Holidays Around The World � august calendars

Moldova observes Limbra Noastra

Noel — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:46:44 +0000

Moldova Limbra Noastra Day Date: August 31

Limbra Noastra Day is a public holiday in Moldova.

Limba Noastra literally translates to our language. On August 31, every year Moldova celebrates Limba Noastra or its language day. The day is celebrated to honor the passing of the language law, which proclaimed the Moldovan language written in Latin script to be the official language of Moldova. The law also established its identity with the Roman language. The day is considered to be a milestone in Moldova’s progress towards its independence.

History of Moldova Limbra Noastra

The language spoken in Moldova has been a political issue since a very long time. Majority of Moldovans speak a dialect of Romanian that has been dubbed Moldavian by the Russians in the 19th century and the Soviet Union in the 20th century. This local language was forbidden to be used in administration and public documents by the Russian Empire as far back as in 1829. Russians tried to replace Romanian with Russian.

This was viewed as an attempt of Russification of the Moldovan culture. Moldovan was banned from schools. The attempts of Russification continued in public administration, church and education with Moldovan being replaced with the Russian language. This continued till the collapse of Russian empire in 1917. The process of Russification had a brief interlude in the period between 1918 and 1940, when Moscow had relinquished its control over the Moldovan territories. However, at the outbreak of World War II, Moscow again seized control of the Moldovan territories and the Russian language once again returned as the official language in the newly founded Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.

It was asserted by the official Soviet policy that the language that was spoken by the Moldovans was distinct from the Romanian language. To distinguish between the two, the Soviet authorities promoted Moldovan written in Cyrillic script as opposed to Romanian, which is written in Latin alphabet. All these are viewed as attempts of the Soviet Union to promote a Moldovan ethnic identity that was completely distinct from that of the Romanians.

From 1988 onwards, Moldova along with several other republics of the former Soviet Union began to step forward towards its independence. On 27th of August 1989, a mass demonstration was organized by the nationalist Popular Front of Moldova. This mass demonstration which later came to be known as the Great Assembly forced the Soviet Authorities to pass a language law. Finally on 31st August, 1989, the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic passed the language law that established Romanian as the official language of the country. It also witnessed the return of the Latin script. Since 1989, this date of 31st August came to be known as the Limba Noastra Holiday or the Language day of Moldova.

Moldova Limbra Noastra Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Celebration of this day is synonymous with the celebration of the cultural independence of Moldova. Language is one of the most important national symbols for the people of the country and this day is the celebration of the most important national symbol of the Moldovans. Limba Noastra is a public holiday in Moldova. On this day, play, poetry readings and such other events are organized all across the state of the nation.

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Trinidad & Tobago celebrates Independence Day

Noel — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:41:57 +0000

Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day Date: August 31

Independence Day is a public holiday in Trinidad & Tobago.

Trinidad and Tobago were one of those countries in the British colony who became a part of the post war, decolonization process. They got their independence on 31st August 1962. Once a British Colony, it is very much a part of Commonwealth now. It was the 31st August when the Union Jack was lowered to declare Trinidad and Tobago an independent nation. The whole week was rejoiced with a lot of celebration and events. This day goes down in the history of Trinidad and Tobago as a very important day.

History of Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day

Speaking of history, the American troops stationed at Chaguaramas and Cumuto deeply affected the social structure of the nation during the Second World War. Christopher Colombus got Trinidad noticed to the world in 1498. That is when the Trinidad became a colony of Spain. As far as Tobago is concerned, the Dutch had claim to fame in invading this island. Tobago also saw French invasion with Spain as its allies. Later British colonies were settled in Trinidad in 1802 and in Tobago in 1814. It was in 1888 that Trinidad and Tobago was made a single entity. This country was so prone to colonization because of the rich minerals not forgetting crude oil. However, a single country with a history of so many countries trying to build their colonies takes a toll on the common people. The independence on 31st August brought a sigh of relief in the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Trinidad & Tobago Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

This day is celebrated with lot of festivity and spirit. The military styled parade in the day in Queens Park is inspected by the Chief Secretary in Tobago and by the Head of the State in Trinidad. The evening sees a lot of National Award presentation ceremony at the President’s house. These awards are recognition for the local people for their achievements in various occupations. The evening in Queens Park, Savannah displays a lot of firework to celebrate the occasion. These shows are quite popular with the crowd that starts coming in early to get the best sight. Independence for any country is a gift to its citizens.

