Holidays Around The World � June Holidays

The Democratic Republic of the Congo Remembers Its Independence

Noel — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:00:55 +0000

Independence Day: June 30

Independence Day is a public holiday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Independence Day is celebrated on June 30 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). On June 30, 1960, DR Congo became independent, yet the people still struggle for full freedom today in an environment full of armed conflict.

History of Independence Day in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In 1885, King Leopold II of Belgium acquired the rights for the territory of Congo and made the territory his own property. Over several decades, Leopold exploited the local population to make profits from local resources, particularly rubber. Roughly 10 million Congolese died as a result of exploitation and disease, prompting the international community to protest and condemn. Under international pressure, the Belgian government reluctantly took control of the territory from Leopold and ran it as an official colony of Belgium beginning in 1908.

Strong international pressure again fell on the Belgium government in the 1950s to reform its policy on the colony of Congo, especially with details of how the colony would transition to a self-governing state. At the same time, pseudo-political parties started sprouting up across Congo, all with the intention of promoting a free and independent Congo.

One of the most successful groups was Association des Bakongo (ABAKO), a cultural and political organization led by Joseph Kasa-Vubu. ABAKO lead the charge for calls of independence from Belgium. ABAKO wasn’t alone, however. Other organizations representing different ethnic groups as well as alumni groups and urban associations joined in the calls for independence.

In January of 1959, the Belgian government eventually prohibited ABAKO from meeting with concerns that the group was becoming dangerously powerful, contributing more instability to the region. Mass riots soon broke out in the city of Léopoldville, and Kasa-Vubu was arrested on January 12. Afterwards, Belgium announced intentions for constitutional reform within the colony. The intentions failed and further instability occurred in the region, prompting a Roundtable Conference in Brussels in early 1960.

During the conference, Belgium tried to push the idea of a three- to four-year transition, but the Congolese wanted nothing to do with that, only conceding a few months of transition. With a June 30 date set, there was recognition that elections would have to be held in May in order to have some sort of governmental infrastructure in place by the end of June. Joseph Kasa-Vubu was chosen to be president, and as planned, the region became officially independent on June 30, 1960.

A long history of armed conflict has since followed, still leaving many people hungry for not only for ethnic independence, but also basic human freedoms.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

In recent years, the number of people participating in Independence Day celebrations has significantly decreased. With widespread disease and famine, huge populations of people are still dying off in the DR Congo. Civil unrest, anti-social behavior, and long wars have left deep scars on the people of the DR Congo, leaving many people to believe that independence still doesn’t truly exist.

Other interesting posts:

Guatemala Commemorates Army Day

Noel — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:00:41 +0000

Army Day: June 30

Army Day is a public holiday celebrated in Guatemala.

Countries all over the world have national events that pertain to celebrating their armed forces. For example, the United States has Veterans Day on November 11, a day when people pay tribute to the soldiers who fought in Vietnam and so on. In a similar fashion there is a huge cultural and national event in Guatemala called Army Day that is held every year on June 30.

As in other cases, this day is celebrated to honor the country’s soldiers that fought to liberate the Guatemalan public. It is known locally as Día del Ejército and is celebrated with great fanfare throughout the country. However, there are many political issues that surround the celebration and its purpose.

History of Army Day in Guatemala

In the late 1830s, a new conservative movement brewed in Guatemala led by a young Rafael Carrera. Carrera became the de facto ruler of Guatemala by 1838, and soon afterwards, civil war broke out across Central America, breaking apart the Federal Republic of Central America. Backed by the church and conservative land owners, Carrera and the Conservadora administration led Guatemala ruthlessly.

In 1863, El Salvador’s President Gerardo Barrios went to war with Guatemala and Carrera, disagreeing with his rival, believing in the unity of Central America. On October 26, 1863, the city of San Salvador was taken by Carrera, ousting Gerardo Barrios. On April 14, 1865, Carrera died, but left a dominant Conservadora presence in control.

It wouldn’t be until 1871 that Justo Rufino Barrios, together with General Miguel García Granados, worked with Guatemalan rebels who wanted to see the ousting of the Conservadora administration. The duo put together a revolutionary army on March 17 and shortly after began their march into Guatemala.

