All - Leep Calendar

Stargazing, wildlife watching, and even ghost walks are just some of the activities available during the United Kingdom's Dark Skies Festival in Yorkshire, England. It's a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature at night (and maybe see the Northern Lights as well). Locations vary, and visit the website for the best viewing locations.

Africa

Feb

Mardi Gras (US-LA): February 9-13

06:20 AM | -

Mardi Gras is a celebration during the five days leading up to Lent. Technically, Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The date range given covers the major festivities leading up to Lent. European celebrations originally centered on Kings' Day (Twelfth Night or Epiphany), which falls on January 6 each year and celebrates the three kings' arrival at Jesus' birthplace, thus ending the Christmas season. The festival known as Mardi Gras (Carnaval in Brazil and Italy) combines Christianity with pagan celebrations of the impending spring, dating back more than 5,000 years. Pope Gregory XIII made Mardi Gras a Christian holiday when in 1582, he added it to the Gregorian calendar (the 12-month one we still use today). He placed Mardi Gras on the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. That way, all the debauchery, merry-making, lust, and silliness would be out of people's systems so they could focus on fasting and praying for the next 40 days. Today Mardi Gras is a five-day event, with the Tuesday prior referred to as Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras arrived in North America with the LeMoyne brothers, Iberville and Bienville, in the late 17th century. The brothers were sent by King Louis XIV (Versailles) to defend France's claim on the territory of Louisiana. The parade of krewes (groups of people who danced together as a unit) would come a little later. DAWN OF A LEGEND On Ash Wednesday of 1838, The Commercial Bulletin read: "The European custom of celebrating the last day of the carnival by a procession of masked figures through the streets was introduced here yesterday," declared the New Orleans newspaper. It is the city's first appearance of a Mardi Gras parade, though hardly the last. Allow me to diverge just a tad here. If you've ever been to the United States for any major celebration, you've probably noticed that booze, bawdiness, and some obnoxious behavior generally accompany any celebration—which leads us to the Mardi Gras that almost weren't. Due to rowdiness, excessive intoxication, and general disorderly conduct, the annual Mardi Gras celebration barely escaped cancelation in 1857. By the 20th century, the citywide-festival ran into other issues. In 1988 anti-discrimination laws required krewes to open their ranks to people of all colors and religions, or get off public streets. In response, three of the four oldest krewes, Comus (1857), Momus (1873), and Proteus (1882), took their floats and went home. Post Katrina (2005), Mardi Gras took on a whole new meaning as a reminder of the resiliency and spirit of New Orleans. Find out more about Mardi Gras fat: http://www.nola.com/mardigras/index.ssf/2009/01/the_history_of_carnival.html#incart_river 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

Feb

Mauni Amavasya (H): February 9

06:20 AM | -

Mauni Amavas (Mauni Amavasya) commemorates the birthday of Manu Rishi in the Hindu faith. Rituals include bathing in holy rivers to promote prosperity. A silence fast (Maun Vrat) is observed on this day to quiet all senses. Additional activities include homas (giving to charity) and meditations to remove sins and vanquish enemies. PLEASE NOTE: We use the Indian civil calendar, the official holiday calendar in India, the largest Hindu nation. 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

Feb

Moon—New: February 9

06:20 AM | -

The New Moon occurs when the moon and the sun share the exact elliptical longitude, and the moon is at its closest point to the sun in its orbit. From earth, we usually cannot see it. The New Moon is considered the first phase of four.

Africa

Feb

Pizza Day, Ntl.: February 9

06:20 AM | -

Fourteen percent of all restaurants in the US are either Italian or serve pizza. It is one of the world's most common and beloved foods, which began as a street food, sold from a cart in Naples, Italy, circa 1738. According to the US Census Bureau, for the fiscal year ending in September 2019, pizza restaurant sales totaled $46,337,969,390 for the year. That is a lot of pizza! Pizza Dat is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa

Feb

Read in the Bathtub Day, Ntl.: February 9

06:20 AM | -

Christine Rogers created this event some time ago to have an excuse to spend the day reading her favorite novel in the tub. We did a little research and were surprised to find that there are waterproof books for people who like to read in the pool or jacuzzi. They can also be helpful to people who spill coffee a lot. Enjoy your favorite novel submerged.

