Holidays Around The World � november calendars

Philippines marks Bonifacio Day

Noel — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:13:03 +0000

Philippines Bonifacio Day: November 30

Bonifacio Day is a Public Holiday in Philippines

Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary. Bonifacio’s birthday on November 30 is celebrated as Bonifacio Day and is a public holiday in the Philippines. He was a founder and leader of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered as a national hero of the Philippines. Bonifacio is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first president of the Philippines, but he is not officially recognized as such.

Philippines Bonifacio Day History

Bonifacio was born to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro in Tondo, Manila and was the eldest of six children. His father was a tailor who served as a teniente mayor of Tondo while his mother worked in a cigarette factory. He was orphaned in his late teens – his mother died of tuberculosis in 1881 and his father followed a year after. Bonifacio was forced to drop out of school and work to support his family. He worked as a clerk/messenger for the English trading firm Fleming and Company, where he rose to become a agent of tar and other goods.

He also set up a family business of selling canes and paper fans. Bonifacio was married twice. His first wife was a certain Monica who died of leprosy. His second wife was Gregoria de Jesus of Caloocan, with whom he had one son who died in infancy. Despite not finishing formal education, Bonifacio was self-educated. Bonifacio was a Freemason and a member of the Gran Oriente Español (Spanish Grand Lodge).

In 1892 he joined Rizal’s La Liga Filipina (The Philippine League), an organization which called for political reforms in the Spanish government of the Philippines. However, La Liga Filipina disbanded after one meeting as Rizal was arrested and deported to the town of Dapitan in Mindanao. Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and others revived La Liga Filipina in Rizal’s absence. Bonifacio was active at organizing local chapters in Manila.

La Liga Filipina contributed moral and financial support to Filipino reformists in Spain. On July 7, 1892, the day after Rizal’s deportation was announced, Bonifacio and others founded the Katipunan, Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang “Highest and Most Respected Society of the Sons of the Country” The secret society sought independence from Spain through armed revolt.

Philippines Bonifacio Day Customs and Activities

November 30 is celebrated as a public holiday in memory of Filipino hero Andres Bonifacio Filipinos to thank him for his heroic attitude for fought for Country’s Independence during the Filipino – Spanish war. As Philippines celebrated Bonifacio Day and it’s a public holiday, all Filipinos in all areas especially who is in the government visit to the monuments of Andres Bonifacio and offer him flowers to thank him for the heroics he did for Philippines.

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Independence Day Celebrated in Yemen

Noel — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:37 +0000

Independence Day: November 30

Independence Day is a public holiday in Yemen.

Yemen marks the South Yemen declaration of independence from the United Kingdom on November 30 every year. While North Yemen had been independent since November 1, 1918, it wasn’t until November 30, 1967 that South Yemen achieved full independence.

History of Independence Day in Yemen

The territory of today’s Yemen was known by the Romans as Arabia Felix, or “Happy Arabia”. Its strategic geographic position made it highly coveted; whoever controlled it controlled the lucrative spice trade that passed through it.

North Yemen had long been under the political influence and control of imans from the Zaidi. Those imans were Muslims that followed the teachings of the fifth iman, Zayd ibn Ali, and were prevalent during the Ottoman occupation in the 11th century. In 1832, the British occupied the port of Aden due to its important location near the Gulf of Aden and established it as a British colony, while most of the territories of South Yemen had agreements of alliance and protection with the British Empire.

In 1918, North Yemen became independent from the Ottoman Empire, and it later became a republic in 1962. On November 30, 1967, the British withdrew from Aden and the area became known as South Yemen, with Aden as capital. These two republics of North and South Yemen lived separately, and sometimes at war, until finally they were united on May 22, 1990.

Yemen’s Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

For most Yemenis this is a non-working day to attend prayers and be with the family. The president and government present celebratory speeches on this day, and there are official celebrations in Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, that are televised nationwide. The streets are covered with Yemen’s flags, and there are military parades in the capital. Large celebratory gatherings of Yemenis throughout the country form in the streets of the main cities wearing the colors of the flag of Yemen: red, white, and black. Sometimes these gatherings end in protests and manifestations against the presence of Western non-Muslim nationals in the country.

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Independence Day Festively Celebrated in Barbados

Noel — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:28 +0000

Independence Day: November 30

Independence Day is a national holiday in Barbados.

