Holidays Around The World � january calendars

Tu B’Shevat Celebrated by Jews Around the World

Noel — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:55 +0000

Tu B’Shevat Date: Sunset on February 8

Tu B’Shevat is a minor holiday in Judaism.

For Jews around the world, Tu B’Shevat is the New Year of the Trees, a starting or end point for agricultural activities involving important fruit-bearing trees. Many Jews consider this holiday to have a similar significance to the Arbor Day customs of other cultural groups. The holiday is observed every year on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, making this a moveable holiday.

The holiday used to be known as Hamisha Asar B’Shevat until around 2000.

History of Tu B’Shevat

A reference to Tu B’Shevat is made in the Mishnah, the first significant work of Rabbinic Judaism. In the Mishnah, Tu B’Shevat is mentioned as the new year for trees and one of four new years recognized on the Jewish calendar.

The “Tu” in the name of the holiday refers to the number 15 and translates as “The 15th of Shevat.” Originally there was confusion and debate about when the holiday should be celebrated.
After many discussions, authorities deferred to the Beit Hillel, a popular Jewish school of law, declaring the holiday to fall on the 15th of Shevat.

In the 1600s, a Tu B’Shevat seder was proposed by Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed as part of the ceremonies of the holiday. The earliest texts referencing this seder (an order or sequence of actions) refer to the practice as a method to refresh the Tree of Life. The seder involved the consumption of a variety of dried fruits and nuts in a specific order that “creates a connection” to the Tree of Life, a tree said to have been planted by God in the Garden of Eden. In Israel, the practice is still in use today.

Tu B’Shevat Traditions, Customs and Activities

Many practitioners of Judaism plant trees on Tu B’Shevat as a way to help continue the cycle of life on Earth. In Israel, the Jewish National Fund organizes a massive tree-planting event on non- shmita years. (The shmita is a sabbatical year when the land must remain fallow every seventh year.)

The practice of the Tu B’Shevat seder is common in Israel and is also practiced by Jews elsewhere in the world. Many will pour the Cup of Elijah after the seder and open the door, inviting the Prophet Elijah into the home and trusting in God’s protection.

Thaipoosam Cavadee Celebrated by the Tamils of Mauritius

Noel — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:05:19 +0000

Thaipoosam Cavadee of Mauritius: Jan 31

Thaipoosam Cavadee is a public holiday in Mauritius.

As a devotion to their Lord Muruga, the people of Mauritius have a yearly celebration called Thaipoosam Cavadee. It is also in this day that the Tamil people show deep thanks and appreciation for having a prosperous year and ask for a boundless blessing.

History of Thaipoosam Cavadee

The Cavadee celebration originated from an outlaw follower of Agattiyar. His name was Idumban which literally means “arrogant”. One day, Idumban was given an order by the guru. He was asked to bring back two summits attached at the ends of a cavadee. A cavadee is, in general a stick used in transporting loads. Idumban faithfully followed the request and on his way back, he was challenged by Lord Muruga which was disguised as a young child. Unaware that he was facing the God, he battled with Lord Muruga and unfortunately, he was pierced and got killed.

Since then, guru Agattiyar and his followers started a prayer ritual for Idumban that he may be resurrected. A rich tradition that, until now is being observed by the people in honor of their hero, Idumban.

Thaipoosam Cavadee Traditions, Customs and Activities

Today, the Tamils of Mauritius commemorate the heroism of Idumban by carrying the Cavadee until they reach the temple. This involves abstinence, prayers and cleansing of the heart and soul and letting out the negative aura of hate, egotism and jealousy. It is believed that wishes will be granted soon after doing the ritual.

Apart from the carrying of Cavadee, the people gather in the streets and parade in flower floats, all carrying their harvests like milk and wooden arches. As devotion, they also pierce their tongues and cheeks to signify gratitude and respect to their God. Those who chose not to pierce their tongue should tie their tongue with a scarf and must remain quiet throughout the ceremony.

