Holidays Around The World � february calendar

Mexico Celebrates Constitution Day

Noel — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 19:50:51 +0000

Constitution Day: February 5

Constitution day is observed as a public national holiday in Mexico.

The 5th of February marks the celebration day in honor of Mexico’s Constitution which was drafted during the Mexican Revolution on 1917 by Santiago Queretaro. The constitution is officially known as the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States or the Fundamental Law of Magna Carta.

History of Mexico’s constitution

From the time it achieved liberty from Spain in 1810, Mexico was able to outline quite a number of constitutions. However during this early stage of regaining its independence, the country has suffered from a lot of economic instability and downfall. Unemployment was very rampant, affecting almost 50% of the country’s male population. It’s during these stages in Mexico’s history that the people went through racial chaos and disorder that economic progress was just so impossible. With Mexico’s determination to rise back and to get on the right economic track, the country never stopped in reshaping and re-drafting the constitution.

On 1824, the first ever Mexican Constitution promoting absolute sovereignty was passed. It was a regime based on the United States’ government, which was for the people and elected by the people.

The Constitution of 1957 was proclaimed as they battle against the attack of the French nationals and Emperor Maximiliano de Hasburgo to prevent foreigners from ruling the land.

The Constitution of Mexico was organized into 4 territories and 19 states up to the present day. One of its significant bills was the authorization and rights given to citizens to participate in Catholicism which is the country’s official religion. The rights of the press and media and the freedom of speech were also given much attention on their constitution.

On 1916, a project to reform the constitution of 1857 was presented into congress by the first leader of the constitutional army and in charge of the administrative branch, Venustiano Carranza. After a number of changes and reforms, it was on February 5th 1917 that the official Magna Carta was finally presented, thus the Constitution Day.

Constitution Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Every year, the Mexicans look back and reminisce on their historical journey that made them one whole nation today. This is a time for Mexico to hold its head up high and be proud that it is unique and indivisible. As a public holiday, the people celebrate with parade and special gatherings all over the nation.

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San Marino Celebrates St. Agatha Day

Noel — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:08:41 +0000

St. Agatha Day in San Marino: February 5

Saint Agatha Day is observed as a public national holiday in San Marino

February 5 is the Feast of Saint Agatha celebrated by the Catholic community and is considered as a public national holiday annually observed by the people of San Marino. Saint Agatha is also well-known as the patron saint of bell-founders, bakers, breast cancer patients and nurses.

History of St. Agatha Day

Saint Agatha was born at Catania, Sicily and she was among the women being commemorated by name during the Canon of the Mass. Agatha came from an affluent and important family and started her dedication to God when she was in her early teenage years. Because she committed her life to God, she rejected a lot of men who came by and wanted to marry her.

Quintianus, one of her admirers was challenged to win her heart and wealth so he had her arrested thinking that Agatha might concede when put under suffering and abuse but he failed. All that Agatha did when she was arrested was prayed and remained faithful to her consecration to God.

One of the most painful tortures she underwent was the amputation of her breasts that is why she was often depicted to the paintings and sculptures as the saint holding a platter with her cut-off breasts on it. Agatha died in the prison approximately 251 AD during the reign of Decius as the Roman emperor.

St. Agatha Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The feast of Saint Agatha is celebrated by the people of San Marino with a procession going round the village followed by a holy mass every 5th of February. The feast day continues to become a big celebration each year and part of the celebration is a culminating mass for the saint celebrated by the church.

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Burundi Observes Unity Day

Noel — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:00:56 +0000

Unity Day: February 5

Unity Day is a public holiday in Burundi.

In the late 1950s, Burundi sought to separate itself from Belgium. During the independence movement, members of the Hutu and Tutsi tribes clashed in neighboring Rwanda, spilling over into Burundi. This sparked decades of large-scale conflict between members of the two tribes. With focus on a new constitution of unity in 1992, Unity Day was born in Burundi and celebrated for the first time with hopes of finally bringing the tribal conflict to an end.

History of Unity Day in Burundi

The people of Burundi wanted independence from Belgium, and in 1959, then leader Mwami Mwambutsa IV championed the movement. Yet late in the year, violence was sparked with a disagreement between Hutu teachers and Tutsi military personnel. Both Tutsi and Hutu in both Burundi and Rwanda fled across borders but were caught in the crossfire as Hutu in Rwanda killed Tutsi and Tutsi took vengeance on Hutus in Burundi.

The country went on to claim independence on July 1, 1962, setting up equal representation in the new government between Hutu and Tutsi. Yet the violence spread farther as Hutu forces took control of the country, forcing out Tutsi representation for fear of death through ethnic persecution.

After the king, Mwami Mwambutsa IV, refused to recognize the new Hutu prime minister in 1965, tensions spread. A series of coup attempts, assassinations, and military takeovers shifted power back and forth between the two groups over the next two decades, leading to the death of tens of thousands of Hutu and Tutsi. In 1987, Major Pierre Buyoya, a Tutsi, overthrew the military regime and slowly set about to rectify a number of issues within the government.

This culminated in the form of a new constitution on March 13, 1992 with a strong focus on national unity but with the recognition of the great cultural and ethnic diversity found within the Burundian population. Under the new constitution, registration for political parties was allowed but without any identification with ethnic, religious, or gender groups, a move made to strip some of the inherent biases and discrimination found at the time.

This sense of national unity found during the creation of the constitution led to the celebration of the first Unity Day in 1992. With 88 percent of people voting for a referendum that would abolish hatred along ethnic lines, Buyoya declared every February 5 then on to be celebrated as Unity Day.

Burundi’s Unity Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Opinions vary among the citizens of Burundi regarding the effectiveness of Unity Day and attempts to bring Hutu and Tutsi together. Unity Day in 2009 held specific relevancy, however, after a peace deal was brokered between the government and the final active rebel group Forces for National Liberation on December 4, 2008, marking a tentative end to a long period of conflict.

Sandrine Irankunda, a Burundian vendor, told Reuters on 2009’s Unity Day: “I can see that things have changed compared to the last few years, because there were divisions between Burundians. But now, there is more unity.”

But businesswoman Abiba Nduwimana disagreed, telling Reuters: “Ethnic hate between people has reduced; that’s the only thing I can say that has changed. But otherwise, we still have the same problems.”

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Sri Lanka Independence Day Celebration

Noel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:48:42 +0000

Sri Lanka’s Independence Day: February 4

Independence Day is celebrated as a public holiday in Sri Lanka

February 4 is the official celebration day of Sri Lanka’s Independence Day from the United Kingdom in 1948. It is considered as a major national holiday in the country.

History of Sri Lanka and its Independence

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka or popularly known as Sri Lanka which is located in the Indian Ocean and is a part of South East Asia. Before 1972, the country was known as Ceylon where it has become a colony of British for more than a century.

The Europeans saw a big potential in Sri Lanka as a perfect place for plantation. And during the World War II, it also became one of the most important Allied military bases. Sri Lanka has encountered a lot of National struggles under the British colony but because of the people’s determination to regain freedom, they had fought for their county’s right and on February 4th of 1948, the country has won their independence over the United Kingdom. The country’s first elected Prime Minister was Don Stephen Senananyake.

Sri Lanka Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Independence Day celebration of Sri Lanka has always been observed and regarded as a very special national event celebrated with ceremonies, parades, flag-hoisting, pageants and many other activities organized and funded by national officials and even non-governmental institutions.

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Foundation Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam

Noel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:09:23 +0000

Foundation Day of the Communist Party of Vietnam: February 3

Founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam is celebrated as a public holiday.

Every 3rd of February, Vietnam celebrates the foundation of its Communist Party. It is presently the only legal and ruling political party of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The Communist Party is popularly known to the people as “Dang ta” which means “our Party” in Vietnamese.

History of the Communist Party of Vietnam

On February 1930, Ho Chi Minh decided to institute in Hong Kong a Vietnamese Communist Party along with the many other exiles residing in China. Right after the implementation of its first plenum, the party name was changed into Indochinese Communist Party.

The party platform had several proposals which were projected while there was economic despair. Some of the proposals included the organization of Vietnamese independence and the development of a workers’, peasants’ and soldiers’ government. They also demanded for the abolishment of public debts, suppression of taxes, and eight-hour work day, concentration on education, agriculture and many more.

The formation of the First National Party Congress was held behind closed doors in Macau while Cominterm congress was being held. Shortly after, on 1945, the party was dissolved to cover up the Communist relationship. And it was again re-founded later on during the Second National Party Congress in 1951 as the Vietnam Workers’ Party. It was only until the Fourth National Party Congress that it was merged with People’s Revolutionary party of South Vietnam thus the Communist Party of Vietnam was formed.

Founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam Traditions, Customs and Activities

Vietnam pays tribute to this special day as one way of observing their historical maturity. Regarded as a public national holiday, a lot of politicians and non-governmental leaders pay tribute to the foundation of the Communist Party of Vietnam by holding different programs and activities all throughout the country.

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Sao Tome and Principe’s Liberty Heroes’ Day

Noel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:05:38 +0000

Liberty Heroes’ Day: February 3

Liberty Heroes’ Day is a public holiday Sao Tome and Principe.

Just like any other countries, Sao Tome and Principe celebrates their yearly National Heroes’ Day held every 3rd of February. This yearly celebration serves as the country’s formal day to remember the remarkable bravery of their countrymen who battled to achieve their independence from Portugal on July 12, 1975.

History of Sao Tome and Principe and its Liberty Heroes’ Day

Sao Tome is Sao Tome and Principe’s capital city. The name is of Portuguese origin which means Saint Thomas, since it was founded by Portugal in 1485.

When Portugal first came across Sao Tome and Principe on 1472, it was transformed by the Portuguese rulers into a large plantation of sugar thus enslaving the natives. Fifty years after the discovery of Portugal on Sao Tome and Principe, on 1522, the country was declared as under the Portuguese colony. Followed by the colonization was the declaration of Portuguese colonies to become Portugal’s overseas province.

Because of the ruthless treatment that Sao Tome and Principe underwent with the ruling power of Portugal, the citizens attempted to establish several liberalization movements however, failed several times.

On the attempt to gain independence, the natives of Sao Tome established the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tome and Principe (MLSTP) and from then, the Portuguese government made an agreement for the termination of its overseas colonies.

On July 12 1975, Sao Tome and Principe was finally freed from the Portuguese regime electing Manuel Pinto da Costa as the country’s first president.

Liberty Heroes’ Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

To date, the Sao Tomeans continue to look up to the heroes’ which made their independence possible. Yearly during this event, a lot of non-governmental organizations are organizing events and rallies as one way of giving respect and devotion to their national heroes.

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Heroes’ Day in Mozambique

Carol — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:45:17 +0000

Heroes’ Day: February 3

Heroes’ Day is a public holiday in Mozambique.

Mozambique celebrates Heroe’s Day yearly every 3rd day of February. It was instituted to commemorate the lives of fallen soldiers who fought bravely for the country’s independence in 1975 specifically to the assassinated leader of Mozambican independence movement political party, Eduardo Mondlane.

History of Heroes’ Day

When Mozambique was still under Portuguese rule, a guerrilla group called Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), a political party formed in 1962 under the leadership of Eduardo Mondlane, initiated a campaign to fight for the country’s independence. This war, later called Portuguese Colonial War, lasted from 1961–1974.

Initially, Portuguese concentrated their control on urban centers while the FRELIMO guerrillas took control of rural and tribal areas in the northern and western part of Mozambique. To receive local support for the liberation of Mozambique, FRELIMO began conducting social and economic improvement on the lives of the people on the controlled territory in the northern portion of the country. In one unfortunate event, Mondlane was assassinated in his office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania by Portuguese secret police. Through the resistance and persistence to achieve independence of the ensuing FRELIMO leadership, the country achieved its independence from Portugal on June 25, 1975.

Heroes’ Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Mozambique’s Heroes’ Day official name is Dia dos Heróis Moçambicanos. Heroes’ Day is a public holiday celebrated with parades and with speeches from various political groups aiming to support an equal or Marxist way of life for all Mozambique citizens.

