Author Archives: Rob Burroughs

This day marks the day when Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi occupation in 1991. On 2nd August 1990, following a dispute over revenue from an oil field, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait and Iraq started bombing Kuwait City. By the 8th August, the Kuwati government had been replaced by an Iraqi governor. There was international outrageContinue reading “Kuwait Liberation Day”

This day marks when Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah ascended to the throne in 1950. In 1756 the Al-Sabah family became the rulers of Kuwait, starting the dynasty that continues this day. In 1899, rather than face direct rule from the Ottoman Empire, Sheikh Mubarak ‘the great’ agreed that Kuwait would become a British Protectorate, withContinue reading “Kuwait Independence Day”

This is a national holiday called Dia de la Bandera celebrated every year on 24th February since its implementation in 1937. It was established by the President of Mexico, General Lazaro Cardenas, in front of the monument to General Vicente Guerrero, who was the first to pledge allegiance to the Mexican flag on 12th MarchContinue reading “Mexico Flag Day”

Brunei National Day This day commemorates the day Brunei seceded from Great Britain and became an independent nation. It was a protectorate of the United Kingdom for over two decades before it gained full independence from colonial rule. There are massive celebrations in the capital of Bandar Seri Begawan and the Sultan of Brunei marchesContinue reading “Holidays on 23rd February”

Founders Day Founders Day is celebrated in nearly all Scout associations on 22nd February. The day marks the birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. He was a British army officer who founded the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. He was born in London in 1857 and died in Kenya onContinue reading “Holidays on 22nd February”

This day is a holy day of prayer and the start of fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It marks the start of Lent, which marks the six weeks of penitence before Easter. Many Christians make a Lenten calendar, praying a Lenten daily devotional and making a Lenten sacrifice that they will not partake ofContinue reading “Ash Wednesday & Lent”

Mardi Gras refers to the events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is know as Shrove Tuesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fattyContinue reading “Mardi Gras”

Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day is the day before Ash Wednesday observed by many Christians. It is the last day of Shrovetide before the season of Lent starts, with shrove coming from the word shrive, meaning “absolve”. Many Christians indulge in fatty foods before they give them up for Lent, which created the customs ofContinue reading “Shrove Tuesday”

Lundi Gras is a relatively recently name for a Series of Shrove Monday events taking place during Mardi Gras. It includes the tradition of Rex, king of the New Orleans carnival, and Zulu King arriving by boat. This began in 1874, but the term Lundi Gras (French for “Fat Monday”) was not widely applied untilContinue reading “Lundi Gras”

This occurs on the Monday before Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. It is part of Shrovetide which runs from Septuagesima Sunday until Shrove Tuesday. It is named Collopy Monday after the traditional dish of the day, slices of leftover meat (collops of bacon) along with eggs. It is eaten for breakfast and is part ofContinue reading “Collopy/Clean/Shrove Monday”