The Thaipoosam Cavadee is a manifestation of how strong and faithful the Tamils of Mauritius are. That in every sufferings and defeat, there will always be a reward as long as you live in faith and courage.

Other interesting posts:

Birthday of Guru Har Rai is a Sikh religious observance

Noel — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:23:11 +0000

Birthday of Guru Har Rai: January 31

Birthday of Guru Har Rai is a religious observance for the Sikhism followers.
The Birthday of Guru Har Rai falls on January 31st, or on the 19th day of the Magh month on the Nanakshahi calendar followed by Sikhs to determine the dates of important Sikh events. Guru Har Rai was born on 1630 and died in 1661, he was the seventh of the Sikh Gurus.

History of Guru Har Rai

Guru Har Rai was the seventh of the 10 Sikh Gurus, he preceeded Guru Har Krishan, his son, and followed Guru Hargobind, his grandfather. Har Rai was born on February 26, 1630, as a child he demonstrated a great sensibility for all living things. Even though he continued the traditions of grand huntings from his grandfather, Har Raid prophibited the killing of animals and instead he wanted them to be captured and kept in a private zoo. He was the son of Baba Gurdita and Mata Nihal Kaur, married Mata Kishan Kaur and had two sons and one daughter.

Har Raid was a man of peace, even so he kept alive many of the traditions that came from the previous Gurus, he kept the armed Sikh Warriors, or Saint Soldiers, even if he never used them to enter any political or military confrontation. Emperor Shah Jahan had great enmity for Sikhs, and Guru Har Raid, and he also had four sons. His eldest son, who was to be next Emperor fell seriously ill and nobody knew why. The fact was that the younger son Aurangzeb had put tiger’s whisker in the food of the brother to kill him so that he could take the throne.

The Emperor finally found out what had happened and was told by his doctors that the cure was in some plants that could not be found in his kingdom, but that Guru Har Raid had them in his house. The Emperor, even though not happy about it, wrote a letter to Har Raid asking for the medicine plants. Har Raid was happy to see the humbleness in the letter and sent the plants to his enemy. He then said to his followers that were astonished with this, that one man breaks flowers with one hand while with the other offers flowers, and the flowers perfume both hands. So the Guru should also bless the hand that tries to kill him as the hand that came to him asking for help. He died at the early age of 31, on October 6, 1661.

Birthday of Guru Har Rai Traditions, Customs and Activities

Sikhs celebrate the Birthday of with readings from Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh’s Holy Scriptures. Gurdwaras, Sikh places of worship, are decorated with colorful flowers, images and flags. Communities of Sikhs join together to pray, sing and eat together. It is day to remember the peaceful mind and endeavors of Guru Har Rai, and a day for forgiveness as the Guru taught his disciples to forgive all those who would venture against them. Sikhs celebrate the remembrance of their Gurus in a very similar way, only changing the hymns and some passages that are read from the Guru Granth Sahib.

The celebration of the Birthdays of Sikhs Gurus lasts for 3 days, and on the birth anniversary there is the singing of the Asa di Var, morning hymns followed by the Katha, exposition of the scripture, there are lectures and poems are recited in praise of the Guru. The day ends with Rehras, evening prayers, and sometimes it is followed by a poetic symposium, a Kavi Darbar, where poets can praise the Guru with their own words.

Other interesting posts:

Democracy Day Celebration in Rwanda

Noel — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:06:08 +0000

Democracy Day in Rwanda: January 28

Democracy Day is a public holiday in Rwanda.

Rwanda celebrates its yearly Democracy Day every January 28th as a symbol of its remarkable success story since World War I. This public holiday serves as a medium in promoting equality and fair dealings among its people.

History of Democracy Day

Rwanda was made popular to history of the world because of its genocidal massacre that devastated a lot of lives on 1994. Later on the 19th century, Rwanda was taken over and became a part of German East Asia and soon became a UN trust territory under the territorial government of Belgium.

