (วันข ้าราชการพล
เรือน Wan Kha Ratchakan
Financial/Fiscal Year
Greek Cypriot National Day
Faith/Nation etc
Multinational
Thailand
Islamic Republic Day
Iran
Multicultural Communications
Month begins
Sizdah-Bedar (‫)ﺳﻳﺯﺩﻩ ﺑﺩﺭ‬
Multinational
India, Canada
Cyprus
Iran
Republic of Ireland
International Children's Book Day
Multinational
Malvinas Day (Día de Malvinas)
Argentina
Shabbat Parah (‫)שבת פרה‬
Jewish
Thai Heritage Conservation Day
(วันอนุรักษ์ มรดกไทย Wan Anurak
Moradok Thai)
Unity of People's of Russia and
Belarus Day
Thailand
Belarus
Commemoration of the first Civil Service Act enacted in 1928.
Begins on 1st April.
Commemoration of the national uprising of the Cypriot people for
self-determination that took place on this day in 1955.
Iran became an Islamic Republic in 1979 by a 98% vote, in the
process officially overthrowing the Shah.
Focus on promoting multicultural awareness and communications.
Albania, Croatia
Japan
02/04/2016 Saturday
Other Info
Nature Day. Thirteenth day of the New Year, and marks the end
of Norooz. It is a time for Iranians to give thanks to the creator of
the universe and appreciate the beauty of nature. Also a day for
families to be together due to fears of misfortune. Usually
coincides with the first day of April.
On this day in 2009, Albania and Croatia joined NATO.
Traditionally, the official start of the academic year in most
universities and schools in Japan. Also, the official first day of
work at companies and offices for new university graduates,
marked by welcoming ceremonies and speeches.
On this day in 1949, the 26 counties of the Irish Free State
became the Republic of Ireland.
Celebrated on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday to
help young children develop an understanding of other cultures
through literature.
Also known as Day of the War Veterans and the Fallen in the
Malvinas Islands (Día del Veterano de Guerra y los Caídos en las
Islas Malvinas). Commemoration of the dead of the Falklands
War which began on 2nd April 1982.
Part of the preparation for Passover (Pesach). Begins at sundown
on the previous day (the beginning of the Jewish day).
Actually commemorates the birthday of Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn (on this day in 1955), currently third in line to the Thai
throne.
It is known as Дзень яднання народаў Беларусi i Расii (День
единения народов Беларуси и России)
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03/04/2016 Sunday
04/04/2016 Monday
05/04/2016 Tuesday
World Autism Awareness Day
Multinational
Multinational
Recognised by the United Nations.
Pope John Paul II died on this day in 2005. He was born in 1920.
A Drop of Water - A Grain of Gold
Festival
Divine Mercy Sunday
Octave of Easter
Turkmenistan
Observed on the first Sunday in April.
Catholic Christian
Christian
St Richard of Chichester
Christian
USA
Children's Day (兒童節)
Taiwan and Hong Kong
Ch'ing Ming (清明節 qīngmíngjié)
Chinese
Cold Food Festival (Hansik, 한식)
Korea
Tomb Sweeping Day (清明節)
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Independence Day
Senegal
International Day for Landmine
Awareness and Assistance in Mine
Action
Masters
Multinational
Celebrated on the Octave of Easter.
The Sunday after Easter Sunday. Also known (amongst others)
as Low Sunday and Whitsunday.
Richard is Patron Saint of the county of Sussex.
The world's first mobile phone call was made on this day in 1973
in New York City. The handset weighed two kilos.
Schools often hold special activities on this day and in Taiwan,
the day has been combined with Women's Day.
Chinese Festival of Pure Brightness. Also known as
'Remembrance of Ancestors Day' or 'Grave Sweeping Day'.
Similar observances in Japan and Korea (Hansik).
Traditional Korean holiday, also observed in China and Vietnam.
Koreans traditionally visit the tombs of their ancestors. Coincides
with Arbor Day on non-leap years.
See Ch'ing Ming. This day also coincides with the anniversary of
the death of Chiang Kai-shek in 1975.
Commemoration of the transfer of power agreement signed with
France on this day in 1960.
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly and stemming
from the 2005 World Summit.
Peace Day / Ceasefire Day
Angola
USA
Arbor Day (Sikmogil, 식목일)
South Korea
USA
India
06/04/2016 Wednesday Beginning of the Tax Year
Chakri Memorial Day (Wan Chakri
(วันจักรี))
UK
Thailand
Until 10th April. Golf tournament held at Augusta. The competition
itself runs over four days from 7th to 10th April.
Commemoration of the end of the Angolan Civil War in 2002.
Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated on this day in 1968 in
Memphis, Tennessee.
A public holiday until 2005, though the day is still celebrated.
Associated with the planting and care of trees.
On this day in 1930, Mahatma Gandhi broke British law in an act
of civil disobedience by marching to the sea and making salt.
Commemoration of King Rama I, founder of the Chakri dynasty.
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New Beer's Eve
Organisation of the Church
USA
Mormon Christian
Tartan Day
USA and Canada
Rwanda
Scotland
07/04/2016 Thursday
Death of Toussaint Louverture
Haiti
Founder's Day / Hōnen's Birthday
(shusokotan-e)
Heroes Day
Mother's Day
International Day of Reflection on
the 1994 Genocide in Rwanda
Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day
Buddhist
The Declaration of Arbroath which formally recognised Scottish
independence from England was signed on this day in 1320.
Toussaint Louverture was a leader of the Haitian Revolution. He
died on this day in 1803, though some sources state it was 8th
April.
Hōnen Bo Genku was born on this day in 1133. See 25/01/2016.
Tanzania (Zanzibar)
Armenia
Multinational
Observed in the Zanzibar region only.
Otherwise known as the Day of Maternity and Beauty.
Recognised by the United Nations.
Tanzania
St Henry Walpole
Catholic Christian
St John Baptist de la Salle
Catholic Christian
Commemoration of the assassination of Sheikh Abeid Amani
Karume, the first President of Zanzibar, on this day in 1972.
Henry Walpole, who died on this day in 1595 was an English
Jesuit martyr. He was canonized as one of the Forty Martyrs of
England and Wales.
Feastday of St John Baptist de la Salle, Patron Saint of teachers.
Women's Day
Mozambique
World Health Day
Multinational
Czech Republic
08/04/2016 Friday
Commemoration of the ending of prohibition.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (originally called
the Church of Christ) was founded on this day in 1830 in Fayette,
New York, USA.
Celebrates the links between Scotland and Scottish descendants
overseas. Observed in the USA and Canada on 6th April and on
1st July in the rest of the world.
The Rwandan genocide began on this day in 1994 following the
shooting down of the aircraft carrying Rwandan president Juvénal
Habyarimana and Burundian president Cyprien Ntaryamira.
Fast and Prayer Day
First Day of Rajab (‫)ﺭﺟﺏ‬
Liberia
Islam
Commemorates Josina Machel, who died on this day in 1970 in
armed combat fighting Portuguese forces. A day to celebrate
women's achievements in Mozambique and to reflect on their
fight for equal rights.
Celebrated by members of the World Health Organisation to
emphasise global health issues. First observed in 1948.
The oldest university in Central Europe, Charles University in
Prague, was founded on this day in 1348.
Observed on the second Friday in April.
Seventh month in the Islamic Calendar.
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Hanamatsuri
Japan
Hindi & Telugu New Year
Chaitra Navratri begins
Hindu
Hindu
Day of Silence (Hari Raya Nyepi
(Tahun Baru Saka))
Bali & Hindu
Ougadi
India, Mauritius
Ugadi
Hindu
Ramayana Week begins
Hindu
Roma Nation Day
Multinational
World Entrepreneurship Day
Multinational
Greece
09/04/2016 Saturday
Baghdad Liberation Day
Iraq
Danmarks besættelse
Denmark
Day of the Finnish Language
Finland
Day of National Unity (ეროვნული
ერთიანობის დღე)
Georgia
The Japanese celebration of Buddha's birth. Hanamatsuri means
'Flower Festival' and on this day fresh flowers are taken to
temples in towns and cities across Japan.
Festival in the month of Chaitri honouring the Goddess Maa
Durga (Mother Durga). Characterised by nine days of fasting. The
first day of the Chaitri month is Ugadi.
Hindu New Year in the Balinese Calendar and a day of selfreflection, fasting and meditation. In Bali, tourists are not allowed
to leave their hotel complex on this day.
The Telegu (or Telugu) New Year. Telegu is a language primarily
spoken in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. There is also a
diaspora population of Telegu speakers in Mauritius.
Hindu Spring New Year celebrated in Southern India in particular.
Also called Yugaadi.
Until 15/04/2016. Many devotees read the entire Ramayana
during the nine day period. Some will fast but will maintain a fruit
and mild diet.
A celebration of the 41st anniversary of the First World Romani
Congress (held in Britain in 1971). Alternatively known as
International Day of the Roma or International Romani Day.
Observed on the second Friday in April. For further information go
to http://www.worldeshipday.com/.
The world famous Venus de Milo was discovered on this day in
1820 on the island of Melos (Milos) in the Aegean Sea.
Commemoration of the liberation of the country from the rule of
Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Literally meaning 'Denmark's Occupation'. This day
commemorates the invasion of the country by Germany forces in
World War Two.
Duel commemoration of the birthday of Elias Lönnrot (writer of
the Finnish national poem Kalevala) and the death on this day in
1557 of Mikael Agricola, known as the 'the father of Finnish
written language'.
National holiday to commemorate the events of 9th April 1989
when anti-Soviet demonstrations where quelled by the Soviet
Army leading to the death of 20 people.
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Day of Valour (Araw ng Kagitingan)
The Philippines
Also known as 'Bataan Day', it commemorates captured soldiers
taken by Japanese forces during the Bataan Death March in the
Second World War in 1942. Since the beginning of the
Presidency of Benigno Aquino III, it has been observed on 9th
April. It used to be observed on the Monday nearest to 9th April.
Grand National
Multinational
The world's most famous horse-racing steeplechase takes place
at Aintree in Liverpool.The winning horse in 2015 was Many
Clouds, trained by Oliver Sherwood. The winning jockey was
Irishman Leighton Aspell, who also won in 2014.
First day of the second month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
First month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Seventh month
of the civil year.
Commemoration of those killed in 1938.
Commemorates the day when Matsya Avatar, the first incarnation
(avatar) of Lord Vishnu, appeared on the Earth.
Sabbath prior to the beginning of the Jewish month of Nisan.
Begins at sundown on the previous day (the beginning of the
Jewish day).
Spring Purification Festival. Also known as Double Third Festival.
Also traditionally, Chinese Women's Day (妇女节fùnǚjié). A day
for cleaning and going on an outing.
Observed since 2003 to commemorate the actions of members of
the Canadian Corps at the First World War battle in 1917.
On this day in 1969, Sikh busmen in Wolverhampton won the
right to wear turbans and have long beards on duty after a longrunning campaign against the town's Transport Committee.
Bahá'í
Feast of Jalál (‫ ﺟﻼﻝ‬Glory)
First Day of the Month of Nisan (‫ )נִ יסָ ן‬Jewish
Martyrs Day
Matsya Jayanti
Tunisia
Hindu
Shabbat HaChodesh (‫)שבת החדש‬
Jewish
Shangsi Festival (上巳节 shāng sì
jié)
Chinese
Vimy Ridge Day
Canada
UK
10/04/2016 Sunday
Day of the Builder
Second Sunday after Easter
Siblings Day
William of Ockham
Azerbaijan
Christian
USA
Christian / England
UK
11/04/2016 Monday
Juan Santamaría Day
Costa Rica
Uganda
Commemoration to honour the relationships of siblings.
Considered to be a major thinker of his day, William of Ockham
was an English Franciscan friar.
William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army was born on this
day in 1829 in Sneinton, Nottingham.
Commemorates the death on this day in 1856 of Juan
Santamaría, the national hero of Costa Rica. He died during the
second Battle of Rivas which also gives its name to this day.
Ugandan President Idi Amin was deposed on this day in 1979.
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12/04/2016 Tuesday
Children's Day
Children's Day
Global Day of Action on Military
Spending
International Day for Street Children
Bolivia
Haiti
Multinational
National Redemption Day
Liberia
Yuri's Night
Multinational
Multinational
Great Britain
13/04/2016 Wednesday Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Cambodia
Thmey)
Laos
Songkan (ສົງການ)
Thailand
Songkran (วันสงกรานต์)
Water Festival (Thingyan)
Myanmar (Burma)
Day of Remembrance for Victims of Poland and others
the Katyń Massacre
Jefferson's Birthday
USA
Teachers Day
Ecuador
Great Britain
USA
14/04/2016 Thursday
Ambedkar Jayanti
India
Celebrated for the first time in 2011. For more information click on
http://www.streetchildrenday.org/
Commemoration of the anniversary of the military coup led by
Samuel Doe on this day in 1980.
Commemoration of the first human being in space (Yuri Gagarin
in 1961) and the first Space Shuttle launch (1981). A day to focus
on space exploration. Also known as Cosmonautics Day (День
Космонавтики).
The 'Union Jack' was adopted as the official flag of Great Britain
on this day in 1606.
The holiday usually begins on 13th April (though sometimes the
14th) and lasts for three days.
Lao New Year.
Thailand's New Year's Day in former times. Consists of three
days of parades, beauty contests, traditional meals, waterthrowing and colourful costumes. This day is also the first day in
the Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey).
Runs until 16th April. Celebrates and brings in the Burmese New
Year. (Dates may vary)
The Katyń Massacre (zbrodnia katyńska) was the mass murder
of Polish nationals by members of the Soviet NKVD in the Katyń
Forest in Russia in April-May 1940. The number of victims was
around 22,000.
Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States was
born on this day in 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia.
Celebration in honour of the Ecuadorian educator Juan Montalvo.
On this day in 1829, Parliament granted freedom of religion to
Roman Catholics.
On this day in 1963, Sidney Poitier became the first black winner
of the Best Actor Oscar.
Observed in many of the Indian states. Commemoration of
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a Buddhist Indian politician,
philosopher, historian, scholar and activist who was born on this
day in 1891.
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Baisakhi (Vaisakhi)
Sikh, Hindu
First Day of Vaisakh (ਵੈਸਾਖ)
Sikh
Birthday of Guru Nanak
Sikh
Black Day (블랙데이)
South Korea
Day of the Americas
Honduras
Pan-American Day
Day of the Georgian Language
Mahl Language Day
Haiti
Georgia
Maldives
N'Ko Alphabet Day
West Africa
Tamil and Bengali New Years Day
India, Bangladesh
New Year Festivals
Youth Day
South and South East Asia
Angola
USA
15/04/2016 Friday
Army Day
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Day of the Sun (Chosŏn'gŭl: 태양절)
North Korea
New Year Festival. Also a commemoration of the founding of the
Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh (the tenth Sikh Guru).
Vaisakh is the second month in the Nanakshahi Calendar. The
creation of the Khalsa (the Sikh Brotherhood) is also
commemorated on Vaisakh 1.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Celebration of the birth of
the founder of the Sikh religion in 1469. Parkash is a term that is
used to refer to birth, though it actually means 'light, radiance,
expansion etc'. See also 14/11/2016 for this celebration in the
Lunar Calendar.
A day for single people to get together, traditionally by eating
noodles with black bean sauce.
Dates from 1931. Observed by American nations as a symbol of
the unity and cohesion of the American continent.
See above.
Observed since 1990.
Mahl is a major dialect of the Dhivehi language, spoken in the
Maldivian capital, Malé.
N'Ko refers to a script, a writing system and a literary language
for the Mandé languages of West Africa. The script was believed
to have been finalised on this day in 1949.
Following the Hindu zodiac and celebrated according to the
sidereal vernal equinox. The former is celebrated in the South
Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and the latter in Bangladesh and the
East Indian state of West Bengal.
A celebration of Angolan young people. Linked to the Popular
Movement for the Liberation of Angola-Youth Movement or
JMPLA, whose Second Congress was held on this day in 1987.
On this day in 1775, The first abolition society in North America
was established. The "Society for the Relief of Free Negroes
Unlawfully Held in Bondage" was organized in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania by Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush.
The Army of the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina was formed on
this day in 1992, at the beginning of the Bosnian War.
The birthday of Kim Il-sung, founder and supreme leader of North
Korea until his death in 1994.
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USA
Liberation of Bergen-Belsen
Germany
Rama Navami
Hindu
Swaminarayan Jayanti
Hindu
Universal Day of Culture
World Art Day
Multinational
Multinational
The Atlantic Ocean
Niger
UK
16/04/2016 Saturday
Commemoration of the debut of baseball player Jackie Robinson,
the first African-American in the sport's modern history. Initiated
in 2004.
The Nazi concentration camp was liberated by British and
Canadian troops on this day in 1945.
Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.
Birthday of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of
the Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana.
Celebration of the birthday of Lord Swaminarayan (1781 - 1830),
the founder of the Swaminarayan tradition.
Jackie Robinson Day
Birthday of José de Diego y Benítez Puerto Rico
(Natalicio de José de Diego)
Birthday of Queen Margrethe II
(Dronningens fødselsdag)
Gurgadi Guru Amar Das
Denmark
Gurgadi Guru Tegh Bahadur
Sikh
Jotijot Guru Angad Sahib
Sikh
Sikh
First held in 2012.
On this day in 1912, the RMS Titanic, then the world's largest
ocean liner, sank in the North Atlantic with the loss of 1,517
people.
On this day in 1974 a military coup d'état took place in Niger. It
overthrew the country's first postcolonial government.
On this day in 1989, 96 people, supporters of Liverpool Football
Club, died in a human crush at Hillsborough, Sheffield. The
Hillsborough Disaster is the worst stadium disaster in British
history.
José de Diego y Benítez - born on this day in 1866 - was a poet,
politician and a leading proponent of Puerto Rican independence
from both Spain and the USA.
Denmark's current monarch was born on this day in 1940.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi
phrase used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends
to Guruship and is installed as a Guru. Guru Amar Das became
the third Sikh Guru on this day in 1552.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi
phrase used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends
to Guruship and is installed as a Guru. Guru Tegh Bahadur
became the ninth Sikh Guru on this day in 1665.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not only to
'physical death' but with the subsequent accession to heaven and
the re-joining of the Guru with God, given the immortality of the
soul. Guru Angad Sahib became jotijot in 1552.
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Jotijot Guru Har Krishan
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not only to
'physical death' but with the subsequent accession to heaven and
the re-joining of the Guru with God, given the immortality of the
soul. Guru Har Krishan became jotijot in 1664.
Memorial Day for the Victims of the Hungary
Holocaust (A holokauszt áldozatainak
emléknapja)
Jewish
Shabbat HaGadol (‫)שבת הגדול‬
17/04/2016 Sunday
World Snooker Championships
begin
UK
World Voice Day
Multinational
UK (Scotland)
Burmese New Year (Hnit hsan ta yet
nei)
Myanmar (Burma)
FAO Day
Flag Day
Independence Day (‫‘ ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﺟﻼء‬Īd alĞalā’)
Iraq
American Samoa
Syria
Memorial Day
Cambodia
Third Sunday after Easter
Women's Day
World Haemophilia Day
Christian
Gabon
Multinational
The Netherlands, The Isles
of Scilly
Observed since 2001. Specific commemoration of the events of
this day in 1944 when the Jews of Subcarpathia were rounded up
and forcedi into ghettos.
Sabbath immediately prior to Passover (Pesach). Begins at
sundown on the previous day (the beginning of the Jewish day).
To 2nd May. Snooker's premier tournament takes place at The
Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The champion in 2015 was
England's Stuart Bingham.
Initiated in 1999.
The Battle of Culloden, the last pitched battle to be fought on
British soil, took place on this day in 1746.
Held over the course of four days including the three-day Water
Festival (Thingyan) that precedes it. New Year in the Burmese
Calendar. (Dates may vary)
Commemorates the evacuation of the last French troops in 1946.
A national holiday in Syria, also known as Evacuation Day.
A national holiday in Cambodia to commemorate the fall of the
Lon Nol dictatorship on this day in 1975 and the beginning of what
would become the Cambodian Genocide under Pol Pot's Khmer
Rouge regime. Otherwise known as Genocide Commemoration
Day.
Also the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
Recognised by the United Nations.
A 335-year war between The Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly in
which there were no casualties and not a single shot fired, was
finally declared over on this day in 1986. For further information,
go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Hundred_and_Thirty_Five_Year
s%27_War.
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18/04/2016 Monday
Army Day (Rouz-e Artesh)
Iran
Birthday of Guru Angad Dev
Sikh
Birthday of Guru Tegh Bahadur
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Tegh Bahadur was
the ninth of the Sikh Gurus. Parkash is a term that is used to refer
to birth, though it actually means 'light, radiance, expansion etc'.
Independence Day
International Day for Monuments
and Sites
Invention Day
Zimbabwe
Multinational
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1980.
Approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983.
Japan
Queen's Birthday
St Helena, Ascension and
Tristan da Cunha
Switzerland
Declared by the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and
Industry in 1954.
Observed on the third Monday in April. The monarch is Queen
Elizabeth II.
Observed on the third Monday in April. Spring Festival in Zürich
involving the burning of Böögg a snowman effigy that symbolises
Winter.
Commemoration of the Republic of Ireland Act in which the Irish
Free State became a Republic and withdrew from the British
Commonwealth. The Act came into force on this day in 1949.
Also Day of the Indian. Commemoration of the coup of 1810 and
the beginning of the Venezuelan Independence Movement.
Sechseläuten
18th April was designated 'Army Day' in 1980 by the late founder
of the Islamic republic, Ayatollah Ruholla Khomeini.
Characterised by the parading of army units in front of members
of the administration.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Angad Dev was the
second of the Sikh Gurus. Parkash is a term that is used to refer
to birth, though it actually means 'light, radiance, expansion etc'.
Republic of Ireland
19/04/2016 Tuesday
Declaration of Independence Day or Venezuela
April 19th (19 de abril)
USA
Dutch-American Friendship Day
USA
Education and Sharing Day
Indian Day (Dia do Índio)
Brazil
King Mswati III's Birthday
Landing of the 33 Patriots Day
(Desembarco de los 33 Orientales)
National Health Day
Swaziland
Uruguay
Commemoration of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (the
Lubavitcher Rebbe) and his dedication to education and sharing
in Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Takes place on 11
Nissan in the Jewish Calendar.
Commemorates the native, indigenous peoples of Brazil. Also
known as Native Day.
Commemorates the landing of 33 exiles in 1825. They then
began a campaign leading to Uruguay's independence.
Kiribati
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Primrose Day
UK
Sri Mahavir Jayanti
Jain
Belgium
20/04/2016 Wednesday L Ron Hubbard Exhibition Day
21/04/2016 Thursday
Scientology
Peppercorn Day
Bermuda
UN Chinese Language Day
Multinational
UK
Anniversary of His Imperial Majesty Rastafari
(HIM) Haile Selassie's visit to
Jamaica.
First Day of Ridvan
Bahá'í
Iceland
First Day of Summer
(Sumardagurinn fyrsti)
Heroic defence of Veracruz (Heroica Mexico
Defensa de Veracruz)
Indonesia
Kartini Day
Natale di Roma
Italy
National Tree Planting Day
Queen's Actual Birthday
Kenya
UK
Commemorates the death on this day in 1881 of Benjamin
Disraeli. Primroses were his favourite flower, and on this day,
they are placed on Disraeli's statue in front of Westminster Abbey
in London.
The Kingdom of Belgium was established through the Treaty of
London on this day in 1839.
Commemorates the opening of the exhibition on this day in 1991
devoted to the life of L Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology.
Observed on the Wednesday closest to 23rd April. This holiday
dates from 1797 when one peppercorn was collected as rent for
the Old State House in St George.
Established by UNESCO in 2010.
On this day in 1968, English politician Enoch Powell made his
controversial 'Rivers of Blood' speech.
Also known as Grounation Day. The visit of the HIM Haile
Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia, took place in 1966. From that
date, 21st April became a holy day. Rastafarians believe HIM
Haile Selassie is God, and that he will return to Africa members of
the black community who are living in exile.
The most important Bahá'í festival. A twelve-day festival to
celebrate the occasion when Bahá'u'lláh said that he was the
prophet predicted by the Báb during a period of rest in the garden
called Ridvan (Paradise) in Baghdad, Iraq. Usually begins at
sundown the day before.
Observed on the first Thursday after 18th April. A public holiday in
Iceland, celebrated with a carnival.
Commemoration of the occupation of Veracruz by United States
forces in 1914.
Commemoration of the birth and achievements of Raden Ayu
Kartini, considered a national heroine. She was born on this day
in 1879.
Commemoration of the founding of Rome on this day in the year
753 BCE (traditional).
Queen Elizabeth II was born on this day in 1926.
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Tiradentes
Brazil
A national holiday in Brazil. The day commemorates the hanging
in 1792 of Tiradentes, a member of a Brazilian independence
movement.
Vietnam
Vietnam Book Day (Ngày sách Việt
Nam)
World Creativity and Innovation Day Multinational
Brazil
22/04/2016 Friday
Discovery Day
Brazil
Earth Day
Multinational
Erev Pesach (Passover)
Jewish
General Prayer Day (Store Bededag) Christian / Denmark
General Prayer Day (Store Bededag) Greenland
Dýri biðidagur
Hanuman Jayanti
Faroe Islands
Hindu
Therevadin Buddhist New Year
Buddhist
Russia
23/04/2016 Saturday
International Day of the Book
Multinational
Canada Book Day
Lazarus Saturday
Canada
Orthodox Christian
Celebrations actually begin on 15th April, the birthday of
Leonardo da Vinci.
Brasília became the capital city of Brazil on this day in 1960,
replacing Rio de Janeiro.
Portuguese navigator Pedro Álvares Cabral became the first
European to sight Brazil on this day in 1500.
Celebrated in many countries for the purpose of raising
awareness and appreciation of the Earth's environment. Also
known as International Mother Earth Day.
Eve of Pesach (Passover). Also the Fast of the Firstborn (Ta'anit
Bechorot/‫)תענית בכורות‬, commemorating the salvation of the
firstborns as told in the Book of Exodus.
Commemorated on the fourth Friday after Easter, General Prayer
Day gathers into one day a number of minor Christian holy days.
A statutory holiday in Denmark, it was introduced in the Danish
Church in 1686.
See above.
See General Prayer Day (Store Bededag) above.
Marks the birthday of the Monkey God, Hanuman. Regional
customs or moon sightings may use a variation of this date.
New Year festival for Theravada Buddhists celebrated for three
days from the first full moon day in April. Regional customs or
moon sightings may use a variation of this date.
On this day in 1912, 'Pravda' (which translates as 'truth'), the
newspaper of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union, began
publication in St Petersburg.
Also known as World Book and Copyright Day. Recognised by
the United Nations. See 03/03/2016 for World Book Day in the
UK and Ireland.
See above.
A celebration of the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus.
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Turkey
People's Republic of China
Jewish
St Adelbert of Prague
St George's Day
Christian
Christian
UN English Language Day
Multinational
Namibia
24/04/2016 Sunday
Commemorates the constitution and opening of the first national
parliament (the Turkish National Assembly) in Turkey in 1920.
National Sovereignty and
Children's Day (Ulusal Egemenlik ve
Çocuk Bayramı)
Navy Day
Pesach (‫ פסח‬Passover) begins
Concord Day
Niger
Democracy Day
Nepal
Easter Rising
Ireland
Fourth Sunday after Easter
Vocations Sunday
Genocide Remembrance Day
(Եղեռնի զոհերի հիշատակի օր)
Christian
Christian
Armenia
Kapyong Day
Australia
London Marathon
UK
National Day
Vatican City
15th Nisan in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar. Begins at sundown
the day before and lasts for seven days in Israel (and in Orthodox
Jewish communities), and eight in the remainder of the Jewish
Diaspora. Commemorates the exodus from Egypt (led by Moses)
and the saving of the Children of Israel.
Patron Saint of Bohemia, Poland, Hungary and Prussia.
Patron Saint of England. St George is also Patron Saint of a
number of countries, regions and cities including the Aragon and
Catalonia regions of Spain, Georgia, Portugal, Serbia, Bulgaria,
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moscow and Beirut.
Observed on this day in commemoration of the traditional
birthdate of William Shakespeare (23rd April 1564).
On this day in 1990, Namibia became the 160th member of the
United Nations and the fiftieth member of the Commonwealth of
Nations.
Commemoration of the peace accords that ended the Tuareg
Rebellion in 1995.
Commemorates the reinstitution of Parliament on this day in 2006.
The Easter Rising instigated by the Irish Republican Brotherhood
and also involving the Irish Volunteers and Irish Citizen Army
began in Dublin on this day in 1916.
Usually observed on the fourth Sunday after Easter.
To commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide in the
period 1915-1917. It is estimated that the number of people who
died during the genocide was between one and one and a half
million.
Commemoration of the Battle of Kapyong of 1951 during the
Korean War.
First held in 1981. In 2015, the Men's elite race was won by Eliud
Kipchoge of Kenya. Tigust Tufa of Ethiopia won the Women's
elite race.
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Palm Sunday
Republic Day
Orthodox Christian
Gambia
Turkmen Racing Horse Festival
World Day for Laboratory Animals
Turkmenistan
Multinational
France
25/04/2016 Monday
ANZAC Day
Australia / New Zealand /
Samoa
Arbor Day
Army Day
DNA Day
Flag Day
Flag Day
Holy Week starts
Huntingdonshire Day
Germany
North Korea
Multinational
Faroe Islands
Swaziland
Orthodox Christian
UK
Liberation Day (Festa della
Liberazione)
Liberty Day (Dia da Liberdade)
Italy
Parental Alienation Awareness Day
USA and Canada
Red Hat Society Day
Multinational
Rogation Day
Sinai Liberation Day
St Mark's Day
Catholic Christian
Egypt
Christian
World Malaria Day or Malaria
Awareness Day
World Penguin Day
Multinational
Portugal
Multinational
France
The Gambia became a republic within the Commonwealth of
Nations in 1970.
Observed on the last Sunday in April.
Recognised by the United Nations.
The first episode of tank-to-tank combat took place on this day in
1918 during the First World War. The location was VillersBretonneux in France.
Commemorates the landing of ANZAC troops in the Dardanelles
(Gallipoli) in 1915 during the First World War. A commemoration
of the dead of both World Wars.
Also Military Foundation Day.
A celebration of the county of Huntingdonshire. Commemorates
the birth of Oliver Cromwell in Huntingdon on this day in 1599.
Commemoration of the liberation of Italy from Nazi Germany.
Commemorates the re-establishment of democracy in 1974. Also
known as the Carnation Revolution.
Campaign to raise awareness of parental alienation.
The Red Hat Society was originally founded as a social
organisation for women aged 50 years and over, but is now open
to women of all ages.
Major Rogation Day.
Commemorates the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Sinai.
Traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of St Mark.
Particularly associated with Venice (of whom St Mark is the
Patron Saint).
Designated by President Bush of the USA in 2007, World Malaria
Day is recognised by the World Health Organisation.
The French National Anthem, La Marseillaise, was written on this
day in 1792 by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle.
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26/04/2016 Tuesday
Belarus
Day of Remembrance of the
Chernobyl Tragedy
Old Permic Alphabet Day
Multinational
Union Day
World Intellectual Property Day
Tanzania
Multinational
Spain
27/04/2016 Wednesday Administrative Professionals' Day
USA
Day of Uprising Against Occupation Slovenia
(dan upora proti okupatorju)
28/04/2016 Thursday
Freedom Day
South Africa
Independence Day
Togo
King's Day (Koningsdag)
The Netherlands
National War Veterans Day
(Veteraanipäivä)
Finland
Republic Day
Sierra Leone
World Graphics Day
Multinational
South Africa
Feast of Jamál (‫ ﺟﻣﺎﻝ‬Beauty)
National Day of Mourning
Bahá'í
Canada
Approximately 60% of the fallout from the disaster in 1986 landed
on Belarus.
Coincides with the Feast Day of Stephen of Perm (Стефан
Пермский), creator of the Old Permic Script writing system.
Commemorates the alliance between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Established by the World Intellectual Property Organization in
2001 to "raise awareness of the role of intellectual property in our
daily lives, and to celebrate the contribution made by innovators
and artists to the development of societies across the globe".
On this day in 1937, the Basque town of Guernica was bombed
by the German Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War. The event
was famously commemorated in art by Pablo Picasso.
Observed on the Wednesday of the last full week in April.
Formerly known as Secretary's Day.
Marks the establishment of the Liberation Front in 1941 which
fought the German, Italian and Hungarian occupation.
It celebrates freedom and commemorates the first democratic
post-apartheid elections in 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela
elected as President.
Commemoration of independence from France on this day in
1960.
Celebrated on this date in commemoration of the birthday of the
new King of The Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, who became his
country's new monarch on 30th April 2013. If 27th April is a
Sunday, King's Day is celebrated on the 26th.
Commemoration of the effective ending of the Second World War
in Finland, with the last German troops expelled from Finnish
Lapland.
Commemorates the country becoming independent of the United
Kingdom and a republic on this day in 1961.
Alternatively known as World Graphic Design Day.
On this day in 1950, the Group Areas Act was passed in South
Africa, formally segregating races.
First day of the third month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work (also
commemorated on 28th April) developed from this Canadian
commemoration.
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Orthodox Christian
Holy Thursday
International Workers' Memorial Day Multinational
29/04/2016 Friday
Multinational
World Day for Safety and Health at
Work
International Astronomy Day
National Heroes' Day
Restoration of Sovereignty Day
(主権回復の日 Shuken kaifuku no hi)
Sardinia's Day (Sa die de sa Sardinia)
Italy (Sardinia)
Arbor Day
Former Soviet Union
USA
Multinational
Barbados
Japan
Day of Remembrance for all Victims Multinational
of Chemical Warfare
USA
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow
A public holiday in Barbados.
First observed in 2013. Commemoration of the end of the
American occupation of Japan on this day in 1952.
National' Day of Sardinia. A celebration of the Uprising held on
this day in 1794
Azerbaijan was added to the Soviet Union on this day in 1920.
Observed on the last Friday in April. It is traditional to plant a tree
on Arbor Day.
Recognised by the United Nations.
To 30th April. A celebration of Native American culture, held at
the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
Holy Friday
International Dance Day
Orthodox Christian
Multinational
Good Friday in the Orthodox Calendar.
Promoted by the International Dance Council and held since 1982.
Liberation of Dachau
Germany
Ninth Day of Ridvan
Shōwa Day (昭和の日 Shōwa no hi)
Bahá'í
Japan
The Nazi concentration camp was liberated by US troops on this
day in 1945.
Marks the arrival of Bahá'u'lláh's family at the Ridvan garden.
A commemoration of the birthday of the Shōwa Emperor
(Emperor Hirohito).
Riots began in Los Angeles on this day in 1992 following the
acquittal of police officers charged with excessive force in the
beating of Rodney King. Over the next three days 54 people were
killed and hundreds of buildings were destroyed.
In commemoration of the founding of the Georgian Armed Forces
in 1991.
It is traditional to give small presents to children in Mexico on this
day.
USA
30/04/2016 Saturday
Originated in Canada. Commemoration of the anniversary of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act in the USA and the day that
28 people were killed in a construction incident in Connecticut,
USA.
Related to the above.
Armed Forces Day (შეიარაღებული
ძალების დღე)
Children's Day (Día del Niño)
Georgia
Mexico
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Consumer Protection Day (วัน
คุ ้มครองผู ้บริโภค Wan Khumkhrong
Phu Borophok)
Flag Day (Konungens födelsedag)
Thailand
Observed since 1980.
Sweden
Gahambar Maidyozarem
Zoroastrian (Fasli)
Commemoration of the birthday of King Carl XVI Gustav on this
day in 1946.
Mid-Spring Feast. Gahambar means 'proper season', and these
seasonal festivals occur six times every year. They are observed
for five days.
Holy Saturday
Honesty Day
Orthodox Christian
USA
International Jazz Day
Last Day of Passover
Multinational
Jewish
Mahavira Jayanti
Jain
Iran
National Persian Gulf Day
Reunification Day (Ngày Thống nhất) Vietnam
St James the Great Day
Orthodox Christian
Teachers Day (Día del Maestro)
Walpurgis Night
Paraguay
Germany, Finland, Sweden,
Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia,
Romania and the Czech
Republic
UK
An American celebration of the honesty of past Presidents and an
encouragement of people to be honest and accepting of honesty.
First observed in 2012.
22nd Nisan in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar in relation to the
Jewish Diaspora (outside of Israel and Orthdox communities).
Passover lasts for seven days with respect to the latter, therefore
ending on 21st Nisan.
Anniversary of the birth of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar and
the "founder" of modern Jainism.
Marked by various ceremonies throughout the country.
Commemorates the anniversary of North Vietnamese troops
capturing Saigon in 1975, thus bringing the Vietnam War to a
close. Also known as Liberation Day (Ngày Giải phóng) or Victory
Day (Ngày Chiến thắng).
Christian recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James the
Great in 44 AD. See 25/07/2016 for observation in Western
Christian churches.
A welcoming of Spring on the eve of May Day. Celebrated by
bonfires. In the Czech Republic, 30th April is known as
Čarodějnice and alludes to the 'burning of witches'.
Anne Frank's Diary was published in English (under the title 'Diary
of a Young Girl') for the first time on this day in 1952.
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MAY 2016
Date
Day
01/05/2016 Sunday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Armed Forces Day
Asian Pacific American Heritage
Month
Beltane
Faith/Nation etc
Mauritania
USA
Calan Mai
Wales
Constitution Day
Constitution Day
Constitution Day
Easter
Argentina
Latvia
Marshall Islands
Orthodox Christian Also called Pascha. The most important of Christian festivals. A celebration
of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Christian
Christian
Rogation Days are traditionally reserved for solemn processions invoking
the mercy of God. Traditionally this involved fasting and the blessing of
crops. Observed on the fifth Sunday after Easter.
India (Gujarat)
Bombay State was divided into two (Gujarat and Maharashtra) on this day in
1960. The division was made for language reasons.
USA
Commemoration of the role and achievement of Jewish Americans.
USA
An American commemoration of the important role of the law in the
country's foundation and ongoing development.
USA
An American commemoration encouraging and reaffirming loyalty to the
nation.
India (Maharashtra) Celebration in the Indian state of Maharashtra, situated on the Western
coast of India. Statehood was attained on this day in 1960.
Multinational
Observed as both the beginning of Spring and as a celebration in honour of
workers and workers movements.
Multinational
Commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, USA, and this
event's connection to a larger celebration of the social and economic
achievements of the international labour movement.
Kazakhstan
Locally known as Қазақстан халқының бірлігі мерекесі / Праздник
единства народа Казахстана.
Haiti
Fifth Sunday after Easter
Rogation Sunday
Gujarat Day
Jewish American Heritage Month
Law Day
Loyalty Day
Maharashtra Day
May Day
International Workers Day
Kazakhstan People's Unity Day
Labour and Agriculture Day
Pagan
Other Info
Held in May to commemorate and honour the contribution made to the USA
of people with Asian and Pacific Islands descent.
Beltane' is a Celtic word meaning 'fires of Bel' (Bel being a Celtic deity). It is
a fire festival that celebrates the coming of summer and the fertility of the
coming year, though Beltane is also associated with courtship and sexuality.
Pagans celebrate Beltane with maypole dances, symbolizing the mystery of
the Sacred Marriage of Goddess and God.
The first day of summer. Bonfires are lit the night before as at Calan Gaeaf
(see 01/11/2016).
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Labour and Solidarity Day (Emek
ve Dayanışma Günü)
Labour Day (Darba svētki)
Turkey
Labour Day (Laodongjie 劳动节)
Święto Państwowe / Święto Pracy
Chinese
Poland
Vappu Day
St Joseph the Worker
Mimouna (‫)מימונה‬
Finland
Catholic Christian
Jewish
Mother's Day (Motinos diena)
Mother's Day
Lithuania
Portugal, Spain,
Hungary,
Mozambique
Czech Republic
National Love Day
Latvia
British Colonies
Europe
Latvians commemorate not only the international observation of May Day,
but also the convocation of the country's constitutional assembly which
occurred on this day in 1920.
Labour Day. State Holiday in Poland.
Vappu Day combines a celebration of workers with that of Spring.
A tradition North African Jewish celebration and commemoration of the start
of spring and the return to eating leavened bread (chametz). Held the day
after Passover - therefore 22nd Nisan in Israel and for Orthodox
communities, 23rd Nisan for the Jewish Diaspora.
Observed on the first Sunday in May.
Observed on the first Sunday in May.
A Czech tradition is for lovers to kiss by the statute of the poet Karel Hynek
Mácha (whose best known work is entitled 'Máj' - May) in Prague.
Slavery was officially abolished in the British colonies on this day in 1834.
The so-called Accession 8 countries (the Czech Republic, Estonia,
Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia) joined Cyprus
and Malta in becoming members of the European Union on this day in 2004.
Great Britain
02/05/2016 Monday
Bank Holiday
Birthday of Guru Arjan Dev
Flag Day (Dzień Flagi
Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej)
Indonesia National Education Day
(Hardiknas)
Labour Day (Lá an Lucht Oibre)
The Kingdom of Great Britain was formed by the Act of Union between
England and Scotland on this day in 1707.
UK
Early May Bank Holiday.
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth of the
Sikh Gurus. Parkash is a term that is used to refer to birth, though it actually
means 'light, radiance, expansion etc'.
Poland
Official holiday in Poland to honour the nation's flag. First observed in 2004
and established in order to educate the Polish people about the history and
significance of national symbols. The Polish diaspora outside Poland and
the Polish Senate also observe Polonia Day on May 2nd.
Indonesia
Initiated by the educationalist Ki Hajar Dewantara (who was born on this day
in 1889), the day has been celebrated since 1908.
Republic of Ireland Observed on the first Monday in May. First observed in 1994.
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Last day of Ridvan
Bahá'í
Mother's Day
Sham el-Nessim (‫)ﺷﻡ ﺍﻟﻧﺳﻳﻡ‬
Samoa
Egypt
Teachers Day
Bhutan, Iran
Europe
03/05/2016 Tuesday
The twelfth day of Ridvan. Marks Bahá'u'lláh's departure from the Ridvan
garden. Usually begins at sundown the day before.
Observed on the first Monday in May.
Literally meaning 'sniffing the air' or 'breathing the air', this public holiday
occurs on the Monday after Orthodox Easter. Celebrated by Christians and
Muslims, Egyptians will spend the day at picnics eating traditional foods of
the day (e.g. Fiseekh, lettuce, boiled eggs).
In Iran, Teachers Day (Rooz-e Moalem) commemorates the martyrdom of
the scholar and politician Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari.
The European Central Bank was founded in Brussels on this day in 1998.
Constitution Day
National 3rd May Holiday /
Constitution Day (Święto Narodowe
Trzeciego Maja / Święto Konstytucji
Trzeciego Maja)
National Teacher's Day
Lithuania
Poland
Lithuania's first constitution was adopted on this day in 1791.
Commemorates the proclamation of the country's 1791 Constitution.
Considered to be Europe's first and the world's second (after the USA)
national, codified constitution.
USA
Constitution Memorial Day
(憲法記念日 Kenpō kinenbi)
World Asthma Day
Japan
Observed on the Tuesday in the first full week of May, which is Teacher
Appreciation Week in the USA.
The present Japanese Constitution was laid down on this day in 1947.
World Press Freedom Day
Multinational
04/05/2016 Wednesday Anniversary of the Death of Milan
Rastislav Štefánik (Výročie úmrtia
M. R. Štefánika)
Anti-Bullying Day
Bird Day
Cassinga Day
Multinational
The Netherlands
Slovakia
Multinational
USA
Namibia
Latvia
Declaration of Independence
(Neatkaribas deklaracijas
pasludinasanas diena)
Dodenherdenking (Remembrance of The Netherlands
the Dead)
Commemorated on the first Tuesday in May and held to promote
awareness of asthma and its treatment.
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, in recognition of the
sacrifices made in the struggle for freedom of the press.
