Holidays Around The World � South America Holidays

St. Blas Day is Celebrated in Paraguay

Noel — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:11:21 +0000

St. Blas Day: February 3

St. Blas Day is a public holiday in Paraguay.

St. Blas Day is celebrated on the 3rd day of February in commemoration of Paraguay’s patron saint, Saint Blas (Blaise or Blase). It is one of the most well-known public holidays of Paraguay.

History of St. Blas Day

St. Blas is known all over the Western countries and recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches and to Armenian Apostolic and Eastern Catholic Churches as a doctor, a bishop of Sebastea in Armenia and most of all a martyr. He was a leader of the Church and persecuted under torture because of his dedication to serving other people and spreading the word of God.

St. Blas Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

St. Blas Day became popular in Paraguay and all over the world because of the “Blessing of Throats” held during his feast day. This day also reminds the people to be aware of their health and body which were given as a gift by our Creator. Until today, the Blessing of Throats continues as a tradition that is celebrated yearly by devotees in faith and hope asking that they will be blessed with another year of good health and prosperity.

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Feast of the Immaculate Conception Celebrated by Christians

Noel — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:00:51 +0000

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Date: December 8

Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a religious observance for Christians all over the world.

On December 8, Christians all over the world celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is a day to celebrate the dogma of the conception of Mary, mother of Jesus, without any stain of the original sin.

History of the Immaculate Conception

On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX in the Constitution Innefabilis Deus stated that Mary, as Mother of Jesus Christ by a singular privilege and grace granted by God and previewing the merits of Jesus Christ, at the moment of her conception was preserved from all stain of the original sin. Therefore, as many people mistakenly think, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception isn’t about the conception of Jesus, celebrated on March 25. Instead, it is based on the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The first celebrations of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception were organized by the early Church in Palestine during the seventh century, which at the time celebrated it more in focus with the role of the Virgin Mary in the history of Salvation than just the fact that her conception was indeed immaculate from the original sin. Later the feast spread to Christian the world within the monastic communities. Gradually the feast was celebrated in the cathedrals and later was finally approved by the Church and State as a holiday.

For years there was discussion among theologians about the exactitude of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This led to delays in accepting the feast in many dioceses in Europe, and only in 1854 was the case settled and the Feast accepted universally. In 1847, Pope Pius IX proclaimed Mary, under the title of her Immaculate Conception, as patroness of the United States. Since then the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is the patron feast of the United States.

Many Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 9, placing the conception of Mary nine months less one day from the feast of her birth on September 8. The omitted day symbolizes that Mary was not in whole perfect as a human.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday in many countries, and it is a holy day of obligation for all Christians, meaning that they are obliged to participate in Mass and abstain from work that will disturb their focus on God through mind and body.

The predominant color for the day is white, and Christian communities emphasize the day with celebrations dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and spending time with family. In some countries there are processions which initiate the celebrations of Christmas. In Spain there is a tradition called the Dance of the Six in which young children dressed in jeweled clothes run through the streets holding a large figure of Mary as high as they can.

In Nicaragua the faithful set up altars at the entrance of their homes as a sign of thankfulness for the favors that the Virgin Mary has showed them during the year, while this neighbors come to the altar and sing songs to receive gifts and candies. In the afternoon around 6 p.m., people light up firecrackers in the streets in celebration of the day. Around Europe, since this is a non-working day in many countries, there are several cultural initiatives organized by the local dioceses. It is day to celebrate Mother Mary and look forward to Christmas.

For many years this day was celebrated as Mother’s Day, and it still is in Panama. However, it has been recently moved to the second Sunday of May in many Christian countries.

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Suriname Celebrates its Independence

Noel — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:00:32 +0000

Independence Day: November 25

Independence Day is a public holiday in Suriname.

Suriname celebrates Independence Day on November 25, remembering the day in 1975 when Suriname was granted full independence from the Netherlands.

History of Independence Day in Suriname

By the 17th century, Suriname was mainly occupied by plantation colonies from the British and the Dutch, taking advantage of the fertile Guyana plains. Some disputes arose between the colonizing nations, and in 1667, there was an agreement between the two. The Dutch kept the plantation colony of Suriname, and the English were left with New Amsterdam, now known as New York City.

