All - Leep Calendar

INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY (take two) is a celebration to commemorate Billy Mays, the Infomercial King, who died June 28, 2009. Mays was an American icon known for his enthusiastic, yelling pitch style, hawking "As Seen on TV" products, and creating fortunes for many inventors. Arnold added this second event in 2009, and the internet community continues to honor him each year with texts, tweets, and emails in all caps. There are two CAPS LOCK DAYS each year: June 28 and October 22.

Africa

Jun

Food Truck Day, Eat at a, Ntl.: June 28

06:20 AM | -

Created in 2017, National Eat at a Food Truck Day celebrates the thousands of entrepreneurs that feed America with food trucks featuring gourmet, street food, and ethnic cuisine. The first food trucks in America were carts and date back to New York City (New Amsterdam) in 1691. Over the years, they developed along with technology and social trends. Chuck Wagons became commonplace to feed mobile workforces like cattlemen in the 1860s. Entrepreneurs outfitted covered wagons with everything you'd find in a diner, making diners portable in the 1870s. During WWI, the US Army used them to feed troops in the field. Oscar Mayer's Weiner Mobile is the most iconic food wagon, which debuted in 1936. The first food truck most people encounter is the ice cream truck. These first appeared in the 1950s. Taco trucks emerged in 1974 in Los Angeles as an extension of a bar's kitchen. The 1980s saw the creation of hamburger and sandwich trucks, which gained popularity on college campuses. By the 2000s, food trucks went multi-cultural. Today you can find just about any style of food on food trucks, with Asian, Middle Eastern, and Juice Bars becoming some of the most sought-after. Celebrate National Eat at a Food Truck Day easily. Dine out at your favorite food truck!

Africa

Jun

Insurance Awareness Day: June 28

06:20 AM | -

National Insurance Awareness Day begins at the end of the second quarter and a couple of days before the beginning of the third quarter, which is the start of many fiscal years for several corporations and organizations. Insurance Awareness Day is an annual reminder urging people and companies to review their insurance coverage and eliminate what is unnecessary or amend deficient policies, including home, life, medical, auto, renters, worker's compensation, credit, extended disability, and other coverages unique to your situation.

Africa

Jun

Lightning Safety Day, Intl. (2011): June 28

06:20 AM | -

International Lightning Safety Day was created in 2015 to mark the anniversary of the June 28, 2011, lightning strike that killed 19 people. On June 28, 2011, a lightning strike at Runyanya Primary School in western Uganda killed 18 students and their teacher, sparking concern among officials due to a recent spate of deadly lightning strikes in the country. The incident occurred around 1630 local time while students waited inside classrooms for a downpour to cease. The police reported that the victims included 15 girls and three boys, with another 36 students admitted to the hospital for injuries. The absence of lightning rods atop several buildings, including schools and health centers, is the believed cause of the high casualty rate. Uganda's Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Musa Ecweru, labeled the omission of lightning arrestors during construction as "negligent." He pledged to rectify the issue moving forward. Marx Kabi, a specialist at Uganda's National Forestry Authority (UNFA), highlighted another major cause of increased lightning strikes: deforestation. He noted that with fewer trees to absorb or channel lightning, most areas now covered by shrubs were more vulnerable to strikes. The incident brought the total lightning-related fatalities that week to 28.

Africa

Jun

Moon—Third Quarter: June 28

06:20 AM | -

Today is the third quarter of the moon, meaning it is halfway between the full moon and the new moon.

Africa

Jun

Paul Bunyan Legend Day: June 28*

06:20 AM | -

National Paul Bunyan Day celebrates Paul Bunyan, one of the folk heroes of North America, specifically Canada, and appears to have originated in lore around 1837. Accompanied by his bull, Babe the Blue Ox, the legend says that the Great Lakes came into being because Babe needed a watering hole, and the Grand Canyon emerged because Paul Bunyan and Babe walked through the mountains dragging his axe. Paul Bunyan originated as a North American oral tradition common among loggers, but William B. Laughead popularized the stories about this character as publicity for the Red River Lumber Company. The first known printed story about Bunyan, "Caught on the Run," ran in the Duluth News Tribune on August 4, 1904. Its author is unknown. One of the more notable authors is James MacGillivray, who wrote about Paul Bunyan in "Round River" in the July 24, 1910 edition of the Detroit News. Today is one of two Paul Bunyan Days.