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam opened on this day in 1960.
Slovak politician and diplomat who died on this day in 1919. Štefánik was a
major contributor to the formation of Czechoslovakia.
Declared by the United Nations in 2012.
Dedicated to the celebration of birds.
A national public holiday in Namibia to commemorate the Battle of Cassinga
in 1978 during the South African Border War.
Commemorates the declaration of independence from the USSR in 1990
and the restoration of the Republic of Latvia.
A commemoration of all Dutch people who have died in wars and conflict
since the outbreak of World War Two.
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Greenery Day (みどりの日 Midori no Japan
hi)
International Fire-fighters' Day
Multinational
May Fourth Movement
China, Taiwan
Remembrance Day for Martyrs and Afghanistan
Disabled
Multinational
Star Wars Day
Youth Day
05/05/2016 Thursday
Ascension Thursday
Children's Day (子供の日 Kodomo
no hi)
Children's Day (어린이날 Eorininal)
Cinco de Mayo
Constitution Day
Coronation Day (Wan Chatr
Mongkol (วันฉัตรมงคล))
Europe Day
Feast of St George
Indian Immigration Day
International Midwives Day
National holiday in Japan. Originated as a commemoration of the birthday of
the Shōwa Emperor, but now commemorates the beginning the Golden
Week holiday period. The holiday law established this day for friendship with
nature and gratitude for its blessings. Also see 29/04/2011.
Linked to the Feast Day of St Florian (the Patron Saint of Fire-fighters). A
day of recognition and support for fire-fighters throughout the world. For
more info go to www.iffd.net/.
First mass movement in China relating to intellectual and socio-political
reform. Includes Youth Day and Literary Day (文藝節).
Observed by Star Wars fans worldwide in honour of the play on words 'May
the Force (May 4th) be with you'.
Fiji
Former Yugoslavia President (Marshal) Tito died in Ljubljana (now the capital of Slovenia) on
this day in 1980.
Christian
Japan
A national holiday in Japan on the fifth day of the fifth month. It is a day set
aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness.
Also known as Tango no Sekku (端午の節句).
South Korea
Moved from May 1st to May 5th in 1946. The day owes it's existence to the
social educator, Bang Jung-Hwan.
Mexico, USA
A celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, it commemorates an initial
victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over
French forces in the Battle of Puebla on this day in 1862.
Kyrgyzstan
Public holiday in Kyrgyzstan.
Thailand
Commemorates the coronation in 1950 of the present King of Thailand, His
Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Europe
Observed by the Council of Europe in celebration of its foundation on this
day in 1949. Commemorated since 1964. See also 09/05/2016.
Palestinian people Palestinian holiday commemorating St George, held in the town of AlKhader, south of Bethlehem.
Guyana
A national holiday in commemoration of Indian immigration to the country.
Also known as Indian Arrival Day or Rama Khan Day (Rama and Khan
being the first two Indian nationals to set foot in Guyana).
Multinational
Launched by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in 1992, to
celebrate midwifery and to bring awareness of the importance of midwives'
work to as many people as possible.
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Liberation Day (Danmarks befrielse) Denmark
Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag)
Liberation Day
Lusophone Culture Day (Dia da
Cultura Lusófona)
Martyrs' Day
National Day of Prayer - USA
Senior Citizens Day
Yom HaSho'ah (‫יום הזיכרון לשואה‬
‫)ולגבורה‬
06/05/2016 Friday
2016 Men's World Ice Hockey
Championships
Hıdırellez
International No Diet Day
Martyrs' Day
Martyrs' Day (‫‘ ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﺷﻬﺩﺍء‬Īd ašŠuhadā’)
Commemorates the surrender of German forces in Denmark (World War
Two) on this day in 1945.
The Netherlands
Commemorates the end of German occupation in 1945. Though celebrated
every year, as of 2000 it is an official holiday every five years.
Ethiopia / Rastafari Also known as Patriots' Victory Day. Commemorates the return of HIM
Emperor Haile Selassie I to Addis Ababa in 1941 and the liberation of the
country from Italian forces during the Second World War. This is a date
considered as important by Rastafarians.
Portuguese and
Lusophone means Portuguese speaking. In 2005, ministers of culture from
Portugueseeight countries of the CPLP (Comunidade dos Países de Língua
speaking
Portuguesa) declared 5th May to be Lusophone Culture Day. The eight
communities
countries are Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau,
Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe and East Timor.
Albania
Commemorates all who have died in the cause of Albanian freedom,
particularly during the Second World War. May 5th is the anniversary of the
death of Qemal Stafa, a founding member of the Albanian Communist Party
and leader of its youth section.
Interfaith
Created by an Act of Congress, first proclaimed in 1775. Occurs on the first
Thursday in May.
Palau
Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean.
Jewish
Usually beings at sundown the day before. Jewish Holocaust Day is
observed on 27 Nisan. Chosen as the closest date in the Jewish Calendar
to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943. Shoah is the Hebrew word for
'calamity' and has become the standard terminological reference for the
Holocaust.
Ireland
On this day in 1981, Provisional IRA (Irish Republican Army) member
Bobby Sands died after being on hunger strike for 66 days in the Maze
Prison in Belfast. On 29th April, Sands had been elected as MP for
Fermanagh and South Tyrone.
Russia
The IIHF World Championships. Until 22nd May. 16 teams will contest the
trophy, divided into two groups. The champions in 2015 were Canada.
Turkey
Seasonal festival and celebration of the beginning of Summer. It
commemorates the meeting on Earth of the prophets Hızır and İlyas.
Multinational
The symbol of the day is a light blue ribbon.
Gabon
Syria, Lebanon
Commemoration of the execution by the Turk, Jamal Pasha, of Syrian and
Lebanese nationalists in Damascus and Beirut on this day in 1916. The
respective locations in both cities have been renamed Martyrs' Square.
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St George's Day
Albania, Kosovo
St George's Day (Gergiovden
Гергьовден)
St George's Day (Đurđevdan)
Bulgaria
St George's Day (Jurjevo)
Teachers Day
Wishbone Day
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Croatia
Jamaica
Multinational
France
Syria
USA, Germany
07/05/2016 Saturday
Defender of the Fatherland Day
Dien Bien Phu Victory Day (Ngày
Chiến thắng Điện Biện Phủ)
John of Beverley
Kentucky Derby
Radio Day (День радио)
08/05/2016 Sunday
Akshaya Tritiya
Children's Day (Día del niño)
Commemoration Day (Радунiца
Radunica)
Father's Day (Ziua Tatălui)
Kazakhstan
Vietnam
St George (Shën Gjergji) is one of the most important Saints in the
Southern Slavic states.
Day of the Bulgarian Army or Day of Bravery.
In the Orthodox Church.
Mainly celebrated in the rural areas of the country.
It is customary for pupils to bring gifts for their teachers.
International Awareness Day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones).
The Eiffel Tower in Paris was officially opened to the public on this day in
1889.
On this day in 2001, Pope John Paul II became the first Pope to enter a
mosque.
On this day in 1937, the German Zeppelin, the 'Hindenburg' caught fire
whilst attempting to dock at Lakehurst, New Jersey following a trans-Atlantic
flight. The disaster, in which 36 people died, was famously caught on film.
See 23/02/2016.
Christian / England John of Beverley was Bishop of Hexham and then Bishop of York. He died
on this day in the year 721.
USA
Horse race held at Louisville, Kentucky. The first race was held in 1875.
Russia
A commemoration of the development of radio, also known as
Communication Workers' Day. It takes place annually on 7th May, to
commemorate the day in 1895 on which Alexander Popov successfully
demonstrated his invention. Also observed in Bulgaria where it is known as
Radio and Television Day (Ден на радиото и телевизията).
Austria
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was premiered in Vienna on this day in 1824,
with the composer himself in attendance.
Hindu, Jain
Falls on the third day of the month of Vaisakha. Popular festival and
commemoration of the end of a period of fasting. On this day sugar-cane
juice is offered to those who have fasted throughout the year. It is a day
considered ideal for beginning new ventures - Akshaya means 'that which
never diminishes'.
Spain
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Belarus
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Romania
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
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Islam
First Day of Sha'ban (‫)ﺷﻌﺑﺎﻥ‬
Miguel Hidalgo's Birthday (Natalicio Mexico
de Miguel Hidalgo)
Mother's Day
Multinational
Mother's Day
Australia, New
Zealand
Brazil
Finland
Guatemala, El
Salvador
Iceland
Mexico
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Singapore
Mother's Day (Dia das Mães)
Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day (Mæðradagurinn)
Mother's Day (Día de las Madres)
Mother's Day (母親節)
Mother's Day (母亲节, Hari Ibu,
அன்னையர் தினம்)
Mother's Day
Parents' Day
Parents' Day (어버이 날)
USA, Canada
Albania
South Korea
State Flag and State Emblem Day
(Дзень Дзяржаўнага Сцяга i
Дзяржаўнага Гебра (День
Государственного Флага и
Государственного Герба))
VE (Victory in Europe) Day
Belarus
Day of Commemoration
Turkmenistan
Day of Victory over Fascism (Deň
víťazstva nad fašizmom)
Freedom Day (Frigjøringsdagen)
Slovakia
Multinational
Norway
Eighth month in the Islamic Calendar.
Civic holiday in Mexico to commemorate the birth on this day in 1753 of
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary leader
and the founder of the Mexican War of Independence Movement.
The following countries (amongst others) observe Mother's Day on the
second Sunday in May: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland (see below), Germany, Ghana, Greece, Iceland,
Italy, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, the Netherlands, Samoa, Slovakia, South
Africa, Switzerland and Zimbabwe.
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Observed on the second Sunday in May. A national Flag Day in Finland.
Not an official holiday.
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Combination of Mother's and Father's Day.
Traditionally, children give a carnation with presents to their parents. There
is also a specific Parents' Day song.
Observed on the second Sunday in May.
Commemorates the end of the Second World War in Europe through the
surrender of German forces.
Formally, the Day of Commemoration of the National Heroes of the 19411945 World War.
In commemoration of the end of the Second World War and the liberation
of the former Czechoslovakia from Nazi control in 1945.
In commemoration of the liberation of Norway from Nazi control on this day
in 1945. Also Veterans Day.
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Liberation Day (Den vítězství or Den Czech Republic
osvobození)
France
Liberation Day
Remembrance Day
Parshuram Jayanti
Kyrgyzstan
Hindu
In commemoration of the end of the Second World War and the liberation
of the former Czechoslovakia from Nazi control in 1945.
Alternatively known as 1945 Victory Day (Victoire 1945). Commemoration of
the liberation of France from Nazi control in 1945.
Public holiday in Kyrgyzstan.
The birthday of Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Vishnu (the Supreme God
worshipped by Vaishnava Hindus). Also known as Parashurama.
Christian
Orthodox Christian The Sunday after Easter/Pascha. The day is also known as Antipascha
(meaning 'in place of Pascha').
Multinational
Also
May 9th. Designated as such by the United Nations General Assembly
Time of Remembrance and
on 22/11/2004.
Reconciliation for Those Who Lost
Their Lives during the Second
World War
Multinational
Became World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 1984. Observed on 8th
World Red Cross and Red
May in commemoration of the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red
Crescent Day
Cross, on this day in 1848. The origins of the initial Red Cross Day are in
the former Czechoslovakia.
India
On this day in 1933, Mahatma Gandhi began a 21-day fast in protest
against British oppression in India.
Scientology
L Ron Hubbard's book 'Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health'
Anniversary of Dianetics
was first available for sale on this day in 1950.
Europe
Adopted as Europe Day by the European Union in 1985 to commemorate
Europe Day
the Schuman Declaration of 9th May 1950.
Second month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Eighth month of the
Jewish
First Day of the Month of Iyar (‫)אייָר‬
ִ
civil year.
Tuvalu
Observed on the Monday following the second Sunday in May.
Gospel Day (Te Aso o te Tala Lei)
Romania
Commemoration of independence from The Ottoman Empire in 1877.
Independence Day
Jersey, Guernsey Commemorates the end of German occupation of the Channel Islands in
Liberation Day
1945.
Cambodia,
A traditional ceremonial commemoration of the start of the rice-growing
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Pithi
Thailand
season.
Chrat Preah Neangkol)
Armenia
A
commemoration of war veterans and war dead, coinciding with the
Victory and Peace Day
anniversary of the end of the Second World War. An official holiday in
(Հաղթանակի եւ Խաղաղության
Armenia.
տոն)
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany.
Victory Day (Faşizm üzәrindә qәlәbә Azerbaijan
günü)
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany.
Victory Day (Дзень Перамогi Dzień Belarus
Pieramohi)
Sunday after the Ascension
Sunday of St Thomas
09/05/2016 Monday
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Victory Day (Dan pobjede na
fašizmom)
Day of Victory over Fascism
(ფაშიზმზე გამარჯვების დღე)
Victory Day (‫יום הניצחון על גרמניה‬
‫)הנאצית‬
World War II Victory Day (Жеңіс
күні / День Победы)
Victory Day
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Georgia
Victory and Commemoration Day
Victory Day (День Победы Den
Pobedy)
Victory Day (Dan pobede)
Victory Day
Victory Day
Moldova
Russia
Victory Day
Memorial Day / Remembrance Day
(Xotira va Qadirlash Kuni)
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Commemoration of the end of the Second World War.
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany.
Israel
Commemoration of the defeat of Nazi Germany. A national remembrance
day in Israel.
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany.
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany and the end of
the Second World War.
Commemoration of the end of the Second World War (known in Russia as
the 'Great Patriotic War')
Commemoration of the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany.
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany and the end of
the Second World War.
Commemoration of the Soviet victory against Nazi Germany.
Commemoration of those who died and suffered in the war against Nazi
Germany.
On this day in 1901, Australia's first Parliament opened in Melbourne.
Twenty-six years later to the day, Parliament convened for the first time in
Canberra.
Serbia
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Australia
10/05/2016 Tuesday
Children's Day
Constitution Day
Flower Festival
Mother's Day
Nelson Mandela Presidency
Maldives
Federated States
of Micronesia
Azerbaijan
El Salvador,
Guatemala, Mexico
South Africa
Germany
11/05/2016 Wednesday Constitution Day
National Technology Day
Laos
India
Nelson Mandela became President of South Africa on this day in 1994, the
country's first Black President.
On this day in 1933, Nazi youth groups and supporters burned around
20,000 books by writers banned by the regime on the Opernplatz (now
Bebelplatz) in central Berlin.
Commemoration of the constitution promulgated on this day in 1947, and
revised on the same day ten years later.
Commemoration of the first of the five tests of nuclear devices carried out
by India in 1998.
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12/05/2016 Thursday
Nisga'a Day for the Nisga'a Nation
Canada
Vietnam Human Rights Day
Vietnam
Thailand
Finland
Day of Finnishness
(suomalaisuuden päivä)
International Awareness Day for
Chronic Neuroimmune Diseases ME, FM, MCS, GWS
International Nurses Day
Multinational
Multinational
St Andrew the First-Called Day
St Pancras
Georgia
Catholic Christian
Yom Hazikaron
Israel / Jewish
Israel, the former
West Germany
13/05/2016 Friday
13 May Incident
Malaysia
Our Lady of Fátima
Portugal
Rotuma Day
Fiji
Yom HaAtzma'ut (‫ יום העצמאות‬yom
hā-‘aṣmā’ūṯ)
Israel / Jewish
Brazil
14/05/2016 Saturday
For further information go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nisga%27a_Final_Agreement.
Observed since 1994.
On this day in 1949, Siam officially and nominally became Thailand.
Commemorates the birth of Johan Vilhelm Snellman, an influential
philosopher and statesman, born on this day in 1806.
ME/CFS - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; FM Fibromyalgia; MCS - Multiple Chemical Sensitivity; GWS - Gulf War
Syndrome.
Held on this day in commemoration of the birth of Florence Nightingale on
this day in 1820.
European Rugby Champions Cup
Final
Europe
Feastday of St Pancras (Pancratius). A Christian martyr, he was beheaded
aged only 14 years old during Diocletian's persecution.
Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day. The
day includes many national ceremonies and the sounding of sirens to
indicate silent periods and the beginning of official ceremonial periods of
remembrance. Observed on 4 Iyar.
On this day in 1965 - twenty years after the end of World War Two diplomatic relations were established between Israel and the former West
Germany.
Commemorates the Sino-Malay race riots that began in Kuala Lumpur on
this day in 1969.
Our Lady of Fátima refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the 13th day of six
consecutive months in 1917, beginning on 13th May, Our Lady appeared to
three children in the city of Fátima.
An annual celebration on the Fijian island dependency of Rotuma. 13th May
is the anniversary of the island's cession to the UK in 1881.
Israeli Independence Day, commemorating the creation of the Israeli Free
State in 1948 and its declaration by David Ben-Gurion in Tel Aviv on 14th
May 1948. Begins at sunset the night before. 5th Iyar in the Hebrew/Jewish
Calendar.
Slavery was abolished in Brazil on this day in 1888 through the passing of
Lei Áurea (the 'Golden Law').
Previously the Heineken Cup. The inaugural final of Rugby Union's
European club competition takes place at the Stade des Lumières in Lyon.
The holders of the trophy are the French side Toulon, who beat Clermont
24-18 at Twickenham in London in 2015.
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15/05/2016 Sunday
Flag Day (Día de la bandera)
Paraguay
Hastings Banda's Birthday
Malawi
King's Birthday
National Unification Day
World Fair Trade Day
Cambodia
Liberia
Multinational
Central and
Eastern Europe
Christian
Christian Aid Week begins
Day of the Slovenian Armed Forces Slovenia
(Dan Slovenske vojske)
Tonga
Father's Day
Sikh
First Day of Jeth (ਜੇਠ)
Paraguay
Independence Day (Día de la
Independencia)
Multinational
International Conscientious
Objectors' Day
Multinational
International Day of Families
Memorial Day
Nakba Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﻟﻧﻛﺑﺔ‬yawm al-nakba)
Peace Officers Memorial Day
Pentecost - Whitsun
Republic Day
Sunday of Myrrh-bearing Women
Commemorates independence from Spain on this day in 1811. Also
therefore known as Independence Day (Día de Independencia). The flag of
Paraguay is (alongside Moldova) unique in having a different emblem on
each side.
Hastings Banda was leader of Malawi and its predecessor state
(Nyasaland) for nearly 33 years, from 1961 to 1994. He oversaw his
country's transfer to independence.
King Norodom Sihamoni was born on 14th May 1953.
Also known as Unification and Integration Day.
Observed on the second Saturday in May. An international celebration of
Fair Trade, first observed in 2005.
On this day in 1955, the former Warsaw Pact was established, comprising
eight former Communist nations.
A week of fundraising, prayer and action for the world's poor.
Observed on the third Sunday in May.
Jeth (or Jayth) is the third month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Celebrations begin the previous day (see Flag Day). 15th May is also
Mother's Day in Paraguay.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 20th September
1993.
Finland
Commemoration of the dead of the Finnish Civil War and World War Two.
Observed on the third Sunday in May.
Palestinian people, Commemoration by the Palestinian people of the creation of the state of
Arab states
Israel in 1948.
USA
Police Week is the calendar week in which the Memorial Day falls. Both
commemorate the role of law enforcement officers at whatever level in the
USA.
Christian
Commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples and the
birth of the Christian Church.
Lithuania
Also known as Constituent Assembly Day.
Orthodox Christian Second Sunday after Easter/Pascha. Commemoration of the eight myrrhbearing women who brought spices and ointments to help commit Christ's
body to the grave, and were first to see the empty tomb. The eight include
Mary Magdalene.
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16/05/2016 Monday
17/05/2016 Tuesday
Teachers Day (Día del Profesor)
Teachers Day (Día del Maestro)
Teachers Day
Columbia
Mexico
South Korea
USA
Feast Day of St Brendan
Christian
Mass Graves Day
Middlesex Day
Iraq
UK
National Day
Southern Sudan
Teachers Day (Hari Guru)
Whit Monday
Malaysia
Christian
Argentine Navy Day
Kuwait
Argentina
Constitution Day
Feast of ‘Aẓamat (‫ ﻋﻅﻣﺔ‬Grandeur)
International Day Against
Homophobia and Transphobia
Nauru
Bahá'í
Multinational
Liberation Day
National Day/Constitution Day
Democratic
Republic of the
Congo
Norway
World Hypertension Day
World Information Society Day
Multinational
Multinational
World Recycling Day
Multinational
Not an official holiday.
Many schools are closed on this day.
Mickey Mouse first appeared in a cartoon (Plane Crazy) on this day in 1928.
An early Irish monastic Saint, known as St Brendan of Clonfert, the
'Navigator' or the 'Voyager'.
Commemoration of the finding of mass graves on this day in 2004.
In commemoration of the role of the Middlesex Regiment in the Battle of
Albuera (May 16th 1811) during the Peninsular War.
Declared by Sudanese Vice President and the President of the Southern
Sudanese Government, Salva Kiir Mayadrit in 2007.
Not an official school holiday.
The day after Pentecost. Also known as Pentecost Monday or Monday of
the Holy Spirit. Whit Monday was a bank holiday in the UK until 1967. It is
still a holiday in many European countries including Germany, Austria, the
Netherlands, Belgium and Greece.
The National Assembly voted for women's suffrage on this day in 2005.
Commemoration of the anniversary of the victory achieved in 1814 in the
Battle of Montevideo. The Argentine fleet was led by Admiral William Brown,
born in County Mayo, Ireland.
Commemorates the anniversary of the Constitution in 1968.
First day of the fourth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Begun in 2005. May 17th was chosen as the day of the event because
homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of
Diseases of the World Health Organisation on May 17th 1990.
Anniversay of the coup and the coming to power of Laurent-Désiré Kabila
who became President on this day in 1997.
Commemorates the signing of the Constitution in 1814. Also known as
'syttende mai' or 'Grunnlovsdagen'. Also, Children's Day.
Since 2006.
Previously known as World Telecommunication Day. The purpose of the
day is to recognise and raise global awareness of the impact of the Internet
and new technologies, and to help reduce the Digital divide between those
who have access to such technology and those who haven't.
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Lithuania
On this day in 2009, Lithuania elected its first female President, Dalia
Grybauskaitė.
Commemoration of the battle fought on this day in 1811 which was part of
the Uruguayan independence struggle (from Spain).
Also 19th May. Magtymguly Pyragy was a spiritual leader and poet and a
central figure in the campaign for Turkmen autonomy and independence in
the 18th Century.
Final of the Europa League Association Football competition at the St.
Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland. The current holders of the trophy are
Sevilla who won for the second successive year, beating Ukrainian side
Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 3-2 in the 2015 Final in Warsaw.
Commemoration of the Haitian flag and the country's educational system.
18/05/2016 Wednesday Battle of Las Piedras (Batalla de las Uruguay
Piedras)
Turkmenistan
Day of Revival, Unity and the
Poetry of Magtymguly Pyragy
19/05/2016 Thursday
Europa League Final
Europe
Flag and Universities Day
International Museum Day
Somaliland Independence Day
Haiti
Multinational
Somalia
World AIDS Vaccine Day
Multinational
USA
Aboriginal Awareness Week
Canada
The independence of Somaliland (the northern region of Somalia) was
declared in 1991.
Also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day.
On this day in 1652, the American state of Rhode Island passed the first law
in North America making slavery illegal.
Held on the four days that follow the Victoria Day long weekend. The
purpose of Aboriginal Awareness Week is to increase understanding and
awareness of Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
Commemoration of the beginning of the national liberation movement
initiated in 1919 by Atatürk’s landing in Samsun. Dedicated to young people.
Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth Turkey, Northern
Cyprus
and Sports Day (Atatürk'ü Anma,
Gençlik ve Spor Bayramı)
Greek Genocide Remembrance Day Greece
The Greek Genocide refers to the fate of many Greeks during and in the
aftermath of World War I. For further info go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_genocide
Hepatitis Testing Day
Hồ Chí Minh's Birthday (Ngày sinh
Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh)
Malcolm X Day
USA
Vietnam
Mother's Day
Remembrance Day
St Dunstan
Kyrgyzstan
Sri Lanka
Catholic Christian
Hồ Chí Minh was born on this day in 1890.
Multinational
UK (England)
Malcolm X, the American Black Muslim Civil Rights activist, was born on
this day in 1925.
Formerly known as Victory Day.
Feastday of St Dunstan, Patron Saint of armourers, goldsmiths, locksmiths,
and jewellers.
On this day in 1649, Parliament passed an Act declaring England to be a
Commonwealth. England would remain a republic for eleven years before
Charles II became King in 1660.
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20/05/2016 Friday
21/05/2016 Saturday
Bike-to-Work Day
Day of Remembrance
USA, Canada
Cambodia
European Maritime Day
Multinational
Indonesian National Awakening
(Hari Kebangkitan Nasional)
Indonesia
National Day
National Day
Cameroon
East Timor
World Metrology Day
Armed Forces Day
Multinational
Cuba
USA
Buddha Day - Visakha Puja
Buddhist
Buddha Jayanti
Full Moon Day of Kason (Kason la
pyei Boda nei)
Circassian Day of Mourning
Hindu
Myanmar (Burma)
Day of Patriots and Military
(Honvedelem Napja)
Día de la Afrocolombianidad
FA Cup Final
Hungary
North Caucasus
region
Observed on the third Friday in May.
Formerly called the National Day of Hatred. It commemorates the actions
and the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979).
Observed to increase awareness of the importance of the sea. Jointly
established by the European Council, European Commission and European
Parliament in 2008.
The Indonesian National Awakening refers to a period when Indonesian
people first began to become aware and form a 'national consciousness' as
'Indonesians'. This happened during the first part of the Twentieth Century.
Republic declared and constitution ratified in 1972.
East Timor became the first sovereign state of the 21st Century on this day
in 2002. Also known as Independence Restoration Day.
On this day in 1902, Cuba gained formal independence from the USA.
Observed on the third Saturday in May. Commemorates all armed forces
personnel. Created in 1949.
Also known as Vesak or Wesak. The most important of the Buddhist
festivals. A celebration of Buddha's birth - and, for some Buddhists, his
death. Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of this
date. Indeed, Buddha's birthday is celebrated on varying dates throughout
the world. See 01/06/2016 for example.
Wesak or Buddha Day (see above).
Anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha.
Commemoration of the genocide and expulsion of the Circassion people
(from the North Caucasus) by the forces of Tsarist Russia. Approximately
90% of the population were expelled in 1864, many dying from disease,
hunger and exhaustion.
Also known as National Defence Day.
Columbia
Commemorates the abolition of slavery in Columbia in 1851.
England and Wales 135th Final of the Football Association (FA) Cup competition at Wembley
Stadium in London. The current holders of the trophy are Arsenal, who won
for the second successive year, beating Aston Villa 4-0 in the 2015 Final.
Arsenal are also the competition's must successful club with 12 wins to their
name.
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Scottish FA Cup Final
Scotland
Independence Day
Montenegro
Lailat al Bara'ah
Islam
Chile
Navy Day (Día de las Glorias
Navales)
Sanja Matsuri (Three Shrine Festival) Shinto, Japan
St Helena
St Helena Day
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Multinational
Dialogue and Development
Multinational
22/05/2016 Sunday
Abolition Day
French Open Tennis
Championships begin
Martinique
France
National Day / Unification Day
National Heroes Day
Yemen
Sri Lanka
National Maritime Day
USA
Pesach Sheni (‫)פסח שני‬
Jewish
Sovereignty and Thanksgiving Day Haiti
Sunday of the Paralytic
The Final of the Scottish Football Association Cup competition takes place
at Hampden Park in Glasgow. The current holders are Inverness
Caledonian Thistle who won their first ever Scottish Cup in the 2015 Final,
beating Falkirk 2-1. Celtic are the competition's most successful club with
36 wins to their name.
Commemorates the independence from state union with Serbia on this day
in 2006.
Islamic Night of Forgiveness. A night of prayer to Allah for forgiveness of
the dead. Preparation for Ramadan through intense prayer. Usually begins
at sundown the day before.
A public holiday in Chile, the day is a commemoration of the Iquique Naval
Combat on this day in 1879, in the War of the Pacific.
Observed on the third Saturday in May. One of the three great Shinto
festivals, involving parades, traditional music and dancing. Honours the
three founders of Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist Temple.
St Helena was discovered on this day in 1502.
Proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2001 as an
opportunity to deepen understanding of the values of cultural diversity.
The world governing body for Association Football, FIFA (Fédération
Internationale de Football Association) was founded in Paris on this day in
1904.
The abolition of slavery.
Also known as the Roland Garros. The Women's Final takes place on
Saturday 4th June, the Men's Final on Sunday 5th June. The respective
Men's and Women's Champions of 2015 are Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland
and Serena Williams from the United States.
The new state came into being in 1990.
Sri Lanka became a republic on this day in 1972. Also known as Republic
Day.
Commemorates the voyage of the steamship 'The Savannah' which set sail
on this day in 1819 from Savannah, Georgia on the first successful
transoceanic voyage under steam propulsion.
Translates as 'Second Passover'. In the time of the Holy Temple in
Jerusalem, this day served as a 'second chance' for those who were unable
to bring an offering on the occasion of the (first) Passover. Observed on the
14th Iyar in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar.
A commemoration of the Head of State and of Haitian culture.
Orthodox Christian 4th Sunday of Pascha.
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23/05/2016 Monday
Trinity Sunday
World Biodiversity Day
Christian
Multinational
World Goth Day
Multinational
UK, Australia
Birthday of Guru Amar Das
Constitution Day
Declaration of the Báb
Labour Day
Student's Day (Día del estudiante)
Victoria Day (La fête de la Reine)
World Turtle Day
24/05/2016 Tuesday
Aldersgate Day
Bermuda Day
Commonwealth Day
Lubiri Memorial Day
National Day
St Cyril and Methodius Day
St Sarah (Sara e Kali in Romani)
The first Sunday after Pentecost. A reflection of the Holy Trinity.
Sanctioned by the United Nations as a day for the promotion of biodiversity
issues. Also known as the International Day for Biological Diversity.
Originated in the UK in 2009. Celebration of the Goth subculture.
The transportation of prisoners from the UK to New South Wales, Australia,
was abolished on this day in 1840.
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Amar Das was the third of the
Sikh Gurus. Parkash is a term that is used to refer to birth, though it actually
means 'light, radiance, expansion etc'.
Germany
The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany came into effect on this
day in 1949.
Bahá'í
Usually begins at sundown the day before. The Báb (which means the
'Gate') was the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh, founder of the Bahá'í faith. His
mission was to prepare the world for the coming of Bahá'u'lláh and he
declared it in the evening of 22nd May 1844. One of the nine holy days of
the year when work is suspended.
Jamaica
A public holiday in Jamaica and a day of community involvement.
Mexico
Not an official holiday.
Canada
Celebration of the anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria in 1819,
characterised by firecrackers. Also a celebration of the current Canadian
monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Always occurs on the Monday on or before
24th May.
Multinational
Celebrated since 2000.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands declared independence from Spain on this day in 1568.
Christian Methodist Commemoration of the day in 1738 when John Wesley experienced his
conversion in a meeting room in Aldersgate Street, London.
Bermuda
A celebration of Bermuda's heritage and cultural pride. Originally linked to
Queen Victoria, it became Bermuda Day in the 1970's, and now marks the
beginning of summer.
Belize
Uganda
Eritrea
Commemoration of independence from Ethiopia in 1993.
Bulgaria,
A national holiday in Bulgaria and Macedonia. Also known as Day of Culture
Macedonia, Russia and Literacy and a celebration of the Cyrillic Alphabet (Den na azbukata,
kulturata i prosveshtenieto).
Christian, France An important day for Roma people in France. St Sarah (who is venerated by
Roma people) is commemorated in the Camargue area of Southern France.
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The Battle of Pichincha (Batalla del
Pichincha)
Ecuador
Europe
25/05/2016 Wednesday African Liberation Day
Rastafari
Commemoration of the battle that took place on this day in 1822 as part of
the South American Wars of Independence.
The first Eurovision Song Contest was held on this day in 1956 in Lugano,
Switzerland.
African Liberation Day is an important date in the Rastafari Calendar. See
below.
Alternatively named African Liberation Day. Instigated by the Organisation
of African Unity, the day is a commemoration of the post-war liberation
struggles leading to the continent's liberation from colonial domination. In
Lesotho, Africa Day is celebrated together with Heroes Day, which used to
be on April 4.
This commemoration in the former Yugoslavia is still observed by some
young people in Slovenia.
A day to contemplate L Ron Hubbard's study on 'Scientology Ethics'.
Traditionally held on 25th May. A celebration of the end of studies, prior to
the beginning of exams. It is customary for school leavers to dress in formal
school attire. As the name would suggest, a bell is sounded.
Commemorates the withdrawal in 2000 of Israeli forces from most areas of
Lebanese territory.
African Unity Day
African continent
Former Yugoslav Day of Youth
(Dan mladosti)
Integrity Day
Last Bell (Последний звонок)
Slovenia
Liberation Day
Lebanon
Mid-feast of Pentecost
National Day (Eid al-Istiklaal)
Orthodox Christian
Jordan
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1946. Also commemorated
as Arab Renaissance Day.
Argentina
Commemorates the first attempt at independence in 1810. Also known as
the First National Government.
USA
USA
A celebration of tap dancing. Also celebrated in countries such as Japan,
Australia, India and Iceland!
Christian, England The Venerable Bede wrote the Ecclesiastical History of the Angle Peoples
in a monastery in Jarrow in the North East of England in the year 731.
National Day / May Revolution Day
(Revolución de Mayo)
National Missing Children's Day
National Tap Dance Day
St Bede the Venerable
Towel Day
Scientology
Russia
Multinational
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Multinational
of Non-Self-Governing Territories
Youth Day
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Held in honour of the author Douglas Adams. The carrying of a towel is
enacted in Adam's 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
Until 31st May. Recognised by the United Nations.
Commemoration of the events of 25th May 1995 when 71 people - the
majority, young people - were killed when an area of the city of Tuzla was
shelled by forces of The Army of the Republika Srpska during the Bosnian
War.
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Himalayas
26/05/2016 Thursday
27/05/2016 Friday
Birthday of Crown Prince Frederik
(Kronprins Frederiks fødselsdag)
Denmark
Corpus Christi
Christian
Independence Day
Lag B'Omer (‫)ל"ג בעומר‬
Guyana
Jewish
Mother's Day (Dzień Matki)
National Day / Independence Day
(დამოუკიდებლობის დღე)
National Paper Airplane Day
National Sorry Day
Poland
Georgia
Abolition Day
Army Day
Children's' Day
Freedom and Constitution Day
Mother's Day (Día de la Madre)
World MS Day
28/05/2016 Saturday
On this day in 2001, thirty-two year old Erik Weihenmayer from Colorado in
the USA, became the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount
Everest.
Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark and heir to the Danish throne was born
on this day in 1968.
Celebrates the "real presence of Christ in the Eucharist". The festival falls
on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1966.
Jewish observation of the counting of the day - the link - between Pesach
(Passover) and Shavuot. Begins at sunset the previous day. For further
information go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lag_BaOmer.
Commemorates independence from Soviet Russia in 1918.
USA
Australia
Held every year since 1998, it acknowledges the wrongs committed on the
indigenous Aboriginal people. Also known as the National Day of Healing. It
leads to National Reconciliation Week.
Europe
The European Flag was adopted by the European Community on this day in
1986.
Guadeloupe, Saint The abolition of slavery.
Barthélemy, Saint
Martin
Nicaragua
Held in honour of the Nicaraguan Army.
Nigeria
Schoolchildren have a holiday on this day.
Turkey
Commemoration of the military coup that took place on this day in 1960.
Bolivia
Multinational
World Multiple Sclerosis Day has been observed since 2009.
Russia
On this day in 1994, the dissident author Alexander Solzhenitsyn returned to
his native Russia after 20 years living in exile in the United States.
Champions League Final
Europe
Day of the Croatian Armed Forces
(Dan Oružanih snaga Republike
Hrvatske)
Croatia
Final of the UEFA Champions League Association Football competition at
the San Siro Stadium in Milan. The current holders of the trophy are
Barcelona who beat Juventus 3-1 at the Olympiastadion, Berlin on 6th June
2015.
Commemoration of the formation of the Croatian Armed Forces on this day
in 1991.
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Derg Downfall Day
Ethiopia
Menstrual Hygiene Day
National Flag Day
Multinational
The Philippines
Republic Day
Azerbaijan,
Armenia
Nepal
Republic Day
29/05/2016 Sunday
The Ethiopian National Day. Commemoration of the end (in 1991) of the
Derg military junta that came to power in Ethiopia following the removal
from office of HIM Haile Selassie I.
First observed in 2014.
Commemoration of the first carrying of the flag into battle on this day in
1898.
Both countries commemorate their independence from the Transcaucasian
Democratic Federative Republic on this day in 1918.
Commemoration of the declaration made on this day in 2008 by the
Constituent Assembly by which Nepal became a republic.
St Germain of Paris
Youm-e-Takbir
Christian, France
Pakistan
West Africa
2nd Sunday after Pentecost
Army Day
Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh
Christian
Argentina
Bahá'í
Carpet Day
Corpus Christi
Turkmenistan
Catholic Christian
Democracy Day
Nigeria
International Day of United Nations Multinational
Peacekeepers
Mother's Day
France, Sweden
Oak Apple Day
UK
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman
Veterans Day (Veterandagen)
World Digestive Health Day
Translates as 'Day of Greatness'.
The Treaty of Lagos was signed on this day in 1975 by fifteen West African
states, thereby creating the Economic Community of West African States.
The anniversary of Bahá'u'lláh's death in in 1892. One of the nine holy days
of the year when work is suspended. Usually begins at sundown the day
before.
Observed on the last Sunday in May.
Celebrates the "real presence of Christ in the Eucharist". The festival falls
on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, though the Catholic Church
commemorates Corpus Christi on the subsequent Sunday.
Commemoration of the return to democracy in 1999 when Olusegun
Obasanjo became President.
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2002 to honour
those who have served as peacekeepers and those who have given their
lives in the cause of peace.
Observed on the last Sunday in May. Also observed in Algeria, Dominican
Republic, French Antilles, Haiti, Mauritius, Morocco and Tunisia.
Commemorated in some places in the UK (e.g. some Oxford and
Cambridge colleges), Oak Apple Day relates to the restoration of the
monarchy in Britain and Ireland in May 1660.
Orthodox Christian 5th Sunday of Pascha.
Sweden
Observed in honour of those who are and have been in Sweden's armed
forces.
Multinational
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USA
30/05/2016 Monday
31/05/2016 Tuesday
On this day in 1973, Tom Bradley became the first black person to be
elected Mayor of Los Angeles.
Anguilla
Commemoration of the beginning of the Anguillan Revolution which took
Anguilla Day
place on this day in 1967.
UK
Spring Bank Holiday.
Bank Holiday
Feast Day of St Joan of Arc (Jeanne Christian, France Commemoration of the anniversary of the death of St Joan of Arc on this
day in 1431. She was burned at the stake for heresy in Rouen.
d'Arc)
Trinidad & Tobago Commemorates the arrival of the first Indentured labourers from India in
Indian Arrival Day
1845.
Puerto Rico
Lod Massacre Remembrance Day
Puerto Rico
Observed on the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day (Recordación de los
Muertos de la Guerra)
USA
Commemoration of those Americans who have died for their country. Began
Memorial Day
shortly after the end of the American Civil War. Observed on the last
Monday in May.
Nicaragua
Mother's Day
Turks and Caicos Observed on the last Monday in May.
National Heroes Day
Islands
Croatia
Day of the Croatian Parliament (Hrvatski Sabor). A minor holiday.
Parliament Day
Georgia
Previously 6th May. Moved in 2014.
Police Day
UK
Big Ben in the Palace of Westminster in London was rung for the first time
on this day in 1859.
Catholic Christian A celebration of the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her
Feast of the Visitation
cousin St Elizabeth, first commemorated at the beginning of the 13th
Century.
Brunei
Commemoration of the foundation of the country's Armed Forces.
Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
Multinational
Created in 1987 by the Members States of the World Health Organisation to
World No Tobacco Day
draw attention to the harm caused to health by tobacco.
UK (England)
Samuel Pepys wrote the last entry in his famous diary on this day in 1669.
He gave poor eyesight as the reason.
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JUNE
2016
Date
Day
Sacred Time/Event etc
01/06/2016 Wednesday Ascension of Christ
Faith/Nation etc
Christian
Other Info
Commemorates the last earthly appearance of Jesus Christ following
the Resurrection. Celebrated 40 days after Easter.
Black Music Month
Caribbean-American Heritage
Month
Constitution Day
USA
USA
Foundation Day
Australia
Gawai Dayak
Malaysia
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
USA
Independence Day
Samoa
International Children's Day
Children's Day (六一儿童节)
Multinational
China
Children's Day (Día Del Niño)
Ecuador
Children's Day
Former members of the
Soviet Union and other
former Communist states
Children's Day
Children's Day (Эх үрсийн баяр)
Children's Day
Laos, Vietnam
Mongolia
Portugal and former
Portuguese colonies
Romania
Mongolia
Children's Day (Ziua Copilului)
Mothers and Children's Day (Эх
үрсийн баяр (Ekh Ürsiin bayar))
Commemoration of the role and achievements of Americans of
Caribbean descent.
The Constitution of Tunisia was promulgated on this day in 1959.
Tunisia's National Day. Also known as Victory Day.
A public holiday in Western Australia on the first Monday in June. It
commemorates the founding of the first British colony in the state on
1st June 1829.
Celebrated in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Dayak is the name
given to the people of the state of Sarawak.
Celebrated throughout the month of June. June was chosen to
commemorate the Stonewall riots that began on 28th June 1969 in the
Greenwich Village area of New York. Also commemorated in Australia
and Canada.
Until 3rd June. Commemoration of the independence of Western
Samoa from New Zealand in 1962.
Tunisia
For children under the age of 14. Schools organise leisure activities for
schoolchildren such as camping trips or showing free films.
It is customary for children under 12 years old to receive presents from
their parents.
Also known as Mothers' and Children's Day.
The former colonies in question are Guinea-Bissau, Macau, Cape
Verde, East Timor and Angola.
Children don't go to school on this day.
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The Day of Protection of
Children's Rights (Երեխաների
իրավունքների պաշտպանության
օր)
Madaraka Day
Armenia
Kenya
Mexico
Marine's Day (Día de la Marina)
Cambodia
National Tree Planting Day
Pancasila Day (Hari Lahir Pancasila) Indonesia
02/06/2016 Thursday
President's Day
World Milk Day
Palau
Multinational
UK
Palau is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean.
Observed since 2001.
The first driving tests in the UK were introduced on this day in 1935.
Botev Day
Bulgaria
Commemoration of the anniversary of the death on this day in 1876 of
the Bulgarian poet and revolutionary figure, Hristo Botev. At 12 noon on
Botev Day, air raid sirens throughout the country signal a period of
reflection and a time to honour those who have died for Bulgarian
freedom.
Children's Day
Coronation Day
North Korea
Bhutan
Day of Civil Aviation
Decoration Day
International Sex Workers Day
Azerbaijan
Canada
Multinational
Republic Day (Festa della
Repubblica)
Italy
Poland
03/06/2016 Friday
Commemoration of the attainment of Kenyan self-rule in 1964. Jomo
Kenyatta became the republic's first President.
Civic holiday to celebrate the Mexican Navy.
Anniversary of the Passing of
Imam Khomeini
Iran
Inuvialuit Day
Canada
Celebration of the coronation of Bhutan's fourth king, Jigme Singye
Wangchuck, who ruled from 1974 until 2006. Doubles as Social
Forestry Day, an occasion to plant trees.
Mainly superseded now by Remembrance Day.
Draws attention to exploitation and working conditions experienced by
many sex workers.
The Italian republic was established in 1946.
On this day in 1979, Pope John Paul II visited his native Poland,
becoming the first Pope to visit a Communist country.
Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini (‫ﺭﻭﺡ ﷲ ﻣﻭﺳﻭی‬
‫)ﺧﻣﻳﻧﯽ‬, the 1st Supreme Leader of Iran after the Revolution of 1979 died
on this day in 1989.
Commemorates the signing of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement in 1989,
giving the Inuit of Western Canada the first comprehensive land claim
agreement north of the 60th parallel. Normally observed on the first
Friday of the month.
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04/06/2016 Saturday
Mabo Day
Australia
Martyrs of Uganda
Opium Suppression Movement
Day (禁煙節)
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Christian, Uganda
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Catholic Christian
Vladimirskaya
Orthodox Christian,
Russia
Serbia, Montenegro
Immaculate Heart of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Independence Day / Emancipation
Day
International Day of Innocent
Children Victims of Aggression
National Flag Day (Eesti lipu päev)
Christian
National Flag Day of the Finnish
Defence Forces
Finland
National Unity Day (A nemzeti
összetartozás napja)
St Petroc
The Derby
Tiananmen Square Protest of
1989 Memorial Day
Hungary
Commemoration of the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo, a campaigner for
indigenous land rights.
Commemoration of the burning of opium in the First Opium War (in
which, incidentally, Britain gained Hong Kong) of 1839.
Celebration of the central Christian concept of loving Jesus. The
Sacred Heart of Jesus represents his divine love for all of humanity.
The union between Serbia and Montenegro formally came to an end
on this day in 2006 with the Montenegrin declaration of independence.
Tonga
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1970.
Multinational
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982 in
response to the deaths of Palestinian and Lebanese children.
The flag of Estonia was first consecrated on this day in 1884.
Estonia
Christian, UK
Multinational
Hong Kong (also
observed elsewhere)
Multinational
Held on 4th June in remembrance of Baron Carl Gustaf Emil
Mannerheim, Commander-in-Chief of Finland's Defence Forces in the
1918 Civil War and during the Second World War. Mannerheim was
born on 4th June 1867, and was also Finland's sixth President.
A holiday in Hungary. Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of
Trianon on this day in 1920.
St Petroc of Cornwall.
The world famous horse race takes place at Royal Epsom.
Commemoration of a series of demonstrations led by students,
intellectuals and labour activists that left (according to Chinese
authorities) between 400 and 800 civilians dead, and between 7,000
and 10,000 injured.
On this day in 1939, The SS St. Louis, a ship carrying 963 Jewish
refugees, was denied permission to land in Florida, USA, after already
having been turned away from Cuba. Forced to return to Europe, most
of its passengers later died in Nazi concentration camps.
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Poland
05/06/2016 Sunday
The victory on this day in 1989 of Solidarity in the first partly free
parliamentary elections in post-war Poland sparked off a succession of
peaceful anti-communist revolutions in Eastern Europe.
3rd Sunday after Pentecost
Arbor Day
Canadian Forces Day
Constitution Day (Grundlovsdag)
Christian
New Zealand, Yemen
Canada
Denmark
Constitution Day
Day of Reclamation
Father's Day (Tėvo diena)
Feast of Núr (‫ ﻧﻭﺭ‬Light)
Festival of the Sea
(Sjómannadagurinn)
Faroe Islands
Azerbaijan
Lithuania
Bahá'í
Iceland
Indian Arrival Day
Jerusalem Day (‫ יום ירושלים‬Yom
Yerushalayim)
Suriname
Israel / Jewish
Khordad Movement Anniversary
Iran
Liberation Day
Naksa Day (‫ﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﻟﻧﻛﺳﺔ‬, Yawm anNaksa)
Seychelles
Palestinian people
President's Day
Sunday of the Blind Man
Teachers Day (Pedagógus nap)
Teachers Day
World Environment Day
Equatorial Guinea
Orthodox Christian
Hungary
Romania
Multinational
Denmark
Observed on the first Sunday in June.
Commemorates the signing of the Danish Constitution in 1849 which
established Denmark as a constitutional monarchy, and honours the
constitution of 1953, which was adopted on the same day. Father's Day
in Denmark coincides with Constitution Day.
Observed on the first Sunday in June.
First day of the fifth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Alternatively known as The Seamen's Day. Observed on the first
Sunday in June. A festival dedicated to seafarers involving boat races
and sea rescues amongst other things.
An Israeli national holiday commemorating the reunification of
Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City (an
area of 0.35 square miles that encompasses many sites of religious
importance) in 1967.
Commemoration of the demonstrations that took place in 1963 in
support of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who had been arrested after
delivering a speech in which he attacked the Shah. The events are
known in Iran as 15 Khordad (‫)ﻧﻬﺿﺕ ﭘﺎﻧﺯﺩﻩ ﺧﺭﺩﺍﺩ‬, the date in the Iranian
Calendar on which they occurred.
Commemorates the anniversary of the 1977 coup.
Naksa (meaning 'setback') Day is a commemoration of the
displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during and following
the Six-Day War of 1967.
6th Sunday of Pascha.
Observed on the first Sunday in June.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, to
stimulate global environmental awareness.
On this day (Constitution Day) in 1915, the Danish Constitution was
amended to allow women's suffrage.
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06/06/2016 Monday
Engineer's Day
June Holiday (Lá Saoire i mí
Mheitheamh)
Maiden Voyage Anniversary
Matariki
Memorial Day (현충일(顯忠日)
Hyeonchung-il)
National Day (Sveriges nationaldag)
Taiwan
Republic of Ireland
National Huntington's Disease
Awareness Day
Queen's Official Birthday
USA
Scientology
New Zealand
South Korea
Sweden
Ramadan (‫ )ﺭﻣﺿﺎﻥ‬begins
New Zealand, Cook
Islands
Islam
Teachers Day (Día del Maestro)
UN Russian Language Day
Bolivia
Multinational
UK
07/06/2016 Tuesday
Anniversary of the Memorandum
of the Slovak Nation
Slovakia
Birthday of Prince Joachim (Prins
Joachims fødselsdag)
First Day of the Month of Sivan
(‫)סיוָן‬
ִ
Flag Day
Denmark
Jewish
Peru
Journalist's Day (Dia del Periodista) Argentina
Robert of Newminster
Catholic Christian
Observed on the first Monday in June. A public holiday in the Republic
of Ireland.
A major day for Scientologists to gather.
Traditional Maori New Year.
South Korean commemoration of their war dead and those who died
during the independence movement.
Commemorates the coronation of King Gustav Vasa in 1523,
considered to be the beginning of modern Sweden. Granted as a
national holiday in 2005. Constitution Day and the Day of the Swedish
Flag (svenska flaggans dag) is also observed on this date.
Observed in New Zealand and in the Cook Islands on the first Monday
in June.
Ninth month in the Islamic Calendar. The Muslim month of fasting.
During the 29/30 days of Ramadan all adult Muslims must give up
food, drink, smoking and sexual activity during the hours of daylight.
This is an estimated start date as the beginning is dependent on the
sighting of the moon.
Commemoration of the birth on this day in 1799 of Alexander Pushkin,
considered to be the 'father of Russian literature'.
The world's first university museum, the Ashmolean in Oxford, opened
on this day in 1683.
Výročie Memoranda národa slovenského in Slovak. Commemorates
the Memorandum of 1861.
Younger son of Queen Margrethe II and Henrik, Prince Consort. Prince
Joachim was born in Copenhagen on this day in 1969.
Third month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Ninth month of the
civil year.
Commemoration of the Battle of Arica, fought on this day in 1880
between forces of Chile and Peru.
The first issue of the Gazeta de Buenos Ayres was released on this
day in 1810.
Born near Skipton in North Yorkshire, Robert of Newminster was a
Priest, Abbot and a canonized saint of the Roman Catholic Church. He
died on 7th June 1159.
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Sette Giugno
Malta
Union Dissolution Day
Norway
USA, Great Britain
08/06/2016 Wednesday Engineer's Day
Leavetaking of Pascha
Primož Trubar Day
William of York
World Brain Tumour Day
World Oceans Day
Peru
Orthodox Christian
Slovenia
Christian, England
Multinational
Multinational
USA
09/06/2016 Thursday
Ascension of Christ
Catholic Christian
Father's Day
Heroes' Day
Germany
Romania
World Communications Day
Dragon Boat Festival (端午節
duānwǔjié)
Christian
Chinese
Heroes Day
King Abdullah's Accession to the
Throne (Eil al-Jolous)
Uganda
Jordan
St Columba of Iona
Celtic Christian
Europe
Translated as '7th June'. Commemorates the bread riots against the
British in 1919 which culminated in the deaths of four people. On that
same day, the National Assembly was formed and self-government
was demanded.
Remembers the declaration of the Norwegian Parliament on this day in
1905 to dissolve the personal union with Sweden.
The USA and Great Britain agreed to suppress the slave trade on this
day in 1862.
Observed since 2011. Primož Trubar established the Protestant
Church in the Slovene lands and was author of the first printed book in
the Slovene language.
William of York was Archbishop of the city on two occasions.
Not an officially recognised holiday, World Oceans Day stems from the
1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
On this day in 1953, the United States Supreme Court ruled that
restaurants in the nation's capital, Washington DC, could not refuse to
serve black customers.
Commemorates the last earthly appearance of Jesus Christ following
the Resurrection. Catholics commemorate the Ascension of Christ on
the Sunday following the 40th day after Easter.
Coincides with Ascension Day (see above).
Also known as Heroes' Commemoration Day. Celebrated on
Ascension Day.
Observed on Ascension.
Though the origins of this festival are unclear, one traditional view
holds that it is a commemoration of the suicide of the poet Qu Yuan,
who drowned himself in protest against government corruption. The
day features dragon boat racing and the eating of the traditional
Chinese dish of zongzi.
Commemoration the accession to the throne of King Abdullah I,
founder of the state of Jordan and otherwise known, therefore, as King
Abdullah the Founder.
Christian recognition of Columba who began the community of Iona off
the coast of Scotland in 563.
The Congress of Vienna ended on this day in 1815.
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10/06/2016 Friday
11/06/2016 Saturday
Abolition Day
Army Day
Commemoration of the
Conference on National
Sovereignty
Day of Portugal (Dia de Portugal,
de Camões e das Comunidades
Portuguesas)
Euro 2016 begins
French Guiana
Jordan
Republic of the Congo
Navy Day
Italy
UK
Known in French as Fête de la Commémoration de la Conférence
Nationale Souveraine. Otherwise known as Reconciliation Day.
Portugal and Portuguese Celebration of Portugal Day for Portuguese communities worldwide.
communities
France
To 10th July. The 2016 European Championships take place in
France, involving 24 teams. The winners in 2012 were Spain who
defeated Italy 4-0 in the Final in Kiev.
The first university Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge took
place on this day in 1829.
Commemoration of the evacuation of US forces from Wheelus Air
Base in 1970.
Prince Henrik, the Prince Consort of Denmark is the husband of the
reigning Danish monarch, Queen Margrethe II. He was born on this
day in 1934.
American Evacuation Day
Libya
Birthday of Prince Henrik (Prins
Henriks fødselsdag)
Denmark
Brazilian Navy Commemorative
Day (Data Magna da Marinha do
Brasil)
Gurgadi Guru Hargobind
Brazil
Kamehameha Day
USA (Hawaii)
Queen's Official Birthday /
Trooping the Colour
UK & other
Commonwealth nations
St Barnabas Day
Catholic Christian
Students Day
Honduras
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi phrase
used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends to Guruship
and is installed as a Guru. Guru Hargobind became the sixth Sikh
Guru on this day in 1606.
Commemoration of Kamehameha the Great (who was known as the
Napoleon of the Pacific) who established the first unified Kingdom of
Hawaii in 1810. A holiday in Hawaii.
Official Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II in the UK, though it varies from
country to country in the Commonwealth. Her actual birthday is 21st
April. Always commemorated on a Saturday in June.
St Barnabas is associated with the summer solstice. In the preGregorian calendar, this holiday fell 11 days later and thus coincided
with the solstice.
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South Vietnam
12/06/2016 Sunday
4th Sunday after Pentecost
Animal's Day
Birth of Anne Frank
Christian
Argentina
Multinational
Chaco Armistice (Dia de la Paz del
Chaco)
Dia dos Namorados
Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical
Council
Father's Day
Helsinki Day
Independence Day (Araw ng
Kasarinlan)
Independence Day / Russia Day
(День России Den Rossii)
Loving Day
Methodist Homes Sunday
Paraguay
Mother's Day
National Children's Day
Luxembourg
USA
Race Unity Day
Bahá'í
Shavuot (‫)שבועות‬
Jewish
World Day Against Child Labour
Multinational
On this day in 1963, Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc burned himself
with gasoline in a busy Saigon intersection to protest about the lack of
religious freedom in South Vietnam. His death was photographed and
has become an iconic image of the twentieth century.
Observed on the second Sunday in June.
The celebrated diarist Annelies Marie 'Anne' Frank was born in
Frankfurt am Main, Germany, on this day in 1929.
Commemorates the end of the Chaco War.
Brazil
Orthodox Christian
Austria, Belgium
Finland
The Philippines
Russian Federation
USA
Christian Methodist
South Africa
Brazilian equivalent of Valentine's Day. Not an official holiday.
7th Sunday of Pascha. The Council (also called the First Council of
Nicea) first met in the year 325.
Observed on the second Sunday in June.
Celebration of Finland's capital city.
Commemorates independence from Spain in 1898.
Commemoration of the declaration of sovereignty by the Russian
Parliament in 1990.
Occurs on the second Sunday in June. A celebration of support for the
provision of homes and facilities for older people.
Observed on the second Sunday in June.
Proclaimed by President George W Bush on 3rd June 2001 to be held
in subsequent years on the second Sunday in June.
Observed on the second Sunday in June. A promotion of racial
harmony and understanding, established in 1957 by the Bahá'í's of the
USA.
Beginning of Shavuot. Also known as the Festival of Weeks, Shavuot
marks the time when the first harvest was taken to the Temple. Lasts
for two days. Shavuot is one of the three major Jewish Biblical
pilgrimages. Jews on this day used to travel to the temple in Jerusalem
bearing their fruits and harvest gifts. 6th Sivan in the Hebrew/Jewish
Calendar.
Established in 2002 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to
focus on issues of child labour.
On this day in 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life
imprisonment in South Africa.
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13/06/2016 Monday
Inventors Day (Magyar Feltalálók
Napja)
Queen's Official Birthday
Hungary
Queen's Official Birthday
Solomon Islands
St Anthony of Padua
Catholic Christian
Suleimaniah City Fallen and
Martyrs Day
Iraq
Observed in honour of Albert Szent-Györgyi who won a Nobel Prize for
Physiology and Medicine in 1937.
Celebrated on the second Monday in June in every Australian state
except Western Australia which has it's own customs.
Elizabeth II is Queen of the Solomon Islands. Observed on the second
Monday in June.
Portuguese Catholic priest who died in 1231 and was proclaimed a
Doctor of the Church in 1946.
Australia
USA
14/06/2016 Tuesday
On this day in 1774, Rhode Island becomes the first British North
American colony to ban the importation of slaves.
Day of Memory of Repressed
People (Բռնադատվածների
հիշատակի օր)
Flag Day
Armenia
Freedom Day
Malawi
Ganga Dashami
Hindu
Liberation Day
The Falkland Islands
National Day of Commemoration
(Leinapäev)
Estonia
Mourning and Hope Day
Lithuania
World Blood Donor Day
Multinational
15/06/2016 Wednesday Arbor Day
Engineer's Day
First Day of Harh (ਹਾੜ)
USA
Norway
Costa Rica
Italy
Sikh
Commemorates the adoption of the United States flag on this day in
1777.
On 14th June, 1993, the people of Malawi voted overwhelmingly in
favour of multi-party democracy.
Also referred to as Ganga Dashahara. A celebration of the descent to
the Earth of the Goddess Ganga, who descended as the River Ganges.
Commemorates the unconditional surrender of Argentine armed forces
in Port Stanley on this day in 1982. Also includes South Georgia and
the South Sandwich Islands.
Alternatively known as the Day of Mourning and Commemoration.
Commemorates this day in 1941 when - during the Second World War the mass deportations of Estonians (as well as Latvians and
Lithuanians) began.
See above. Commemorates the deportation of Lithuanians to Siberia, a
process that began on this day in 1941.
Officially designated by the World Health Organisation, the day is a
celebration of the world's blood donors. For further information:
www.wbdd.org/
Female suffrage was adopted in Norway on this day in 1907.
Harh is the fourth month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
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Flag Day or Day of Valdemar and
Reunion Day (Valdemarsdag og
Genforeningsdag)
Denmark
Global Wind Day
Magna Carta
Multinational
UK
National Salvation Day
(Azәrbaycan xalqının Milli Qurtuluş
günü)
St Vitus Feast Day
Azerbaijan
Christian
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Multinational
USA
16/06/2016 Thursday
The Dannebrog (Denmark's national flag) is the oldest national flag in
the world. Legend has it that the flag fell from the sky during the Battle
of Lyndanisse (now Tallinn) in Estonia on this day in 1219, and brought
good fortune to the Danes.
A celebration of wind energy.
Anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, the charter of English
political and civil liberties, on this day in 1215.
Commemorates the invitation made by the Azerbaijan Parliament to
Heydar Aliyev to lead the country in 1993. He was President of
Azerbaijan from 1993 until October 2003.
Patron Saint of actors, comedians, dancers, epileptics and dogs. Also
the Patron Saint of Bohemia and the city of Prague.
Observed for the first time in 2006, the object of the day is to raise
awareness of elder abuse throughout the world. For further info:
http://www.inpea.net/weaad.html
On this day in 1924, Native Americans were formally proclaimed United
States citizens.
Commemoration in Dublin and elsewhere of the celebrated Irish writer
James Joyce, reliving the events of his novel 'Ulysses' which all took
place on one day in 1904.
Bloomsday
Ireland
Engineer's Day
Guru Arjan Dev martyrdom
Argentina
Sikh
International Day of the African
Child
Multinational
Youth Day / Day of the African
Child
South Africa
Instigated by Nelson Mandela and the ANC on their election to power
in 1994, in remembrance of those that died in the Soweto Riots in 1976.
Remembrance Day for the 1999
Expulsion from Kosovo
Roma People
St John Francis Regis
Catholic Christian
Sussex Day
UK
In the summer of 1999, Roma people and Serbs were evicted from
their homes in Kosovo. Methods used included torture, rape, arson,
threats and targeted killings.
Feastday of St John Francis Regis, Patron Saint of lacemakers,
medical social workers, and illegitimate children.
Instigated in 2007.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth
Sikh Guru and the first Sikh martyr. He also compiled all of the past
Gurus' writings into one book, which is now the Sikh holy scripture: the
Guru Granth Sahib.
Observed since 1991 in honour of those who died in the Soweto Riots
of 1976 and to focus attention on the importance of education in Africa.
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Multinational
17/06/2016 Friday
18/06/2016 Saturday
Father's Day
Feast of St Botolph
El Salvador, Guatemala
Christian / England
Icelandic National Day
(Lýðveldisdagurinn)
Iceland
Leylet en-Nuktah
Egypt
Occupation of the Latvian
Republic Day (Latvijas Republikas
okupācijas diena)
World Day to Combat
Desertification and Drought
Latvia
Commemorates independence from Denmark in 1944. 17th June was
chosen to commemorate the birthday of the leading figure in the 19th
Century independence movement, Jón Sigurðsson. One of the day's
highlights is a huge parade.
Translated as 'that of the drop' (into the Nile). This is a traditional
festival giving thanks to the rising waters of the River Nile.
Public holiday commemorating the Soviet occupation of Latvia in 1940.
Multinational
Recognised by the United Nations.
USA
Having been built in France, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York
on board a French frigate on this day in 1885.
A celebration of L Ron Hubbard's 'Study Tech'.
A day for celebrating people on the autism spectrum. Began in 2005.
Commemorates the evacuation of foreign troops in 1954.
Academy Day
Autistic Pride Day
Evacuation Day (Eid el-Galaa)
Human Rights Day
International Picnic Day
International Sushi Day
National Day
Queen Mother's Birthday
Scientology
Multinational
Egypt
Azerbaijan
Multinational
Multinational
The Seychelles
Cambodia
Waterloo Day
UK
Brazil, Japan
19/06/2016 Sunday
Famous people born on this day include the economist Adam Smith
(1723), the inventor Edward Davy (1806) and the Native American
leader Geronimo (1829).
Christian
5th Sunday after Pentecost
Birthday of José Gervasio Artigas Uruguay
(Aniversario del Nacimiento del
General Artigas)
St Botolph is the Patron Saint of Travellers and of Farming. Celebrated
as a county day in Somerset. In Scotland, his Feast Day is 25th June.
First celebrated in 2009.
Commemorates the implementation of multi-party democracy.
The Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk was born on this
day in 1936.
Commemoration of the Battle of Waterloo which took place on this day
in 1815. Observed within certain regiments of the British Army.
781 people from Japan arrived in Santos, Brazil on this day in 1908,
thus beginning the immigration of Japanese people into the country.
Brazil is now home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.
José Gervasio Artigas is known as the 'father of Uruguayan
independence'. He was born on this day in 1764. Also known as 'Never
Again Day' (Día del Nunca Más).
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Day of the Independent Hungary
(A független Magyarország napja)
Hungary
Commemorates the execution of the martyrs of the 1956 Uprising and
the end of Soviet occupation. Observed since 2001.
Emancipation Day
USA
Father's Day
Multinational
Father's Day (Día del Padre)
Father's Day (父亲节, Hari Bapa,
தந்தையர் தினம்)
Father's Day
Mexico
Singapore
Also known as 'Juneteenth' or Freedom Day, it commemorates the
announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas.
Father's Day is observed on the third Sunday in June in the following
countries, amongst others: Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia,
Switzerland, Turkey and the UK.
Not an official holiday. Observed on the third Sunday in June.
Observed on the third Sunday in June.
Independence Day
Labour Day
New Church Day
Pentecost Sunday
World Sauntering Day
World Sickle Cell Anaemia
Awareness Day
USA, Canada, Argentina Observed in the USA, Canada and Argentina on the third Sunday in
June.
Kuwait
Commemorates independence from the UK on this day in 1961.
Trinidad & Tobago
Commemoration of the labour uprising that took place on this day in
1937.
Swedenborgian Christian The New Church is a religious movement which began in the late
Eighteenth Century. Its members believe it is a New Christian Church
being established by the Lord, which is symbolized by the New
Jerusalem descending from Heaven in the Book of Revelation. The
New Church was influenced by the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg.
Orthodox Christian
Multinational
Multinational
France
20/06/2016 Monday
On this day in 1269, the French monarch Louis IX decreed that all
Jews found in public without an identifying yellow badge were to be
fined ten livres of silver.
Day of the Gas Sector
Day of the Holy Spirit
Day of the Royal Victorian Order
Azerbaijan
Orthodox Christian
UK
Flag Day (Día de la Bandera
Nacional)
International Ride to Work Day
Martyrs Day
Argentina
Multinational
Eritrea
A day to 'take it easy'.
Commemorated on 20th June, the day of Queen Victoria's accession
to the throne in 1837.
Commemorates the flag's creator, Manuel Belgrano (Argentine
politician and military leader) who died on 20th June 1820.
Observed on the third Monday in June.
Held since 1991 to pay respect and tribute to Eritreans who died during
the course of the country's fight for independence.
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National Heroes Day
Refugee Week begins
Bermuda
UK
World Refugee Day
Multinational
Canada
21/06/2016 Tuesday
Day of Private Reflection
UK (Northern Ireland)
Father's Day
Egypt, Lebanon, Syria,
Uganda, Jordan
Multinational
Fête de la Musique (World Music
Day)
First Nations Day
Canadian Native People
Go Skateboarding Day
International Yoga Day
Litha
Multinational
Multinational
Pagan
International Surfing Day
National Day (Ullortuneq)
Multinational
Greenland
Martyrs of Pya
St Aaron
St Aloysius Gonzaga
Togo
Catholic Christian
Catholic Christian
World Humanist Day
Humanism
USA
Observed on the third Monday in June.
A UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that
celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a
better understanding between communities. For further information:
http://www.refugeeweek.org.uk/
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000, it began
in 2001, the 50th anniversary of the Convention relating to the Status of
Refugees.
The world's first commercial telephone service was installed in
Hamilton, Canada on this day in 1877 by its inventor, Alexander
Graham Bell.
Observed since 2007 to reflect upon the troubles in the North of Ireland.
Began in France, but know spread internationally, the day is a
celebration and promotion of music.
Aboriginal peoples in Canada are Indigenous Peoples recognized in
the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982 as Indians (First Nations), Métis,
and Inuit. As of the 2001 Canadian Census there are over 900,000
Aboriginal people in Canada. This includes approximately 600,000
people of First Nations descent, 290,000 Métis, and 45,000 Inuit. Also
known as National Aboriginal Solidarity Day.
First observed in 2015.
The midsummer solstice. The longest day of the year. Litha literally
means 'a stopping or standing still of the sun', and rituals and
commemorations therefore relate to the power of the Sun.
Held on our near the longest day of the year.
Celebrated on 21st June, the longest day of the year. Introduced in
1983.
Feastday of St Aaron, a British native.
Feastday of St Aloysis Gonzaga, Patron Saint of young students,
Christian youth, plague victims, AIDS sufferers and their caregivers.
On this day in 1964, three Civil Rights workers were murdered in
Neshoba County, Mississippi, by members of the Ku Klux Klan.
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22/06/2016 Wednesday Anti-Fascist Struggle Day (Dan
antifašističke borbe)
Day of Remembrance of the
victims of the Great Patriotic War
23/06/2016 Thursday
Croatia
Belarus
Feast of St Alban
Christian
St John Fisher and St Thomas
More
Teachers Day
Christian
El Salvador
Iceland, France
Father's Day
Poland
Grand Duke's Official Birthday
Luxembourg
International Widows Day
Mid-Summer's Eve Festival
Multinational
Finland, Germany,
Norway, Sweden, The
Netherlands, UK
Denmark
St John's Eve (Sankt Hans aften)
Following a volcanic eruption in Iceland, a poisonous cloud reached Le
Havre in France on this day in 1783.
A celebration of fatherhood in Poland. It is also Father's Day in
Nicaragua and Uganda.
Celebrated as an annual national holiday in Luxembourg, though
strangely this has never been the birthday of any ruler of the country.
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010.
Date may vary (between 20th and 26th June). The origins of this
festival go back to pre-Christian times. This is a particularly popular
festival in Scandinavia and other northern European countries.
This celebration day dates from pre-Christian times and is a
celebration of the summer solstice. Sankt Hans is the Danish name for
St John the Baptist.
St John's Eve.
See above and below (Jāņi).
Jaaniõhtu
Līgo
National Day of Remembrance for
Victims of Terrorism
United Nations Public Service Day
Estonia
Latvia
Canada
Multinational
Recognised by the United Nations.
Victory Day (Võidupüha)
Estonia
Commemorates victory over German forces at the 1919 Battle of
Wenden during the War for Estonian Independence.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) was founded on this day in
1894 at the Sorbonne in Paris.
Commemoration of the Battle of Bannockburn on this day in 1314, at
which the Scots under Robert the Bruce (later Robert I) defeated the
English under Edward II.
France
24/06/2016 Friday
Commemorates the uprising on this day in 1941 of Croatian AntiFascist partisans against German and Italian occupying forces.
The Great Patriotic War refers to the conflict between the Soviet Union
and Nazi Germany and her allies which began on 22nd June 1941
when German forces invaded Soviet territory.
St Alban was Britain's first martyr. He is the Patron Saint of converts,
refugees and torture victims.
Battle of Bannockburn
Scotland
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Battle of Carabobo (Batalla de
Carabobo)
Venezuela
Feast of Raḥmat (‫ ﺭﺣﻣﺔ‬Mercy)
Festival of the Sun (Inti Raymi)
Bahá'í
Cusco, Peru
Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Festa de São João (Saint John the
Baptist)
Ivan Kupala Day (Иван-Купала,
Noc Kupały)
Christian
Brazil
Jaanipäev
Jāņi
Jón's Mass (Jónsmessa)
Saint Jonas' Festival (Joninės)
Sant Joan
Sânziene
World Young Doctors' Day
Youth Day
25/06/2016 Saturday
Arbor Day
Day of the Finnish Flag
Feast of St Botolph
Festival of Learning
Flag Day
Independence Day
Commemoration of the battle which took place on this day in 1821. The
victory of independence fighters under Simón Bolívar over royalist
forces effectively sealed Venezuelan independence. Also known as
Army's Day.
First day of the sixth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
A theatrical presentation is held in the Peruvian city of Cusco
(alternatively spelt Cuzco) every year in commemoration of the ancient
Incan festival of Inti Raymi. 24th June is also known as Indians Day or
Peasants Day throughout Peru.
Commemoration of the birth of St John the Baptist.
See above. Celebrated in many Brazilian cities.
Russia, Poland, Ukraine, The Summer Solstice. Using the Julian Calendar (see 07/07/2016).
Belarus
Ivan is the Russian name for John and Kupala relates to a Slavic word
meaning 'bathing' - hence John the Baptist.
Estonia
St John's Day (see above). Also a celebration of Midsummer's Eve.
Latvia
Latvian two-day festival (23rd and 24th June) celebrating Midsummer.
The 23rd June is known as Līgo.
Iceland
Lithuania
Midsummer folk festival.
Catalonia (Spain)
See above.
Romania
Sânzienă is actually Romanian for 'gentle fairies'.
Multinational
Ukraine
UK
The first Masonic Grand Lodge in the world, the Premier Grand Lodge
of England, was founded on this day in 1717. It later changed its name
to the United Grand Lodge of England.
The Philippines
Finland
Commemorated on the Saturday between 20th and 26th June. The
day is a commemoration of Midsummer.
Christian / Scotland
St Botolph is the Patron Saint of Travellers and of Farming. In England,
his Feast Day is 17th June.
UK
To 1st July. The Festival of Learning (formerly Adult Learners Week) is
the UK's 'largest annual festival of learning'. For further information, go
to http://www.alw.org.uk/.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
The Rainbow Flag was originally created for the San Francisco Pride
and Transgender
Parade that took place on this day in 1978.
communities
Mozambique
Commemorates independence from Portugal in 1975.
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26/06/2016 Sunday
International Day of the Seafarer
Multinational
Midsummer's Day
(Midsommardagen)
National Catfish Day
Statehood Day (dan državnosti)
Sweden
Teachers Day
World Vitiligo Day
Guatemala
Multinational
Germany
Christian
Orthodox Christian
6th Sunday after Pentecost
All Saints Day
Recognised by the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) and
United Nations.
Midsummer Day in Sweden is celebrated on the Saturday between
20th and 26th June. It is also a Flag Day.
USA
Slovenia, Croatia
Commemorates the proclamation of independence from the former
Yugoslavia in 1991.
Sunday of All Saints
Army and Navy Day (Azәrbaycan
Respublikasının Silahlı Qüvvәlәri
günü)
British Grand Prix
Orthodox Christian
Azerbaijan
Father's Day
Flag Day (Ziua Tricolorului)
Flag Day
Haiti
Romania
Somalia
Independence Day
Independence Day
Madagascar
Somaliland
International Day against Drug
Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
International Day in Support of
Victims of Torture
Multinational
Multinational
Multinational
Kenya
Mother's Day
St Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer Catholic Christian
Vitiligo is a skin disease.
The Berlin Airlift began on this day in 1948.
Western Christian Churches commemorate All Saints on 1st
November.
1st Sunday after Pentecost.
The Formula One Motor Racing British Grand Prix takes place at the
Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire. The winner in 2015 was Briton
Lewis Hamilton, driving a Mercedes.
Observed on the last Sunday in June.
A national holiday in Romania.
A celebration of the first hoisting of the flag of the independent
Republic of Somalia on 26th June 1960.
Commemorates independence from France in 1960.
A celebration of the end of British rule in the north western region
(known as Somaliland) in 1960. Somaliland is not recognised by any
government, but maintains a stable existence and is recognised by it's
own people as an independent republic.
Held since 1988.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997. The Day
aims at the eradication of torture and the effective functioning of the
1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or
Degrading Treatment or Punishment, which entered into force on 26th
June 1987.
Observed on the last Sunday in June.
Founder of Opus Dei. The most recently deceased Saint, he was
canonised by Pope John Paul II on 6th October 2002.
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Sunthorn Phu Day (สุนทรภู่ Wan
Sunthon Phu)
Thailand
Sunthorn Phu is Thailand's most well-known poet, popular in the
country for writing in more ordinary language.
On this day in 1963, President Kennedy made his famous 'Ich bin ein
Berliner' speech at Rathaus Schöneberg (Schöneberg Town Hall) in
Berlin, offering American support and solidarity to the citizens of the
then West Germany. The square in front of the Town Hall was
renamed John-F-Kennedy-Platz in his honour.
First held in 2009. The first investiture ceremony for the Victoria Cross
was held on 27th June 1857. Armed Forces Day replaced Veterans
Day (held on 27th June since 2006).
Part of the 'Celebrate Canada' series.
Introduced in 2009.
Germany, USA
27/06/2016 Monday
Armed Forces Day
UK
Canadian Multiculturalism Day
Day of Turkmen Workers of
Culture and Art
Helen Keller Day
Independence Day
Mixed Race Day
National HIV Testing Day
Canada
Turkmenistan
USA
Djibouti
Brazil
USA
Helen Keller was born on this day in 1880.
Commemorates independence from France on this day in 1977.
National PTSD Awareness Day
National Unity Day
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
USA
Tajikistan
Catholic Christian
Observed since 2010.
Alternatively known as National Reconciliation Day.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Seven Sleepers Day
(Siebenschläfertag)
Germany
Wimbledon begins
Multinational
Commemoration of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus Legend.
Traditionally, if it rains on this day, then the rest of the summer is going
to follow a similar course.
The Wimbledon Tennis Championships begin at the All England Club.
The tournament concludes (rain-permitting) on Sunday 10th July.
Co-ordinated by the National Association of People with AIDS. For
further information, go to: http://www.hivtest.org/press_files/default.cfm.
Multinational
28/06/2016 Tuesday
Constitution Day
Day of Remembrance of the
Poznań June of 1956
Soviet Occupation Day
Vidovdan
Ukraine
Poland
Moldova
Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia
and Herzegovina
On this day in 1989 the ILO (International Labour Organisation) 169
Convention, the international treaty defending indigenous peoples, was
adopted.
The Constitution of Ukraine was signed into law on this day in 1996.
A Polish national holiday since 2005. Commemorates the uprising in
Poznań against the Communist Government in 1956.
Decreed in 2010 to commemorate the Soviet Occupation of 1940.
Celebration of St Vitus. Known as Vidovden (Видовден) in Bulgaria.
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Vietnamese Family Day (Ngày gia
đình Việt Nam)
Vietnam
Ireland
The Irish Civil War effectively began on this day in 1922 after the Four
Courts in Dublin were bombed by Free State troops.
On this day in 1964, Malcolm X founded the Organization of AfroAmerican Unity.
Commemoration of the martyrdom of the two apostles. The date is the
anniversary of a day around 258, under the Valerian persecution, when
what were believed to be the remains of the two apostles were both
moved temporarily to prevent them from falling into the hands of the
persecutors. The Catholic Church moves this festival to the nearest
Sunday if the day falls on a Saturday or Monday.
USA
29/06/2016 Wednesday Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul Christian
Engineer's Day
Feast of St Peter and St Paul
Imnarja)
Gahambar Maidyoshem
Ecuador
(L- Malta
See above. A public holiday in Malta.
Zoroastrian
Henley Royal Regatta begins
Multinational
Independence Day
Veterans Day
The Seychelles
The Netherlands
Mid-summer feast. Gahambar means 'proper season', and these
seasonal festivals occur six times every year. They are observed for
five days.
To 3rd July. The famous rowing event takes place on the River
Thames in the South Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames.
Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1976.
Commemorates soldiers from the Netherlands who fought in World
War Two and other conflicts.
On this day in 1644, the army of Charles I defeated Parliamentary
forces at the Battle of Copredy Bridge. This is the last battle won by an
English King on English soil.
Commemoration of the events of 1871 when the Liberal Revolution
marched on the streets of Guatemala City, leading to the downfall of
the existing Government.
UK (England)
30/06/2016 Thursday
Army Day (Día del Ejército)
Guatemala
General Prayer Day
Independence Day
Central African Republic
Democratic Republic of
the Congo
Thailand
Mid-Year Bank Holiday (วันหยุด
กลางปี ธนาคาร Wan Yut Klang Pi
Thanakhan)
Navy Day (‫)יום חיל הים‬
Commemorates independence from Belgium in 1960.
Unlike its counterparts in the UK, the Thai Bank Holiday is for banks
only.
Israel
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Philippine-Spanish Friendship
Day (Día de la Amistad entre
España y Filipinas o Día de la
Amistad Hispano-Filipina)
Revolution Day
The Philippines
Sudan
Germany
The East and West German economies were merged on this day in
1990.
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JULY
2016
Date
Day
01/07/2016 Friday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Armed Forces Day
(新加坡武装部队日 Hari
Angkatan Tentera Singapura)
Canada Day (La fête du
Canada)
Children's Day
CPC Founding Day (建党节)
Faith/Nation etc
Singapore
Other Info
Commemoration of Singapore's Armed Forces. The day is marked by a parade
and the trooping of colours.
Canada
Celebrates the founding of the Canadian nation in 1867 and the establishment of
dominion status.
Doctor's Day
India
Feast of the Most Precious
Blood
Fishermen's Holiday
Godiva Festival
Catholic Christian
Marshall Islands
UK
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
Burundi
Rwanda
Somalia
International Tartan Day
Australia, New
Zealand
Bulgaria
July Morning
Pakistan
China
Islam
Juma Tul Wida (‫)ﺟﻣﻌﺔ ﺍﻟﻭﺩﺍﻉ‬
Quds Day (‫ ﺭﻭﺯ ﻗﺩﺱ‬rūz-e quds) Multinational
Keti Koti / Liberation Day
Suriname
Laylat al qadr (‫)ﻟﻳﻠﺔ ﺍﻟﻘﺩﺭ‬
Islam
National Scout Day (วัน
ลูกเสือแห่งชาติ Wan Luk Suea
Haeng Chat)
Thailand
Commemorates the formation of the 1st National Congress of the Communist
Party of China in 1921.
The West Bengal physician and government minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy was
born and died on this date, in 1882 and 1962 respectively.
Observed on the first Friday in July.
3-day festival. Includes the Godiva Procession which commemorates the legendary
ride of Lady Godiva through the streets of Coventry.
Commemoration of independence from Belgium in 1962.
Commemoration of independence from Belgium in 1962.
Somalia became a fully independent republic in 1960 through a merger of the two
former colonial territories, British and Italian Somaliland. Also known as Republic
Day.
A tradition dating back perhaps to the 1970's. Young (and not so young) people
from all over the country travel (often hitchhike) to the Black Sea coast to meet the
first sun rays on 1st July. The tradition is linked to the hippy movement in the USA.
Last Friday of Ramadan observance. Translates as 'Friday of Farewell).
Observed on the last Friday of Ramadan. A pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist political
demonstration. First introduced in Iran by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
Keti Koti' means 'breaking of chains'. Commemoration of the abolition of slavery in
1863. Today is also Emancipation Day in the Netherlands Antilles.
Night of Power - marks the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad by Allah. Also translated as the Night of Destiny.
Scouting in Thailand was founded by King Vajiravudh in 1911.
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02/07/2016 Saturday
Navy and Merchant Marine
Day (Kabotaj Bayramı)
Republic Day
Sickle Cell Awareness
Month begins
Turkey
Commemoration and honouring of the Turkish navy and merchant navy.
Ghana
UK
Sir Seretse Khama Day
Botswana
Somme Remembrance
Multinational
Ghana became a republic on this day in 1960.
Sickle Cell Anaemia is an inherited blood disorder, which mainly affects people of
African-Caribbean origin, and people from the Mediterranean region, Arabia and
Asia. The Awareness Month is traditionally held in July.
Sir Seretse Khama was a Motswana statesman and former Prime Minister of
Botswana. He was born on this day in 1921.
Commemorates the beginning of the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Particularly
observed in Northern Ireland in remembrance of the part played by the Ulster
Division, and in locations in the North of England as a result of the 'pals' battalions.
Special Administrative
Region Establishment Day
(香港特別行政區成立紀念日)
Territory Day
Hong Kong
British Virgin
Islands
UK (England)
Day of the Azerbaijani Police Azerbaijan
International Day of
Cooperatives
St Pauls Carnival
Tour de France begins
World UFO Day
Public Holiday. Known as 'Colony Day' until 1978.
The first Gay Pride march in England took place on this day in 1972.
Multinational
Held on the first Saturday in July. Recognised by the United Nations.
UK
The African Caribbean Carnival in the St Pauls area of Bristol takes place on the
first Saturday in July.
The 2016 Tour de France is the 103rd of its kind. It is scheduled to have a stage
finish in Andorra.
France and
neighbouring
countries
Multinational
USA
03/07/2016 Sunday
On this day in 1997, The United Kingdom transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong
to the People's Republic of China.
For further information go to: http://www.worldufoday.com/
On this day in 1964, President Lyndon B Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which
prohibited segregation in public places.
7th Sunday after Pentecost
All Saints of North America
Christian
Orthodox Christian 2nd Sunday after Pentecost.
Emancipation Day
United States
Virgin Islands
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Independence Day (Дзень
Незалежнасцi (Dzień
Niezaležnasci)
St Thomas Day
Vardavar (Վարդևար)
Women's Day
Youth Day (青年节, Hari
Belia, இளைஞர் தினம்)
Belarus
Adopted in 1996. Commemoration of the liberation of Minsk from German control
on this day in 1944.
Christian
Armenia
St Thomas the Apostle was one of the twelve apostles.
Observed on the fourth Sunday preceding Dormition of the Theotokos, it is
customary for people to spray and soak others with water. Vardavar has its origins
in pagan times, but is now considered a Christian tradition.
Myanmar (Burma)
Singapore
Observed on the first Sunday in July.
Algeria
04/07/2016 Monday
CARICOM Day
Guyana
Constitution Day
Family Day
Filipino-American
Friendship Day
Cayman Islands
Lesotho
The Philippines
Zambia
Heroes Day
Independence Day (4th July) USA
Liberation Day
Northern Mariana
Islands
Rwanda
Oda of Canterbury
Christian
Liberation Day
USA
05/07/2016 Tuesday
2016 European Athletics
Championships
Birthday of Guru Hargobind
The Netherlands
Constitution Day
(Սահմանադրության օր)
Armenia
Sikh
This day in 1962 witnessed the end of the Algerian War of Independence (against
France).
Observed on the first Monday in July. Commemoration of the signing of the Treaty
of Chaguaramas in 1973, which formed the Caribbean Community and Common
Market (CARICOM).
Observed on the first Monday in July.
Observed on the first Monday in July.
The day commemorates the liberation of The Philippines by joint Filipino and
American forces from the Japanese occupation at the end of World War II. Also
Republic Day.
Observed on the first Monday in July.
Commemoration of US independence from Great Britain in 1776. Also observed in
Puerto Rico (Día de la Independencia de los Estados Unidos).
Commemoration of the liberation from Japan on this day in 1945.
A commemoration of the end of the Rwandan genocide. Estimates of the number
of dead range from 500,000 to 1 million.
Oda was a 10th Century Archbishop of Canterbury. He was known as both 'the
Good' and 'the Severe'.
On this day in 1910, African-American boxer Jack Johnson defeated by knock out
his White counterpart Jim Jeffries in a heavyweight contest, a victory that sparked
race riots across the United States.
To 10th July. The Championships are being held in Amsterdam.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Hargobind was the sixth Sikh Guru.
Parkash is a term that is used to refer to birth, though it actually means 'light,
radiance, expansion etc'.
Adopted in 1995.
