Holidays Around The World � october 12 at AGLOBALWORLD.com

Our Lady of Aparecida Draws a Crowd in Brazil

Noel — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:00:17 +0000

Brazil Our Lady of Aparecida Date: October 12

Brazil Celebrates Our Lady of Aparecida as a National Holiday.

Every year on October 12 more than a hundred thousand people flock to visit the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aparecida in Aparecida do Norte, São Paulo.

Brazil Our Lady of Aparecida History

In the 18th century, some fishermen cast their nets into the River Paraiba near Sao Paolo and they pulled up a headless statue along with their catch. On the second casting of their nets, they brought up the head of the statue. It then appeared to be a Black Virgin. Legend has it that the slender figure of the Aparecida Virgin became so heavy that the fishermen could not move it. Ever since, the Aparecida Virgin became the Holy Mother, patron Saint of mothers-to-be and the newborn. Worship of the Immaculate “Aparecida” Virgin over the years increased and many petitions and miracles have been obtained. In 1737, a chapel was erected for worshippers.

Work on a larger church began in 1834. In 1955, work started on the huge new Basilica. The nation paid homage to Our Lady of Aparecida when she was fervently pronounced as the Patron Saint of Brazil on July 16 1930, in the presence of all of the country’s religious luminaries as well as its political dignitaries. On that day, Brazil was dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Aparecida by the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil Our Lady of Aparecida Traditions, Customs and Activities

Close of seven million pilgrims come visit the Lady of Aparecida. However, on the saint’s day more than 100,000 of the devotees turn up to pay their respects. Similar sights of devotion are witnessed all over Brazil.

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Samoa Lotu-A-Tamaiti

Noel — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:54:56 +0000

Samoa Lotu-A-Tamaiti Date: October 12

Samoa Celebrates Lotu-A-Tamaiti is a public holiday.

The people of Samoa will celebrate its Lotu-A-Tamaiti or White Sunday on the Monday after the second Sunday of October.

Samoa Lotu-A-Tamaiti History

White Sunday falls on the second Sunday in October. This is a special day for the children of Samoa where the parents and the communities show their appreciation towards their children. The children will have to perform in front of their parents and relatives in church by reciting bible verses and performing artistic dances and dramas.

Wherever a Samoan church community exists in the world White Sunday will be celebrated.

“Lotu Tamaiti” in English is “Children’s Day” or the “Children’s service”

People have different beliefs as to the origin of this tradition. Some people believe it began as an agricultural tradition that started during planting and harvesting season. Most people held the belief that this tradition started as a way to commemorate the survival of the people from European diseases. Many credited this survival to the mercy of God which had been introduced to the Polynesians by the same Europeans who gave them these diseases.

Samoa Lotu-A-Tamaiti Traditions, Customs and Activities

All the women and children dress completely in white clothing on White Sunday. Some of them outline the clothes with the other two colors of the Samoan flag, red and blue. The Men will wear their white shirts with either white slacks or with the customary lavalava.

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Laos observes Bouk Ok Pansa

Noel — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 17:12:26 +0000

Bouk Ok Pansa: October 12

Bouk Ok Pansa is a public holiday in Laos.

“Bouk Ok Pansa” means, in Laotian, “End of the Rains Retreat”. It is the day that marks the end of the Buddhists three month retreat during the rainy season. The date changes every year, and falls on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month (October).

History of Bouk Ok Pansa Day

The Rains Retreats begin with the Khaon Pansa, marked by a Candle Festival in which candles, and other necessities, are offered to the Buddhist monks. These candles will burn throughout the rainy season to signal illumination of the temple and illumination of the mind. For a period of three months, Buddhists priests have to meditate in temples and observe strict rules. Young men are also enrolled in temples on that day, until the Bouk Ok Pansa. After the three months, the young monks that have attended the retreat return to their homes in joyful celebrations. They are also now free to go on pilgrimages to holy spots, and as the monks descend from the temples, they are received with offerings from the worshipers.

