On October 23, 2001, the iPod premiered. This simple portable music player changed how we listen to music and turned the radio and record industry upside down. Here is the original press release from October 23, 2001: "Apple Presents iPod Ultra-Portable MP3 Music Player Puts 1,000 Songs in Your Pocket. CUPERTINO, California — October 23, 2001 — Apple® today introduced iPod™, a breakthrough MP3 music player that packs up to 1,000 CD-quality songs into an ultra-portable, 6.5-ounce design that fits in your pocket. iPod combines a major advance in portable music device design with Apple's legendary ease of use and Auto-Sync, which automatically downloads all your iTunes™ songs and playlists into your iPod and keeps them up to date whenever you plug your iPod into your Mac®."

Africa

Oct

Islamic History Month (CA): October

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Islamic History Month in Canada explores the rich heritage of Islam and Muslims within Canada and the world. Officially declared by Canada's Federal parliament in 2007, it's a month of education, tolerance, and exploration.

Africa

Oct

It's My Party Day: October 11

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It's My Party Day is an unofficial holiday, but that's perfectly fine because it is a day to celebrate the world of YOU. Small or big, it doesn't matter; it just has to be a party about you.

Africa

Oct

Italian-American Heritage Month (1492): October

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Italian-American Heritage Month has been celebrated each year since 1999. Italian Americans continue to be an essential demographic and part of the success of the United States since their first arrival in 1492. That's right, Christopher Columbus was Italian and the first European* to map the New World after he set foot in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492. The continents of North and South America are named after Amerigo Vespucci (March 9, 1451 - February 22, 1512), an Italian merchant and explorer. The first Italian to immigrate to the US was Pietro Cesare Alberti in 1635, and he settled in what would become New York City. Italian Americans are the seventh largest ethnic group of immigrants to the US. Eighty-four percent of Italians arrived from southern Italy following the American Civil War from 1870-1914. Issues drawing Italians included a need for workers following the war, a lack of opportunity in Europe, and Italy's reunification in 1861. Italian-American Heritage Month aims to honor and celebrate the contributions of this influential group to the nation and our culture. *The Viking explorer Leif Erikson landed in Newfoundland, Canada, in 1000 AD, making him the first European to discover America.

Africa

Oct

Ivy Day (IE)(1891): October 6

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Charles Stewart Parnell (June 27, 1846 – October 6, 1891) was a leader in the Irish Parliament who advocated for home rule. He is considered the man responsible for giving Ireland a sense of herself. Each year, on his death anniversary, Ireland celebrates Ivy Day by wearing a sprig of ivy on the lapel. The custom derives from the short story "Ivy Day in the Committee Room" by James Joyce, who also wrote "Ulysses."

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Oct

Jewish Year 5785 (J): October 3, 2024 - September 22, 2025

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THE JEWISH YEAR OF 5785

CORRESPONDING TO 2024-2025

The Jewish Year 5785 corresponds to the years 2024 and 2025 in the Gregorian calendar. It is not a year of Jubilee in the Jewish faith. 2025 is a year of Jubilee in the Christian faith. Year 5785 is not a jubilee year in Judaism. 2025 is a jubilee year in Christianity.

ABOUT THE HEBREW CALENDAR

The Hebrew calendar marks day one as the seventh day of the creation story from the book of Genesis. Hebrew scholars determined year one by adding the ages of all those mentioned in the Torah and going backward. The Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar consisting of 12 months, with a leap year adding a 13th month. Each month has its unique significance and religious observances. Here's a month-by-month summary, typically beginning in September and ending in September or October each year.

MONTH OF TISHREI

Rosh Hashanah—Jewish New Year, marked by prayer, reflection, and the shofar sounding.
Yom Kippur—Day of Atonement, the year's holiest day, focused on fasting and repentance.
Sukkot—Feast of Tabernacles, commemorating the Israelites' journey in the desert.
Shemini Atzeret—Eighth day of Sukkot, a separate festival day.
Simchat Torah—Celebration of the completion and restarting of the Torah reading cycle.

MONTH OF CHESHVAN
Often referred to as Mar-Cheshvan (bitter Cheshvan) due to the lack of major holidays. It is a month for reflection and settling into the new year.

MONTH OF KISLEV
Hanukkah—Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.

MONTH OF TEVET
Tenth of Tevet—A minor fast day commemorating the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II.