The Dutch planters had hundreds of slaves that did all the work in the plantations of coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, and cotton. Due to bad treatment, some of the slaves conspired to escape, and after they escaped, those slaves joined together in the rain forests for protection. They were called Bosnegers (bush Negroes) by the Dutch or Maroons by the British. The Maroons would frequently raid the plantations to free other slaves, rescue women, and gather guns, food and other supplies. They would frequently kill the plantation owners and their families in the process.

Slavery was abolished in 1863; however, the slaves were given a mandatory 10 years of work on the plantations in exchange for minimal pay. By 1873, the slaves abandoned the plantations, and the Dutch brought into Suriname new workers from Indonesia, India, China, and the Middle East. This made Suriname one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries in the world.

In 1954 Suriname transitioned to a system of limited self-governance with the Netherlands in control of defense and foreign affairs. In 1973, the NPK, a leading government party, opened negotiations that culminated with full independence for Suriname in November 25, 1975. The Dutch government in the following decades aided Suriname and its economy, receiving much of the population of Suriname that wanted to leave the country.

Suriname’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The celebrations of independence in Suriname are mainly held in the Paramaribo Presidential Palace, a grand colonial era building fronted by the Independence Square. The Palace is open during the day for visitors, and the president addresses Suriname with a speech. Police officers and soldiers parade in front of the palace, and the parades are followed by the presidential reception, open to guests. On the streets, colorful flags are raised on public buildings and private houses.

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Proclamation of the Republic Day Celebrated in Brazil

Noel — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:00:36 +0000

Proclamation of the Republic Day: November 15

Proclamation of the Republic Day is a public holiday in Brazil.

Like many other countries of the world, Brazil grappled with slavery issues in the nineteenth century. The combination of calls for abolition, distrust of the Empire, and widespread economic chaos led to an underground movement supporting the formation of a republic. The successful creation of that republic on November 15, 1889 is celebrated today as Proclamation of the Republic Day in Brazil.

History of Proclamation of the Republic Day in Brazil

Manuel Deodoro da Fonseca was a notable military man in Brazil’s military during the nineteenth century. The country, under the control of the monarchical Empire of Brazil, had its fair share of revolts and revolutions, and Fonseca played a strong part in quieting those rebellions. He also participated in the War of the Triple Allegiance, gaining enough notoriety to quickly move up the rank of full marshal. He became a popular figure among Brazil’s citizens and soldiers.

At the same time, the Empire was struggling with how to manage slavery in the country. King Pedro I supported abolition, but law-making power resided primarily in the hands of conservative pro-slavery parliament. The conservatives argued that slavery was essential to foundation of the Empire and its success. Regional rebellions were spawned because of the conservatives’ policies.

By the 1860s, a growing republican movement was taking shape in provincial portions of Brazil. Tired of the worsening economic conditions, the republican movement latched on to the idea of abolition as a way to spread propaganda. Slowly opinions changed within the monarchy, and slavery was abolished on May 13, 1888.

But the damage was already done to the Empire; abolition essentially signed the death sentence of the monarchy. After the triumph of abolition, the republican’s style of propaganda became more direct and threatening, and had already worked its way into the military ranks, causing many soldiers to secretively conspire against the monarchy. The efforts of men like Minister Ouro Preto to guard against the crumbling of the monarchy were not enough.

Meanwhile, the republicans had been making overtures to Marshall Fonseca, suggesting that he aid them with an overthrow of Emperor Pedro II. Fonseca, a man of loyalty, rebuffed the republicans on many occasions, but even Fonseca couldn’t help but notice the complacency that had taken hold within the Empire. Eventually, Marshall Fonseca agreed to speak with them. Days later, as the republicans prepared a coup against Emperor Pedro II, Fonseca shed his remaining scruples and joined the cause despite his repugnancy for the republican ideal.

In the early morning hours of November 15, 1889, the First and Ninth Cavalry Regiments and the Second Artillery Battalion of the emperor’s own military revolted and took control of the military headquarters where the government’s ministers had been staying the night. Minster Preto tried to gather resistance but fell short. He surrendered as head of government and sent word to the Emperor. Marshall Fonseca and the republicans took control and that evening, the proclamation of the republic was announced to the people of the capital. Thus began a new age in Brazil as the monarchy was dissolved and a provisional republican government was put into place.

Brazil’s Proclamation of the Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The people of Brazil celebrate Proclamação da Republica (the Proclamation of the Republic) every year on November 15, remembering the bloodless coup that endeavored to bring new freedom to the people of Brazil.

