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Windjammer Days in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, celebrates the region's rich maritime heritage. The event features a variety of maritime-themed activities, including the centerpiece event, the "Parade of Sails."

The Windjammer Days festival has been a tradition in Boothbay Harbor since the early 1960s and has grown to include a wide range of activities and events, such as:

Parade of Sail: The main event, where windjammers and other sailing vessels parade through Boothbay Harbor, offering a unique and beautiful sight for visitors and locals alike.
Concerts and Live Music: The festival often features live music performances by local and regional artists, with genres ranging from traditional maritime tunes to contemporary styles.
Arts and Crafts Show: Local artisans display and sell their work, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other handmade items.
Street Parade: A traditional street parade occurs during the festival, featuring marching bands, floats, and local organizations.
Fireworks: A spectacular fireworks display is held over the harbor, lighting up the sky and providing an exciting end to the celebrations.
Boat Races and Regattas: Various sailing races and regattas occur during the festival, including races for small boats and other watercraft.
Children's Activities: The festival offers a variety of activities and events geared toward children, such as face painting, games, and storytelling.
Tours and Exhibitions: During Windjammer Days, visitors can take tours of the historic windjammers and other ships and attend exhibitions and lectures on maritime history and culture.

The Windjammer Days festival is a popular event that draws visitors from all over the United States and beyond, offering a chance to appreciate Boothbay Harbor's maritime heritage, enjoy local art and music, and participate in various family-friendly activities.

ABOUT THE PARADE OF SAILS, A GLOBAL TRADITION

The Parade of Sails is a maritime event that showcases tall ships and other sailing vessels in a celebratory procession, often held as part of prominent maritime festivals or regattas. These events promote maritime heritage, foster international goodwill, and allow the public to learn about and appreciate historic and modern sailing ships.

In a typical Parade of Sails, participating vessels sail in a coordinated procession, usually along a waterfront, allowing spectators to witness the beauty and grandeur of these ships up close. The parade often includes tall ships, which are large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessels, and other sailing ships, like classic yachts, naval vessels, and replicas of historic ships.

Some of the most famous Parade of Sails events are part of larger festivals, such as:

Sail Amsterdam, Netherlands: Held every five years, Sail Amsterdam is one of the most significant maritime events in the world, drawing millions of spectators and featuring hundreds of ships from around the globe.
Tall Ships Races: Organized annually by Sail Training International, the Tall Ships Races are a series of races and events held in European waters that promote sail training and international friendship.
OpSail: Short for Operation Sail, OpSail is an American event held periodically (roughly once a decade) to celebrate maritime history and foster international goodwill.

The event has featured multiple parades of sails in various US ports, with the most recent one held in 2012 to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the US national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." These events offer a unique opportunity for people to learn about maritime history, experience the beauty of sailing vessels, and engage with sailors from different countries and cultures.

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

Jun

Folklife Festival, Smithsonian (US-DC): June 26 - July 1

06:20 AM | -

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, established in 1967, honors contemporary living and cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Festival has featured participants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The free festival occurs every summer on the National Mall, near the Fourth of July holiday. In 2019, it moved to the last weekend of June. It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers. We invite visitors to sing and dance along, try craft and game workshops, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and participate in this unique cultural exchange.

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

Jun

UEFA EURO (DE): June 14 - July 14

06:20 AM | -

The UEFA European Football Championship, commonly called the UEFA Euro, is one of the premier tournaments in international football, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). It is held every four years, in even-numbered years between World Cup tournaments. The Euro began in 1960. The tournament structure is similar to that of the World Cup. It begins with a group stage, where teams are divided into groups and play in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams progress to a knockout stage that culminates in a final. Germany and Spain lead the field in wins. France has won twice, while the Soviet Union, Italy, Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, Portugal, Greece, and Denmark each have one win. The UEFA Euro has a reputation for being highly competitive, showcasing some of the best talents in football, and is responsible for some of the most memorable moments in the sport's history.

Africa

Jun

Copa América (US): June 20-July 14

06:20 AM | -

The Copa América is South America's primary football competition, organized by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). It is the oldest international continental football competition, with the first tournament in 1916 in Argentina to celebrate its centennial independence anniversary. The tournament traditionally involved the ten national teams of CONMEBOL. In some recent editions, teams from other confederations, such as North America's CONCACAF, have been invited to participate, leading to a larger field of competitors, with 12 or even 16 teams in some instances. Format The Copa América's format has changed several times over its history. Typically, the teams are divided into groups playing in a round-robin format. The top teams from each group advance to knockout rounds, leading to quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final. In some editions, a third-place playoff match has been held as well. Trophy The winner of the tournament receives the Copa América trophy. The trophy is made of silver and stands 77 centimeters tall. It has a wooden base containing plaques bearing previous winners' names. History and Success Uruguay has won the most Copa América titles, with Argentina and Brazil following closely behind. These teams have traditionally been some of the strongest in South American football and have produced many memorable moments and players throughout the tournament's history. Recent Editions The Copa América has sometimes faced scheduling difficulties, with the frequency of the tournaments varying over time. In some instances, the game has been held in back-to-back years, while other times, it has followed a four-year cycle. The 2020 edition of the tournament was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Argentina and Colombia co-hosted this particular edition, but due to civil unrest in Colombia, Argentina hosted the entire tournament. The final saw Argentina win over Brazil, securing their first major international title since 1993. Significance The Copa América is more than just a football tournament; it symbolizes South American culture and identity. The competition often brings out intense rivalries and showcases the distinctive playing styles that have made South American football famous worldwide. It's an essential stage for established stars and emerging talents to shine, and success in the Copa América can often translate into more significant opportunities for players and teams on the international stage.

