Holidays Around The World � Caribbean Islands Holidays

Barbados Celebrates Its Heroes on National Heroes’ Day

Noel — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:45:32 +0000

National Heroes’ Day: April 28

National Heroes’ Day is a public holiday in Barbados.

According the Barbados’ Order of National Heroes Act, those people that have “given outstanding service to Barbados”, “contributed to the improvement of the economic and social conditions of Barbados”, and demonstrated “visionary and pioneering leadership, extraordinary achievement and the attainment of the highest excellence” will be honored every year on April 28, a day set aside as National Heroes’ Day.

History of National Heroes’ Day in Barbados

The country of Barbados has been shaped by the vision and achievement of numerous people, and in 1998, the parliament wanted to recognize those people. In April of that year, Prime Minister Owen Arthur announced that April 28 would be celebrated as Barbados’ National Heroes’ Day. The day would serve as a means of both taking pride in post-independence nationhood and also recognizing the contributions that Barbadians have made. Arthur also announced that Trafalgar Square in Bridgetown would be renamed to National Heroes Square.

The April 28 date was chosen in honor of the birth of Sir Grantley Herbert Adams, one of the ten national heroes remembered every year. The current list of heroes remembered each year is:

Bussa (????-1816)
Sarah Ann Gill (1795-1866)
Samuel Jackman Prescod (1806-1871)
Dr. Charles Duncan O’Neal (1879-1936)
Clement Osbourne Payne (1904-1941)
Sir Grantley Herbert Adams (1898-1987)
Rt. Hon. Errol Walton Barrow (1920-1987)
Sir Hugh Worrell Springer (1913-1994)
Sir Frank Leslie Walcott (1916-1999)
Sir Garfield St. Aubyn Sobers (1936- )

Each of the ten received the title “Right Excellent” as part of the act. The act was amended in 2009 to confer extra privileges to living heroes. For more information about each of these heroes, visit Barbados’ Government Information Service.

Barbados’ National Heroes’ Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Schools are particularly involved every year with spreading awareness of Barbados’ national heroes to the youth. Special historical presentations, re-enactments, and games are typical fare for Barbados’ youth.

Additionally, sports are typical on the island on this day. Games like hockey, soccer, and even chess are to be found. In April and May of 2009, Barbados had its first Heroes Day Cup, a chess tournament celebrating the people and history of the game, with festivities tied directly into the National Heroes’ Day festivities.

In the heart of Bridgetown, many celebrations take place at Heroes Square. Food, music, and fireworks are to be found, with many stalls giving others the opportunity to discover more about Barbados’ culture and the people that have shaped it over the years.

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Aruba Celebrates National Anthem and Flag Day

Carol — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:16:48 +0000

Aruba Day: March 18

Aruba Day is a public holiday in Caribbean Islands.

Aruba, a constituent island nation of the Kingdom of Netherlands, lying just 27 kilometers north of Venezuela of South America, celebrates Aruba Day on the 28th of March every year. It is also locally called as National Anthem and Flag Day. Aruba Day is included in what is called the ABC islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean of which Bonaire and Curaçao are included (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao: The ABC Islands).

Aruba Day commemorates the presentation of its National Anthem and its Flag on March 18, 1976. This marked the celebration of the first National Day in Aruba.

History of Aruba Day

Aruba has no distinct government subdivisions because it forms part and is subjected by the ruling power of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, it maintains legal autonomy when Queen Beatrix conferred autonomous status to Aruba in 1933. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard) is considered as the head of state of Aruba.

Aruba was under the administration of Spain for more than 100 years from 1508 lasting until 1636 when the Dutch took over the island under the leadership of Peter Stuyvesant, a Dutch Director-General of the New Netherland or the present-day New York (USA). Since then, powerful countries including the United Kingdom (1799-1802 and 1805-1816, and protectorate on 1940-1942), and United States of America (1942-1945) took over the administration of the island. However, it should be noted that the petition for Aruban self-administration was requested on 1933, and on March 18, 1976, the flag and national anthem were presented to the Queen of Kingdom of Netherlands.

Aruba Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Apart from the usual parades with contingents coming from different sectors of Aruban society, the local government of Aruba and chiefs organizes cultural shows which usually held at Oranjestad, the country’s capital, especially at Plaza Betico Croes. Games and other fun activities are also organized that caters for adults and kid alike.

Aruba Day is an important public holiday in Aruba and is work-free.

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The Celebration of Commonwealth Day in the British Virgin Islands

Carol — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:12:46 +0000

Commonwealth Day of British Virgin Islands: March 12

Commonwealth Day is a public holiday in British Virgin Islands.

