All - Leep Calendar

How do you describe Louis Riel to someone from the United States? It can be challenging. Riel was a little Davy Crocket, a dollop of William Penn, a pinch of Jesse James with a smattering of Nathanael Greene, all wrapped around the heart of Fredrick Douglas. He's considered a hero to many and a scoundrel to others. In Canada, Louis Riel Day commemorates the man and the events of February 17, 1870, which led to the founding of Manitoba. Riel was born in 1844 and led two resistance movements against the Canadian government to preserve the human rights, culture, and lands of the native Métis people, ultimately through the establishment of Manitoba. Here's how it came into being. The Red River Rebellion of fall/winter 1869-1870 sought to safeguard First Nations rights as the region transferred from the Hudson Bay Company into the hands of the Canadian confederation government. Riel was elected the provisional governor of the Métis people and negotiated on their behalf. Most French and Anglo settlers agreed to work with the First Nation peoples through the negotiations. However, the Canadian Party, a small rebel faction, objected to considerations. The party took up arms against Reil, the talks, and the provisional government. It sought to remove each in a series of skirmishes and avoid a settlement with the First Nations. On February 17, 1870, the rebellion ended as forty-eight Canadian Party militants were arrested near Fort Garry. Among those detained was Thomas Scott, who Riel directed the Métis to execute by the firing squad on March 4. Scott's execution prompted the talks creating the Manitoba Act, which went into force on May 12, 1870. However, his execution caused the Protestant Canadians to band together against the provisional government and its leader, forcing Riel to seek asylum in the United States. He spent the next decade bouncing back and forth over the border. Riel served in the Canadian Parliament for four months during his bouncing days, from October 1873 to January 1874. Ultimately, like the US government's dealings with Native Americans, the Canadian government didn't uphold its bargain with the Métis and First Nation people, leading to another rebellion, the North-West Rebellion. The loss of wild bison hunted to near extinction in the US, and Canadian territories contributed to the urgency. Reil led this uprising against the Canadian confederacy, was captured in the Battle of Batoche, and later executed on November 16, 1885, at age 41 for treason. In 2008 the Canadian government made Louis Riel Day an official holiday. Currently, it falls the same day as Family Day, a national holiday in Canada, except in British Columbia, which celebrates Family Day a week earlier, so Riel gets his day, and BCers get two Mondays off.

Africa

Feb

Love a Mensch Week, Intl: February 8-14

06:20 AM | -

Created by best-selling relationship author Robin Gorman Newman, Love a Mensch Week is about the good guy or girl winning in love. Mensch is a Yiddish word that describes saintly and good behavior. Mensches are decent, responsible men or women. During this week, singles look to meet a mensch, as well as take time to appreciate how mensches enhance our lives.

Africa

Feb

Love May Make the World Go Round, but Laughter Keeps Us from Getting Dizzy Week: February 8-14

06:20 AM | -

Love May Make the World Go Round, But Laughter Keeps Us From Getting Dizzy Week might be the longest-named event in the calendar. Not an easy feat, as many of the United Nation's events have long titles too. No matter. This event occurs in the week leading up to Valentine's and is a reminder that, no matter how stressed out you are about hearts and flowers day, take time to laugh.

Africa

Feb

Love Reset Day: February 15

06:20 AM | -

It's the day after Valentine's, and the moment of truth has arrived. How do you feel about your relationship? Love Reset Day is about taking care of yourself first and ending relationships that aren't giving you what you need.

Africa

Feb

Love Teaching Week: February 14-21

06:20 AM | -

The Department of Defense Education Activity's (DoDEA) #LoveTeaching Week in February is an opportunity for educators to celebrate their profession and its impact globally. The campaign focuses on elevating the teaching profession. It's a time for educators to share their passion for teaching and highlight their significant role in shaping students' lives, especially within the unique context of military-connected families. DoDEA teachers participate by sharing their personal stories, experiences, and why they are passionate about teaching. This sharing occurs across various social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, creating a space for educators to connect, inspire, and support each other. The I Love Teaching campaign empowers teachers to express their commitment and allows the community, including students, parents, and other educators, to engage with these stories. This interaction fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the teaching profession. The DoDEA utilizes the week to attract new talent for the upcoming school year by highlighting the rewarding aspects of teaching within DoDEA and encouraging passionate educators to consider joining the team. Overall, #LoveTeaching Week is a powerful reminder of the impact dedicated educators have on their students. It's a celebration that honors current teachers and seeks to inspire the next generation of educators within the DoDEA system.