November 30 is celebrated in Barbados as Independence Day, and it is a national holiday. In 1966, Barbados achieved independence from the British, who had controlled Barbados as a colony since 1627.

History of Independence Day in Barbados

The first British to land in Barbados were sailors looking for water supplies for their voyage from South America to England in the year of 1625. Later, in 1627 and 1628, British settlers came to the island and took control. The natives were made slaves of the British who used them to plant sugar cane alongside slaves brought from Africa.

Several slave rebellions were planned during British rule, but none were successful. The number of African slaves that were brought from African nations increased as time passed. In the 18th century, most of the population of Barbados was black, a contrast from the English and Scots-Irish predominance from the previous century.

In 1834, slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire, Barbados included. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the descendants of slaves began fighting for equal rights within Barbados. The problem was exasperated as British farmers still maintained political control of the island.

In 1949, control was wrested away from the British, and Sir Grantley Adams, founder of the Barbados Labour Party, became the first Premier of Barbados in 1958. Barbados was then a self-governing colony of the British, and Adams started negotiations for the county’s independence. Independence was eventually granted on November 30, 1966. That same year, Barbados became part of the Commonwealth of Nations, and a year later, it was granted a seat at the United Nations and the Organization of American States.

Barbados’ Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Celebrations of Independence Day in Barbados start with an impressive parade and ceremony at Garrison Savannah, a horse racing venue near the capital city of Bridgetown. Throughout the whole month of November, there are sports, fairs, community events, and religious services dedicated to the theme of Independence nationwide. The Parliament Buildings are decorated with colors of blue and gold, and public buildings and businesses are adorned with the colors and flags of Barbados. Talented Barbadians join together on this day to display their talents in music, dance, drama, photography, and arts and crafts at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts. The exhibitions run throughout November, and a final gala is organized to present awards for outstanding Barbadian artists.

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Liberation Day Commemorated in Albania

Noel — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:00:38 +0000

Liberation Day: November 29

Liberation Day is a national holiday in Albania.

November 29 is a national holiday in Albania and remembers the day in 1944 that invading German and Italian troops were driven out of the country by Allied Forces. November 28 is celebrated as Independence Day, celebrating Independence from the Ottoman Empire, and November 29 as Liberation Day.

History of Liberation Day in Albania

Italy invaded Albania on April 7, 1939, taking control of the country. Benito Mussolini, Italian fascist dictator, proclaimed King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy as King of Albania, starting the Italian occupation and making Albania one of the first countries to be invaded in World War II by the Axis Powers. During the occupation, Mussolini tried to promote Italian culture among Albanians, discouraging the use of the native Albanian language and forcing Italian to be learned in schools and bringing Italian colonizers from Italy to Albania.

During the war, Mussolini used Albania as a base to launch several attacks on Greece, most of them unsuccessful. In 1942, the National Liberation Front was set up in Albania to fight off the Italians and later the Germans. By the time that Italy was invaded by the Allied forces and Mussolini saw his last days, Germans decided to take over Albania, taking over the capital city of Tirana and driving the Albanian guerrillas into the surrounding hills. The Germans would later decide to recognize Albania as independent and neutral state, creating a government front of German-friendly Albanians. Even so, the National Liberation Front pursued its efforts towards full independence from Germany and achieved complete liberation from the Nazis on November 28, 1944.

Albania’s Liberation Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Almost everyone in Albania still has family memories and stories that were passed down from previous generations about the occupation during World War II. The day is to honor the victims of the war, and it celebrates freedom and hope for Albania. A national ceremony is held in Tirana, featuring a memorial service for the victims and national Albanian heroes that fought the occupying forces. The ceremonies are attended by the president, government officials, and representatives from many veterans associations. The ceremonies are broadcast so that all Albanians can follow the solemnities. For most Albanians it is a non-working day that, following Independence Day on November 28, gives reason for a longer break to have time to be with family and friends.

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Liberia Remembers William Tubman

Noel — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:00:09 +0000

Liberia President’s Tubman’s Day: November 29

President’s Tubman’s Day is a Public Holiday in Liberia.

William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman was born in Harper, Maryland County, Liberia, on November 29, 1895. He was President of Liberia from 1944 until his death in a London clinic on July 23, 1971. With 27 years in office he ruled the country longer than any other president before him – and after him. This day is celebrated in Liberia as a national holiday.