Despite the genocide that Rwanda experienced which took almost a million lives, the country continued to strive and it remarkably leveled up again after the genocide era. Now, it is considered as one the most developed countries worldwide.

Democracy Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Because of the astounding historical background of Rwanda, the nation established a national day of celebration of Democracy. Democracy day is a symbol of the country’s strong foundation. That no matter what storm it may face, Rwanda will always remain Rwanda.

In fact, Rwanda is now considered as the first country to be ruled by a female-majority parliament that was held during the partial elections on September 2008.

Other interesting posts:

India Joyously Celebrates Republic Day

Noel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:54 +0000

Republic Day: January 26

Republic Day is a national holiday in India.

Long under British control, India had many reasons to break away and seek the formation of a republic, independent from Britain. With prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and dedication from millions of Indians, independence was finally achieved in 1947, becoming official on January 26, 1950. In 2010, India celebrates sixty years of the republic on January 26.

History of Republic Day in India

The British made their first large imprint on India in 1612 with the creation of The East India Company’s first permanent factory. The East India Company continued to dominate commercial trade in the region until shortly after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. In 1858, the British Crown assumed full control of the area now called India.

During the time of the British Raj, 1858—1947, many things changed in British India. While the country saw improvements in transportation and communication infrastructure in the late nineteenth century, it was also plagued by intermittent famines. Subsequent analysis of the situation led many to the conclusion that the mix of uneven rainfall patterns and British meddling in the affairs of the agriculture industry were primarily responsible.

It wasn’t until 1909 that Indians were given a much stronger hand in the government affairs. The Morley-Minto Reforms of that year allowed Indians limited ability to be elected to legislative councils for the first time, encouraged the creation of a parliamentary system, and gave Indian Muslims reserved seats within certain governmental bodies. The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 broadened the influence of Indian citizens within government, though the reforms were counterbalanced by a limited number of eligible voters and special-interest seats in provincial legislature that were sympathetic to the British.

That same year, the Amritsar Massacre took place, claiming the lives of potentially more than 1,500 defenseless Indians, thought to be part of “revolutionary army.” This massacre, combined with Britain’s decision to force Indians to fight in World War I, sparked outrage across the country, prompting famous political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi to encourage Indians to participate in a non-cooperation movement.

Gandhi and the Indian National Congress paved the way for reform, especially after the controversial Simon Commission was implemented by Britain to bring constitutional reform in 1928. The commission, composed entirely of British Parliament members, was met with derision and protest. The Indian National Congress took matters into their own hands, forming an all-Indian commission; however, the British fully ignored their gesture.

By then, the full independence movement had gained considerate ground, though many like Gandhi made pleas for a more moderate dominion status. When the British failed to promise dominion status in late 1929, Gandhi and Congress had had enough. A president was elected, and a constitution was drafted by Gandhi, leading to a declaration of independence at midnight on New Years Eve.

The declaration was made official on January 26, 1930, though true independence wasn’t recognized by Britain until August 15, 1947. A new constitution was made, and to appease the nationalists, the country wasn’t fully made the Sovereign Democratic Republic of India until January 26, 1950.

India’s Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Republic Day is one of three national holidays in India. Festivities are typically very grand, drawing in huge crowds from all over the country. Since 1976, it has been custom for the government to invite a foreign head of state to participate in the celebrations. The 2010 Republic Day Parade will feature Lee Myung-bak, the president of South Korea, and his wife Yoon-ok.

The Republic Day Parade is broadcast on television nationwide. The military is typically involved in the parade, typically ending with flybys of Indian Air Force jets. Additionally, popular themes of India like “Sare Jahan Se Aacha” (a patriotic poem created by Muhammad Iqbal) and “Ae Mere Pyare Vatan” (a patriotic song written by Prem Dhawan) are sung during the festivities.

On January 22, 2010, media reports stated that Indian airports were being put on alert due to convincing intelligence reports that stated the possibility of terrorist attempts to hijack an airplane. It was also reported that Indian police and military squads were set to provide stiffer security during the parade as militant activity had been recently increasing in frequency.

