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.
Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
Duruthu Full Moon Poya commemorates the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka at Mahiyangana, where he brought peace to the island. The day is marked by meditation, almsgiving, and the Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya temple, making it one of the most important Buddhist festivals of the year.