Author Archives: Rob Burroughs

World Smile Day Harvey Ball created the smiley face in 1963. As the years pass he became concerned about the over-commercialisation of his symbol, and how its original meaning and intent had become lost in the constant repetition of the marketplace. Out of the concern came this day, he thought that all of us shouldContinue reading “Holidays on 6th October”

Vanuatu Constitution Day This day commemorates the signing of the Constitution in 1979. The country was granted full independence in 1979 after being under an unique Anglo-French Condominium. After this, the drafting of a constitution got underway, consisting of representatives of different political parties, religious leaders and local tribal chiefs. It was signed on 5thContinue reading “Holidays on 5th October”

Lesotho Independence day This day marks the day they got independence from Britain in 1966. The country emerged in the 1820s as Basutoland, founded by King Moshoeshoe I who united the tribes in the area in order to defend themselves from attacks by the Zulus. It found itself in territorial disputes with the Boer trekkersContinue reading “Holidays on 4th October”

Gaecheonjeol This is National Foundation Day in North & South Korea, celebrating the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. This date has traditionally been regarded as the date for the founding of the Korean people. It was established as a national holiday in 1909, and there is an annualContinue reading “Holidays on 3rd October”

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 theContinue reading “Holidays on 1st October”

This day is commonly called Boipuso and commemorates the Declaration of Independence of Botswana from the United Kingdom on 30th September 1966. The most powerful ruler was King Kharma III, who had strong support from the British government. His eldest son was Sekgoma II, who became chief of the Bamangwato upon Kharma’s detah in 1923.Continue reading “Botswana Independence Day”

Michaelmas Michaelmas is a Christian festival observed in some Western liturgical calendars, and is one of the four quarter days of the financial year. In Christian angelology, the Archangel Michael is the greatest of all the angels and is honoured for defeating Lucifer in the war in heaven. World Heart Day In 2012, world leadersContinue reading “Holidays on 29th September”

St Wenceslaus Day (Czech Statehood Day) This day commemorates the duke of Bohemia Wenceslaus I who was assasinated on this day in 935. His martyrdom and the popularity of several biographies gave rise to a reputation for heroic virtue that resulted in his elevation to sainthood. He was posthumously declared to be a king andContinue reading “Holidays on 28th September”

French Community Holiday This holiday is held only in the French Community of Belgium. The date was chosen by them after an important episode in the Belgian Revolution from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. This erupted on the night of 25th August 1830 following a performance of the patriotic opera La Muette de Portici,Continue reading “Holidays on 26th September”

European Day of Languages This day has been celebrated since 2001 as part of a council of Europe initiative to use linguistic diversity as a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of Europe. The general objectives of the day are: Ecuador Flag Day This day celebratesContinue reading “Holidays on 26th September”