Holidays Around The World � South America Holidays

Brazil Celebrates Tiradentes Day

Carol — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:25:15 +0000

Brazil’s Tiradentes Day: April 21

Tirandentes Day is a public holiday in Brazil.

Brazil commemorates the martyrdom of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier popularly known as ‘Tiradentes’ (Tooth Puler), who lived from August 16, 1746 to April 21, 1792. Brazil’s Tiradentes is celebrated every 21st of April every year.

Tiradentes, an educated dentist is considered as Brazil’s national hero after he led an organization, the Inconfidencia Mineira in Minas Gerais, which seeks to liberate Brazil from Portugal’s rule. He was executed publicly in a plaza (now called Praça Tiradentes) in Rio de Janeiro by hanging. It was noted that his body was dismembered afterwards.

History of Brazil’s Tiradentes Day

Tiradentes was raised by tutor and surgeon after the death of his parents. During his lifetime, he worked as a miner, cattle driver, and as a dentist. He also joined a special military reserved called Regimento dos Dragões de Minas Gerais militia.

The position he holds in the government (alferes) made him more aware of the injustices happening in Brazil especially in the gold mining industry in which Portugal was crazy about during that time. He was exposed to just how much gold is leaving Brazil through unabated gold mining; gold that were later being transported to Portugal.

Tiradentes met several important people which later became his allies in his fight towards Brazil’s independence. He met with José Alvares Maciel, Cláudio Manuel da Costa, Tomás Antônio Gonzaga, and Alvarenga Peixoto. Together, they formed a liberation movement called Inconfidência Mineira encouraging Brazilian citizens to fight for freedom and independence from Portugal.

The organization was met with strong opposition from the Portugal’s crown. It later commanded the local government of Portugal to neutralize Tiradentes along with other conspirators.

A member of the organization named Joaquim Silverio dos Reis betrayed Tiradentes and the organization and exposed the group’s activities to release him of his responsibilities for his taxes.

Tiradentes along with his compatriots were sentenced to death. His companions’ sentence was later lessened but his death was assured so that on April 21, 1792, he was hanged in public in what today’s Praça Tiradentes. His body was quartered (dismembered) and paraded around the region (Vila Rica) to scare the public and discourage them to join the rallies towards independence.

He was made national hero in the late 19th century after the proclamation of Brazil’s first republic on 1889.

Brazil’s Tiradentes Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

During the holiday, famous government officials pay respect to Tiradentes by laying wreath on his monument in Praça Tiradentes. Traditional government ceremonial speech is held in honor of Tiradentes in order to remember his bravery in leading a movement which seeks to liberate Brazilians from oppressive Portugal’s rule.

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Venezuela Celebrates Declaration of Independence

Carol — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:09:26 +0000

Independence Day: April 19

Independence Day is a public holiday in Venezuela.

The people of Venezuela commemorate the anniversary of their Declaration of Independence on April 19. The Venezuelan War of Independence was led by General Simón Bolívar.

Venezuela’s independence from Spain was announced on July 5, 1811 while the July 13, 1830 is marked with its separation from Gran Colombia. Its full independence was widely recognized on March 10, 1845. The country’s official name is República Bolivariana de Venezuela (English: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The Declaration of Independence which is a public holiday celebrated on April 19 should be distinguished from the celebration of Independence Day on the 5th of July.

History of Venezuela’s Declaration of Independence

Venezuela has long been part of the Spanish colonial rule starting on 1522. The march for independence intensified when the Spanish Empire fell on the hands of French under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte.

A series of uprising and revolt led to further destabilization of local colonial government rule in Venezuela. One of the personalities in Venezuela’s march to independence was spearheaded by Francisco de Miranda. Miranda declared the country’s independence on July 5, 1811 creating the First Venezuelan Republic. The first republic fell down after natural disasters and civil wars toppled the then government of Venezuela. In an attempt to reestablish the free government of Venezuela, a second Venezuelan republic was created on August 7, 1813.

On June 24, 1821, the Battle of Battle of Carabobo broke out. The war was led by Simón Bolívar with his compatriots José Antonio Páez and Antonio José de Sucre. In the same manner, José Prudencio Padilla and Rafael Urdaneta led a successful revolt in the war against the Spaniards in the Battle of Lake Maracaibo further clearing the way to the independence of Venezuela.