Africa

Feb

Love the Bus Month: February

06:20 AM | -

Love the Bus Month is a unique initiative in the United States focused on recognizing the importance of school buses and appreciating the dedicated individuals who operate them. The initiative began in 2007 to raise public awareness about the benefits of school bus transportation and express gratitude towards school bus drivers for their significant but often underappreciated work. Love the Bus Month is an initiative of the American School Bus Council (ASBC). This coalition includes public and private transportation providers, school bus manufacturers, and state officials involved in pupil transportation. SIGNIFICANCE OF SCHOOL BUSES School buses are an integral part of the educational infrastructure in North America. They are the country's largest form of mass transit, transporting millions of students daily. The ASBC emphasizes the safety, environmental, and access-to-education benefits provided by school bus transportation. School buses are designed to be safer than other vehicles in avoiding crashes and preventing injury. WHY ARE AMERICAN SCHOOL BUSES YELLOW? School buses are famously yellow in the United States and Canada. Their signature color is "National School Bus Glossy Yellow," the color administrators chose for its high visibility in 1939. Yellow is easily noticeable, even in peripheral vision. This shade of yellow, used on school buses, is detected quickly by the human eye in the spectrum of colors, making it stand out in the early morning and late afternoon light. The bright yellow color contrasts sharply with most natural backgrounds, such as roads, sky, and foliage. This contrast ensures that the bus is visible in various weather conditions and during different times of the day. Yellow is associated with caution and attention, which is appropriate for vehicles carrying children. SCHOOL BUS COLORS AROUND THE WORLD The yellow color for school buses is not universal, though it is trending toward universalism due to its ubiquity and recognition through American entertainment. Still, school buses can be of various colors in many countries, depending on local regulations and cultural norms. School buses might be white, blue, or even orange in parts of Europe and Asia. In the UK, students use public transportation. The color choice often depends on factors like visibility, cultural associations with different colors, and national or local regulations regarding school transportation. LOVE THE BUS MONTH ACTIVITIES During Love the Bus Month, schools, districts, and educational organizations nationwide engage in various activities to show appreciation for school bus drivers. These activities often include recognition events organized by schools and community gatherings. The observance also serves as an opportunity to educate the public and policy-makers about the importance of funding and supporting school bus services, ensuring the safety and efficiency of student transportation. A key aspect of Love the Bus Month is acknowledging the dedication and skills of school bus drivers. These individuals are responsible for safely transporting children to and from school, often going beyond their driving duties to act as caring figures for the students they transport. The observance highlights the need to provide better support and recognition for these essential educational community members. Love the Bus Month is a meaningful observance highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of the education system – school bus transportation. By celebrating the safety, environmental benefits, and the dedicated individuals who drive school buses, this month-long event underscores the value of school buses in promoting access to education and safeguarding the well-being of students.

Africa

Feb

Love Your Pet Day: February 20

06:20 AM | -

Love Your Pet Day doesn't appear to have an official sponsor, but several local humane society groups have adopted it as a day to focus on your pet's well-being. 1. Are your pet's shots up to date? 2. Have you purchased flea and tick drops for the upcoming flea season? 3. Is your pet getting enough exercise? 4. If it wanders, is it tagged and chipped? Take the day to consider things you can do to help your pet live a long and happy life, and check with your local Humane Society to see if they have any programs or special events on this day.

Africa

Feb

Lui-Ngai-Ni Festival (IN-MN): February 14-15

06:20 AM | -

Howdy! We're working on the description for this event. It's one of over two thousand events added to the calendar this year. We have verified it is an authentic event and have included the organization behind it for our members. In the meantime, we wanted to make sure you were able to include it in your search for events this month and in this category. We appreciate your patience!

