All - Leep Calendar

Every culture has its tales and fables. For centuries, oral histories and legends were communicated through stories and myths. Classic folklore teaches about other cultures and languages, generally capped with a moral lesson. Triumph over good and evil, or using cunning and ingenuity to solve problems, are all common themes of fables. World Folk Tales & Fables Week is your opportunity to explore the world of fables or even pick up some classics like 1001 Nights or Aesop's Fables.

Africa

Mar

Flu Season Ends, Northern: March 31

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Hooray! The end of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere is here! While seasonal flu outbreaks can occur in October, most flu activity peaks between December and February, and activity can last as late as May.

Africa

Mar

Flour Month, Ntl.: March

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There are three primary forms of flour: wheat, corn, and oat. However, flour can be made of many different foods, including rice, coconut, barley, nuts, and even beets and carrots. Health food markets and whole food grocery stores often have a selection of different types of flour, including coconut, rye, and rice. National Flour Month, occurring in March each year, is an opportunity to explore the wondrous world of flour and try something different. You might be surprised at the new tastes you find!

Africa

Mar

Florida Panther Day, Save the : March 21

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In 2015, Florida Republican Governor Rick Scott created Save the Florida Panther Day, allocating $150 million toward land acquisition and management to focus on protecting land for the Florida panther. The historic funding and focus on Florida's ecosystem ensure and protects the Florida panther and its domain. The Florida panther once roamed throughout the southeastern United States, and today, it can only be found in the forests and Everglades. In 1967, ten panthers remained in the wild, and eight breeding females were brought in from Texas. Today that number is closer to 200. On Jul 24, 2021, the state passed the Wildlife Corridor Act, facilitating the movement of the big cats within their territories, proving that despite the rhetoric, Florida does care about its environment. Though Florida has lost its way of late, in years and decades past, the state was a critical and outspoken advocate for conservation and the environment, including championing its own Arbor Day and protecting the Everglades and endangered species while raising awareness about wetlands and the necessity of biodiversity. In fact, until the 1990s, conservative Americans strongly valued environmental causes, including Republican presidents Teddy Roosevelt and Richard Nixon. The antipathy on current display is a new phenomenon, which makes Save the Florida Panther Day, the state animal, unique. Cover Photo: Male panther at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by FWS, 2018.

Africa

Mar

Florida Archaeology Month (US-FL): March

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Florida Archaeology Month focuses on Florida's rich cultural heritage and showcases the state's significant collections of archaeological artifacts. The Florida Department of State's Bureau of Archaeological Research is entrusted with maintaining, preserving, and protecting more than 12,000 years of Florida heritage. Archaeological and historical resources on state-owned and state-controlled lands, including sovereignty-submerged lands, are the direct responsibility of the bureau. State archaeologists carry out archaeological surveys and excavations throughout Florida, primarily on state-owned lands. They maintain records on historical resources that have been recorded and assist consultants and planners in protecting sites. The state's underwater archaeology program includes historic shipwrecks and pre-Columbian underwater sites, some of which are among the oldest human sites in the New World. The bureau also manages Mission San Luis, a 60-acre world-class archaeological site in Tallahassee featuring a full-time research program and a living history museum. It is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in the Southeast.

Africa

Mar

Flag Day (AW)(1976/1986): March 18

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FLAG AND ANTHEM DAY IN ARUBA Anthem and Flag Day in Aruba, celebrated annually on March 18, is a significant national holiday commemorating the island's adoption of its national flag and anthem, symbolizing Aruban identity and cultural heritage. This day is a vibrant expression of national pride, marked by ceremonies, cultural events, and public gatherings across the island. The history of Anthem and Flag Day dates back to 1976, when Aruba first introduced its national flag and anthem, key symbols of its national identity, marking a pivotal moment in Aruba's journey toward greater autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The flag and anthem are embodiments of the island's distinct cultural and historical narrative, reflecting its aspirations and values. Its design consists of a field of light blue, symbolizing the sea surrounding Aruba, the island's sandy beaches, and its red soil, struggles, and gold and phosphate mining history. Aruba's national anthem, "Aruba Dushi Tera" (Aruba, Sweet Land), was adopted on the same day. Composed by Juan Chabaya Lampe with lyrics by Rufo Wever, the anthem expresses love and devotion to the island, celebrating its beauty, history, and the resilience of its people. It is a lyrical tribute to Aruba's natural splendor, peaceful way of life, and the pride of its inhabitants. Anthem and Flag Day celebrations include official ceremonies, parades, music, dance performances, and educational events. These festivities are imbued with national pride, reflecting the island's rich cultural tapestry and its journey toward self-determination. SYMBOLISM OF THE FLAG Aruba's flag features a light blue field with two narrow yellow stripes across the lower portion and a red, four-pointed star outlined in white near the top left. Each element of the flag is rich with symbolism: The light blue background represents the clear skies, the surrounding Caribbean Sea, and the peace, beauty, and hope of Aruba's tranquil environment. The two yellow stripes represent Aruba's separate status and place within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and are associated with the island's historical and economic elements. The four-pointed red star with a white border represents the four principal languages of Aruba (Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish) and the four cardinal directions of the world. The red color relates to the island's red soil and the Aruban people's strength, resilience, and heritage. The white outline represents Aruba's white sandy beaches and symbolizes purity. Flag Day in Aruba is a national holiday.

Africa

Mar

Fix a Leak Week: March 16-22

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Fix a Leak Week, an initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is part of the agency's WaterSense program, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of fixing household leaks. This annual event, typically observed in March, focuses on educating homeowners and communities about the significant water waste caused by leaks and the simple steps they can take to conserve water. The history of Fix a Leak Week dates back to 2009, when the EPA launched the event as part of its WaterSense program to promote water efficiency and conservation. The program addresses a critical issue: more than one trillion gallons of water are wasted annually in U.S. homes due to easy-to-fix leaks. The week-long event has since become a vital component of the EPA's efforts to encourage water conservation at the household level. During Fix a Leak Week, the EPA and its partners provide resources and tips to help homeowners detect and repair leaks. Common areas where homeowners should check for leaks include: Toilets: Often a significant source of water waste, toilets can have silent leaks. Homeowners can check for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and waiting 10 minutes to see if color appears in the bowl. Faucets and Showerheads: Worn-out rubber washers and gaskets frequently cause drips in faucets and showerheads. Checking and replacing these components can fix these leaks. Outdoor Faucets and Hose Bibs: Seasonal changes can cause outdoor faucets and hose bibs to leak. It's essential to check these, especially as the weather warms up. Irrigation Systems: Homeowners should inspect their irrigation systems each spring to ensure they aren't damaged by frost or freezing. Under Sinks and Supply Lines: Checking for moisture or drips under sinks and around the supply lines to appliances like dishwashers and washing machines is also crucial. The EPA also encourages local communities and organizations to get involved by hosting events, workshops, and challenges to spread the message about leak detection and repair. Fix a Leak Week is more than just a campaign; it's a call to action for every household to play a role in water conservation. By fixing household leaks, homeowners can save water, reduce utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly use of vital water resources.

Africa

Mar

Finnmarksløpet (NO): March 6-14

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Finnmarksløpet is Europe's longest dog sled race (1200 km/745 miles). It was first run in 1981. The sporting event is so popular it garners 33% of the television viewing audience in northern Europe each year. Today's weeks-long event includes mushers, live music, and entertainment venues live-streamed. 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

Mar

Fill Our Staplers Day: March 9

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During Daylight Savings Sunday, you check the batteries in your smoke and carbon dioxide alarms. The following day at work, you check the staples in your stapler and refill them as needed. Brought to you annually by the Dull Men's Club.

Africa

Mar

Fiesta de las Fallas (ES): March 1-19

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Fiesta de Las Fallas (Festival of Faults) celebrates Saint Joseph of València in Spain. This highly animated and colorful festival begins on March 1st and goes through the 19th of each year. It celebrates satire, art, and tradition. For centuries Spanish carpenters welcomed spring on March 19th by burning the wooden props used to hold their lights during winter. Pyrotechnics, therefore, take center stage. The height of the celebrations occurs each year from March 15th-19th. Parades, food, and Spanish hospitality round out the offerings of this unique Spanish festival.

Africa

Mar

Fete des Chefs Coutumiers (VU): March 5

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Fête des Chefs Coutumiers Vanuatu's Fête des Chefs Coutumiers, also known as the Custom Chiefs' Day, is a national holiday celebrating traditional chiefs' role and importance in the nation's cultural and social fabric. Vanuatu, an archipelago located in the South Pacific, has a rich cultural heritage with a strong emphasis on customs and traditions, which play a vital role in its communities' governance and social organization. History Vanuatu gained independence from joint British and French colonial rule in 1980. The colonial period saw the imposition of foreign governance structures, which often conflicted with the traditional systems of leadership and social organization inherent to the diverse communities of the archipelago. Upon gaining independence, there was a concerted effort to restore traditional leaders' dignity and authority and acknowledge their crucial role in maintaining peace, justice, and cultural preservation within the country. Fête des Chefs Coutumiers is to honor and recognize the significance of custom chiefs in Vanuatu society. These chiefs are pivotal in upholding kastom (custom), which encompasses the country's many islands and communities' traditional laws, practices, languages, and ceremonies. The holiday serves to: Acknowledge the Authority of Custom Chiefs: It reinforces the status of custom chiefs as crucial figures in local communities' governance, mediating conflicts and maintaining law and order according to traditional laws. Preserve Cultural Heritage: By celebrating the chiefs and their customs, Vanuatu reinforces the importance of preserving its rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions amidst modernizing influences. Strengthen Community Bonds: The holiday serves as an occasion for communities to come together in celebration, strengthening social bonds and reinforcing the sense of identity and belonging. Promote Traditional Knowledge: It highlights the role of chiefs in preserving and passing down traditional knowledge and practices, which are crucial for the cultural continuity and identity of Vanuatu's many islands. The Fête des Chefs Coutumiers involves various traditional ceremonies, dances, and feasts. Communities gather to pay respect to their chiefs, and the chiefs, in turn, perform traditional rituals and offer wisdom and guidance. It is a day marked by vibrant cultural displays showcasing the diverse customs and traditions that make up the nation's identity.

Africa

Mar

Festival of Owls, Intl. (US-MN): March 6-8

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Created in 2003 to celebrate Alice the Owl, the event evolved into a weekend-long celebration and fundraising tool for all things owls. The event attracts over 2,000 visitors each year.

Africa

Mar

Fertility Day, Goddess of: March 18

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Goddess of Fertility Day traditionally celebrates Aphrodite and other gods and goddesses of fertility. The ancient Greek goddess, Aphrodite, is perhaps the most well-known goddess of fertility. In ancient Egypt, this was goddess Isis, and people called her Venus in ancient Rome. People would pray and make offerings to the goddess of fertility, seeking to create a family. Today, those of the Hindu faith pray to Parvati (Uma), seeking help with love and fertility. Whether you practice faith with gods and goddesses, or you’re just looking for an excuse to practice your pro-creation skills. The Goddess of Fertility Day is celebrated a few days before the Spring Equinox.

Africa

Mar

Feast of the Annunciation (C): March 25

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A national holiday in Lebanon since 2010, the Feast of the Annunciation celebrates the Christian and Islamic belief that the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and told her she was carrying the Christ Child. March 25 is exactly 9 months from Christmas Day, December 25. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates this feast day yearly, though it may be moved if it falls between Palm Sunday and Easter.

Africa

Mar

Farm Safety Week, Ntl. (CA): March 15-21

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Farm Safety Week, Formerly Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, is an annual event that raises awareness about farm safety and promotes safe practices in the agriculture industry. Across Canada, various educational resources, training sessions, and workshops focus on farmers and agriculture workers to help them prevent accidents and injuries. Farm Safety Week is essential in promoting safety and creating awareness in the agriculture industry. It helps to reduce the number of farm-related accidents and injuries and contributes to the overall well-being of farmers and agriculture workers.

Africa