With Bolívar’s success in his call for Venezuela’s independence from Spanish rule, he founded Gran Colombia in 1819, an association of countries in northern portion of South America which includes Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. Venezuela broke away from Gran Colombia on January 13, 1830 owing to a successful revolt made by Páez in hopes of creating a new and independent state. Stability in terms of independence was not seen until its eventual recognition of independence on March 30 1845.

Venezuela’s Declaration of Independence: Traditions, Customs and Activities

During the holiday, Venezuelans in major cities and towns organize musical and concert events on the street with live performances from local artists. At night, huge fireworks light up the sky of cities and towns.

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Maundy Thursday Observed by Christians Around the World

Noel — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:00:27 +0000

Maundy Thursday: April 1

Maundy Thursday is a religious observance for Christians all over the world.

Maundy Thursday is a Christian feast that is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter. This day celebrates the final meal of Jesus Christ with his apostles in the Cenacle, just before his Passion. It is celebrated after Holy Wednesday and before Good Friday. It is also known as Holy Thursday, Thursday of Mysteries, and Great and Holy Thursday.

History of Maundy Thursday

Maundy derives from the Latin word mandatum, meaning “commandment”. At the table of the Last Supper, Jesus gave the Apostles a new commandment: “And I now give you a new commandment, love one another. As I loved you, so you must love one another,” from the Gospel of John.

It was also the night when Jesus instituted the Eucharist, as he said that the disciples should break the bread in his memory. The Last Supper was served in the Cenacle or Upper Room, believed to be the house owned by John Mark and his mother, Mary. It was the same room where the apostles gathered after the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Christian Churches during Mass on Maundy Thursday will follow certain common traits like the forgiving of venial and deadly sins, the washing of the feet, the blessing of the oil to be used in sacraments, the ceasing of the bells until Easter Sunday, and the stripping of the altar. All are symbols of the night of the Last Supper.

Maundy Thursday Traditions, Customs and Activities

On Maundy Thursday, all over the world, Christians celebrate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with a special Eucharist, during which the celebrating priest will wash and kiss the feet of chosen people from the community. During the morning Mass, the local Bishop will bless oils which will later be used in different sacraments such as baptism. After the mass, as psalms and antiphons are recited, the altar is left empty. The altar is a symbol of Christ, and its emptiness represents the way that he was abandoned by the apostles.

Vigils are held during the night, in remembrance of what happened to Jesus after the Last Supper in Gethsemane just before he was arrested. The churches are decorated in royal purple or red violet, the colors of Lent. Some communities of Christians on this day also organize pot-luck dinners, in significance of the communion lived among the disciples and Jesus during the Last Supper.

In Germany it is known as Green Thursday, and the traditional foods served on this day are green vegetables and green salad. This tradition is also followed in some Latin American countries. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, groups of children shake with wooden rattles in the place of the church bell. In several countries there is a tradition of people visiting seven churches as a sign of penance. In Sweden the day is related to the day of witches, a time when children dress as witches and knock on doors to get candies, just like Halloween in the United States.

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The Events of Holy Week

Carol — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 21:17:52 +0000

Holy Week starts on the Tuesday preceding Easter.

Holy Week is public holidays in Guatemala and Uruguay.

The Holy Week occurs on the last week of Lent preceding Easter, or commonly known as a Resurrection Day of the Christ Jesus. Lent is the forty-day period counting from Ash Wednesday until Black Saturday with Sundays excluded from counting.

The Roman Catholic Church has prescribed rules on the observance of Holy Week which includes fasting, self-denial, penitence, prayer, and thanksgiving. The event commemorates the suffering of Jesus Christ (Passion of Christ) and his eventual death by crucifixion.

The celebration of Holy Week varies from year to year simply because the date of Easter in Christian liturgical calendar varies yearly. For 2010 for example, the celebration of Easter was marked on April 4, the week preceding that date is the Holy Week. If you count 40 days back from April 4, excluding Sundays, that will point back to Ash Wednesday which was observed on February 17.

History of Holy Week

There are no records with clear-cut accounts to Holy Week, but indirect reference was made on Apostolical Constitutions written in the late 400AD commanding the faithful, especially the clergy, on the rules of observance of Easter and the week before it.

Codex Theodosianus, laws compiled during the time of the Holy Roman Empire also provides guidelines on the cessation of administration and conduct of justice in the courts of law. Later, accounts in the book ‘The Pilgrimage of Etheria’ describes how early Churches observe the holiday along with its completion.

