Holidays Around The World � February Holidays

Orthodox Ash Wednesday Observed by Western Rite Orthodox Christians

Noel — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Ash Wednesday: February 29

Orthodox Ash Wednesday is a religious observance for Western Rite Orthodox Christians.

In general, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, i.e. Greek Orthodox, do not celebrate Ash Wednesday. The exception is the Orthodox Christians who follow the Western Rite. The day is celebrated the same as Western Ash Wednesday but on a different date that is 46 days before Orthodox Pascha. The same significance is given to this date; the ashes signify the fragile and humble human condition in front of God.

History of Western Rite Orthodox Ash Wednesday

Eastern Orthodox Christians do not celebrate Ash Wednesday, and the Orthodox Great Lent period begins with Clean Monday. Most Orthodox Christians follow the Byzantine Rite of liturgies that has dominated the Orthodox celebrations since the thirteenth century. From the end of the nineteenth century there were many Western Christians that converted to Orthodoxy but yet wanted to keep their ways of worship through the Roman Western Rite, and so was born the Western Rite Orthodox Churches.

Even though Orthodox, the Western Rite Churches celebrate Ash Wednesday following the customs and traditions of the Western Christians. And like these, Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Great Lent period before Easter. Ash Wednesday comes from Roman times and is known to be celebrated as early as the fifth century. It was called dies cinerum (day of ashes). Well before the celebrations of Ash Wednesday were institutionalized by the Catholic Church, there were many penitents that in sign of repentance and penance would cover themselves with ashes and seek forgiveness from God for their sins.

Since Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the season privileged for repentance, it was decided to be marked by a proper ritual during Mass. It starts before the Mass, when the priest blesses the Ashes which are kept from the Palms used from the previous year on Palm Sunday. The ashes are blessed with holy water and incense. This creates a kind of paste that then is used to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of all those attending Mass and who approach the altar to be ashed. The priest will repeat these words as he places the ashes: “Remember man that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”

Western Rite Orthodox Ash Wednesday Traditions, Customs and Activities

Like the Western ritual of Ash Wednesday, the most significant tradition is the marking of a cross on the forehead of all the faithful attending the religious services on that day. These ashes are obtained from the burning of the palm leaves used during the previous year’s Palm Sunday celebrations and are blessed with holy water and fumigated with incense. The moment when one receives the ashes is filled with penitential meaning, as today in a symbolic way Christians follow ancient rituals when penitents would prepare themselves for Easter by bathing themselves with ashes as a sign of repentance, seeking forgiveness for their sins. Ash Wednesday is also the first day of Lent fasting. Along with prayer and alms giving, fasting is the privileged way through which Christians try to make a way of self-learning and discipline to arrive on Easter Sunday with a clean spirit to receive and celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

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Dominican Republic Observes Independence from Haiti

Carol — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 03:03:21 +0000

Independence Day of Dominican Republic: February 27

Independence Day is a public holiday in Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic (DR), one of the major island countries in the Carribean, observes its yearly celebration of Independence Day every 27th of February. Dominican Republic share borders with Haiti in the Hispaniola region in the Carribean. The country holds a number of establishments (cathedral, universities, castles, etc.) listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The country is known to have the most advanced technological communication in the Carribean islands and boast itself with its self-sustaining sugar production in the region and an economic infrastructur built upon the foundation of liberal economy. To date, The Dominican Republic holds second place in terms of size of economy in the Carribean.

Dominican Republic is a famous tourist attraction in the Carribean. Golf courses, beautiful beaches and lakes, and hiking sites are the top tourist destinations. DR prides itself with its varied colourful culture and having a great number of talented baseball players.

History of Dominican Republic Independence Day

Dominican Republic is under foreign rule from 16th to the early part of the 19th century. The Spain, France, and Haiti share part of the occupation of the country during the three century of foreign invasion. Dominican Republic however initially declared its independence in 1821 but was re-occupied by Haiti thereafter. It once again regained its short-lived independence when it waged war against the Haitians in 1844 in the Dominican War of Independence. Spain later regained control of the area for the more than seven decades until United States took over in 1916 which lasted more than eight years (1924).

