All - Leep Calendar

The Baltic nation of Lithuania has seen its independence come and go over the years. It first declared independence on February 16, 1918, only to be swallowed by the Soviet Union in 1940 as part of a land swap deal between Stalin and Hitler. But the Lithuanian people are hearty, and when the opportunity presented itself again on March 11, 1990, this little country became the first to declare independence from the Soviet Union. It would take another year and a half before Moscow finally let them go. Never dissuaded, on August 19, 1991, the Lithuanian people at long last had their independence recognized. Independence Day is a national holiday.

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Feb

Kyoto Protocol Day (2005): February 16

06:20 AM | -

The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Created on December 11, 1997, it commits its parties to reduce energy waste and pollution by setting internationally binding emission reduction targets. Today is the anniversary of the day it went into force on February 16, 2005.

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Feb

Vijaya Ekadashi (H): February 16

06:20 AM | -

Known as "The Great Fast" in the Hindu faith, Vijaya Ekadashi occurs over two days. Devotees fast to seek blessings of love and affection from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is the Hindu faith's supreme god of truth and peace. There are four primary sects of Hinduism: Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism, and Smartism. 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.

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Feb

Cabbage Day, Ntl.: February 17

06:20 AM | -

Cabbage originated in Asia and has been part of many diets worldwide since the Celts trekked it back with them on a trading mission around 600 BC. It is one of the few crops that stores well, can grow in cold climates, and comes in various types, from purple cabbage and Brussels sprouts to ordinary green cabbage. It is also a high-yield plant that can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled (sauerkraut). It is a national food of Russia and a staple of Asian and Irish diets. National Cabbage Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

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Feb

Caregivers Day, Ntl: February 17

06:20 AM | -

Recognizing outstanding caregivers throughout the nation, National Caregivers Day focuses on the necessary home and institutional services these dedicated men and women make. Whether caring for the ill, elderly or handicapped, caregivers provide more than care, enhancing the quality of life. This event first ran in 2015.

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Feb

Carnaval (BR): February 17-21

06:20 AM | -

This is one for the Bucket List. Everyone in the world should experience Brazil's Carnaval (Yes, it is spelled with an 'a', not an 'i') at least once in their lifetime. Carnaval is about living large and getting all your partying out of your system in preparation for Lent, which is the 40-day-long fasting and reflection period in Christianity leading up to Easter.

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A personal note from Laura:

Carnaval is six days and five nights of dancing, drinking, eating, and celebrating. It is the largest party in the world, with Rio de Janeiro at its center. In Rio, samba schools of scantily clad women and men in very ornate costumes compete. Especially for the poor, this is the one time of the year they get to shine, and many will spend the entire year (and most of their savings) creating the perfect Carnaval costume. I remember sitting with my brother at home, watching the schools (parade groups) pass by on television. He was waiting for the inevitable wardrobe malfunctions with the women. There were quite a few live broadcasts. Let's say Carnaval is a teenage boy's dream.

In towns and cities away from Rio, local clubs (for the wealthy. I attended Carnaval at the Marília Tennis Club in the state of Sāo Paulo) or neighborhood streets host Carnaval dances. Everyone sleeps during the day and dances through the night, and Carnaval ends at sunrise on Ash Wednesday. When I attended, I was sixteen, and it was magical. I had a new costume every night, and it was one of the few times you had us kids mixed in with the adults for a full-on party. I recall the last night having to sit and watch. My feet were covered in blisters from dancing so much over the first four nights!
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In the United States, Carnaval is celebrated in New Orleans as Mardi Gras. Venice, Italy, is also renowned for its celebration. However, there is nothing else on earth like Carnaval in Brazil.

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.

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Feb

Date Festival, Ntl. (US-CA): February 17-26

06:20 AM | -

A celebration of Arabia and Arabic culture, the National Date Festival at the Riverside County Fairgrounds features Arabic-themed music, ostrich races, camel rides, exhibits, shopping, and of course, lots of dates. Dates are the hospitality food of the Arabic world. Annually in February.

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Feb

Global Backyard Bird Count, The Great: February 17-20

06:20 AM | -

The Audubon Society and Cornell University Lab of Ornithology created the Great Backyard Bird Count in 1998, with Bird Studies Canada joining in 2009. In 2013 it became a global event, with people in all 220 nations and territories taking part and sending images (and counts) from their backyards. In 2022, Spain, India, the United States, and Canada have the most active participation. That's a direct challenge to the rest of you to make your country proud! The heatmap of locations is updated throughout the event. TEACHERS & PARENTS The Great Global Backyard Bird Count is an excellent activity for kids and teens. Think of it as a bird census and an opportunity to learn about local wildlife. By participating, you are helping identify species in danger by contributing count observations from your backyard. Learn more: https://www.birdcount.org

