All - Leep Calendar

As part of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month in April, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) designates April 8 National Dogfighting Awareness Day to raise awareness of the prevalence of dog fighting in the U.S., revealing little-known truths about the blood sport, and encourage animal lovers nationwide to take action against one of the most brutal forms of animal cruelty. Despite being a felony in all 50 states, dog fighting continues to be a popular underground activity. Additional criminal activities often connected with dog fighting include drug and weapons violations. "Dogfighting is the ultimate betrayal of the human-animal bond, and the brutality of this crime needs to be brought to the forefront of the nation's conscience," said ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker. "Dogfighting is not just a crime; it's a deep stain on our national character—a cultural embarrassment we should all feel. This is about doing everything we can to bring this nightmarish practice to an end. We can't rest until it does." Among the misconceptions about dogfighting are that it's a rare activity, restricted to certain parts of the country, and that participants represent a narrow slice of American culture. None of these assumptions are true. "National Dogfighting Awareness Day sheds light on the prevalence of this crime in America and encourages people to take action by learning how to recognize and report suspected dog fighting activities so that authorities can step in and bring this horrific form of animal abuse to an end," said Tim Rickey, vice president of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. The ASPCA asks people nationwide to increase their awareness about dog fighting and share their stand on April 8 by visiting www.aspca.org/dogfighting.

Africa

Apr

Draw a Picture of a Bird Day (1946): April 8

06:20 AM | -

Dab Day, or Draw a Picture of a Bird Day, is celebrated by soldiers, medical personnel, and their families. Its origin is a story from 1943. It is the story of Dorie Cooper, a seven-year-old girl living in England. One day she visited her uncle in the local hospital, who had lost his leg in the war. Dorie's uncle was distraught, but Dorie asked him to draw her a picture of a bird. The man had no desire for such things, but he indulged his niece and drew a robin on the paper she had given him. When the girl saw the picture, she laughed and told him he wasn't a very good artist, but she would hang the picture on her wall nonetheless. The picture didn't change her uncle's dire situation, but it did make him and his fellow injured soldiers in the ward laugh, brightening their day. After that event, Dorie came to visit often. The men held drawing contests with each visit to see who could impress Dorie the most. Those little drawing events helped guide the soldiers through recovery. Three years later, Dorie died when a car hit her. The men and women from the ward mourned and wept for the little girl that brought them happiness and relief. They filled her coffin with pictures of the bird, and Draw a Bird Day continues to be remembered and celebrated by many veterans and soldiers on the day of her death.

Africa

Apr

Empanada Day, Ntl.: April 8

06:20 AM | -

Empanada, or "delicioco," is a baked bread pocket filled with cooked chicken, cod, or pork mixed with other ingredients, including tomatoes, garlic, and onion. The first known reference to this finger food was during the 12th century. Celebrate National Empanada Day by making your own.

Africa

Apr

Hana Matsuri (B)(JP): April 8

06:20 AM | -

Hana Matsuri, Kanbutsue, or The Flower Festival, is Japan's annual celebration of the Buddha and his birthday. Throughout the country, Buddhist temples are covered in flowers for the celebration.

Africa

Apr

Kamada Ekadashi (H): April 8

06:20 AM | -

In the Hindu religion, Ekadashi is a holy day with two Ekadashi each month. Lord Vishnu is worshiped. Kamda Ekadashi is the Ekadashi of the Shukla (waxing moon) paksha of the Hindu month of Chaitra. As its name Kamada suggests, worship on this day is believed to grant the individual all his or her desires while cleansing each of sins. Family members are freed from curses. Devotees perform a day-long fast and seek love and affection from Lord Vishnu. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India. The Hindu faith has many calendars, each specific to different regions and tribes, with dates and celebrations marked by differing positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Names of months and holidays and the corresponding dates in the Gregorian Calendar may vary widely from one calendar to the next. Determine the proper calendar before attending local events.