Taking city after city, the march ended in Guatemala City on the morning of June 30, 1871. Days later, the group organized their campaign called the “Plan for the Fatherland”, a course of action set to overthrow the Conservadora administration of Guatemala. Soon after, the group achieved victory, installing General Granados as president.

Guatemala’s Army Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

In the past, typical celebrations included a military parade and performances that aimed at celebrating the efficiency of the Guatemalan army. However, in 2008, the government cancelled the military parade for budgetary reasons, though the more likely cause of the cancellation was in part due to efforts by the Sons and Daughters for Identity and Against Forgetting (HIJOS). The group has been campaigning for years to end the military parades, considering the parade an insult to the memories of the thousands of people dead or missing due to actions by the army.

Other interesting posts:

The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul Celebrated Around the Globe

Noel — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:00:11 +0000

Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul Date: June 29

The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is a religious holiday celebrated around the world.

St. Peter was a patron of the fisherman, and St. Paul was known for his hand craft. Both were martyred on the same day leading to the celebration of these two individuals on the same day. They are celebrated on June 29 with Christians all over the world celebrating this day as the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul.

History of the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul

The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is one of the oldest festivals observed by Christians. There is evidence which suggest that this day was celebrated as far back as the fourth century.

St. Peter, a Galilean fisherman by profession, was chosen by Jesus Christ as one of his twelve apostles. He was also the first apostle of Jesus Christ, assigned a role of leadership. He was one of the few apostles who were with Jesus to witness the Transfiguration. Several churches including the Roman Catholic Church, the Oriental Orthodox Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion consider him to be a saint.

St. Paul on the other hand is the author of 13 of the 27 books of the Bible. He is also the hero in another book, the Acts of the Apostles. He was born in Tarsus, located in present-day eastern Turkey. He was a tentmaker by profession and was a Roman citizen. For someone who made a living by making tents with his hand, he could write with the fineness of a philosopher. He is considered one of the greatest people to have existed in the Western world, one who was responsible for establishing some of the very fundamental concepts of faith.

Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul is celebrated as a public holiday in some countries with customs varying from location to location. Special masses in the churches may be held to commemorate the martyrdom of the two saints. Coastal and island communities may decorate their boats and wharfs to give praise to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen.

Other interesting posts:

Djibouti Independence Day

Noel — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 04:49:45 +0000

Independence Day Date: June 27

Independence Day is celebrated in Djibouti as a public holiday.

June 27 is marked as the Independence Day for Djibouti. On June 1977, the colony finally won its sovereignty from France. The country became the Republic of Djibouti. The year 2007 marked a symbolic turning point in the history of Djibouti as the country celebrated its 30th year as an independent nation.

Independence Day History

Djibouti experienced a civil war from 1991-1994 that had catastrophic consequences for the economy. After 1994, and with the birth of a multi-party system, Djibouti has emerged as an island of stability in the Horn of Africa and it plays an important role as a moderator for the region.

Djibouti is a cash-based economy and credit cards are not widely accepted. Changing money on the street is legal, but be aware of possible scams as well as personal safety considerations if people observe you carrying large amounts of cash.

It is a relatively safe destination, but there is a threat of terrorism against foreigners, as well as some crime because the unemployment rate in Djibouti is very high. Banditry occurs in some areas outside the capital city.

Djibouti is governed under the constitution of 1992, which provides for a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The president is popularly elected for a six-year term and is eligible for a second term; the prime minister is appointed by the president.

Djibouti Free Zone (DFZ) is managed by JAFZA, one of the most successful free zones in the world today with over 5000 companies. The area serves at this time 39 national and multinational companies and will accommodate more companies when it will be fully operational.

Independence Day Traditions and Activities

It has few natural resources and little industry. Largely a stony desert, the country is economically underdeveloped.

Djibouti is also a great place for a few days’ strenuous activity, with hiking, diving, snorkelling with whale sharks (whisper it softly) and even windsurfing on wheels (yes!) readily available.

Djibouti provides services as both a transit port for the region and an international transshipment and refueling center. Djibouti has an international airport, which can handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 747.

Other interesting posts:

Ukraine Constitution Day

Noel — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:23:23 +0000

Ukraine Constitution Day: June 28

Constitution Day is celebrated in the Ukraine.