Liberia President’s Tubman’s Day History

President Tubman’s reign over Liberia certainly was controversial. Famous is the 1955 attempt to kill him by a gunman hired by his political opponents. But the country underwent more changes during the quarter of a century that he ruled the country than in the century before.

Tubman is most known by his political ‘National Unification Policy’ and economic ‘Open Door Policy’. In reality, however, none of these policies were new. With respect to Americo-Liberian – tribal relations, as early as 1904 one of his predecessors, President Arthur Barclay (1904 – 1912) had already pleaded for better relations between the colonists and the tribal population.

Similarly, Tubman’s immediate predecessor, Edwin Barclay (1930 – 1944) – cousin of Arthur Barclay – had on more than one occasion repeated his invitation to foreign investors and traders. Moreover, just before he handed over power to William Tubman, President Edwin Barclay made the U.S. dollar sole legal tender in Liberia.

The opening of the country to foreign capital was a controversial issue among the settler population nearly as old as the Republic itself. It was partly responsible for the country’s first coup d’état and the death of the deposed President, Edward Roye, whose death followed the obtaining of a British loan to develop the country. In 1943, William Tubman was elected President of Liberia. He too firmly believed that, unaided, Liberia, would not develop. The historic phrase “Liberia has never had the advantages of colonialism” is often attributed to Tubman and although it is very likely that not he but another prominent Liberian coined this phrase, the idea expressed by it was certainly shared by Tubman.

Liberia President’s Tubman’s Day Customs and Activities

On the birthday of William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman lots of activities are done at schools level to remember their great president and his renowned work for the country.

Liberia President’s Tubman’s Day: November 29, 2009

President’s Tubman’s Day is a Public Holiday in Liberia.

Liberia President’s Tubman’s Day History

Liberia President’s Tubman’s Day Customs and Activities

On the birthday of William Vacanarat Shadrach Tubman lots of activities are done at schools level to remember their great president and his renowned work for the country. You will notice that on all occasions the Liberian people enjoy joyful and colorful parties with family and drink a lot of a traditional Liberian beverage, ginger beer. However, President Tubman’s Birthday is also an opportunity for opposition parties and discontent activist movements to promote rallies in the streets of Monrovia. Even though the memory of President Tubman divides Liberians, the day still has some mystique around its celebrations, and the Liberian government has opted to keep the holiday as is. The current president visits the Memorial Pavillion and lays a wreath of flowers on the tomb of the late Liberian president.

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Albania marks Independence Day

Noel — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:14:47 +0000

Albania Independence Day: November 28

Independence Day is a Public Holiday in Albania.

An Independence Day is an annual celebration commemorating the anniversary of a nation’s assumption of independent statehood. Most countries honor their respective independence day as a national holiday. Proclaiming Albanian independence after 500 years of Ottoman Turkish occupation; in a furthermore decisive act, the Congress officially issued the Vlore proclamation which marked the formal declaration of Albania’s independence on November 28th.

Albania Independence Day History

During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the legendary hero, Skanderbeg. Aside from this exception, the country did not enjoy independence until the twentieth century. After five hundred years of Ottoman domination, an independent Albania was proclaimed on the 28 November 1912.

Beginning with late 14th century the Ottoman Turks expanded their empire from Anatolia to the Balkans. By the 15th century, the Turks had brought under subjection nearly all of the Balkan Peninsula except for a small coastal strip which is included in present-day Albania. The Albanians’ resistance to the Turks in the mid-15th century won them acclaim all over Christian Europe. Albania became a symbol of resistance to the Ottoman Turks but suffered an almost continuous state of warfare. One of the most successful resistances against the invading Ottomans, was led by Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg from 1443 to 1468. Under a red flag bearing Skanderbeg’s heraldic emblem, an Albanian force of about 30,000 men held off Ottoman campaigns against their lands for twenty-four years.

The leadership of Skanderbeg was invincible, After the death of Skanderbeg, resistance continued until 1478, although with only moderate success. The loyalties and alliances created and nurtured by Skanderbeg faltered and fell apart, and the Ottomans conquered the territory of Albania shortly after the fall of Kruje’s castle. Albania then became part of the Ottoman Empire. This period also saw the rising of semi-autonomous Albanian ruled Pashaliks and Albanians were also an important part of the Ottoman army and Ottoman administration like the case of Köprülü family. Albania would remain a part of the Ottoman Empire as the provinces of Shkodra, Manastir and Yanya until 1912.