Africa

Jun

Viking Games, Frederikssund (DK): June 21 - July 14

06:20 AM | -

The Viking Games features popular games and events based on Viking mythology, occurring annually in Frederikssund, Denmark. In the summer of 793 AD, the Vikings landed on the island of Lindisfarne on the English east coast and ravaged the island monastery. In the autumn of 1066, at the Battle of Hastings in southern England, the Viking age ended. But in the summer of 1952, the Vikings returned to the scene via a party in Frederikssund. Since, Vikings have populated the beautiful open-air scene on Kalvøen at Roskilde Fjord every summer in June and July. The Viking festival is a unique opportunity to experience the history and participate in the games that helped define the future of Europe.

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

Jun

Fruit Fly Frenzy: June 15- July 15

06:20 AM | -

You know it is Fruit Fly Frenzy when you kick back to enjoy a nice glass of Cabernet and suddenly notice tiny flies inhabiting your glass' rim. Or you set the bananas out to ripen, only to see a circle dance of winged creatures excitedly hovering about. Yup! It is that time of year again. Fortunately, it doesn't last that long. Fruit flies have a lifespan of 40-50 days, and the female will lay several batches of eggs during that period. Alcohol and fermenting fruit attract them, and they will lay hundreds of eggs in a couple of hours, which hatch a few hours later. Ergo, Fruit Fly Frenzy. To prevent Fruit Fly Frenzy, use netting canopies over your fresh fruit and place a coaster over the mouth of your wine glass. Apple cider vinegar and dish soap will attract them, keep them out of your fruit, and win.

Africa

Jun

Harh (S): June 15–July 15

06:20 AM | -

The month of Harh in the Sikh religion is from June 15 to July 15. During this month, the Sikhs observe the martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the Foundation of Akal Takhat, and the birth of Guru Hargobind.

Africa

Jun

Ashadha (H): June 23 - July 21

06:20 AM | -

Ashadha (also called Aashaadha) is a month in the Hindu calendar, the fourth month of the Hindu year. The month hosts the Guru Purnima festival on the full moon (Purnima) of the month. 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

Jun

Tour de France (FR): June 29 - July 21 (est)

06:20 AM | -

The Tour de France is an annual cycling event done in stages held in France. Tour de France is the oldest of the three most prestigious global cycling events. Although the routes may vary, the format remains the same. Cyclists pass through the Pyrenees and the Alps, finishing on the Champs-Elysees. The race lasts for 21 days and covers 3,500 kilometers. Organized in 1903 as a promotion for L'Auto, a magazine, the Amaury Sport Organization currently champions the event. There are only two times when the race was not held, during the two World Wars. Winners are determined through the compounded times of their teams (nine riders). The winner is the person with the lowest aggregate time, and that rider gets to wear the yellow jersey. Considered a UCI (Union Cycliste International) World Tour event, participants are members of the UCI World Teams unless invited by a sponsor.

Africa

Jun

Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week (1880): June 23-29

06:20 AM | -

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating the last week of June as “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week.” Every year since, the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths & Adults (HKNC) has commemorated the week with a national advocacy campaign in recognition of the achievements and capabilities of people who are deaf-blind.

Africa

Jun

Fireworks Safety Months: June 1-July 31

06:20 AM | -

Fireworks Safety Month is observed in June to emphasize that fireworks can be fun and cause harm when mishandled. Sixty percent of fireworks injuries recorded in the US occur on or around the July 4th holiday. Most injuries occur to the hands, eyes, and fingers. In nearly every instance, these injuries are caused by mishandling this small explosive device.

Africa

Jun

Monsoon Season (Asia) June 8 - September 30

06:20 AM | -

The south and central Asia Monsoon Season starts around June 8 and ends around September 30. The total length of the season can vary from country to country. This phenomenon has economic importance to the South Asia region. The monsoon brings fresh water to the continent, nourishing flora and fauna of the subcontinent. Economically speaking, monsoon season reduces commodity prices and increases hydroelectric production. However, the monsoon season renders farmers jobless because of the floods caused by the rain. Monsoon comes from "mausim," an Arabic word for "season." But this does not define the phenomenon. Instead, a monsoon is a system of winds that change direction every six months, thus changing the weather patterns. India has two kinds of monsoon: the Summer monsoon (May- September) and the Winter monsoon (October – November).