The celebration of Commonwealth Day in British Virgin Islands is in March every year. However, the actual date of celebration may change to the nearest weekend to allow the public to enjoy a longer rest day/weekend.

The Virgin Islands is now called the British Virgin Islands to distinguish the archipelago from the US territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Spanish Virgin Islands of Puerto Rico. The archipelago consists of more than 60 islands and cays with flagship islands such as Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada.

History of Virgin Islands’ (British) Commonwealth Day

The British Virgin Islands was discovered by navigator Christopher Columbus in 1493. The British took control of the archipelago on 1666 and was successfully annexed on 1672. The islands were used to be under a Federal system of government until its dissolution in 1956. Today, the archipelago is administered by a governor, appointed by the Queen of England, who oversees the management of the entire region.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated around the globe by all countries previously colonized by the British. The celebration focuses on international cooperation, free trade among member countries, maintenance of world peace and respect for human rights and democracy for each member nation, among others.

The celebration of the holiday originated in one of the Canadian schools in Ontario, Canada by Clementia Trenholme. It was later adopted in England in 1904 by Lord Meath bearing the name ‘Empire Day’ which was later changed to Commonwealth Day in 1958. The change in name was part of England’s international reorganization within the sphere of nation it colonized before; focusing not on politics but on mutual protection, intergovernmental cooperation (multilateralism), and economic trade.

The Royal Commonwealth Society suggested that the Commonwealth Day be celebrated the same day in all member nations in 1973. Three years later, after much deliberation the proposal was taken into consideration and the holiday was instituted and declared as public holiday in all members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Virgin Islands’ (British) Commonwealth Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

During the holiday, the Queen normally attends political service arranged by the organization’s secretariat and provides inspiration speeches to all members of the Commonwealth of Nation. The traditional Commonwealth Games may be held as well as part of the celebration.

Commonwealth Day is not that popular and widely celebrated across all member states, but some constituent nations do celebrate Queen’s Day; a holiday that marks the celebration of the Queen’s birthday and the nation’s allegiance to the British Crown.

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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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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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Carnival Tuesday Festively Celebrated

Noel — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:00:38 +0000

Carnival Tuesday: February 21

Carnival Tuesday is a public holiday in Angola, Bolivia, Brazil, the Caribbean Islands, Dominica, French Guiana, Panama, Portugal, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

The date of Carnival changes from year to year in Portugal and always falls on a Tuesday. Carnival Tuesday is always seven Sundays before Easter Sunday. Easter is set on the first full moon Sunday after March 21, which is the date of the Spring Equinox in the North Hemisphere.

History of Carnival Tuesday

Carnival Tuesday has its roots in pagan traditions even though it is connected to the Christian Lent season. It was declared by the Catholic Church that before Easter Sunday there would be 40 days of fasting and praying, starting with Ash Wednesday. Some countries called this day Fat Tuesday for the simple reason that since people would have to fast during Lent, they would take advantage of their last days to feast as they could.

The Carnival word may have it’s origin in the fact that it may mean Good Bye Meat. During the Renaissance period, these festivities started to incorporate mask parades in the streets of the cities, which gave origin to what is today the world famous Carnaval in Brazil, Portugal, and other countries influence by Portuguese culture.

Carnival Tuesday Traditions, Customs and Activities

All across Portugal there are private organizations that sponsor the Carnival mask parades that take to the streets and cross the cities during the whole afternoon until late evening, usually ending in dances near the headquarters of the sponsoring organization or local club. People are invited to dress in their favorite costumes and join the parties.

The parades include big colorful cards decorated with funny themes and sometimes critiques of the central government. On this day nobody is taken very seriously since it is a day to enjoy and party, Portuguese politicians receiving with a smile the funny critiques addressed to them. Tourists come to Portugal to watch the parades and enjoy themselves to the sound of samba music, originally imported from the Brazilian carnival.

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Grenada’s Independence Day Celebration

Carol — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:02:43 +0000

Independence Day of Grenada: Feb 7

Independence Day is a public holiday in Grenada.

Grenada celebrates Independence Day on the 7th of February every year. It is a public holiday in the country which marks the Independence of the country from the United Kingdom in February 7, 1974. Grenada’s recorded history started on 1498 where the indigenous communities living in the country called Grenada “Camahogne”.

History of Grenada’s Independence Day

Like many countries in the Carribean, Grenada was invaded by a host of western countries Spanish, English, and French. The latter was successful in claiming total colonization of the land in 1650. Grenada was once one of the wealthiest colony of France and was considered as a strategic location both for naval activities and commerce as a largest producer of sugar.