Africa

Feb

Lundi Gras (US-LA): February 16

06:20 AM | -

The Zulu Lundi Gras Festival is a New Orleans Tradition that began in 1993 as a celebration of the African American community’s contribution to the local culture. It’s billed as “the greatest free show on earth,” with music, food, parades, and an appearance by King and Queen Zulu. The event is held annually on the Monday before Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in Woldenberg Park on the river in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Africa

Feb

Lung Leavin’ Day: February 7

06:20 AM | -

LUNG LEAVIN' DAY AND MESOTHELIOMA Lung Leavin' Day, observed annually on the first Saturday in February, is a personal and public celebration of life, resilience, and the power of confronting fear. Founded by Heather Von St. James, a mesothelioma survivor, the day commemorates her 2006 surgery to remove her left lung due to malignant pleural mesothelioma—a rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure. The tradition began in 2007 when Heather's sister coined the term "Lung Leavin' Day" to mark the anniversary of Heather's surgery. Her family adopted a ritual in the following years: writing their fears on plates and smashing them into a bonfire. This symbolic act represents letting go of worries and embracing hope. Over time, the event grew from a private family gathering to a broader community celebration, with nationwide participation in the plate-smashing ritual. Lung Leavin' Day also serves as a platform to raise awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos. Through the event, Heather has advocated for increased research funding and support for those affected by the disease. The celebration has raised over $30,000 for organizations like the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. In 2025, Heather celebrated her 19th Lung Leavin' Day, broadcasting the event live on Instagram and encouraging donations to support mesothelioma patients needing financial assistance for treatment-related travel. Looking ahead, she plans to host a larger celebration for the 20th anniversary in 2026, aiming to continue the tradition of confronting fear and celebrating life.

Africa

Feb

Lupercalia (Spring Cleaning Day): February 15

06:20 AM | -

An ancient Roman celebration, in the beginning, Lupercalia, occurred in the last month of the Roman year, one month before the Vernal Equinox. The entire month prior to spring was set aside for cleaning and washing up as they prepared for their New Year, which began in March. Today it signals the beginning of spring cleaning in the Northern Hemisphere. In occult circles, it is known as the pagan Valentine’s Day, likely due to its original focus on newlyweds and procreation. In ancient Rome, priests used skins freshly stripped from sacrificed goats to cover the loins of young men. They would then run through the street with priests slapping them with goat strips, and newlywed women would line the roads. To be slapped by a priest with goat skin was considered good luck in conceiving and would guarantee an easy birth. As with most Roman festivities, feasting is included.

Africa

Feb

Madly in Love with Me Day: February 13

06:20 AM | -

Madly in Love with Me, Day is about self-esteem, self-love, and being happy with who you are. Celebrants refer to each other as Love Ambassadors, and they even have their badges. Always held on the eve of Valentine's Day, it's a day for everyone to reflect upon what makes him/her unique and to love themselves first and foremost.

Africa

Feb

Magha Purnima (H): February 1

06:20 AM | -

Magha Purnima (Maghi Purnima) is a full moon celebration falling in the month of Magha in the Hindu calendar (January/February). Kumbh Mela (held every 12 years) and the Magha Mela (an annual event) occur during Magha Purnima in Allahabad. 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.

Africa

Feb

Maha Shivaratri (H): February 15

06:20 AM | -

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu observance related to Lord Shiva celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi during the month of Magha. Maha Shivratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Devotees worship Lord Shiva and offer the god bel leaves (bel Patra), Dhatura, Bhang, milk, and water with flowers. Devotees observe all-day fasting, and devotees chant "Om Namah Shivaya," the sacred mantra of Shiva. 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.

Africa

Feb

Mail Carrier Day, Thank Your (1692): February 4

06:20 AM | -

The Postal Service is the backbone of communication and a marvel of organization. Thank a Mailman Day, or the political correct Thank your Mail Carrier Day, celebrates the anniversary of the first postal service in the United States. It was instituted through grant by King William and Queen Mary of England in February 1692. The first director of Postal services in the United States, (then the American Colonies) was Thomas Neale and dealt primarily with official correspondences between government offices and the various plantations and businesses. On July 26, 1775, the postal service reverted to control of the colonies with Benjamin Franklin at its head. The first actual post office was created by congress in 1792.

Africa