Africa

Apr

Library Workers Day, Ntl: April 8

06:20 AM | -

The American Library Association, Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA) is the organization for advancing library employees. It annually sponsors National Library Workers Day, which falls on the Tuesday of National Library Week. First celebrated in 2004, the purpose is to recognize all library workers, including librarians, support staff, and others who make library service possible every day.

Africa

Apr

Milan Design Fair (IT): April 8-13

06:20 AM | -

The Milan Design Fair focuses on home decor trends for the upcoming year. Annually in the spring.

Africa

Apr

Portfolio Day, Ntl.: April 8

06:20 AM | -

Occurring four times a year and sponsored by the National Portfolio Day Association, National Portfolio Day increasingly manifests on social media under the hashtag #PortfolioDay. It is an opportunity for content creators to share their portfolios with others four times a year. This event is most active on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Africa

Apr

RAINN Day: April 8 (est)

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World RAINN Day is observed annually in April (previously on the third Thursday of September). World RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network) Day raises awareness of sexual violence on school campuses. It aims to educate students on reducing the chances of being raped and sexually abused by providing information. On this day, students organize events and include #RAINNday on their social media accounts.

Africa

Apr

Roma Day, Intl.: April 8

06:20 AM | -

International Roma Day began on April 8, 1971. It is both a celebration of Roma culture and a highlight of the persecution and discrimination suffered by Europe's Roma community throughout the ages, including the Holocaust.

Africa

Apr

Salone Internazionale del Mobile (IT): April 8-13

06:20 AM | -

The Salone Internazionale del Mobile (Milan Furniture Fair or Milan Design Week) is an annual international design and furniture exhibition in Milan, Italy. Established in 1961, it has become one of the most prestigious and significant events in the design industry, showcasing the latest innovations and trends in furniture, lighting, and interior design. The Salone Internazionale del Mobile at the Fiera Milano usually takes place in April, although dates may vary slightly depending on the year. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of global visitors, including designers, architects, manufacturers, retailers, and design enthusiasts. The fair serves as a platform for established and emerging designers to showcase their work, launch new products, and make connections within the industry. Exhibitors include international furniture brands, design studios, and independent designers, presenting diverse styles and designs. Key categories include: Classic: Traditional and timeless designs inspired by classic styles. Design: Contemporary and innovative designs that emphasize functionality and aesthetics. xLux: Luxury designs that combine high-quality materials and craftsmanship with detail. The Salone Internazionale del Mobile includes satellite events, installations, and conferences throughout Milan, collectively called the "Fuorisalone." The Fuorisalone is an informal and dynamic environment for designers, artists, and creatives to experiment and engage. The Salone Internazionale del Mobile and its accompanying events significantly impact the global design industry, often setting the tone for emerging trends and influencing future product development. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Apr

Trading Cards for Grownups Day: April 8

06:20 AM | -

Trading Cards for Grown-ups Day in the United States has a relatively simple message. Trading cards are not just for kids but can also be enjoyed by grown-ups. Brought to you by the kind folks at Wellcat.

Africa

Apr

Zoo Lovers Day, Ntl.: April 8

06:20 AM | -

Zoos originated in the 18th century (The Tower of London once held a Zoo) and have been a family favorite ever since. Zoo Lover's Day is about showing your appreciation for the conservation and educational work Zoos perform, safeguarding species, and giving us a chance to see in person many animals, insects, birds, fish, and reptiles most of us would never have a chance to see. Some zoos have special programs on this day. Check your local zoo for festivities.

Africa

Apr

Almond Cookie Day, Ntl., Chinese: April 9

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Almond Cookie Day honors the almond biscuits, cakes, or cookies that date back to antiquity in China (+/-500 BC). A genuinely international treat, almond cookies are common in various cultures, including China, Europe, and Russia. The basic ingredients are almond paste, sugar/honey, and flour.

Africa

Apr

Anniversary of Nazi Invasion (DK)(1940): Aprl 9

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On April 9 each year, Denmark marks the anniversary of the beginning of the five-year occupation (1940 - 1945) by Nazi forces of the Third Reich. Throughout the country, you'll witness the flag of Denmark proudly on display.

Africa