Fort Royal, St. George today, was Camahogne’s capital back then. By virtue of Treaty of Paris, the French yielded Grenada’s sovereignty to the United Kingdom in 1763. The British colonized the region for more than 200 years until its liberation in 1974. The country assumed a parliamentary system somehow similar to that of its long-time colonizer appointing Governor General recognized by the British Crown and a prime minister which takes care of the state’s internal and external (International) affairs.

Grenada’s Independence Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Grenada celebrates Independence Day with colourful parades, festivals, games, events, and free street concerts. The government also holds national ceremonies honouring those who perished to bring independence in the region. Parades are joined by members of both the private and public sector including schools, The Royal Grenada Police Force, non-government organizations and associations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, etc. As with most public holidays, banks and shops are closed on Independence Day.

Independence Day in Grenada also serves as a bonding time for families. Local events fill the street and major tourist destinations in the country including annual sailing festival organized by communities and sponsors from private companies and the Grenada Board of Tourism.

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The Dominican Republic Remembers Juan Pablo Duarte

Noel — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:00:45 +0000

Juan Pablo Duarte Day: January 23

Juan Pablo Duarte Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic (previously known as the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo) has had a tumultuous history over the years, sharing an island with the people of Haiti. After the Haitians took control of the colony in 1822, various pro-independence groups rose to fight against the Haitians.

One of the most notable was Juan Pablo Duarte, who is celebrated as one of the primary founders of the Dominican Republic. Duarte’s birthday and his work towards independence is honored every year on the closest Monday to the actual date of his January 26 birthday. In 2010, celebrations will fall on Monday, January 25.

History of Juan Pablo Duarte Day in the Dominican Republic

Juan Pablo Duarte was born in Santo Domingo on January 26, 1813, three and a half years after the Spanish Reconquista of the colony from the French Haitians. Duarte studied at the University of Santo Domingo at first, but he wanted to learn more. He went on to study in New York, London, Paris, and Barcelona before eventually returning to Santo Domingo in 1833.

Upon his return, Duarte noted the condition of the colony and its people who increasingly grew frustrated with Haitian rule. The Haitians had again seized the colony in February of 1822 after the people of Santo Domingo briefly flirted with independence. Haiti imposed harsh trading and farming regulations on Dominicans and began forcefully drafting young Dominicans into the Haitian army. The university system collapsed. Taxation and mandatory tributes undermined stability in the region.

From this grew La Trinitaria, a secret society founded by Duarte on July 16, 1838, designed to undermine Haitian rule and promote complete independence. There were many members of La Trinitaria, but of them Ramón Matías Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez stood out in fight for independence, later dubbed as founding fathers of the Dominican Republic along with Duarte.

The revolution against Jean-Pierre Boyer and the Haitian occupation began in 1843, but the first attempt to overthrow Boyer was unsuccessful. Duarte and his companions were at first jailed, but then forced to leave the country. It is speculated that during his exile, Duarte wrote what he saw to be the ideal constitution for a free Dominican Republic.

Loyalists to La Trinitaria again attempted to oust Boyer despite Duarte’s exile, and finally succeeded on February 27, 1844, declaring full independence. Duarte was sent word of the victory and invited to return. Elections were set up, and Duarte was nominated as a candidate for President by the Liberal party on June 12. Duarte was opposed by Pedro Santana, a military man who had originally helped La Trinitaria with the expulsion of the Haitians. However, Santana strongly supported Spanish rule of the island, something that went against the very ideals of La Trinitaria.

Duarte lost the election, and Santana banished Duarte and his loyalists. While La Trinitaria remained active from afar, Santana’s support eroded, leading to revolution and guerrilla warfare during the War of Restoration in the 1860s. Duarte briefly returned during this war for independence, and on March 3, 1865, the Queen of Spain formally withdrew control of the region, leaving it to the people. Duarte died in Caracas, Venezuela in 1876, and his remains were transferred to Santo Domingo in 1884 where a proper burial with state honors was held.

Dominican Republic’s Juan Pablo Duarte Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The tomb of Juan Pablo Duarte rests at the Altar de la Patria in Santo Domingo where people offer flowers and wreathes to remember him. A statue of Duarte in Duarte Park is used as a focal point for celebrations. Parades of military members and children are typical, replete with The Hymn to Juan Pablo Duarte played by a band.