Dominican Republic experienced peace and order under the leadership of Horacio Vásquez Lajara whch served as president from 1924 and 1930. The lawlessness following the assassination of the famous DR dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina, has led the then U.S. President Lyndon Johnson of the United States to invade Dominican Republic once again for fear that the country might follow Cuba’s footstep in 1965. The invasion was meant to restore order, cease civil wars, and installs a new government for the county and to stop the spread of Communist government in the Carribean. Year after the invasion, election started and Dominican Republic has once again declared independence from internal and foreign invasion.

Dominican Republic Independence Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

The celebration of Independence Day in Dominican Republic is considered a non-working holiday day to all salaried employees. Public officials including the president offer speeches in public. People either spend their time at home resting or go to public places to watch free concerts, watch parades or other cultural shows.

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Kuwait Celebrates Liberation Day

Noel — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 02:50:23 +0000

Liberation Day: February 26

Liberation Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Kuwait

Every year aside from their National Day, Kuwait also celebrates is Liberation Day every 26th of February. This official public holiday is celebrated in honor of the country’s independence from Iraq after the first Gulf War.

History of Liberation Day in Kuwait

From the time Kuwait has been released by the British, The government of Iraq found Kuwait to be promising because of the discovery of large oil reserves of the country. In fact, on 1952, the country became the largest exporter of oil in the Persian Gulf Region. Being one of the wealthiest regions in the Arabian subcontinent, Kuwait’s economy sky rocketed and attracted several opportunities from foreign countries.

However, it was on 1982 that Kuwait gone through a short period of deterioration in economic standing and prices in oil all went down. During the Iran-Iraq war, the Kuwaiti market finally recovered and even managed to fund Iraq for eight years on its battle against Iran. But conflict started to develop between Iraq and Kuwait when the latter refused to pardon the former on its billion dollar accountability.

Disagreement developed between the two countries and on 1990, Iraq finally declared war and invaded Kuwait. Because of this, the Persian Gulf War was established which participated by over 34 nations who wished to dismiss the Iraqi rule over Kuwait.

And finally, on February 26, 1991, Iraq’s authority over Kuwait was abolished declaring the country as independent and on full sovereignty.

Liberation Day in Kuwait Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Liberation Day celebration of Kuwaiti is celebrated by the whole country with pride and salutation as the country was able to make a stand and run on its own.

It is a whole day of public gatherings and parades participated and organized by many different civic groups and government organizations. The country also remembers the 605 Prisoners of War who are still in the hands of the Iraqi government up to the present time.

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Tahiti Celebrates Moorea Marathon International

Carol — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:56:56 +0000

International Marathon: February 25

Tahiti International Marathon is a public holiday in Tahiti

Tahiti International Marathon, or more commonly called Moorea International Marathon is a yearly athletic celebration in Tahiti. It is described as an ‘exotic’ way to exercise and race while you’re in a relaxing vacation on a beautiful Island nation. The marathon has varying length although a 5 km fun run is specifically provided to be joined by an entire family on vacation both for locals and foreigners visiting the area.

The marathon offers visiting athletes with four race game to choose from: 42km, 21km, 5km, and the Family Run. This event is not heavily participated by athletes but also by families or couples who are there to experience the beautiful sceneries and beaches of Tahiti.

History of Tahiti International Marathon

Every year, Tahiti organizes the Tahiti-Moorea International Marathon and asked athletes from different countries to participate in this yearly festivity. The marathon is known for its non-competitive and relaxing feel and theme. Those who have participated in the marathon in the past would surely endorse the breath-taking sceneries around the region especially the areas around the designated track in the long-distance foot race.