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Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day or 5th
July (5 de julio)
Saints Cyril and Methodius
Day (Den slovanských
věrozvěstů Cyrila a Metoděje)
Tynwald Day
Unity Day
Algeria
Cape Verde
Venezuela
Czech Republic,
Slovak Republic
UK (Isle of Man)
Zambia
Israel
UK
06/07/2016 Wednesday Birthday of Eino Leino
Finland
Capital City Day (Астана күні Kazakhstan
/ День столицы)
Buddhist, Tibet
Dalai Lama's Birthday
Independence Day
Comoros
Independence Day /
Republic Day
Jan Hus Day (Den upálení
mistra Jana Husa)
Malawi
Ratha Yatra
Hindu
San Fermín
Spain
St Maria Goretti
Catholic Christian
Czech Republic
Commemoration of independence from France in 1962.
Commemoration of independence from Portugal in 1975.
Commemoration of independence from Spain in 1811. The Declaration of
Independence was signed on this day.
Commemoration of the arrival of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the Czech and
Slovak lands (in what was Great Moravia) in about the year 863. A national holiday
in both countries.
National Day of the Isle of Man. For more information go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tynwald_Day.
Observed on the first Tuesday in July.
On this day in 1950, the Knesset (Israeli legislature) passed the Law of Return
which grants all Jews the right to immigrate to Israel.
On this day in 1975, American Arthur Ashe became the first Black man to win the
Wimbledon singles tennis title.
Leino is considered to be one of the pioneers of Finnish poetry. He was born on
this day in 1878. The day is a celebration of poetry and also of summer.
The capital city of Kazakhstan is Astana (though it is not the largest city).
The Dalai Lama was born on this day in 1935. Buddhist observation with traditional
dances, picnics and singing. Each Dalai Lama is seen as a reincarnation of
predecessor.
Commemorates independence from France in 1975. Comoros is an island in the
Indian Ocean.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1964, and the establishment of a
Republic in 1966. Both occurred on 6th July.
Commemorates the anniversary of the execution of religious reformer Jan Hus in
1415. His statue adorns the Old Town Square in Prague. A public holiday in the
Czech Republic.
Festival of Chariots. Ratha Yatra is one of the major Hindu festivals associated with
Lord Jagannath held at Puri in Orissa state, India. The Ratha Yatra festival has
become a common sight in most major cities of the world (including London, Paris
and New York) since 1968 through the Hare Krishna movement. It is traditionally
celebrated in Leicester.
Held annually from 12 noon on 6th July to midnight on the 14th in the city of
Pamplona. The festival is most famous for the 'encierro' (the 'running of the bulls').
Feastday of St Maria Goretti, Patron Saint of youth, young women, purity, and
victims of rape.
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Statehood Day (Valstybės
(Lietuvos karaliaus Mindaugo
karūnavimo) diena)
Teachers Day (Día del
Maestro)
Lithuania
Commemorates the coronation of Mindaugas as the first King of Lithuania in 1253.
Peru
Commemorates the passing of a resolution on this day in 1822 that led to the
foundation of the country's first Normal School for Men.
On this day in 1942, Otto Frank led his family (including his youngest daughter
Anne) into hiding in the annexe at the back of his business at 263 Prinsengracht in
Amsterdam. They would remain there for over two years until they were betrayed
and discovered.
On this day in 2009, Jadranka Kosor of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ)
became the country's first female Prime Minister.
Commemorating the end of Ramadan and thanking Allah for the help and strength
given to help practice self-control. The word 'Fitr' means 'to break', symbolising the
breaking of the fast. This is an estimated date as the beginning of Ramadan is
dependent on the sighting of the moon.
Shawwal is the tenth month in the Islamic Calendar and the first of the three
months named as 'Ashhur al-Hajj' (i.e. the months of Hajj). The first day of
Shawwal is Eid-ul-Fitr. There are also six days of fasting during Shawwal which,
together with the Ramadan fasts, are equivalent to fasting the whole year
(according to Sahih Muslim). Muslims, therefore, will receive the rewards of a
whole year's worth of fasting.
Fourth month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Tenth month of the civil year.
The Netherlands
Croatia
07/07/2016 Thursday
Eid-Ul-Fitr (‫)ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻟﻔﻁﺭ‬
Islam
First Day of Shawwal ( ‫ﺷﻭﺍﻝ‬
ّ )
Islam
First Day of the Month of
Tammuz (‫)תמוז‬
Independence Day
Ivan Kupala Day (ИванКупала, Noc Kupały)
Jewish
Parents' Day
Saba Saba Day
Vietnam
Tanzania
Tanabata (七夕)
Japan
Unity Factory Day
Yemen
Solomon Islands
Russia, Poland,
Ukraine, Belarus
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1978.
The day of the Summer Solstice. Using the Gregorian Calendar (see 24/06/2016).
Ivan is the Russian name for John and Kupala relates to a Slavic word meaning
'bathing' - hence John the Baptist.
It is traditional for young children to buy or make gifts for their parents.
Celebration - amongst other things - of the foundation of TANU (Tanganyika
African National Union) political party. 'Saba Saba' means 'seven seven' (7th day of
the 7th month) in Swahili, the country's official language.
Of Chinese origin, this is the Japanese Star Festival. Japanese people celebrate by
decorating shops and streets with bamboo and colourful plastic ornaments. They
write their wishes on poem-cards and tie them to the bamboo. Tanabata means
'evening of the seventh'. Some festivals therefore take place on 7th July, some on
7th August and some also on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the
traditional Japanese lunisolar calendar (20th August 2016 in the Gregorian
Calendar).
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Multinational
08/07/2016 Friday
09/07/2016 Saturday
Air Force and Air Defense
Forces Day
World Writer's Day
Ukraine
Multinational
Portugal
Arbor Day
Constitution Day
Cambodia
Australia
Constitution Day
Palau
Day of the Employees of the
Diplomatic Service
Independence Day (Día de la
Independencia)
Independence Day
Martyrdom of the Báb
Azerbaijan
Our Lady of Peace
Wimbledon Ladies Singles
Final
Catholic Christian
Multinational
On this day in 1497, the explorer Vasco da Gama set sail from Lisbon on the first
direct voyage from Europe (travelling around the foot of Africa) to India.
The Australian Constitution became law on this day in 1900. Constitution Day was
first held 100 years later to mark its centenary.
The Republic of Palau is an island state in the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the
youngest and smallest nations in the world, having come into existence in 1994.
Argentina
Commemoration of independence from Spain in 1816.
South Sudan
Bahá'í
Commemoration of independence from Sudan in 2011.
This major holy day is celebrated at noon and commemorates the events
surrounding the death of the Báb (the prophet-herald of the Bahá'í faith) in 1850.
One of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended.
Our Lady of Peace is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Czech-born US player Martina Navrátilová has won the most Open Titles
(nine). The winner in 2015 was Serena Williams from the United States who beat
Spain's Garbiñe Muguruza in straight sets.
Legend has it that the foundation stone of one of the world's most famous bridges,
the Charles Bridge (Karlův most) in Prague, was laid on this day in 1357 under the
auspices of King Karel (Charles) IV.
Czech Republic
10/07/2016 Sunday
Famous people born on this day include the composer Gustav Mahler (1860), the
painter Marc Chagall (1887) and The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr (1940).
8th Sunday after Pentecost
Armed Forces Day
Christian
Mauritania
Army Day
Euro 2016 Final
Father's Day
Independence Day
National Day of
Commemoration (Lá
Cuimhneacháin Náisiúnta)
Albania
France
Uruguay
Bahamas
Ireland
Sea Sunday
Christian
President Moktar Ould Daddah (overseer of a single-party system) was overthrown
in a bloodless coup on this day in 1978.
The Final takes place at the Stade de France in Paris.
Observed on the second Sunday in July.
Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1973.
Held on the Sunday nearest to 11th July, the anniversary of the date in 1921 that a
Truce was signed ending the Irish War of Independence. A commemoration of all
Irish men and women who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations.
Occurs on the second Sunday in July.
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Wimbledon Men's Singles
Final
11/07/2016 Monday
Bonfire Night
Gospel Day
Holiday of the Flemish
Community (Feestdag van
Vlaanderen)
Imamat Day
Multinational
Perhaps surprisingly, there have been more UK winners (36 to date) than any other
country. All but one of the UK successes (that one being Andy Murray in 2013)
occurred during the tournament's amateur era. The winner in 2015 was Serbia's
Novak Djokovic who beat Switzerland's Roger Federer in four sets.
Republic of Ireland The city of Dublin was founded on this day in 988 CE on the banks of the River
Liffey.
Northern Ireland
A Protestant commemoration of the night before the Battle of the Boyne.
Kiribati
Date can vary.
Belgium
Commemorates the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. Considered to be a
landmark in the development of Flemish political independence.
Ismailist
Maritime Day (中国航海日)
China
Naadam Holiday (Наадам)
Mongolia
Srebrenica Genocide
Remembrance Day
Multinational
St Benedict Day
World Population Day
Catholic Christian
Multinational
USA
12/07/2016 Tuesday
Independence Day
Independence Day (Dia da
Independência)
Malala Day
Orangemen's Day
Kiribati
São Tomé and
Príncipe
Multinational
Religious observance and celebration of the day when the Imamat passed from the
past to the current Imam, the Aga Khan (presently Shah Karīm al-Hussaynī, Aga
Khan IV) .
Marks the anniversary of the first voyage of Zheng He, the famous Chinese
mariner and explorer.
Mongolian national festival, held until 13th July. 'Naadam' means games, and
Mongolian wrestling, archery and horse-racing take place throughout the country.
The European Parliament agreed in January 2009 that 11th July would be
observed as Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day. On this day in 1985 an
estimated 8,000 Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks) men and boys were killed and 25,000
women, children and elderly people deported from the city.
Patron Saint of Europe and schoolchildren, and founder of the Benedictine Order.
Inaugurated in 1988 by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to mark 11th
July 1987, when the world's population hit five billion.
On this day in 1977, Martin Luther King Jr was posthumously awarded the US
Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1979.
Commemoration of independence from Portugal in 1975.
A day to promote education for all. Malala Yousafzai was born in 1997 and has
been an active campaigner for education and women's rights in the Swat Valley of
her native Pakistan. Changed from 10th November to 12th July (her birthday).
Northern Ireland & Anniversary and commemoration by Protestant communities of the Battle of the
others
Boyne in 1690. Parades take place in the north of Ireland and in places such as
Liverpool. Otherwise known as The Twelfth.
Multinational
On this day in 1580, the Ostrog Bible (the first printed Bible in a Slavic language)
was published.
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13/07/2016 Wednesday Feast of Kalimát (‫ ﻛﻠﻣﺎﺕ‬Words) Bahá'í
14/07/2016 Thursday
Obon (お盆)
Buddhist / Shinto / The Festival of Souls. Japanese Buddhist festival to honour deceased ancestors.
Japan
Involves lighting of bonfires, traditional meals, paper lanterns, folk dances.
Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of this date.
Rock Worldwide Day
Multinational
Statehood Day
Montenegro
USA
Bastille Day (14 Juillet - Fête
Nationale)
Day of Remembrance for
Victims of Honour Based
Violence
Flag Day (Kronprinsessans
födelsedag)
Honduran's Day
Open Golf Championships
begin
Republic Day
France
First observed in 2015. It specifically commemorates the birth on this day in 1986
of Shafilea Ahmed who was murdered by her parents in 2003.
Sweden
To commemorate the birthday of Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden.
Honduras
Multinational
Iraq
St Swithin's Day
Christian
St Vladimir the Great Day
Orthodox
Christian / Russia
Kiribati
UK
Unimwane Day
16/07/2016 Saturday
Engineer's Day
Ethiopian Constitution Day
Commemorates the anniversary of the Live Aid concerts at Wembley in London
and John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia on this day in 1985.
Montenegro was recognised as independent at the Congress of Berlin in 1878.
The famous Hollywood sign (which originally read 'Hollywoodland') was officially
dedicated in the hills above Los Angeles on this day in 1923.
Commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789. A national holiday in France.
Multinational
Honduras, El
Salvador
15/07/2016 Friday
First day of the seventh month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Honduras
Ethiopia
To 17th July. The 145th Open Golf Championships are taking place at Royal Troon
in Scotland.
Commemoration of the overthrow of the Hashemite monarchy on this day in 1958.
The so-called 'Football War' between Honduras and El Salvador broke out on this
day in 1969. It lasted for four days, the spark being a World Cup Qualifying match
between the two countries.
According to tradition, if it rains on this day it will then rain daily for 40 days. If it is
fine on St. Swithin's Day, it will not rain for 40 days.
Vladimir the Great was the first Russian ruler to embrace Christianity, and was
instrumental in the establishment of the Russian nation.
Elderly Men Day. Date can vary.
On this day in 1966, managers overturned an existing ban on black workers at
Euston Station in London, thus enabling an African Caribbean worker initially
refused a job to be employed there.
Commemoration of the implementation of Ethiopia's Constitution by His Imperial
Majesty (HIM) Haile Selassie I in 1931. The day is characterised by Nyabingi
drumming sessions in honour of Ethiopia. Rastafarians also remember events in
the history of Ethiopia and those that led up to the birth of the Rastafari religion.
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17/07/2016 Sunday
Festa del Redentore
Italy
First Day of Sawan (ਸਾਵਣ)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
(Solemnidad de la Virgen del
Carmen, Reina y Patrona de
Chile)
Unaine Day
Sikh
Catholic Christian
/ Chile
9th Sunday after Pentecost
Children's Day
Constitution Memorial Day
(제헌절(制憲節) Jeheonjeol)
Christian
Cuba, Venezuela
South Korea
Observed on the third Sunday in July.
Commemorates the adoption of the Constitution in 1948.
Galla Bayramy
Independence Day (Výročie
deklarácie o zvrchovanosti SR)
King's Birthday
World Day for International
Justice
Yamaboko Junkō
Turkmenistan
Slovakia
Observed on the third Sunday in July. A celebration of the wheat harvest.
Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 1992.
Lesotho
Multinational
King Letsie III of Lesotho was born on this day in 1963.
Japan
Also 24th July. Culmination of The Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri), a famous
Japanese Festival that takes place in July in Kyoto. Yamaboko Junkō is a parade
through the streets.
On this day in 1976, the Opening Ceremony of the Montreal Olympic Games was
marred by the withdrawal of 26 African countries protesting against New Zealand's
sporting links with South Africa. It would be 16 years before a modern Olympic
Games (Barcelona in 1992) featured all countries.
Observed on the third Monday in July. Luis Muñoz Rivera, a poet and politician,
was the father of Luis Muñoz Marín (see 18/02/2016). He was born on 17th July
1859.
Uruguay adopted its first constitution on this day in 1830.
Kiribati
Sweden
Canada
18/07/2016 Monday
Birthday of Don Luis Muñoz Puerto Rico
Rivera (Natalicio de Don Luis
Muñoz Rivera)
Constitution Day (Jura de la Uruguay
Constitución de la República
Oriental del Uruguay)
Marine Day (海の日 Umi no hi) Japan
Nelson Mandela
International Day
Multinational
Observed on the third Saturday and Sunday in July in Venice. Initially, the festival
was one of gratitude for the ending of the plague of 1576 which killed 50,000
people.
Sawan is the fifth month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast
replaced Corpus Christi in Chile from 2007 onwards.
Elderly Women Day. Date can vary.
The first banknotes in Europe came into circulation on this day in 1661. They were
issued by the Swedish bank, Stockholms Banco.
A national holiday to celebrate Japan as a maritime nation. Occurs on the third
Monday in July.
Also known as Mandela Day. Declared by the United Nations in 2009 and first held
in 2010. Nelson Mandela was born on this day in 1918.
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19/07/2016 Tuesday
President's Day
Botswana
UK (England)
Two day event, beginning on the third Monday in July.
On this day in 1290, King Edward I expelled all Jews (numbering about 16,000
people) from England. The expulsion coincided with Tisha B'Av in the Hebrew
Calendar (see 19/07/2016 and 09/08/2016).
Buddhist
The anniversary of the start of Buddha's teaching - his first sermon "The Wheel of
Asalha Puja Day
Truth " after his enlightenment. Also known as Dharma Day. The day is observed
by donating, listening to sermons and giving offerings to temples. Regional
customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of this date.
Myanmar
(Burma)
Commemorates
the assassination on this day in 1947 of several of Burma's
Burmese Martyr's Day (Azani
independence leaders in Rangoon.
nei)
Hindu/Jain
A day of worship by devotees to their Guru. The spiritual Gurus (and in particular,
Guru Purnima
sage Ved Vyas) are revered on this day by remembering their life and teachings.
Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of this date.
Independence Day
Laos
National Liberation Day /
Sandinista Revolution Day
Nicaragua
UK (England)
Commemoration of the anniversary of the 1949 Treaty by which Laos became a
sovereign nation and therefore independent (of France).
Commemorates the defeat of the Somoza dictatorship by the National Liberation
Army in 1979.
The flag ship of King Henry VIII's fleet, the 'Mary Rose' sank off Portsmouth on this
day in 1545.
Costa Rica
Argentina, Uruguay Friendship Day is also celebrated on this day in Brazil. The idea for such a day was
to coincide with the first moon landing, which it was thought engendered friendly
feelings.
Columbia
Commemoration of independence from Spain in 1810.
Independence Day
Honduras
Lempira's Day
Northern Cyprus
Commemorates the anniversary of the occupation by Turkish forces of the north
Peace and Freedom Day /
part of the island in 1974.
Turkish Intervention
Central African
Tree Planting Day
Republic
Multinational
The Special Olympics were founded on this day in 1968.
Canada
On this day in 2005, Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalise
same-sex marriage.
Guam
Commemorates the retaking of Guam by American forces from the Japanese in
Liberation Day
1944.
Bolivia
Martyrs' Day
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. The term Miri Piri (two words both of
Miri-Piri Day Guru Hargobind Sikh
Persian Arabic origin) is used to denote the close relationship between temporal
and spiritual life in the Sikh tradition.
20/07/2016 Wednesday Engineer's Day
Friendship Day (Día del
Amigo)
21/07/2016 Thursday
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National Holiday
Belgium
Our Lady of Kazan
Christian / Russia
/ Tatarstan
Racial Harmony Day
(种族和谐日 Hari
Keharmonian Kaum இன
நல்லிணக்க நாள்)
Singapore
Sri Lanka
22/07/2016 Friday
23/07/2016 Saturday
National Press Day
Pi Approximation Day
Revolution Day
St Mary Magdalene Day
Azerbaijan
Multinational
The Gambia
Christian
Commemorates independence from the Netherlands and the inauguration of
Leopold I, the first King of Belgium in 1831.
Our Lady of Kazan was a holy icon of the Russian Orthodox Church, representing
the Blessed Virgin Mary as a protector of the city of Kazan, the capital and largest
city of the Republic of Tatarstan. The Feast Day is both 21st July and 4th
November.
In commemoration of the race riots that took place in Singapore in 1964 that began
on 21st July.
On this day in 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the first female Head of
Government in the world when she became Prime Minister of Ceylon.
See also 14/03/2016.
Mary Magdalene was a devoted disciple of Jesus and considered by the Roman
Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches to be a Saint.
Poland
The deportation of Jews from the Warsaw Ghetto began on this day in 1942. Their
destination was the newly opened Treblinka extermination camp, situated to the
North East of the Polish capital.
Jewish
An important Jewish fast day. The days between the 17th day of the Hebrew month
17th Tammuz (‫שבעה עשר‬
of Tammuz and the 9th of Av (Tisha B'Av) are days of mourning, commemorating
‫)בתמוז‬
the collapse of Jerusalem during the Roman occupation.
Jewish
Day of fasting to lament the breaching of Jerusalem Walls. Observed on 17
Fast of Shiva Asar
Tammuz.
B'Tammuz
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Har Krishan was the eighth Sikh
Birthday of Guru Har Krishan Sikh
Guru. Parkash is a term that is used to refer to birth, though it actually means 'light,
radiance, expansion etc'.
Rastafari / Ethiopia HIM Haile Selassie I was the Emperor of Ethiopia. Rastafarians believe him to be
Birthday of HIM Haile
God, and that he will return members of the Black community who are living in exile
Selassie I
to Africa. He was born in 1892.
Indonesia
Children's Day
Papua New
Commemorates the first engagement between New Guinean forces and the
Remembrance Day
Guinea
Imperial Japanese Army near Kokoda on this day in 1942. A commemoration of
those who lost their lives during military conflict.
Oman
Renaissance Day
Egypt, Libya
In Egypt, this is a commemoration of the 1952 Revolution in which the monarchy
Revolution Day
was overthrown.
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St Bridget (den heliga Birgitta) Christian, Sweden Founder of the Bridgettines nuns and monks. One of the six patron saints of
Europe.
Jewish
17th of Tammuz. Day begins at sunset. Fast day which commemorates the
Tzom Tammuz (‫)צום תמוז‬
breaching of the walls of Jerusalem prior to the destruction of the Second Temple.
Italy
24/07/2016 Sunday
25/07/2016 Monday
26/07/2016 Tuesday
Foreign words were banned in Italy by the Fascist Government on this day in 1929.
10th Sunday after Pentecost Christian
Children's Day
Khordad Sal (Birth of
Prophet Zarathustra)
Parents' Day
Pioneer Day
Vanuatu
Zoroastrian
Simón Bolívar Day (El
Natalicio de Simón Bolivar)
Bolivia
USA
Mormon Christian
Chile
Commonwealth Constitution Puerto Rico
Day (Constitución del Estado
Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico)
Guanacaste Day
Costa Rica
Republic Day
Tunisia
St Christopher
Catholic Christian
St James the Great Day
Christian
Santiago Apostol
Basque Country,
Galicia (Spain)
Multinational
Dutch Declaration of
Independence
The Netherlands
The birthday of Zoroaster (Zarathustra), celebrated on this date in the Qadimi
calendar.
Held on the fourth Sunday in July. Established in 1994.
Commemorates the arrival in 1847 of the first Latter Day Saints pioneers in Salt
Lake Valley.
Also commemorated in Venezuela as 'Birth of the Libertador' (Natalicio del
Libertador) and in Ecuador and Columbia. Simón Bolívar, considered one of the
foremost figures in the struggle to achieve independence in South America, was
born on this day in 1783. Also, Navy Day in Venezuala.
Slavery was abolished in Chile on this day in 1823.
An official holiday in Puerto Rico, the day is a commemoration of the Puerto Rican
constitution (which is tied to the USA) becoming effective on this day in 1852.
Celebration of the annexation of the Guanacaste province from Nicaragua in 1824.
The celebration is held in the capital of the province, Liberia.
Commemorates the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic on
this day in 1957.
St Christopher is best known as being the Patron Saint of Travellers. However, his
patronages also include bachelors, storms and toothache!
Christian recognition of the martyrdom of the Apostle James the Great in 44 AD.
See 30/04/2016 for observation in Eastern Christian Orthodox Churches.
See above.
For the first time in modern Olympic history, all countries were represented when
the Olympic Games opened in Barcelona on this day in 1992.
Commemoration of the Declaration of Independence (from Spain) that took place
on this day in 1581.
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Independence Day
Independence Day
Kargil Vijay Divas
Revolution Day
27/07/2016 Wednesday Feast Day of the Great
Martyr Saint Panteleimon
Iglesia ni Cristo Day
José Celso Barbosa Day
(Natalicio de Dr José Celso
Barbosa)
Memorial Day for War
Martyrs (Ngày thương binh
liệt sĩ)
National Sleepy Head Day
(Unikeonpäivä)
Victory Day
Liberia
The Maldives
India
Commemorates the achievement of independence (from the USA) in 1847.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1965.
Commemoration of those Indians who fought in the 1999 Kargil War (करगिल युद्ध
karagil yuddh) with Pakistan.
Cuba
Commemorates Fidel Castro's opposition to the Batista military dictatorship and the
assault on the Moncada Barracks on this day in 1953. Also known as the Day of
the National Rebelliousness (Día de la Rebeldía Nacional). The previous (25th
July) and following days (27th) are also public holidays in Cuba.
UK (England)
The first recorded women's cricket match took place near Guildford, Surrey, on this
day in 1745.
Russian Orthodox Otherwise known as Saint Pantaleon (the 'all-compassionate').
Church
The Philippines
Puerto Rico
Commemorates the birth on this day in 1857 of the Puerto Rican doctor, sociologist
and political leader.
Vietnam
Finland
North Korea
Fiji
28/07/2016 Thursday
Day of Commemoration of
the Great Upheaval
Fall of the Fascist
Government
An annual commemoration of those who have died in past wars, characterised by
the singing of patriotic songs and the lighting of candles. Also known as Martyrs
and Invalids Day.
Traditionally, the last person in the house to wake is woken up with water!
Also known as the Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War. The
Korean War ended on this day in 1953.
The Constitution of the Republic of the Fiji Islands took effect from this day in 1997.
Canada
San Marino
Independence Day (Día de la Peru
Independencia)
Faroe Islands
Ólavsøka Eve
Multinational
World Hepatitis Day
Also known as Liberation Day. Commemorates the fall of the Mussolini Fascist
Government in Italy. July 28th was the date when it was announced that Italy was
no longer a fascist state.
Commemorates independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821. Part of the
Fiestas Patrias.
Night before Ólavsøka.
Endorsed by the World Health Organisation in 2010. Designated by hepatitis
patient associations around the world as a day on which to raise awareness about
hepatitis and demand action to curb the spread of the disease and treat people
who are infected. Formerly held on 1st October.
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Multinational
29/07/2016 Friday
Multinational
International Tiger Day
Romania
National Anthem Day (Ziua
Imnului naţional)
National Thai Language Day Thailand
(วันภาษาไทยแห่งชาติ (Wan
Phasa Thai Haeng Chat)
Ólavsøka
Faroe Islands
Peruvian National Holiday
(Fiestas Patrias peruanas)
System Administrator
Appreciation Day
Peru
Multinational
UK
30/07/2016 Saturday
31/07/2016 Sunday
Enthronement (Eid Al-Ârch)
Morocco
Independence Day
Vanuatu
Iraq
11th Sunday after Pentecost Christian
Day for Life
Father's Day
Feast of St Ignatius Loyola
Hari Pahlawan
Ka Hae Hawai'i Day
National Tree Day
Reek Sunday
Christian
Dominican
Republic
Spain, Christian
(Catholic)
Malaysia
World War One began on this day in 1914. Austria-Hungary declared war on
Serbia after it failed to meet the conditions of an ultimatum it set on 23rd July
following the killing of Archduke Francis Ferdinand in Sarajevo by a Serbian
assassin, Gavrilo Princip. This event led to the outbreak of war.
Also known as Global Tiger Day. Created in 2010.
Commemorates the first singing of the National Anthem in 1848, the year of the
revolution.
A national holiday to commemorate the opening of the Faroese Parliament
(Løgting). The day involves many festivities, including the national rowing
competition finals.
The Fiestas Patrias peruanas involves Independence Day (28th July) and a day
honouring the armed forces and national police (29th July).
Observed on the last Friday in July. Also known as Sysadmin Day, SysAdminDay,
SAD or SAAD.
On this day in 1948, the Olympic Games opened in London, the first to be held
since the Berlin Olympics of 1936.
Commemoration of the enthronement of King Mohammed VI on this day in 1999.
Also known as the Feast of the Throne.
Formerly Anglo-French condominium of the New Hebrides. Commemorates
independence from France and the UK in 1980.
Baghdad was founded on this day in 762 CE by the caliph Al-Mansur.
Occurs on the last Sunday in July.
Observed on the last Sunday in July.
St Ignatius Loyola was the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). He was
beatified in 1609 and canonised in 1622.
Malaysian Warriors or Remembrance Day. Alternatively, Heroes' Day.
Commemoration of Malaysian servicemen killed during the two World Wars and
the Malayan Emergency (1948-1960).
Hawaiian Flag Day. Celebrated since 1990.
Hawaii (USA)
Australia
Republic of Ireland Observed on the last Sunday in July. Pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick, a mountain in
the West of Ireland on this day. The mountain is known locally as 'The Reek'.
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Upswing of the Revolution
Republic of the
Congo
Spain
Georgia
Uprising against foreign rule that culminated in independence in 1960.
The Alhambra Decree expelling all Jews from Spain came into effect on this day in
1492.
Georgia joined the United Nations on this day in 1992.
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AUGUST
2016
Date
Day
01/08/2016 Monday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Anniversary of the Founding of the
People's Liberation Army (建军节)
Faith/Nation etc
China
Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day (Eid al-Jaysh)
August Civic Holiday (Premier lundi
d'août)
August Holiday (Lá Saoire i mí Lúnasa)
Angola
Lebanon
Canada
Other Info
The People's Liberation Army was founded on 1st August 1927 as the
military arm of the Communist Party of China. It was called the Red
Army until June 1946.
Treated as a public holiday, but not officially recognised.
Celebrated only by women.
Observed on the first Monday in August.
Republic of Ireland Observed on the first Monday in August. A public holiday in the
Republic of Ireland.
Scotland
Summer Bank Holiday.
Bank Holiday
Frídagur verslunarmanna' translates as 'Holiday of the Tradesman'.
Commerce Day (Frídagur verslunarmanna) Iceland
Observed on the first Monday in August.
Azerbaijan
Day of the Azerbaijani Language and
Alphabet
UK,
On 1st August 1834, all slaves in the British Empire were
Emancipation from Slavery
Commonwealth,
emancipated. However, they were still indentured to their former
former British
owners in an apprenticeship system which was finally abolished in
colonies
1838.
Trinidad and
A national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate the
Emancipation Day
Tobago,
emancipation of slaves in the British Empire on 1st August 1834.
Barbados,
Though it is observed as a National Holiday on 1st August in
Guyana, Jamaica, Bermuda, celebrations take place on 2nd August.
Bermuda
Anguilla
See 01/08/2016. In Anguilla, the first Monday in August also marks the
Emancipation Day
beginning of 'August Week', the carnival celebrations.
Bahamas
See 01/08/2016. Observed on the first Monday in August, known as
Emancipation Day
'August Monday'. Celebrations in the Bahamas mainly focus on the
Fox Hill Village area of the capital, Nassau. It was a former slave
village.
Dominica
Observed on the first Monday in August.
Emancipation Day
Rastafari
See above.
Emancipation from Slavery
Fast in honour of the Holy Mother of the Orthodox Christian The period of fasting lasts for 14 days, in preparation for the
celebration of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
Lord Jesus
Bahá'í
First day of the eighth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Feast of Kamál (‫ ﻛﻣﺎﻝ‬Perfection)
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Feast of the Procession of the Venerable Eastern Orthodox
Christian
Wood of the Cross
Farmer's Day
Zambia
Festival Monday
Fiesta Day (Fiesta de Santo Domingo)
British Virgin
Islands
Nicaragua
Independence Day
Kadooment Day
Benin
Barbados
Labour Day
Lugnasadh - Lammas
Samoa
Pagan
National Children's Day
Parents' Day
Tuvalu
Democratic
Republic of the
Congo
Northern Cyprus
Social Resistance Day (Ulusal Direniş
Bayramı)
Swiss National Day
Switzerland
World Breastfeeding Week
World Scout Scart Day
Multinational
Multinational
Yorkshire Day
UK
Youth Day
Kiribati
Multinational
Commemoration of the day on which the relics of the True Cross
would be carried through the streets of Constantinople to bless the
city. Marks the beginning of the Dormition Fast.
Observed on the first Monday in August. The focus of celebration is
the National Agricultural Show in Lusaka.
Observed on the first Monday in August. Celebrates emancipation in
the Territory.
Honours Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the patron saint of the country's
capital Managua.
Commemoration of independence from France in 1960.
Observed on the first Monday in August. Kadooment Day is the
climax of Crop Over (a feast marking the end of the sugar cane
season) and is a Barbadian carnival.
Observed on the first Monday in August.
Harvest festival and one of the Pagan festivals of Celtic origin which
splits the calendar year into four. This is the Celtic festival of Lugh, the
god of light. The representation of the reaping of corn is used by
Pagans to celebrate Lugnasadh.
Observed on the first Monday in August.
Commemoration of the anniversary of the founding of the Turkish
Resistance Organisation (Türk Mukavemet Teşkilatı - TMT) in 1958.
Celebration of the formation of the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1291.
Celebrated by paper lantern parades, bonfires, fireworks and displays
of the Swiss national flag.
Observed in more than 120 countries throughout the world.
Anniversary of the day in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell effectively
began scouting at Brownsea Island. A day to encourage scouts to
wear their neckerchief's in public.
A promotion of Yorkshire and Yorkshire people. On this day in 1759,
soldiers from Yorkshire regiments who had fought in the Battle of
Minden in Germany, picked white roses from bushes near to the
battlefields as a tribute to their fallen comrades.
Observed on the first Monday in August.
On this day in 1944, Anne Frank made the last entry in her diary.
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UK & Ireland
02/08/2016 Tuesday
Day of Airborne Forces
Day of Azerbaijani Cinema
Ilinden (St Ilya Day)
Our Lady, Queen of the Angels (Virgen
de los Angeles)
Romani Extermination Remembrance
Day
03/08/2016 Wednesday Anniversary of the Killing of Pidjiguiti
Armed Forces Day
Bourguiba's Day
Beginning of the Second Maori War
Emancipation Day
Flag Day (Día de la Bandera)
Independence Day
04/08/2016 Thursday
Anniversary of the Revolution
The Act of Union was passed on this day in 1800 merging the
Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
Russia
Celebrated initially in the Soviet era, the day has been retained as a
holiday for Russian airborne troops. Also commemorated in the
Ukraine.
Azerbaijan
On 2nd August 1898, the Frenchman Alexander Mishon showed some
films in Baku that depicted local life.
Bulgaria, Republic Remembers the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising against the Ottoman
of Macedonia
Empire of August 1903. Also known in Macedonia as Day of the
Republic (Ден на Републиката).
Costa Rica
Refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady, Queen of the Angels is
the Patroness of Costa Rica.
Multinational
Observed since 1997. Commemoration of the liquidation of the socalled Gypsy Family Camp in Auschwitz-Birkenau on this day in 1944.
On that day, the Nazis killed 2,897 Gypsy men, women, and children
in the gas chambers.
Multinational
Famous people born on this day include the Finnish-Estonian author
Aino Kallas (1878), journalist and broadcaster Alan Whicker (1925)
and American film director Wes Craven (1939).
Guinea-Bissau
The Pidjiguiti Massacre took place on this day in 1959.
Equatorial Guinea
Tunisia
Commemoration of the birth on this day in 1903 of Habib Bourguiba
(‫)ﺣﺑﻳﺏ ﺑﻭﺭﻗﻳﺑﺔ‬, statesman, founder and first President of the Republic of
Tunisia.
New Zealand
The Second Maori War began in New Zealand on this day in 1860.
Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines
Venezuela
Celebration in honour of the disembarkation of Venezuelan
revolutionary Francisco de Miranda in La Vela de Coro on this day in
1806. Up until 2006 the Flag Day had been held on 12th March.
Niger
Commemoration of independence from France in 1960.
Germany
On this day in 1936, the American athlete Jesse Owens won the 100
metres at the Berlin Olympics. Adolf Hitler refused to shake his hand
in congratulations.
Burkina Faso
Commemorates the Revolution of 1983-1987 which effectively began
with a military coup on 4th August 1983. Exactly one year later, the
country changed its name to Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta).
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Coast Guard Day
USA
Constitution Day
The Cook Islands
First Day of Dhu al-Qi'dah (‫)ﺫﻭ ﺍﻟﻘﻌﺩﺓ‬
Matica Slovenská Day (Deň Matice
Slovenskej)
Islam
Slovakia
Canada
05/08/2016 Friday
2016 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony Brazil
Constitution Day
Constitutional Monarchy Day
Anguilla
Iran
First Day of the Month of Av (‫)אָ ב‬
Jewish
Ganesh Chaturthi
Hindu
Independence Day
International Beer Day
Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving
Day (Dan pobjede i domovinske
zahvalnosti)
Burkina Faso
Multinational
Croatia
UK (Wales)
06/08/2016 Saturday
H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al
Nahyan's Accession Day
Independence Day (Dia de la Patria)
Independence Day of Jamaica
Tōrō Nagashi (Hiroshima) 灯籠流し
United Arab
Emirates
Bolivia
Jamaica
Japan
Hiroshima Day
Canada, USA
Commemoration of the founding of the US Coast Guard on this day in
1790.
The Cook Islands became an Associated State of New Zealand but
with self-government, on this day in 1965.
Eleventh month in the Islamic Calendar.
Matica Slovenská, founded in 1863, is a major Slovak cultural
institution
On this day in 2005, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced that
Michaëlle Jean would be Canada's 27th — and first Black — Governor
General.
The Games of the XXXI Olympiad take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Opening Ceremony takes place at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.
A public holiday in Anguilla.
Commemoration of Iran's first constitution created, by royal
proclamation, on this day in 1906.
Fifth month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Eleventh month of
the civil year.
A celebration of the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed
God. The festival lasts for up to ten days, culminating on Ananta
Chaturdashi. Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a
variation of this date.
Commemoration of independence from France in 1960.
Founded in 2007. Observed on the first Friday in August.
A public holiday in Croatia in remembrance of the War of
Independence.
On this day in 1925, the Welsh nationalist political party Plaid Cymru
was founded by members of 'Byddin Ymreolwyr Cymru' (the Welsh
Home Rule Army) and 'Y Mudiad Cymreig' (The Welsh Movement).
Plaid Cymru translates as The Party of Wales.
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (who died in November 2004),
began his reign on this day in 1966.
Commemoration of independence from Spain in 1825.
Commemoration of independence from Britain in 1962.
Floating lantern ceremony to honour those killed by the U.S. atomic
bomb in Hiroshima in 1945.
See above.
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Transfiguration of the Lord
07/08/2016 Sunday
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Battle of Boyacá
Emancipation Day
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Independence Day
International Friendship Day
08/08/2016 Monday
Ceasefire Day
Farmer's Day
Father's Day (父親節 Bā bā Day)
Heroes Day
International Cat Day
Namesday of Queen Silvia (Drottningens
namnsdag)
Peace Festival (Friedensfest)
Orthodox Christian Commemorates the sudden emanation of radiance from the person of
Jesus that occurred on the mountain. The Russian Orthodox Church
commemorates the Transfiguration of the Lord on 19th August. See
19/08/2016.
Columbia
The city of Bogotá was founded on this day in 1538. The capital city of
Columbia, its population is now approximately seven and a half million
people.
Christian
Columbia
Commemoration of the battle that took place on this day in 1819, a
battle in which Columbia effectively sealed independence from Spain.
Turks and Caicos A national holiday in the islands in commemoration of the abolition of
Islands
slavery.
Church of England Some Christian denominations (e.g. Lutherans, some Episcopal
Churches) celebrate the Feast on 1st January. Most Catholics
celebrate it on 3rd January. Historically, it is also been celebrated on
other days.
Ivory Coast
Commemorates independence from France on this day in 1960. Also
known as Republic Day.
Multinational
Occurs on the first Sunday in August.
Uganda
On this day in 1972, Ugandan premier Idi Amin set a deadline of 90
days for the expulsion of most of the country's Asian population. A
significant number of refugees were eventually to settle in Leicester.
Iraq
Commemoration of the end of the Iran-Iraq War. A public holiday in
Iraq.
Tanzania
Known as 'Nane Nane', which literally means 'eight eight' - the eighth
day of the eighth month.
Republic of China Bā bā is 'father' and also 'eight eight' in Mandarin.
(Taiwan)
Zimbabwe
Commemorates the fallen from past conflicts. Observed on the
second Monday in August. Used to be on 11th August.
Multinational
Created in 2002.
Sweden
An Official Flag Day in Sweden.
Germany
Held annually in Augsburg. Commemoration of the loss of freedom
experienced by Protestants in Augsburg in 1629 and also the Peace of
Westphalia by which this freedom was restored.
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Austria
09/08/2016 Tuesday
Armed Forces Day
Chilseok
Zimbabwe
Korea
Tanabata (七夕)
Fox Hill Day
Japan
Bahamas
International Day of the World's
Indigenous People
Memorial Day of the Atomic Bombing
Multinational
National Day (国庆日 Hari Kebangsaan
தேசிய தினம்)
National Peacekeepers' Day
Singapore
Commemorates Singaporean independence in 1965.
Canada
National Women's Day
South Africa
St Benedicta of the Cross
Christian
Marked on this day and observed on the nearest Sunday. On this day
in 1974, nine Canadian peacekeepers were killed when their aircraft
was shot down over Syria.
On this day in 1956, women participating in a national march
petitioned against pass laws.
Edith Stein, a German-Jewish philosopher, nun and martyr was
canonised as St Teresia Benedicta of the Cross in 1998. She perished
in the gas chambers of Auschwitz.
Construction work began on what would become the Leaning Tower
of Pisa on this day in 1173. It would actually take some 177 years to
complete.
Though the movement towards independence began in Quito on this
day in 1809, actual independence (from Spain) wasn't formally
achieved until 1822.
After 18 months of conflict in the Russo-Japanese War, peace
negotiations began on this day in 1905.
The flag of Pakistan was adopted by the country's National Assembly
on this day in 1947.
Commemorates independence from France in 1960. See also
11/01/2016.
Japan
Italy
10/08/2016 Wednesday Independence Day (El Primer Grito de
Independencia)
Ecuador
Russia, Japan
11/08/2016 Thursday
Construction work on Mauthausen concentration camp began on this
day in 1938. Situated east of the city of Linz, it grew (with a large
number of sub-camps) to become one of the largest in the Nazi camp
system.
Observed on the second Tuesday in August.
Chilseok (which is a traditional Korean folk tale) refers to the
beginning of the monsoon period. Indeed rain that falls during this
period is known as Chilseok water. It falls on the 7th day of the 7th
lunar month.
See 07/07/2016.
Observed on the second Tuesday in August. Celebration of the
abolition of slavery.
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly on 23rd
December 1994.
Commemoration of those who died following the dropping of the
second US atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki on this day in 1945.
Flag Day
Pakistan
Independence Day
Chad
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St Clare
Catholic Christian
USA
12/08/2016 Friday
13/08/2016 Saturday
Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday and
National Mothers Day
International Youth Day
Thailand
Sea Org Day
The 'Glorious Twelfth'
World Elephant Day
Scientology
Britain
Multinational
South Africa
Independence Day
Lao Issara
Left-Handers Day
Central African
Republic
Laos
Multinational
Shabbat Chazon (‫)שבת חזון‬
Jewish
Tisha B'Av (‫ תשעה באב‬or ‫)ט׳ באב‬
Jewish
Women's Day
Tunisia
Multinational
Germany
14/08/2016 Sunday
13th Sunday after Pentecost
Allegiance of Oued Eddahab or Río de
Oro
Christian
Morocco
An Italian Saint who died on 11th August 1253. She was one of the
first followers of St Francis of Assisi.
Race riots in the Watts area of Los Angeles began on this day in
1965. They lasted for six days. 34 people were killed, over two
thousand were injured and nearly four thousand people arrested.
Commemorates the birth on this day in 1932 of the present Queen
Sirikit of Thailand. Also a day to honour all mothers.
Endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on 17th December
1999 as a way to promote better awareness of the World Programme
of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and beyond.
For all Scientology Sea Organisation members.
The beginning of the Grouse season.
Observed since 2012.
On this day in 1964, South Africa was banned from the Olympic
Games because of its Apartheid policy.
Commemorates independence from France in 1960.
Day of the Free Laos.
First observed in 1976 to draw attention to discrimination and the
difficulties faced by left-handed people.
Sabbath prior to Tisha B'Av. Begins at sundown on the previous day
(the beginning of the Jewish day).
Means the 'Ninth of Av' (the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av). A
commemoration of tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people
over the years, many of them, coincidentally, occurring on this day.
Usually begins at sundown the day before.
Commemorates the Tunisian Code of Personal Status, which was
enacted on 13th August 1956.
On this day in 1961, the German Democratic Republic (the former
East Germany) closed the border between the eastern and western
sectors of Berlin. The border would remain effectively closed for the
majority of Berliners, particularly in the East, until 1989. Remnants of
the Berlin Wall can still be found in various parts of the city.
Oued Eddahab or Río de Oro is situated at the southern end of
Morocco and was one of the two territories that formed the Spanish
province of Spanish Sahara.
