May 28 is an important date in Ethiopia because it marks the downfall of the Derg regime and the end of the Ethiopian Civil War. On May 28, 1991, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), a coalition of rebel groups, took control of the capital city, Addis Ababa, effectively ousting the military government led by Mengistu Haile Mariam. The Derg, a Marxist-Leninist military junta, had ruled Ethiopia since 1974 when it overthrew Emperor Haile Selassie in a coup. The Derg's rule was marked by widespread human rights abuses, economic hardship, and social unrest, which eventually led to the Ethiopian Civil War. The conflict lasted from 1974 to 1991 and claimed countless lives, caused massive displacement, and devastated the country. Although May 28 is not an official public holiday in Ethiopia, it is remembered by many as the day that marked the end of the Derg regime and the beginning of a new chapter in Ethiopian history. The date symbolizes the transition to a new political era and the hope for a more democratic and prosperous future.

Africa

May

Hamburger Day, Ntl.: May 28

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National Hamburger Day celebrates the world's favorite sandwich. The Library of Congress states the first hamburger sold in America was in 1900 by Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant, and restaurateur in New Haven, Connecticut. White Castle hamburger chain states the hamburger is the invention of Otto Kuase of Hamburg, Germany. Who created the ground meat sandwich may never be known. The US government gives Lassen official credit because the first sale can be proved. What is known is that in 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair, the humble hamburger sandwich caught the attention of the New York Tribune, gaining it instant celebrity in American culture. Later, Roy Kroc would make hamburgers the definition of fast food affordable to the masses. During both World Wars, due to Germany being the enemy, restaurants referred to the beef patties as Salisbury steak, a hamburger patty without the buns drenched in gravy. Whatever you want to call it, enjoy your burger this month in style.

Africa

May

Menstrual Hygiene Day, Global: May 28

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Menstruation is a normal biological process wherein about 800 million women and girls menstruate on any given day. Yet, periods continue to be shrouded in taboos and myths, and women and girls are stigmatized and excluded. Adverse social norms, poor education, lack of access to hygiene products, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and disposal options severely affect women's and girls' health, education, employment opportunities, and overall social status. To change this, WASH United started Menstrual Hygiene Day in 2014. Since then, it has grown into a veritable movement, with more than 420 partner organizations globally. In 2017, there were 350 MH Day events in 54 countries, of which 67 were in India alone. MH Day reached more than 160 million people through digital campaigning. In India, 50 percent of girls do not know about menstruation, and when they get their period, it leads to fear and poor menstrual hygiene practices. Education about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is critical to empower girls to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, confidently, and without stigma.

Africa

May

National Day (AZ)(1918): May 28

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Azerbaijan's National Day, also known as Republic Day, is celebrated annually on May 28th. This public holiday commemorates the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) on May 28, 1918. The ADR was the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world, marking a significant milestone in Azerbaijan's history. The ADR was short-lived, as it was occupied by the Soviet Red Army on April 28, 1920, and subsequently incorporated into the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan regained its independence from the Soviet Union on October 18, 1991, and the legacy of the ADR was revived, with May 28th becoming a symbol of national pride and unity. On National Day, Azerbaijanis celebrate with various activities, including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and concerts. The day is an opportunity for people to express their national identity, pay tribute to the nation's founders, and remember the struggle for independence and freedom.

Africa

May

Slugs Return from Capistrano Day: May 28

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Here is one of those curious holidays created by Thomas and Ruth Roy from Wellcat Holidays & Herbs—Slugs Return from Capistrano Day. In typical Wellcat fashion, this day is a parody of the Swallows Return to Capistrano Day. Swallows Day is celebrated with a big festival and a parade, to celebrate the swallows' return, even though there are almost no swallows left in Capistrano. Slugs on the other hand - there's plenty of them. And Thomas and Ruth decided that "speciesism" is not OK, and slugs should also have their holiday. Because, why not?

Africa

May

World Hunger Day (1932): May 28

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The Hunger Project originated World Hunger Day in 2011 to recognize the 2.4 billion food-insecure people globally. Food insecurity involves a lack of access to food and the scarcity of nutritious food. Often poor people are forced to rely on inexpensive processed and fast food for sustenance, and both lack the nutrition necessary to thrive. The US Senate recognized the day beginning in 2022 to highlight the Ukrainian Famine of 1932–1933, known as the Holodomor (Death by hunger), an example of repressive Soviet policies. Ukraine displayed a rebellious streak toward the new communist nation by seeking independence, and Stalin wanted to teach them a lesson. It was the height of the Great Depression when food was scarce worldwide. Stalin collected the Soviet Union's harvest and exported it, at a profit, to Europe, leaving the Ukrainian people without food for the winter. The tactic resulted in over 25% of Ukraine's rural population, an estimated five million people, starving to death or forced to migrate. For context, the deadly famine of Somalia in 1992 and again in 2010-2012 resulted in less than 300,000 deaths each. The top five global famines are: The Great Chinese Famine 1959-61: 20-50 million dead Chinese Famine Of 1907: 25 million Chalisa And South India Famines 1782-84: 11 million Bengali Famine Of 1770: 10 million Holodomar, Ukraine, 1932-33: 5 million The US Senate acknowledged the event to raise awareness of Russian brutality against Ukrainians, both of which are at war. The United States supports Ukraine. Holodomor stands on its own, should be acknowledged, and is a cautionary tale of government overreach and how quickly the people suffer when one of life's necessities, food, is withheld.

Africa

May

Ascension of Baha'u'llah (1892): May 29

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On May 29, 1892, Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i faith, died and is believed to have ascended to heaven. Today is one of nine critical holidays in the Baha'i faith.

Africa

May

College Savings Day: May 29

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The 529 College Savings Plan is a tax-deferred vehicle in the US tax law that allows parents and students to defer tax payments on savings for college and other educational pursuits/costs. Similar to a retirement 401K, it reduces the amount of tax owed now and defers or cancels it in the future if it is used for its intended purpose. College Savings Day, or 529 Day, is a national event designed to raise awareness of this savings option and educate the population on its numerical equivalent, May 29 or 5-29 each year.

Africa

May

Learn About Composting Day: May 29

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Compost is humus—not hummus, the chickpea paste so popular in Middle Eastern cuisine, but a mixture of organic matter created from the decomposition of food, plants, and soil rich in nutrients and mixed in with the dirt. A rich compost significantly adds to the quality of the soil and the quality of the plants grown in it. Today is a day to learn about composting and make it a part of your gardening endeavors.

Africa

May

Otter Day, World: May 29

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World Otter Day raises awareness about otters. Otters are semi-aquatic mammals of the Mustelidae family, including weasels, ferrets, and badgers. There are 13 different species of otters worldwide, and they are known for their playful, curious behavior and sleek, streamlined bodies. Otters are well-suited to life in and around water. Their fur is dense and waterproof, which helps to keep them warm and dry while swimming. Their webbed feet facilitate swimming and diving, and they can hold their breath underwater for several minutes. Otters are carnivorous and feed on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and small mammals. Using their dexterous front paws, otters catch and manipulate their prey. Many species of otters are social animals and live in groups, while others are more solitary. Otters communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations, including whistles, grunts, and chirps. Otters live around rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, where habitat loss, pollution, and hunting have landed some varieties on endangered or vulnerable lists.

Africa

May

Peacekeepers' Day, International United Nations: May 29

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International United Nations Peacekeepers Day acknowledges the vital role of peacekeepers in the many hotspots around the globe. If war is the most horrible human invention, and it is, then peacekeepers are the first line of defense against it.

Africa

May

Renaissance Period Officially Begins (1453): May 29

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May 29, 1453, is the anniversary of the beginning of the Renaissance Period and marks the day Constantinople, today called Istanbul, fell to the Ottoman Empire. This event signaled the end of the Byzantine period and Christian rule in the East. The Renaissance period would cover the next 300 years, ending in 1789 on the eve of the French Revolution (or, some might say - in 1815, with the close of the Napoleonic era). The Renaissance is one of European history's most interesting and disputed periods. During this time, the arts, sciences, political movements, and medicine made significant gains, leading to an era of enlightenment and forming the foundation of today's modern world and, most notably, western civilization.

Africa

May

Sagarmatha Day (NP)(1953): May 29

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On May 29th, Nepal celebrates Mount Everest Day, also known as Sagarmatha Day, to honor the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak. On this day in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa climber from Nepal, became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The day is celebrated to honor the achievement of Hillary and Norgay, as well as to acknowledge the efforts and sacrifices of the numerous climbers, Sherpas, and support staff who have been part of Everest expeditions over the years. Mount Everest Day is also an occasion to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the mountain's fragile environment and promoting sustainable tourism in the region. Celebrations on Mount Everest Day may include special events, workshops, discussions, and cultural programs related to mountaineering, the history of Everest expeditions, and the significance of the mountain for Nepal and its people. The day serves as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs associated with scaling the world's highest peak and the role of mountaineering in Nepal's history and culture.

Africa

May

Senior Health & Fitness Day, Ntl.: May 29

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National Senior Health & Fitness Day is promoted by over 1,000 organizations across the United States; it's a day for helping seniors get and stay in shape and maintain fitness.

Africa

May

White Wreath Day (AU): May 29

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White Wreath Day in Australia: A Solemn Commemoration for Suicide Victims

On May 29 every year, Australians observe White Wreath Day, a day of remembrance and advocacy dedicated to those who have lost their lives to suicide. The event, orchestrated by the White Wreath Association, encourages public and private reflections on mental health and the profound impacts of suicide on families and communities.

The White Wreath Association, founded by Fanita Clark in 2001 after experiencing the personal tragedy of suicide in her own family, promotes the day as an opportunity to support those who suffer in silence. The symbol of the white wreath serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and a call to action against the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide.

In White Wreath Day activities, participants are encouraged to lay white wreaths at significant public locations, light candles, and wear white ribbons. These gestures are not only acts of remembrance but also serve to raise awareness about mental health issues and the need for accessible support services.

The organization also advocates for "Safehaven Centres," which they propose as 24-hour facilities intended to provide immediate and nonjudgmental support for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The aim is to offer an alternative to emergency departments, which are often ill-equipped to handle such specific needs.

Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of community support and accessible resources for those at risk of suicide. Events like White Wreath Day highlight the ongoing challenges in mental health care and the critical need for public discussion and policy support to prevent such tragedies.

As Australia continues to face high rates of suicide, White Wreath Day serves as a crucial reminder of the societal and individual actions required to address this pressing public health issue. It is a day for reflection, offering hope and support to those affected by one of society's most grievous yet preventable crises. Participate by wearing white to work today.

Africa