december 31

Republic Day: December 31

Republic Day is a public holiday in the Congo.

Republic Day is a holiday that is celebrated in Congo to reflect on the country’s history with pride.

History of Republic Day

The Republic of the Congo (simply known as the Congo) is a country in Central Africa that is bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Zaire. The country celebrates Republic Day on December 31 of each year to remember when it was officially named as the first “people’s republic” of Africa.

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St. Sylvester’s Day: December 31

St. Sylvester’s Day is a public holiday in San Marino.

December 31 is set aside to commemorate Saint Sylvester in San Marino. As with many other countries, St. Sylvester’s Day in San Marino blends the tradition of the end-of-year celebration with the memory of the Saint.

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Solidarity Day: December 31

Solidarity Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

Solidarity Day is a holiday that is celebrated in Azerbaijan to reflect on the country’s struggles with pride.

History of Solidarity Day in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country in Eurasia, located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe. It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. Azerbaijan, a nation with a majority Turkic and Shi’ite Muslin population, is a secular and united country, and was the country that was first successful in attempting to establish a democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world.

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Harvest Day: December 31

Harvest Day is a public holiday in Benin.

The end of the year is a time for celebration in Benin, marking the end of the harvest season and causing people to be thankful for all that has been gathered from the fields. It is also the start of the dry season, in particular in the northern regions of Benin.

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Kwanzaa Date: December 26 to January 1

Kwanzaa is NOT a United States holiday. It is a festival among African-Americans.

Kwanzaa is an African-American Holiday that strives to celebrate the African roots. The celebrations center on various traditions unique to this festival, but the most important one is lighting the candles on the traditional holder called the Kinara. Kwanzaa is celebrated a day after Christmas till the New Year and is primarily celebrated in the United States. Apart from the lighting of the Kinara, other activities include pouring a drink honoring God (known as “libations”), having a magnificent feast, and exchanging gifts. It was first started with a purpose of bringing the African American community together and giving them an opportunity to celebrate their lineage.

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