Albania Independence Day Customs and Activities

The Empire State has a longstanding tradition of acknowledging significant milestones and events of historic importance to its many citizens of Albanian ancestry. A popular celebration known as “Flag Day” is held annually within the Albanian community as a means of commemorating November 28, 1912 — a significant date in their history as a country and throughout the Albanian Diaspora.

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Chad Remembers the Proclamation of the Republic

Noel — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:00:58 +0000

Republic Day Date: November 28

Republic Day is a public holiday in Chad.

Every year on November 28, Chad celebrates Proclamation of the Republic Day. Chad was part of the many colonies of France in Africa until 1960, the year they gained independence from France and were constituted as a Republic. But Chad has been left torn by civil wars and rebellions, often with clandestine support from the French power.

History of Republic Day

In 1900, the French named Chad as a military territory and its protectorate in Africa. By 1920, France achieved full control of Chad and incorporated it into what was called French Equatorial Africa. For France, Chad wasn’t worth much and was primarily exploited for its cheap untrained labor and cotton. France began a mass production of cotton using the citizens as laborers in 1929. Chad never was much of an investment for the French; they left the whole country almost abandoned without modernizing it or investing in education. After World War II, France gave Chad the status of overseas territory and conceded some liberties to its people. For example, France allowded for the creation of political parties and election of representatives to the Chadian Assembly. Finally, Chad was granted independence from France in August 11, 1960, and François Tombalbaye was named its first president.

Republic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Chad has been affected by a humanitarian crisis since 2001. According to the United Nations, there are hundreds of thousands of refugees in the country from Darfur and Central Africa Republic along with 170,000 internally displaced Chadians. Even so, holidays in Chad are celebrated with fun and joy. Republic Day is celebrated in a traditional way, and people from the different religions—from Christians to Muslims—are united in the celebration of Chad’s proclamation as a free Republic. The day may be celebrated by local communities with political assemblies and sports like football.

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The Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Is Celebrated by the Bahá’í

Noel — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:00:55 +0000

Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Date: November 28

Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá is a religious observance for the followers of Bahá’í.

On November 28, followers of the Bahá’í Faith worldwide commemorate the passing of `Abdu’l-Bahá in his house in Haifa in 1921. He was the eldest son and successor of Baha’u'llah, founder of the Bahá’í Faith. His funeral was attended by more than 10,000 mourners, representing every one of the diverse religions and ethnic communities in the Holy Land. His remains were laid to rest in a vault next to the vault of the Bab on Mount Carmel.

History of Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá

`Abdu’l-Bahá was born on May 23, 1844 in Tehran, Iran. His father was imprisoned when he was 8 years old, and it had a deep impact on his childhood. His family was left in poverty and persecuted in the streets. Little `Abdu’l-Bahá, after the release of his father from prison, had to follow him into exile in Baghdad. `Abdu’l-Bahá learned the teachings of his father and witnessed firsthand the persecutions of his message and the birth of the Bahá’í Faith. After his father, Bahá’u'lláh, died on May 29, 1892, the Will and Testament of his father named `Abdu’l-Bahá as Centre of the Covenant, the father being the legitimate successor and interpreter of Bahá’u'lláh’s writings. Also in the Will and Testament `Abdu’l-Bahá’s half-brother, Muhammad `Alí was placed as subordinate to the elder brother. Muhammad `Alí became jealous of his half-brother and went on with many efforts to undermine the half-brother’s authority. `Abdu’l-Bahá remained faithful to his father’s teachings, and during his life the Bahá’í Faith saw great expansion worldwide. His final years were spent in Palestine where he was officially recognized by the British Mandate of Palestine for his humanitarian efforts during World War I and awarded a knighthood. `Abdu’l-Bahá died in his home in Haifa, aged 77, in 1921.

Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá Traditions, Customs and Activities

The Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá is one of only two days that work is suspended for the Bahá’í followers. The other is the Anniversary of the Birth of `Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’ís are advised that there must be a celebration on this day, if possible to be organized to occur at 1:00 AM, coinciding with the hour that `Abdu’l-Bahá died. Since there are no prescribed ceremonies or religious practices it is usually celebrated in a gathering with prayers, music, and devotional readings with solemnity and reverence for the memory of `Abdu’l-Bahá.

