All - Leep Calendar

The first La Fiesta de Los Vaqueros (Celebration of the Cowboys) originated in 1925. Today, the event has grown to a nine-day celebration centered on the Tucson Rodeo, one of North America's top 25 professional rodeos. The Tucson Rodeo Parade is the world's longest non-motorized parade, a two-hour spectacle featuring western-themed floats and buggies, historic horse-drawn coaches, festive Mexican folk dancers, marching bands, and costumed riders. An estimated 200,000 spectators view the parade each year. Rodeo events include bull riding, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, and women's barrel racing. Also featured each day are kids' events: RAM Mutton Bustin', when four-to-six-year-olds test their riding skills on sheep, and the Justin Junior Rodeo for young cowpokes ages seven to twelve. Annually in February over two weekends.

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Mar

Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (AR): March 1-9

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La Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia, or the Mendoza Grape Harvest Festival, occurs annually in the Mendoza province of Argentina and is a celebration of the winemaking process and one of the most important festivals in the country. The link for this event is a live stream, allowing you to participate in the festivities during the event. The origins of the festival trace back to the late 19th century when local vineyard owners began to celebrate the grape harvest with festivities and parades. The first state-supported Mendoza Grape Harvest Festival took place in 1936. The event has grown in size and importance each year and now attracts tens of thousands of tourists annually. The celebration usually begins in January, with a series of local events throughout Mendoza province. In early March, the festivities move to the city of Mendoza itself. Typically the celebration includes: The Blessing of the Fruits occurs on the last Saturday of February and includes a religious ceremony to bless this year's grape harvest. Via Blanca de las Reinas occurs on the first Friday of March. It involves a night parade through the streets of Mendoza city, during which the Harvest Queens from each province of Mendoza present their departments with decorated carts. Carrusel Vendimial: Held the morning after the Via Blanca, this parade includes horses, gauchos (Argentine cowboys), traditional music and dance, Argentine folklore, and traditions.

Africa

Feb

Financial Aid Awareness Month: February

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Financial Aid Awareness Month recognizes the critical role of financial aid and the need for greater public understanding of it. February is the month to raise awareness as it precedes many college and university application deadlines. The month aims to educate students and families about the availability of financial aid, how to apply for it, and the various types available, including grants, loans, work-study programs, and scholarships. Colleges, universities, high schools, and financial aid organizations engage in outreach this month, hosting workshops, information sessions, and advising meetings to demystify the process of financial assistance and encourage timely application submission. The history of financial aid in the United States is a narrative of evolving policies and programs to ensure greater access to education. This journey, marked by significant legislative milestones, reflects the nation's growing recognition of the importance of higher education and its commitment to making it accessible to a broader population segment. The genesis of modern financial aid can be traced back to the post-World War II era, particularly with the enactment of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill. This landmark legislation provided various benefits for returning World War II veterans, including significant educational subsidies, effectively opening the doors of higher education to a segment of the population that previously might not have had the opportunity. However, the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 laid the foundation for the current financial aid system. Part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society programs, the HEA aimed to strengthen colleges and universities' educational resources and provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education. It introduced programs like the Educational Opportunity Grant (later renamed the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) and the Guaranteed Student Loan program (now the Federal Stafford Loan). Over the ensuing decades, these programs expanded and evolved. In 1972, the HEA was reauthorized, leading to the creation of the Pell Grant, named after Senator Claiborne Pell. This program became a cornerstone of federal financial aid for college students, providing need-based grants to low-income undergraduates. Financial aid became increasingly crucial as the cost of higher education continued to rise. Subsequent amendments to the HEA and other legislative acts, such as the creation of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program in the 1990s, have sought to address the challenges of affordability and access. Financial Aid Awareness Month underscores a continuing effort to democratize access to higher education. It reflects the belief that education is a pathway to opportunity and should be accessible to all, regardless of financial background.

Africa

Feb

Finns Day (SE)(1796): February 24

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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

Flag Day (CA)(1965): February 15

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The search for a new Canadian flag started in 1925 when a committee of the Privy Council began researching possible national flag designs. Forty years later, on February 15, 1965, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, officially proclaimed the Maple Leaf Flag the official banner of Canada.

Africa

Feb

Flag Day (MX)(1984): February 24

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Green represents independence, white honors the purity of the Roman Catholic faith, and red represents the blood of national heroes and Spanish ancestry; the Mexican flag includes an emblem of an eagle on a cactus with a snake honoring the Aztec people indigenous to the area. It became the official flag of Mexico, celebrating its heritage and people in 1821. Today's flag is similar, with the colors slightly brighter and the insignia more complex. The current flag was adopted for use officially on February 24, 1984. Flag Day (El Did de la Bandera) is a national holiday in Mexico.

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Feb

Flamenco Festival, Jerez (ES): February 20 - March 7

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Since 1996, Jerez de la Frontera in Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain, has held a two-week festival, La Feria de Jerez, highlighting traditional and contemporary Flamenco dancing. The entire city participates in live theater, pubs, and Flamenco classes for anyone attending. Annually in late winter. 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

Flannel Day, Ntl.: February 10

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National Flannel Day is an unofficial event dedicated to the appreciation and recognition of flannel, the warm, soft fabric known for its comfort and plaid patterns. This day encourages people to don their favorite flannel attire, celebrating the fabric's versatility and role in fashion and practical wear. Flannel's history dates back to the 17th century in Wales. The fabric was crafted from carded wool or worsted yarn. The fabric gained popularity for its warmth and durability, making it ideal for protecting against the damp, cold climate of the region. Flannel was not always synonymous with the plaid pattern it is often associated with today; originally, it was a warm, soft fabric. Flannel production expanded with the Industrial Revolution, which brought about advances in textile manufacturing, making the fabric more accessible and affordable. By the 19th century, flannel found favor in various products ranging from bed sheets to undergarments and outdoor wear. Flannel's association with plaid patterns began in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, symbolizing rugged outdoor workwear. The fabric became a symbol of masculinity and was popular among lumberjacks, farmers, and outdoorsmen. In the 1990s, flannel became popular as it became associated with the grunge music scene, further embedding it in popular culture. National Flannel Day celebrates this enduring and versatile fabric. The day is marked by wearing flannel clothing, sharing images on social media, and hosting themed events or promotions by clothing retailers. It's a day that highlights flannel's practicality and comfort and its cultural significance, from a symbol of the working class to an iconic fashion statement.