Mozambican Heroes’ Day reminds all Mozambique citizens to pay homage to the sacrifices given by FRELIMO leader Eduardo Mondlane in bringing independence to the country’s more than four century colonial rule from Portugal, Samora Machel, the first president of Mozambique and other organizations who aimed for the liberation of the country for foreign rule.

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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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Malaysia Celebrates Federal Territory Day

Carol — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:50:36 +0000

Federal Territory Day: February 1

Federal Territory Day is a public holiday in Malaysia.

The Federal Territory Day, celebrated every first day of February, is one of Malaysia’s national holidays. The Federal Territories of Malaysia constitutes the state of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, anHeadd Labuan.

History of Federal Territory Day

The first two were originally part of Selangor state while Labuan was part of Sabah. Selangor surrendered Kuala Lumpur to the federal government on February 1, 1974. Labuan was released by Sabah in April 16, 1984 and in February 1, 2001, Putrajaya was later made the third federal territory. Due to the similarity in the date of independence of each state, the Federal Territory Day was instituted to be celebrated yearly every first day of February.

Federal Territory Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Federal Territory Day is celebrated in all three constituent states with parades, fireworks display including cultural shows and exhibits. Tourists will surely enjoy travelling around Malaysia during this time as they get the chance to see great street performances. What’s good about it is that the cultural shows and exhibitions are free of charge and are open for public viewing. Students from various schools, including government and non-governmental organizations and private sectors form unique contingents on every street parade and exhibitions during the event. Fun activities such as games and contests are also added activities.

The celebration also comes with awarding both public and private companies and individuals in their valuable contribution to their immediate community. If you’re in Malaysia, you can find more information by calling or visiting the local tourist offices or travel agencies.

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Candlemas in Liechtenstein (The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord)

Carol — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:02:08 +0000

Candlemas Day: February 2

Candlemas is a public holiday in Liechtenstein.

This event is observed every 2nd of February every year based on the practice of the Roman Catholic Church. Other Christian churches such as the Church of England celebrates the holiday on the Sunday between January 28 and February 3.

History of Candlemas

The event is based in the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40 where Virgin Mary fulfils her ritual obligation of purification forty days after giving birth to Jesus Christ. Women are required to oblige to abide by the ritual based in Jewish tradition according to the Law of Moses. Women are literally banned from entering the house of worship until they undergo “purification” forty days after their birth of a baby boy.

Joseph and her wife Mary brought baby Jesus to the temple and met Simon the Just (also, Simon the Righteous) and prophetess Anna where the former’s prayer ultimately purified Mary. The appearance of the Lord Jesus for the first time to God in the house of worship was the basis for the holiday.

Candlemas Traditions, Customs and Activities

Candlemas is called many different names across the Christian churches around the world. Other common names include the “Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary”, “Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple”, the “Meeting of the Lord”, and “Hypapante” which literally means “meeting” in Greek or in Roman Catholic Church, the “Presentation of the Lord.”

For Greek-Catholic Churches following the Byzantine Rites, the holiday is known for the following names: “The Meeting of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ” and “The Feast of the Presentation of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ in the Temple.” The variation in the name of the feast of the fortieth day following the birth of Jesus is based on the fact that it had no proper name at the outset.

The Western terminology Candlemas was used because it is this day that all candles in the Church are blessed. Pope John Paul II also calls for the renewal of religious vows among the priests with the observance of this feast. As part of the tradition, the faithful bring beeswax candles at the mass to be blessed by the priest. The faithful then brings these candles to their home which will be lighted up in front of their windows at home during the night.

Like most other religious celebrations, Candlemas is tied to a number of pagan rituals and superstitions. During the pre-Christian era, our ancestors celebrate what it seems to be a festival of light which occur during the winter season. Traditionally, people light up candles for the purpose of driving away bad spirits which may stick around and can cause harm to people during the dark winter. Superstition has it that if the candle you’re holding drips on one side while carrying it inside the Church during the holiday may portend death of a family member. Similarly, if Christmas decorations are not taken down by January 5, one should wait till Candlemas before you attempt to put them down again.

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