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Albania Celebrates Its Independence

Noel — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:00:34 +0000

Independence Day Date: November 28

Independence Day is a public holiday in Albania.

Dita e Pavarësisë (“Independence Day” in English) was declared in 1912 by Ismail Qemali, founder of the modern Albanian state and its first head of state and government. After five hundred years of Ottoman domination, an independent Albania was proclaimed on November 28, 1912. On this day the Albanian flag was raised by Ismail Quemali in Flora, Albania to publicly proclaim the independence of Albania from its Ottoman authorities.

History of Independence Day

During the fifteenth century Albania enjoyed a brief period of independence under the legendary hero, Skanderbeg. Aside from this period of rule, the country did not enjoy independence until the twentieth century. During the 19th century, Albanians resisted the Turks attempts to assimilate Albania. The leaders of Albania led their country with the rallying cry “The religion of Albanians is Albanianism!” They formed the Albanian League in 1878 to unite the country, adopt a new alphabet, and develop the native language, education, and literature. In 1908, the Albanians fought again, and by 1912, they succeeded in making the Turks agree to their demands for autonomy.

Independence Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Different ceremonies and concerts are organized to celebrate the historic day of Independence, especially in Tirana. The Albanian flag is ceremonially raised in Tirana, Albania’s capital, with the presence of the President, Prime Minister, Tirana’s mayor, and other officials. They also visit the national martyrs’ cemetery. Concerts in the center of Tirana feature famous Albanian singers and dancers. Even in the coldest of winters, many young people come out to the streets wrapped up in Albanian flags, while many Albanians stay home and watch the ceremonies on TV.

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Panama Celebrates Its Independence From Spain

Noel — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:00:29 +0000

Panama Independence Day: November 28

Independence from Spain is a Public Holiday in Panama.

Panama celebrates its Independence from Spain on November 28th every year. The city of Los Santos preempted the move by proclaiming freedom from Spain on November 10, 1821. This act precipitated a meeting in Panama City on November 28, which is celebrated as the official date of independence.

Panama Independence from Spain History

Panama’s history has been shaped by its strategic location between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. The native Cuevas and Cocole tribes quickly disappeared after the Spanish arrived with their weapons and diseases in the early 16th century. Panama City, on the Pacific coast, thrived as Spain conquered and plundered Peru. Caravans loaded with gold traveled overland across the narrow isthmus from Panama City to be loaded on galleons bound for Spain. However, this wealth attracted pirates and, in the early 1700s, Panama’s Caribbean shore was dotted with so many pirate strongholds that shippers chose instead to sail around Cape Horn to Peru.

Panama’s importance rapidly declined, and Spain did not contest its inclusion as a province of Colombia when that country won its independence from Spain in 1821. In 1819, when the liberation of New Granada was clinched, and finally gaining its freedom, Panama along with other regions of Colombia was therefore technically freed and independent as apart of Colombia, but it was still in the clutches of Spain and remained so until 1821, but yet Panama was still was loyal to Spain but began their plans of liberation and independence to join the new nation as it was already apart of Colombia.

Panama was a royalist stronghold and outpost in and as a apart of Colombia. Therefore, and because of all this and the events that occurred in the rest of Colombia (Nueva Granada or New Granada) it joined the independence bandwagon like most of the other Latin American regions and colonies, in 1821, which would later become new nations, of course. While Panama was of great historical importance to the Spanish Empire, the differences in social and economic status between the more liberal area of Azuero, and the much more royalist and conservative area of Veraguas displayed contrasting perspectives.

It is, in fact, known that when the Grito de la Villa de Los Santos occurred, Veraguas firmly opposed the motion for independence.

Panama Independence Traditions , Customs and Activities

Panama celebrates its independence from Spain with parades in Panama City. One of the things one can always count on, every year is that it will rain on the parade. The majority of the participants are schools and their bands.

Panamanians are known for celebrating their holidays with big parades, although November in Panama is known for its unpredictable rains. There is traditional folklore dancing in the streets where both children and adults dress in traditional costumes—a pollera and a montuno—and dance El Tamborito or El Atravesao, traditional dances. Street vendors will sell meat on sticks, hot dogs, and kebabs. There are games to be played and lots of entertainment.

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