Author Archives: Rob Burroughs

Today marks the start of a New Year in 2026. It is the first day of the modern Gregorian Calendar, and the 1st January (New Year’s Day) is a public holiday in most countries. It is often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the new year starts in each time zone. ItContinue reading “Happy New Year!”

New Year’s Eve is the last day of the current year before a new year begins in the Gregorian Calendar. Countries celebrate in different ways, but midnight is usually marked by fireworks or ringing of bells. People go to parties where they dance, eat and listen to music.

This is the main state holiday in Mongolia. It marks its independence from the Qing dynasty in 1911. It has been celebrated annually since 2011.

This day commemorates the adoption of the current constitution in 1972. After the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was formed in 1948, the initial constitution was based on the 1936 Soviet Constitution. This was replaced in 1972 and meant someone was designated as head of the state.

This celebrates the complete independence from Italy on 24th December 1951. It was only celebrated in 2011 once Muammar Qaddafi had left the throne, as he had preferred celebrating the day when he made a successful coup of the country in 1969 whilst he was in power. It has been celebrated ever since.

Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December in the Christian calendar. It is a public holiday in many countries, and starts the period of Christmastide, which lasts for twelve days and culminates in Twelfth Night and Epiphany. The story of this holiday is that the Son of God,Continue reading “Christmas Day”

Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas Day. Many traditions are followed on this day or evening. Christians believe Jesus was born at night, so Midnight Mass is held at Churches around the world. Some countries open their gifts on Christmas Eve Evening instead of Christmas Day. It is also the day when Father ChristmasContinue reading “Christmas Eve”

This is the day with the shortest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky. At the North Pole there is continuous darkness or twilight , and marks the beginning of Winter, as well as the days get longer and nights shorter untilContinue reading “Winter/Summer Solstice”

Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day This day commemorates the Chinese government assuming formal sovereignty over Macau in 1999. This day is an obligatory holiday in Macau. The Portuguese became the first settlers in the 16th century, and paid an annual rent of Silver to the Chinese, up until 1863. After the Carnation Revolution ofContinue reading “Holidays on 20th December”