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Anniversary Day
Tristan da Cunha
Children's Day (Día del Niño)
Children's Day (Día del Niño Peruano)
Father's Day (Dia dos Pais)
Father's Day
Independence Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﺳﺗﻘﻼﻝ‬Yom-eIstiqlal)
Pramuka Day
Argentina
Peru
Brazil
Samoa
Pakistan
Ferragosto
Mother's Day
Day of the Romanian Naval Forces
Constitution Day
Gerakan Pramuka is Indonesia's national scouting organisation.
Pramuka Day commemorates the organisation's first public parade.
Christian
St Maximilian Kolbe was a Franciscan friar and opponent of the Nazis
who was arrested and imprisoned in Auschwitz. He volunteered to
take the place of a prisoner condemned to death and died on this day
in 1941.
Turkmenistan
Observed on the second Sunday in August. A celebration of the
Turkmen muskmelon.
Poland
On this day in 1980, Lech Wałęsa (co-founder of the Solidarity
(Solidarność) Trade Union) led strikes at Gdańsk shipyards.
Argentina (also
Observed on the third Monday in August, this is a national holiday in
Chile and Peru)
Argentina to commemorate the death (on 17th August 1850) of
General José de San Martín, a liberator of part of Argentina who also
aided the liberation (from Spain) of Chile and Peru.
Christian (various) Celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body
and soul into heaven.
Orthodox Christian Commemorates the death, resurrection, and glorification of Mary,
Christ's mother. Dormition means "falling asleep".
Italy
Costa Rica
Also celebrated in the Belgian city of Antwerp.
Romania
See above. St Mary is the patron saint of the navy.
Equatorial Guinea The Constitution of Equatorial Guinea was adopted on this day in 1982.
Day of End of the War (Shuusen-kinenbi)
Japan
Liberation Day (광복절(光復節)
Gwangbokjeol)
South Korea
Liberation Day (Chogukhaebangŭi nal)
Victory over Japan (VJ) Day
North Korea
USA
St Maximilian Kolbe
Turkmen Melon Day
15/08/2016 Monday
Tristan da Cunha are volcanic islands in the South Atlantic. They are
part of the British overseas territory of St Helena, Ascension and
Tristan da Cunha.
Observed on the second Sunday in August.
Observed on the second Sunday in August.
Observed on the second Sunday in August.
Observed on the second Sunday in August.
Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1947.
Anniversary of the death of General
José de San Martín (Día del Libertador
José de San Martín)
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
Dormition of the Theotokos
Indonesia
Commemoration of the end of World War Two, this is a day to mourn
the dead and pray for peace.
A celebration of the liberation of South Korea from Japan in 1945. On
the same day three years later the government of the Republic of
Korea was established.
See above. Chogukhaebangŭi nal means 'Fatherland Liberation Day'.
See above. Alternatively known as Victory in the Pacific (VP) Day.
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16/08/2016 Tuesday
Defence Forces Day
Flooding of the Nile Day (Wafaa El-Nil)
Zimbabwe
Egypt
Founding of Asunción (Fundación de
Asunción)
Independence Day (स्वतंत्रता दिवस )
Paraguay
Independence Day (Fête Nationale)
International Day of Energy Drinks
Liechtenstein Day
Republic of the
Congo
Multinational
Liechtenstein
National Mourning Day
Bangladesh
Polish Armed Forces Day (Dzień Wojska
Polskiego)
Poland
Republic Day (Naadym)
Tuva
Children's Day
Liberia
Paraguay
First Day of Bhadon (ਭਾਦ)
Fravardeghan Days
Sikh
Zoroastrian
Independence
Restoration Day (Dia de la Restauracion)
Cyprus
Dominican
Republic
India
Japan
A two-week holiday in Egypt, the Flooding of the Nile was an important
cycle in Ancient Egypt.
Commemoration of the founding of Paraguay's capital city on this day
in 1537.
Commemoration of independence in 1947. A national holiday in India
featuring the hoisting of the national flag and a televised speech by the
Indian Prime Minister.
Commemorates independence from France in 1960.
Celebrated now for over 70 years. Its origins were as a celebration of
the birthday of the reigning monarch, it is now the largest popular
festival in this small country.
Commemoration of the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on
this day in 1975. The second National Mourning Day of the year. The
first occurs on 21st February and is synonymous with Language
Martyr's Day.
Also known as 'Soldier's Day'. Commemoration of the Polish Armed
Forces and specifically, the Battle of Warsaw of 1920. Polish
Communities mark the occasion with readings, poetry, songs, drama,
and performance.
See 11th July (Naadam). Tuva is a federal republic of Russia.
Naadym is celebrated from 15th to 17th August.
On this day in 1824, Liberia was founded by freed American slaves.
Commemorates the Battle of Acosta Ñu when a Paraguayan 'army'
containing 3,500 children aged 6 to 12 years was defeated by Brazilian
forces.
Bhadon is the sixth month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
The Fravardeghan Days are the ten-day period of preparation for
Noruz for those who follow the Shenshai Calendar. Characterised by
reflection and purification, the Days also involve repentance and are
time for remembering ancestors. Also known as 'Muktad'.
On this day in 1960, Cyprus achieved independence from the UK.
Commemorates the raising of the Dominican flag in an event known
as El grito de Capotillo on this day in 1863. That event led to the
Dominican Restoration War.
Tōhoku University in Japan (located in the city of Sendai) admitted its
first female students on this day in 1913.
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17/08/2016 Wednesday Birthday of Marcus Garvey
18/08/2016 Thursday
Rastafari
Ghost Festival (中元節 zhōngyuánjié)
Chinese
Ullambana
Buddhist
Independence Day
Jamshedi Noruz (Qadimi)
Proclamation of Independence Day (Hari
Proklamasi Kemerdekaan R.I.)
Smile and Wave to Tourists International
Day
Union of the Slovenians in Prekmurje
with the Fatherland Day (dan združitve
prekmurskih Slovencev z matičnim
narodom po prvi svetovni vojni)
Gabon
Zoroastrian
Indonesia
Multinational
Slovenia
Prekmurje is the most easterly region of Slovenia.
France
According to an account of the time, on this day in 1427, the first band
of Gypsies visited Paris.
New Year's Day in the Shenshai calendar.
Also known as Vietnam Veterans' Day.
National Science Day is a commemoration of the prediction and
observation of a solar eclipse by King Mongkut, King of Siam from
1851 to 1868.
Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of this
date. A celebration of brotherhood and love, Raksha Bandhan means
'a thread for protection'.
The city of Riga, capital of Latvia, was founded on this day in 1201.
Now the largest city in the three Baltic states, its population is over
700,000.
Commemorating independence from Britain in 1919 through the
Treaty of Rawalpindi.
Jamshedi Noruz (Shenshai)
Long Tan Day
National Science Day (วันวิทยาศาสตร์
แห่งชาติ Wan Witthayasat Haeng Chat)
Zoroastrian
Australia
Thailand
Raksha Bandhan
Hindu
Latvia
19/08/2016 Friday
Afghan Independence Day
Commemorates the Birthday of Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican
politician born in 1887 who predicted the crowning of a King in Africa
(HIM Haile Selassie I), and instigated the 'Back to Africa' movement.
His philosophy is credited as marking the beginning of the Rastafari
faith.
Chinese festival of respect for the dead. A very solemn festival that
represents a connection between the living and the dead, earth and
heaven, as well as body and soul. See below (Ullambana).
Also known as the 'Hungry Ghosts' Festival. Observed in many
countries in South East Asia (e.g. China, Japan, India, Laos,
Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia). It is known as Vu Lan in Vietnam. The
word 'Ullambana' is derived from a Sanskrit word and means
'deliverance from suffering'. It is a day for sacrificial offerings to
ancestors.
Commemoration of independence from France in 1960.
Zoroastrian New Year in the Qadimi calendar.
Proclamation of independence from The Netherlands, and from Japan
in 1945.
Afghanistan
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August Revolution Commemoration Day Vietnam
National Aviation Day
USA
Transfiguration of our Lord
Russian Orthodox
Church
Jesus' Transfiguration
Coptic Orthodox
Christian
Ethiopian
Orthodox Church
Buhe
20/08/2016 Saturday
Tu B'Av (‫)ט"ו באב‬
Jewish
World Humanitarian Day
Multinational
World Photography Day
Multinational
Eastern Europe
Akshay Urja Day
Day of the Armed Forces for the
National Liberation of Timor-Leste
(Falintil)
Feast of Asmá’ (‫ ﺍﺳﻣﺎء‬Names)
Restoration Day (Taasiseseisvumispäev)
Revolution of the King and the People
Day (Taourat al-malik wa shaab)
Shabbat Nachamu (‫)שבת נחמו‬
India
East Timor
St Stephen's Day (Szent István ünnepe)
Hungary
World Mosquito Day
Multinational
Bahá'í
Estonia
Morocco
Jewish
Commemoration of the August Revolution (Cách mạng tháng Tám)
which began on this day in 1945.
A national observation commemorating the birth of Orville Wright on
this day in 1871.
The Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Saviour's
Transfiguration, popularly known as the "Apples Feast" (it's the first
day of the year when eating apples is allowed). See also 06/08/2016.
See 06/08/2016.
See Transfiguration of our Lord. The Buhe ceremony involves tying a
bundle of sticks together to make a chibo (a religious artefact), and
setting it on fire while singing songs outside of people's homes.
The fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Av. A day of love and
marked in Israel as a day of nature and agriculture.
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 11th December
2008.
On this day in 1989, hundreds of East Germans crossed the
Hungarian-Austrian border, the beginning of a process that would
culminate in the fall of the Berlin Wall and the 'opening up' of Eastern
Europe.
Day to raise awareness of renewable energy in India.
Timor-Leste is an alternative name for East Timor. Falintil (Forças
Armadas da Libertação Nacional de Timor-Leste) was established on
this day in 1975.
First day of the ninth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
On this day in 1991, Estonia seceded from the Soviet Union.
Commemoration of the return of King Mohammed V to the country in
1955.
Part of the Preparation for Rosh Hashanah. Begins at sundown on the
previous day (the beginning of the Jewish day).
The main national holiday in Hungary, in commemoration of the
country's first Christian king. The day features sporting events,
fireworks and parades across the country.
Commemoration of the discovery by Sir Ronald Ross in 1897 that
female mosquitos can transmit malaria between human beings.
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Former
Czechoslovakia
21/08/2016 Sunday
Christian
14th Sunday after Pentecost
2016 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony Brazil
Morocco
Birthday of King Mohammed VI (Eid Al
Milad)
Nino Aquino Day (Araw ng Kabayanihan ni The Philippines
Ninoy Aquino)
World Entrepreneurs Day
World Fashion Day
22/08/2016 Monday
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
Flag Day
Khordad Sal (Shenshai)
Multinational
Multinational
USA
Coptic Orthodox
Christian
Russia
Zoroastrian
Former Rhodesia
Multinational
USA
23/08/2016 Tuesday
European Day of Remembrance for
Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
Europe
Liberation Day
Romania
Flag Day ( День Державного Прапора
України)
Ukraine
On this day in 1968, 200,000 Warsaw Pact troops and 5,000 tanks
invaded the former Czechoslovakia to end the "Prague Spring" of
political liberalization.
The conclusion of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad. The Closing
Ceremony takes place at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The present King Mohammed VI was born on this day in 1963. Also
Youth Day.
Commemorates the assassination of Philippine opposition leader
Benigno Aquino Jr. at the Manila International Airport (now renamed
Ninoy Aquino International Airport) in 1983. Actually observed on the
Monday nearest to this date (in 2011, Monday 22nd August).
On this day in 1831, Nat Turner led a revolt of Black slaves and free
Black people in Southampton County, Virginia. He would eventually be
caught, tried, convicted and hanged.
See 15/08/2016.
Commemorates the raising of the current Russian flag over the
Supreme Soviet building on this day in 1991.
Birthday of Zoroaster (Zarathustra) in the Shenshai calendar.
On this day in 1972, Rhodesia (present day Zimbabwe) was expelled
from the International Olympic Committee as a result of its racist
policies.
On this day in 1864, twelve nations signed the first Geneva
Convention. The Red Cross was formed.
On this day in 1950, Althea Gibson became the first Black competitor
in international tennis.
Designated by the European Parliament in 2008/2009. On 23rd
August 1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact which divided Poland
between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union was signed.
The fascist regime in Romania was overthrown in 1944 during the
course of the Second World War and Romania switched sides (to the
Allies).
In full, Day of the National Flag. Prior to 2004, this was observed on
24th July.
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International Day for the Remembrance
of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
Multinational
On this day in 1791, an uprising of the enslaved Africans on the island
of St Domingo (modern Haiti and the Dominican Republic) began.
This revolt was a crucial event in the fight against slavery. UNESCO
chose this date in 1997 as a reminder that enslaved Africans were the
main agents of their own liberation. Coincidentally, on this very same
day in 1833, slavery was abolished in the British colonies - becoming
legislation on 29th August 1833.
Umhlanga Day
Swaziland
An annual festival during which young women gather reeds to protect
the windbreak of the Queen Mother's house. Translates as 'Reed
Dance' Day. The date varies depending on local sightings of the moon.
Baltic States
On this day in 1989, two million people from the three Baltic states
(Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) meet and join hands in peaceful
political protest on the Vilnius to Tallinn Road in an event that became
known as the Baltic Way.
Liberia
24/08/2016 Wednesday Flag Day
Ukraine
Independence / National Day (Den'
Nezalezhnosti)
Nostalgia Night (la Noche de la Nostalgia) Uruguay
St Bartholomew Day
St Bartholomew's Day Massacre
Christian
France
Germany
25/08/2016 Thursday
Constitution Day
Janmashtami - Krishna Jayanti
Paraguay
Hindu
France
Liberation of Paris
National Day / Independence Day (Día de Uruguay
la Independencia)
Brazil
Soldier's Day (Dia do Soldado)
Commemorates independence from Russia in 1991.
A night for playing 'nostalgic' music.
One of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
On the orders of King Charles IX, a massacre of Huguenots (French
Protestants) began on this day in 1572, though the King's
responsibility has been disputed.
On this day in 1349, six thousand Jews were killed in Mainz. They
were blamed for the bubonic plague. Exactly 42 years later (in 1391),
Jews were also massacred in Palma de Mallorca.
Paraguay's revised constitution was adopted on this day in 1967.
The Janamashtami festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most highly
venerated God in the Hindu pantheon. The festival involves fasting,
with the celebration occurring throughout the night. Local or regional
customs may use a variation of this date.
The occupying German garrison surrendered on this day in 1944.
Commemorates independence from Brazil in 1825.
Honours the role and members of the Brazilian Army. Commemorates
the birth on this day in 1803 of Luís Alves de Lima e Silva, Duke of
Caxias, the Brazilian statesman and military leader.
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Poland
26/08/2016 Friday
David Lewis
Namibia Day
Repentance Day
Women's Equality Day
27/08/2016 Saturday
Challenge Cup Final
Independence Day
St Monica
28/08/2016 Sunday
15th Sunday after Pentecost
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary
Day of the Polish Airforce
Martin Luther King speech
On this day in 1989, Tadeusz Mazowiecki of Poland became the first
post-World War Two non-Communist Prime Minister in any Central or
Eastern European state.
Japan
On this day in 1989, Mayumi Moriyama from the Liberal Democratic
Party became Japan's first female Cabinet Secretary.
Catholic Christian Venerated as a Saint in the Roman Catholic Church, David Lewis was
a 17th Century Catholic priest and martyr. He was born in
Abergavenny, Wales.
Namibia
Also known as 'Heroes' Day', marking the beginning of the Namibian
War of Independence (against South Africa) which lasted from 1966 to
1988.
Papua New Guinea A public holiday established on 15th August 2011. It is celebrated by
prayer ceremonies across the country.
USA
On this day in 1920, women were given the right to vote.
Chad
On this day in 1940, Chad became the first French colony to join the
Allies in the Second World War under the administration of Félix
Éboué, France's first Black colonial governor.
UK
Rugby League's Challenge Cup Final takes place at Wembley
Stadium in London. The Wigan (Warriors) club hold the record for the
most wins - 19 to date. The current holders of the trophy are Leeds
Rhinos, who retained the trophy by beating Hull Kingston Rovers 50-0
in 2015.
Moldova
Commemorates independence from Russia in 1991.
Catholic Christian Feastday of St Monica, Patron Saint of wives and abuse victims.
France
On this day in 1789, the French National Assembly adopted The
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (Déclaration des
droits de l'Homme et du Citoyen).
Christian
Eastern Orthodox See 15/08/2016. A public holiday in Macedonia, Serbia and Georgia.
Christian
Poland
A national holiday to commemorate the victory of two Polish pilots in
the pre Second World War Challenge 1932 plane contests.
USA &
On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King delivered a speech at the
Multinational
Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC made famous by the phrase 'I
have a dream'.
Germany
On this day in 1916, Germany declared war on Romania, whilst Italy
declared war on Germany.
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29/08/2016 Monday
Bank Holiday
England, Northern Summer Bank Holiday. Not observed in Scotland.
Ireland and Wales
Notting Hill Carnival
UK
Beheading of Saint John the Baptist
Christian
International Day against Nuclear Tests
Liberation Day
Multinational
Hong Kong
Miners' Day
National Heroes' Day (Araw ng mga
Bayani)
Ukraine
The Philippines
Paryushan Parva
Jain
Slovak National Uprising Day (Výročie
Slovenského národného povstania)
Telugu Language Day
Slovakia
India
US Open Tennis Championships begin
USA
Hungary
30/08/2016 Tuesday
Completion of Guru Granth Sahib
Sikh
Constitution Day
Kazakhstan
Street Carnival in West London. It is the second largest street festival
in the world, following the Rio Carnival. Celebrated on the last Bank
Holiday Monday in August and the day before.
Alternatively, the Martyrdom of St John the Baptist. St John the Baptist
was beheaded on the orders of King Herod Antipas.
Established by the UN General Assembly in 2009.
Commemorates liberation from the Japanese in 1945. Observed on
the last Monday in August, but no longer a general holiday as from
1997.
Observed on the last Monday in August. Commemoration of the "Cry
of Pugad Lawin" by Filipino revolutionaries called the Katipunan led by
Andres Bonifacio.
The Festival of Forgiveness. Celebrated as an 8 or 10 day period
depending on the sect of Jainism. The most important Jain festival, it
consists of eight (Shvetambara sect) or ten (Digambara sect) days of
intensive fasting and repentance. A time of reflection. Paryushana
literally means 'stay in one place'. Regional customs or moon sightings
may cause a variation of this date.
Commemorates the armed insurrection against the Nazis in 1944.
Commemoration of the birth on this day in 1863 of Gidugu Venkata
Ramamoorty, one of the earliest modern Telugu linguists.
Held at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows, New York. Andy
Murray famously won his first Grand Slam tournament at the US Open
in 2012.
Buda, the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom, was captured by
Ottoman Turks on this day in 1541. Buda (on the west bank of the
River Danube) would join with Pest (on the eastern bank) to form the
city of Budapest in 1873.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Observed on 15 Bhadon
(Bhadon being the sixth month of the Nanakshahi Calendar). See
01/09/2016.
Known as Қазақстан Республикасының Конституциясы күні / День
Конституции Республики Казахстан.
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International Day of the Disappeared
Multinational
Popular Consultation Day
East Timor
Santa Rosa de Lima
Peru / Catholic
Christian
Victory Day (Zafer Bayramı)
National Day (Hari Merdeka)
St Aidan of Lindisfarne
Turkey, Northern
Cyprus
Former Soviet
Union
Moldova
Poland
Kyrgyzstan
Trinidad and
Tobago
Malaysia
Christian
St Raymond Nonnatus
Catholic Christian
31/08/2016 Wednesday Day of Our Language (Limba noastră).
Day of Solidarity and Freedom
Independence Day
Independence Day
UK (England)
Created to draw attention to the fate of individuals imprisoned at
places and under poor conditions unknown to their relatives and/or
legal representatives.
Commemorates the anniversary of the Popular Consultation on this
day in 1999.
The Feast of Santa Rosa in the traditional Catholic Calendar. Santa
Rosa was born in Lima, Peru and is the Patron Saint of both city and
country. She was also the first Catholic Saint of the Americas.
Commemoration of the victory that ended the Turkish Independence
War in 1922. Dedicated to the armed forces.
The Siege of Leningrad (now St Petersburg) began on this day in
1941 during the Second World War.
Limba noastră (Our Language) is the national anthem of Moldova.
A national holiday to commemorate the Gdańsk Agreement of 1980.
Commemorates independence from Russia in 1991.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1962.
Commemorates independence from the British in 1957.
Christian missionary and first Bishop of the monastery on Lindisfarne,
an island off the coast of Northumberland.
Feastday of St Raymond Nonnatus, Patron Saint of childbirth,
midwives, children, pregnant women, and priests who want to protect
the secrecy of confession.
On this day in 1422, Henry VI became King of England. He was just
nine months old.
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SEPTEMBER 2016
Date
Day
01/09/2016 Thursday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Anniversary of the Start of the Armed
Struggles
Beginning of Amerindian Heritage
Month
Constitution Memorial Day (Deň
Ústavy Slovenskej republiky)
Disaster Prevention Day
Faith/Nation etc
Eritrea
Other Info
The armed struggles began on this day in 1961.
Guyana
Held in September to celebrate Guyana's indigenous peoples.
Flag Day
First Parkash Guru Granth Sahib
Honduras
Sikh
Knowledge Day (День Знаний)
Russia
Independence Day (Mustaqillik Kuni)
Journalist' Day
Uzbekistan
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Cameroon
Commemoration of the country's new Constitution adopted in
Bratislava in 1992.
Japan
Began in 1960. Held on the anniversary of the Great Kantō
Earthquake (関東大震災, Kantō daishinsai) of 1923 in which
anywhere between 100,000 and 140,000 people died.
Ecclesiastical Year (Indiction) begins Orthodox Christian In the Western Churches, the liturgical year begins with Advent.
Jour d'Union Nationale
Camerounaise
Slovakia
Random Acts of Kindness Day
New Zealand
Revolution Day
Libya
Teacher's Day (教师节, Hari Guru,
ஆசிரியர் தினம்)
Singapore
Poland
02/09/2016 Friday
Democracy Day
First Day of Dhu al-Hijjah (‫)ﺫﻭ ﺍﻟﺣﺟﺔ‬
Tibetan People in
Exile
Islam
Observation of the installation of the Guru Granth Sahib, the first
edition of the Sikh scriptures, in the Golden Temple by the fifth Guru,
Arjan Dev, in 1604.
1st September is the traditional starting date of the school year in
Russia. For new students, this involves special festivities.
Commemorates independence from Russia in 1991.
Commemoration of the promulgation of the Protection of Journalists
and Public Opinion Organizations law in 1933.
The Cameroon National Union (Union Nationale Camerounaise)
became the sole legal political party in the country on this day in
1966.
Begun in 2005, people are encouraged to perform 'random acts of
kindness'. An unofficial holiday.
Commemoration of the revolution in 1969 that brought Colonel
Muammar al-Gaddafi to power. Libya's National Day.
An official school holiday in Singapore.
The Second World War effectively started on this day in 1939 after
German troops invaded Polish territory.
Anniversary of the first election of the Parliament of the Central
Tibetan Administration which took place on this day in 1960.
Twelfth and final month in the Islamic Calendar.
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Independence Day (День Республики) Transnistria
(Moldova)
Marshall Islands
Labour Day
National Day of Vietnam (Quốc khánh) Vietnam
Sedantag (Sedan Day)
Germany
UK
03/09/2016 Saturday
Canadian Merchant Navy Day
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
People's Republic
of China
Canada
Flag Day
Australia
Independence Day
Levy Mwanawasa Day
Qatar
Zambia
Memorial Day
Tunisia
Merchant Navy Day
UK
Armed Forces Day (軍人節)
V-J Day
San Marino
04/09/2016 Sunday
16th Sunday after Pentecost
Clear Day
Christian
Scientology
Father's Day
Australia, New
Zealand, Fiji,
Papua New Guinea
First Day of the Month of Elul (‫)אֱ לוּל‬
Jewish
Transnistria is an autonomous territory of Moldova that has declared
its independence (on 2nd September 1990). Moldova does not
recognise that status.
Observed on the first Friday in September.
An independent republic was proclaimed in 1945, following the
surrender of Japan at the end of the Second World War.
Traditional holiday in the days of Empire, commemorating Prussia's
defeat of the French in 1870 (Battle of Sedan). It was effectively
forbidden by the Weimar Republic following the Treaty of Versailles
in 1919.
The United Kingdom adopted the Gregorian Calendar on this day in
1752, nearly two centuries after its implementation by Pope Gregory
XIII.
Honours the armed forces of the Republic of China.
Commemorates victory over Japan in 1945.
Created by the Canadian Parliament in 2001. Also known as
Merchant Navy Remembrance Day.
The present flag of Australia flew for the first time on this day in 1901
(atop the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne).
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1971.
Levy Mwanawasa, the third President of Zambia, was born on this
day in 1948.
Commemorates the move towards independence (from France) in
1934.
An official day of remembrance in honour of those in the Merchant
Navy who died during the two World Wars.
On this day in the year 301, San Marino was founded by Saint
Marinus.
Commemoration of the inauguration of L Ron Hubbard's 'Clearing
Course'.
Observed on the first Sunday in September.
Sixth month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Twelfth month of
the civil year.
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05/09/2016 Monday
Immigrant's Day (Día del Immigrante)
Newspaper Carrier Day
Argentina
USA
Quatre Septembre (4th September)
France
USA
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Christian
Fast of Gedaliah (‫ צום גדליה‬Tzom
Gedaliah)
Jewish
Ganesh Chauth
International Day of Charity
Labor Day
Hindu
Multinational
USA
Labor Day
Labour Day
Labour Day (La fête du travail)
Palau
Bermuda
Canada
Samvatsari
Teachers Day (शिक्षक दिवस Shikshak
Divas)
Jain
India
Australia
06/09/2016 Tuesday
Defence Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﺩﻓﺎﻉ‬Yom-e-Difa)
São Tomé and
Príncipe
Pakistan
Independence Day
Swaziland
Rishi Panchami
Hindu
Armed Forces Day
Celebrated since 1949.
Held in honour of Barney Flaherty, the first 'paper boy', hired on this
day in 1833 by the publisher of the New York Sun.
A celebration of the Proclamation of the Third Republic in 1870.
Los Angeles was founded on this day in 1781 by Spanish settlers. Its
original name was 'El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los
Angeles del Río de Porciúncula' (The Village of Our Lady, the Queen
of the Angels of the river of Porziuncola).
Mother Teresa died on this day in 1997. She was beatified by Pope
John Paul II and given the title Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.
A day of fasting in commemoration of the assassination of Gedaliah
ben Achikam, a leader of the people who worked to preserve Jewish
life and represented the last element of Jewish autonomy following
the destruction of the Temple in 586 BCE.
Observed on the first Monday in September. A US federal holiday,
Labor Day was conceived as a holiday for working people. It also
marks the symbolic end of Summer. Also observed in Puerto Rico.
Observed on the first Monday in September.
Observed on the first Monday in September. Established in 1982.
Observed on the first Monday in September since the 1880s. A
celebration of the social and economic achievements of working
people.
The birthdate of the philosopher and statesman Sarvepalli
Radhakrishnan is celebrated as Teachers Day in India.
On this day in 1984, Western Australia became the last Australian
state to abolish capital punishment.
Known as Dia das Forças Armadas.
Commemoration of the role of the military in the defence of the
country, and specifically in commemoration of the successful
defence of Sailkot against the Indian army in the Indo-Pakistani War
of 1965. 6th September is an Army holiday.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1968. Also known as
Somhlolo Day
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Unification Day (Den na saedinenieto
Ден на съединението)
Bulgaria
Commemoration of the union between Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia
in 1885.
On this day in 1991, Leningrad reverted to its former (imperial)
name, St Petersburg.
The fifteenth Summer Paralympic Games take place in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil. The Opening Ceremony takes place at the iconic
Maracanã Stadium.
See Defence Day (06/09/2016). 7th September is an Airforce holiday.
Russia
07/09/2016 Wednesday
08/09/2016 Thursday
2016 Paralympic Games Opening
Ceremony
Brazil
Airforce Day
Pakistan
Independence Day (Dia da
Independência or Sete de Setembro)
National Threatened Species Day
Victory Day (Dia da Vitória)
Brazil
Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast of the Birth of Mary
Nativity of the Theotokos
Coast Guard (‫ )ﭘﺎک ﺳﺎﺣﻠﯽ ﻓﻭﺝ‬Day
Navy Day
Feast of 'Izzat (‫ ﻋﺯﺓ‬Might)
Independence Day (Ден на
независноста)
International Literacy Day
09/09/2016 Friday
Commemoration of independence from Portugal in 1822, though not
formally recognised until 29th August 1825.
Australia
Observed since 1996.
Mozambique
A national holiday in commemoration of the signing of the agreement
between Portugal and Mozambique in 1974 that ended the
Mozambican War of Independence. Independence was granted in
1975.
South Africa
On this day in 1986, Desmond Tutu became the first Black person to
lead the Anglican Church in South Africa.
Catholic Christian A celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary.
Christian
See above.
Orthodox Christian See above. For those churches following the traditional Julian
Calendar, September 8th falls on September 21st of the modern
Gregorian Calendar.
Pakistan
Jointly celebrated with the Pakistan Navy. See 06/09/2016 and
07/09/2016.
Pakistan
See Defence Day (06/09/2016). 8th September is an Naval holiday.
Bahá'í
First day of the tenth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Macedonia
Commemorates independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.
Multinational
National Day (Mare de Deu de
Meritxell)
Victory Day (il-Vitorja)
Andorra
Children's Day
Costa Rica
Malta
Italy
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1965, and first celebrated a year later. Its
aim is to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals,
communities and societies.
The Mare de Deu de Meritxell is the patron of Andorra.
Commemorates victories impacting on Malta in 1565 and 1943.
On this day in 1504, Michelangelo's famous sculpture 'David' was
unveiled in Florence. It can be found today in the Gallery of the
Accademia di Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts).
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Day of Commemoration of the
Victims of the Holocaust and of
Racial Violence
Hajj begins
Slovakia
Independence Day
Izmir Independence Day
Tajikistan
Turkey
Kiku no Sekku (菊の節句)
Japan
Liberation Day
National Day
Luxembourg
North Korea
Republic Day / Independence Day
North Korea
The Night of Sevens (七夕 qīxì)
Chinese
Islam
Multinational
10/09/2016 Saturday
Battle of St George's Caye Day /
National Day
Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup
Day
Belize
Day of the Child (Día del Niño)
Honduras
Day of the Workers in the Oil, Gas,
Power and Geological Industry
Turkmenistan
National Day
Gibraltar (UK)
Teachers Day (教師節)
People's Republic
of China
USA
Observed since 2001. On 9th September 1941, the fascist Slovak
Government introduced laws by which over 70,000 Slovak Jews
were deported to their deaths.
Hajj (‫ )ﺣﺞ‬is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims should
complete at least once in their lifetime. To 13/09/2016. Usually
begins at sundown the day before.
Commemorates independence from Russia in 1991.
Commemoration of the capture of Izmir by forces under Mustafa
Kemal Atatürk on this day in 1922.
Chrysanthemum Festival. The chrysanthemum is a flower of special
importance to the Japanese, it's sixteen petals being the imperial
crest.
Luxembourg was liberated by allied forces on this day in 1944.
Commemorates the declaration of the democratic people's republic
in 1948.
Commemorates the formal declaration of the Democratic People's
Republic of Korea on this day in 1948.
Chinese equivalent of Valentine's Day. It falls on the seventh day of
the seventh lunar month (hence the name).
Famous people born on this day include Russian novelist Leo
Tolstoy (1828), American singer/songwriter Otis Redding (1941) and
British newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky (1972).
Celebrated since 1798, the date of the battle in which Belize settlers
and their slaves fought off a Spanish force from Mexico.
Observed on the first Saturday after Labor Day (see 05/09/2016).
The day is held to encourage people nationwide to clean up federal
lands. Carl Garner was an engineer who instigated a clean up of his
local area in Northern Arkansas.
An unofficial holiday. Children are celebrated and given treats and
gifts.
Observed on the second Saturday in September.
Commemorates the 1967 referendum in which the people of
Gibraltar voted to reject annexation by Spain.
Including Hong Kong.
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Waqf al Arafa (Day of Arafa)
Islam
World First Aid Day
World Suicide Prevention Day
Multinational
Multinational
Ivory Coast
11/09/2016 Sunday
17th Sunday after Pentecost
Anniversary of the death of
Muhammad Ali Jinnah (‫ﻳﻭﻡ ﻭﻓﺎﺕ ﻗﺎﺋﺩﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬
Yom-e-Wafat-e-Quaid-e-Azam)
Christian
Pakistan
Auditor's Day
Catalan National Day (La Diada)
Scientology
Catalonia Region
(Spain)
Eid-Ul-Adha (‫)ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻷﺿﺣﻰ‬
Emergency Number Day
Ethiopian New Year's Day
New Year (Neyrouz)
Father's Day
National Grandparents Day
Patriot Day
Muslim observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for
forgiveness and mercy. It occurs on the second day of the Hajj
pilgrimage. Also known as the Day of Repentance.
Observed on the second Saturday in September.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), in
collaboration with the World Health Organisation uses this day to call
attention to suicide as a leading cause of premature and preventable
death.
On this day in 1990, Pope John Paul II consecrated Africa's largest
church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro, Côte
d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast).
The founder of Pakistan died on this day in 1948. No longer a public
holiday.
Observed on the second Sunday in September.
Commemoration of the Siege of Barcelona in 1714. The day is
marked by political demonstrations, concerts and special events of
celebration.
Islam
Festival of Sacrifice that marks the end of Hajj. This is a four day
holiday. Usually begins at sundown the day before.
USA
Proclaimed by then President Reagan in 1987. In the USA, the
emergency number is 911 (hence 11th September).
Rastafari / Ethiopia Also known in Ethiopia as Enqutatash where it is a public holiday. It
is also celebrated by Coptic Christians, who celebrate Neyrouz (see
below).
Coptic Orthodox
The Coptic Christian Church is the Christian church of Egypt, with
Christian
dioceses elsewhere in Africa and the Near East, having a liturgy in
Coptic and a Monophysite doctrine.
Latvia
Observed on the second Sunday in September.
USA, Canada
Observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day (05/09/2016).
USA
Commemorates the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade
Center and Pentagon in 2001. The day's name is still more
commonly referred to as 9/11.
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Racial Justice Sunday
Christian
Racial Justice Sunday always falls on the second Sunday in
September. Most of the major Churches in Britain and Ireland invite
their members to use the day to celebrate diversity, reflect on racism,
pray for racial justice and contribute to the Racial Justice Fund,
which supports projects working for equality, community cohesion
and improving community relations.
Sunday before Exaltation of the
Cross
Teachers Day (Día del Maestro)
Orthodox Christian
Turkmen Bakhshi Day
Turkmenistan
Argentina
Spain
12/09/2016 Monday
Day for South-South Cooperation
Multinational
Day of Conception
Russia
Gahambar Paitishem
Zoroastrian
Holy Name of Mary
National Day
National Day of Encouragement
National Revolution Day
Catholic Christian
Cape Verde
USA
Ethiopia
Programmers' Day (День
программи́ста)
Russia
South Africa
Commemorates the death in 1888 of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento,
activist, writer and seventh President of Argentina.
A celebration of the Turkmen folk singers. Observed on the second
Sunday in September.
On this day in 1609, an expulsion order was announced in Valencia
against the Moriscos (Muslims who had converted to Catholicism),
thus beginning the process of expelling all Moriscos from Spain. At
the time there were suspicions that many of the Moriscos were
secretly still practising Muslims.
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2004.
Previously observed on 19th December, it was changed to 12th
September in 2011 to mark the date in 1978 when the General
Assembly adopted the Buenos Aires Plan of Action for Promoting
and Implementing Technical Cooperation among Developing
Countries.
Also known as Procreation Day. For further information, go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Conception.
The feast of 'bringing in the harvest'. Gahambar means 'proper
season', and these seasonal festivals occur six times every year.
They are observed for five days.
Feast day to honour the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also known as 'Day of the Nation'.
Announced in 2007.
Commemorates the deposing of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie I by a
military coup on this day in 1974.
Occurs on 12th September on leap years. Otherwise 13th
September.
On this day in 1977, anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko was killed in
police custody.
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USA
13/09/2016 Tuesday
14/09/2016 Wednesday
Día de los Niños Héroes
Mexico
International Chocolate Day
National Celiac Disease Awareness
Day
Multinational
USA
Vaman Jayanti
Hindu
New Zealand
Battle of San Jacinto
Nicaragua
Elevation of the Life Giving Cross
(Holy Cross)
Exaltation of the Cross
Christian
Triumph of The Cross
Hindi Day
Eastern Orthodox
Christian
Catholic Christian
India
USA
15/09/2016 Thursday
Mae Carol Jemison became the first African-American woman in
space, when NASA launched Space Shuttle Endeavour on this day
in 1992.
Translated as 'Day of the Boy Heroes' or 'Cadets'. Commemoration
of the bravery of six Mexican military cadets during the Battle of
Chapultepec (Mexican-American War) of 1847.
Ananta-chaturdasi
Jain
Battle of Britain Day
UK
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival or
Moon Festival (中秋節 zhōngqiūjié)
Chinese
The English physician Samuel Gee was born on this day in 1839. He
was responsible for the first modern clinical analysis of Coeliac
(Celiac in the American spelling) Disease.
On this day in 1933, Elizabeth McCombs of the Labour Party
became the first woman elected to the New Zealand Parliament. She
had previously contested elections in 1928 and 1931, but in 1933
won by a majority of 2,600 votes.
Commemoration of the Battle of San Jacinto which took place in
1856.
Commemorates the finding in the 4th Century of the Holy Cross. A
day for strict fasting and prayer.
See above.
See above.
Commemoration of the adoption of Hindi as the official language on
this day in 1949.
On this day in 1984, the American airforceman Joe Kittinger became
the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic in a hot air balloon.
The holiest day of Dashalakshani Parva. The 'Festival of Ten Virtues'
is a ten-day fast and period of meditation. Hindus also observe
Ananta-chaturdasi.
Commemorates the Battle of Britain in 1940. On 15th September
1940, London was attacked day and night by more than 1,000
enemy aircraft.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the two most important holidays in
the Chinese calendar (the other being the Chinese Lunar New Year).
Celebrations involve the eating of moon cakes and gatherings under
the moon.
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Mid-Autumn Festival (추석(秋夕)
Chuseok)
South Korea
Têt Trung Thu
Day of Knowledge
Engineer's Day
Vietnam
Azerbaijan
India
First Day of Asu (ਅੱਸੂ)
Grito de Dolores
Sikh
Mexico
Holyday of the Seven sorrows of
Virgin Maria (Sviatok Panny Márie
Sedembolestnej, patrónky Slovenska)
Independence Day
Slovakia
Nicaragua and
others
Hispanic Heritage Month begins
Multinational
International Day of Democracy
Kshamavani
Multinational
Jain
Slovenia
Restoration of Primorska to the
Fatherland Day (dan vrnitve Primorske
k matični domovini)
Thailand
Silpa Bhirasri Day (ศิลป์ พีระศรี)
16/09/2016 Friday
World Lymphona Awareness Day
Multinational
Germany
Constitution/Citizenship Day
USA
Traditional Harvest Festival in South Korea, and one of the most
important of the country's traditional festivals. People will visit their
ancestral home towns and eat traditional food.
Mid-Autumn Festival.
The birthdate of the engineer and statesman Mokshagundam
Visvesvarayya is celebrated as Engineer's Day in India.
Asu is the seventh month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
The Cry of Dolores'. A civic holiday to commemorate an event at the
start of the Mexican Independence War in September, 1810.
One of the largest Catholic holidays in Slovakia. Pilgrims flock to
Šaštín in Western Slovakia for the national celebrations, pilgrimages
that actually date back to 1250.
Commemorates the declaration of independence from Spain made
on this day in 1821 by the countries of Central America (Nicaragua,
Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica).
Begins on 15th September in commemoration of the anniversary of
independence of five Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) from Spain in 1821.
Created in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly.
Day of universal forgiveness when Jains ask for the forgiveness of
others.
Primorska is a county in Slovenia, lying in the Western part of the
country.
Silpa Bhirasri (an Italian by birth who changed his name and became
a Thai national) was the father of modern arts in Thailand. He was
born on 15th September 1892.
A day to promote awareness of lymphona.
On this day in 1935, the Nazi Nuremberg Laws were announced in
the Reichstag in Berlin. These Laws deprived German Jews of their
citizenship. On the same day, a new German national flag is
adopted, the Nazi flag featuring the swastika.
An American federal holiday in commemoration of the signing of the
United Constitution by the U.S. Constitutional Convention in 1787. If
17th September occurs on a Saturday, the day is commemorated on
the preceding Friday.
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Gurgadi Guru Arjan Dev
Gurgadi Guru Ram Das
Independence Day (Día de
Independencia)
Independence Day
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi phrase
used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends to Guruship
and is installed as a Guru. Guru Arjan Dev became the fifth Sikh
Guru on this day in 1581.
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi phrase
used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends to Guruship
and is installed as a Guru. Guru Ram Das became the fourth Sikh
Guru on this day in 1574.
Mexico
Commemorates the start of the Independence War in 1810 and
eventual independence from Spain.
Papua New Guinea Commemorates independence from Australia in 1975.
International Day for the
Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Jotijot Guru Amar Das
Multinational
Recognised by the United Nations.
Sikh
Jotijot Guru Ram Das
Sikh
Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia)
Malaysia
Monkey God Festival
Hong Kong
National Heroes Day
St Kitts and Nevis
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
USA
Shraddha Days begin
Hindu
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not only to
'physical death' but with the subsequent accession to heaven and the
re-joining of the Guru with God, given the immortality of the soul.
Guru Amar Das became jotijot in 1574.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not only to
'physical death' but with the subsequent accession to heaven and the
re-joining of the Guru with God, given the immortality of the soul.
Guru Ram Das became jotijot in 1581.
Commemoration of the establishment of the Malaysian Federation
on this day in 1963.
The birthday of the Monkey God (who first appeared in a novel called
'Pilgrim to the West' dating from the Ming Dynasty) is celebrated by
the burning of incense and paper offerings.
Commemorates the birth of Robert Bradshaw (former St Kitts
Premier) on this day in 1916.
Observed on the third Friday in September, in honour of Prisoners of
War and those considered Missing in Action.
A period of fifteen days during which Hindus pay homage to their
ancestors.
On this day in 1400, Owain Glyndŵr was declared Prince of Wales
by his followers. On the same day, he instigated the Welsh revolt
against the rule of Henry IV of England.
Observed on the third Saturday in September in New York. Parades
also take place in other American cities to celebrate those of
German heritage in the USA.
UK (Wales)
17/09/2016 Saturday
German-American Steuben Parade
USA
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18/09/2016 Sunday
National Heroes' Day
Angola
Oktoberfest
Germany
Operation Market Garden
The Netherlands
Pitr Paksha
Hindu
India
18th Sunday after Pentecost
2016 Paralympic Games Closing
Ceremony
Christian
Brazil
The conclusion of the fifteenth Summer Paralympic Games. The
Closing Ceremony takes place at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de
Janeiro.
Azerbaijan
Day of National Music
Election Day (Dag för val till riksdagen) Sweden
Federal Day of Thanksgiving (Bettag) Switzerland
Gurgadi Guru Angad Sahib
Sikh
Home Mission Day
National Day of Chile
Christian
Chile
Sunday after Exaltation of the Cross
Orthodox Christian
World Water Monitoring Day
Multinational
France
UK
Poland
A holiday in Angola to commemorate the birthday of the national
hero and first President of Angola, Agostinho Neto. The day is also
known as Agostinho Neto's Day.