MONTH OF SHEVAT
Tu Bishvat—New Year for Trees, often celebrated by planting trees and eating fruits.

MONTH OF ADAR
Purim—Celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them, as recounted in the Book of Esther. (In a leap year, Adar is split into Adar I and Adar II, with Purim celebrated in Adar II.)

MONTH OF NISAN
Passover (Pesach)—Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. Counting of the Omer—Begins on the second night of Passover and continues for 49 days until Shavuot.

MONTH OF IYAR
Lag B'Omer—Celebrates the end of a plague among the students of Rabbi Akiva and the death anniversary of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

MONTH OF SIVAN
Shavuot—Feast of Weeks, celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

MONTH OF TAMMUZ
Seventeenth of Tammuz—A minor fast day marking the breach of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple.

MONTH OF AV
Tisha B'Av—A significant fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies in Jewish history.

MONTH OF ELUL
The last month of the Hebrew calendar is one of introspection and preparation for the High Holy Days, with the shofar sounding each day (except Shabbat)."

Africa

Oct

Jotijot, Gurgadi (S)(1661): October 20

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Guru Har Rai, the seventh of ten gurus in the Sikh faith, passed away on this day in 1661. His youngest son, Har Krishan, was nominated to be a guru on this day, in the same year, at the tender age of five.

Africa

Oct

Kartika (H): October 18 - November 15

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Kartika, known as Karthikai or Katik, is a Hindu month named after the Hindu god Kartikeya. It corresponds to October/November in the Gregorian calendar. Typically, this is the eight-month, except in the western Indian state of Gujarat, where this month is considered the new year, as it is the month of Diwali. 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

Oct

Karwa Chauth (H): October 20

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Karwa Chauth is a holiday in India honoring husbands, and it generally falls in September-October. Married women dress beautifully and observe a daily fast to ensure their husband's well-being, prosperity, and longevity. Women break their fast after seeing the moon in the sky. 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

Oct

Katik (S): October 15–November 13

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Katik is the 8th month of the Sikh calendar. It always starts on October 15.

Africa

Oct

Kentucky Apple Festival (US-KY): October 4-5

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The first thing most people will tell you about the Kentucky Apple Festival is all the food you can try, from a tiger ear to fried apple pie. Crafters nationwide offer handmade crafts. Music, exhibits, and various activities round out the festival.

Africa

Oct

Kick Butt Day, October 7

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Procrastinators, your time is up. Kick Butt Day is precisely that; a calendar kick in the tush to get you moving on whatever it is you've been putting off. Whether it's getting something done at home, around the house, finally breaking off a bad relationship, or getting into shape, today is your day for action.

Africa

Oct

Kid's Music Day: October 4

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Kids Music Day was created in 2016 to raise awareness about the importance of music in children's education. It involves public and private schools, concerts, and instrument donations.

Africa

Oct

Kimchi Fest (US-PA): October 5

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Created in 2022, the Kimchi Fest in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, celebrates the dish and Korean culture with food tables, a Korean cultural market, live performances of K-pop and traditional Korean music, dance, and Hanbok fashion and cultural workshops. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made primarily from salted and fermented vegetables, napa cabbage, and Korean radishes, with various seasonings, including chili powder, scallions, garlic, and ginger. The dish dates back to the third to fourth centuries when it was salted vegetables without the spicy ingredients of today. The introduction of chili peppers from the Americas in the late 16th century transformed kimchi's flavor profile. This addition marked the birth of the red, spicy kimchi known and loved today. More than just food, kimchi holds profound cultural and symbolic meaning for Koreans. Making kimchi, known as "Kimjang," involves families gathering to prepare large quantities for the winter months. UNESCO recognized Kimjang as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013. Kimchi's fermentation process encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, similar to yogurt. Plus, it features a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. With the global spread of Korean cuisine, kimchi has gained international recognition. Its unique blend of spice, tang, and crunch has earned it a place on tables worldwide, both as a side dish and a versatile ingredient in various recipes.

Africa

Oct

King's Birthday (AU-QLD): October 7

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The King’s Birthday is a national holiday in Australia. Australia is one of several constitutional monarchies that consider the English King head of state. Most states celebrate this day in June, Western Australia celebrates in September, and Queensland marks the day in October. King Charles III’s actual birthday is November 14, 1948. He ascended to the throne on September 8, 2022.

Africa