President Victor Yushchenko took part in a ceremony of presentation of national decorations on the occasion of Constitution Day. “After the things we have done in terms of formation of the constitutional field, we must proceed to next important step. We must have a constitution that would forever guarantee us democracy, freedom, and protect us from the risks of a totalitarian model”, – said Victor Yushchenko speaking at the ceremony.

Constitution Day History

Constitution Day is a holiday to honor the constitution of the Ukraine. Constitution Day celebrates the anniversary of the signing or adoption of the Constitution of the Ukraine in 1996.

The president and the parliament decide on this day to enforce, reinforce, form, accept, and reject constitutional changes, along with a consented plebiscite. The people are given the sole authority to decide on the major amendments that are carried out in the parliament, confirming Ukraine as an ideal democratic nation.

Ukraine is a sovereign, secular nation with a comprehensive democratic system of constitution. The constitution of Ukraine was established on 28th June, 1996. So every year, this day – June 28th is celebrated as the ‘Constitution Day’ in Ukraine, to honor the country’s constitution, on the anniversary of signing and promulgation of the national law system and various significant amendments.

Constitution Day Traditions and Activities

Cities and towns honour Constitution Day on June 28 with performances and special events. The Constitution Day is a national holiday across the country. As it is rather new, there is nothing particular or traditional being carried out in order to celebrate it. The Hymn of Ukraine will be broadcasted on all the radios and TV channels or even sung in public gatherings by the people. Fireworks, various public concerts and musical events by popular Ukrainian artists are held across the country to commemorate this day.

Constitution Day is also known as:

Public holiday
Republic Day

Other interesting posts:

Anniversary of Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa’s Accession

Noel — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 05:21:07 +0000

Anniversary of Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa’s Accession Date: June 27

Anniversary of Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa’s Accession is celebrated in Qatar.

June 27 is marked as the Anniversary of Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa’s Accession to the throne of Qatar. Continuing the Al-Thani family’s two centuries rule of Qatar, the Sheikh was acclaimed the Amir in 1995.

Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa History

In 1977, Sheik Hamad was named Crown Prince and at the same time was appointed Minister of Defense. In the early 1980′s he led the Supreme Planning Council, which sets the Qatar’s basic economic and social policies. Since 1992, Sheik Hamad has selected Qatar’s cabinet and been responsible for administering the country’s day-to-day affairs. He has also led the development of Qatar’s oil and natural gas resources.

Qatar is focusing on niche tourism, especially the business segment, as a means of growth for the sector. Under the ambitious five-year development plan of the Qatar Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (QTEA), the government aims to boost the number of visitors from 964,000 as of 2007 to 1.5m by 2010. Qatar is a country on the southwestern side of the Arabian Gulf.

Qatar offers a range of budget and luxury hotels. Qatar Airways can arrange the hotel and visa for you, tel. In this case, there also seems to also be a new regulation in place (2008) to either present a credit card or QAR 5000 at the point of entry – which should generally not be a problem, if you can afford the room.

Qatar Airways, the country’s national airline, is one of the world’s fastest growing carriers with its aircraft fleet of 29 and continuing to grow. Offering approximately 50 international destinations, Qatar Airways has signed a US$5.1 billion deal with Airbus to purchase an additional 32 aircraft during the next five years.

Anniversary of Sheik Hamad Bin Khalifa’s Accession Traditions and Activities

There is little fanfar marking this date.

Other interesting posts:

Somalia Commemorates Its Independence

Noel — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:00:40 +0000

Independence Day: June 26

Independence Day is a public holiday celebrated in Somalia.

Somalia remembers its independence from Britain every year on June 26.

History of Independence Day in Somalia

Somalia has been continuously inhabited by various ethnic groups over the centuries and was once one of the major commercial centers of the world. Its sailors and merchants were the main suppliers of frankincense, myrrh, and spices, which were considered as precious in those days. Somalia’s sailors and traders came in to contact with Islam on the other bank of the Red Sea, and the religion slowly spread. The city of Mogadishu eventually came to be known as the city of Islam, and it controlled much of the gold trade of East Africa for several centuries.