Africa

Jun

Phenylketonuria (PKU) Awareness Day, Intl.: June 28

06:20 AM | -

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disorder. Children born with it cannot process the amino acid phenylalanine. This results in mental disabilities and neurological issues including memory loss and mood disorders, if left untreated after birth. Special medical foods are required by children and adults living with PKU. There is no cure for PKU. In order to avoid irreversible brain damage, patients eat special diets, take medication and restrict the amount of phenylalanine in their diet. International Phenylketonuria Awareness Day was first held in 2013, and seeks to raise awareness about this disease and raise funds for treatment and a possible cure.

Africa

Jun

Tapioca Day, Ntl.: June 28

06:20 AM | -

Tapioca Day celebrates the starch extracted from Manioc, otherwise known as cassava. It honors the culinary value and versatility of the tapioca plant, which goes by the scientific name of Manihot esculenta. The tapioca plant is native to South America. Tapioca contains the toxin cyanide but handled correctly, the poison is eliminated from the plant, making it safe to eat. The use of tapioca in cooking first appears in 1875 Cassell's "Dictionary of Cooking." There are many uses of tapioca, including as a thickening agent, flour, potato alternatives, and pearls used in pudding or bubble teas.

Africa

Jun

Tea, Cream Tea Day, Ntl. (UK): June 28 (est)

06:20 AM | -

Scones, jam, tea, and clotted cream, what could be more British? Cream Tea is a British tradition, and afternoon tea is a British institution. National Cream Tea Day is an opportunity to unite friends and celebrate being British. It is promoted annually by the Cream Tea Society. This event first ran in 2015.

Africa

Jun

Treaty of Versailles (1919): June 28

06:20 AM | -

Today is the anniversary of signing the Treaty of Versailles, June 28, 1919. The document officially ended the war between Germany and the Allied Powers five years after the killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Some of the treaty provisions included taking responsibility for the damage caused during the war by Germany and its allies, disarmament of Germany, and reparation payment to countries that had formed the Entente powers. The Treaty of Versailles was harsh and merciless to the losing side and is often cited as a critical reason for the growing discontent and race tensions that arose during the 1920s, which led to the rise of fascism in Europe and, ultimately, WWII.

Africa

Jun

Mawazine (MA): June 21-29 (est)

06:20 AM | -

Launched in 2001 by Maroc Cultures, Mawazine, also known as Mawazine Festival Rhythms of the World, is an annual music festival in Rabat, Morocco. The festival is part of a governmental plan to help democratize the country and promote an image of Morocco as a tolerant nation by presenting artists worldwide.

A week-long festival, The Mawazine, generally occurs in May or June. Performances, including international pop, rock, classical Arabic and African music, jazz, and Moroccan melodies, occur on several stages across Rabat, including the beautiful historical sites such as the Oudaya Kasbah and the Mohammed V National Theater. Past performers have included Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Elton John, and many more, alongside famous Arabic music stars and talented local Moroccan artists.

One of the highlights of Mawazine is the Moroccan Street Art scene, showcasing local talent ranging from graffiti artists to hip-hop dancers, reflecting the vibrant youth culture of Morocco. Dance workshops, exhibitions, and artists' meetings provide various opportunities for cultural exchange and learning.

Mawazine festival has a mix of free and paid concerts, making it accessible to a broad audience. It attracts a massive global audience, over 2.5 million people, making it an important event on the international cultural calendar.

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

Carpenter Ant Awareness Week: June 23-29

06:20 AM | -

Carpenter Ant Awareness Week began with Batzner Pest Control in 1992 to educate the public about this common pest at a time when they are most active. Carpenter ants excavate wood to build their nests, compromising a home's structural soundness. The only sure way to erase a carpenter's ant infestation is by eliminating their nests. Carpenter ants can be challenging to control once they have entered a home. The following preventative measures can help avoid an infestation: 1) Eliminate sources of moisture and standing water 2) If you store firewood at your home, keep it as far as possible from your home. 3) Identify and eliminate any water-damaged or damp wood to avoid attracting carpenter ants. Carpenter ants are the number one nuisance pest nationwide in the United States.

