Author Archives: Rob Burroughs

This is a federal holiday held on the last Monday of May. It is considered to be the unofficial beginning of Summer. It is the time ofr visiting cemeteries and memorials to mourn the military personnel who died in the line of duty. Volunteers will place American flags on the graves of those military personnelContinue reading “Memorial Day”

This is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25th May 1963. The organisation was replaced by the African Union on 9th July 2002, but the holiday continues on the 25th May. The First Congress of Independent African States was held in Accra, Ghana on 15th April 1958. TheContinue reading “Africa Day”

Pentecost or Whit Sunday is the 49th Day after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks. It meant they spread the word of God to others. It is often said to be the birthday of the church.Continue reading “Pentecost/Whitsun/Whit Sunday”

On 24th May 1991 Eritrean People’s Liberation Front forces moved into the capital Asmara, reinstating independence following a 30 year war against the Ethiopian military regime. The festivities are week long leading up to 24th May which is referred to “Independence Week” or qinyat natsnet. These festivities are marked by carnivals, street performances, sporting competitions,Continue reading “Eritrea Independence Day”

This is celebrated on the fourth Friday in May. It is traditionally the first day of the year that residents will go into the sea, and the first day in which Bermuda shorts are worn. Its seen as the first time they can go on the water after the Winter, so there’s a rush toContinue reading “Bermuda Day”

Germany Constitution Day This day commemorates the signing of the West German Constitution on 23rd May 1949 in Bonn after having been approved by the occupying western Allies of World War 2. World Turtle Day This day began on 23rd May 2000 and is sponsored by the American Tortoise Rescue. The day was created toContinue reading “Holidays on 23rd May”

International Day for Biological Diversity This is a United Nations sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues. It was created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1993 and until 2000 it was held on 29th December to celebrate the day the Convention on Biological Diversity went into effect. OnContinue reading “Holidays on 22nd May”

This day is celebrated over 21st and 22nd May to celebrate the anniversary of the Montenegrin independence referendum in 2006 when the country decided to leave Serbia and Montenegro. It was renamed Serbia and Montenegro in 2003 under the Belgrade agreement after formerly being named the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. This contained a provision thatContinue reading “Montenegro Independence Day”

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 TimoreseContinue reading “Holidays on 20th May”

This is a federal Canadian Public Holiday observed on the last Monday proceeding 25th May to honour Queen Victoria, who is known as the “Mother of the Confederation”. The holiday has existed since at least 1845, originally on Victoria’s natural birthday, 24th May. It is a federal state holiday, as well as a holiday inContinue reading “Victoria Day”