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Malaysia lights the fireworks for Independence Day

Noel — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:34:54 +0000

Malaysia Independence Day Date: August 31

Independence Day is a public holiday in Malaysia.

Malaysia got its independence on August 31, 1957. Though it has a long history of invasion, it was the British colonies, from whom they got their independence. Since then Malaysia has come up the economic growth curve quite well. Now it is well known for its tourism industry. It is one of those destinations, which make people get the whole Asia experience. As their tagline says ‘truly Asia’.

History of Malaysia Independence Day

Malaysia is known to be a complete experience of Asia in itself. The main reason for this lies in the fact that people from Japan, China and India have invaded it. However, the recent past has seen the British invading this country. The independence from the British rule was a peaceful one opposed to the other British colonies that got its independence after much struggle and sacrifice. The major problem a nation faces after the independence is the shift of power from the country, which invaded, to its own people. Though Malaysia did not face much of those, however it did face the racial discrimination and conflicts related to those. These things apart independent Malaysia took the political system and the economy and social system far ahead of what it started from during the initial independence days. The best part about the Malaysian independence is there was no bloodshed. The whole process of declaring independence happened after just holding discussions.

Malaysia Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The event is celebrated with lot of concerts and processions. The schools and other education institutions organize their celebrations. Lot of folk dance and traditional clothes are a part of the celebrations. Malaysia is a vibrant country with vibrant people. They make the whole atmosphere come alive with their energy and spirit.

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Kyrgyzstan celebrates Independence Day

Noel — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:05 +0000

Kyrgyzstan Independence Day Date: August 31

Independence Day is a public holiday in Kyrgyzstan.

August 31, 1991 is the day when Kyrgyzstan got independent from the Soviet Union. The age-old Soviet pressure took a long time to shrug off. Although the country was declared a republic and went through a name change several times after 1990, it was far from being independent from the Soviet clutches. The decision of Independence on 31st August 1991 was welcome by the common people as it was in their interest.

History of Kyrgyzstan Independence Day

The Soviet influence started in Kyrgyzstan in early 1919. The major oppression was experience during the Stalin days though. Though they were under the Soviet bear hug they still managed to retain and develop lot of social, cultural and educational aspect. The urge to preserve their culture maintained the tension among the all-Union authorities. The Soviet hold on Kyrgyzstan was not exactly like a typical colony these European countries had in Asia, Africa and other parts of the world however, they were far from being independent. The Soviet influence was quite visible in their political system. The independence of Kyrgyzstan would have taken longer if the mass resignation of the secretariat and bureau would not have happened. It was this move, which made the Supreme Soviet vote in favor of Kyrgyzstan’s independence. Another problem following independence was the fight to get to power. Lot of political instability was experienced after independence.

Kyrgyzstan Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The struggle to reinforce a stable and able government never stops the people of Kyrgyzstan from celebrating their Independence Day. The typical celebration includes Independence Day parades with people attending it in their traditional wear. The evening sees many fireworks to celebrate the occasion. The fireworks light up the sky and make it look like a supernova explosion somewhere.

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Kazakhstan celebrates Constitution Day

Noel — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:29:00 +0000

Kazakhstan Constitution Day Date: August 30

Constitution Day is a public holiday in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is one of the last Soviet republics to get freedom in December 1991. Its Constitution was adopted on August 30, 1995 — almost four years after their independence. On August 30, the entire political system became a democracy, replacing communism. The change in the political system marks a very important era as an independent Kazakhstan became a sovereign and economically liberal republic.

History of Kazakhastan Constitution Day

The history of August 30, 1995, started before Kazakhstan’s independence. It became a sovereign republic within the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic in October 1990. August of 1991 saw an aborted coup effort in Moscow, which resulted in Kazakhstan gaining its independence on December 16, 1991.

Though Kazakhastan got its independence in December 1991, the economy and political system was the old one from the Soviet Union days. It was on Constitution Day, August 30, 1995, the constitution was given a new facelift in an attempt to make Kazakhstan a democratic republic.