The first Tahiti-Moorea International Marathon was organized in 1988 although a local marathon event already took place in one of the Islands of Tahiti in 1971. Tahitians organized this event as a result of the 4th South Pacific Games. It used to be a local event, but due to its local success and the feedback coming from the foreign participants who happened to be in the area, the marathon then opened its door to International athletes who are keen on experiencing an exceptional foot race along the islands of Tahiti. The race starts at Temae beach and runs through the Cook and Opunohu bays.

Tahiti International Marathon: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Apart from the joyful racing among participants, tourists also enjoy other fun activities sponsored by the Tahiti community. Street dancing and free concerts awaits everybody with grand fireworks at night.

Cultural events showcasing Tahiti culture and tradition are also held in entertainment theatres and streets for the public to enjoy. These and other activities aim to drive awareness on the beauty of Tahiti culture and tradition and what the Island can offer international travellers.

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National Day in Kuwait

Carol — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:55:17 +0000

National Day: Feb 25

National Day is a public holiday in Kuwait.

Kuwait celebrates its yearly National Day celebration every 25th of February. The National Day is the most celebrated holiday in this Arab country. The history behind Kuwait’s National Day is intertwined with its friendship with the British when it became its protectorate in 1897. The British protected the country against the invasion by the Turks in the same year.

1961 is a year when the British totally gave Kuwait the freedom it deserves. The independence of Kuwait from British rule was eyed upon by the Iraq government during that time. However, the invasion was resisted both by the country and the British. The combined movement by both countries made way for the declaration of independence.

History of Kuwait’s National Day

Kuwait has long been friends with the British. The history behind this camaraderie dates back to the late 19th century when the Turks were a threat to the existence of Kuwait. Because of this, the Kuwaiti government sought British protection to protect its borders. The protection accorded by Britain to Kuwait lasted until 1961 but the former agreed to give Kuwait the protection it needs upon request.

The Iraq government took advantage of the release of Kuwait from British protection as a chance to invade and take control of Kuwait. But since Kuwait is still protected by the British military at some degree its request for military support for the British was responded with complete urgency.

The Arab League, composed of Arab nations in Southwest Asia and Northeast Africa also sent troops to defend Kuwait from Iraq’s attack. This forced Iraq to drop its invasion plans and retreat and give Kuwait complete independence which coincides the Arab League’s recognition of Kuwait independence in July 20, 1961. A series of war against Iraq followed including the Persian Gulf War between August 2, 1990 and February 28, 1991 which was done to remove Iraq’s annexation of Kuwait. Since then, Kuwait stood as a neutral country mainly mediating from conflicts between countries in the Middle East.

Kuwait’s Independence Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

National Day in Haiti is a time for Kuwaitis to spend time with one another. Often, Kuwaiti family visits their friends and other family members out of town or go to the beach or roam around the street and the local malls. Get-togethers and family reunions are also organized. The great number of people is seen in beaches such as the Messila Beach, the Green Island, and in parks (Al-Sha’ab Leisure Park).

Buildings and small business establishments both public and private are decorated with colourful lights. Hotels are famous for putting up lights with color patterns much like that of the nation’s flag. And by sunset, the whole city colors itself with spectacular display of light and fireworks that impresses both locals and tourists.

Kuwaiti wears national costume as part of the holiday tradition and to showcase nationalism among the locals. The children and the young-at-heart also spray playful colored foams to one another in the road adding up to the excitement brought about by state-sponsored celebrations and festivities.

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February 24 is Estonia’s Independence Day

Carol — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:58:49 +0000

Independence Day of Estonia: February 24

Independence Day is a public holiday in Estonia.

Estonia celebrates its independence every 24th of February each year. Originally, Estonians declared independence on February 24, 1918 until the Soviet Union (SU) occupied the country in 1940 before the start of World War II. SU’s occupation of Estonia ended on August 21, 1991 which is brought about by the unstable political status of the socialist state.