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Feb

Global Tourism Resilience Day: February 17

06:20 AM | -

Resilient tourism plays a crucial role in the economic development of many countries, particularly in developing nations, small island developing states, Africa, and middle-income countries. It serves as a significant source of income, foreign currency, tax revenue, and employment. Sustainable tourism, including ecotourism, has the potential to contribute to all three dimensions of sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It can foster economic growth, alleviate poverty, create employment opportunities, promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, and support the sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. Sustainable tourism also has broader societal benefits, such as promoting local culture, improving quality of life, empowering women, young people, indigenous communities, and rural populations. It can contribute to rural development, enhance living conditions, and support small-holder farmers. By embracing sustainable and resilient tourism practices, countries can achieve sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development, financial inclusion, environmental protection, and poverty eradication. This includes the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources, as well as promoting investment and entrepreneurship in sustainable tourism. In recognition of the importance of resilient tourism, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Global Tourism Resilience Day on February 17 through resolution A/RES/77/269. This day highlights the need to foster resilient tourism development to address shocks and emergencies that affect the tourism sector. It calls for the development of national strategies for rehabilitation after disruptions, emphasizing public-private cooperation and diversification of activities and products. Overall, resilient tourism is essential for sustainable development, economic stability, and the protection of natural and cultural heritage. It encourages countries to invest in sustainable practices, cooperate in times of crisis, and adapt to changing circumstances to ensure a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.

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Feb

Human Spirit Day, World: February 17

06:20 AM | -

World Human Spirit Day encourages people worldwide to stop what they are doing and hold a moment of silence for two minutes beginning at 15:00 GMT-5 (3 PM EST). The idea is to raise global consciousness and share a joint solidarity event with millions worldwide.

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Feb

Isra'a Wal Mi'raj (M)(621 AD): February 17/18

06:20 AM | -

According to Islam, Isra and Mi'raj are the two parts of the Night Journey, which the prophet Mohammad undertook during a single night in the year 621 AD. The Qu'ran states he traveled from Mecca to Jerusalem, then to heaven, and back to Mecca in one night. Marking this journey by Mohammad is one of the most important events in the Islamic Calendar. On Isra and Mi'raj, Muslims believe the prophet traveled from Mecca to the farthest mosque on earth, where he led other prophets (including Jesus Christ, Abraham, Moses, and others) in prayer. He then ascended into heaven to speak with God, where He revealed to Mohammed additional revelations, including the proper way to pray, when to pray and how often to pray—the ritual observant Muslims follow five times a day facing Mecca. The mosque he traveled to is marked today by Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, also known as the Dome of the Rock. Muslims believe it was from this point that the prophet Mohammed was lifted into heaven to speak with God. Islamic scholars argue whether this was a physical or spiritual journey. Whether his soul or person, it is believed he rode a stallion named Buraq to meet God. The prophet Mohammed died ten years later in 632 AD. PLEASE NOTE: Islamic holidays are determined in Mecca by the moon's position and can occur a day earlier or later than posted.

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Feb

Mardi Gras (US-LA): February 17 - 21

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

My Way Day, Ntl.: February 17

06:20 AM | -

My Way Day is a day to reflect on the meaning of a song Frank Sinatra made popular called "My Way." The song was recorded on December 30, 1968, and released on June 14, 1969. Though several decades old, the song continues to be a favorite of free spirits. It's about a man looking back at his life and feeling content with you he lived it. The lyrics were written by Paul Anka, and the composition comes from a 1967 French song composed by Claude François and Jacques Revaux entitled Comme d'habitude. Have a look at the song below. ________________ MY WAY And now the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend I'll say it clear I'll state my case of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I traveled each and every highway And more, much more than this I did it my way Regrets I've had a few But then again too few to mention I did what I had to do And saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it my way Yes there were times I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out, I faced it all And I stood tall and did it my way I've loved, I've laughed and cried I've had my fill, my share of losing And now as tears subside I find it all so amusing To think I did all that And may I say not in a shy way Oh no, oh no, not me I did it my way For what is a man what has he got If not himself then he has not To say the things he truly feels And not the words of one who kneels The record shows I took the blows And did it my way Yes it was my way ###

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Feb

No One Eats Alone Day: February 17

06:20 AM | -

No One Eats Alone® teaches everyone how to make friends at lunch, often the most challenging part of the school day. Created and organized by students, this is our most popular program where schools in all 50 United States participate! This event first ran in 2012.

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Feb

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Founders Day, Ntl. (1897): February 17

06:20 AM | -

February 17, 1897, the Parent Teachers Association was founded under the National Congress of Mothers, chaired by Alice McLellan Birney and Phoebe Apperson Hearst. National PTA is a strong advocate for public education, bettering the lives of every child in education, health, and safety. The PTA continues to be the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the nation. It is responsible in whole or part for creating Kindergarten classes, child labor laws, public health services, hot and healthy lunch programs, the juvenile justice system, mandatory immunization, arts in education, and school safety programs.

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