Several powerful Somali empires dominated the east coast. The clouds of imperialism over Somalia alarmed Muhammad Abdullah Hassan who was a Dervish leader. He brought together Somali soldiers from across East Africa, beginning one of the longest colonial resistance wars in African History.

Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, the Dervish leader, was born in the north of the Somali peninsula. He was a religious, nationalist, and controversial leader. He was known as the Mad Mullah, leading the armed resistance against the British, Italian, and Ethiopian forces in Somalia for 20 years.

During World War II, Somalia assisted the Allied powers against the Axis powers. After the war finished, the British still had control of British and Italian Somaliland. In 1949, the United Nations approved a trusteeship of Italian Somaliland to Italy under close supervision. Somali youth leagues, Hizbia Digil Mirifle Somali (HDMS), and the Somali National League (SNL) were all agitating for independence within ten years.

Meanwhile, the British gave back the Haud, which was an important grazing area, to Ethiopia. This was a result of a treaty between the British and Ethiopian Emperor Menelik in return for his help to tame ravaging Somali clans. People expected autonomy, but Ethiopia claimed authority. In 1956, British bid back to buy Somalia but failed. A plebiscite was conducted in the disturbed region whether to join the newly formed Somali Republic. Though most of the people wanted to, the British ceded it to Kenyan nationalists.

British Somaliland became independent on June 26, 1960. The former Italian Somaliland became independent five days later. On July 1, 1960, the regions were united to form the Somali Republic. The boundaries were created by Britain and Italy. Abdullahi Issa formed a government with Aden Abdullah Osman Daar as President and Abdirashid Ali Shermarke as Prime Minister.

Somalia’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

While traditional cultural events and parades take place in Somalia, celebrations aren’t limited to Somalia. In 2009, many events were held in Minneapolis, Minnesota in the United States to help bring some sense of unity to those dispersed by civil war. Historical presentations, cooking demonstrations, and cultural events were all held to unify and teach others about Somalia.

Other interesting posts:

Madagascar Remembers Its Independence

Noel — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 10:00:05 +0000

Independence Day: June 26

Independence Day is a public holiday celebrated in Madagascar.

Madagascar has been isolated from nearby continents for quite a long time. This has resulted in a wide variety of plants, animals, and culture found nowhere else in the world, leading to Madagascar being called the Eighth Continent by some. The people of this country gained full independence on June 26, 1960, and June 26 has been celebrated as Independence since.

History of Independence Day in Madagascar

Madagascar’s history began in the 7th century with many nomadic Arab Muslims setting up their trading posts along the coasts. The king of the island began to extend power through trade with its neighbors. The Sakalava chiefdoms of Menabe and Boina began to dominate considerable area of the island.

Contact with the Europeans began around 1500 when the Portuguese sea caption Diago Dias found the island when his ship got separated from the rest of his fleet. In 1666, Francois Caron of the British East India company sailed to Madagascar. The company established ports on the nearby islands and often referred to Madagascar as “the island of the moon.”

The French invaded Madagascar in 1883 during the Franco-Hova war to restore the properties seized from the French citizens. At the end of the war, Madagascar gave up Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) to the French and paid 560,000 gold stripper francs to the heirs of Joseph Francois Lambert. Later in 1895, the French arrived in Mahajanga and went to the capital, seizing the city.

The Parliament of France passed an act to annex Madagascar, and the royal family was exiled to Algeria. During World War II, troops from Malagasy fought in France, Morocco, and Syria. Before the war, the Germans had planned to deport all Jews to Madagascar.

There was a nationalist uprising in 1947, a time when France’s nationalist feelings were at a low. The uprising was tamed after several months of fighting, but at the cost of many lives. The French created reformed institutions in 1956. They were called the overseas reforms, and it was done by Loi Cadre, moving Madagascar peacefully towards independence. The republic of Malagasy was declared on October 14, 1958 within the French community. Full independence was declared on June 26, 1960.

Madagascar’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Today Madagascar celebrates its independence from France with great pomp and joy. There are colorful festivals in the streets, beckoning tourists who visit this island nation. There are also many contests in which the locals participate, particularly eating and drinking competitions.

Other interesting posts:

Mozambique Celebrates Its Independence

Noel — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:00:58 +0000

Independence Day: June 25

Independence Day is a public holiday celebrated in Mozambique.

Mozambique is a coastal nation in the southeastern part of Africa. The nation lies on the Indian Ocean coast and is bordered by Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The people celebrate their independence from Portugal every year on June 25.

History of Independence Day in Mozambique

Mozambique was primarily inhabited by the Bantu tribe before the Europeans discovered the area. This country was explored by Vasco da Gama on the way to India in 1498. When Vasco da Gama returned home with tales about this land, it prompted other Portuguese settlers to explore and colonize the nation. By the 1530s, the Portuguese took control of the port in Mozambique, and they soon brought the nation under their control. They created a feudal system and became involved in slave trading, thereby exercising full control of the local people.

The Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) was formed in the country in the 1960s. It started as a guerilla organization trying to oust the Portuguese and was influenced by similar movements that took root in other Portuguese colonies like Angola and Guinea-Bissau. The front attacked Portuguese envoys and military installations, strengthening its base in northern rural areas and concentrating on wresting control of Portuguese areas.

The sprouting of nationalist movements across the region caused Portugal to take notice of the plights of the population, implementing many reforms. Portugal faced many internal issues and was not internally stable. The Front for the Liberation of Mozambique used the Portuguese instability to their advantage, defeating the Portuguese. The country was declared independent on June 25, 1975.

FRELIMO formed the first government of the nation by popular support. The new leaders followed a Soviet approach and allied with the Soviet Bloc. It also helped movements against its neighbors, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The nation however went through internal strife and war due to the separatist movement initiated by Mozambican National Resistance. South Africa helped this resistance and even assisted the assassination of the president of the country. In 1990, a new constitution was drawn up and peace returned to the nation.

Mozambique’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Independence Day is marked by parades and processions in the capital. The president and prime minister of the country preside over the parade, usually consisting of military regiments. The day is also used by the government to propagate its various reforms. Various special events to help society are also organized by the international organizations that are involved in the country.

Other interesting posts:

Slovenia Celebrates Its National Day

Noel — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:00:29 +0000

National Day Date: June 25

National Day is a public holiday in Slovenia.

Slovenia celebrates its National Day—often called Statehood Day—on June 25 every year. At various points in its history, this country in central Europe has been a part of various empires and countries. It’s no wonder that Statehood Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

History of National Day in Slovenia

Slovenia was a part of the Roman Empire, Republic of Venice, Carantania, the Habsburg Monarchy, the Austrian Empire, the state of Slovenes, Croatia, Serbia, and Italy. It was under the control of Germany, Italy and Hungary between World War I and World War II. It was known as the Independent State of Croatia between 1941 and 1945. Afterwards, it became a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia until 1991 when it gained independence.

Slovenia’s independence came because of increasing nationalistic tendencies in the southern Slavic nations. The disintegration of Yugoslavia occurred due to the weakening of communism and its ideological dominance during the end of the Cold War.

The call for a separate nation spread through Yugoslavia. This was keenly observed in Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina, but to a lesser extent in Slovenia. These republics wanted greater autonomy in the Federation. In January 1990, the League of Communists broke up in to small republics.

In March 1989, the crisis in Yugoslavia worsened after the creation of amendments which allowed the Serbian republic to effectively re-assert itself in the regions of Vojvodina and Kosovo. The Serbian government proclaimed that the past situation had been unfair. Serbia had control over three of the eight votes in the Yugoslavian presidency and hence it was able to assert its voice on any major issue.

On January 20, 1990, during the fourteenth meeting of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, the republics were not able to agree on the main governance issues prompting theCroatian and the Slovenian delegates to leave the congress. This was the beginning of the disintegration of Yugoslavia.

The first free elections were held. On December 23, 1990, 88 percent voted for an independent nation, and on June 25, 1991, the Republic of Slovenia proclaimed its independence. The next day, Slovenia and Croatia recognized each other as independent states. A war for ten days followed when the Slovenians rejected Yugoslavian military interference.

Slovenia’s National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Statehood Day is known as dan državnosti in the Slovenian language. Though the official declaration of independence came on June 26, 1991, Statehood Day is remembered on June 25, the day on which initial acts of independence were passed. Slovenia has a separate independence day to honor the Plebiscite that favored a new independent state.

Other interesting posts: