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”
Tag Archives: history
Holidays on 11th November
Angola Independence Day This date celebrates the country’s independence from Portugal in 1975. The region was first visited by Portuguese explorer Diogo Cao in 1484. Over the following centuries, the Portuguese established settlements and trading posts along the Angolan coast. It was not until the 20th century that Portuguese control extended to the interior regionContinue reading “Holidays on 11th November”
Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is celebrated in the United Kingdom to celebrate the thwarting of the Gunpowder Plot on 5th November 1605. The Gunpowder Plot saw several conspirators try to assassinate King James I because of religious differences. James became king in 1603 after the death of Queen Elizabeth I, who was a protestant. His reign startedContinue reading “Bonfire Night”
Holidays on 3rd November
Dominica Independence Day This day marks independence from the United Kingdom in 1978. The Spanish first found the island, but didn’t make a serious effort to colonise due to a lack of national resources. The French showed an interest in the 17th century and established the first permanent European settlement in 1690. British gained possessionContinue reading “Holidays on 3rd November”
Holidays on 15th August
VJ Day Victory in Japan Day marks the end of World War 2 as Japan surrendered to the Allies to end fighting in the far east that had carried on after VE Day back in May 1945. Today marks the 80th anniversary of World War 2 ending. Korea National Liberation Day It is the onlyContinue reading “Holidays on 15th August”
Holidays on 23rd February
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”
Australia Day
This is the official national day of Australia. It marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in New South Wales, and the raising of the British flag at Sydney Cove by Arthur Phillip. It took a while from the first official celebration in 1808 to 1994 when theContinue reading “Australia Day”
Holidays on 7th January
Distaff Day It is an unofficial holiday in catholic nations, celebrated the day after Epiphany and sometimes called Roc or Rock Day. The term distaff or roc is used in spinning which was the medieval symbol of women’s work. In many European cultural traditions, women resumed their household work after the twelve days of Christmas.Continue reading “Holidays on 7th January”
Holidays on 1st January
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”
Holidays on 26th December
Kwanzaa 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 duringContinue reading “Holidays on 26th December”
Holidays & Special Events 