In 2009, the country celebrated the 120 year anniversary of the event. During a major speech, Senator Cristovam Buarque noted that the country still works towards a true republic, stating that the country currently doesn’t provide equal opportunity for all. He also noted the prevalence of illiteracy in the country, a major barrier to fulfilling the promise of a republic.

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Chile Celebrates Independence Day

Noel — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 03:32:09 +0000

Chile Independence Day: September 18

Chile celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.

Every year on September 18, Chile celebrates the Independence Day to commemorate its freedom from Spanish rule.

History of Chile Independence Day

Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to visit what is now Chile. In 1535, Spain completed its invasion of Peru under Francisco Pizarro. Diego de Almagro, one of Pizarro’s aides, went into Chile to look for gold. The gold-hunting expedition spent nearly three years without any and then later withdrew to Peru.

In 1540, another of Pizarro’s officers, Pedro de Valdivia, led a second expedition into southern Chile. Valdivia succeeded in establishing several settlements despite fierce resistance from the Araucanians. The only Native American people who were not immediately subdued by the Spanish attack were the Araucanians.

In the Spanish colonial era, Chile developed slowly, because it had neither important silver or gold deposits to interest the Spanish nor natives who were willing to do hard labor. Furthermore, it was far from the main centers of Spanish colonization in Peru. Chile supplied Peru with agricultural products, especially wheat.

In 1810, Chile took the opportunity free itself from Spanish rule when they learned that the king of Spain had been forced out by Napoleon I of France . On September 18 of that year. The Santiago town council overthrew the colonial governor of Chile on September 18, 1810. This marked the formal establishment of Chile’s independence from Spain. After four years, the Spanish viceroy of Peru reclaimed Chile. Nevertheless, the yearning for independence was already strong.

Chile Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Days before the 18th of September, the festivities start off with festivals, food, drinks, dances and parades. The national anthem is sung with great pride from all corners of the city.

There are also kite flying competitions and religious ceremonies. Santiago and its surrounding areas get to witness the arts and crafts, performances from school children, folkloric plays, beverages and local cuisine.

The rodeo arenas are crowded with audiences who cheer on the huasos showing their craft inside the arena. The crowds thoroughly enjoy the traditional dances.

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Brazil Marks Independence Day

Noel — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:35:35 +0000

Brazil Independence Day Date: September 7

Independence Day is a public holiday in Brazil.

Brazil was officially free from the hands of the Portuguese with the declaration of its independence in September 7, 1822.

History of Brazil Independence Day

Dom João VI (1769-1826) never ruled an independent Brazil, yet historians call him the “Founder of the Brazilian Nationality.”

The Portuguese government was not so enthusiastic about Dom João’s plans to install and stay in a new kingdom in Brazil. It sent troops in 1820 to assist his return to Portugal. He returned to Portugal thus leaving his 23-year-old son Pedro in charge of Brazil.

Latin American countries during the latter part of the 19th Century were rife with revolutions and aspirations of independence. Pedro recognized that Brazil is not different from the others and would soon wish for independence too. Pedro disobeyed an order for him to return to Portugal. He became emboldened as the Brazilian people and the senate bestowed upon him the title of Protector and Perpetual Defender of Brazil. Pedro seized the moment when the Portuguese parliament wished to reinstate Brazil to colonial status. On September 7, 1822, after receiving orders from the Portuguese parliament to curb his powers, on September 7, 1822, Pedro declared Brazil’s in São Paulo.

Britain and Portugal recognized Brazilian independence by signing a treaty on August 29, 1825.

Brazil Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Thousands of impassioned Brazilians gather each year to celebrate the Brazilian Independence. People congregate at the roadsides celebrating with banners, balloons and streamers. Students take part in the morning flying the Brazilian flag. A carnival is held the all daylong. People of all ages take part and have a good time. In the evening amazing fireworks lit up the clear Brazilian sky.

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Peru celebrates Santa Rosa of Lima

Noel — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Santa Rosa of Lima Date: August 30

Santa Rosa of Lima is celebrated as a public holiday by Peru.

Peru celebrates Santa Rosa of Lima death anniversary on 30th of August. It was on the seventeenth century that the resident in Lima gained popularity due to its nature of caring for the sick and shunning sin. El Dia de Santa Rosa de Lima is celebrated on August 30th throughout the country, especially in Santa Rosa de Quives in the department of Lima.

History of Santa Rosa of Lima

Santa Rosa of Lima is the name, which was given to a woman from Lima in the XVII Century. It was on April 20 1586, that the birth of Santa Rosa de Lima took in the place called Peru. She was baptized as Isabel de Herrera initially at home only when she was small but as she grew up she was baptized at the church of San Sebastian. The complexion and features of her was so appealing that later on she was named Rose. Her face was praised such a lot that there was a fear in the mind of her that may be she will develop pride and she might be cause of the distraction for the one worshipping God.

So, as the year passed, she used chagrin in order to focus itself on praying and even letting others not to be distracted. In order to devote herself only to God and to avoid getting married she tried to make herself unattractive by rubbing very hot peppers on her face and filled her hand with hot lime so that she was not liked by the suitors. The home which she stayed was not big enough but there she use to spend whole time mediating and devoting her time to Blessed Mother and Christ. Still after so much if she found her to be attractive she kept on adopting measures such as keeping hair short and hand rough by doing labor.

Finally St. Rose became a part of Third Order of St. Dominic. She changed her clothing style and wore simple one and took an eternal oath of chastity. This dedication towards God the beginning of an increase in her penance. The crown worn by her was made of metal which was adorned with roses and an iron chain round the waist. More fasting less sleep had become a routine for her. Thus she led a very hardship life and devotes herself to God. Her spiritual solace was raised. Finally at the age of 31 she still continue praying but with lot of pain and eventually she expired on August 30, 1617.

Santa Rosa of Lima Celebration

This festival gets celebrated all across the nation. There is a special Quechua emphasis within Santa Rosa de Quives, which is located in the Lima highlands. This day is celebrated with hordes of worshippers grouping to the shelter of the same name, located on Avenida Tacna in the historical centre of the city. It is a very important feast day for the Peru and it is mostly declared as a holiday. It is tradition to drop good will letter into the hollow where Saint Rose tossed the key of her belt of penance.

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Uruguay celebrates Independence Day

Noel — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:19:53 +0000

Uruguay Independence Day Date: August 25

Uruguay celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.

August 25th is celebrated as the Independence Day of Uruguay. Located to the east of Uruguay River, Uruguay got its name because of its geographic location as well as for historic reasons. It’s called Orientals, even though its situated in the Western hemisphere. Uruguay, also known as Banda Oriental, was once the colony of the Spain.

History of Independence Day in Uruguay

A Spanish Navigator, Juan Diaz de Solis from Castille Kingdom, discovered the territory of Uruguay in 1512. Uruguay was initially mainly a Spanish colony. The struggle for the independence of Uruguay began in 1811. With the bravery of the Captain of Blandengues, Jose Gervasio Artigas, who for the first time raised his voice against the Spanish rule, the Birth of the independence struggle in Uruguay took place. The Captain took his army and entered into a battle with the Spanish at the battle of the Las Piedras on the May 18, 1811. The first victory of the captain in this battle against the Spanish, brought strength among the others to wage a war against the Spanish and prepare for similar other movements and battle.

It was on 1816 that the Artigas was finally defeated. In 1821, Banda Oriental was made as the separate province referred as Provincia Cisplatina. After almost four years thirty-three Juan Antonio Lavalleja-led exiles at Buenos Aires returned to Uruguay. Again with the help of the troops of Argentine planned a revolution. This revolution was very inspiring for everyone especially for the Banda Oriental which ultimately made the Uruguay’s independent .It was no more under the control of Portuguese Empire. After three year the Uruguay independence got recognized by Argentine & Brazil in Montevideo Treaty. Thus 25th August was declared as an independence day for the Uruguay.

Independence Day in Uruguay Traditions, Customs and Celebrations

Independence Day signifies that the country is now free and it is no more under the rule of anyone. A feel of freedom is aroused within each and every citizen. It is declared as a national holiday and all the people come together to celebrate this day in a grand way. As this day comes after a lot of struggle and hardship. So undoubted there will be lot of excitement and joy among the people. This day remind the citizens of the Uruguay that it was due to efforts of many that it is free and so they should respect the day.

On this day school, colleges and the working of a country are suspended. The national heroes, who worked hard to make the country independent, are honored, national flag is hoisted, and parade takes place and many more. There are some communities, which makes this day and aims at rising of funds for institutions such as hospitals and rural schools in Australia and Uruguay, many events are organized. It is a night of concerts and fireworks. Thus, this way to help out the needy ones. Every year, people try to make this day very attractive and memorable.

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Argentina remembers the Death of San Martin

Noel — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:51:46 +0000

Argentina Death of San Martin Date: August 16

Death of San Martin is a public holiday in Argentina.

Argentina is country of South America constituting of 23 provinces and the second largest country in Argentina. It is also considered to be eight largest countries in the world and one of the largest Spanish speaking nations. The history behind the domination of Spanish language in this country is that it was invaded by the Spanish rulers during the early 17th century and many of their descendents still live here. Argentina got their independence on 9th July, 1816. It is a major contribution come from the freedom fighter San Martin. The people here still remember him for his bravery.

History of the Death of San Martin

The history of Argentina began when Spain gained control over Argentina since the 17th century. They entered the territory as foreign invaders with Napoleon Bonaparte as their leader. He ravaged the people of the citizens and made them slaves. Agriculture was the main source of money and it was totally taken over by the rulers. The civilians worked like slaves in their own country land. After a long fight for independence, it came in the dawn of 1816 when the King of Spain withdrew the Spanish soldiers from the land of Argentina. A document was signed between the two countries regarding the treaty of union nations and Argentina became a democratic country.

Death of San Martin Traditions and Activities

San Martin had been the major hero, who brought the light of independence in the country. He was the master min behind planning the rebellion that broke out against Spain. He assembled all the residents, slaves and farmers to revolt against the rulers. It was unfortunate that he was assassinated by the Spanish government, but he really lit the real flam for outburst of independence.

The present citizens of Spain always remember him on the Independence Day of Argentina for his immense contribution. Memorable statues and historical museums have been built to keep his memories alive. It is only because of him that Argentina is what it is today and one of the most advanced countries in technology, architecture, sports and business. He is always held in high esteem for his bravery and devotion to the nation.

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Ecuador Independence Day

Noel — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:43:46 +0000

Ecuador Independence Day Date: August 10

Ecuador celebrates Independence Day as a public holiday.

August 10th, 1830, is celebrated as the Independence Day in Ecuador. May 24, 1822, is celebrated as the first Independence Day for Ecuador against its independence from Spain. The Spanish started spreading their roots here around 1532
and slowly started establishing the pillars of their kingdom. But it was not before 1809 that the inhabitants of Ecuador revolted for the first time against the Spanish rule Thus the First major attempt for independence started nearly 300 years of Spanish colonization in 1809, but unfortunately it continued only for 24 days and the Spanish army regained control over Quito, the capital of Ecuador.

Ecuador Independence Day History

Simón Bolívar, who first raised his voice against the Spanish rule, along with the leadership of city’s criollos, which included Eugenio Espejo, Bishop Cuero y Caicedo and Carlos Montúfar, commenced the fight for freedom in Venezuela and Colombia.

On 7 august 1819, in the battle of Boyaca, the victory of Simón Bolívar had preserved the independence of the Nueva Granada’s former Viceroyalty. Now to the south, on September 8, 1820, José de San Martin, after landing the Army on Peruvian coast, started preparing for the independence of Peru’s Viceroyalty. Then on October 9, 1820, after a bloodless revolt against the Spanish, Guayaquil, the port city, claimed its independence.

The news of Guayaquil Independence spread like fire in the other cities of Presidencia, and thus leading to similar movements in other parts of the province. On 18 October 1820 Portoviejo, declared itself as an independent entity. Similar activity was followed in Cuenca, the Economic centre of southern highlands on November 3rd, 1820 .Finally on 24th May, 1822, the two year long, Battle of Pichincha, took place on the slopes of Pichincha volcano, next to the city of Quito ,which marked the defeat of the Spanish army.

Ecuador Independence Day Traditions and Activities

August 10, 1830, is also known as ‘El Primer Grito de Independence’ as the local name for Independence Day of Ecuador. It is widely celebrated throughout the region as a National Holiday. It marks as the beginning of a new era for the Ecuadorians .People celebrates this day with fun and enjoyment. Various cultural programs and events are organized for this day in different parts of the country and especially in the capital city of Quito.

In Quito, the events are organized in Plaza de la Independencia and the Palacio de Gobierno .The whole city is lit up beautifully. Military parades and cultural events are also held for rejoicing on this wonderful occasion. To add to the list, various agricultural, and poultry fair along with dances and music parades also take place displaying the rich culture and tradition of this country.

This celebration highlights every aspect of the cultural diversity and joy of this country and its people. People of the country residing in United States of America also celebrate this day in United States. The immigrant community at United States of America organizes various kinds of music, sports and cultural shows and programs to celebrate this day.

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