Africa

Feb

Spring Festival Holiday (CN): February 9-15

06:20 AM | -

THE SPRING FESTIVAL The dates shown are for the official national holiday. The Spring Festival, a major holiday, is the name for the 15 days between Chinese New Year's Eve and the Festival of Lanterns. It is revered like Christmas in the west or the Eid holidays in the Islamic world. Nationally, it is a whole week's celebration. During the Spring Festival, gifts and red packets of money in even number denominations are exchanged. Families travel to be together; holiday foods are prepared on Chinese New Year's Eve. That night's feast is the "reunion dinner" and the most important holiday meal. Retailers go crazy with specials leading up to and during the festivities. Activities culminate on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, marking the end of the annual Chinese New Year Celebration. For organizations with business interests in China, block out the week leading up to and the first seven days of the Spring Festival. Getting anyone to pay much attention will be challenging, and celebration is the theme. Each day of the Spring Festival has a different activity. Day one is the welcoming of the deities with firecrackers, dragon dancing, and a vegetarian diet. On day two, married daughters visit their parents. Day three is Red Mouth Day, and paper is burned, symbolizing the destruction of wrath. It is considered very unlucky to visit or have guests on this day. Day four features dinners hosted by employers. Businesses go back to work. Day five features birthday celebrations for the god of wealth. Firecrackers light the sky, ensuring his favor, good fortune, and prosperity in the year ahead. Day six is a day of rest. Day seven is the universal birthday, where everyone becomes one year older, regardless of their actual birthday. Buddhists will avoid meeting people, and non-Buddhists will eat a raw fish salad to promote wealth and prosperity in the year ahead. Day eight focuses on family dinners, with companies hosting lunch or dinner to celebrate the birth of the Jade Emperor. In the hours leading up to midnight, burning incense and food offerings make their way to the shrines of the Jade Emperor. Should a family fail to make offerings, the kitchen god reports their lack of adherence to the Jade Emperor. Day nine is a day for prayers and offerings to the Jade Emperor. Days ten through twelve host parties for the Jade Emperor. Day 13 is vegetarian, a day designed to cleanse the stomach. Prayers, offerings, and tributes to the Chinese god of war, General Guan Yu of the Han Dynasty, take center stage. Day 14 is open. The final day features the Shangyuan Festival of Lanterns. People eat traditional Chinese foods like rice dumplings, rice ball soup, and candies. Traditionally, families stroll the town carrying colorful lanterns.

Africa

Feb

Toothache Day (249 AD): February 9

06:20 AM | -

International Toothache Day marks the martyrdom of Saint Apollonia, the patron saint of Dentistry, in 249 AD. Apollonia was a young virgin, a Christian woman, who was killed in a pogrom against Christians in Egypt. Part of her torture included having all her teeth pulled out, which is why she is associated with dentistry. These were the early days of Christianity, nearly four hundred years before Islam and a hundred years before Constantine would convert the entire Roman empire to Christianity. It was a dangerous time to be Christian, and they were hated and hunted by the Hebrews and Romans. This particular pogrom against the Christians began due to an Egyptian poet's prophesying that great harm was to come to the people of Alexandria. The cause, he said, would be the Christians, and therefore, the Christians needed to be eliminated. At the time of Apollonia, living to the age of 50 was considered old. By the time most people died, many had lost their teeth. Today with modern toothpaste and brushes, not to mention dental care, most of us retain our teeth into old age. Today is a day to reflect on dental health's importance, remember Apollonia's sacrifice, and the cost of judging others by their faith. And for those of faith, it is a day to thank God for every tooth we have.

Africa

Feb

Carnaval de Ponce (US-PR): February 10-13

06:20 AM | -

The island territory of Puerto Rico hosts one of the largest and best Carnaval celebrations in the northern hemisphere. The annual party of parades, costumes, merrymaking, and food was first held in 1858. It's everything a reveler could want, situated sweetly on a tropical island. Annually the week leading up to Lent. 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

Feb

Carnival of Binche (BE): February 10-13

06:20 AM | -

Carnival of Binche falls on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday in Binche, Belgium. Hailed by UNESCO as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity," dancing, food, and music are all part of the festivities. The highlight of the festivities is the Gilles. The Gilles are male performers dressed as clowns in wax masks, wooden shoes, and colorful costumes. In the afternoon, they change costumes donning large hats with ostrich feathers, and distribute oranges to the crowds; oranges are considered good luck. 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

Feb

Chinese New Year (Dragon) (CN): February 10

06:20 AM | -

Chinese New Year is a significant holiday in China and Chinese communities worldwide. It is treated much like Christmas in the west or the Eid holidays in the Islamic world. Festivities last 15 days and are now known as the Spring Festival in China. Red packets with money in even number denominations and gift exchange remain favorite traditions. Families travel far and wide to be together. Preparation of holiday foods specific to the event occurs the night before the Chinese New Year. This reunion dinner is the primary feast. Retailers pile on the specials leading up to and during the festivities. Activities culminate on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, marking the end of the annual Chinese New Year Celebration. Chinese companies typically shut down for the two weeks of the Chinese New Year. This time is about celebrating.

Africa

Feb

Cream Cheese Brownie Day: February 10

06:20 AM | -

Cream Cheese Brownie Day is one of the over 700 food-related holidays this year. There is no sponsor, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying this rich and decadent treat! It's simple. Take a fudge brownie and top it with cream cheese frosting or cut it in half and sandwich frosting in the middle. Enjoy!

Africa

Feb

Home Warranty Day, Ntl.: February 10

06:20 AM | -

Builders, real estate agents, and homeowners are the target market for National Home Warranty Day. It seeks to raise awareness on how new construction structural warranties and systems and appliances home warranties safeguard projects and properties from the unknown. This event first ran in 2016.

Africa

Feb

Jorvik Viking Festival (UK): February 12-18

06:20 AM | -

With over 40,000 visitors each year, get your Viking on and celebrate Viking contributions to English history. The Vikings first arrived in England during the seventh century. Jorvik Viking Festival is based upon the Jolablot celebration marking the ending of struggle through winter and the approach of spring. This event first ran in 1983.

Africa

Feb

Losar (B) 2151: February 10 - February 27, 2025

06:20 AM | -

Tibetan Buddhist Calendar is the most common calendar used in the Buddhist faith. This year is 2151 in the calendar.

Africa