Other interesting posts:

Uganda Commemorates NRM Liberation Day

Noel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:00:45 +0000

NRM Liberation Day: January 26

NRM Liberation Day is a public holiday in Uganda.

On January 25, 1986, the National Resistance Army (NRA), under the wing of the political National Resistance Movement (NRM), ousted a government that represented years of corruption, civil rights offenses, and alleged voter fraud. The movement, led by Yoweri Musevini, promised “a fundamental change in the politics” of Uganda. The country now commemorates the event every year as NRM Liberation Day, though not without its detractors.

History of NRM Liberation Day in Uganda

Years of civil rights abuses and corruption marred Uganda, and after a highly contested election on December 10, 1980, many of Uganda’s citizens had had enough. In February of 1981, Yoweri Musevini, founder of the Uganda Patriotic Movement and trained in guerilla warfare, gathered other like-minded individuals to begin the Ugandan Bush War.

Musevini’s group merged with the Uganda Freedom Fighters to form the NRA, a military wing of the more political NRM. At the same time, other rebel groups like Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) formed to take on the administration of Milton Obote. Using hit-and-run tactics, the NRA and other rebel groups attacked army installations and campaigned in rural areas where opposition to Obote was strong.

Obote retaliated at first, typically doing more harm to local citizens than the rebel groups themselves. In 1983, Obote set out to stifle rebel support in the Luwero District, killing and imprisoning hundreds of thousands of people in the process. Yet, support for Obote was waning, even within his own rank and file. He alienated many of his high-ranking military officers by turning to support in both North Korea and from external ethnic tribes.

A military coup, led by Obote’s own Lieutenant General Bazilio Olara-Okello, ousted Obote on July 27, 1985. With this action, NRA activity grew in intensity, the rebels unhappy that their revolution was “hijacked” by members of Obote’s ranks. A peace deal was brokered between the military government and the NRA after nearly four months of negotiations, but the ceasefire was short-lived.

The NRA pressed on with their goal of liberating Uganda in January of 1986, gaining significant ground from the southern regions. Their efforts culminated in the ousting of the military government on January 25, and Musevini was sworn in as president on January 29. During the ceremony, he said, “No one should think that what is happening today is a mere change of guard; it is a fundamental change in the politics of our country.”

Uganda’s NRM Liberation Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The celebration of the NRA/NRM’s liberation of Uganda has come under scrutiny the last few years. Many of Uganda’s citizens feel the NRM’s promises of “fundamental change” seem to have been lost in recent years. The Democratic Party (DP) has been most vocal about the boycott of NRM Liberation Day celebrations over the last three years, though the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has also chided the celebrations.

“The major cause of the liberation war was the injustice of vote rigging, but vice has become entrenched in the system,” said FDC deputy publicist and acting administrator, Boniface Toterebuka during the 2009 NRM Liberation Day. “Corruption has also been institutionalized. We should instead be mourning for thousands of lives that were lost in several years of war to satisfy the needs of selfish individuals.”

The Uganda Pulse reported in 2007 that attendance was dwindling at the celebrations, likely due to dwindling support of the NRM.

Other interesting posts:

Australia Day

Noel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:52:23 +0000

Australia Day: January 26

Australia Day is of course celebrated by Australia.

Australia day is also known as the foundation day or the anniversary day. It is the official national day of the Australian country. It is celebrated every year on the twenty sixth of January. This day commemorates the coming of the first fleet at the Sydney cove in the year 1788 when the unfurling of the British flag takes place here and also the there is a proclamation of the British sovereignty over a eastern seaboard of the country of Australia. In every territory and the state of Australia the Australian day is celebrated as an official holiday for the public. It is also marked by an order of the country of Australia and the Australian of the years’ awards with the address from prime minister.

Australia Day History

Records of this celebration of the Australia day go back to the year 1808 along with the governor once the official celebration of this formation of the New South Wales in the year 1818. This day is seen as a controversial day by many historians. Alongside the proposals to change this Australian day date they have also been some significant protests that are seen from the indigenous Australian community.

Many of these indigenous Australians do see this Australia day as a day that is celebrated for what has been destroyed of the indigenous culture by the colonialism by the British. Since the year 1988 the invasion day protests are being held in supporting the view. Due to all this there have been concerns and also some proposals to have the date changed of this Australian day to another day.

On the thirteenth of May in the year 1787 a fleet of about eleven ships came and they were known to be the first fleet. These were sent by the British admiralty to Australia from England. Under Captain Arthur Phillip a fleet was sought to establish this penal colony at the Botany Bay on the New South Wales coast. This was already explored by Captain James cook much earlier in the year 1770. This settlement was quite necessary as there was a loss of the colonies in the northern part of America.

This fleet then arrived between the eighteenth and the twentieth of January in the year 1788. This was not suitable and hence he moved forward and went on to Port Jackson. This was the finest harbor according to him in the whole world. The site that was first decided was a place that had some level land and also a stream with portable water. The British flag was then raised there. There were officers and a few marines who attended this ceremony. By the afternoon of the twenty sixth the remaining fleets had come off from Botany Bay and were then anchored near the Sydney cove.

In Brisbane this day is celebrated to be the foundation day or the first landing as the colony had been surviving for twenty years in spite of the hardships that they faced initially and also the starvation and the deprivation that had been suffered by those who were the settlers of the first fleet. The celebrations begin here on the twenty fifth of January each year as the sun goes down and then goes on into the night.

The chief toast here goes to the major George Johnston. He was the first officer who came on to the shore from the first fleet. Even through his ill effects back home he made sure that he led the officers of New South Wales corps and arrested the governor William Bligh the following day. This was now called the rum rebellion.

On the twenty sixth of January in the year 1818 which was the thirtieth anniversary, the governor Lachlan Macquarie held a thirty gun salute at the Dawes point and then gave a holiday to the workers of the government. This tradition was soon followed by other public offices as well as the banks. In the year 1888 all the colonial capitals except Adelaide were celebrating the anniversary day.

South Australia adopted Australia day in the year 1910. This was soon followed upon by Victoria in the year 1931. All the states in Australia are now celebrating this day since the year 1935.

Australia Day Traditions and Activities

As the hundred and fiftieth anniversary this day was celebrated for a whole long week through out Australia other than New South Wales. The anniversary was held on the twenty sixth of January which is the actual anniversary day of the Australia day.

Australia Day is also known as:

Foundation Day
Anniversary Day

Other interesting posts:

The Dominican Republic Remembers Juan Pablo Duarte

Noel — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 11:00:45 +0000

Juan Pablo Duarte Day: January 23

Juan Pablo Duarte Day is a public holiday in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic (previously known as the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo) has had a tumultuous history over the years, sharing an island with the people of Haiti. After the Haitians took control of the colony in 1822, various pro-independence groups rose to fight against the Haitians.

One of the most notable was Juan Pablo Duarte, who is celebrated as one of the primary founders of the Dominican Republic. Duarte’s birthday and his work towards independence is honored every year on the closest Monday to the actual date of his January 26 birthday. In 2010, celebrations will fall on Monday, January 25.

History of Juan Pablo Duarte Day in the Dominican Republic

Juan Pablo Duarte was born in Santo Domingo on January 26, 1813, three and a half years after the Spanish Reconquista of the colony from the French Haitians. Duarte studied at the University of Santo Domingo at first, but he wanted to learn more. He went on to study in New York, London, Paris, and Barcelona before eventually returning to Santo Domingo in 1833.

