Get ready to test your knowledge of all things Irish and St. Patrick’s Day with our fun and challenging multiple choice quiz! From the history and traditions of this iconic holiday to the rich culture and heritage of Ireland, this quiz will put your smarts to the test. So grab a pint of Guinness and […]
For most Islamic countries, Monday March 11th 2024 will be the first day of the Islamic month of Ramadan. The month of Ramadan will last for 28 days, though the exact start and end dates in some countries is dependent on sightings on the moon. During Ramadan Muslims will fast from dawn until dusk, pray […]
Mar 18, 🇦🇼 Aruba: National Anthem and Flag Day This is the National Day of Aruba and celebrates its autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. On March 18th 1948, the Aruban politician Shon A. Eman presented the first formal proposal for Aruba's "status aparte" as an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In the 1970s, there was a growing call and expectation for independence, led by Betico Croes. A committee was appointed to choose a national flag and anthem, which were adopted on March 18th 1976, with Croes declaring March 18th as National Anthem and Flag Day. The flag of Aruba consists of a red star and two yellow stripes on a blue background. The red star represents the four points of the compass, reflecting the diversity of the people of the country. The blue represents the sea. The horizontal yellow stripes denote the free and separate position Aruba enjoys within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Aruban national anthem is called "Aruba Dushi Tera" (Aruba Sweet Land). It is a waltz composed as a result of a collaboration by three of Aruba's most celebrated artists: Juan Chabaya Lampe, Rufo Wever and Hubert Booi. Read more at bit.ly/2UEcNJv... See MoreSee Less
Mar 18, 🇲🇽 Mexico: Benito Juarez's Birthday This national holiday is celebrated on the third Monday in March and celebrates the Birthday of Benito Juárez, a 19th century president and statesman who stood against the French intervention in Mexico. Born on March 21st 1806, Benito Juárez is today remembered as a reformer dedicated to democracy, reducing the influence of the Catholic Church in Mexican politics, campaigning for equal rights for indigenous peoples and promoting the defence of national sovereignty. He became the 26th President of Mexico, holding office from January 15th 1858 until July 18th 1872. Benito Juárez lived during one of the most important and tumultuous periods of Mexican history, considered by many historians as the consolidation of the nation as a republic. Juárez marked a watershed in the nation's history, being a premier figure in this time. Read more at bit.ly/2U0JpxW... See MoreSee Less
Mar 18, 🇲🇸 Montserrat: St. Patrick's Day Holiday ☘️ Montserrat is the only nation in the world other than Ireland that considers St. Patrick's Day a national holiday. St Patrick’s Festival is a week-long celebration highlighting Montserrat’s African and Irish heritage. It culminates on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th. The celebration also commemorates the thwarted slave uprising which was planned on that very day, back in 1768. Highlights of the festival usually include African and Irish music performances, a freedom run, and a recreated slave village and feast. Read more at bit.ly/38QPhiN... See MoreSee Less
Mar 18, 🇬🇧 Northern Ireland: St. Patrick's Day Holiday ☘️ After retiring from his missionary work in Ireland, Patrick lived in County Down in modern-day Northern Ireland. Patrick died on March 17th in 461AD, apparently at the ripe old age of 12#DYK#dyk St. Patrick's original name was probably Maewyn Succat. Read more at bit.ly/38RyrR2... See MoreSee Less
Mar 18 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇨🇾 Cyprus: Clean Monday 🪁Also known as Orthodox Shrove Monday or Pure Monday. In Cyprus, the holiday is called 'Green Monday'.Clean Monday begins the season of Great Lent in Eastern Orthodox Churches. This first day of Great Lent is called "Clean Monday" because Christians should begin the holy season with "clean hearts and good intentions."Because Clean Monday is also considered to mark the first day of spring, Greeks tend to celebrate it with outdoor activities and picnics rather than fasting and prayer. These activites are often called 'koulouma'. Traditional foods include olives, octopus, and shrimp. In addition to picnics, outdoor activities used to celebrate the day include flying kites, dancing, music, etc.Read more at bit.ly/2Ezfp3o... See MoreSee Less
Keeping up to date with changes to holidays can be more difficult than you might think with events that essentially happen each year. To help keep everyone updated on public holidays news, we issue news releases in English that are not covered by other news agencies.