Africa

Jun

Lightning Awareness Week, Ntl.: June 23-29

06:20 AM | -

National Lightning Safety Awareness Week began in 2001 to call attention to this underrated killer. Since then, lightning fatalities in the United States have dropped from about 50 per year to about 30. This reduction in deaths is primarily due to greater awareness of the lightning danger and people seeking safety when thunderstorms threaten. During National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, people are encouraged to learn more about lightning and lightning safety.

Africa

Jun

Mosquito Control Awareness Week, Ntl.: June 16-22

06:20 AM | -

National Mosquito Control Awareness Week is an annual event observed in the United States, typically during the last week of June, to raise awareness about the importance of mosquito control, educate the public about the potential health risks associated with mosquitoes, and promote the reduction of mosquito breeding grounds. Mosquitoes transmit various diseases, such as the West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, posing significant health risks to humans and animals. National Mosquito Control Awareness Week aims to highlight the crucial role that mosquito control plays in preventing and controlling the spread of these diseases. During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week, the AMCA and other organizations and government agencies promote various activities and events to educate the public about effective mosquito control methods. These activities may include: Educational campaigns: Sharing information on mosquito-borne diseases, their prevention, and the importance of mosquito control. Public service announcements: Radio, TV, and social media messages encouraging people to take preventive measures against mosquitoes. Encouraging homeowners to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds: Providing tips and guidelines on reducing standing water in yards and gardens, which serve as breeding sites for mosquitoes. National Mosquito Control Awareness Week encourages everyone to participate actively in mosquito control and prevention. By educating communities and promoting preventive measures, the event aims to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and improve public health.

Africa

Jun

Inti Rami (PE/EC): June 24-29

06:20 AM | -

nti Raymi, often spelled as Inti Rami in English, is a traditional Incan festival that honors Inti, the sun god. Today, Inti Rami occurs in several Andean countries, including Ecuador and Peru. Historical Background: Inti Raymi dates back to the time of the Inca Empire. It takes place on the winter solstice when the sun is furthest from the Earth's Southern Hemisphere and honors the god Inti and pleads for his return. In Inca mythology, Inti was considered the ancestral father of the Inca people, so the festival held significant religious importance. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived, they suppressed Inti Raymi and other indigenous ceremonies as they sought to convert the local population to Christianity. The festival was banned for many years and only survived in some remote communities. The modern-day revival of Inti Raymi began in the mid-20th century. In 1944, Faustino Espinoza Navarro organized a historical reconstruction of the Inti Raymi in Cusco, Peru. Since then, the festival has grown in popularity and is now a major event attracting thousands of visitors yearly. Experience of the Festival: In Peru, the main Inti Raymi event occurs at Sacsayhuamán, an Inca ruin near Cusco. The celebration starts in the morning at Qorikancha, the ancient Inca temple of the sun. The procession then moves to the main square of Cusco before ending at the large, open amphitheater of Sacsayhuamán. Theatrical performances and reenactments of traditional Inca ceremonies highlight the festival. These include an Inca ritual of the sun, offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), the coca leaf ceremony, and the ceremonial lighting of the fire. The performance ends with a procession back to Cusco. The participants, dressed in traditional Inca costumes, create a vibrant and captivating spectacle. The combination of the setting, the ceremony, and the feeling of being connected to a tradition thousands of years old form a unique and moving experience for spectators. In Ecuador, Inti Raymi is often combined with the Catholic celebration of Corpus Christi, reflecting the blending of indigenous and Catholic traditions. The celebrations last several days and involve music, dancing, and feasting. In certain communities, men fight ritualistically (Tinku) to ensure a good harvest. Visitors to either Peru or Ecuador during the time of Inti Raymi will find themselves immersed in a cultural experience that blends history, tradition, and spirituality. The festival provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Andean peoples and their enduring connection to the natural world.

Africa