Lady of Aparecida Day (Brazil)
Our Lady of Aparecida Day honors Nossa Senhora Aparecida, the patron saint of Brazil. The day commemorates the 1717 discovery of a small clay statue of the Virgin Mary by fishermen in the Paraíba River, which became a symbol of hope and faith. Over centuries, devotion to Our Lady of Aparecida grew into one of Brazil’s most cherished traditions. Millions of pilgrims visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of Aparecida, one of the largest churches in the world, to pay tribute.
Macau Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) Establishment Day marks the return of Macau to China from Portuguese administration in 1999 and the founding of the Macau SAR under the "One Country, Two Systems" framework. The day is commemorated with official ceremonies, fireworks, cultural performances and flag-raising events, celebrating Macau's unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese heritage and its continued prosperity under Chinese sovereignty.