New Year's Day  

January 1

The first day of the year, celebrated globally with various traditions and festivities. It symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts.

• Observed on January 1, it marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.

• In ancient Rome, it was dedicated to Janus, the god of gateways and beginnings.

• New Year's resolutions, fireworks, and celebrations are common traditions.

World Braille Day 

January 4

Commemorates the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system for the visually impaired. It raises awareness about accessibility for blind and visually impaired individuals.

• Commemorates Louis Braille, who invented the tactile reading and writing system for the blind.

• Braille allows people with blindness to read independently and maintain confidentiality.

• It's not a language but a code used in various languages.

Epiphany 

January 6

A Christian holiday marking the visit of the Magi (Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus. It signifies the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God.

• Also known as Three Kings' Day, it celebrates the visit of the Magi (wise men) to baby Jesus.

• The gifts of the Magi symbolize Christ's royalty, divinity, and humanity.

• In some countries, children leave shoes out to be filled with gifts on Epiphany.

Civil Rights Day 

3rd Monday in January

Honours the civil rights movement and advocates for equality, justice, and human rights. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice.

• Also known as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it honours MLK's fight against racism and inequality.

• The Civil Rights Movement aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination.

• It's a day to reflect on equal civil rights for all citizens.

International Education Day 

January 24

Promotes education as a fundamental right for all. It emphasizes the importance of quality education in achieving sustainable development goals.

• Recognizes the crucial role of education and teachers in countering hate speech.

• Education empowers learners with knowledge, values, and skills for peace.

• Let's celebrate education's impact on peace and development.

Valentine's Day 

February 14

Celebrates love and affection between partners, friends, and family. It's a day to express feelings and exchange tokens of love.

• Celebrated worldwide, it's a day to express love and affection.

• Originated from Christian and Roman traditions.

• Gifting flowers, chocolates, and cards are common customs.

Singles Awareness Day 

February 15

A light-hearted day for single individuals to celebrate their independence and self-love.

• A light-hearted response to Valentine's Day.

• Celebrates singlehood and self-love.

• Some singles organize parties or treat themselves to something special.

Carnival 

Date varies

A festive season before Lent, marked by colourful parades, costumes, and revelry. It varies in timing and traditions across different cultures.

• A festive season before Lent in Christian traditions.

• Colourful parades, costumes, and lively celebrations.

• Famous carnivals include Rio de Janeiro, Venice, and New Orleans.

International Compliments Day 

March 1

A day dedicated to spreading positivity and kindness through genuine compliments. It encourages people to uplift others with heartfelt words.

• Significance: Promotes positive interactions and boosts self-esteem.

• Activities: Giving and receiving compliments, sharing positive messages, and celebrating the power of kind words.

• Famous Celebrations: Observed globally, with special emphasis in schools, workplaces, and communities.

Employee Appreciation Day 

March 3

Recognizes the hard work and dedication of employees. Employers express gratitude and acknowledge their contributions.

• Recognizes the hard work and dedication of employees.

• Employers show gratitude through gestures, events, or small gifts.

• A day to boost morale and foster positive workplace relationships.

International Women's Day 

March 8

Celebrates the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. It advocates for gender equality and women's rights.

•  Celebrates women's achievements and advocates for gender equality.

•  Originated from labour movements and suffragettes.

•  A day to honour women's contributions and promote gender justice.

St. Patrick's Day 

March 17

Honors the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. It's often celebrated with green attire, parades, and festivities.

• Celebrates the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.

• St. Patrick was born in Britain, kidnapped by Irish raiders, and later returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary.

• The shamrock symbolizes the Holy Trinity, and green attire is worn to honour St. Patrick.

• The first St. Patrick's Day parade originated in America.

World Poetry Day 

March 21

Celebrates the art of poetry and its impact on culture, expression, and creativity.

• Honours poets and revives oral traditions of poetry recitals.

• Promotes reading, writing, and teaching of poetry.

• Highlights the convergence of poetry with other arts like theatre, dance, and music.

World Down Syndrome Day 

March 21

Promotes understanding and inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. It aims to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance.

• Recognizes the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome causing Down syndrome.

• Advocates for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome.

• A global day to raise awareness and support SDG 6 (water and sanitation for all).

World Water Day 

March 22

Focuses on water-related issues, access to clean water, and sustainable water management.

• Established by the UN to emphasize the importance of freshwater.

• Over 780 million people lack basic water access globally.

• Unsafe water-related diseases cause more deaths than violence or war.

• Access to safe water stimulates long-term economic growth.

Earth Hour 

Last Saturday in March

Encourages people to switch off non-essential lights for one hour to conserve energy and raise awareness about climate change.

• An annual event encouraging people to switch off non-essential lights for one hour.

• Raises awareness about energy conservation and climate change.

International Doctors' Day 

March 30

Recognizes the contributions of medical professionals and their dedication to patient care.

• Honours physicians and their contributions to healthcare.

• Celebrated in various countries to recognize doctors' dedication.

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