During the time of the Holy Roman Empire, Christians give Palm Sunday, the Sunday preceding Holy Week, special attention through celebration. Today, Palm Sunday is commemorated by Catholics by bringing with them palm leaves during mass service with the clergy focusing their sermons on the life of Jesus especially on his successful entry into Jerusalem and his life leading to crucifixion. The books of the Bible namely Matthew, Mark, and Luke are read during the religious discourse.

Maundy Thursday; The Last Supper

The Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus and His disciples’ Last Supper. It is also the day when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet.

Disciple John who is an author of one of the books in the Bible offers details of Jesus’ life on this day (John 13 – 17). Mathew, Mark, and Luke also share the same stories about Jesus’ before his crucifixion (Luke 22:14-35, Matthew 26:20-30, Mark 14:17-26).

The word “Maundy” came from Latin “Mandatum novum” which means ‘new commandment’ as written on John 13:34. This simply means that the Lord Jesus gave new mandate given by Jesus upon his disciples where it says,

”A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another as I have loved you.”Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos

In 2010, Maundy Thursday falls on April 1.

Good Friday

Good Friday is known as the day which commemorates the death of Jesus by crucifixion. The liturgical color that describes this day is red (previously black). The faithful, especially among the Catholics, consider this day as a day of strict fasting. It’s when full abstinence on meat and other bodily desires, and penance is observed. It is also known as Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion and Great Friday.

Some of the great traditions on Good Friday are the reading or singing of the Gospel of John (John 18:1-19:4), or part of it, in the Roman Catholic Church. Also, the cross is venerated usually by kneeling before it or kissing part of it as a sign of respect. People usually stop any form of work at 3:00 PM, a time when Jesus was believed to have died on the cross at Calvary.

Good Friday is scheduled on April 2 for this year (2010).

Holy Saturday; Latin: Sabbatum Sanctum

The Holy Saturday is the day just before Easter, and is the last day of Lent. Holy Saturday falls on April 3 in 2010. The clergy usually wears violet or purple as a Liturgical sign on this day.

The Holy Saturday represents Jesus lying in the tomb until his eventual resurrection on Easter. For the faithful, this is the time to reflect on the Lord’s passion faithfully waiting for the Lord’s resurrection on Easter.

The Roman Catholics consider this tradition as the Hour of the Mother or Mary. Just as Mary waited for her son’s triumph over death, the faithful also contemplate on this day as they wait for Christ’s resurrection on Easter.

Holy Week: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Christians, especially the members of the Catholic Churches such as the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Roman Catholic Church follows strict fasting and penance (remorse for past misconducts).

Pope Paul VI in 1966 made clearer rules on how penance and fasting should be done in order to provide the clergy and the public a guide that encompasses both the individuals who are required to fast and the type of food that should be avoided.

Meat is basically forbidden, including processed food made of fat and meat, and milk products but excluding eggs. However, soup made of meat juices are permitted such as chicken broth, soups cooked from meat or event the flavored ones.

Pilgrimage is also encouraged. However, since International travel is expensive, most people would content themselves in visiting local churches and pilgrimage sites which is still seen as acts that are in keeping with the said obligation.

In the Philippines where the majority of the population are Roman Catholics, visita iglesia or church visits is a tradition during Holy Week. The faithful would usually choose to visit seven (7) local churches and say a prayer and their wishes during each visit. This tradition is in fact an old practice of penance among the Catholics in old Rome.

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Argentina’s Day of the War Veterans and the Fallen in the Malvinas War

Noel — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 02:31:27 +0000

Veterans Day: April 2

Veterans Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Argentina

After the war between Argentina and the United Kingdom, which resulted in a new British Occupation of Malvinas Isles (Falkland) region, the government of Argentina declared the 2nd of April as a national celebration day for the Veterans. This public holiday is also known to Argentineans as Dia de Malvinas or Malvinas Day.

History of Veterans Day in Argentina

The Malvinas War was considered as one of the principal wars from a series of amphibious attacks since the Pacific operation in World War II which lasted for nearly five months.

Argentina was then claiming the Malvinas Islands since it has been under its ruling power long before 1833. However, the United Kingdom insisted that it has been governing the island since 1833 over a law that has not been ordained or officially established or what we know as a de facto sovereignty.

The conflict between the two countries got even worse and on April 2, 1982, Argentina authoritatively invaded the Malvinas Islands. The military troops were composed of 84 Special Forces led by Lieutenant Commanding Officer Guillermo Sanchez-Sabarots and Lieutenant Commandant Pedro Giachino. As a counter attack, the United Kingdom established a task force to also claim the Islands.

