Author Archives: Rob Burroughs

Cuba Liberation Day This national public holiday commemorates the overthrow of the military government of Fulgencio Batista led by Fidel Castro that succeeded on this day in 1959. Haiti Independence Day This day commemorates the declaration of independence from France in 1804. The French first settled in the western part of the island in theContinue reading “Holidays on 1st January”

Today marks the start of a New Year in 2021. 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!”

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 state holiday is always celebrated on this day, and commemorates the official proclamation of results in 1990. Nearly 95% of voters favoured the establishment of an independent and sovereign nation. This day was originally just called Independence Day until 2005, when Unity was added to emphasise the national consensus at the time of theContinue reading “Slovenian Independence and Unity Day”

This is an annual celebration of African-American culture that is held from 26th December to 1st January, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually held on the 6th day. It was created by Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of Africa. It was first celebrated in 1966 during theContinue reading “Kwanzaa”

Boxing Day Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day, and originated as a holiday to give gifts to the poor. Now it is known as a shopping holiday, when there are sales on at many shops. It originated from the United Kingdom, but is celebrated in many countries. It has been a bank holidayContinue reading “Boxing Day/St Stephen’s Day”

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 “Merry Christmas!”

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 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”