Upon his return, Duarte noted the condition of the colony and its people who increasingly grew frustrated with Haitian rule. The Haitians had again seized the colony in February of 1822 after the people of Santo Domingo briefly flirted with independence. Haiti imposed harsh trading and farming regulations on Dominicans and began forcefully drafting young Dominicans into the Haitian army. The university system collapsed. Taxation and mandatory tributes undermined stability in the region.

From this grew La Trinitaria, a secret society founded by Duarte on July 16, 1838, designed to undermine Haitian rule and promote complete independence. There were many members of La Trinitaria, but of them Ramón Matías Mella and Francisco del Rosario Sánchez stood out in fight for independence, later dubbed as founding fathers of the Dominican Republic along with Duarte.

The revolution against Jean-Pierre Boyer and the Haitian occupation began in 1843, but the first attempt to overthrow Boyer was unsuccessful. Duarte and his companions were at first jailed, but then forced to leave the country. It is speculated that during his exile, Duarte wrote what he saw to be the ideal constitution for a free Dominican Republic.

Loyalists to La Trinitaria again attempted to oust Boyer despite Duarte’s exile, and finally succeeded on February 27, 1844, declaring full independence. Duarte was sent word of the victory and invited to return. Elections were set up, and Duarte was nominated as a candidate for President by the Liberal party on June 12. Duarte was opposed by Pedro Santana, a military man who had originally helped La Trinitaria with the expulsion of the Haitians. However, Santana strongly supported Spanish rule of the island, something that went against the very ideals of La Trinitaria.

Duarte lost the election, and Santana banished Duarte and his loyalists. While La Trinitaria remained active from afar, Santana’s support eroded, leading to revolution and guerrilla warfare during the War of Restoration in the 1860s. Duarte briefly returned during this war for independence, and on March 3, 1865, the Queen of Spain formally withdrew control of the region, leaving it to the people. Duarte died in Caracas, Venezuela in 1876, and his remains were transferred to Santo Domingo in 1884 where a proper burial with state honors was held.

Dominican Republic’s Juan Pablo Duarte Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

The tomb of Juan Pablo Duarte rests at the Altar de la Patria in Santo Domingo where people offer flowers and wreathes to remember him. A statue of Duarte in Duarte Park is used as a focal point for celebrations. Parades of military members and children are typical, replete with The Hymn to Juan Pablo Duarte played by a band.

The 2010 celebration of Juan Pablo Duarte and Dominican Heritage Month is overshadowed by the massive earthquake that flattened Haiti on January 12, 2010. On January 18, leaders of all the major political parties met at the General Consulate of the Dominican Republic in New York, agreeing to both solidify aid to Haiti and press forward with the celebration of Duarte and Dominican culture.

“Now more than ever, neighboring Haiti is in urgent need of solidarity from all Dominicans and political parties, and we have a responsibility to become catalysts for a broad movement of support to alleviate the sufferings of the survivors,” said Carlos Felix of the Dominican Liberation Party.

The 2010 festivities are still scheduled to be held as planned in the Dominican Republic.

Other interesting posts:

Errol Barrow Day Celebrated in Barbados

Noel — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:00:35 +0000

Errol Barrow Day: January 21

Errol Barrow Day is a national holiday in Barbados.

Social activist and leader Errol Barrow had a huge impact on the country of Barbados and its people. From 1950 until his death on June 1, 1987, Barrow fought for a better Barbados. In memory of the man and his achievements, Barbados celebrates Errol Barrow Day every January 21 as a national holiday.

History of Errol Barrow Day in Barbados

Errol Barrow first became involved in the politics of Barbados in 1951 when he was elected to the Barbados parliament representing the Barbados Labour Party (BLP). He soon became unhappy with the slow approach of the BLP and split off, forming a new political party called the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in 1955.

At the time, Britain still controlled the island as a colony. Progress towards independence was slow, with the people of Barbados not gaining universal suffrage until 1951. Long a colony with a history of slavery and exploitation, Barrow believed strongly in an independent Barbados and worked towards social and governmental reform.

Barrow and the DLP were able to win parliamentary elections in 1961, with Barrow serving as Premier of Barbados. During a constitutional conference in Britain in 1966, Barrow negotiated for Barbados’ independence. After many negotiations, Barbados gained independence on November 30, 1966, making Barrow the first Prime Minister of Barbados.

During his time as premier and prime minister, Barrow and the DLP ushered in many reforms that brought Barbados closer to being economically less dependent on external sources. The tourism industry was bolstered, the industrial sector was expanded, free education was extended to all, and a politic of inclusion was spread.

This policy of inclusion was seen most in his push for greater integration across the Caribbean region. He headed the formation of the Caribbean Free Trade Association in an attempt to economically and culturally tie the Caribbean together. The association evolved into CARICOM in 1973, providing even tighter integration of wealth and foreign policy.

The DLP and Barrow lost in the 1976 elections. He spent 10 years as opposition leader, becoming increasingly vocal against the push to accept handouts from the United States and the Reagan administration. Barrow managed to capture the imaginations of Barbadians in 1986 and served as Prime Minister until his untimely death on June 1, 1987.

Barbados’ Errol Barrow Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

In past years, political divisions have clouded Errol Barrow Day ceremonies, but in the last few years, some positive changes have been seen, bringing more inclusion and togetherness. Originally a day propagated by the DLP and the Barrow family, more people are getting together to celebrate the spirit of Errol Barrow.

It’s worth noting that the holiday is a national holiday. As such, most of the island is virtually shut down. If you pass through during the celebrations, know that little will be open.

Other interesting posts:

Azerbaijan Remembers Its Martyrs

Noel — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:23 +0000

Martyr’s Day: January 20

Martyr’s Day is a public holiday in Azerbaijan.

January 20 in Azerbaijan commemorates Black January in 1990, when Soviet troops entered the city of Baku and killed more than 180 civilians. It is celebrated as the rebirth of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is also a remembrance of the victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1988. This day in Azerbaijan is also known as Qara Yanvar (Day of National Mourning), Day of Shehids, or Remembrance Day.

History of Martyr’s Day in Azerbaijan

Black January was a retaliation of the Soviet Army in the city of Baku against demands of independence from Armenians. A seven day pogrom—a riot against a particular race, religion or nationality—started in Baku, Azerbaijan on January 13, 1990. Up to 66 Armenians were killed by beating or knife wound in focused individual attacks. Most of them were part of the Azerbaijani Popular Front that demanded independence from the Soviet Union. Their houses were set on fire, and the local Soviet authorities did nothing to stop the attacking forces.

Late at night, on January 19, over 26,000 Soviet troops entered Baku with the objective of crushing the Popular Front. They attacked protesters and shot at the crowds for three days. In the end, 93 Azerbaijanis and 29 Russian soldiers were killed. On January 22, the population of Baku came to the streets to bury the dead, and for 40 days they did not work in a protest of mourning.

Citizens also remember the events of the Nagorno-Karabakh War, an armed conflict that took place from February 1988 to May 1994 in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, between Armenians and Azerbaijanis. The parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh wanted to unite with Azerbaijan, and the majority of Armenians was in favor of independence. Inter-ethnic fighting ensued for years as both sides tried to eliminate each other from Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding mountains. Even today, the situation isn’t completely settled since the cease fire in 1994. Inflammatory accusations from both sides seem to still be triggering small conflicts in the zone.

Martyr’s Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On Martyrs Day in the Azerbaijan Republic the entire government, from the president and prime minister to members of the cabinet and leaders of the parliament, are joined by church officials to gather at the Azerbaijani Genocide Memorial in Baku. In a solemn procession they place flower wreaths at the memorial to commemorate those who died in 1990 during Black January.

All over the world in Azerbaijani embassies and private communities, the events of Black January and the Nagorno-Karabakh War are recognized. Azerbaijanis regard this day as a day to rekindle their patriotism and celebrate their national history and identity as the country struggles to gain peace and economic stability.

Other interesting posts: