Historical Holiday
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Otago Anniversary Day
Otago Anniversary Day commemorates the March 23, 1848 arrival of the first Scottish settlers on the John Wickliffe and Philip Laing, marking the founding of the Otago settlement. It is a regional holiday for rest and celebration.
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Independence Day (Greece)
Independence Day in Greece marks the start of the 1821 Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The day combines national pride with the Feast of the Annunciation, featuring military parades, church services, and cultural celebrations across the country.
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Transfer Day (US Virgin Islands)
Transfer Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands commemorates the transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917, marking a major historical turning point for the territory.
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Independence Day (Senegal)
Independence Day in Senegal commemorates April 4, 1960, when the country gained independence from France as part of the Mali Federation. Even after Senegal became a fully independent republic later that year, April 4 was chosen to mark the nation’s liberation.
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Chakri Memorial Day
Chakri Memorial Day is a national holiday in Thailand and it commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty in 1782 and honors the successive kings of this royal line, including the current monarch.
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Southland Anniversary Day
Southland Anniversary Day commemorates the 1861 creation of Southland Province, which split from Otago but lasted only until 1870. Even after the abolition of provinces in 1876, Southland retained its anniversary day as a regional holiday.
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Araw ng Kagitingan
Araw ng Kagitingan commemorates the Fall of Bataan in 1942 and honors the Filipino and American soldiers who fought in WWII and endured the Bataan Death March. Established officially in 1961, it remains a day of remembrance for sacrifice, heroism and resilience.
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Independence Day Syria
Syria's Independence Day, officially known as Evacuation Day, commemorates the final withdrawal of French troops from Syrian soil on April 17, 1946, ending over 25 years of colonial rule under the French Mandate. It marks the moment when Syria achieved full sovereignty and is celebrated as the country’s national day.
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Flag Day (American Samoa)
Flag Day in American Samoa commemorates the day in 1900 when chiefs of Tutuila signed the Treaty of Cession, officially placing American Samoa under U.S. sovereignty. Four years later, the chiefs of Manu‘a also signed a cession agreement, completing the union of the islands with the United States.
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Independence Day (Israel)
Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut) in Israel marks the proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948 and is celebrated with national ceremonies, fireworks and prayers of thanksgiving. It represents both a historic milestone for the Jewish people and a living symbol of national identity.
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Castile and León Day
Castile and León Day commemorates the 1521 Battle of Villalar and the memory of the Comuneros, who fought for liberties against royal centralization. Today it is both a regional holiday and cultural festival, centered in Villalar de los Comuneros.
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Liberation Day (Italy)
Liberation Day in Italy commemorates the end of Nazi occupation and the fall of Mussolini's Fascist regime in 1945, marking Italy's liberation during World War II. The day honors the Italian Resistance who fought for freedom and democracy. Across Italy, parades, concerts and ceremonies take place to celebrate peace, unity and the nation's rebirth as a republic.