Independence Day is a public holiday in Afghanistan on August 19th.
This is Afghanistan's National Day and commemorates independence from Britain influence on this day in 1919. It serves as a reminder of how crucial freedom is.
B. Buddha's Birthday
Easter is the single most important holy day throughout Christianity.
It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ — a central belief for Christians worldwide and the focal point of their faith. Religious scholars believe the event occurred three days after the Romans crucified Jesus in roughly 30 AD. Christians therefore derive hope that they too will experience a resurrection in heaven. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21. Christians observe Easter in ways both personal and universal.
F. Fourth of July
The Fourth of July—also known as Independence Day or July 4th—has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson . From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
G. Greek Independance Day
Greek Independence Day falls on March 25 and has been celebrated annually since the end of the Greek Revolution in 1921. It is also known as the Celebration of the Greek Revolution, and honors the Greeks’ fight for freedom after being occupied by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. This day is also when the Feast of the Annunciation is commemorated.
H. Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also called Feast of Dedication, Festival of Lights, or Feast of the Maccabees, Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian Calender) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival. Although not mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures, Hanukkah came to be widely celebrated and remains one of the most popular Jewish religious observances.
I. International African Diaspora Day
On July 25, women of African descent across Latin America and the Caribbean, from Argentina to Puerto Rico, gather to celebrate International Afro-Latina, Afro-Caribbean, and African Diaspora Women’s Day. The holiday was created on July 25, 1992, when Black women from 32 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean gathered in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic for the First Meeting of Afro-Latin American and Afro-Caribbean Women. The meeting was called to celebrate Black culture and identity, to honor the legacy and contributions of Black women and to combat racism and sexism.
J. Jerusalem Day
Jerusalem Day, also known as Yom Yerushalayim, is an Israeli national holiday celebrated on the 28th day of Iyar, which is the eighth month according to the Hebrew calendar. It commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City after the six-day war against the Jordanian forces in 1967. The day is marked with different events such as recitations of the Hallel prayer in Synagogues, lectures on the history of Jerusalem, street parades, parties, state ceremonies, and memorial services for those that died in the six-day war.
K. Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa, annual holiday affirming African family and social values that is celebrated primarily in the Unites States from December 26 to January 1.
Each of the days of the celebration is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. There also are seven symbols of the holiday: fruits, vegetables, and nuts; a straw mat; a candleholder; ears of corn; gifts; a communal cup signifying unity; and seven candles in the African colours of red, green, and black, symbolizing the seven principles. On each day the family comes together to light one of the candles in the kinara, or candleholder, and to discuss the principle for the day. On December 31, families join in a community feast called the karamu. Some participants wear traditional African clothing during the celebration.
L. Latino Heritage Month
Latino Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States.
M. Mawlid Al Nabi
Mawlid al-Nabi is the day when Muslims all around the world commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It comes on the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal, the third month of the Hijri calendar.
The event is also known informally as Nabid and Mawlid. The name ‘Mawalid’ is derived from the Arabic word for giving birth. In this context, the term alludes to Prophet Muhammad’s devotion.
I hope you are enjoying so far! So tuned for next week for N-Z!