Category: Today’s Holiday

As a British general, Puritan statesman, and Lord Protector of England from 1653-58, Oliver Cromwell is remembered today more for his actions as a general and a statesman than for his efforts within Puritanism. Each year the Cromwell Association holds a special service near Cromwell’s statue outside the Houses of Parliament on September 3. It was on this day in 1650 that Cromwell won the battle of Dunbar, and it was on the same day a year later that he won a decisive victory at the battle of Worcester against the Scots. It was also the day on which he died. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Feast of San Estevan (St. Stephen) is a harvest dance and annual feast day in the Native American pueblo of Acoma in New Mexico. Acoma was established in the 12th century and is the oldest continuously inhabited community in America, though only about 50 people now live there year-round. A mass and procession begin the feast day. The statue of the patron saint is taken from the church to the plaza, where the dances are performed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There are 15 or so different dances—Bear, Butterfly, and Rainbow are some of them. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Between 1961 and 1991, the small country of Eritrea in eastern Africa waged a war of independence against Ethiopia. An important holiday that recognizes Eritrean sacrifices during this prolonged campaign is the Start of the Armed Struggle Day, also known as Bahti Meskerem, commemorating the first shot fired in 1961 at Mount Adal. The day’s festivities take place in the country and in Eritrean communities throughout the world. Observances typically include a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs, the singing of the Eritrean national anthem, and public statements by dignitaries. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Kyrgyztan declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991, along with other central Asian republics as the Soviet empire crumbled. Located along the famed Silk Road, the trade route connecting the eastern and western parts of Eurasia, the country is mostly mountainous, part of the Tien-Shan, or Celestial Mountains. Independence Day is a national public holiday in the Kyrgyz Republic. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Goombay! is a celebration of African and Caribbean heritage, culture, and arts held during the last weekend of August at Eagle and Market Streets in Asheville, North Carolina. “Goombay” is a Bantu word that refers both to a goatskin drum and to the music played on it. Activities are scheduled over three days and include dance and stilt performances, as well as entertainers in a variety of musical styles, such as reggae, R&B, jazz, and Afro-fusion. In addition, festivalgoers may take part in games, mask making, demonstrations of traditional crafts, or African percussion lessons. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Mobile-Phone Throwing World Championship takes place in August in Savonlinna, Finland. The light-hearted event offers several categories for men, women, and teams: original, which is based on distance; freestyle, based on distance, style, aesthetics, and creativity; and juniors, which is limited to children 12 years old and under. First-place winners get a new mobile phone. Since the inaugural competition in 2000, several European countries—including Norway, Switzerland, and Germany—have introduced their own national championships. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

St. Augustine is best known for his spiritual autobiography, the Confessions, which details the excesses of his youth, his career as a teacher of rhetoric, his years as a believer in Manicheism and Platonism, and his belated conversion to Christianity. It is primarily for his writings that he is known as the patron saint of theologians and scholars, and one of the “Four Latin Fathers” of the Christian Church. When Spanish soldiers landed on the coast of Florida on St. Augustine’s Day in 1565, they named the U.S.’s oldest European community after him. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

On August 27, 1991, the Republic of Moldova became an independent and sovereign state. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the country celebrates Independence Day every year on August 27. As part of the celebrations, the Moldovan President addresses the people of the country with a festive speech. Public concerts, fairs, and outdoor activities are held in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, as well as in other cities around the country. On August 27, 2001, the first military parade was held in Chisinau to celebrate the first 10 years of the country’s independence. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Regardless of which legend one believes, what began in 1945 as a few tossed tomatoes as a show of disdain has developed into full-fledged tomato warfare in Buñol, Valencia, Spain, on the last Wednesday in August. Residents prepare for the impending food fight by protecting their storefronts and homes with plastic and donning special clothing. Thousands of pounds of tomatoes are trucked into town and dropped off at the Plaza del Pueblo, and the light-hearted battle commences. After the cleanup, celebrants continue to enjoy the festival’s fireworks, parades, food, and music. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

This national holiday commemorates the declaration of independence of Uruguay from Portuguese rule on this day in 1825. By 1828, Uruguay was officially autonomous. Patriotic ceremonies are held in the capital city of Montevideo, with speeches and the singing of the national anthem. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary