Events
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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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Constitution and Flag Day
Constitution and Flag Day is a national public holiday in Turkmenistan, and it marks two significant events in Turkmenistan’s national identity: the adoption of the Constitution of Turkmenistan and the celebration of the national flag.
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Somaliland Sovereignty Day
Somaliland Sovereignty Day commemorates May 18, 1991, when Somaliland declared itself independent after decades of hardship under Somali rule, reclaiming the short-lived sovereignty it first had in 1960. It is celebrated as a day of freedom, resilience and national pride.
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Shavuot (Israel)
In Israel, Shavuot is a one-day festival with dual meaning: it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the harvest of the first fruits. It is observed with Torah study, seating dairy foods, and agricultural festivals, making it both a deeply spiritual and earthly celebration.
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Buddha's Birthday (South Korea)
Buddha’s Birthday originated in India, spread across Asia with Buddhism, and became a central festival in Korea from the 4th century CE. Despite suppression under Confucian rule, it survived and is now one of Korea’s most cherished holidays, marked by lantern festivals, rituals, and cultural celebrations.
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Buddha's Birthday (Hong Kong)
Buddha's Birthday in Hong Kong honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. It is a public holiday marked by ceremonies, temple visits, and the ritual of bathing the Buddha, symbolizing purity, compassion and spiritual renewal.
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Buddha's Birthday (Macau)
Buddha's Birthday honors the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. The day is marked with temple ceremonies, incense offerings, and the symbolic "Bathing of the Buddha" ritual, where devotees pour water over Buddha statues to signify purification and renewal. Many people visit temples to pray for peace, compassion and good fortune.
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Africa Day
Africa Day marks the anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU). The holiday commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 and celebrates the struggle for African unity, freedom, and progress.
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Spring Bank Holiday (IOM)
The Spring Bank Holiday in the Isle of Man (IOM) is offering a seasonal long weekend. Introduced to replace Whit Monday, it is a public holiday marked by leisure, family activities, and often coincides with preparations for the world-famous TT Races.
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Spring Bank Holiday (Jersey)
The Spring Bank Holiday gives islanders a welcome break as spring turns to summer. Originating as a general holiday for banks and businesses in the 19th century, it has evolved into a seasonal celebration of rest and outdoor leisure. Many Jersey residents use the long weekend to enjoy the island's beaches, countryside walks, and family gatherings, marking the unofficial start of the summer season with community events and seaside activities.
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Spring Bank Holiday (Gibraltar)
The Spring Bank Holiday in Gibraltar offers residents a relaxing break as spring turns to summer. It provides a long weekend for rest, leisure and family activities. Many people take the opportunity to enjoy Gibraltar’s beaches, nature trails or local events, marking the transition to warmer months with a spirit of renewal and community.
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Abolition Day (Saint Martin)
Abolition Day in Saint Martin commemorates the 1848 abolition of slavery in the French Caribbean, honoring the struggles and resilience of enslaved people and celebrating freedom, heritage, and human dignity.