All - Leep Calendar

Artisanal cheese producers stay true to ancient traditions and create many of the gourmet cheeses seen in the specialty section of the supermarket or deli. These crafted cheeses are part of culinary culture throughout the world. International Raw Milk Cheese Appreciation Day is an opportunity to try these cheeses and support the craftspeople who make them. Annually on the third Saturday in April.

Africa

Apr

Reconciliation, Day of, Ntl. (UK): April 19

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Created by Vincent Coyle of Northern Ireland, National Day of Reconciliation encourages people to unite and be part of the solution through reconciliation. Efforts to promote reconciliation embrace social and financial inclusion, an unending pursuit of truth with justice for all, and respect for the worth of all human beings regardless of race, sex, or faith. Every day some people need help to reconcile with their past, with family and friends. Countries need support to help their citizens during war and national disasters worldwide. These are all things that can be prevented and helped through reconciliation with truth and justice.

Africa

Apr

Record Store Day, Ntl.(US/UK): April 19

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National Record Store Day was launched in 2007. It is an annual hootenanny dedicated to record culture, record lovers, record makers, and their communities' amazing independent record stores and epicenters. Record Store Day, the organization, is managed by the Department of Record Stores and is organized in partnership with the Alliance of Independent Media Stores (AIMS), the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS) and promotes independent record stores year-round with events, special releases, and other fun things.

Africa

Apr

Snooker World Championship (UK): April 19 - May 5

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Snooker World Championship is a two-week event in which spectators and snooker fans indulge in the "thinking man's version of pool." Winning the Snooker World Championship is the pinnacle of the sport. This event began in 1927.

Africa

May

Swimsuit Days, Ntl.: May 8-12

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International retailer Lands End launched "National Swimsuit Days" in 2022 to kick off the summer sun season by offering 50 percent off over 100 sizes for women, men, and children. The event begins with real-size women (versus extra-thin models) in various styles. If successful, the promotion will extend to an annual event.

Africa

Apr

WrestleMania (US-TX): April 19-20

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WrestleMania is an annual professional wrestling event produced by WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and the world's fifth most popular sporting spectacular. It is the company's flagship event and one of the most highly anticipated events in the wrestling world. The first WrestleMania event occurred on March 31, 1985, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon envisioned a huge wrestling extravaganza that would attract mainstream attention and elevate professional wrestling to a new level of popularity. The inaugural WrestleMania featured several high-profile matches and celebrity appearances, including a main event in which Hulk Hogan and Mr. T defeated "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. The event was a huge success, drawing a crowd of over 19,000 fans and setting the stage for a new era in professional wrestling. WrestleMania continued to grow and evolve, with each event featuring more elaborate sets, increasingly spectacular matches, and an abundance of celebrity guests. Fans worldwide tune in to see their favorite wrestlers battle it out live. WrestleMania has also been the site of some of the most iconic moments in wrestling history. These include the retirement of wrestling legend Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV, the infamous "Montreal Screwjob" at WrestleMania XIII, and the return of The Undertaker at WrestleMania XX after a three-year absence. Today, WrestleMania remains one of the most significant events in the wrestling calendar, drawing huge crowds and generating millions of dollars in revenue for WWE. It has become a symbol of the power and popularity of professional wrestling and showcasing the world's most talented wrestlers. 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

Baked Ham with Pineapple Day: April 20

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Baked Ham with Pineapple Day, celebrated on Easter, taps into a long-standing culinary tradition that combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweet tang of pineapple. This unofficial event emerges from the widespread enjoyment of this particular dish, especially in Western culinary traditions. It epitomizes the fusion of flavors that appeal to a broad palate, blending baked ham's smoky, salty taste with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. The origin of combining ham with pineapple is an extension of the culinary practice of pairing meat with fruit to enhance flavors. This cooking method has roots in various cultures and cuisines and has become a popular dish for special occasions and holidays, particularly Easter and Christmas. Baked Ham with Pineapple Day is a modern creation, likely promoted by Dole Fruit Company as one of its many recipes using the newly created pineapple rings in the early 20th century. The celebration of Baked Ham with Pineapple Day is straightforward and revolves around the kitchen. Families and friends come together to prepare, cook, and share baked ham adorned with pineapple. This day allows culinary aficionados to showcase their cooking skills and for communities to bond over a shared meal. Social media platforms feature photos and recipes of this beloved dish, encouraging a broader participation and appreciation of this culinary tradition. Preparing baked ham with pineapple involves scoring a ham, then glazing it with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and sometimes, cloves or ginger for added spice. Pineapple rings, often from a can for convenience, are then arranged on the ham's surface, sometimes secured with cherries in the center for a festive appearance. The popularity of this dish lies in its balance of flavors; the pineapple not only adds a sweet contrast to the savory ham but also tenderizes the meat with its natural enzymes, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dish. Baked Ham with Pineapple Day celebrates more than just a meal; it's a nod to the creativity and cultural blending inherent in culinary practices. The day underscores the joy of cooking and sharing food, highlighting how traditional dishes can bring people together.

Africa

Apr

Chinese Language Day: April 20

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Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. The other official languages of the United Nations are English, Spanish, Russian, French, and Arabic. Each language gets its day yearly, and Chinese Language Day began in 2010.

Africa

Apr

Coin Week, Ntl.: April 20-26

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Created in 1922, National Coin Week celebrates the hobby of coin collecting.

Africa

Apr

Columbine Massacre Anniversary (1999): April 20

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On April 20, 1999, two students from Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, entered the school, heavily armed, and proceeded to murder twelve of their classmates and a teacher. The two shooters then shot themselves. The victims of Columbine were: Cassie Bernall, age 17 Steven Curnow, 14 Corey DePooter, 17 Kelly Fleming, 16 Matthew Kechter, 16 Daniel Mauser, 15 Daniel Rohrbough, 15 William "Dave" Sanders, 47 Rachel Scott, 17 Isaiah Shoels, 18 John Tomlin, 16 Lauren Townsend, 18 Kyle Velasquez, 16 When did school shootings start? On November 12, 1840, University of Virginia law student Joseph Semmes shot and killed his professor John Anthony Gardner Davis. That is the first known school shooting in the US. The first known school shooting at an American K-12 school occurred in 1853. Former student Matthews F. Ward murdered teacher William Butler. Ward was "defending" his brother's honor after he had been disciplined the day before. Until the 1960s, school shootings were usually individual disputes with 0-2 fatalities, like the above—until August 1, 1966, when a gunman climbed onto the observation deck at the University of Texas at Austin. For the next 96 minutes, he picked people off as a sniper, killing 17 and wounding 31. Canada experienced its Columbine ten years prior at École Polytechnique (December 6, 1989), where 14 women were killed. England saw 18 killed at Dunblane on March 13, 1996. Columbine heightened awareness of school shootings in the United States. Since, school shootings have become more frequent in the United States, which leads the world in school shootings. Some of the worst school shootings in history include Beslan (RU—September 1, 2004; 333 killed) Sandy Hook (US—December 14, 2012; 26 killed) Uvalde (US—May 24, 2022; 21 killed) Virginia Tech (US—April 16, 2007; 32 killed) Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School (US—February 14, 2018; 17 killed) Erfurt (DE—April 26, 2002; 16 killed) Winnenden (DE—March 11, 2009; 16 killed) Realengo (BR—April 7, 2011; 12 killed) Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (AZ—April 30, 2009; 12 killed) Aside from Russia's Beslan, which was a terrorist operation and included over 1,100 hostages in addition to over 300 fatalities, the two worst individual school shootings were also terrorist attacks: Taliban attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, on December 16, 2014. With guns and grenades, they killed 145 people. Al-Shabaab attack on Garissa University College in Garissa, Kenya, April 3, 2015 killing 147 people Have School shootings increased? The short answer is yes—one could say exponentially. During the decade of the 1970s, there were 29 school shootings, the worst being Cal-State, Fullerton, with seven dead and two injured. Between 1980 and 1989, there were 40 shootings at schools. In the 1990s, there were 63, including Columbine. Between 2000 and 2009, another 60 school shootings occurred. Between 2010 and December 2019, the number of school shootings in the United States reached 427. Between January 1, 2020, and June 2022, the United States experienced 504 school shootings, with over 30 percent of schools closed during 2020-2021 due to COVID-19. As school shootings have drastically increased in the United States, legislatures in many states have made gun ownership easier, sometimes removing concealed carry permits entirely. School shootings will continue to rise exponentially as access to guns becomes easier and safeguards such as training, requiring permits, background checks, and waiting periods fall by the wayside. The vast majority of guns used in crime within the US and Mexico originate in US states with lax gun laws and are smuggled into other states with strict gun laws or Mexico. For more information on gun issues in the United States, see this excerpt from Jon Stewart's March 3, 2023 episode, The Problem with Guns. The segment highlights the issues surrounding why the vast majority of the world's guns are in the United States and the political issues surrounding their ownership that often confound people outside of the US.

Africa

Apr

Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill (2010): April 20

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The Deep Water Horizon oil spill, also called the BP oil spill, the BP oil disaster, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, or the Macondo blowout, occurred on April 20, 2010. The oil gush lasted 87 days, when an estimated 4.9 million barrels (210 million US gal; 780,000 m3) polluted the ocean. It is the largest oil spill in human history— 8-31% bigger than the previous label holder, the Ixtoc I oil spill.