The observation of the Rains Retreat is said to originate with the Buddha himself. Gautama Buddha ordered his disciples to observe a pre-existing practice whereby holy men avoided travel for a three month period during the rainy season, in order to avoid damaging crops. A man’s religious age may be counted as how many Rains Retreats he has observed in his life.

For a period of three months, Buddhists priests have to meditate in temples and observe strict rules. Young men are also enrolled in temples on that day, until the Bouk Ok Pansa. After the three months, the young monks that have attended the retreat return to their homes in joyful celebrations. They are also now free to go on pilgrimages to holy spots, and as the monks descend from the temples, they are received with offerings from the worshipers.

Laos Bouk Ok Pansa Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Faithful villagers are busy during the previous days making khao thom, rice offerings, for Bouk Ok Pansa. In the day at dawn, these donations and offerings are made at temples around the cities. In the evening, candlelight processions are held at temples and hundreds of colorful banana-leaf floats decorated with flowers, incense and candles are set adrift down the Mekong River to pay respect to the river spirit. After the spiritual event then it’s time to get down and party for the boat racing festival.

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Canary Islands marks Hispanic Day

Noel — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:16:16 +0000

Canary Islands Hispanic Day: October 12

Hispanic Day is a public holiday in the Canary Islands.

The Canary Islands are an autonomous region of Spain. They follow the same holiday calendar as the mainland Spaniards. On October 12th, they join all the Spanish communities all over the world in celebrating Hispanic Day (“Día de la Hispanidad”), otherwise known as Columbus Day or “Fiesta Nacional de España” (Spain’s National Feast).

History of Canary Islands Hispanic Day

The Hispanic identity started to be forged in October 12 of 1942 when Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas. Most precisely to the island of Guanahany, which he named “La Española” (The Spanish). Columbus was captain of three ships: “Santa María”, the main ship, “La Niña” and “La Pinta”, two smaller ones. Creating therefore an overseas empire later united by the Spanish language.

Since 1987, this national holiday commemorates the exact date when Christopher Columbus first set a foot in the Americas. As its National Day and as the Hispanic Day, Spain gives relevance to their ties with the Hispanic communities all over the world, from the Canary Islands to Mexico, Peru or Venezuela.

Canary Islands Hispanic Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Since 2000, October 12 has also been Spain’s Day of the Armed Forces. To commemorate it, there is a parade led by the military (usually held in Madrid) presided by the Spanish King, who is the Head of State, since Spain is politically organized as a constitutional monarchy. The “Presidente del Gobierno” (Government´s President) has also a special role in the ceremony, only second to the King. Then a wide array of authorities, from foreign diplomats deployed in Spain to members of the Autonomous governments, is invited to attend the parade and aerobatics performed by the Spanish Armed Forces. Other than this, however, the holiday is not widely or enthusiastically celebrated in Spain; there are no other large-scale patriotic parades, marches, or other events, and the observation is generally overshadowed by the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar.

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Spain treats on National Day

Noel — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:03:23 +0000

National Day Spain: October 12

National Day is a public holiday in Spain.

National Day in Spain commemorates Christopher Columbus’s first successful voyage to the new world in 1492. A variety of festivities take place throughout the day, with the center of the festival being long and lavish military parade through the center of Madrid.

History of Spain’s National Day

Spain’s National Holiday, also called Hispanic Day, is held annually on October 12th. This national holiday commemorates the exact date when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas.

On August 3, 1492, Christopher Columbus, under the sponsorship of Spain’s Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand, Columbus began his first voyage across the Atlantic in search of an alternate trading route to India. On October 12, 1492, land was spotted, and Columbus’ three ships landed on an island in the Bahamas, which he named San Salvador. Over the next few months, Columbus and his crew explored the nearby islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, and Haiti. Leaving part of the crew to found a colony on Haiti, Columbus and his two remaining ships returned to Spain, landing in Lisbon, Portugal on March 4, 1493 before shortly returning to Spain. Columbus made three more voyages to the new world, in 1493, 1498, and 1502. Columbus’ legacy has always been a source of pride for Spain.

The modern National Day began in 1913 as a day designated for celebration of the “Spanish race”. By 1927, it had been reinterpreted into a celebration of Spanish ethnicity and culture, then was later renamed “National Day”. Many Spaniards also observe the Feast of St. Pilar, the Patron Saint of Zaragoza, on October 12. In most areas of the country, festivities for both observances are combined on this day.

Spanish National Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

On National Day, all government buildings, public utilities, and most business are closed. A variety of festivities take place throughout the country. The center of the celebration is a large military parade through the capital city of Madrid. Government officials and other dignitaries attend or participate in the parade.

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Bahamas marks Discovery Day

Noel — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:50:43 +0000

Bahamas Discovery Day: October 12

Discovery Day is a public holiday in the Bahamas.

When Christopher Columbus landed in the New World in 1492, history was made and Columbus Day was created as a public holiday for many cultures. The Bahamian culture celebrates this day and calls it Discovery Day.

History of Bahamas Discovery Day

The Bahamas Discovery Day celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the New World in 1492. Discovery Day coincides with the Columbus Day celebration of America, and is treated as a day to celebrate rish historical heritage for the Bahamian culture.

In 2002, a change occurred that has caused debate amongst the Bahamas for several years. Prime Minister Perry Christieappointed the Bahamas National Heroes Committee, which was a committee that fouced on honoring local Bahamas heroes, to change the name of Discovery Day to National Heroes Day, which would allow more focus on individuals who have made impact specifically to Bahamian culture. The National Heroes Committee had already been honoring local heroes for years, and renaming Discovery Day to National Heroes Day would coincide with the mission of the Committee. However, all Bahamians did not agree with this decision.

The Bahamas In Prophecy Association disagreed with this decision, believing that this change would be re-writing Bahamas historical culture. The Association also felt that renaming Discovery Day as National Heroes Day would be equal to changing the wording of the Constitution, since the Constitution discusses the coming of Christopher Columbus as the “rebirth of the New World.”

There have been many debates and governmental discussions on this decision since 2002. Even though the decision to change the holiday name was made in 2002, Discovery Day was officially renamed to National Heroes Day in 2008. Some of the National Heroes that have been honored in the past are Sir Randol Fawkes (credited for having the Labour Day holiday declared), Sir Milo Butler (first Bahamian Governor General), and Dame Doris Johnson (first woman senator, first woman to run for parliament, and gave her life in the struggle for the right to vote).

Bahamas Discovery Day Traditions, Customs, and Activities

If National Heroes Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is observed the following Monday and most public facilities (schools, post
offices, government offices, etc.) are closed in its observance. A small ceremony is held in Rawson Square (downtown Nassau), in honor of the Bahamian national heroes that are chosen for that year.

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Equatorial Guinea Independence Day

Noel — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:56:43 +0000

Equatorial Guinea Day: October 12

Independence Day is a public holiday in the Equatorial Guinea.

The day a country gains independence is a snapshot of history that is cherished and celebrated by that country forever. The Equatorial Guinea celebrates their Independence Day on October 12 as a celebration of pride.

History of Equatorial Guinea Independence Day

Equatorial Guinea was originally an African colony of Spain , called Spanish Guinea. The country is bordered by Cameroon and Gabon , which are former French colonies. Equatorial Guinea is one of the smallest continents in Africa , composed of a mainland portion, and five inhabited islands. The majority of the Guineans speak Spanish and some also speak French, which are the two official languages of the country.

Equatorial Guinea is one of the most underdeveloped countries in Africa , but with the discovery of petroleum and natural gas reserves in the Gulf of Guinea , major investment have been made by the U.S and many oil companies. Steps have been taken to pave some of the country’s main roads, improve the electrical and telecommunications systems, establish offices, and build hotels in the country. The country is also taking steps to build modern housing complexes for those who can afford them. The country is working to be the foundation for a modern and sophisticated Guinean working class.

In 1968, Francisco Macias Nguema was elected as Equatorial Guinea ’s first president, and independence was recognized in October 1968. Under Presidents Nguema’s leadership, one third of the Guinean population was exiled. The economy had collapsed, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo deposed Francisco Macias in a coup d’etat battle. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo then became the president of the country in 1979. He has the country ever since and some believe that the past elections have been flawed to keep President Mbasogo in office since he has full political control over the entire political system.

Equatorial Guinea Independence Day Traditions, Customs, and Activities

The celebration of Independence Day in Equatorial Guinea is similar to the celebration of the United States. Public facilities are typically closed and many celebrations are held in honor of this day. For example, a festival was held in the town of Evinayong, a provincial capital on the continent as a celebration of spirit and pride for the country.

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Columbus Day

Noel — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:08:53 +0000

Columbus Day Date: October 11

Columbus Day is celebrated all over North and South America on Second Monday of October.

Most countries all over the world have once been under the rule of the Europeans. The Europeans in search of trade routes to India set forth on journeys in different directions. Most of their journeys ended in vain either being shipwrecked by the violent seas or by pirates. There a few others who did find land but were killed by the natives. Besides all these there were a distinguished few who did live to tell their tales of discovery and bring the unknown world into the maps of European travelers.

One of that fortunate few to find land was Columbus. Christopher Columbus with his three ships set forth on an expedition to find a new sea route to India. On October 12, 1942, a sailor aboard the Pinta cried land and hence Americas were known to the European world.

Columbus Day History

Columbus Day is celebrated all over the world conquered by him. Thought not all of them celebrate it with great vigor. His arrival in the Americas is dated as 12th October 1492 as per the Julian calendar and as 21st October 1492 as per the modern Georgian Calendar. Most of the countries discovered by him honor this day as a national holiday.

Columbus Day was first observed as a state holiday in the state of Colorado. Subsequently it was declared as a federal holiday only in the year 1970. Many cities in the United States of America celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landing in the Americas. This was not a much famous celebration and mostly kept low key. A hundred years later in the year 1872, American President Benjamin Harrison called upon celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus landing in the Americas. The 400th anniversary was an eventful affair with preachers, teacher’s poets and event politicians chipping in using the Columbus Day celebrations to promote the ideals of patriotism.

Columbus Day Celebrations in Latin America

Many of the countries in Latin America like in Argentina, Venezuela, Chile and Mexico celebrate the day of Columbus landing on their continent. Most of these countries celebrated this day as an official holiday. In particular Venezuela established this day as an official holiday in the year 1921 as Día de la Raza. In the year 2002 President Hugo Chávez changed the name of the celebrations to Día de la Resistencia Indígena to celebrate the Indigenous people’s resistance to the occupying forces. On this day in 2004 Christopher Columbus’s statue in Caracas was toppled. A left wing website quoted that this was similar to the toppling of Saddam Husain’s statue in Bhagdad in the previous year. This also symbolizes the contrasting emotions of people across the continent.

Opposition to Columbus Day Celebrations

Opposition to the celebration of the Columbus Day dates back to the 19th century. It is stated that certain groups wanted the celebration of Columbus Day scrapped as they felt that the Catholics would use the day to promote their religion and take over their country.

Amusing Facts about Columbus day

There is also a belief that the advent of Columbus to the land brought about more harm than good to them. They attribute their feelings to the evidence from Columbus’s own accounts on how he treated the native people and the well known brutal acts of slavery enacted by the Europeans.

Emotions of people are always divided on all issues. But whatever is the popular notion it remains that the discovery of the New World is always attributed to Christopher Columbus, the navigator, explorer and colonizer.

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Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands rejoices Friendship Day

Noel — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:12:00 +0000

Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands Friendship Day: October 11

Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands Friendship is a public holiday in US Virgin Islands.

“Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands Friendship Day” is observed in the Caribbean nation of U.S. Virgin Islands each year on Columbus Day. This holiday has been celebrated since the 1960s, in celebration of the unique relationship between Virgin Islanders and Puerto Ricans. Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands Friendship Day is celebrated in place of Columbus Day, due to the controversy surrounding the atrocities committed against the indigenous inhabitants of the Caribbean during Spanish colonization of the region.

History of Country Holiday

The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of four main islands: Saint Thomas, Saint John, Saint Croix, and Water Island, as well as several dozen smaller islands, and are located in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, about 90 miles east of Puerto Rico and west of the British Virgin Islands. In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed in the Caribbean while searching for a route to India, and named the native islanders “Indians”. He named the islands “The Virgins”, referencing the legend of the beautiful St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. In the years following Columbus’s discovery of the islands, the Indian population suffered the effects of European colonization. The native Indians were devastated by disease, battle, and slavery, and by 1625, the Indian population had virtually disappeared.

Between 1493 and 1917, the US Virgin Islands changed hands many times, being owned at different times Spain, England, the Netherlands, France, and Denmark-Norway. The Danish West India Company settled on Saint Thomas in 1672, and in 1754, the territory was named the Danish-Westindian Islands. In 1917, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark and renamed the territory the Virgin Islands of the United States. Citizenship was granted to residents in 1927.

Throughout its history, the U.S. Virgin Islanders have maintained a unique cultural link with Puerto Ricans. Currently, Puerto Ricans make up the largest number of migrants to the U.S. Virgin Islands. The primarily African culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands has benefited from many Hispanic Puerto Rican cultural influences, causing the nations to form many shared tradition. Since the 1960s, U.S. Virgin Islands have chosen to celebrate their friendship in place of Columbus Day.

Puerto Rico-U.S. Virgin Islands Friendship Day Traditions, Customs and Activities

Though Puerto Rico-U.S. Virgin Islands Friendship Day is officially October 12, the celebration actually lasts several days. The festivities include dance and music performance by Virgin Islanders and Puerto Ricans, art displays, and historical exhibits.

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USA celebrates Columbus Day

Noel — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:46:57 +0000

USA Columbus Day: October 11

Columbus Day is a Public Holiday in USA.

Columbus Day is celebrated all over the world conquered by Christopher Columbus. Thought not all of them celebrate it with great vigor as by USA. His arrival in the Americas is dated as 12th October 1492 as per the Julian calendar and as 21st October 1492 as per the modern Georgian Calendar. Most of the countries discovered by him honour this day as a national holiday.

USA Columbus Day History

There a few others who did find land but were killed by the natives. Besides all these there were a distinguished few who did live to tell their tales of discovery and bring the unknown world into the maps of European travelers. One of that fortunate few was Columbus. Christopher Columbus with his three ships set forth on an expedition to find a new sea route to India. On October 12, 1942 a sailor aboard the Pinta cried land and hence Americas were known to the European world.

Opposition to Celebrations: Opposition to the celebration of the Columbus Day dates back to the 19th century. It is stated that certain groups wanted the celebration of Columbus Day scrapped as they felt that the Catholics would use the day to promote their religion and take over their country.

USA Columbus Day Customs and Activities

American Celebration: Columbus Day was first observed as a state holiday in the state of Colorado. Subsequently it was declared as a federal holiday only in the year 1970. Many cities in the United States of America celebrated the 300th anniversary of his landing in the Americas. This was not a much famous celebration and mostly kept low key. A hundred years later in the year 1872, American President Benjamin Harrison called upon celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus landing in the Americas. The 400th anniversary was an eventful affair with preachers, teacher’s poets and event politicians chipping in using the Columbus Day celebrations to promote the ideals of patriotism.

Latin America: Many of the countries in Latin America like in Argentina, Venezuela, Chile and Mexico celebrate the day of Columbus landing on their continent. Most of these countries celebrated this day as an official holiday. In particular Venezuela established this day as an official holiday in the year 1921 as Día de la Raza. In the year 2002 President Hugo Chávez changed the name of the celebrations to Día de la Resistencia Indígena to celebrate the Indigenous people’s resistance to the occupying forces. On this day in 2004 Christopher Columbus’s statue in Caracas was toppled. A left wing website quoted that this was similar to the toppling of Saddam Husain’s statue in Bhagdad in the previous year. This also symbolizes the contrasting emotions of people across the continent.

Other interesting posts: