All - Leep Calendar

South Africa is a nation of many peoples, cultures, and nations. Each year the nation pauses to recognize the unique contributions of its many cultures through National Heritage Day.

Africa

Sep

Heritage Open Days (UK): September 11-20

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HERITAGE OPEN DAYS: AN INVITATION TO BRITISH CULTURE AND HISTORY Each September, the United Kingdom celebrates Heritage Open Days, a nationwide festival that offers free access to historic sites and cultural landmarks across the country. Heritage Open Days was founded in 1994 and is coordinated by the National Trust, a leading conservation charity dedicated to preserving and protecting historic places and spaces. The event is part of European Heritage Days, an initiative supported by the Council of Europe and the European Union, which aims to celebrate and promote cultural heritage across Europe. Local volunteers, community groups, and heritage organizations play a crucial role in organizing and hosting events during the festival. The primary goal of Heritage Open Days is to provide opportunities for people to explore and enjoy the rich tapestry of Britain's heritage. By opening the doors to historic buildings, landmarks, and hidden gems that are often closed to the public, the event seeks to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the country’s history and cultural legacy. THE IMPORTANCE OF HERITAGE TO BRITISH CULTURE Heritage is deeply embedded in British culture, reflecting the nation’s rich and diverse history. It encompasses a wide range of elements, including historic buildings, landscapes, traditions, and artifacts. Preserving and celebrating heritage is important for several reasons: Cultural Identity—Heritage sites and traditions play a key role in shaping national and local identities, providing a sense of continuity and belonging. Education and Learning—Heritage offers valuable insights into the past, helping to educate and inform future generations. Tourism and Economy—Heritage sites are major attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year and contributing significantly to the economy. Community Engagement—Engaging with heritage fosters community pride and cohesion, encouraging active participation in preserving local history. TOP FIVE HERITAGE SITES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM Stonehenge—One of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Wiltshire, renowned for its mysterious stone circle. Tower of London—A historic castle on the River Thames in central London, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury, and is home to the Crown Jewels. Edinburgh Castle—Perched atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress that has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s history and offers stunning views of the city. Hadrian's Wall—Stretching across northern England, Hadrian’s Wall is a Roman fortification built to protect the Roman province of Britannia from northern tribes, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Westminster Abbey—A Gothic abbey church in London, Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of numerous monarchs and notable figures. Heritage Open Days is a cherished event that underscores the significance of heritage in British culture. By providing free access to historic sites and promoting public engagement, the festival celebrates the nation’s rich history and encourages the preservation of its cultural legacy. Coordinated by the National Trust and supported by local volunteers and organizations, Heritage Open Days continues to inspire and educate people about the importance of protecting and celebrating Britain’s heritage.

Africa

Sep

Hero, National Day of (AO)(1922): September 17

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Born September 17, 1922, Agostinho Neto would become the head of the Popular Movement for Liberation of Angola and its first president. Day of the National Hero celebrates his birth and is a national holiday in Angola.

Africa

Sep

Hispanic Heritage Day (1821): September 15

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Hispanic Heritage Day falls on September 15 and initiates National Hispanic Heritage Month. What started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 was expanded to a month under President Ronald Reagan. By August 17, 1988, it became a Public Law 100-402. September 15 was chosen as Hispanic Heritage Day because it marks independence day in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

Africa

Sep

Hispanic Heritage Month (1821): September 15-October 15

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Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Latinos to the culture, prosperity, and history of the United States. What began as a week-long celebration became a national month with the passing of Public Law 100-42 under then-President Ronald Reagan. September 15 is the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month. It marks Independence Day in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Africa

Sep

Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week, Ntl.: September 14-20

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National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week celebrates the 569 HSIs in the United States and their critical role in educating and empowering Hispanic youth. It occurs annually during Hispanic Heritage Month and includes Hispanic Heritage Day, September 15.

Africa

Sep

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, Ntl.: September 20-26 (est)

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National Historically Black Colleges & Universities Week honors the institutions which have created generations of minority scholars and their achievements. From President Obama's 2011 proclamation: "More than 150 years ago, courageous men and women took great risks and made extraordinary sacrifices to establish our country's first African-American colleges and universities. These institutions remain at the forefront of providing educational opportunities to young people across our country today. During National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, we pay homage to the daring leaders who laid the foundation for these institutions, and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) remain pathways to realizing the American dream. Founded by visionaries, HBCUs have given generations of students a sense of their heritage, their history, and their place in the American narrative. They have produced many of our Nation's leaders in business, government, academia, and the military. Today, we recognize them as the crucibles of learning, where a young legal student discovered the sense of purpose that led him to the Supreme Court, a young broadcaster with a unique name gained the foundation to build an empire, and a young preacher grew into a king who shared his dream with the world. HBCUs continue a proud tradition as vibrant centers of intellectual inquiry and engines of scientific discovery and innovation."

Africa

Sep

Hoagie Day (Eat a): September 14*

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Eat a Hoagie Day celebrates the submarine sandwich. A hoagie is a large Italian-style sandwich resting on a long roll, usually on Italian or French bread. It's sliced lengthwise and filled with meat, cheese, veggies, seasoning, and sauces. The hoagie originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, though by whom remains disputed. There are four legends spanning the 1920s through the 1940s. No matter! Choose the legend you like and dig in.

Africa

Sep

Hobbit Day: September 22

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Hobbit Day, or the mutual birthday of Bilbo and Frodo, falls on September 22 each year. Bilbo and Frodo are two fictional characters in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Although they were not born in the same year, they were born on the same day. On this day, Tolkien fans do not wear shoes in honor of the hobbits who do not wear them. Schools and libraries get students’ attention by displaying Tolkien’s works and hosting Tolkien-inspired events. This event first ran in 1978.

Africa

Sep

Honey Month: September

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Honey Month is a thirty-day celebration promoting the bee-keeping industry and the importance of honey as food and for health. Initiated by the National Honey Board in 1989, September was picked to celebrate honey after the completion of the collection season in the United States.

Africa

Sep

Hot Cross Bun Day, Ntl.: September 11

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National Hot Cross Bun Day celebrates the hot cross bun, a sweet pastry traditionally eaten at the end of Lent in the British Commonwealth Christian communities. Bakeries often have them on sale this day. A hot cross bun is a sweet pastry made with raisins and cinnamon and marked with a cross on its top. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, it signals the end of the season of Lent. The cross atop represents the crucifixion of Jesus. The spices inside of the bun symbolize herbs rubbed on His body before the internment, and the bread, as in Christian tradition, represents the body of Jesus Christ. Why this day falls in September rather than in the spring on Good Friday is unknown. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, she banned hot cross buns except for funerals, Christmas and Easter. It turns out hot cross buns are a hot topic politically as well!

Africa

Sep

Hound Day, Hug Your, Ntl.: September 13

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Ami Moore, The Chicago Dog Coach, created National Hug Your Hound Day. The holiday seeks to increase the bond between dogs and their owners and to help dog owners see the world as dogs see it. "National Hug Your Hound Day," Moore stated, "is celebrated annually on the 2nd Sunday in September. This day is dedicated to celebrating the bond between you and your dog. National Hug Your Hound Day is about truly observing your dog (from their point of view) in their environment and everyday life and for just one day to see the word as your dog sees it. As you celebrate your beloved dog, remember that today is about keeping our dogs healthy, happy, and safe at home and in our hearts."

Africa

Sep

Housekeepers Week, Intl.: September 13-19

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International Housekeepers Week began in 1981 and is championed by International Executive Housekeepers Association. This celebration focuses on maintaining a safer and cleaner environment for people. The week recognizes the efforts of housekeepers working in establishments such as hotels, schools, and hospitals.

Africa

Sep

Hug a Vegan Day: September 25

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Vegans need love, too and today is your chance to show your vegan friends how much they mean to you. So walk right up, swing your arms around them, and hug them.

Africa

Sep

Humiliation Day (CN)(1931): September 18

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National Humiliation Day in China marks the solemn remembrance of Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931. Intensive protests with an anti-Japan tone usually accompany National Humiliation Day. In popular culture, this event is depicted in the 1987 Oscar-winning (9 total) film, including Best Picture, "The Last Emperor."

Africa

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