The European Community denounced the attacks made by the Argentineans and the country was put under economic sanctions. Germany even abolished its military bonds with the country. The British won over the war against Argentina and the Malvinas Islands remained under the rule of the United Kingdom.

After the war, recorded deaths reached a total of 907 in which 649 were Argentineans.

Veterans Day in Argentina Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Malvinas War served to be Argentina’s one of the most tragic period in their history. As a tribute to the heroes of the war, the country officially proclaimed on November 22, 2000 to make the 2nd of April as the Day of the War Veteran and the Fallen in the Malvinas War.

Yearly during this celebration, the Malvinas veterans gather in an event of speeches and activities dedicated to them and the victims of the war.

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Truth and Justice Day Commemorated in Argentina

Noel — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:00:54 +0000

Truth and Justice Day: March 24

Truth and Justice Day is a public holiday in Argentina.

In Argentina, March 24 is celebrated as National Memorial Day for Truth and Justice. This day was established to commemorate the victims of the National Reorganization Process that started in 1976 with a coup. This military dictatorship, known in Argentina as the Última Dictadura, or Last Dictatorship, lasted until 1983.

History of Truth and Justice Day in Argentina

Juan Domingo Peron was a popular Argentine leader, acting as President of Argentina on three occasions. However, he had to flee into exile due to pressure and persecution by Argentina’s military, one that had always found a way to interfere with politics. Peron was democratically elected President for the third time in 1973, but died shortly in July 1974. His vice-president was his wife, Isabel Martinez de Peron, but she was weak and an ineffective ruler.

Violence escalated in Argentina, and on March 24, 1974, Isabel was overthrown and replaced by a military junta, naming Lieutenant General Jorge Rafael Videla leader. The junta began what was called the National Reorganization Process to put the chaotic socio-political situation in Argentina in order and under control.

The process was violent and repressive. Forced disappearances and illegal arrests were common. Armed soldiers would rob houses and beat the owners. Spies infiltrated into universities to suppress anti-government ideas. Official investigations found that up to 9,000 people had disappeared under what was called the Dirty War. However, the number is theorized to be as large as 30,000 as documents were destroyed by the military and cases were not reported.

Only in 1983, after elections were held under public pressure, was democracy restored and a new President, Raúl Alfonsin, elected. Even today, families in Argentina still live without knowing what happened to their relatives that disappeared during the National Reorganization Process, and some former military members are still to face justice for their crimes.

Argentina’s Truth and Justice Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On this day in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, thousands of people gather in peaceful marches to ask for justice for their missing loved ones. They carry pictures of the disappeared, and emotional displays of sadness and anger erupt in tears as the crowd gathers. A group of women, called the Mothers of the Square of May, has mobilized the families of disappeared persons, leading and organizing the day’s events in the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires and near the illegal detention centers of the dictatorial regime around the country.

This is a non-working day in Argentina. The Government proposed the date be movable to a closer Friday or Monday in order to make the weekend longer, but many human rights organizations opposed this option. They wanted the specific date to be remembered for the painful memories that scar the Argentinean memory and not to be an opportunity for vacations and profit from tourists companies.

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St. Joseph’s Day Celebrated by Christians Around the World

Noel — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:00:20 +0000

St. Joseph’s Day: March 19

St. Joseph’s Day is a religious observance for Christians all over the world.

March 19 is the date on which Christians venerate St. Joseph, husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. It is a feast in which Joseph is celebrated as patron of the universal Church; he has another feast on May 1 on which Joseph, the carpenter, is celebrated as a worker.

History of St. Joseph’s Day

Not much is known about St. Joseph; the only biblical stories that mention his presence are before the birth of Jesus and during his infancy. Even so, we do know that he was married to Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, and lived in Nazareth as a carpenter and a man of faith. These are the foundations of the Christian devotion to Saint Joseph.

It wasn’t until 1129 that the first church was dedicated to him. Only later, with appreciation of Joseph as a saint in the gospels, did he become more revered. Finally in 1621, March 19 was made a feast of obligation to Saint Joseph. The devotion to Saint Joseph increased significantly from then on, and in 1870, Pius IX declared him as patron of the Catholic Church.

As Catholic tradition states that Joseph died in the arms of Mary and Jesus, he is considered the patron saint of a happy death, by being able to die peacefully in the presence of his family. Among many other things, he is also the unofficial patron saint against doubt and hesitation, for he did as he was told by the angels when Mary became pregnant and protected her from the Law of the Jews and from persecution by Herod.

St. Joseph’s Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

In countries like Portugal and Spain, Father’s Day is also celebrated on March 19. It is a day in which children prepare gifts to give to their fathers and recognize the value of their presence in their lives. The day is celebrated close to Easter, and some years it occurs during Lent. When it does, it is much more sober feast when fasting and prayer are still observed as ordinances for the Lent Season. If it happens that it falls on the same days as Holy Week, it is moved to the next available date, since Easter takes precedence in the celebrations.

In Italy this is an important day, especially in Sicily, where St. Joseph is the patron of the city. It is said that at one point, the city went through a serious drought and food was lacking. The people of Sicily prayed to St. Joseph and promised to build a big altar of food every year for him if it rained, and soon it did.

Every year in the city, and also in many other parts of Italy, a table is set with plenty of food to offer to St. Joseph, gathered by everyone from the city. The food cannot have meat, and it always has fava beans, since this was the food in abundance at the time of the drought that saved the city from famine. The table is blessed by a priest and the feast begins. At the end, the table is destroyed and three children dressed as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus as a child go from door to door asking for shelter, staying at the home of the third knocked door. This tradition was brought to the United States by Sicilian immigrants who organize city-wide events, give food to charities, and hold parades in the Italian communities all over the US.

Also in the US, something beautiful happens in the Mission of San Juan Capristano in San Juan Capristano, California. The mission was founded in 1776 by the Franciscans and a small city grew around it. A legend says that one day a shopkeeper was destroying the nests of swallows, and a Franciscan priest stopped him in defense of the birds. On St. Joseph’s Day, the swallows return to the city year after year, after spending the winter in the warm cities of the south.

In other parts of the world there are processions in the streets with the image of the saint and everybody recalls his example of sainthood and faithfulness to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

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Paraguay Celebrates Heroes’ Day

Carol — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 03:15:01 +0000

Heroes’ Day: March 1

Heroes’ Day is a public holiday in Paraguay.

Every year, Paraguay (Officially, Republic of Paraguay), one of the landlocked countries in South America, celebrates Heroes’ Day on the 1st of March. It is also known as the Paraguay’s National Defense Day. The holiday commemorates the bravery of the country’s army and famous leader Marshal Francisco Solano López. Moment before his death as he sees his country is overtaken by insurmountable alliance of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, he said, “I die with my country!”

History of Paraguay’s Heroes’ Day

Just like any other country in South America, Paraguay was one of Spain’s colonies starting on mid 16th century. Asunción, the country’s capital was founded on August 15, 1537 after the arrival of Juan de Salazar y Espinoza’s fleet. The Jesuits also operated in the landlocked nation lasting for more than one and a half century until the arrival of the Spanish Crown in 1767.

After waging a fierce battle with Spain, Paraguay obtained its independence on May 14, 1811. Paraguay enjoyed years of independence but is marred by serious political instability and wars with neighbour countries especially Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. The War of the Triple Alliance, also known as Paraguayan War that happened between 1864 and 1870, caused so much death on the part of Paraguay.

Before the war, the country was estimated to have around 500,000 to 525,000 people; when the war ended, the country’s population was reduced to more than 200,000. The cause of the War of Triple Alliance varies from historians to historians and country to country. Also, the relocation of Paraguay’s archive by Brazilian forces to Rio de Janeiro during the war made history (both Colonial and National) learning difficult.

Paraguayan’s also waged war against Bolivia in Chaco War between 1932–1935 as part of Paraguay’s quest for expansion and control to natural resources of neighbour countries. Indeed, the history of Paraguay is filled with disputes, conflicts, and inconsistencies as each country and politicians have their own version of history. In the end, Paraguay was defeated by combined forces of the above countries which also led to the death of its leader Solano Lopez on March 1, 1870.

The celebration of Heroes’ Day is disputed between the commemoration of Paraguayan forces that fearlessly fought in the battle of wars to which Paraguay started or the death of Solano López who never surrendered but fought the country’s enemies till his death.

Paraguay’s Heroes’ Day: Traditions, Customs and Activities

Paraguay’s Heroes’ Day is marked with public celebration such as parade, public speeches, concerts, cultural shows, among others. Various political groups may also hold demonstrations to remember those who perished in the war. Because it is a national holiday, it is work free and serves as a time for families for get-togethers.

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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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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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