Cyprus Independence Day
This day commemorates when Cyprus became independent from the British in 1960 after it won full sovereignty from Britain. It is celebrated by festivals at schools and a large military parade in Nicosia.
Nigeria Independence Day
This day commemorates when the country proclaimed independence in 1960 from Britain. In the 1950s the call for independence of territories in Africa and the decline of the British Empire led to the country being granted independence as the Federation of Nigeria. It is celebrated by a President’s address to the country on radio and TV. The primary and secondary schools come out to march in various state capitals and local government areas. Offices and Markets are closed for the holiday.
Tuvalu Independence Day
These islands used to be called the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, and after the formation of the United Nations after the second World War, the path to decolonisation started. In 1974 the ministerial government was introduced to the islands through a change to the constitution. Later that year a general election was held to determine whether the islands should have their own administration. As a consequence of this, separation occurred in two separate stages. The Tuvulan Order 1975, which took effect on this day, recognised Tuvalu as a separate British dependencey with its own government. The second stage occured on 1st January 1976, when separate administrations were created out of the civil service of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. On 1st October 1978, Tuvalu became an independent nation when their first Prime Minister was declared, and this day became a public holiday.
National Day of China
This day commemorates the formal establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The Chinese Communist Part victory in the Chinese Civil War resulted in the Kuomintang retreat to Taiwan and the Chinese Communist Revolution in which the People’s Republic of China replaced the Republic of China. It is observed on 1st October, but another 6 days are added to the official holiday, normally in lieu of the two weekend breaks around 1st October, making it a de facto public holiday compromising seven consecutive days also known as Golden Week. There are festivities and concerts usually held with a grand military parade and mass pageant event held on select years.
World Vegetarian Day
This was founded in 1977 by the North American Vegetarian Society (NAVS) and was endorsed by the International Vegetarian Union in 1978. It is the annual kick-off of Vegetarian Awareness Month, which makes people think about the benefits of vegetarianism as it has proven to cause health benefits, save animals’ lives and help to preserve the Earth.
Holidays & Special Events 