history – Page 2 – Holidays & Special Events

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 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”

Holidays on 3rd December

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 December”