History of Estonia Independence Day

Estonia has been subjected to foreign rule. The history has it that Estonia was once occupied by rulers of Denmark, Catholic religious order called Teutonic Order, Sweden and Germany. During the last phase of occupation of Estonia by the Russians was marked with national enlightenment through the Estophile Enlightenment Period which happened between 1750 and 1840.

The enlightenment period was clearly a result of the introduction of rational thinking among the native Estonians in the city from Baltic Germans who share existence with Estonians in the region. This resulted in national propaganda that led to the production of prints in native Estonian language.

After the two year (1918–1920) Estonian War of Independence, Estonia regained its independence under the Tartu Peace Treaty. But after more than 20 years, the World War II brought forth another challenge to Estonia’s national integrity and security and it once again succumbed to the forces of the Soviet Union and later by the Nazis during the war. After the battle against the Germans ensued and with the weakening German influence in the area, the Soviet Union once again occupied the country in 1944.

Soviet Union maintained control over the entire country until the latter part of the 20th century (1991-1944). United States, United Kingdom and France criticized SU for its territorial incorporation (annexation) of Estonia. The pressure made by the call to release Estonia and put it back to what it was and Russia’s internal political issues further weakened the latter’s hold to the country.

The Signing Revolution happened between 1987 and 1990 and the Baltic Way in August 23, 1989 by Latvians, Estonians, and Lithuanians were key to the declaration of Independence of these Baltic countries; the former is a mass demonstration in Tallinn Song Festival Grounds while the latter is a public demonstration where approximately two million people participated in joining hands that calls for the independence of the above three Baltic states from Russia.

In the ensuing years, the Estonian Sovereignty Declaration laid claim to the sovereignty of Estonia over Russia and a few years later, on August 20, 1991 Estonia declared complete independence from Russia. Iceland was the first to recognize Estonia’s independence. SU troops eventually retreated until the last batch of soldiers left in August 31, 1994.

Estonia’s Independence Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Estonians raise flags both in homes and public and private offices during Independence Day which is pretty much the same as how other countries celebrate Independence. The flag’s tri-color pattern is symbolic of Estonia’s history (blue) and dark past (black) and those that naturally occurs in nature (snow; white).

During the event, Estonians organize concerts, contests (Guinness World Record attempts), and large scale games and festivities happening in major cities around Estonia. Sports marathons such as relay race are also conducted.

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Republic Day: Guyana’s Most Festive Holiday Celebration

Carol — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 03:00:20 +0000

Republic Day: February 23

Republic Day is a public holiday in Guyana.

Guyana celebrates Republic Day or Mashramani (abbreviated as ‘Mash) on February usually on the 23rd. Guyanese citizens enjoy festive and colourful parades much like that of a carnival, music, and games. Guyanese cook on this special day to mark the birth of a new country.

Mashramani should not be confused with the country’s Independence Day on May 26. After it gained independence from the British in 1966, the Guyanese people established itself as an independent nation or a democratic sovereign country as stated in the British Commonwealth of 1970.

The word Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means to celebrate/celebrating a job well done. It is the most celebrated holiday in Guyana as floats, parades and masquerade party and dancing flood the street a scenery which reflects the country’s proud African heritage.

History of Guyana’s Republic Day

For most foreigners, the idea of celebrating Guyanese Republic Day might be construed with celebrating Independence Day. While the country’s Independence Day marks the act of the British in relegating the sovereignty Guyana have long been wanting for, it is the Republic Day where the Guyanese commemorates the establishment of a sovereign republic after being granted independence from the British rule.

Carnival-like celebration in Guyana has long been practiced in Mackenzie by local members of Junior Chamber International (JCI) or Jaycees. The celebration of Guyana’s Republic Day coincided with the establishment of Jaycees Republic Celebrations Committee headed by Basil Butcher but it was Jim Blackman was appointed to do the job because Butcher had to join the West Indies Cricket Team during that time. Blackman, along with other personnel, organized the first formal government-sponsored carnival activity to happen in Guyana.

Butcher was the one to initially suggest that the name of the festival be based on Amerindian word. Amerindian is a language spoken by indigenous people of the Americas who are sometimes called upon as Native Americans or American Indian. One of Butcher’s personnels, Mr. Allan Fietdkow, a native Amerindian, helped Butcher in coming up with a name for the festival through his consultation with his grandfather. Ultimately, the word Mashramani was suggested.

The first Mashramani in February 23, 1970 was a huge success and well-accepted by the locals; because of that, a government official named David Singh suggested that the festival be brought to the country’s capital – Georgetown. It later was given approval by the president of Guyana back then (President Forbes Burnham).

The celebration of Mashramani is done in various regions in Guyana including Berbice, Linden, and Georgetown but due the largest concentration of events usually happen in Georgetown due in part to sponsorship both from private and public institutions and individuals..

Guyana’s Republic Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Guyana’s constitutional milestone is celebrated with float parade, dancing and singing, and other fun activities. It aims to mobilize professionals, private individuals, and the youth in participating in the country’s celebration of the country’s political success. The three-day festival is joined by people from all walks of life coming from different regions in Guyana. The Mardi-Gras like celebration encourages both men and women to participate in street dancing and parade wearing colourful costumes. There is no other holiday to look forward to in Guyana other than the fun-filled carnival-like celebration of Republic Day.

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Brunei Joyously Celebrates National Day

Noel — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:00:55 +0000

National Day: February 23

National Day is a public holiday in Brunei.

Brunei, an oil-rich tropical country located on the northern coast of Borneo in Southeast Asia, is set to celebrate its twenty-sixth National Day on February 23, 2010. The Bruneians, dedicated to maintaining a strong sense of culture and history, mark their full independence from Britain with numerous events and historical presentations each National Day.

History of National Day in Brunei

For 96 years, Brunei was a protectorate of Britain. It’s believed that the first British contact with the people of the region came in 1839, when British explorer James Brooke arrived to the city of Kuching, Sarawak, then a part of the Sultanate of Brunei. Upon his arrival, he found that the settlement was fighting an uprising against the Sultan of Brunei. Brooke was hesitant to help, but upon returning again in 1941, he agreed to aid the Sultan’s head of government, Rajah Muda Hassim.

Rajah Hassim, who had promised Brooke control of Sarawak in vague overtures in 1839, made similar promises to Brooke. However, the situation in Sarawak worsened as a cruel local tribal chief, Pangeran Macota, threatened both the wellbeing of the citizens and of Brooke. Additionally, Rajah Hassim made little effort to make good on the promises made to Brooke.

Things came to a head when on September 24, 1841, Brooke and 200 loyalists armed themselves and demanded audience with the Rajah. Brooke declared that if the Rajah didn’t turn over control of Sarawak to Brooke, Brooke would be forced to attack Macota and take control himself. Rajah Hassim quickly drew up the documents making Brooke governor of Sarawak. He later was appointed as Rajah by the Sultan on August 18, 1842.

Conflict between the Sultan and Brooke led to the defeat of the Sultan in 1943. The British attacked the Sultan again in 1946, and the Sultan later ceded more territory to the British with hopes of peace. These events led to further British control of the region until finally Brunei became a British protectorate in 1888. As decades passed and prosperity grew, control slow was wrested from Britain. A new constitution in 1959 made Brunei a self-governing state, leaving only matters of defense to Britain.

With much fanfare, Brunei’s independence was finally gained on January 1, 1984, though British protection didn’t end until February 23. Thus, on February 23, 1984, the first National Day was celebrated in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei.

Brunei’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On February 23, 2010, Brunei will celebrate its twenty-sixth National Day. Like most years, the celebrations are colorful and raucous. Unlike last year, however, the government of Brunei has decreed that there will be no traditional field performances. “We will only have parades by the private and government sectors, associations, organizations, colleges and other higher educational institutions,” said a representative of the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports.

New logos are created for the National Day festivities, and the logo for 2010 is multi-faceted. In addition to the new logo, the giant version of the Brunei national flag, hoisted on February 7, will be honored. Miniature flags are to be distributed as well.

In addition to historical presentations and public displays, the people of Brunei typically assemble for mass prayers and readings of Islamic scripture in mosques throughout the country.

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Ash Wednesday Observed by Christians

Noel — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:00:46 +0000

Ash Wednesday: March 9

Ash Wednesday is a religious observance for Christians all over the world.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. The holiday’s name exists because on this day, Christians attending Mass will be marked by a cross of ash on the forehead as a sign of penance. The date changes according to the date set for Lent, and it comes 46 days before, not counting Sundays.

History of Ash Wednesday

The tradition of celebrating Ash Wednesday comes from Roman times. It is known to be celebrated as early as the fifth century, and it was called dies cinerum (day of ashes). Well before the celebrations of Ash Wednesday were institutionalized by the Catholic Church, there were many penitents that in sign of repentance and penance would cover themselves with ashes and seek forgiveness from God for their sins. As the period of Lent reflects a time period focused on repentance, it was decided to that a proper ritual should be used during first Mass.

Before Mass begins, the priest blesses the ashes, which are created from the palms used from the previous year on Palm Sunday. The ashes are blessed with holy water and incense; this creates a kind of paste that then is used to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of all those attending Mass who wish to receive it. The priest will repeat the words “remember man that you are dust and unto dust you shall return” as he places the ash on the forehead.

Ash Wednesday Traditions, Customs and Activities

Since Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the churches are decorated with purple colors in penance. Fasting must be observed, and privilege must be given to prayer and self examination. The traditions and customs do not vary much from country to country. Ash Wednesday isn’t celebrated as much today as it falls in the shadow of the celebrations of the preceding extravagant celebrations of Mardi Gras, Carnival, or Maundy Tuesday.

On this day, Christian communities gather in a special worship service to receive the ashes on their foreheads. It is a day that traditional meals being served do not include meat. Fasting begins when only one full meal and two snacks can be observed during the day.

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Shaheed Day is Celebrated in Bangladesh

Noel — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:52:28 +0000

Shaheed Day: February 21

Shaheed Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Bangladesh

Shaheed Day is observed as a National Mourning Day for Bangladesh which is held in memory of the students of Dhaka University who were killed on their battle to protect Bangla as their National language. It is also known to the citizens as Martyrs’ Day and it is one of the most solemnly celebrated holidays in Bangladesh.

History of Shaheed Day in Bangladesh

Bangladesh honors a lot of public national holidays where people rejoice and celebrate for the occasion. Travelers and tourists visit the country all year round to witness and be a part of the Bangladesh tradition. However, there is one holiday in Bangladesh in which the people commemorate the day with grief- The Shaheed Day.

During the 1950′s, the government passed a bill in which its purpose it to proclaim Urdu and Urdu alone as the national state language of Pakistan. And since Bangladesh was then under the ruling power of Pakistan, the Bangladeshis objected to abandon Bangla or Bengali as their official language.

Because of their attempt to fight for the Bengali language, a few brave souls in which majority are students they established rallies and protests against the Pakistani government’s decision. Since the movement was defiance in accordance with the laws of Pakistan, the regime decided to disperse the activists. They had them arrested, persecuted, sentenced to criminal acts and the worst that happened was that hundreds of these protesters were shot and killed.

Because the official language issue turned out to be a chaos in the whole Pakistan, including Bangladesh, the government had to give in and recognize Bengali as the state language of Bangladesh.

Shaheed Day in Bangladesh Traditions, Customs and Activities

In memory of this tragic event in the history of Bangladesh, Shaheed day which happens every 21st of February became the country’s National Mourning Day and is observed in great respect and honor.

During this day, the people wear black and white which signifies their mourning for their martyrs who fought for their language. Most families spend the holiday with quiet activities and offer garlands and flowers to the Minay as a sign of respect.