An exception to making Kazakhastan a democracy is the fact that President Nursultan Nazarbayev has been granted lifetime power. Nursultan Nazarbayev started out as the head of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan in 1989. Democracy in Kazakhstan is fighting against the early communist perception. However, it is still an improvement over the previous system. The major thing that changed following the new constitution was the economy. Kazakhstan is a mineral rich country with abundant resources of uranium, chromium, zinc, oil, natural gas and diamonds.

Kazakhastan Constitution Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

August 30the, gives the people of Kazakhstan a big reason to celebrate its history. The Constitution Day is celebrated all over Kazakhstan. It is not only a mark of a free country but a free country with lots of economic growth, which is worth celebrating.

The educational institutions reinforce this day as an important lesson in their history and their rule of law. The media plays its part in educating the citizens about the constitution and the constitutional developments. The Supreme Court spreads awareness about the importance of judiciary system in the country. It also tries to bring forward the facts about how constitution encourages and protects the country’s sovereignty, human rights and the benefits of independence.

The Supreme Court conducts seminars in high schools. The atmosphere is full of festivity and lot of special performances and events are organized by the citizens to celebrate this day. After all, it is the constitution, which brings about changes and protects the interest of the common mass of a country.

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UK and Wales celebrates Summer Holiday

Noel — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:54:47 +0000

UK and Wales Summer Holiday Date: August 30

Summer Holiday is a public holiday in the UK and Wales.

Summer holidays, alternatively termed as summer vacation or summer break, is a holiday session in the summer time taken mostly in the schools. Its timings mostly depend on the country and the district. In United Kingdom that is England and Wales, the last Monday in August is a bank holiday called the Summer Bank Holiday. For majority of the people of England and Wales, who are not employed in any kind of essential service, this day is received as a holiday. This year the Summer Bank Holiday falls on 31st of August.

History of UK and Wales Summer Holiday

In Britain, Bank holidays are public holidays. On these days, banks are shut and no trading can take place on this day. The Bank Holidays are being recognized since 1871. The Bank Holidays were introduced by the Bank Holiday Act in 1871. This act designated four bank holidays or public holidays in United Kingdom that is in England and Wales and Northern Ireland. Before 1834, there were thirty three saint’s days and religious festivals observed as holidays by the Bank of England. However, in 1834, it was reduced to just four holidays. Sir John Lubbock, an English banker, politician, naturalist, archeologist and also an enthusiastic supporter of cricket, who believed that the bank employees should have an opportunity to attend and participate in cricket matches, introduced the act in 1871.

Initially the four holidays, those were declared in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1871, were the Easter Monday, the Whit Monday, the first Monday in the month of August, also called the Summer Bank Holiday, and the Boxing Day or St. Stephen’s day on 26th of December. These dates of Bank Holidays included the dates on which cricket was played between villages in the region where Sir John Lubbock was raised. From 1972 onwards, the date of the Summer Bank Holiday was changed from the first Monday of August to the last Monday of August. It is however interesting to note that there were some years in which the Summer Bank Holiday fell on September instead of August. However, possibly to due a change in the method of determining the day, this no longer occurs.

UK and Wales Summer Holiday Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On the Summer Bank Holiday, banks are not allowed to operate and hence the name Bank Holiday. Traditionally most of the shops and museums and several other places of public interest such as historic houses and sports centres remain closed. However, it has been observed in recent times that some of the shops remain open even on a Bank Holiday. Traditionally, most of the businesses too remain closed on the Summer Bank Holiday. This time enables the employees to spend time with their families. People spend this time on mini breaks and outings. The significance of Bank Holidays over any other kind of holiday is that the Bank Holidays are secular and perpetual holidays. This is especially true in case of the Summer Bank Holiday which indeed has no religious bindings.

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Turkey celebrates Victory Day

Noel — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:59:15 +0000

Turkey Victory Day Date: August 30

Victory Day is a public holiday in Turkey.

The 30th day of August is marked as the final step to Turkish war of independence. This day is registered in history as the Victory Day of Turkey. The Battle of Dumlupinar ended on 30th August 1922, subsequently ending the Greek invasion of Turkey. This day is celebrated throughout Turkey in the honor of those whose who got them independence.