Africa

Feb

Flirting Week, Intl.: February 8-14

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Created by best-selling relationship author Robin Gorman Newman, International Flirting Week celebrates this ancient art. It recognizes its role in the lives of singles seeking a mate, couples looking to sustain their love, and those simply exchanging a playful glance with a stranger, acquaintance, or colleague. Flirting, though a natural response to the opposite sex, is not always considered a good thing. In fundamentalist religious groups within the major faiths of the Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Mormon, flirting can be seen as immoral and actively condemned or prosecuted.

Africa

Feb

Floral Design Day (1914): February 28

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The original idea behind Floral Design Day marked Carl Rittner's birthday. Mr. "R," as his students affectionately called him, founded The Rittners School of Floral Design in Boston over sixty years ago and was a pioneer in floral art education. Through the years, his humor, patience, and wealth of floral industry knowledge have markedly impacted thousands of students from all over the globe. It was significant when Governor Weld of Massachusetts proclaimed Floral Design Day as part of Mr. Rittner's special birthday celebration. The holiday celebrates floral design as an art form. Floral design spans thousands of years in diversity and style, reflecting various social, religious, and cultural trends. It plays a vital role in social interactions, decorating, and in establishing and maintaining relationships. The floral industry is a multi-billion-dollar industry that brightens, which peaks during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day.

Africa

Feb

Flu Season Peak, Northern: February

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In February, flu season peaks in the Northern Hemisphere, thus accounting for 50% of the sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and fevers. If you’ve made it this far without the flu, you may make it through the season flu-free!

Africa

Feb

Fondue Month, Ntl.: February

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National Fondue Month is celebrated annually in February in the United States to celebrate fondue's joy and communal experience. February, a cold and often dreary month, presents the perfect backdrop for gathering around a warm, comforting pot of fondue. National Fondue Month honors the history of this dish and encourages people to enjoy and rediscover the social and interactive aspects of fondue dining. Restaurants and fondue enthusiasts often host fondue parties, share recipes, and offer special menus, embracing both traditional and innovative takes on the dish. Fondue is a beloved culinary tradition spanning centuries and multiple cultures. Its story begins in the Swiss Alps, where it became a practical method of using aged cheeses and stale bread during the winter months when fresh produce was scarce. The earliest known recipe for fondue, featuring a mixture of cheese melted with wine, appeared in a 1699 book published in Zurich entitled "Käss mit Wein zu kochen," which translates to "to cook cheese with wine." Fondue as we know it today evolved over several centuries. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Swiss families gathered around a pot of melted cheese, dipping in pieces of bread to stretch limited resources. This communal aspect of fondue became central to its identity and appeal. The 20th century saw fondue's popularity surge, first in Switzerland and then worldwide. The Swiss Cheese Union, formed in the 1930s, promoted fondue as a national dish to increase cheese consumption, a marketing move that significantly boosted its popularity. By the 1960s and 1970s, fondue had become a symbol of Swiss culture and a trendy dining experience in the United States and Europe, often associated with social gatherings and a sense of fun and camaraderie. Fondue's versatility contributed to its popularity; it wasn't just about cheese. The concept expanded to include fondue bourguignonne, where pieces of meat are cooked on skewers in hot oil; chocolate fondue, a dessert version, involves dipping fruits into melted chocolate. This diversity made fondue adaptable to different tastes and occasions. Today, fondue remains a symbol of communal dining and culinary simplicity. Its history, from a pragmatic Swiss dish to an international culinary sensation, showcases how food can transcend its primary purpose to become a cultural icon. National Fondue Month celebrates this journey, inviting everyone to partake in a tradition that embodies warmth, sharing, and simple pleasures.

Africa

Feb

Food Service, Pride in Week: February 2-6

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Pride in Foodservice Week recognizes nutrition, food service, and other dietary professionals for their skill and dedication to the job. Established in 1991.

Africa

Feb

Football Hangover Day, Ntl.: February 9

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The Super Bowl is over, so football season is on hiatus until fall. All over the US, millions of people are morning the passing of another season and hangovers from the game day parties. Late-night ESPN host Katie Nolan started this holiday in 2019 and is quickly becoming a cultural favorite. If the Super Bowl is rescheduled for any reason, this event moves to the day after. 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

For Pete's Sake Day: February 26

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"For Pete's Sake" Day is possibly tied to a previous event, 'For the Love of Mike' Day. In the 1880s, rather than profaning God's name in moments of incredulity or exasperation, people would say either "For Pete's Sake!" or "For the Love of Mike!". It was one way to avoid blemishing the Fourth Commandment, "Thou shall not take thy Lord's name in vain." The origin is debated. Peter was an apostle chosen by Jesus. A common curse in Christian circles at the time was "for pity's sake." It is possible the saying "For Pete's Sake" is a combination of the two. Created by Wellcat.

Africa