Takes place annually in Munich and is an important part of Bavarian
culture. The festival lasts for 17 or 18 days up to and including the
first Sunday in October.
Operation Market Garden was an Allied airborne operation that
begun on this day in 1944.
The festival of Purnima Pitr Paksha lasts for two weeks.
On this day in 2004, Tamil was declared India's first classical
language.
Observed on the third Sunday in September. Swedish elections are
held every four years.
Traditionally a feast day is observed across the country on the third
Sunday in September, with the exception of Geneva.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi phrase
used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends to Guruship
and is installed as a Guru. Guru Angad Sahib became the second
Sikh Guru on this day in 1539.
Occurs on the third Sunday in September.
Commemoration of the establishment of the First Government Junta
on this day in 1810. This was the first step in the process towards
Chilean independence. This is also the first of the two-day Fiestas
Patrias. Independence from Spain was declared on 12th February
1818.
World Water Monitoring Day is an international awareness and
monitoring programme focusing on water resources.
The death penalty in France was abolished on this day in 1981.
On this day in 1972, the first Asian refugees from Uganda arrived in
the UK following their expulsion by the regime of Idi Amin.
On this day in 1943, the Jews of Minsk were murdered by Nazi
Germans at the Sobibór death camp in Poland.
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19/09/2016 Monday
20/09/2016 Tuesday
Chile
Armed Forces Day (Dia de las Glorias
del Ejercito)
Day of the First Public Appearance
of the Slovak National Council (Deň
1. verejného vystúpenia SNR)
Independence Day
International Week of the Deaf
St Kitts and Nevis
Multinational
Powley Day
Canada
Respect for the Aged Day (敬老の日
Keirō no hi)
Japan
City of Rome Liberation Day
Slovakia
Multinational
Italy
Day of Azerbaijani Oil / Oil Workers'
Day
Independence Day
Azerbaijan
Prince's Day (Prinsjesdag)
The Netherlands
World Children's Day (Weltkindertag)
Germany
South Ossetia
(Georgia)
National Youth Day (วันเยาวชนแห่งชาติ Thailand
Wan Yaowachon Haeng Chat)
Italy
21/09/2016 Wednesday
Arbor Day (Dia da Árvore)
Founder's Day
Brazil
Ghana
Independence Day (Անկախության օր) Armenia
Independence Day
Belize
Celebrated the day after the country's day of independence, it is
characterised by military parades in Santiago and other cities.
The first Slovak National Council existed for only two years (18481849) and met for the first time on 19th September in the town of
Myjava.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1983.
Observed during the last full week of September, culminating in
International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday.
On this day in 2003, the Supreme Court of Canada recognised the
Aboriginal Rights of the Métis after a court case against Steve and
Roddy Charles Powley. The Métis are one of three recognised
Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
A holiday in Japan in celebration of elderly citizens, originating in
1947. Commemorated on the third Monday in September.
The Council of Europe was founded on this day in 1946.
Commemoration of the capture of Rome on this day in 1870, the
event that finally signalled the unification of Italy, known as the
Risorgimento.
Commemorates independence from Georgia in 1990. Not
recognised by the Georgian authorities.
Kings Chulalongkorn and Ananda Mahidol were both born on this
day in the years 1853 and 1925 respectively. National Youth Day
commemorates their birth.
Observed on the third Tuesday in September. On this day the
reigning monarch of The Netherlands addresses the Dutch Senate
and House of Representative's.
Observed more in Western Germany (as officially in the former West
Germany). In Eastern areas, 1st June remains the more popular
date.
On this day in 1633, Galileo Galilei was tried before the Inquisition for
teaching that the Earth orbits the Sun.
Not a national holiday.
Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana, was born on this day
in 1909.
Commemorates independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1981.
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Independence Day (Jum lIndipendenza)
International Day of Peace
Malta
Spring Day (Día de la Primavera)
Argentina
St Matthew's Day
Christian
Student's Day (Día del Estudiante)
Bolivia
World Alzheimer's Day
Multinational
Multinational
Multinational
22/09/2016 Thursday
American Business Women's Day
USA
Autumn Equinox
Pagan
Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日
Shūbun no hi)
Independence Day (Den na
nezavisimostta Ден на
независимостта)
Independence Day
Japan
Mali
Jotijot Guru Nanak
Sikh
OneWebDay
Resistance Day (vastupanuvõitluse
päev)
Multinational
Estonia
Bulgaria
Commemorates the independence of Malta within the
Commonwealth of Nations. Occurred in 1964.
Established in 1981 by the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Takes place on 21st September every year and is a day of global
ceasefire and non-violence, an invitation to all nations and people to
honour a cessation of hostilities. For further info:
www.internationaldayofpeace.org/. International Peace Week takes
place during the fourth week in September.
An informal holiday to commemorate the beginning of Spring.
Coincides with Students Day (Día del Estudiante) in Argentina.
Apostle of Jesus and traditionally believed to be the author of the
Gospel of Matthew.
Bolivia also celebrates Happy Day, Doctor's Day (Día del Médico)
and the Day of Love (Día del Enamorado) on 21st September.
A day focusing on promoting awareness of Alzheimer's disease, the
most common form of dementia.
On this day in 1965, The Gambia, Maldives and Singapore are
admitted to the United Nations. Six years later to the day, Bahrain,
Bhutan and Qatar also join, and on 21st September 1976, the
Seychelles also becomes a member.
The American Business Women's Association was founded on this
day in 1949.
Autumn Equinox (also known as Mabon or Harvest Home) is
celebrated when day and night are of equal duration.
An official national holiday and an occasion for Japanese people to
visit the graves of their ancestors.
Commemorates independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1908.
Commemorates independence from France in 1960. Alternatively
known as Republic Day.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not only to
'physical death' but with the subsequent accession to heaven and the
re-joining of the Guru with God, given the immortality of the soul.
Guru Nanak became jotijot in 1539.
A day of Internet celebration and togetherness, first held in 2006.
Alternatively known as Resistance Fighting Day. Commemoration of
the attempt by the Estonian military commander Otto Tief to restore
Estonian independence in 1944.
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23/09/2016 Friday
St Maurice
Catholic Christian
World Car Free Day
Multinational
UK, USA
Celebrate Bisexuality Day
Multinational
Holocaust Memorial Day
Lithuania
National Day (Al-Yaom Al-Watany)
Saudi Arabia
Native American Day
USA
St Pio of Pietrelcina
Catholic Christian
UK
Poland
24/09/2016 Saturday
Constitution Day
Cambodia
Heritage Day
South Africa
Independence Day
Leil Selichot (‫)סליחות‬
Mahidol Day (วันมหิดล Wan Mahidon)
Guinea-Bissau
Jewish
Thailand
National Punctuation Day
Our Lady of Mercy
Día de las Mercedes
USA
Catholic Christian
Dominican
Republic
Spain/Catalonia
(Barcelona)
La Mercè
Our Lady of Walsingham
Feastday of St Maurice, Patron Saint of soldiers, swordsmiths,
armies, infantrymen and of weavers and dyers.
Observed mostly in Europe.
The first non-stop jet flight between the UK and USA took place on
this day in 1950.
First celebrated in 1999, Celebrate Bisexuality Day was the
brainchild of three bisexual rights activists in the USA.
It specifically commemorates the victims of the liquidation of the
Vilnius Ghetto in 1943.
Commemorates the unification of various regions to become Saudi
Arabia.
Commemorated on the 4th Friday in September, as a celebration of
Native Americans.
Popularly known as Padre Pio, St Pio of Pietrelcina was an Italian
Capucin friar and mystic credited with thousands of miraculous cures
during his lifetime. He died in 1968.
The first woman newsreader, Barbara Mandell, appeared on UK
television screens (on ITV) on this day in 1955.
On this day in 1941, the first experiments in extermination using gas
were conducted at Auschwitz.
Celebration of the signing of the Cambodian constitution by King
Sihanouk.
A public holiday in South Africa and an opportunity for South Africans
globally to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their
beliefs and traditions.
Commemorates independence from Portugal in 1973.
Prayers for forgiveness in preparation for the High Holidays.
Commemoration of the passing - on this day in 1929 - of HRH Prince
Mahidol Adulyadej, considered to be the 'Father of Thai Modern
Medicine'.
The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Also observed in Peru as 'Our Lady of Las Mercedes'.
Traditional and most important festival in Barcelona. Festivities begin
a few days beforehand and include parades, a Wine Fair, dancing
and fireworks displays.
Christian, England A title used for Mary, mother of Jesus.
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Peruvian Armed Forces Day (Día de
las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú)
Republic Day
Territorial Day
25/09/2016 Sunday
26/09/2016 Monday
Peru
Trinidad and
Tobago
New Caledonia
USA
19th Sunday after Pentecost
Armed Forces Day / Revolution Day
Christian
Mozambique
Gold Star Mother's Day
USA
The Harvest
Christian
Norway
Dominion Day
New Zealand
European Day of Languages
Europe
Flag Day (Dia de la Bandera Nacional)
Ecuador
Revolution Day
Yemen
UK
27/09/2016 Tuesday
Building of the Cross
Coptic Orthodox
Christian
Confucius' Birthday
Confucian/China
End of Independence War
(Consumación de la Independencia)
Feast of Mashíyyat (‫ ﻣﺷﻳﺔ‬Will)
Holiday of the French Community of
Belgium (Fête de la Communauté
française)
Mexico
Bahá'í
Belgium
To commemorate the establishment of a republic in 1976, fourteen
years after the achievement of independence from the UK.
Otherwise known as New Caledonia Day.
On this day in 1664, the Dutch surrendered the port of New
Amsterdam (later to become New York) to the English.
Commemorates the anniversary of the start of the struggle for
national liberation. Also known as Popular Liberation Forces Day.
Held on the last Sunday in September to honour mothers who have
lost a son or daughter in service to the USA.
Observed on the Sunday between 22nd and 28th September.
On this day in 1972, the Norwegian population vote in a referendum
to reject membership of the European Community.
Commemoration of the day in 1907 when New Zealand was given
dominion status within the British Empire.
First celebrated in 2001. For further information, see:
http://www.ecml.at/edl/
The flag of Ecuador was reinstated on this day in 1860, two days
after the Battle of Guayaquil which ended the Ecuadorian Civil War.
A national holiday in commemoration of the revolution of 1962. Also
known as September Revolution Day.
Sir Francis Drake completed his circumnavigation of the globe on
this day in 1580.
Commemoration of the dedication of the Church of the Holy Cross
which was built to guard the relics of the wood of the cross on which
Jesus Christ was crucified.
Arguably one of the most influential of all Chinese philosophers.
Confucius' Birthday is celebrated on the 27th day of the eighth month
in the Chinese Lunar Calendar (27th September in 2016).
Commemoration of the end of the Mexican Independence War in
1821.
First day of the eleventh month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Observed only by French speakers, in Wallonia, in commemoration
of an important episode in the Belgian Revolution of 1830 which
involved the defeat of Dutch troops.
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Polish Underground State Day
Poland
St Vincent de Paul
Catholic Christian
Celebrated by the World Tourism Organisation since 1980. The
purpose of World Tourism Day is to display awareness that tourism
is vital to the international community and to show how it affects
social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.
Multinational
Google was founded on this day in 1998.
Multinational
Proposed in 2002. Concerned with the freedom of information.
International Right to Know Day
Ethiopia, Ethiopian Observed on 28th September in leap years. Commemoration of the
Meskel
& Eritrean
discovery of the True (Holy) Cross by Saint Helena in the 4th
Orthodox Church Century. Known by other wording (such as Elevation of the Life
Giving Cross (Holy Cross)) in other Churches (see 14/09/2016).
National Day of Awareness and Unity The Philippines
Against Child Pornography
Christian/Czech
St Wenceslas (Svatý Václav) is the Patron Saint of the Czech
St Wenceslas Day
Republic
Republic and the Czech people. Wenceslas was murdered by his
brother Boleslav in the year 935. Wenceslas Square (Václavské
náměstí) in Prague features a statue of Wenceslas (the Good King
of Christmas Carol fame) on horseback, clad in armour, at the top
end of the square nearest to the National Museum.
Czech Republic
In commemoration of St Wenceslas Day (above). A public holiday in
Czech Statehood Day (Den české
the Czech Republic.
státnosti)
Republic of China Also in Chinese-Filipino schools in The Philippines.
Teachers Day
(Taiwan)
Multinational
Held to raise global awareness of rabies and its prevention.
World Rabies Day
UK
William of Normandy (William the Conqueror) began his invasion of
England on this day in 1066.
Commemorates this battle that took place during the Chaco War.
Boqueron Battle Victory Day (Victoria Paraguay
de Boquerón)
Multinational
International Coffee Day
Argentina
Celebrated since 1986. Inventor's Day in Argentina commemorates
Inventor's Day (Día del Inventor)
the birthday of the inventor of the ballpoint pen, the Hungarian László
József Bíró.
World Tourism Day
28/09/2016 Wednesday
29/09/2016 Thursday
A Flag Day in Poland. The Polish Underground State (Polskie
Państwo Podziemne) refers to the clandestine organisations that
remained loyal to the Polish Government in exile during World War
Two.
Feastday of St Vincent de Paul, Patron Saint of charitable societies.
Multinational
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30/09/2016 Friday
St Michael and All Angels
Christian
World Heart Day
Multinational
Ukraine
2016 Ryder Cup begins
USA
Agricultural Reform (Nationalisation)
Day
Blasphemy Day
Independence Day / Botswana Day
São Tomé and
Príncipe
Canada, USA
Botswana
International Translation Day
Manit Day
Morelos' Birthday (Natalicio de José
María Morelos y Pavón)
Multinational
Marshall Islands
Mexico
Pchum Ben
Cambodia
Sarva Pitri Shradda
St Jerome
Hindu
Catholic Christian
World Helping Day
Multinational
Multinational
Feast is also called Michaelmas. St Michael the Archangel is the
Patron Saint of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police, and
sickness. Saints Gabriel and Raphael are the other Angels
celebrated on this day.
As of 2011, celebrated on 29th September.
The Babi Yar massacre began on this day in 1941. During the
course of two days, 33,771 Jews from Kiev were murdered by the
SS, other German forces and Ukrainian police and civilians. The
massacre is considered to be the largest single massacre during the
entire Holocaust.
To 2nd October. The 41st Ryders Cup (golf) between Europe and
the USA will take place at the Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska
in Minnesota. Europe are the current holders.
Known as Dia da Reforma Agrária.
First observed in 2009.
Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1966. A two-day
holiday.
Also the Saints Day of St Jerome, Patron Saint of translators.
Observed on the last Friday in September.
A civic holiday to commemorate the birth in 1765 of José María
Morelos y Pavón, a Catholic priest and rebel leader considered one
of the fathers of the Mexican nation.
Also known as 'Festival of the Ancestors'. A religious holiday of threeday duration in honour of the deceased. The date of this festival is
determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and is therefore variable.
Feastday of St Jerome, Doctor of the Church and Patron Saint of
Bible scholars and librarians.
On this day in 1938, the League of Nations formally outlawed the
'intentional' bombing of civilian populations.
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OCTOBER 2016
Date
Day
01/10/2016 Saturday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Armed Forces Day (국군(國軍)의 날
Gukgunuinal)
Faith/Nation etc
South Korea
Black History Month begins
UK
Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins
Multinational
Other Info
A day when the country's military forces are honoured. South Korean
forces crossed the 38th Parallel during the Korean War on this day in
1950.
Held every October. Black History Month aims to: promote knowledge
of Black History and experience; disseminate information on positive
Black contributions to British society; and heighten the confidence
and awareness of Black people in their cultural heritage. For further
info: www.black-history-month.co.uk
Founded in 1985.
Children's Day
Children's Day
Day of Prosecutors
Independence Day
Independence Day
Independence Day
El Salvador,
Guatemala
Sri Lanka
Azerbaijan
Cyprus
Nigeria
Palau
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1960.
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1960.
Commemorates independence from UN Trust Territory status in 1994.
Independence Day / Tuvalu Day
Tuvalu
International Day of Older Persons
Multinational
National Day of the People's Republic of
China (国庆节 guóqìng jié)
Navaratri begins
China
Pancasila Day (Hari Kesaktian Pancasila)
Indonesia
St Therese of Lisieux
Catholic Christian
Hindu
Commemorates independence from the Gilbert Islands (Kiribati) in
1975.
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly on 14th
December 1990, it was first observed in 1991.
The People's Republic of China was formally proclaimed on this day
in 1949.
A festival of dance and worship, of nine nights duration (Nava
meaning 'nine' and Ratri meaning 'nights'). The festival is divided into
three three-day sets, symbolising the three aspects of the supreme
goddess and divine mother. Navaratri symbolises the triumph of good
over evil and marks the beginning of Autumn. Regional customs or
moon sightings may cause a variation of this date.
The day following the 30th September Movement. For further
information, go to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_September_Movement.
St Therese was a French Carmelite nun who died at the age of 24.
She is also known as 'The Little Flower of Jesus'.
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02/10/2016 Sunday
Teachers Day
Teachers Day (O’qituvchi va Murabbiylar
Kuni)
Unification Day
Iraq
Uzbekistan
World Vegetarian Day
Multinational
USA
20th Sunday after Pentecost
Al-Hijira
Christian
Islam
Islamic New Year (‫)ﺭﺃﺱ ﺍﻟﺳﻧﺔ ﺍﻟﻬﺟﺭﻳﺔ‬
Islam
Batik Day
Indonesia
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Father's Day
Feast of the Guardian Angels
Fire Prevention Week begins
Jewish
Luxembourg
Christian
USA, Canada
Gandhi Jayanti
India
International Day of Non-Violence
Grandparents Day
Independence Day
Mehregān
Multinational
Italy
Guinea
Zoroastrian, Iran
National Grandparents Day
UK
UK
Cameroon
Commemorates the anniversary of British Southern Cameroon's
independence from the UK and unification with French Cameroun on
this day in 1961.
Established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977.
On this day in 1962, two people died and at least 75 were injured in
rioting following the admission of a black student, James Meredith, to
the University of Mississippi.
Usually begins at sundown the day before. Marks the migration of the
Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. Also
marks the first day of the first month in the Islamic Calendar
(Muharram ‫ )ﻣﺣﺭﻡ‬and therefore the Islamic New Year (Hijra New Year
1438).
Beginning of the month of Muharram. The year beginning on this day
in the Islamic Calendar is 1438 AH.
Batik is a cloth found in Indonesia as well as other countries in South
East Asia and Africa.
The eve of the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
Observed on the first Sunday in October.
Catholic festival.
Fire Prevention Week runs from the first Sunday in October through
to the following Saturday (Fire Service Recognition Day). It is a
commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
A celebration in India of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi in 1869. A
national holiday in India.
Observed to coincide with the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
Established in 2005.
Commemorates independence from France in 1958.
According to the Fasili and Bastani variants of the religious calendar.
Mehregān is a festival celebrating friendship and love. It is also
known as the Persian Festival of Autumn.
Observed on the first Sunday in October since 2008.
The Scottish engineer and inventor, John Logie Baird, performed the
first test on television, demonstrating how moving images could be
transmitted, on this day in 1925.
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03/10/2016 Monday
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen
Einheit)
Iraqi Independence Day
Germany
A national holiday to celebrate the reunification of Germany in 1990.
Iraq
Morazán Day
Honduras
National Foundation Day (개천절(開天節)
Gaecheonjeol)
South Korea
National Sports Day
Rosh Hashanah (‫)ראש השנה‬
Lesotho
Jewish
Commemoration of independence from the UK in 1932. On this day
in 1932, Iraq was admitted to the League of Nations as an
independent state. Iraq's National Day.
Commemoration of the statesman and lawyer, General Francisco
Morazán, who was Head of State in Honduras between 1827 and
1830. He also served as Head of State in Costa Rica and El Salvador
as well as President of the Central American Federation between
1835 and 1839. Also, Soldiers Day.
Commemorates the traditional founding of Korea in 2333 BCE. Also
known as the 'Festival of the Opening of Heaven' (the translation of
Gaecheonjeol).
Celebrated on the first Monday in October.
Jewish New Year, commemorating the creation of the world. Begins
at sundown the day before and lasts for two days. 2016-2017 is year
5777 and Rosh Hashanah begins on 1st Tishri (‫שׁרי‬
ִ ‫)תּ‬
ִ in the Jewish
Calendar. Tishri is the first month in the civil year, but the seventh
month in the ecclesiastical calendar. Rosh Hashanah is also the start
of the Ten Days of Penitence/Repentance. The literal translation of
Rosh Hashanah is 'head of the year'.
A period of ten days of solemnity, in which Jews have the opportunity
to repent (teshuvah), by proactively seeking forgiveness for their sins.
Begins on Rosh Hashanah and ends on Yom Kippur.
Ten Days of Repentance (‫עשרת ימי תשובה‬, Jewish
Aseret Yemei Teshuva)
Teachers Day (Araw ng mga Guro)
The Philippines
Universal Children's Day
Trinidad and
Tobago
Multinational
Multinational
World Architecture Day
World Habitat Day
04/10/2016 Tuesday
Cinnamon Roll Day (kanelbullens dag)
Day of Peace and Reconciliation (Dia da
Paz e da Reconciliação)
Independence Day
Honours, via Presidential Proclamation, the country's half a million
teachers.
Observed on the first Monday in October.
Held on the first Monday in October.
Held on the first Monday in October. Designated by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1985 and first observed in 1986.
Former Yugoslavia On this day in 1929, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was
renamed the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, "Land of the South Slavs".
Sweden
Cinnamon rolls allegedly originated in Sweden.
Mozambique
Commemorates the peace agreement signed between the
Mozambique government and the Renamo rebels in Rome on this
day in 1992.
Lesotho
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1966.
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St Francis Day
Catholic Christian
Blessing of the Animals
Christian
World Animal Day
Multinational
World Space Week begins
Multinational
Multinational
UK
05/10/2016 Wednesday Army Day (Hari Tentara Nasional
Indonesia)
Constitution Day
International World Teacher's Day
Indonesia
Vanuatu
Multinational
Teachers Day (Da Maleem Wraz)
Afghanistan
Teachers Day
Teachers Day
Teachers Day (Dan učitelja)
Teachers Day (Ziua profesorului)
Tajik Language Day
Azerbaijan,
Lithuania, Russia
Canada, Pakistan
Croatia
Moldova
Tajikistan
Republic Day (Implantação da República)
Portugal
World Cerebral Palsy Day
Multinational
France
St Francis of Assisi is Patron Saint of animals (see below) and the
environment. He is also Patron Saint of Italy - 4th October is therefore
a public holiday in Italy.
Secularised as World Animal Day, and a celebration of all animal life.
Originally chosen to coincide with St Francis Day, a day of celebration
for all forms of animal life.
Designated by the UN General Assembly in 1999. Runs from 4th to
10th October in commemoration of two events. On 4th October 1957,
the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched, and on
10th October 1967, the Outer Space Treaty was signed.
On this day in 1582, the Gregorian Calendar came into being,
implemented by Pope Gregory XIII. (See 02/09/2016)
On this day in 1965, the BBC announced that it would begin
broadcasting a new service for new Asian migrants entitled 'Making
Yourself at Home'.
In full, Indonesian National Armed Forces Day. Commemoration of
the foundation of the People's Security Army.
For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Teachers'_Day.
A holiday and celebration for schools in Afghanistan. It has been
alleged that teachers in Afghanistan are the lowest paid in the world.
Other dates for this day are mentioned, including 23rd and 24th May.
Since 1994, Teacher's Day in Azerbaijan, Lithuania and Russia has
coincided with World Teacher's Day.
No classes are held on this day.
Moved from 22nd July. Commemoration of the approval of Tajik
Persian as the official language of Tajikstan.
Commemoration of the Portuguese First Republic in 1910. Known as
'Implantation of the Republic'. Also observed in Macau.
Observed on the first Wednesday in October.
On this day in 1944, women obtained the right to vote in France.
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06/10/2016 Thursday
07/10/2016 Friday
Commemorates the Egyptian successes (the crossing of the Suez
Canal) early in the Yom Kippur War which started on October 6th
1973.
Commemoration of the Yom Kippur War in which Syrian troops
October Liberatory War (‫ ﺣﺭﺏ ﺗﺷﺭﻳﻥ ﺍﻟﺗﺣﺭﻳﺭﻳﺔ‬Syria
fought alongside Egyptian forces and those from other Arab states
Harb Teshreen Al-Tahririyyah)
against Israel.
Turkmenistan
Commemoration of the victims of the 1948 earthquake that destroyed
Day of Commemoration and National
the country's capital Ashgabat. Two thirds of the city's population
Mourning
were killed.
Montenegro
Alternatively known as Armed Forces Day.
Day of the Army (Dan Vojske Crne Gore)
The Dukla Pass (Dukliansky priesmyk) is a mountain pass on the
Dukla Pass Victims Day (Deň obetí Dukly) Slovakia
border between Slovakia and Poland. Passage through this pass was
an important step in the liberation of Czechoslovakia during World
War Two.
USA
A celebration of German heritage in the United States.
German-American Day
Commemorates the first German settlement in the original thirteen
colonies (Germantown, Pennsylvania) which was founded following
the landing on this day in 1683 of thirteen families in Philadelphia.
Ireland
Formerly honouring the Irish revolutionary, Padraig (Patrick) Pearse,
Ivy Day (Lá an Eidhneáin)
it is a commemoration of the death of Charles Stewart Parnell, the
Irish nationalist leader who served as a member of the British
parliament (1875–1891) and led Ireland's Home Rule Movement. It is
called Ivy Day because people wore Ivy leaves at Parnell's funeral
picked from the trees at the Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin where he
was buried.
The so-called Thirteen Martyrs of Arad, Hungarian military generals,
Memorial Day for the Martyrs of Arad (Az Hungary
were executed on this day in 1849 following the end of the Hungarian
aradi vértanúk emléknapja)
Revolution by forces of Imperial Austria and Russia.
Orthodox
Christian
St
Thomas the Apostle was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. See
St Thomas Day
03/07/2016.
Sri Lanka
Teachers Day (Guru Dinaya)
Multinational
As a result of the implementation of the Gregorian Calendar, a day is
missed in a number of countries. Specifically and effectively, 6th
October 1582 (and indeed subsequent days) did not occur in Italy,
Poland, Portugal and Spain.
From 2011, Children's Day in Singapore has been celebrated on the
Children's Day (儿童节, Hari Kanak-kanak, Singapore
first Friday in October.
குழந்தையர் தினம்)
Armed Forces Day
Egypt
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Durga Puja
Hindu
Celebration of the divine creative force of the universe. Specifically
honours the ten-armed goddess, Durga, who is depicted riding a lion
or tiger, carrying a lotus flower and weapons and using symbolic hand
gestures. The goddess 'can redeem is situations of utmost distress'.
Harvest Fast Day
Christian
IAS Anniversary
Scientology
Occurs on the first Friday in October. A day of fundraising and
support for those in need.
Commemoration of the founding of the International Association of
Scientologists (IAS) in 1984.
The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Observed on the first Friday in October.
On this day in 1886, Spain abolished slavery in Cuba.
Commemoration of the naval battle of 1879 during the War of the
Pacific (involved Chile and the joint forces of Peru and Bolivia). Also
Navy Day to commemorate both this battle and the foundation of the
Peruvian Navy in 1821.
Catholic Christian
Multinational
Cuba
Battle of Angamos (Combate de Angamos) Peru
Our Lady of the Rosary
World Smile Day
08/10/2016 Saturday
Indian Air Force Day
Iran
UK (Wales and
Cornwall)
India
Independence Day (Dan nezavisnosti)
Shabbat Shuva (‫)שבת שובה‬
Croatia
Jewish
Super League Grand Final
UK
World Humanitarian Action Day
Multinational
Algeria
Christian
Sikh
Children's Day
Feast Day of St Keyne
09/10/2016 Sunday
21st Sunday after Pentecost
Birthday of Guru Ram Das
St Keyne was a 5th Century holy woman in the English West Country.
Commemorates the day the Air Force came into operation on this day
in 1932.
Commemorates independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.
Sabbath during the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Begins at sundown on the previous day
(the beginning of the Jewish day).
Rugby League's Super League Grand Final takes place at Old
Trafford in Manchester. The current holders of Super League's
ultimate crown are Leeds Rhinos who narrowly beat Wigan Warriors
22-20 in the 2015 Final. Inaugurated in 1998, Leeds Rhinos also hold
the record for the most Grand Final wins (seven).
Algeria joined the United Nations on this day in 1962.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Ram Das was the
fourth Sikh Guru. Parkash is a term that is used to refer to birth,
though it actually means 'light, radiance, expansion etc'.
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Chung Yeung Festival (重陽節
chóngyángjié)
Chinese
Day of Prayer for Prisoners and their
Dependants
Hangul Day (한글날 Han-geullal)
Christian
Also known as the 'Festival of Ascending Heights' or 'Double Ninth',
Chung Yeung is similar to Ching Ming (which takes place earlier in
the year) in that they both pay tribute to dead family members and
loved ones. It’s traditional to visit and clean the family graveside and
then ascend a hill, thus getting closer to God, to offer prayers for lost
loved ones.
Observed on the second Sunday in October.
South Korea
Independence Day
Independence of Guayaquil
(Independencia de Guayaquil)
Uganda
Ecuador
Leif Erikson Day
USA, Iceland,
Norway
Navaratri ends
Hindu
Romanian Holocaust Remembrance Day Romania
10/10/2016 Monday
White Sunday
Samoa
World Post Day
Multinational
Costa Rica
UK
Arbor Day
Army Day
Capital Liberation Day (Ngày giải phóng
thủ đô)
Poland
Sri Lanka
Vietnam
Also known as Hangul Proclamation Day or Korean Alphabet Day. A
Korean national day marking the invention and the proclamation of
Hangul, the native alphabet of the Korean language. It was published
in Korea on this day in 1446.
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1962.
Commemoration of the achieving of independence (from the Spanish
authorities) of the city of Guayaquil (the largest city in Ecuador) on
this day in 1820.
Commemorates the first European landing (led by Leif Erikson) in
North America on this day in 1003, pre-dating that of Columbus.
Erikson was a Norse explorer who lived from about 970 to 1020).
Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a variation of this
date.
9th October was chosen because it coincides with the anniversary of
the start of deportations of Jews from the Romanian regions of
Bukovina and Bessarabia to Transnistria.
A day for treating children and for them to perform for their parents
and relatives in church. It is called White Sunday as people wear
white clothes on this day. The Samoans call the day after White
Sunday 'Lotu Tamaiti', which translates as Children's Day. Observed
on the second Sunday in October.
First declared in 1969. Recognised by the UN.
On this day in 1824, slavery was abolished in Costa Rica.
On this day in 1991, the first Sumo wrestling tournament ever held
outside of Japan took place at The Albert Hall in London.
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Columbus Day
USA
Día de la Raza / Discovery Day / Día la
Resistencia Indígena
Latin America,
Bahamas
Day of Indigenous Resistance (Día de la
Resistencia Indígena)
Indigenous Resistance Day
Venezuela
See above and below (i.e. Nicaragua).
Nicaragua
Thanksgiving (L'Action de grâce)
Canada
Day of Finnish Literature
Finland
Fiji Day
Fiji
Founding of the Worker's Party of Korea
North Korea
Health and Sports Day (体育の日, Taiiku
no hi)
Japan
Independence Day (Día de la
Independencia)
Mother's Day
National Day
Cuba
Commemorates the struggles of native peoples against European
colonialism. Coincides with Columbus Day which is no longer
observed as such in Nicaragua (as from 2008).
A day of gratitude to the harvest. Thanksgiving in Canada is not
celebrated on the same day as in the USA. It coincides with
Columbus Day instead and is always held on the second Monday in
October. The week prior to Thanksgiving in Canada is National
Family Week.
Commemorates the birth, on this day in 1834, of the author Aleksis
Kivi. Kivi wrote what is acknowledged to be the first significant novel
in the Finnish language, 'Seven Brothers' (Seitsemän veljestä).
A national day in Fiji, 10th October is the end of a week of activities
(Fiji Week) that commemorate the anniversary of Fiji's independence
from British colonial rule in 1970.
A public holiday in North Korea. According to North Korean records,
the Party was founded on this day in 1945.
National holiday observed on the second Monday in October. It
commemorates the opening of the 1964 Olympic Games which were
held in Tokyo and is used to promote healthy lifestyles.
Commemoration of the beginning of the independence war (in 1868)
with Spain which culminated in the Ten Years' War.
Observed on the second Monday in October.
Also known as Double Tenth Day (國慶日 Shuāng Shí Jié), it
celebrates the start of the Wuchang Uprising of 1911, which led to the
collapse of the Qing Dynasty. It is therefore also known in Chinese as
National Celebration Day.
Malawi
Republic of China
(Taiwan)
Commemorates the discovery of the Americas by Christopher
Columbus in 1492. Observed on the second Monday in October,
though the date of the discovery itself was 12th October in the old
Julian Calendar.
See above. Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) is celebrated in many
countries Latin America though the name of the day has been
changed in others e.g. Discovery Day in the Bahamas, Día de las
Culturas (Day of the Cultures) in Costa Rica, and Día la Resistencia
Indígena (Day of the Indigenous Resistance) in Venezuela.
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World Day Against Death Penalty
Multinational
World Mental Health Day
Multinational
Poland
11/10/2016 Tuesday
Dussera / Dasera
Hindu
Erev Yom Kippur
Jewish
General Pułaski Memorial Day
USA
International Day of the Girl Child
Multinational
National Coming Out Day
USA and others
Revolution Day (Ден на востанието, Den
na vostanieto)
Vijay Dashami
World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
Republic of
Macedonia
Hindu
Multinational
Australia
12/10/2016 Wednesday Ashura
National Day / Hispanic Day (Día de la
Hispanidad or Fiesta Nacional de España)
UN Spanish Language Day
Islam
Spain
Multinational
Recognised by the World Coalition Against the Death Penalty
(WCADP).
Observed for the first time in 1992. It was started as an annual activity
of the World Federation for Mental Health.
On this day in 1944, 800 Gypsy children were murdered in the
Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp.
Celebrates Lord Rama's victory over the evil demon Ravana. It also
marks the end of Navaratri. House and shop entrances are decorated
with strings of flowers. Effigies of Ravana are burned using
firecrackers. Regional customs or moon sightings may cause a
variation of this date.
The eve of Yom Kippur. The declaration Kol Nidre (which means 'all
vows') is recited on the eve of Yom Kippur. Indeed, the synagogue
service itself is popularly known as Kol Nidre. The prayer and its
melody formed the basis of a composition by Max Bruch for 'cello and
orchestra.
A holiday in the USA to commemorate General Kazimierz Pułaski
who died on this day in 1779 at the Battle of Savannah. General
Pułaski was a hero of the American War of Independence. The day
also serves to honour the contribution and heritage of Polish
Americans.
Observed for the first time in 2012. A day to promote awareness of
the inequality experienced by girls across the world as a result of their
gender.
A celebration of people who publicly identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual
or transgender. It is held one day later in the UK.
Commemoration of the beginning of the National Liberation War of
Macedonia on this day in 1941.
Australia's oldest university, the University of Sydney, was
inaugurated on this day in 1852.
Usually begins at sundown the day before. Islamic Holy Day. It occurs
on the 10th of the Islamic month of Muharram. Shi'ite Muslims regard
it as a period of mourning marking the martyrdom of Hussein, the
grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.
A national holiday in Spain to commemorate Christopher Columbus
and the discovery of the Americas. The national day of Spain.
Observed on the national day of Spain.
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Freethought Day
Gahambar Ayathrem
USA
Zoroastrian
Independence Day
National Coming Out Day
Our Lady of Aparecida (Nossa Senhora
Aparecida)
Equatorial Guinea
UK
Brazil, Roman
Catholic
Yom Kippur (‫)יוֹם כִּ פּוּר‬
Jewish
New Zealand
13/10/2016 Thursday
Ada Lovelace Day
Multinational
Day of Azerbaijani Railway
International Day for Disaster Reduction
Azerbaijan
Multinational
National Police Day (วันตํารวจ Wan
Tamruat)
Rwagasore Day
Thailand
St Edward's Day
Christian
World Sight Day
Multinational
Turkey
Burundi
Feast during 'Herding time'/'bringing home the herds'. Gahambar
means 'proper season', and these seasonal festivals occur six times
every year. They are observed for five days.
Commemorates independence from Spain in 1968.
See 11/10/2016.
A national religious holiday in Brazil. Our Lady of Aparecida is the
country's patron saint, represented by a statue of the Virgin Mary
located in the Basilica of Aparecida, in the city of Aparecida in the
state of São Paulo. This shrine is the most visited in Brazil and one of
the most visited in the Catholic world. Children's Day (Dia das
Crianças) is also celebrated in Brazil on this day.
The Day of Atonement. The most solemn day in the Jewish calendar
and an occasion for seeking forgiveness from God and fellow human
beings. Eating, drinking, bathing and conjugal relations are not
permitted on this day. Begins at sundown the day before. 10th Tishri
in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar.
On this day in 1917 during the First Battle of Passchendaele (World
War One), more New Zealanders were killed in 24 hours than in any
other day in the country's history.
A day to celebrate the achievement of women in science and
technology. Ada Lovelace (who was actually the daughter of Lord
Byron), was an English writer who had an important role in the
development of early computers.
Previously observed on the second Wednesday in October. 13th
October was designated as the official date in 2009.
Prince Louis Rwagasore was a Burundi nationalist and hero of the
country's independence. He was also Burundi's Prime Minister. He
was assassinated on this day in 1961.
Commemorates Edward the Confessor, King of England from 1042 to
1066.
Observed on the second Thursday in October since 2000.
On this day in 1923, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the capital of Turkey.
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14/10/2016 Friday
Day of National Education
Poland
A national holiday to commemorate the founding of the Commission
of National Education (Komisja Edukacji Narodowej - KEN) in 1773.
Formerly known as 'Day of the Teacher' (Dzień Nauczyciela).
Day of Svetitskhoveli Cathedral
(სვეტიცხოვლობა)
Georgia
Svetitskhoveli Cathedral was the first Christian Church in Georgia.
The Orthodox cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of Living Pillar)
is situated in Mtskheta, close to Georgia's capital of Tbilisi.
Mother's Day
National Day
Belarus
Yemen
Nyerere Day
Tanzania
World Egg Day
World Standards Day
Multinational
Multinational
UK
15/10/2016 Saturday
Anniversary of the 1987 coup d’état
Burkina Faso
Evacuation Day
Tunisia
First Day of Katik (ਕੱਤਕ)
Foundation of the Black Panthers Day
Sikh
Multinational
Global Handwashing Day
International Day of Rural Women
National Tree Planting Day
Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Remembrance Day
St Teresa of Avila
Multinational
Multinational
Sri Lanka
Canada, USA
Teachers Day (Dia do Professor)
White Cane Safety Day
Brazil
USA
Catholic Christian
France
Commemoration of the Anniversary of the Revolution against British
rule in South Yemen (1963). Also known as Second Revolution Day.
A public holiday in Yemen.
Commemoration of the death on this day in 1999 of Julius Nyerere,
first President of Tanzania.
Observed on the second Friday in October.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of
standardisation to the global economy.
On this day in 1954, HIM Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia was
welcomed by Queen Elizabeth II in Portsmouth as part of his world
tour.
The coup d’état resulted in the overthrow and assassination of the
leader of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara.
Commemoration of the withdrawal/evacuation of the last French
troops on this day in 1963.
Katik is the eighth month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
The Black Panther Party was founded on this day in 1966 by Huey P.
Newton and Bobby Seale.
Observed for the first time in 2008.
Recognised by the United Nations.
Observed by remembrance ceremonies,the lighting of candles and
vigils.
Feastday of St Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church, Patron Saint of
headache sufferers and Spanish Catholic writers.
Observed since 1963.
Commemoration of the achievements of blind and visually impaired
people. Instigated in 1964.
The Dreyfus Affair effectively began with the arrest of Alfred Dreyfus
on this day in 1894. For more information go to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_affair.
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16/10/2016 Sunday
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Air Force Day
Day of Pope John Paul II
Christian
Bulgaria
Poland
Feast of ‘Ilm (‫ ﻋﻠﻡ‬Knowledge)
Inter Faith Week of Prayer for World
Peace begins
Bahá'í
Interfaith
Mother's Day (Día de la Madre)
National Boss Day
Argentina
Canada, USA
Teachers Day (Día del Profesor)
Chile
World Anaesthesia Day
Multinational
World Food Day
Multinational
Pakistan
South Africa
17/10/2016 Monday
Black Poetry Day
USA
International Day for the Eradication of
Poverty
Loyalty Day (Día de la lealtad)
Multinational
National Heroes' Day
Jamaica
Richard Gwyn
Christian / Wales
St Margaret Mary Alacoque
Catholic Christian
Argentina
A national holiday in Poland. Karol Józef Wojtyła, Archbishop of
Kraków, became Pope John Paul II on this day in 1978.
First day of the twelfth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Inaugurated on 19th October 1974 at Westminster Abbey in London.
Takes place on the second full week in October. May be subject to
change.
Observed on the third Sunday in October.
Traditionally a day for employees to appreciate their bosses. Also
known therefore as Boss Appreciation Day.
The date of 16th October was chosen in 1977 to celebrate the
founding of the Teachers College of Chile.
In commemoration of the first successful demonstration of ether
anaesthesia on this day in 1846.
Promoted by the United Nations. The aim of World Food Day,
proclaimed in 1979, is to heighten public awareness of the world food
problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger,
malnutrition and poverty.
Liaquat Ali Khan, one of the founding fathers of Pakistan, died on this
day in 1951.
On this day in 1984, Desmond Tutu, Archbishop of Cape Town, was
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Commemorates the anniversary of the first published AfricanAmerican poet, Jupiter Hammon, who was born into slavery in 1711
on Long Island.
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992.
Commemoration of the labour demonstration that took place on this
day in 1945 demanding the release of Juan Perón.
A public holiday in Jamaica. It takes place on the third Monday in
October and is in recognition of seven national heroes (including
Marcus Garvey).
One of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. Richard Gwyn was a
Welsh school teacher.
Feastday of St Margaret Mary Alacoque, Patron Saint of devotees of
the Sacred Heart.
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State Holiday
Haiti
Commemorates the death of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the
Haitian Revolution and the first ruler of an independent Haiti under
the dictatorial 1801 constitution. Also known as Dessalines Day.
Sukkot begins (Primary Obligation Days) Jewish
(‫ סוכות‬or ‫ סֻ כּוֹת‬sukkōt)
Mexico, USA
18/10/2016 Tuesday
Alaska Day
USA (Alaska)
Independence Day
Azerbaijan
Necktie Day
Persons Day
Croatia
Canada
St Luke, Apostle & Evangelist
Christian
Germany
19/10/2016 Wednesday Constitution Day
Niue
Karva Chauth
Hindu
Mother Teresa Day (Dita e Nënë Terezës)
Albania
Germany
20/10/2016 Thursday
Birth of the Báb
Bahá'í
Feast of Tabernacles. A commemoration of the years the Jewish
people spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, and
their protection during this time by God. Begins at sundown the day
before. 15th Tishri in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar.
On this day in 1968, athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos were
kicked out of the USA's team for performing a Black Power salute
during a medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympic Games.
Commemoration of the official, formal transfer of authority for Alaska
from Russia to the USA on this day in 1867. A holiday in Alaska.
Commemoration of independence from the former Soviet Union on
this day in 1991.
Commemoration of the Persons Case of 1929, as a result of which
women were allowed to sit on the Canadian Senate.
Traditionally St Luke is said to be the author of both the Gospel of
Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, the third and fifth books of the
New Testament. In Catholicism, he is Patron Saint of painters,
physicians and healers.
The University of Heidelberg, the oldest in Germany, opened on this
day in 1386.
Commemorates independence (self-governing in free association
with New Zealand) in 1974.
A fast undertaken by married Hindu women who offer prayers
seeking the welfare, prosperity, well-being, and longevity of their
husbands. Occurs around nine days before Diwali.
