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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.
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Grand Magal de Touba
The Grand Magal de Touba is a massive religious pilgrimage in Senegal, honoring the exile and return of Cheikh Amadou Bamba, founder of the Mouride Brotherhood. It is marked by prayer, charity, and community gathering, drawing millions of participants each year to Touba.
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August Bank Holiday
The August Bank Holiday in Ireland was introduced as part of 19th-century bank holiday legislation but draws on much older traditions of Lughnasadh harvest festivals. Today, it is celebrated with festivals, fairs, sports and holidays, marking the peak of the Irish summer.
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Emancipation Monday (BVI)
Emancipation Monday in British Virgin Islands honors the abolition of slavery on August 1, 1834, when enslaved Africans in the Virgin Islands and across the British Empire were granted freedom under the Slavery Abolition Act. The day is both a reminder of the struggles of the past and a celebration of freedom and resilience.
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Commerce Day (Iceland)
Once created as a holiday for shopkeepers and workers, Commerce Day has grown into Iceland's biggest summer festival weekend. It's celebrated with concerts, camping and community events across the country.
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Carnival Monday (Antigua and Barbuda)
Carnival Monday in Antigua and Barbuda marks the vibrant opening of the island’s Carnival celebrations. It follows the traditional J’ouvert morning festivities, when revelers take to the streets before dawn with music, dancing, and colorful paint and powder. The day celebrates freedom, creativity, and national pride, tracing its roots to the emancipation of enslaved Africans in 1834 and symbolizing the spirit of liberation and unity across the twin-island nation.
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Our Lady of Africa
Our Lady of Africa in Spain refers to the Patroness of Ceuta, venerated since the 15th century. Her shrine and image remain central to the city’s identity, and her annual feast is one of Ceuta’s most important celebrations, blending faith, history, and culture.
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Indigenous Peoples Day Suriname
Indigenous Peoples Day in Suriname, known as Keti Koti, is to mark the abolition of slavery in 1863 (with full freedom realized in 1873). Celebrated with ceremonies, parades, music, and traditional dress, it is a national day of remembrance and cultural pride, symbolizing the breaking of chains and the enduring spirit of freedom.
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National Women's Day
National Women’s Day commemorates the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, when more than 20,000 women of all races protested against the apartheid government’s pass laws. These laws required Black South Africans to carry pass books (internal passports), restricting their movement and reinforcing racial segregation.
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National Day (Singapore)
National Day in Singapore is a public holiday celebrated every year to mark the country’s independence from Malaysia in 1965.
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Father's Day (Samoa)
Father’s Day in Samoa honors fathers through church services, family feasts and cultural gatherings, reflecting the central role of fathers in Samoan family and community life.
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Mountain Day (Japan)
Mountain Day was established to give people an opportunity to appreciate mountains and nature, recognizing their cultural and spiritual importance in Japan's landscape. Many people spend the day hiking, camping, or visiting scenic mountain areas. The holiday highlights Japan's deep respect for nature and encourages outdoor recreation and environmental awareness.
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