Africa

Jun

Hurricane Season: June 1-October 31

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The hurricane season officially begins in June and ends in November. During this time, the Atlantic Ocean becomes the hub for hurricanes. In the northern Atlantic Ocean, the peak time for storms to develop is in September. People are encouraged to take precautions when a hurricane alert is announced. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are one of nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. Their location determines which word describes it. Hurricane—storm in the Atlantic and northeastern Pacific Oceans near Japan and SE Asia. Typhoon—northwest Pacific Ocean. Cyclone—southern Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Africa

Jun

Ayatollah Ruollah Khomeini Day (IR)(1989): June 3

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Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Day is a national holiday in Iran and marks the cleric's death on June 3, 1989. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was an influential Shiite Muslim cleric and political leader who was pivotal in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, transforming Iran into an Islamic republic. Born on September 24, 1902, in Khomeyn, Iran, Khomeini embarked on his religious education from an early age, rising through the clerical ranks to become a leading figure in the Shiite community. As an Ayatollah, a high-ranking title in Shiite Islam, Khomeini became a critic of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's regime, particularly his modernizing efforts in the 1960s, which Khomeini saw as a deviation from Islamic principles. This opposition led to his exile in 1964, first to Turkey, then Iraq, and finally to France. During his exile, Khomeini propagated his vision of an Islamic state led by a supreme religious leader, or "Velayat-e-Faqih," via sermons and writings. His influence grew, and his resistance messages against Pahlavi's regime became increasingly popular, gaining him a vast following among Iranians disillusioned with Pahlavi's authoritarian rule. In 1979, the growing discontent culminated in the Iranian Revolution. As the Pahlavi's regime crumbled, Khomeini returned to Iran amidst public euphoria, effectively taking control of the government. He oversaw the drafting of a new constitution, establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran. Theocratic and unapologetically anti-Western, this new state embodied Khomeini's vision, with him as the Supreme Leader. Khomeini's leadership embraced a conservative interpretation of Islamic law, widespread political repression, and conflict with the West, most notably the hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. However, his policies also included land redistribution, expansion of social services, and women's education. Internationally, Khomeini's leadership and the Iranian Revolution inspired Islamic revivalist movements and anti-imperialistic sentiments in the Middle East. Despite international isolation, Khomeini remained defiant and emphasized self-sufficiency. He continued as Iran's Supreme Leader until his death on June 3, 1989. Despite his controversial legacy, Khomeini's influence on Iran and the wider Islamic world is undeniable. His blend of political and religious leadership remains the defining characteristic of Iran's political system. His life and leadership marked a seismic shift in the region's politics, religion, and relations with the West.

Africa

Jun

Tiananmen Square Massacre (CN)(1989): June 3-4

06:20 AM | -

The Tiananmen Square Massacre, also known as the June 4th Incident, was a significant event in the history of modern China. It took place in 1989, at a time of considerable political and economic reform and social unrest. Under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, China was transitioning from Maoist policies towards a more open economy. This period of change led to a rise in expectations and awareness among the population, particularly the students and intellectuals who started to demand more political freedom, democratic reforms, and an end to corruption. In April 1989, thousands of students initially gathered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing to mourn Hu Yaobang's death, a liberal reformist purged from the Communist Party. The gathering quickly became a significant pro-democracy movement, with protestors demanding greater political transparency, freedom of speech, and other democratic rights. The Chinese government declared martial law, and on June 3-4, 1989, the Chinese military was deployed to disperse the protestors. The troops forcefully cleared the square using rifles and tanks, resulting in hundreds of deaths. The Chinese government's official death toll was 200, but estimates from other sources vary from several hundred to potentially several thousand. The event had profound impacts on Chinese society. It led to a clampdown on political dissent and temporarily halted the economic reforms. Internationally, the Chinese government faced widespread condemnation, leading to sanctions from several countries. The Tiananmen Square Massacre is a heavily censored topic in today's China. The Chinese government strictly controls information about the event. Public discussions, commemorations, or criticisms of the incident are generally prohibited. Many younger Chinese citizens do not know of the event due to the government's efforts to erase it from the public consciousness and history books. However, the memory of the event survives among some groups and individuals who privately acknowledge and commemorate the incident. Abroad, Chinese dissidents and human rights organizations keep the memory alive by marking the anniversary and calling for a re-evaluation of the event. The Chinese government's handling of the Tiananmen Square Massacre remains contentious in its relations with Western democracies. It is often wielded as an example of the Chinese Communist Party's intolerance towards dissent and its control over information. The Chinese government maintains that its actions at Tiananmen Square were necessary for maintaining social stability and the continued economic progress of the country.

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