Ratified by the Albanian Parliament. Though born in what is now
Macedonia, Mother Teresa was Albanian by blood.
Nazi Germany withdrew from the League of Nations on this day in
1933.
Celebrates the birth of the precursor of the founder of the Bahá'í faith
in 1819. One of the nine holy days of the year when work is
suspended. Usually begins at sundown the day before.
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Gurgadi Guru Har Krishan
Sikh
Installation of Scriptures as Guru Granth Sikh
Sahib
International Credit Union Day
International Day of the Air Traffic
Controller
Jotijot Guru Har Rai
Multinational
Multinational
Mashujaa (Heroes') day
Kenya
Revolution Day
Guatemala
Spirit Day
Multinational
Vietnamese Women's Day (Ngày phụ nữ
Việt Nam)
World Osteoporosis Day
World Statistics Day
Vietnam
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not only to
'physical death' but with the subsequent accession to heaven and the
re-joining of the Guru with God, given the immortality of the soul.
Guru Har Rai became jotijot in 1661.
Formerly Kenyatta Day, a commemoration of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's
first Prime Minister and President and considered to be the 'founding
father of the nation'. He was born on 20th October 1894.
Multinational
Multinational
Serbia
UK
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi phrase
used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends to Guruship
and is installed as a Guru. Guru Har Krishan became the eighth Sikh
Guru on this day in 1661.
The Sikhs revere Guru Granth Sahib because it contains the writings
of their Gurus and other saints they hold in esteem. To Sikhs it is
more a book of divine wisdom than the word of God. In 1604 the first
copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, wrapped in silk scarves, was installed
in the inner sanctuary of Harimandir (Golden Temple in Amritsar).
The Sovereignty of the Guru Granth Sahib was declared as the Guru
for all time by Guru Gobind Singh.
Observed since 1948 on the third Thursday in October.
Commemoration of the October Revolution of 1944 in which a largely
peaceful coup led to Dr Juan Jose Arevalo Bermejo becoming
President. A public holiday in Guatemala.
First observed in 2010. Observed on the third Thursday in October. A
day to show support for LGBT young people who are victims of
bullying. It is customary to wear the colour purple.
Observed for the first time in 2010.
Beginning on this day in 1941, around 7,000 Serb civilians (including
Roma) were shot dead by German troops during the Second World
War. The event is known as the Kragujevac Massacre.
On this day in 1973, the Dalai Lama arrived in the UK for his first visit.
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21/10/2016 Friday
Apple Day
Armed Forces Day
Egyptian Naval Day
International Day of the Nacho
Jotijot Guru Gobind Singh
National Nurses Day (วันพยาบาลแห่งชาติ
Wan Phayaban Haeng Chat)
Ndadaye Day
Overseas Chinese Day (華僑節)
Saint Ursula's Day
Trafalgar Day
22/10/2016 Saturday
International Stuttering Awareness Day
Make a Difference Day
23/10/2016 Sunday
23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Aviator's Day (Dia do Aviador)
Chulalongkorn Memorial Day (Wan
Piyamaharat (วันปิ ยมหาราช))
Multinational
An annual celebration of apples and orchards, first observed in
London in 1990. It is mainly celebrated in the UK.
Honduras
Public Holiday in Honduras commemorating the revolt in 1956 which
ousted President Julio Lozano Díaz.
Egypt
Commemoration of the destruction of the Israeli destroyer Eilat
(formerly the British destroyer HMS Zealous) in 1967.
Mexico, USA
Commemoration of the invention of nachos at a restaurant in the
border town of Piedras Negras by Ignacio Anaya in 1943. A bronze
plaque to Negras can be found in the town.
Sikh
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Jotijot refers not only to
'physical death' but with the subsequent accession to heaven and the
re-joining of the Guru with God, given the immortality of the soul.
Guru Gobind Singh became jotijot in 1708.
Thailand
Actually a commemoration of the birth of Srinagarindra, mother to two
Kings of Thailand and known as 'The Heavenly Royal Mother'.
Burundi
Melchior Ndadaye was a Burundian politician, the country's first
democratically elected President. He was also the first Hutu President
of Burundi. He was assassinated on this day in 1993.
China
Commemoration of people in Chinese communities outside Greater
China (comprising to some the People's Republic of China and the
Republic of China).
Catholic Christian / Saint Ursula is the Patron Saint of orphans and students (amongst
British Virgin
others), as well as of the British Virgin Islands.
Islands
UK
Commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Somali
On this day in 1969, Mohamed Siad Barre came to power in Somalia
following a coup d'état.
Multinational
Designated in 1998.
USA
Observed on the fourth Saturday in October.
UK
The first rugby match under floodlights took place on this day in 1878
in Salford, between Broughton and Swinton.
Christian
Brazil
Commemoration of Alberto Santos-Dumont, the Brazilian aviation
pioneer who made the world's first verified powered heavier-than-air
flight on this day in 1906.
Thailand
A national holiday in Thailand. Commemorates the death in 1910 of
King Chulalongkorn the Great or Rama V, the fifth king of the Chakri
dynasty of Thailand. Regarded as one of the greatest kings of Siam,
the Thais call him "The Great Beloved King".
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24/10/2016 Monday
Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary
Struggle (Ден на македонската
револуционерна борба,Den na
makedonskata revolucionarna borba)
Hoshanah Rabbah
Republic of
Macedonia
Liberation Day
Libya
National Day (Nemzeti ünnep)
Hungary
One World Week begins
Multinational
World Mission Day
Christian
UK (England)
Disarmament Week begins
Multinational
Independence Day
Labour Day
Zambia
New Zealand
Pavarana
Buddhist
Shemini Atzeret (‫)שמיני עצרת‬
Jewish
Suez Day / Popular Resistance Day
Egypt
United Nations Day
Multinational
World Development Information Day
Multinational
Jewish
The Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle commemorates
the establishment in 1893 of the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary
Organisation (IMRO), a revolutionary group focusing on achieving the
autonomy of Macedonia.
The seventh day of Sukkot and 21st Tishri in the Hebrew/Jewish
Calendar.
Commemorates the official day of liberation from the rule of
Muammar Gaddafi on this day in 2011.
Commemoration of the revolution of 1956 and the proclamation of the
Republic of Hungary in 1989.
One World Week (OWW) is an opportunity for people from around
the world to come together to focus on global justice and other
issues. One World Week always includes United Nations Day. For
further info go to www.oneworldweek.org.
Occurs on the penultimate Sunday in October.
The first major battle of the English Civil War took place on this day in
1642. The Battle of Edgehill took place in Warwickshire, resulting in
the loss of 1,000 men and a military stalemate.
Begins on the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and
finishes on 30th October.
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1964.
Observed on the fourth Monday in October. Labour Day in New
Zealand originated in the eight-hour working day movement in
Wellington in 1840.
Celebrated on full moon day of the 11th lunar month. Pavarana
marks the end of the three month 'rains retreat' for monks which
began on the full moon of Asalha. Literally 'pavarana' means 'inviting
admonition'. The lay community also offers monks new Kathina robes
at the end of the rains retreat.
The 'Assembly of the Eighth (Day)' of Sukkot. In Israel the festival is
combined with Simchat Torah. Begins at sundown the day before.
22nd Tishri in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar.
Celebrates the resistance of local civilians in Suez during the October
or Yom Kippur War of 1973.
Declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1947. It
commemorates the anniversary of the entry into force of the United
Nations Charter on 24th October 1945.
Recognised by the United Nations.
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World Polio Day
Multinational
Poland
25/10/2016 Tuesday
Constitution Day
Lithuania
Day of the Basque Country
Basque Country
(Spain)
Romania
Day of the Romanian Army / Armed
Forces Day
Forty Martyrs of England and Wales
Catholic Christian
Multinational
International Epidermolysis Bullosa
Awareness Week
Republic Day (Республика күні / День
Республики)
Retrocession Day (台灣光復節)
Taiwan
Simchat Torah (‫)שמחת תורה‬
Jewish
St Crispin's Day
Christian
Thanksgiving Day
Grenada
26/10/2016 Wednesday Angam Day
Armed Forces Day
Cook Islands Gospel Day
Kazakhstan
Uganda
Nauru
Benin
Cook Islands
Commemorates the birth of Jonas Salk, who discovered and
developed the first vaccine for polio.
On this day in 1980, the Government of Poland legalised the Trade
Union, Solidarity (Solidarność).
The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania (Lietuvos Respublikos
Konstitucija) was approved in a referendum on this day in 1992.
Official from 2011.
On this day in 1944, the Romanian Army liberated Carei, the last
Romanian city under occupation by the Axis Powers.
The forty martyrs were men and women executed for treason and
other offences between the years 1535 and 1679. They are
considered to be martyrs by the Roman Catholic Church and were
canonised by Pope Paul VI on this day in 1970.
To 31st October.
A public holiday in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic
(SSR) declared its sovereignty on this day in 1990.
Commemorates the end of 50 years of Japanese colonial rule on this
day in 1945.
A completion of the yearly cycle of Torah readings. The literal
meaning is "Rejoicing in the Torah." It is one of the happiest days in
the Jewish Calendar. Observed in Israel one day earlier. Usually
begins at sundown the day before.
Patron Saint of Shoemakers. The Battle of Agincourt was fought on
this day in 1415 and St Crispin's Day was commemorated by the
famous speech from William Shakespeare's play, Henry V.
Commemorates the anniversary of the invasion of Grenada by mainly
US troops in 1983.
Uganda joined the United Nations on this day in 1962.
A national holiday and a day of celebration and reflection in Nauru.
Celebration of occasions when the population of Nauru (an island
nation in Micronesia) has reached 1,500.
Christianity was first brought to the Cook Islands by the English
Missionary John Williams in the 1820s. He used Tahitian converts for
this purpose.
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27/10/2016 Thursday
Cuthbert of Canterbury
Christian
Day of Mourning
National Day (Nationalfeiertag)
Libya
Austria
Černová Tragedy Day (Deň černovskej
tragédie)
Independence Day
St Vincent and the
Grenadines
Turkmenistan
Navy Day
USA
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
Multinational
The Netherlands
Independent Czechoslovak State Day
(Den vzniku samostatného
československého státu)
International Animation Day
Czech Republic,
Slovakia
Milvian Bridge Day
Christian
Okhi Day (Το Όχι )
Greece, Cyprus
Saint Job of Pochayiv
Eastern Orthodox
St Jude Thaddaeus
Catholic Christian
Independence Day
28/10/2016 Friday
Norway
Slovakia
Multinational
Australia
World Teachers Day
Youth Pledge Day (Hari Sumpah Pemuda) Indonesia
Cuthbert, who died in the year 760, was an Anglo-Saxon Archbishop
of Canterbury.
Commemorates Libyans killed or exiled under Italian rule.
Anniversary of the Declaration of Neutrality in 1955 and the end of
Soviet occupation after the Second World War.
On this day in 1905, Norway achieved independence from Sweden.
Commemorates the events of 27th October 1907 when 15 people
were killed and hundreds injured by policemen outside a church after
the community protested about the substitution of a Slovak nationalist
priest for a service.
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1979.
Also 28th October. Commemorates independence from Russia in
1991.
Largely recognised as 27th October, although 13th October is also
considered by some.
Recognised by the United Nations.
27th October 1275 is the traditional date of the founding of the city of
Amsterdam.
A holiday in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to commemorate
independence from Austria-Hungary in 1918 and the establishment of
Czechoslovakia.
Proclaimed in 2002 by the International Animated Film Association
(Association Internationale du Film d'Animation) or ASIFA.
A day of reflection, discussion and debate regarding the place of
religion in society, particularly the relationship with government.
Milvian Bridge refers to a battle in 312 AD in Rome.
A public holiday in Greece - and Cyprus - to commemorate the event
in 1940 in which the Greek dictator, Ioannis Metaxas, refused an
Italian ultimatum for Axis forces to enter Greek territory.
Saint Job of Pochayiv was a Ukrainian monk and a saint in the
Eastern Orthodox Church.
St Jude was one of the twelve apostles and the brother of St James
the Less.
Observed on the last Friday in October.
Commemoration of the Youth Pledge of 1928.
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Argentina
29/10/2016 Saturday
On this day in 2007, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner became the first
woman to be elected President of Argentina. Her winning margin of
22% was the widest margin since civil rule was re-established in the
country in 1983.
Ľudovít Štúr (born on this day in 1815) was a Slovak politician, poet
and linguist, the author of the Slovak language standard.
Commemorates the coronation of the present King Norodom
Sihamoni on this day in 2004.
Birth of Ľudovít Štúr (Deň narodenia Ľ.
Štúra)
Coronation Day
Slovakia
Mahavira Nirvana
Naming Day
Jain
Tanzania
Narka Chaturdashi
Republic Day (Cumhuriyet Bayramı)
Hindu
Turkey, Northern
Cyprus
Multinational
World Stroke Day
Cambodia
Tanzania was officially named as such on this day in 1964. It had
previously been The United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Czech Republic
30/10/2016 Sunday
24th Sunday after Pentecost
Anniversary of the Declaration of the
Slovak Nation (Výročie Deklarácie
slovenského národa)
Clocks go back
Day of Remembrance of the Victims of
Political Repressions (День памяти
жертв политических репрессий)
Diwali (Deepavali)
Christian
Slovakia
International Orthopaedic Nurses Day
Mischief Night
Multinational
USA
Commemorates the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
The commemoration extends to half the previous day as well.
First observed in 2006.
On this day in 1787, Mozart's opera 'Don Giovanni' was premiered in
Prague. The theatre (the Estates) still exists as a working opera
house and was used for the opera scenes in the award-winning film
'Amadeus'.
Slovakia officially joined the state of Czechoslovakia in 1918.
UK
Former Soviet
Republics (except
Ukraine)
Hindu, Sikh, Jain
End of British Summer Time (BST).
Observed since 1991.
Hindu Festival of Lights of five days duration, shared by Sikhs (Bandi
Chhor Divas) and Jains (Mahavira Nirvana) as well as Hindus. The
festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness,
and knowledge over ignorance. Sikhs commemorate the release from
prison of Hargobind Singh, the sixth guru, in 1619. Regional customs
or moon sightings may cause a variation of this date.
The day before Halloween. Also parts of England and Canada.
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UK
31/10/2016 Monday
All Hallows Eve
Christian
Samhain
Pagan
Allantide (Calan Gwaf or Nos Calan Gwaf)
Cornwall
King Father's Birthday
New Year
Cambodia
Jain
On this day in 1957, the UK government revealed plans to reform the
House of Lords. These included the creation of the first women life
peerages.
The evening preceding All Saints Day. Linked to Halloween, the
origins of which date back over 2000 years to the ancient Celtic
festival of Samhain (see below).
Marks the Feast of the Dead as well as the ending of Summer and
Harvest, though Samhain is also a time of reflection on life
circumstances. Also celebrated by the majority of pagans as the
beginning of the Celtic New Year. It is also celebrated by non-Pagans
who call this festival Halloween.
Traditional Cornish festival involving Allan apples and popularly linked
to the Cornish Saint Allen or Arlan.
The King Father Norodom Sihanouk was born on this day in 1922.
Begins on the second day of Diwali. Today is the start of the Year
2543 (Vir Samvat) and 2073 (Vikram Samvat).
Hindu
Vikram New Year 2072
October Holiday (Lá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Republic of Ireland Observed on the last Monday in October. A public holiday in the
Republic of Ireland, first observed in 1977.
Fómhair)
Protestant Christian Commemoration of the Reformation. On this day in 1517, Martin
Reformation Day
Luther nailed his 95 theses on the Wittenberg church. It is a civic
holiday in Slovenia.
Established in Chile as a national holiday in 2008. See Reformation
Día Nacional de las Iglesias Evangélicas Chile
Day (above).
y Protestantes
Multinational
Famous people born on this day include the poet John Keats (1795),
Chinese Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek (1887) and footballer and
current Brazilian manager, Dunga (1963).
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NOVEMBER 2016
Date
Day
01/11/2016 Tuesday
Sacred Time/Event etc
All Saints' Day
Faith/Nation etc
Christian
Calan Gaeaf
Coronation of the fifth and current
Druk Gyalpo
Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
Wales
Bhutan
First Day of Safar (‫)ﺻﻔﺭ‬
Independence Day
Islam
Antigua and
Barbuda
Virgin Islands
Multinational
Algeria
Liberty Day
Movember
National Day
National Native American Heritage
Month begins
Mexico
Canada, USA
Multinational
National Novel Writing Month
National Revival Day (Den na narodnite Bulgaria
buditeli)
India (Kerala,
State Formation Day
Karnataka, Andhra
Pradesh)
Multinational
World Vegan Day
Ireland
Other Info
A commemoration of All Saints. Also known as All Hallows' Day or
Hallowmas. It is holiday in many countries throughout the world. 23rd
Sunday after Pentecost.
First day of winter in Wales.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was crowned on this day in
2008.
1st and 2nd November. A festival with ancient Aztec and
Mesoamerican roots, and a national holiday. The festival is
traditionally one of celebration, with emphasis on celebrating and
honouring the lives of the deceased, and celebrating the continuation
of life. For more info go to http://www.dayofthedead.com/.
Second month in the Islamic Calendar.
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1981.
Day to honour the labour rights leader David Hamilton Jackson.
Month long observation drawing attention to men's health issues.
On November 1st 1954, an armed insurrection against French rule
took place in Algeria. The National Liberation Front (Front de
Libération nationale) was established on this date to strive for
independence from France. The day therefore marks the beginning of
the Algerian War of Independence.
A celebration of the culture, heritage and contribution of Native
Americans. Also known by other names such as National American
Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.
Multinational commemoration despite its name.
In celebration of the leaders of the Bulgarian National Revival period.
Commemoration of the formation of these three states on 1st
November 1956. In Karnataka, the commemoration is known as
Kannada Rajyotsava.
Celebrated since 1994, November 1st being the anniversary of the
formation of the Vegan Society.
On this day in 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was
founded at Thurles, County Tipperary.
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02/11/2016 Wednesday
All Souls' Day
Catholic Christian
Día de Finades
Día de los Difuntos
Giorno dei morti
Memorial Day (Día de Finados)
Anniversary of the Crowning of HIM
Haile Selassie I
Portugal
Spain
Italy
Brazil
Rastafari
Arrival of Indentured Labourers
First Day of the Month of Kheshvan
(‫)חֶ ְשׁוָן‬
Mauritius
Jewish
USA
03/11/2016 Thursday
Culture Day (文化の日 Bunka no hi)
Japan
Independence Day
Independence Day
Dominica
Federated States
of Micronesia
Panama
Ecuador
Independence Day / Separation Day
Independence of Cuenca
(Independencia de Cuenca)
National Women's Day
St Martin de Porres
Arbour Day
Liberia
Maldives
Former Soviet
Union
Samoa
Community Service Day
Day of Love
Dominica
Egypt
Thanksgiving Day
Victory Day
04/11/2016 Friday
East Timor
Catholic Christian
A remembrance of faithful deceased Christians. Also celebrated in
some churches of the Anglican Communion.
A day for remembering and visiting the graves of the deceased.
All Souls Day or Day of the Dead.
Day of the Dead.
Celebration of dead ancestors.
Commemorates the Coronation in 1930 of Ras Tafari Makonnen as
His Imperial Majesty (HIM) Emperor Haile Selassie (Power of the
Trinity) I, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Elect of God and
King of the Kings of Ethiopia.
Linked to Indian Arrival Day.
Eighth month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Second month of
the civil year.
Howard Hughes' Hughes H-4 Hercules (nicknamed the 'Spruce
Goose') took off on its maiden flight on this day in 1947. The largest
fixed-wing aircraft ever built, it was never to fly again.
The celebration of the birthday of the Emperor Meiji in 1852 was
sustained as Culture Day when he passed away. It is also the day the
present Japanese Constitution was officially announced in 1946.
Commemorates independence from the UK in 1978.
Commemorates independence from the USA in 1986.
Commemorates independence from Columbia in 1903.
Commemoration of the Cuenca's achieving of independence on this
day in 1820. Cuenca is Ecuador's third most populated city.
Feastday of St Martin de Porres, Patron Saint of social justice, people
of mixed race, and of innkeepers, barbers and public health workers.
Observed on the first Thursday in November.
On this day in 1957, the Soviet Union sent the first ever living creature
into space. A dog was launched aboard Sputnik II.
Observed on the first Friday in November. A day for planting and
encouraging the care of trees.
Egyptian version of Valentine's Day.
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Day of People's Unity / National Unity
Day (День народного единства)
Russia
Feast of Qudrat (‫ ﻗﺩﺭﺓ‬Power)
Flag Day
Gyan Panchami
National Unity and Armed Forces Day
(Giorno dell'Unità Nazionale e Festa
delle Forze Armate)
Tonga National Day
Bahá'í
Panama
Jain
Italy
First celebrated in 2005. It commemorates the popular uprising which
ejected the Polish-Lithuanian occupying force from Moscow in
November of 1612, and more generally the end of the Time of
Troubles and foreign intervention in Russia. Also, Our Lady of Kazan
(see 21/07/2016).
First day of the thirteenth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Tonga
USA
05/11/2016 Saturday
06/11/2016 Sunday
Colon Day
Guy Fawkes Night / Bonfire Night
Panama
UK
Health Day
St Elizabeth
Turkmenistan
Christian
Columbia
Christian
Morocco
25th Sunday after Pentecost
Anniversary of the Green March (Eid
Al Massira Al Khadra)
Constitution Day
Constitution Day
Constitution Memorial Day
Day of the Baku Metro (Bakı
Metropoliteni)
Finnish-Swedish Heritage Day
(Ruotsalaisuuden päivä)
Flag Day (Gustav Adolfsdagen)
Tajikistan
Tatarstan
Dominican
Republic
Azerbaijan
Finland
Sweden
A holy day for the acquisition of knowledge.
On 4th November 1918, victory in the First World War was celebrated
in Italy. Austria-Hungary surrendered to Italy on this day. No longer a
public holiday.
Celebrated since 2006. Commemoration of the adoption of the
Tongan Constitution in 1875.
Barack Obama became the first African-American to be elected
President of the United States on this day in 2008.
Panama's version of Columbus Day.
Commemorates the foiling of the conspiracy and attempt in 1605 to
blow up King James I and members of Parliament at Westminster.
Also commemorated in New Zealand, South Africa and the province
of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada.
Observed on the first Saturday in November.
Mother of John the Baptist.
Columbia joined the United Nations on this day in 1945.
The Green March of 1975 involved 300,000 unarmed Moroccans
converging on the southern city of Tarfaya and waiting for a signal
from King Hassan II to cross into Western Sahara.
The Constitution of Tajikistan stems from 1994.
The Constitution of Tatarstan stems from 1992.
Commemoration of the first Constitution of 1844.
The metro (underground railway) in Baku was opened on this day in
1967.
A general Flag Day celebrating Finnish-Swedish culture and the
bilingualism of Finland.
An official Flag Day and a commemoration of the anniversary of the
death of King Gustavus Adolphus in 1632.
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International Day for Preventing the
Exploitation of the Environment in
War and Armed Conflict
St Leonard of Noblac
Multinational
Recognised by the United Nations.
Catholic Christian
Feastday of St Leonard of Noblac, Patron Saint of political prisoners,
imprisoned people, prisoners of war, and captives, women in labour
and horses.
On this day in 1962, The United Nations General Assembly passed a
resolution condemning South Africa's racist apartheid policies and
called for all UN member states to cease military and economic
relations with South Africa.
The Second Polish Republic was proclaimed on this day in 1918.
Commemoration of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's becoming President of
Tunisia on this day in 1987. He fled the country in January 2011
following the civil unrest and Tunisian Revolution.
A commemoration of the 1975 uprising of people and soldiers.
Multinational
07/11/2016 Monday
Commemoration Day
National Revolution and Solidarity
Day (Jatio Sôngghoti Dibôsh)
October Revolution
October Revolution Day (Дзень
Кастрычніцкай рэвалюцыі)
Poland
Tunisia
Bangladesh
Russia
Using the Gregorian Calendar, 7th November was the date of the
October Revolution in 1917 (25th October using the Julian Calendar),
the event that overthrew the Provisional Government and gave power
to the Bolsheviks. Nominally, the day is now known as 'Day of
Reconciliation and Agreement' (День примирения и согласия ).
Belarus
See above. The October Revolution is also remembered in other
former states in the Soviet Union.
David Dinkins became the first African-American Mayor of New York
City on this day in 1989.
Elections for federal offices occur on the Tuesday after the first
Monday in November.
Observed for the first time in 2012.
St Demetrius was a Christian martyr who is said to have lived in the
early 4th Century. He is revered by the Serbian Orthodox Church as
Mitar, having a feast of Mitrovdan on 8th November, which is a public
holiday in the Republika Srpska part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
USA
08/11/2016 Tuesday
Election Day
USA
International Day of Radiology
St Demetrius Day (Mitrovdan)
Multinational
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
St Michael's Day (Μιχαήλ or Mikhaíl)
World Urbanism Day
Greek Orthodox
Michael is the archangel mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
Multinational
Republic of Ireland Mary Robinson became the first female President of the Republic of
Ireland on this day in 1990.
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09/11/2016 Wednesday
Allama Iqbal Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﻗﺑﺎﻝ‬Yom-e-Iqbal)
Constitution Day
Day of the Skulls (Dia de los ñatitas)
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
Flag Day (Dövlәt Bayrağı Günü)
Independence Day
International Day Against Fascism
and Anti-Semitism
Inventors Day (Tag der Erfinder)
Pakistan
Commemorates the birth on this day in 1877 of Sir Muhammad Iqbāl,
the Indian Muslim poet, philosopher and politician.
Nepal
The Constitution of Nepal was promulgated on this day in 1990.
Bolivia
Festival celebrated in the capital, La Paz.
Christian
The Basilica of St John Lateran is the cathedral of Rome, built at the
time of the Emperor Constantine.
Azerbaijan
The Azerbaijani flag was adopted on this day in 1918.
Cambodia
Commemorates independence from France in 1953.
Multinational
Commemorates the pogrom against Jewish people that began on this
day in 1938. 9th November 1938 became infamously known as
'Kristallnacht'.
Germany, Austria, Commemoration of the birth on this day in 1913, of the Austrian-born
Switzerland
inventor and Hollywood actress, Hedy Lamarr.
Schicksalstag (Day of Fate)
Germany
World Freedom Day
USA &
Multinational
UK
10/11/2016 Thursday
Day of Militsiya
Day of Remembrance of Atatürk
Russia
Turkey
Day of Tradition (Día de la Tradición)
Argentina
Heroes' Day (Hari Pahlawan)
Indonesia
Primer Grito de Independencia de la
Villa de los Santos
St Martin's Eve (Mortensaften)
United States Marine Corps Birthday
Panama
World Science Day for Peace and
Development
Multinational
Commemoration of five important events in German history that
occurred on this day, including the Fall of the Monarchy in 1918 and
the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Began in 2001. A federal observance in the USA to commemorate the
fall of the Berlin Wall and of Communist regimes in Central and
Eastern Europe.
Mary Jane Kelly was murdered in her one-room home in Millers Court,
Whitechapel on this day in 1888. She was the last known victim of the
serial killer known as Jack the Ripper.
In commemoration of the death in 1938 of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
army officer, revolutionary statesman, the founder and first President
of the Republic of Turkey.
Commemoration of the Argentine poet, journalist and politician, José
Hernández, who was born on this day in 1834.
Commemorates the fighting that took place on this day in 1945
between Indonesian nationalists and British Allied forces at Surabaya.
Commemoration of the uprising against Spain in the Villa de los
Santos. Also known as Cry of Independence Day.
Danes traditionally eat duck on the eve of St Martin's Day.
Denmark
USA
Recognised by the United Nations and UNESCO.
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World Immunisation Day
11/11/2016 Friday
Multinational
Multinational
Armistice Day
Multinational
Remembrance Day (Le jour du
Souvenir)
Veterans Day
Canada
Veterans of Foreign Wars Day
Birthday of King Jigme Singye
Wangchuck
Children's Day
Independence Day
Independence of Cartagena
USA
Famous people born on this day include the Protestant Reformer
Martin Luther (1483), Irish Nationalist Pádraig (Patrick) Pearse (1879)
and Welsh Actor Richard Burton (1925).
Marks the end of the First World War in 1918 (the eleventh hour of
the eleventh day of the eleventh month). Two minutes silence is
traditionally observed at 11.00 am.
A commemoration of Canadian war dead. Observed on Armistice Day.
A holiday commemorating and honouring military veterans. Also
observed in Puerto Rico (Día del Veterano).
Federated States
of Micronesia
Bhutan
Croatia
Angola
Columbia
Karneval
Lāčplēsis Day (Lāčplēša Diena)
Germany
Latvia
Pepero Day
South Korea
Pocky Day and Pretz Day
Polish Independence Day (Narodowe
Święto Niepodległości)
Singles Day (光棍节 Pin Yin)
Japan
Poland
Republic Day
St Martin's Day
Maldives
Catholic Christian
Beggars Day
The Netherlands
Chinese
Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the 4th Druk Gyalpo (Head of State) was
born on this day in 1955.
Commemorates independence from Portugal in 1975.
Cartagana is a port city on the northern coast of Columbia. It was the
first Columbian province to declare independence from Spain.
The traditional opening of the carnival season
Commemorates Latvian soldiers who have died for the freedom of
their country. It is a specific commemoration of the Battle of Riga in
1919. Lāčplēsis is regarded as the Latvian national epic poem, written
by Andrejs Pumpurs between 1872 and 1887.
South Korea's equivalent of Valentine's Day. It is named after the
Korean snack Pepero and held on 11th November, since the date
"11/11" resembles four sticks of Pepero (빼빼로). The celebration of
particular snacks is also observed in Japan on this day.
Japanese snack foods.
Commemoration of the regaining of independence from Austria,
Prussia and Russia in 1918.
A popular and modern commemoration for those still single, providing
an opportunity for them to celebrate and socialise.
The Maldives became a republic on this day in 1968.
Commemoration of Martin of Tours, who famously gave half his cloak
to a beggar so he could hide his poverty and prevent him from dying
of cold.
Also known as Martinmas (see above).
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England
12/11/2016 Saturday
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
Bahá'í
Constitution Day (Konstitusiya günü)
National Holiday / Sun Yat-sen's
Birthday (國父誕辰紀念日)
National Youth Day
Azerbaijan
China, Taiwan
World Pneumonia Day
Multinational
East Timor
USA
13/11/2016 Sunday
International Day of the Blind
Christian
Estonia, Finland,
Iceland, Norway,
Sweden
Multinational
International World Kindness Day
Multinational
Remembrance Sunday
Multinational
St Frances Xavier Cabrini
Volkstrauertag
Catholic Christian
Germany
26th Sunday after Pentecost
Father's Day
UK, France
14/11/2016 Monday
Birthday of Guru Nanak
Sikh
The General Synod of the Church of England voted for the ordination
of women priests on this day in 1992. The actual ordination would
begin in March 1994.
Celebrates the birth in 1817 of the founder of the Bahá'í faith.
Bahá'u'lláh means the 'Glory of God'. One of the nine holy days of the
year when work is suspended.
Commemoration of the constitution of 12th November 1995.
Celebration of the birth of Sun Yat-sen (often referred to as the "father
of modern China") in 1866.
Commemoration of the Santa Cruz massacre that took place on this
day in 1991.
Observed to raise awareness of pneumonia, promote interventions
and generate action.
On this day in 1954, New York's main immigration point, Ellis Island,
closed after 62 years. Since it first opened in 1892, 15 million
immigrants to the country had passed through its doors.
Observed on the second Sunday in November.
Chosen to commemorate the birth on this day in 1745 of the French
teacher Valentin Haüy, the first known person to begin teaching blind
children. He founded the world's first boarding school for the blind in
Paris in 1784. Louis Braille entered this school in 1819.
Commemorates the opening day of the first World Kindness
Movement Conference held in Tokyo in 1998. A day for committing
random acts of kindness.
A remembrance of those who gave their lives in times of war and
conflict. Commemorated on the second Sunday in November.
Feastday of St Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patroness of immigrants.
Literally, a national day of mourning. This is a public holiday in
Germany, first observed in 1952, and commemorating those who died
in war. It is observed on the nearest Sunday to 16th November.
On this day in 1954, Great Britain's rugby league team became the
first winners of the Rugby League World Cup, beating France in Paris.
According to the Lunar Calendar. Celebration of the birth of the
founder of the Sikh religion in 1469. (See also 14/04/2016)
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Children's Day
India
In commemoration of the birth of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1889, who was widely and lovingly associated
with children.
Commemorates the anniversary of the death of Policarpa Salavarrieta
on this day in 1817. Known as 'La Pola', Salavarrieta was executed by
the Spanish for being a spy working for Colombian independence.
Day of the Columbian Woman
Columbia
First Day of Maghar (ਮੱਘਰ)
World Diabetes Day
Xia Yuan Festival (下元節 xiàyuánjié)
Sikh
Multinational
Chinese
UK
15/11/2016 Tuesday
Maghar is the ninth month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Promotion of global awareness of diabetes. Introduced in 1991.
Also known as the Spirit Festival or Water Lantern Festival. Observed
on the 15th Day of the 10th Lunar Month. Chinese communities pray
for a peaceful year to the Water God.
On this day in 1940, the city of Coventry was heavily bombed by the
German Luftwaffe. The remains of the cathedral were left as they
were as a memorial.
Events are held across the country to encourage recycling.
Observed since 1981.
Observed only in the German-speaking region of the country. Known
in German as Tag der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft Belgiens.
America Recycles Day
Day of the Imprisoned Writer
Holiday of the German-speaking
community
USA
Multinational
Belgium
Independence Day
Palestinian People The state of Palestine was declared on this day in 1988 in Algiers by
the Palestinian National Council.
Belgium
Celebrated since 1866. Since 2001, the Belgian Parliament has held a
ceremony on this day in honour of the King.
Ivory Coast
Sri Lanka
Northern Cyprus
Commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of the Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus on this day in 1983.
Brazil
On this day in 1889, Brazil was declared a republic by Field Marshal
Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca, who overthrew the Emperor, Pedro II
and became the country's first President.
Japan & Shinto
Japanese rite of passage and festival day for three and seven yearold girls and three and five year-old boys.
Austria
Leopold III, Margrave of Austria, is the Patron Saint of the country. He
died on this day in 1136.
Orthodox Christian The fast period of 40 days (up to Christmas) forms the Orthodox
Church's time of preparation for the birth of Jesus.
Ireland
On this day in 1985, the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed at
Hillsborough Castle in County Down.
King's Feast (Koningsfeest)
National Peace Day
National Tree Planting Day
Republic Day
Republic Proclamation Day
(Proclamação da República)
Shichi-Go-San (七五三 Seven-FiveThree)
St Leopold's Day
Winter Lent (Nativity Fast) begins
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16/11/2016 Wednesday
Day of Declaration of Sovereignty
(taassünni päev)
Icelandic Language Day (Dagur
íslenskrar tungu)
Estonia
International Day for Tolerance
Multinational
St Margaret of Scotland
Christian
World Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease Day
Multinational
Iceland
Multinational
17/11/2016 Thursday
Great American Smokeout
Democratic
Republic of the
Congo
France and other
countries
USA
Polytechneio (Πολυτεχνείο)
Greece
Presidents' Day
Marshall Islands
Queene's Day
England, Wales
Army Day
Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Czech Republic,
Day (Den boje za svobodu a demokracii) Slovakia
International Students' Day
Multinational
The Estonian Declaration of Sovereignty was issued on this day in
1988.
Coincides with the birthday of the poet Jónas Hallgrímsson. An award
in his name is presented to someone who has made a unique
contribution to the Icelandic language. Dagur íslenskrar tungu
translates - literally - as 'Day of the Icelandic Tongue'.
Declared by UNESCO in 1995. 1995 was also the United Nations
Year for Tolerance.
Queen Margaret of Scotland (also Margaret of Wessex), was
responsible for providing a ferry for pilgrims to reach Dunfermline
Abbey across the Firth of Forth. As a result, Queensferry and North
Queensferry (on either side of the Firth of Forth) were so named.
Recognised by the United Nations and the World Health Organisation.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation) was founded on this day in 1945.
Observed on the third Thursday in November, the day the wine is
released for sale.
Observed on the third Thursday in November. A day of
encouragement to stop smoking.
Commemorates the anniversary of the student protest against the
military junta in 1973.
Observed in remembrance of the country's first President, Amata
Kabua. The current President, Jurelang Zedkaia, was elected and
took office in October 2009.
This commemoration of the accession to the throne of Queen
Elizabeth I on 17th November 1558 was once popular throughout
England and Wales. It is now observed only in the village of Berry
Pomeroy in Devon.
Commemorates the beginning of the Velvet Revolution in the former
Czechoslovakia in 1989, and the student demonstration against Nazi
occupation in 1939 (see below).
International observance of student activism and of multiculturalism. It
commemorates the anniversary of the 1939 student protests in
Prague which lead to the Nazi storming of the city's Charles University.
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18/11/2016 Friday
Shogi Day
Japan
St Hilda
World Philosophy Day
Christian
Multinational
World Prematurity Day
Independence Day (Eid Al Istiqulal)
Multinational
USA, former
Soviet Union
Morocco
National Day
Oman
Proclamation of the Republic of
Latvia (Latvijas Republikas
proklamesanas diena)
Vertières Day
Latvia
Haiti
Vatican City
19/11/2016 Saturday
Day of Missile Forces and Artillery
(День ракетных войск и артиллерии)
Russia, Belarus
Discovery of Puerto Rico (Día del
Descubrimiento de Puerto Rico)
Flag Day
Garifuna Settlement Day
Puerto Rico
International Journalist's
Remembrance Day
International Men's Day
Multinational
Liberation Day
Mali
National Survivors of Suicide Day
USA
Brazil
Belize
Multinational
Shogi (shōgi) is a Japanese board game for two players, similar to
chess.
St Hilda was a 7th Century Northumbrian saint.
Observed on the third Thursday in November. Recognised by the
United Nations and UNESCO.
Founded in 2010. Raises awareness of premature babies.
The USA recognised the USSR on this day in 1933.
Morocco's National Day. Morocco gained independence (from Spain)
on this day in 1956.
Coincides with the birthday of Sultan Qaboos Bin Said, the current
Sultan of Oman.
Proclaimed on this day in 1918.
Also known as Armed Forces Day. Commemoration of the Battle of
Vertières that took place on this day in 1803. It was the last major
battle of the Second War of Haitian Independence and resulted in a
victory for the Haitians over French colonial troops.
The Papal Basilica of St Peter in the Vatican City was consecrated on
this day in 1626.
First established in 1944. Held on 19th November to commemorate
the counter-offensive in Stalingrad that began on this day in 1942.
An official public holiday to commemorate the discovery of Puerto
Rico by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
The Brazilian flag was first adopted in 1889.
The Garifuna were descendents of Carib Peoples and of Africans who
had escaped from slavery. They began to arrive in the present-day
Belize at the beginning of the 19th Century.
Begun in 1999, probably as a complement to International Women's
Day. It has support and is observed in many countries around the
world including the UK.
Commemorates the anniversary of the bloodless coup of 1968 which
removed Modibo Keita from power.
Designated by the US Congress. Observed on the Saturday prior to
Thanksgiving.
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20/11/2016 Sunday
Prince Rainier Day
Monaco
The Elephant Festival
Buddhist / Thai
Women's Entrepreneurship Day
World Toilet Day
Multinational
Multinational
National Day of Monaco. Commemoration of the coronation of Prince
Rainier III on this day in 1949.
Held on the third Saturday in November. The elephant is one of the
most loved animals for Buddhists. The Buddha used the analogy of a
wild elephant, tied to a harness when captured in order to domesticate
it, to preach the importance of older and younger Buddhists learning
from each other.
Apparently celebrated in over nineteen countries across the world. It
focuses on the need for proper, clean sanitation.
UK
The UK's first ever National Lottery draw took place on this day in
1994. The first live show was hosted by Noel Edmonds, Anthea
Turner and Gordon Kennedy.
Christian
The last of 27 Sundays after Pentecost and the Sunday preceding
27th Sunday after Pentecost
Advent Sunday.
Multinational
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. The
Africa Industrialisation Day
Day is intended to mobilize the commitment of the international
community to the industrialisation of Africa.
A day for remembering and discussing Black Brazilian society. The
Afro-Brazilian's Conscience Day (Día Brazil
day was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the death of Zumbi
da Consciência Negra)
of Palmares, the last leader of the Quilombo, and a hero to AfricanBrazilians.
Brazil
See above. The day is particularly commemorated in Rio de Janeiro.
Zumbi Day
Commemoration of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution on this
Anniversary of the Revolution (Día de Mexico
day in 1910. The third Monday in November is an official holiday in
la Revolución)
commemoration.
Christian
Primarily a Roman Catholic observation and celebration of Jesus
Christ the King
Christ. Observed on the last Sunday in the liturgical year (prior to the
new such year beginning with Advent Sunday). Youth Day is also
observed on this day.
Germany
Observed on the last Sunday before Advent. Also known as
Totensonntag
Ewigkeitssonntag. It is a Protestant version of All Souls Day.
Christian
Methodist
Occurs
on the Sunday before Advent.
Women Against Violence Sunday
Day of National Sovereignty (Día de la Argentina
soberanía nacional)
UK
Flag Day
Commemoration of the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado which took place
on this day in 1845.
An official Flag Day in the UK to commemorate the wedding of Queen
Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on this day in 1947.
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Prisons Sunday
Christian
Observed on the third Sunday in November. Otherwise known as Day
of Prayer for Prisoners and their Dependants. Prisons Week
continues throughout the week until the following Saturday (i.e. the
third full week of November).
A holiday used by students to express respect to their teachers.
Teachers Day (Ngày nhà giáo Việt Nam) Vietnam
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Multinational
Universal Children's Day
Multinational
Child Day
Children's Day
Canada
Egypt, Hungary,
Pakistan
Israel
Sweden
Multinational
Children's Day
Children's Day
World Day of Remembrance for Road
Traffic Victims
Germany
21/11/2016 Monday
Armed Forces Day
Bangladesh
Dayton Agreement Day (Dan
uspostave Opšteg okvirnog sporazuma
za mir u Bosni i Hercegovini)
National Adoption Day
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin
Mary
Armed Forces Day
World Hello Day
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Greece
Multinational
World Television Day
Multinational
USA
Catholic Christian
Multinational
In remembrance of those killed due to transphobic/anti-transgender
hatred or prejudice.
The date of 20 November marks the day in which the United Nations
General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child
(1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
See above.
See above.
Held on the third Sunday in November and initiated by the United
Nations General Assembly in 2005.
The Nuremberg Trials of Nazi War Criminals began on this day in
1945. Held in the Palace of Justice under the auspices of the
International Military Tribunal, 24 members of the Nazi hierarchy were
put on trial.
Commemorates the country's armed forces and in particular
remembrance of their role in the 1971 conflict with Pakistan.
Commemoration of the peace agreement reached at Dayton, Ohio,
USA, on this day in 1995 that ended the war in Bosnia.
Began in 2000.
The Blessed Virgin was presented in the temple in Jerusalem by her
parents in thanksgiving to God.
Coincides with the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The purpose of World Hello Day is to promote the use of
communication to settle conflict.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly to encourage
nations to exchange cultural programming.
On this day in 2002, an invitation is sent by NATO to Bulgaria,
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia to become
members.
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22/11/2016 Tuesday
23/11/2016 Wednesday
24/11/2016 Thursday
Albanian Alphabet Day (Ден на
Албанската азбука, Den na Albanskata
azbuka)
Day of Justice
Independence Day (‫)ﻋﻳﺩ ﺍﻹﺳﺗﻘﻼﻝ‬
St Cecilia's Day
Macedonia
Feast of Qawl (‫ ﻗﻭﻝ‬Speech)
International Day to End Impunity
Labour Thanksgiving Day
(勤労感謝の日 Kinrō kansha no hi)
Bahá'í
Multinational
Japan & Shinto
Rudolf Maister Day (dan Rudolfa
Maistra)
St George's Day (გიორგობა)
Slovenia
Teachers Day (Día del Maestro)
Costa Rica
UK
Azerbaijan
Lebanon
Christian
USA
Georgia
Evolution Day
Multinational
Gurgadi Guru Gobind Singh
Sikh
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahdur
Sikh
Teachers Day (Öğretmenler Günü)
Thanksgiving
Turkey
Interfaith, USA,
Puerto Rico
National Day of Mourning (United
States protest)
USA
Thanksgiving
Palau
Celebrated by ethnic Albanians in Macedonia.
Commemorates independence from France in 1943.
Patron Saint of Music.
On this day in 1963, President John F Kennedy was assassinated in
Dallas, Texas.
First day of the fourteenth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
A day to raise awareness of, and promote, freedom of expression.
A national holiday in Japan to commemorate labour and production.
Also Niinamesai, originally a harvest festival in which rituals were
performed by the Imperial family to give thanks for a good crop yield.
Commemorates Rudolf Maister-Vojanov, a Slovene colonel in the
Austro-Hungarian Army during the First World War.
The same Patron Saint as England is celebrated in Georgia on 23rd
November.
The first ever edition of 'Doctor Who' was broadcast by the BBC on
this day in 1963. William Hartnell was the first Doctor.
Commemoration of the anniversary of the first publication of Charles
Darwin's 'The Origin of the Species' on this day in 1859.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Gurgadi is a Punjabi phrase
used to refer to the day when a Guru effectively ascends to Guruship
and is installed as a Guru. Guru Gobind Singh became the tenth Sikh
Guru on this day in 1675.
According to the Nanakshahi Calendar. Guru Tegh Bahdur was the
ninth Sikh Guru and is honoured as a champion of religious freedom.
He was executed in 1675 for refusing to convert to Islam.
Observed on the 4th Thursday in November in commemoration of the
feast held at Plymouth in 1621 by the Pilgrim colonists and members
of the Wampanoag people and marked by the giving of thanks to God
for harvest and health. Observed in Canada on the second Monday in
October.
Coincides with Thanksgiving. Commemoration and a day of protest
against the discrimination and prejudice experienced by Native
Americans.
Observed on the last Thursday in November.
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Cambodia
Until 26th November. Three-day festival celebrating water,
characterised by water races, fireworks and flotillas of brightly-lit boats.
Australia
(Tasmania)
Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to land on
what would become Tasmania on this day in 1642. Tasman actually
named the island Van Diemen's Land in honour of the Dutch colonial
governor Anthony Van Diemen. It became Tasmania in 1856.
Black Friday
USA
Buy Nothing Day
USA
Independence Day
International Day for the Elimination
of Violence Against Women
Suriname
Multinational
The day after Thanksgiving and the traditional beginning of the
Holiday shopping season.
Observed on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the USA and the
following day internationally, Buy Nothing Day is a protest against
consumerism.
Commemorates independence from the Netherlands in 1975.
Begun in 1981, and ratified by the United Nations General Assembly
in 1999.
National Day (Dan državnosti)
St Catherine's Day
Bosnia and
Herzegovina
Christian
Teachers Day (Hari Guru)
Indonesia
Vajiravudh Day (วันวชิราวุธ Wan
Wachirawut)
Thailand
Water Festival (Bon Om Thook)
25/11/2016 Friday
USA
26/11/2016 Saturday
Constitution Day
India
Day of the Covenant
Bahá'í
Holodomor Remembrance Day
Ukraine
Independence Day
Mongolia
UK
The statehood of Bosnia and Herzegovina was re-established on this
day in 1943.
Widely celebrated in Estonia in particular (Kadripäev). Also known as
Catterntide, it marks the arrival of Winter. The symbol of Catherine of
Alexandria is the spiked wheel (Catherine Wheel).
Observed in honour of the foundation of the Indonesian Teachers
Association.
Commemoration of the passing - on this day in 1925 - of King
Vajiravudh.
The last British troops left New York City on this day in 1783 during
the American War of Independence.
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on
this day in 1949.
Celebrates the covenant of Bahá'u'lláh. Usually begins at sundown
the day before.
Observed on the fourth Saturday in November. Holodomor
(Голодомор) was a famine (referred to as a 'terror-famine' or 'faminegenocide') in which anywhere between 1.8 and 12 million people died.
Commemorates independence from China in 1921.
Concorde made its final flight on this day in 2003.
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27/11/2016 Sunday
28/11/2016 Monday
29/11/2016 Tuesday
Advent Sunday
Christian
Harvest Festival
Turkmenistan
Lancashire Day
United Kingdom
Mother's Day
Publications Day
Russia
Scientology
Poland
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Baha
Bahá'í
Cyber Monday
Independence Day (Dita e Pavarësisë)
USA
Albania
Independence Day
National Day
Navy Day
Proclamation of Independence Day
Mauritania
Panama
Iran
East Timor
Proclamation of the Republic Day
Chad
Republic Day
Burundi
New Zealand
Kaftet be-November
Israel
International Day of Solidarity with
the Palestinian People.
Liberation Day (Dita e Çlirimit)
Multinational
Unity Day
William Tubman's Birthday
Vanuatu
Liberia
Albania
The beginning of the ecclesiastical year on the Sunday closest to
November 30. Advent is the season before Christmas. Each Sunday
following this and preceding Christmas is known as a Sunday of
Advent.
Observed on the last Sunday in November. A celebration of the cotton
harvest.
A celebration of Lancashire, it commemorates this day in 1295 when
the first elected representatives from Lancashire were called to
Westminster by King Edward I.
Observed on the last Sunday in November.
Publications Worldwide' opened on this day in 1967.
The Constitution of the Kingdom of Poland was adopted on this day in
1815.
Commemorates the death of the son of Bahá'u'lláh in 1921. This is a
minor holy day and work is not suspended. Usually begins at sundown
the day before.
The online equivalent of Black Friday (see 25/11/2016).
Commemorates Albanian independence from Turkey in 1912. Also
National Day and Flag Day.
Commemorates independence from France in 1960.
Commemorates independence from Spain in 1821.
Commemoration of the declaration of independence (from Portugal)
on this day in 1975.
Chad (as well as the Congo and Gabon) became autonomous
republics within the French Community on this day in 1958.
For the first time ever, women voted in a national election (New
Zealand's General Election) on this day in 1893.
Commemoration of the decision in 1947 by the United Nations to
partition Palestine.
Called for by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977 in
commemoration of the partition on this day in 1947.
Commemorates the proclamation of liberation from occupying
German and Italian forces in 1944.
William Tubman, the 19th President of Liberia, was born on this day in
1895.
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30/11/2016 Wednesday
Andrés Bonifacio Day (Kaarawan ni
Bonifacio)
Cities for Life Day
Computer Security Day
First Day of Rabī‘ al-Awwal (‫ﺍﻷﻭﻝ‬
ّ ‫)ﺭﺑﻳﻊ‬
Independence Day
Independence Day
National Day
Regina Mundi Day
St Andrew's Day
Former Yugoslavia 29th November was an important date in the former Yugoslavia as it
commemorated the foundation of the country as a federal republic in
1943.
UK
On this day in 1781, the crew of the slave ship Zong murdered 133
Africans by dumping them into the sea in order to claim insurance.
Philippines
Commemorates a chief leader of the revolution of the Philippines
against Spanish colonial rule, who was born on this day in 1863.
Celebrated on the nearest Monday to this date (in 2016, Monday 28th
November).
Multinational
On this day, 573 cities from around the world show their commitment
for life and against the death penalty. The day is a commemoration of
the first abolition of the death penalty by a European state (Tuscany in
1786).
Multinational
Begun in 1988.
Islam
Third month in the Islamic Calendar.
Barbados
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1966.
Yemen
Commemoration of the independence of the People's Republic of
South Yemen from the UK in 1967.
Benin
Commemoration of the proclamation of the People's Republic of
Benin on this day in 1975.
South Africa
Regina Mundi translates as 'Queen of the World'. The Day was
established in 1997 by Nelson Mandela. Regina Mundi is a symbolic
church in Soweto. It played a significant part in the anti-apartheid
struggle and as a community church. It is also the largest Roman
Catholic church in the country.
Christian
Patron Saint of Scotland, Greece, Romania and Russia. St Andrew's
Day is the National Day of Scotland.
UK
On this day in 2005, Dr John Sentamu became the first Black
Archbishop in the Church of England with his enthronement as the
97th Archbishop of York.
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DECEMBER 2016
Date
Day
01/12/2016 Thursday
Sacred Time/Event etc
Damrong Rajanubhab Day (วันดํารงราชานุ
ภาพ Wan Damrong Rachanuphap)
Faith/Nation etc
Thailand
First Day of the Month of Kislev (‫)כִּ ְסלֵ ו‬
Jewish
First President Day (Тұңғыш Президент
күні (Tungysh President kuny))
Freedom and Democracy Day
Kazakhstan
Independence Day (Restauração da
Independência)
Portugal
Military Abolition Day (Día de la Abolición
del Ejército)
National Day (әmjóðá nḛ)
National Day / Union Day (Ziua naţională /
Ziua Unirii)
Pioneers' Day
Republic Day
Costa Rica
Sovereignty Day (Fullveldisdagur
Islendinga)
Teachers Day (Día del Maestro)
World AIDS Day
Chad
Myanmar/Burma
Romania
Angola
Central African
Republic
Iceland
Panama
Multinational
USA
02/12/2016 Friday
Armed Forces Day
Cuba
Gospel Day
Marshall Islands
Other Info
Commemoration of the passing - on this day in 1943 - of Prince
Damrong Rajanubhab, a noted academic and intellectual and
founder of Thailand's modern education system.
Ninth month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Third month in
the civil year.
An official holiday from 2013.
Commemoration of the coming to power of Lieutenant General
Idriss Déby Itno on this day in 1990.
Celebrates the beginning of the Portuguese Restoration War on
this day in 1640 and the beginning of the end of Spanish
domination.
The Costa Rican army was abolished on this day in 1948 by
President José Figueres Ferrer, following victory in the Civil War.
Commemoration of the anniversary of the students strike of 1920.
National holiday of Romania, marking the unification of the
Romanian kingdom in 1918.
Unofficial commemoration, but widely celebrated.
Commemoration of the formation of a republic on this day in 1958.
Commemoration of the 1918 Act of Union in which Denmark
officially recognised the sovereignty of Iceland under a common
king. Also known as Self-Governance Day (Fullveldisdagurinn).
Commemoration of the death of Manuel José Hurtado.
Declared by the World Health Organisation in 1988. The first case
of AIDS was diagnosed on this day in 1981.
On this day in 1955, seamstress Rosa Parks refused to give her
bus seat to a white man and was arrested for violating the racial
segregation laws in Montgomery, Alabama, an incident which led
to the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Commemoration of the landing of the yacht 'Granma' on this day in
1956. The yacht was carrying revolutionaries from Mexico to Cuba.
Observed on the first Friday in December.
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International Day for the Abolition of
Slavery
Multinational
National Day
Laos
National Day
United Arab
Emirates
Ghana
National Farmers Day
Pakistan
03/12/2016 Saturday
Advocate's Day
International Day of Persons with
Disabilities
Migrants Day
International Day of the Basque
Language / Basque Language Day
India
Multinational
Christian
Multinational
Multinational
04/12/2016 Sunday
Good Neighbourliness Day
Miners' Day (Barbórka)
Eid il-Burbara
Navy Day
Sunday of Advent
Thai Environment Day (วันสิง่ แวดล ้อมไทย
Wan Singwaetlom Thai)
Tupou I Day
Commemorates the date of the adoption, by the General
Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of
the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others in 1949.
Commemorates the overthrow and abdication of King Savang
Vatthana by the communists on this day in 1975.
Commemorates independence from Britain in 1971.
A celebration of farmers. Began in 1988. Observed on the first
Friday in December.
On this day in 1988, Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as Prime Minister
of Pakistan, becoming the first woman to head the government of
an Islam-dominated state.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992.
Established in 1948. The Basque name for their language is
euskara.
Famous people born on this day include the Polish-born British
writer Joseph Conrad (1857), the French film director Jean-Luc
Godard (1930) and German figure skater Katarina Witt (1965).
Turkmenistan
Poland, Germany,
Czech Republic
Observed on the first Sunday in December.
St Barbara's Day. St Barbara is the Patron Saint of coal miners. An
occasion celebrated by festivities and the wearing by miners of
special uniforms. The day is celebrated in Poland and also in
countries with a mining tradition such as Germany and the Czech
Republic.
Lebanon, Syria,
St Barbara's Day holiday observed by Arab Christians in Lebanon
Palestinian people and Syria and amongst the Palestinian people.
India
Commemorates the Indian Navy's role in the bombing of Karachi
harbour in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Christian
See 27/11/2016. The second Sunday of Advent is known as Bible
Sunday.
Thailand
Observed since 1991.
Tonga
George Tupou 1 was King of Tonga from this day in 1845 until
1893.
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05/12/2016 Monday
Discovery Day
Jewish
The first day that rain is prayed for in the Diaspora in Judaism. It is
notably the only Jewish day which is linked to the civil calendar.
UK
The world's first Sunday newspaper appeared on British streets on
this day in 1791, when the first edition of The Observer is
published.
Commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus on the
Dominican Republic on this day in 1492. Also commemorated in
Haiti.
Recognised by the United Nations.
Dominican
Republic
International Volunteer Day for Economic Multinational
and Social Development
Thailand
National Day / National Father's Day
06/12/2016 Tuesday
Repeal Day
St Nicholas Eve
USA
Germany, Austria,
Switzerland, the
Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Slovenia,
Hungary,
Luxembourg &
others
World Soil Day
Multinational
Austria
Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
Spain
Day of the Ministry of Communications
and Information Technologies of
Azerbaijan
Foundation of Quito (Aniversario de la
fundación de Quito ("Día de Quito"))
Independence Day (Itsenäisyyspäivä)
Azerbaijan
National Day of Remembrance and
Action on Violence Against Women
5th December is the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (also
known as Rama IX), the current King of Thailand.
Commemoration of the ratification of the 21st Amendment.
Procession of St Nicholas and angels and devils through the
streets and the giving of presents. National variations of this exist.
The composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died in the early hours
of 5th December 1791 in his home in Vienna. Though his death
certificate would state 'severe military fever', the cause of his death
at the age of 35 has never been properly ascertained.
Commemorates the Spanish Constitution of 1978 and the
culmination of the transition to democracy.
Ecuador
Commemorates the founding of the Ecuadorian capital city in 1534.
Finland
Commemorates the declaration of independence from Russia in
1917. This is the National Day of Finland.
Commemorates the École Polytechnique Massacre of 1989 (in
which 14 women were killed in a shooting rampage in Montreal).
Canada
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St Nicholas Day
Christian &
Multinational
Sinterklaas
Belgium, the
Netherlands
Hungary
07/12/2016 Wednesday
Armed Forces Flag Day
Day of the Candles (Día de las Velitas)
India
Columbia
Flag Land Base Day
Scientology
International Civil Aviation Day
Multinational
National Heroes Day
East Timor
Commemorates the anniversary of the Indonesian invasion in 1975.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
USA
Spitak Remembrance Day (Երկրաշարժի
զոհերի հիշատակի օր)
Armenia
Commemorates the attack by the Japanese on the US base at
Pearl Harbor on this day in 1941.
Commemorates the earthquake that occurred on this day in 1988
which killed at least 25,000 people. Spitak is a region of Armenia.
Student Day (‫)ﺭﻭﺯ ﺩﺍﻧﺷﺟﻭ‬
Iran
UK
08/12/2016 Thursday
Patron Saint of Children, commonly known as Santa Claus.
Specifically commemorated with various traditions in many
countries.
Traditionally a day when Saint Nicholas (Sinterklaas or Santa
Claus) gives presents to good children, and leaves charcoal in the
shoes of those who have been bad.
It is tradition in Hungary for Santa Claus to leave a present in
children's shoes on St Nicholas Day (Mikulás, Télapó).
Observed since 1949.
The day marks the unofficial beginning of the Christmas season in
Columbia. People light candles and lanterns in honour of the Virgin
Mary and her immaculate conception.
Celebration of the opening of the Flag Land Base (the Church of
Scientology's spiritual headquarters in Clearwater, Florida) on this
day in 1975.
Established in 1994 by the International Civil Aviation Organisation,
in commemoration of the Organisation's 50th anniversary..
Bodhi Day (Rohatsu)
Buddhist
CARICOM-Cuba Day
Constitution Day (Ziua Constituţiei)
Cuba, Caribbean
community
Romania
Constitution Day (Konstitutsiya Kuni)
Uzbekistan
Commemoration of the anniversary of the murder of three students
from the University of Tehran by members of the police force on
this day in 1953.
On this day in 1732, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden
opened in London.
A celebration of the attainment of enlightenment by the historical
Buddha, Shakyamuni or Siddhartha Gautama under the Bodhi tree
at Bodhgaya, India. Regional customs or moon sightings may
cause a variation of this date.
Celebration of diplomatic links between Cuba and the Caribbean
community (CARICOM).
The referendum on the Romanian Constitution was held on this
day in 1991.
An official holiday since 1992.
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Immaculate Conception of Mary
Catholic Christian
Day of the National Army of Spain
Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
La Griteria Immaculate
Mother's Day
National Day (Amyotha nei)
Spain
France
Nicaragua
Panama
Myanmar (Burma)
National Students Day
Bulgaria
National Youth Day (Dita Kombëtare e
Rinisë)
Albania
USA
09/12/2016 Friday
Anna's Day
Independence Day
International Anti-Corruption Day
National Heroes Day
Navy Day
10/12/2016 Saturday
Constitution Day (Wan Rattathammanoon
(วันรัฐธรรมนูญ))
Flag Day / Nobel Day (Nobeldagen)
UK
Scandinavia
(particularly
Sweden)
Tanzania
Multinational
Antigua and
Barbuda
Sri Lanka
Barbados, United
Arab Emirates
Thailand
Sweden
Gita Jayanti
Hindu
International Animal Rights Day
Multinational
Celebrated by Roman Catholics who remember Mary's conception
as being without sin, therefore, immaculate.
A festival held in Lyon to honour the Virgin Mary.
Commemorates the anniversary of the first University students'
strike in 1920.
First celebrated in 1903, National Students Day was then banned
in 1944, but restored in 1962.
Ratified by the Albanian Parliament in 2010.
On this day in 1980, John Lennon was shot dead by Mark
Chapman outside his apartment in New York.
The Race Relations Act came into force on this day in 1965.
In recognition of everyone whose name is Anna. Also marks the
beginning of the preparation of the traditional dish called lutefisk
that is eaten on Christmas Eve.
Commemorates the independence of Tanganyika from Britain in
1961.
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003.
Formerly V.C. Bird Day.
Barbados joined the United Nations on this day in 1966. Five years
later, the United Arab Emirates did likewise.
Commemoration of the promulgation of the constitutional
monarchy in Thailand on this day in 1932.
Alfred Nobel Day. Commemoration of the death on this day in 1896
of the Swede who instituted the Nobel Prizes.
Celebrated throughout India and in other parts of the world. Gita
Jayanti is the birthday of the sacred scripture of Hinduism, the
Bhagavad Gita.
Founded in 1998 by Uncaged Campaigns
(http://www.uncaged.co.uk/).
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International Human Rights Day
Multinational
South Africa
11/12/2016 Sunday
Human Rights and Peace Day
International Mountain Day
Remembrance Day of Llywelyn II
Republic Day
Sunday of Advent
12/12/2016 Monday
Constitution Day
Day of Neutrality and Student Youth Day
Feast Day - Our Lady of Guadalupe (Día
de la Virgen de Guadalupe)
Feast of Masá'il (‫ ﻣﺳﺎﺋﻝ‬Questions)
International Day of Heavy Metal
Jamhuri Day (Independence Day)
Mawlid al-Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet
Muhammad)
All states and interested organizations were invited by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1950 to observe 10th December as
Human Rights Day. The Day marks the anniversary of the
Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
in 1948.
On this day in 1961, African National Congress leader Albert
Luthuli used the occasion of receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for
1960 to appeal for racial equality in South Africa.
Kiribati
Multinational
UK (Wales)
Designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003.
Llywelyn II was the last prince of an independent Wales before its
conquest by Edward I of England. He died on this day in 1282.
Burkina Faso
Commemorates Upper Volta (the previous name for Burkina Faso)
becoming an autonomous republic in the French Community on
this day in 1958.
Christian
See 27/11/2016. Third Sunday of Advent.
South Africa
Though not a public holiday in South Africa, this day
commemorates the granting of legislative independence to South
Africa (from the UK) in 1931.
USA
On this day in 1872, the first Black member of the US House of
Representatives (P.B.S. Pinchback) was sworn in.
Russian Federation Commemoration of the approval of the Constitution of the Russian
Federation on this day in 1993.
Turkmenistan
Catholic Christian / Mexico's most popular image. Most often described as a
Mexico
manifestation of the Virgin Mary, this day commemorates her
appearance to St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin on the hill of
Tepeyac near Mexico City in 1531.
Bahá'í
First day of the fifteenth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Multinational
Kenya
Commemorates Kenyan independence from Britain in 1963.
Islam
Usually begins at sundown the day before. Shia Muslims celebrate
this five days later (see 27/12/2016). Some Muslims do not
approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a
religious innovation.
USA
On this day in 1870, Joseph Hayne Rainey became the first African
American to serve in the US House of Representatives. His
parents were both slaves.
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13/12/2016 Tuesday
Aga Khan's Birthday
Ismailist
Datta Jayanti
Nanching Massacre Memorial Day
Hindu
China
Republic Day (Jum ir-Repubblika)
Malta
Sailor's Day (Dia do Marinheiro)
St Lucia's Day
Brazil
Sweden, Norway,
Denmark, Finland,
Italy, Bosnia,
Croatia
St Lucia
National Day
Proclaimed in 2014. Commemoration of those that died in the
Japanese invasion of Nanching in 1938.
Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth on December
13th 1974.
Cyprus
14/12/2016 Wednesday
15/12/2016 Thursday
Day of the Martyred Intellectuals
Bangladesh
First Day of Poh (ਪੋਹ)
International Monkey Day
Sikh
Multinational
Bosnia, Croatia,
Serbia
Bill of Rights Day
Homecoming Day
Kingdom Day (Koninkrijksdag)
Navidades
Remembrance Day of Journalists Killed
in the Line of Duty
Shah Karīm al-Hussaynī, Aga Khan IV was born on this day in
1936. The Aga Khan is the hereditary title of the Imam of the Nizari
Muslims, the largest group within the Ismaili branch of Islam.
Marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Scandinavia, but
is also commemorated in other countries. Dedicated to the
Christian martyr, St Lucy of Syracuse.
As above. Also, commemorates independence from the United
Kingdom in 1979.
Archbishop Makarios III (Μακάριος Γ) became the first President of
the Republic of Cyprus on this day in 1959. He was also
Archbishop and Primate of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.
Commemoration of the execution of pro-liberation intellectuals
during the Bangladesh Liberation War, the last of which took place
on this day in 1971.
Poh is the tenth month in the Nanakshahi Calendar.
On this day in 1995, the leaders of Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia
signed the Dayton Accord in Paris, thus ending more than three
years of bitter conflict which claimed the lives of significantly more
than 100,000 people.
USA
Declared by President Roosevelt in 1941. The US Bill of Rights
came into effect on this day in 1791.
Alderney (Channel Celebration of the return of evacuated citizens of Alderney to the
Islands)
island following World War Two.
The Netherlands
Commemoration of the signing of the Charter for the Kingdom of
The Netherlands by Queen Juliana in 1954.
Puerto Rico
The Christmas period in Puerto Rico.
Russia
Established in 1991 by the Union of Journalists of Russia.
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Zamenhof Day
Multinational
Samoa, Palau
16/12/2016 Friday
Day of of Azerbaijani Ministry of
Emergency Situations
Day of Reconciliation
Azerbaijan
Independence Day (Тәуелсіздік күні /
День независимости)
National Day
Kazakhstan
National Sports Day (วันกีฬาแห่งชาติ Wan
Kila Haeng Chat)
Posadas Navidenas begins
Thailand
Misa de Gallo begins
Philippines
South Africa
Bahrain
Hispanic Christian
India
Victory Day (Vijay Divas)
Victory Day Bangladesh (বিজয় দিবস Bijôe Bangladesh
Dibôsh)
Germany
UK
17/12/2016 Saturday
Accession Day (‫)ﻳﻭﻡ ﺍﻟﺟﻠﻭﺱ‬
Feast of Daniel the Prophet
International Day to End Violence
Against Sex Workers
Commemorates the birthday of L.L. Zamenhof, a Polish Jewish
man and the initiator of the Esperanto language.
Samoa became a member of the United Nations on this day in
1976. Palau did likewise on this day in 1994.
A public holiday in South Africa to foster reconciliation between
different racial groups. The holiday came into effect in 1994 after
the end of Apartheid.
Commemorates independence from Russia in 1991.
Commemorates independence from British protection achieved on
this day in 1971.
Commemoration of the gold medal won by King Bhumibol in
sailing at the 1967 South East Asia Peninsula Games.
Means 'pre-Christmas festivities'. The 'Posada' refers to the search
for shelter by Joseph and Mary.
Misa de Gallo is the Spanish phrase for 'Rooster's Mass' and in the
Philippines, the custom is for people to attend dawn masses for
nine days (up to and including 24th December).
Commemorating the proclamation of Bangladesh as an
independent state in 1971 following the surrender of the Pakistan
Army to the Inglo-Bangladeshi High Command.
On this day in 1942, SS Chief Heinrich Himmler ordered the
removal of Roma (Gypsies) to the extermination centre of
Auschwitz-Birkenau.
On this day in 1969, MP's voted to permanently abolish the death
penalty for murder. The voting was 343 in favour and 185 against.
Bahrain
Commemorates the accession of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the
first Emir of Bahrain.
Greek and Eastern Christians regard Daniel as a prophet, although he is not regarded
Orthodox
as such in Judaism. The Feast Day is shared with the Three
Young Men who were thrown into the fiery furnace by King
Nebuchadnezzar.
Multinational
The red umbrella is a symbol of sex workers rights. It is commonly
used on this day.
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Mawlid al-Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet
Muhammad)
National Day
Wright Brothers Day
18/12/2016 Sunday
Feast of Sebastian the Martyr
International Migrants Day
Islam (Shia)
Bhutan
Commemorates the ascension to the throne of Ugyen Wangchuck,
the first king of the country, on this day in 1907.
USA
Commemorates the Wright Brothers making their first powered
and heavier-than-air flight on this day in 1903.
USA, Multinational The first episode of the TV show 'The Simpsons' aired on US
television on this day in 1989.
Greek Orthodox
St Sebastian was a Christian Saint and Martyr, killed during the
Roman persecution of Christians in the 3rd Century.
Multinational
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers
and Members of Their Families was adopted on this day in 1990.
National Day
Republic Day
Qatar
Niger
Sunday of Advent
Christian
UN Arabic Language Day
Multinational
Japan, Dominica
19/12/2016 Monday
20/12/2016 Tuesday
(See 12/12/2016). Usually begins at sundown the day before.
Separation Day
Anguilla
Stelios Boulieris' Day
Bhutan
UK, Hong Kong,
China
Abolition of Slavery Day
Bo Aung Kyaw Day
French Guiana
Myanmar/Burma
International Human Solidarity Day
Multinational
Macau Special Administrative Region
Establishment Day
(澳門特別行政區成立紀念日)
China (Macau)
Commemorates Niger becoming an autonomous state within the
French community in 1958.
See 27/11/2016. It is customary to pray for Expectant Mothers on
the fourth Sunday of Advent.
The UN General Assembly approved Arabic as an official UN
language on this day in 1973.
Japan joined the United Nations on this day in 1956. Dominica did
the same on 18th December 1978.
Anguilla became a separate British Dependency on this day in
1980, by disassociating itself from Saint Kitts.
On this day in 1984, an agreement between the governments of
the UK and China is signed leading to the return of Hong Kong to
China in 1997.
Bo Aung Kyaw was a student leader killed by the British Imperial
Police on this day in 1938.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005 as an
initiative in the fight against poverty.
On this day in 1999, the administration of Macau transferred from
Portuguese authority to that of the People's Republic of China.
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UK
21/12/2016 Wednesday
Independence Day
Nepal
Kayin (Karen) New Year (Kayin hnithiku)
Myanmar (Burma)
Martyrdom of Elder Sahibzadas
Sikh
Pancha Ganapati
Hindu
São Tomé Day
Winter Solstice (Tōji)
São Tomé and
Príncipe
Japan
Winter Solstice Festival (冬至 dōngzhì)
Chinese
Yalda (‫)ﻳﻠﺩﺍ‬
Iran
Festival running from 21st to 25th December in celebration of Lord
Ganesha (गणेश).
South Africa
22/12/2016 Thursday
On this day in 2007, Queen Elizabeth II became the UK's oldest
ever monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria who lived for 81 years, 7
months and 29 days.
Commemoration of the signing of a friendship agreement on this
day in 1923 between the UK and Nepal, by which the latter's
independence was formally recognised by the former.
Celebration of the New Year of the Karen people, an ethnic group
in Burma and Thailand.
Guru Gobind Singh's elder sons, Ajit and Jujhar, were martyred at
the Battle of Chamkaur. According to the Nanakshahi Calendar.
Mother's Day
National Defence Day (Ngày hội quốc
phòng toàn dân)
Indonesia
Vietnam
National Mathematics Day
India
Teachers Day (Día del Educador)
Unity Day
Cuba
Zimbabwe
On or around 21st December. Commemoration of the middle of
winter. It is traditional to eat kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) on this
day as it is said that it prevents colds.
Or 22nd December. Traditionally a time for family gatherings,
characterised by a number of activities, including the eating of
Tangyuan, balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion.
'Dōngzhì' literally means "The arrival of winter".
Originally a religious holiday for Zoroastrians, Yalda is now a social
holiday in Iran. Connected to the beginning of the Winter Solstice,
it celebrates the birth of the Sun god Mithra.
The first man to undertake a heart transplant, Louis Washkansky,
died in Cape Town on this day in 1967. He survived his operation
for only 18 days.
Or Armed Forces Day. Otherwise known as the People's Army of
Vietnam Foundation Anniversary (ngày thành lập Quân đội nhân
dân Việt Nam), founded on this day in 1944.
Commemoration of Srinivasa Ramanujan, an Indian
mathematician who was born on this day in 1887. In December
2011, the Government of India declared 22nd December to be
National Mathematics Day to honour his contribution to
mathematics.
No classes are held on this day.
A public holiday in Zimbabwe.
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Yule
Pagan
Pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice. Yule is the time when the
sun child is reborn, an image of the return of all new life born
through the love of the Gods. Within the Northern Tradition Yule is
regarded as the New Year. Usually begins at sundown the day
before; Local or regional customs may use a variation of this date.
Closely related to Christmas through use of various symbols.
Germany
On this day in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin was reopened for the first time in nearly thirty years.
The main draw of the Spanish National Lottery (El Gordo) takes
place on this date. This is a Christmas tradition in Spain. El Gordo
translates as 'the fat one'.
An official Flag Day.
Spain
23/12/2016 Friday
Birthday of Queen Silvia (Drottningens
födelsedag)
Children's Day
Joseph Smith's Birthday
Sweden
Sudan
Mormon Christian
Night of the Radishes (Noche de Rábanos) Mexico
St Thorlac's day (Þorláksmessa)
Iceland
The Emperor's Birthday (天皇誕生日
Tennō tanjōbi)
Victory Day
Japan
Egypt
USA
24/12/2016 Saturday
Christmas Eve
Christian
Aðfangadagskvöld
Iceland
Feast of the Seven Fishes (festa dei sette
pesci)
Italy
Joseph Smith Jr, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement
(Mormonism) was born on this day in 1805 in Sharon, Vermont,
USA.
This event in the Mexican city of Oaxaca involves an exhibition of
sculptures made out of large red radishes.
St Thorlac Thorhalli is the Patron Saint of Iceland. He died on this
day in 1193. Icelanders will traditionally eat rotten skate and
potatoes on this day as well as buy Christmas presents.
A national holiday to celebrate the birthday of the current Emperor,
Akihito.
Commemorates the resolution and ending of the Suez Crisis in
1956.
The world's first kidney transport took place in Boston,
Massachusetts on this day in 1954.
Day prior to Christmas Day. In Portugal, Germany, Switzerland,
Hungary, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Poland, the
Czech Republic and Slovakia among others, this is the day that
presents are exchanged and opened. It is also a day when the
main traditional Christmas meal is eaten.
The main Icelandic celebration of Jól (Yule). As well as the
exchanging of gifts, it is customary to eat hamborgarhryggur
(smoked pork loin) or rock ptarmigan.
Commemorates the wait for the birth of Jesus. A day for eating
different varieties of seafood.
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Julaften
Norway
Juleaftensdag
Nochebuena
Denmark
Spain and other
Spanish-speaking
countries
Orthodox Christian See 15/11/2016.
Hispanic Christian See 16/12/2016.
Finland
The Declaration of Christmas Peace takes place at noon in the Old
Great Square of Turku (Finland's official Christmas City and former
capital), according to old traditions dating back to the Middle Ages.
Nativity Fast ends
Posadas Navidenas ends
The Declaration of Christmas Peace
Constitution Day (День Конституции
Приднестровской Молдавской
Республики)
Independence Day
The main event of Jul (Yule), the Christmas holiday period in
Norway. Gifts are exchanged and the main Christmas feast is
eaten.
Danish celebration of Christmas Eve.
Translated as 'Good Night'.
Transnistria
(Moldova)
The Constitution was adopted in 1996. See 02/09/2016.
Libya
Commemoration of independence from Italy on this day in 1951.
USA
25/12/2016 Sunday
Christmas Day
Feast of the Nativity
The Ku Klux Klan (KKK) was formed on this day in 1865 in
Tennessee by veterans of the Confederate Army. The current KKK
comprises not one organisation as such but a number of smaller
independent - yet linked - bodies.
Christian
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Orthodox Christian See above.
Children's Day
Various countries
Constitution Day (行憲紀念日)
Taiwan
Good Governance Day
India
Hanukkah (Chanukah ‫ )חנוכה‬begins
Jewish
Quaid's Day (‫ ﻳﻭﻡ ﻭﻻﺩﺕ ﻗﺎﺋﺩﺍﻋﻅﻡ‬Yom-e-Viladat- Pakistan
e-Quaid-e-Azam)
Children's Day in the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon,
Chad, Central African Republic and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The constitution of Taiwan (Republic of China) was adopted by the
country's National Assembly on this day in 1946.
Commemorates the birthday of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, India's
eleventh Prime Minister, who was born on this day in 1924.
Festival of Lights, marking the restoration and 'rededication' of the
temple by the Maccabees in 164 BCE. In Hebrew, Hanukkah
means 'dedication'. Begins at sundown the day before and ends on
31st December. In the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar Hanukkah is the
period from 25th Kislev to 2nd Tevet.
A national holiday in Pakistan in commemoration of the birth of
Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of the nation, in 1876.
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Austria
26/12/2016 Monday
Beginning of Kwanzaa
USA, Africa
Independence and Unity Day (dan
neodvisnosti in enotnosti)
Junkanoo
Slovenia
Martyrdom of Younger Sahibzadas
Sikh
St Stephen's Day
Boxing Day
2. joulupäivä / tapaninpäivä
2. juledag
2. svátek vánoční
Christian
Multinational
Finland
Denmark
Czech Republic
2. Ziemassvētki
Andre juledag
Boxing Day Holiday
Day of Goodwill
Day of Goodwill
drugi dzień Bożego Narodzenia
Druhý sviatok vianočný
Father's Day
Karácsony másnapja
Latvia
Norway
UK
Namibia
South Africa
Poland
Slovakia
Bulgaria
Hungary
Koleda (Коледа)
Bulgaria
National Day of Thanksgiving
Prvi dan po Božiću, Sveti Stjepan
Tweede Kerstdag
Zweiter Weihnachtsfeiertag
Wren Day (Lá an Dreoilín)
Solomon Islands
Croatia
The Netherlands
Germany
Ireland, Isle of Man
Bahamas
Stille Nacht' (Silent Night) was first performed on Christmas Day
1818 in the Nikolaus-Kirche in Oberndorf, Austria. The original
lyrics were written in German, the music composed by the Austrian
primary school headteacher Franz Xaver Gruber.
African American celebration that aims to strengthen African
cultural identity and community values while providing a spiritual
alternative to the commercialism of Christmas. Celebrated for 7
days until 1st January.
Commemorates the 1990 plebiscite that indicated that 88.2% of
Slovenians were in favour of becoming a sovereign nation.
A street parade with music that occurs in many towns across the
Bahamas on both Boxing Day and New Years Day.
Guru Gobind Singh's younger sons, Zorawar and Fateh, were
executed in Sirhind. According to the Nanakshahi Calendar.
St Stephen was the first Christian martyr.
Secular festival commemorating the day after Christmas.
St Stephen's Day, the second day of Christmas.
The second day of Christmas.
St Stephen's Day in Czech is known as the second Christmas Day.
The same is true in Latvia (see above).
St Stephen's Day, the second day of Christmas.
Bank Holiday.
A traditional public holiday in South Africa.
The second day of Christmas.
Translated as the Second Christmas Holiday.
St Stephen's day in Hungary is known as the Second Day of
Christmas.
The second day of Christmas. Koleda (or Kolyada) is the original
Slavic word for Christmas.
St Stephen's Day, the second day of Christmas.
The second day of Christmas.
The second day of Christmas.
Wrenboys celebrate the Wren by dressing up in straw masks and
colourful clothing and, accompanied by traditional céilí music
bands, parade through towns and villages.
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Synaxis of the Mother of God (Synaxis
Theotokou, Σύναξις Θεοτόκου)
Tsunami Awareness Day / Tsunami
Memorial (or Remembrance Day)
Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet
Zarathustra)
27/12/2016 Tuesday
Bank Holiday
Constitution Day
Emergency Rescuer's Day (День
спасателя)
St John, Apostle and Evangelist
St Stephen's Day
28/12/2016 Wednesday
Holy Innocents
Dia de los Santos Inocentes
King Taksin Memorial Day (วันสมเด็จพระ
เจ ้าตากสินมหาราช Wan Somdet Phra Chao
Taksin Maharat)
Greece
Synaxis of the Theotokos occurs on this day in the Eastern
Orthodox Church.
Indonesia,
In remembrance of the Tsunami caused by the Indian Ocean
Thailand, Malaysia Earthquake in 2004.
Zoroastrian
Zarathustra (also known as Zoroaster) was an ancient Iranian
prophet and the founder of Zoroastrianism.
UK
The first football match took place on this day in 1860 in Sheffield.
The teams were Hallam FC and Sheffield FC (the world's oldest
football club).
UK
Additional Bank Holiday to substitute for the fact that Christmas
Day is on a Saturday.
North Korea
Russian Federation In commemoration of the establishment of the Russian Emergency
Rescue Corps in 1990.
Christian
St John the Evangelist was one of the Twelve Apostles and
traditional author of the fourth Gospel, three letters, and the Book
of Revelation.
Orthodox Christian Commemorated a day later in Orthodox Christianity. A public
holiday in Romania.
UK
On this day in 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on his epic voyage
of discovery on board the HMS Beagle.
Christian
Commemorates King Herod's massacre of all male infants in and
in the vicinity of Bethlehem.
Mexico
In Mexico, the Day of the Holy Innocents has been secularised and
is the Mexican equivalent of April Fools Day.
Thailand
Commemoration the accession to the throne of King Taksin on this
day in 1768.
UK, Ireland
29/12/2016 Thursday
Constitution Day
Ireland
Rosh Chodesh Tevet (‫)ראש חדש טבת‬
Jewish
Independence Day
Mongolia
On this day in 1918, Constance Markiewicz became the first
female MP elected to the House of Commons. Markiewicz was not
only a suffragette, but an Irish nationalist and member of Sinn
Féin. She was actually detained in Holloway Prison in London at
the time of her election.
The new Constitution of Ireland (Bunreacht na hÉireann) came into
force on this day in 1937.
The day before the Jewish month of Tevet. The sixth day of
Hanukkah in the Hebrew/Jewish Calendar.
Commemoration of independence from the Qing Dynasty in 1911.
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Ireland
30/12/2016 Friday
With the adoption of a new constitution, the Irish Free State was
replaced by the new state of Ireland on this day in 1937.
Day of the Declaration of Slovakia as an
Independent Ecclesiastic Province (Deň
vyhlásenia Slovenska za samostatnú
cirkevnú provinciu)
Feast of the Holy Family
Slovakia
Sunday within the Octave of Christmas
Christian
First Day of Rabi al-Thani (‫) ﺭﺑﻳﻊ ﺍﻟﺛﺎﻧﻲ‬
First Day of the Month of Tevet (‫)טֵ בֵ ת‬
Islam
Jewish
Freedom Day
Scientology
Republic Day
Madagascar
Catholic Christian
Rizal Day (Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Dr Jose Philippines
Rizal)
Former Soviet
Union
31/12/2016 Saturday
Feast of Sharaf (‫ ﺷﺭﻑ‬Honour)
Gahambar Maidyarem
Bahá'í
Zoroastrian
Harvest Day
International Solidarity Day (Dünya
azәrbaycanlıların hәmrәyliyi günü)
New Year's Eve
Benin
Azerbaijan
Hogmanay
Scotland, UK
Multinational
Ordinarily, observed on the Sunday between Christmas and New
Year's Day, in celebration of the Holy Family of Jesus, the Virgin
Mary and St. Joseph. However, if both Christmas Day and New
Year's Day fall on a Sunday, the date of the festival moves to
Friday 30th December.
Moves to Friday 30th December if Christmas Day falls on a
Sunday.
Fourth month in the Islamic Calendar.
Tenth month in the Hebrew ecclesiastical calendar. Fourth month
of the civil year.
According to Scientologists, the Church of Scientology was
officially recognised in the United States on this day in 1974.
Anniversary of the proclamation of the Democratic Republic of
Madagascar on this day in 1975.
Commemoration of José Rizal. Considered a national hero, Rival
was a polymath, nationalist and the most prominent advocate for
reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era and its
eventual independence from Spain. He died on this day in 1896.
Celebrated on the nearest Monday to this date.
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR, Союз Советских
Социалистических Республик, CCCP) was formed on this day in
1922.
First day of the sixteenth month of the Bahá'í Calendar.
Mid-winter/mid-year feast. Gahambar means 'proper season', and
these seasonal festivals occur six times every year. They are
observed for five days.
A public holiday to mark the end of the harvest season.
A day of Azerbaijani solidarity and unity. The original inspiration
was the fall of the Berlin Wall.
New Year's Eve is celebrated in a variety of ways throughout the
world.
Primarily observed in Scotland, but UK wide. 'Hogmanay' is the
Scots word for the last day of the year.
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Ōmisoka (大晦日)
Japan
Joya-no-Kane (除夜の鐘)
Buddhist, Japan
St Sylvester's Day
Christian
Watch Night
Christian, USA
UK
Japanese festival of preparation for the New Year. Part of the New
Year's tradition involves a house-cleaning equivalent of 'springcleaning'.
Though Joya means the last day of the year, it's original meaning
is to stay awake throughout the night. In Japan, temples ring their
bells on this night to welcome in the New Year and to symbolically
'wash away human defilements'. See above re Ōmisoka.
St Sylvester was Pope Sylvester I from 314 CE to 335 CE. Some
of the great churches of Rome, including St Peter's Basilica in the
Vatican City were built during his pontificate.
Traditional service in Black American communities, it's origins
dating back to 31st December 1862. Also known as Freedom’s
Eve. On that night, Black American communities came together in
churches and private homes, awaiting news that the Emancipation
Proclamation actually had become law. Then, at the stroke of
midnight (1st January 1863), all slaves in the Confederate States
were declared legally free. Black American communities have
gathered in churches annually on New Year’s Eve ever since.
Big Ben's chimes were heard on the BBC for the first time on this
day in 1923.
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