The 2010 celebration of Juan Pablo Duarte and Dominican Heritage Month is overshadowed by the massive earthquake that flattened Haiti on January 12, 2010. On January 18, leaders of all the major political parties met at the General Consulate of the Dominican Republic in New York, agreeing to both solidify aid to Haiti and press forward with the celebration of Duarte and Dominican culture.

“Now more than ever, neighboring Haiti is in urgent need of solidarity from all Dominicans and political parties, and we have a responsibility to become catalysts for a broad movement of support to alleviate the sufferings of the survivors,” said Carlos Felix of the Dominican Liberation Party.

The 2010 festivities are still scheduled to be held as planned in the Dominican Republic.

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Errol Barrow Day Celebrated in Barbados

Noel — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:35 +0000

Errol Barrow Day: January 21

Errol Barrow Day is a national holiday in Barbados.

Social activist and leader Errol Barrow had a huge impact on the country of Barbados and its people. From 1950 until his death on June 1, 1987, Barrow fought for a better Barbados. In memory of the man and his achievements, Barbados celebrates Errol Barrow Day every January 21 as a national holiday.

History of Errol Barrow Day in Barbados

Errol Barrow first became involved in the politics of Barbados in 1951 when he was elected to the Barbados parliament representing the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). He soon became unhappy with the slow approach of the BLP and split off, forming a new political party called the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in 1955.

At the time, Britain still controlled the island as a colony. Progress towards independence was slow, with the people of Barbados not gaining universal suffrage until 1951. Long a colony with a history of slavery and exploitation, Barrow believed strongly in an independent Barbados and worked towards social and governmental reform.

Barrow and the DLP were able to win parliamentary elections in 1961, with Barrow serving as Premier of Barbados. During a constitutional conference in Britain in 1966, Barrow negotiated for Barbados’ independence. After many negotiations, Barbados gained independence on November 30, 1966, making Barrow the first Prime Minister of Barbados.

During his time as premier and prime minister, Barrow and the DLP ushered in many reforms that brought Barbados closer to being economically less dependent on external sources. The tourism industry was bolstered, the industrial sector was expanded, free education was extended to all, and a politic of inclusion was spread.

This policy of inclusion was seen most in his push for greater integration across the Caribbean region. He headed the formation of the Caribbean Free Trade Association in an attempt to economically and culturally tie the Caribbean together. The association evolved into CARICOM in 1973, providing even tighter integration of wealth and foreign policy.

The DLP and Barrow lost in the 1976 elections. He spent 10 years as opposition leader, becoming increasingly vocal against the push to accept handouts from the United States and the Reagan administration. Barrow managed to capture the imaginations of Barbadians in 1986 and served as Prime Minister until his untimely death on June 1, 1987.

Barbados’ Errol Barrow Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

In past years, political divisions have clouded Errol Barrow Day ceremonies, but in the last few years, some positive changes have been seen, bringing more inclusion and togetherness. Originally a day propagated by the DLP and the Barrow family, more people are getting together to celebrate the spirit of Errol Barrow.

It’s worth noting that the holiday is a national holiday. As such, most of the island is virtually shut down. If you pass through during the celebrations, know that little will be open.

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Martin Luther King, Jr. is Commemorated in the United States

Noel — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:00:46 +0000

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 16

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national holiday in the United States and its territories.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national holiday celebrated in the United States commemorating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is celebrated annually on the third Monday in January. The holiday is notable as one of only four federal holidays that recognizes an individual.

History of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prominent spokesman and the chief architect of the non-violent movement for civil rights and racial equality. He was brutally assassinated in the year 1968. It created shockwaves across the nation and Martin Luther King, Jr. was regarded a martyr and a pioneer in the long war against discrimination. His followers wanted to have a day remembering him, and thus, the idea of a holiday came about.

In 1983, President Reagan signed into law the official creation of the holiday, but not without personal opposition to it. Some people declared that an additional paid federal holiday would be too expensive for the States. Others claimed that since King hadn’t held a public office, a celebration of his birthday seemed irrelevant.

A strong outpouring of support across the United States and a huge majority in the House and Senate eventually countered any protest to the holiday’s creation. However, some states continued to resist adopting the holiday or chose to name it something different. It wasn’t until May 2, 2000—when the governor of South Carolina made it an official state holiday—that it became a unanimous nationwide celebration.

The United States’ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

There are various events and activities that mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Many schools, universities, and businesses close down for the day. Speeches and community-wide presentations are often given about the man’s legacy. In some areas, there are also marches and parades. The activities are done to tell the younger generation what Martin Luther King, Jr. strove to accomplish and how to better pursue his dream of racial equality.

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