History of Turkey Victory Day

The history of the Greeks and Turks and their wars dates back to the Troy days. Earlier the Turks invaded Greece. However, with the end of First World War the Ottoman Empire saw its downfall. They saw most of their provinces going in the hands of the allies. There came a time when the Greeks were stationed at Izmir and General Mustafa Kemal was sent to Anatolia. General Mustafa Kemal is known as the prime person under whole leadership Turkish war of independence was won. He was the one who tried uniting the country against the people trying to take over. There were several battles fought with different outcomes. Eventually Turkey started taking over from the time the Greeks’ withdrew from one of these battles for independence. The last battle (as opposed to the previous one) not just made Greeks lose but also made them leave their land. Therefore, it was Victory Day on 30th August, which made Turkey the republic it is today.

Turkey Victory Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

This 30th day of August is celebrated with élan throughout the country. It is a public holiday in Turkey. People hoist the national flag on this day. This day is called Zafer Bayramı in the local language. The importance of this day can be well explained and understood by people who have fought for it or the ones who have seen it all. The armed forces also celebrate this day with march-pasts. 30th August give people of Turkey to breath and live in fresh air, air that smells of independence and victory.

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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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Slovak National Uprising Commemorated in Slovakia

Noel — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:00:03 +0000

Slovak National Uprising Date: August 29

Slovak National Uprising is a public holiday in Slovakia.

Slovak National Uprising (SNP) was an armed rebellion that broke out in Slovakia in late August 1944 and continued until October 1944 during World War II. The uprising was launched on August 29, 1944 in an attempt to overthrow the pro-Nazi government of Jozef Tiso. Since then, August 29 has been celebrated every year in Slovakia to mark the anniversary of the uprising.

History of Slovak National Uprising in Slovakia

One of the chief aims of the Slovak National Uprising was to oust the puppet Slovak government and to establish the state of Czechoslovakia. Although the uprising didn’t get clear political support, the supporters of this movement represented each religion, age, class, and gender as well as the anti-Nazi political faction of the nation. The preparations for the potential revolt were initiated in 1943 when Edward Benes made contactswith dissenting sections of the Slovakian army. During December 1943, the Slovak National Party was formed under the leadership of Edward Benes.

In March 1944, preparations for the rebellion began under the charge of Lieutenant Colonel Ján Golian. Slovak soldiers deserted and joined partisan groups or the Soviet Red Army. The Slovak Jews, who escaped from the German death camps of Auschwitz, spoke about the horrors in the camps. This eventually gathered the support of the Jews to the movement. On August 28, 1944, German troops invaded Slovakia to suppress the country’s partisan forces. Finally, the uprising began on August 29, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ján Golian.

The Germans expected to crush the rebellion in a few days. However, the rebel Slovak army and partisan groups proved to be much hardier than anticipated. On August 30, the rebels entered Banská Bystrica and made it their headquarters. Vigorous clashes ensued between the German and the insurgent Slovak army. Many Slovak soldiers were captured and sent to camps in Germany, while some of the defeated soldiers escaped to join the Soviet-controlled partisans.

By September, the rebels had gained control of large areas of eastern and central Slovakia. However, the momentum was lost due to dissenting opinion between the Slovak insurrectional army and the Soviet-controlled partisan. In October, a major German counter-offensive began when 35,000 German troops entered the country via Hungary. The Soviet Union lost interest in the Czech and Slovak lands and became focused on Hungary, Austria, and Poland. By the end of October, German forces had reclaimed most of the territories and surrounded the insurgent forces. On October 27, the rebellion headquarters was crushed. This signaled the end of the uprising. Even after the uprising was crushed, the insurgents continued guerilla warfare until the Soviet army seized Slovakia in 1945.

Slovakia’s Slovak National Uprising Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Slovak National Uprising is commemorated every year to maintain the SNP heritage for future generations. It is a national holiday in Slovakia. On this day, wreaths are placed on the memorial to the Slovak National Uprising in Bratislava, commemorating the anniversary of the outbreak of anti-fascist uprising. The anniversary is also celebrated in the historic town of Banska Bystrica.

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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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