Africa

Apr

Easter (C): April 20

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EASTER, THE HOLIEST DAY IN CHRISTIANITY Easter is the celebration of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. It is considered the holiest day of the Christian calendar and marks the fulfillment of the biblical promise to Abraham—that from his line, the Messiah would come, and through Him, all nations (people) of the world would be blessed. The Bible tells of Jesus’ friends discovering that He had risen from the dead at dawn on the third day after His crucifixion (known as Good Friday). Christians traditionally celebrate this renewal of life and the forgiveness of sin with colored Easter eggs. Legends say these eggs are brought and hidden by a rabbit. Rabbits are the ancient symbol of spring and renewal. However, the Easter eggs and the Easter bunny are not a part of the Bible. Each is symbolism. Eggs and bunnies remind people of new life granted to them through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The early Christian church celebrated Easter at different times. In 325 AD, the Council of Nicaea decided that the holiday would be the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring, meaning non-Orthodox Easter would always be sometime between March 22 and April 25. Orthodox Christians follow a different calendar, celebrating Easter a week or two later in the year. Easter marks the end of Passiontide. PASSIONTIDE Passiontide, observed over a fortnight, is the holiest period in the Christian liturgical year that focuses on Jesus Christ's passion (suffering and death). It begins on the fifth Sunday of Lent, Passion Sunday, and concludes on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. This period encompasses the final two weeks of Lent, including Holy Week, the last week of Passiontide, and one of the most sacred times of the Christian calendar. During Passiontide, the mood of the liturgical celebrations becomes more somber and reflective, emphasizing the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. This shift is reflected in various ways across different Christian traditions: Veiling of Images: In many churches, it is customary to veil crosses, statues, and other religious images in purple fabric from Passion Sunday until the end of the Good Friday service. This practice symbolizes the deep mourning over Jesus' passion and serves as a visual reminder of the solemnity of the season. Liturgical Changes: The liturgy during Passiontide may include additional prayers, readings, and hymns that focus on suffering, sacrifice, and redemption. The use of specific liturgical colors, especially purple, highlights the penitential nature of the season. Holy Week Observances: Holy Week, the final week of Passiontide, includes several vital days that commemorate the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and death: Palm Sunday: Celebrates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday: Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. Good Friday: Marking Jesus' crucifixion and death. Holy Saturday: A day of quiet reflection and waiting for Easter. Special Services and Practices: Churches may hold special services, such as Stations of the Cross, processions, and extended periods of prayer and fasting. These practices deepen the faithful's participation in the mystery of Jesus' passion. Passiontide is a time for Christians to reflect deeply on the cost of their salvation and the depth of Jesus' love and to prepare their hearts for the joy of His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. THE ABRAHAMIC FAITHS AND EASTER Easter is the first demarcation point between Islam and Christianity. Muslims believe in Jesus Christ as a great prophet and a messenger of God, and His sermons and teachings are included in the Qu'ran. Like Christians, they believe He will return someday in judgment. The Virgin Mary, likewise, is revered in Islam. Where Muslims begin to diverge from Christians is the resurrection, which Easter celebrates. Islam does not believe Jesus rose from the dead. They believe he ascended into heaven, though. Judaism diverges from its cousins upon the birth of Jesus, a holiday known as Christmas. The Jewish faith believes Jesus Christ is neither a prophet nor the Messiah, which they believe is yet to come. He is barely mentioned in the faith; rather, He was a troublesome rabbi who was executed for his heresies. All three Abrahamic faiths, however, share versions of the first five books of the Old Testament and the values presented in what Christians refer to as The Ten Commandments. These commandments underlie what is known as Abrahamic Values, named after the patriarch of the Israelites. CONCLUSION In summary, Easter is a joyous holiday for Christians following horrific events. It marks the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy and the initiation of a new covenant with God through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It begins a new era where, unlike before when one was chosen by God, through Christ, all people may now choose to be with God to share in His bounty, love, and protection. The birth and resurrection of Christ, whether one believes it or not, is the foundational historical event that informs what historians have come to call the Common Era.

Africa

Apr

Infertility Awareness Week, Ntl.: April 20-26

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RESOLVE—the National Infertility Association organizes National Infertility Awareness Week. The campaign seeks to educate the public on the various free support programs available to those struggling with infertility.

Africa

Apr

Karaoke Week, Ntl.: April 20-26

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The fourth week of April is National Karaoke Week. "Kara Oke" means "empty orchestra" in Japanese. Karaoke first appeared in 1971. By the 1980s, it became a fad, and small nightclubs and bars embraced it. Karaoke enthusiasts often have contests and events during this week. Singing your heart out to your favorite tunes is a great time.

Africa

Apr

Lima Bean Respect Day: April 20

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Lima (lime-colored) beans can be green, white, speckled, brown, or black. They can be called butter beans or sieve beans and are a type of legume originating in Central and South America. Lima beans are very high in protein and fiber and are virtually fat-free, and their consistency allows them to blend effortlessly in soups and casseroles. National Lima Bean Respect Day encourages people to give lima beans a chance again and try them. They’re quite good mixed with salsa and other spicy foods as they absorb the flavor and add texture to any dish.

Africa