East Timor Independence Day
This formally occurred on 20th May 2002. The country was occupied and annexed by Indonesia from 1976 to 1999, who were claimed to be responsible for 180,000 deaths in that time. Long time President Suharto was overthrown in May 1998 and was replaced by B.J. Habibie. He allowed an East Timorese referendum on special autonomy or independence on 30th August 1999. However the 1999 East Timorese crisis occurred, with lethal violence between pro-Indonesia militias and pro-independence forces. UN peacemaking troops of the INTERFET intervened, and the result of the referendum was finally recognised on 19th October 1999, after which UN peacekeeping troops of the UNTAET oversaw the transition period to independence until 2002, during which some deadly clashes continued to occur.
National Day of Cameroon
This day celebrates Cameroon voting for a Unitary state on 20th May 1972 as opposed to the existing federal state. That day was when President Ahmadou Ahidjo abolished the federal system of government in favour of an unitary country.
Even though it is considered a holiday, children all over the country go to schools and celebrate Unity Day usually by singing, carrying out parades or marches all around the different parts of their various cities. Speeches are made by the President of Cameroon.
World Bee Day
This day was created to raise awareness of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development by the UN. The goal is to strengthen measures aimed at protecting bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving problems related to the global food supply and eliminate hunger in developing countries. We all depend on pollinators and it is, therefore, crucial to monitor their decline and halt the loss of biodiversity. The date was selected because the pioneer of beekeeping, Anton Jansa, was born on this day in 1734. May was also chosen because it’s an important month in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere for honey and bee products. The day was conceived on 15th September 2014 by Bostjan Noc, a slovenian beekeeper, who was President of the Slovenian Beekeeper’s association and realised there was no world days for bees.
World Metrology Day
This day celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the Metre Convention on 20th May 1875. It is one of the UNESCO international days
Holidays & Special Events 