All - Leep Calendar

In Spain, tomatoes launch at revelers during August's annual Tomatina Festiva. In February, the Italians throw oranges for the three day Battle of the Oranges. The Battle of the Oranges is an exuberant and historic festival held annually in Ivrea, Italy. This unique event, a cultural spectacle and a symbol of civic pride, typically takes place in February, forming a vital part of the Ivrea Carnival. Originating in the Middle Ages, the Battle of the Oranges has a rich history steeped in local legend and tradition. The festival is said to commemorate the city's insurrection against tyranny. According to popular lore, it began as a celebration of the rebellion against the cruel medieval lord who starved the city and attempted to exercise the droit du seigneur – the right to spend a night with any newlywed woman. The actions of a young miller's daughter, Violetta, encapsulate the rebellion. She decapitated the tyrant, sparking a popular uprising that eventually led to the city's liberation. The modern Battle of the Oranges reenacts this revolt with a twist of citrusy symbolism. Participants face off in two groups: the tyrant's guards and the rebellious commoners. Over three days, these groups engage in a playful yet intense mock battle, hurling oranges at each other. The oranges represent the stones and other ancient weapons used by the insurgents; the battle itself is an allegory for the fight against oppression. The event is not just about the orange-throwing melee; it's a comprehensive celebration featuring parades, historical reenactments, and many local traditions. One of the highlights is selection a young woman to play the role of Violetta, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and rebellion. The Battle of the Oranges is significant for several reasons. It's vital to Ivrea's cultural heritage, drawing thousands of spectators and participants each year. It serves as a living history lesson, educating people about the city's past and the universal themes of resistance against tyranny. Additionally, it is an important economic event, boosting local tourism and business. This festival's enduring popularity underscores the community's deep connection to its history and the universal appeal of stories about the triumph of the ordinary people over oppressive rulers. The Battle of the Oranges stands as a vibrant, colorful testament to the human spirit's resilience and the joy found in shared cultural traditions.

Africa

Feb

Be Humble Day: February 22

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Be Humble Day is all about humility and putting others first. There does not appear to be an originator of this event; it simply came to be through internet repetition. Wherever it originated, no one can argue that humility remains a beautiful quality in people. So give it a try. Spend the day practicing humility and focusing on making those you engage today feel fabulous.

Africa

Feb

Beat the Heat Month: February

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Going into heat is when a female animal becomes fertile and can conceive a litter. Each year tens of thousands of kittens and puppies are born, exploding the population of unwanted pets and overwhelming shelters. Unfortunately, most of these animals never find forever homes and have to be put down. Beat the Heat Month reminds pet parents to get their pets spayed or neutered before their animals go into heat. It's a small thing you can do that makes a big difference. Look for discounted spaying and neutering services during this month within your community. There are multiple organizations sponsoring spay and neuter awareness during February. You will also see this month listed elsewhere as 'Prevent a Litter Month,' 'Spay/Neuter Awareness Month,' and various other concept combinations.

Africa

Feb

Berlin International Film Festival (DE): February 12-22

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Initiated in 1951 and drawing over 300,000 people annually, the Berlin International Film Festival includes competitions between documentaries, children’s films, and general entertainment. Awards include Gold and Silver Bears awarded for best in each category.

Africa

Feb

Berry Fresh Month: February

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Berry Fresh Month highlights berries' beauty and nutritional benefits during the winter season. With no specific sponsor, this unofficial event seeks to promote awareness of various berry types, such as blueberries, raspberries, red currants, black currants, and white currants. The celebration emphasizes the health benefits of berries and encourages their inclusion in daily diets. Berries are high in vitamins and antioxidants. They flavor various foods, including cooked grains, breads, salads and vegetables. Blueberries and cranberries are native to North America. Berries grow across various U.S. regions, each offering unique conditions that influence berry production: —California: A significant hub for strawberry cultivation, particularly in areas like Monterey and Ventura counties. —Oregon: Known for producing blackberries and marionberries, the Willamette Valley is a key growing area. —New Jersey: Recognized for its blueberry farms, especially around Hammonton, dubbed the "Blueberry Capital of the World." —North Carolina: Offers a range of berry-picking opportunities, with farms providing access to strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries during their respective seasons. Add some berries to your winter diet to celebrate.

Africa

Jan

Bhishma Ashtami (H): January 26

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Bhishma Ashtami occurs on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha during the month of Magha. It marks the day Bhishma of Mahabharata (Ganga Putr Bhism), the supreme commander of Hindu forces, was killed. Mahabharata is one of the Hindu faith's foundational historical books/stories. The other is the Rāmāyaṇa Fasting and various rituals are performed on this day to safeguard the soul of Bhishma. 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

Bike to Work Month (NZ): February

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New Zealand's Bike to Work Month, celebrated in February, is a testament to the country's growing commitment to sustainable transportation and health. The history of this event traces back to the early 2000s when environmental concerns and health issues prompted local communities and organizations to promote cycling as a viable alternative to motor vehicle commuting. Bike to Work Month encourages New Zealanders to consider biking as a regular mode of transportation. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, and promote physical fitness. The event has gained momentum over the years, supported by local governments, cycling groups, and environmental activists. Each February, cities across New Zealand host various activities, including group rides, bike maintenance, safety workshops, and challenges with incentives to motivate participation. Employers play a significant role by providing bike racks and showers to accommodate cycling employees. The event has also sparked conversations about urban planning and infrastructure, including developing more bike lanes and safer cycling routes, making biking more accessible and appealing for daily commuters. Bike to Work Month reflects New Zealand's broader environmental goals and commitment to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle among its citizens. By encouraging more people to cycle, the event contributes to a greener, more sustainable future for the country.

Africa

Feb

Bird Feeding Month, Ntl. : February

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Created by Congressional decree in 1994, National Bird Feeding Month occurs each year during the height of winter, when finding food for many birds is difficult. This campaign encourages people to provide food, water, and shelter to help wild birds survive. Currently, one-third of the U.S. adult population feeds wild birds in their backyards. The National Bird-Feeding Society sponsors the event.

Africa

Feb

Bird Health Awareness Week, Intl: February 22-28

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International Bird Health Awareness Week promotes the health and well-being of birds globally, with a specific focus on foul. This week-long event focuses on raising awareness about the diverse health issues birds face. It encourages bird owners, avian enthusiasts, and conservationists to engage in practices that support and enhance bird health. International Bird Health Awareness Week began in recognition of the importance of birds in our ecosystems and the unique health challenges they face. With increasing bird species facing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and diseases, expanded conservation and health measures for worldwide bird populations are paramount. The week aims to educate the public about the health needs of birds, both in the wild and captivity. Activities and information sessions focus on proper nutrition, habitat conservation, disease prevention, and responsible pet ownership for those who keep birds. The week also serves as a platform for bird health professionals and researchers to share the latest findings and best practices in avian health and conservation. Historically, International Bird Health Awareness Week is supported by various wildlife organizations, veterinary associations, and conservation groups. These organizations often host workshops, webinars, and community events to disseminate information and engage the public in bird health-related activities. Social media campaigns and educational resources are also widely used to reach a broader audience. Over the years, the event has expanded its reach from bird owners and breeders to wildlife rehabilitators and researchers. Each year, the week focuses on different themes, reflecting the current issues and challenges in bird health and conservation.

Africa

Feb

Bird Nest Box Week (UK), Ntl.: February 14-21

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National Nest Box Week takes place every February 14-21, when people put nest boxes in their community to conserve indigenous birds and enhance biodiversity. During this time, people are encouraged to build boxes for birds and monitor what birds reside in them. Supported by Jacobi Jayne & Co. and collaborated with Chris Mead, this event is part of the ornithological calendar and has been going on for over two decades.

Africa

Feb

Birthday of King Harald V (NO)(1937): February 21

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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

Black Girl Magic Day, Ntl.: February 15

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"Black Girl Magic Day" during Black History Month celebrates the power, resilience, and beauty inherent in black women and girls by acknowledging and honoring the achievements, strength, and potential of black females in various spheres of life, including education, arts, politics, and sciences. It's a day that empowers black women and girls to embrace their identity and culture with pride and joy. The term "Black Girl Magic" entered popular culture around 2013 when CaShawn Thompson coined it. Thompson created the hashtag #BlackGirlMagic on social media platforms to celebrate black women and girls' accomplishments and general resilience. The phrase quickly gained traction, evolving into a movement and a rallying cry for black females across the globe. The term "Black Girl Magic" is used in the black community to affirm black women and girls' beauty, power, and resilience. It serves as a counter-narrative to the often negative stereotypes and systemic challenges faced by black females, including racism and sexism. "Black Girl Magic" highlights the achievements and contributions of black women and girls, historically underrecognized or marginalized. "Black Girl Magic Day" provides a platform to showcase black women and girls' diverse talents, accomplishments, and experiences. It's a celebration, reflection, and empowerment day, where stories of success and perseverance are shared. The day acknowledges the struggles that black women and girls face and underscores their ability to overcome these challenges with grace and strength. Communities celebrate "Black Girl Magic Day" through various events such as educational seminars, art exhibitions, community gatherings, and online campaigns. These events often feature stories of prominent black women in history and those making significant impacts today. The day is also marked by personal expressions of pride and solidarity on social media, with individuals sharing stories, images, and messages of empowerment. "Black Girl Magic Day" is more than just a day of celebration; it's a reminder of the ongoing need to support and uplift black women and girls. It calls for recognition of their contributions, respect for their journey, and creating spaces where they can thrive and inspire future generations.

Africa

Feb

Black History Month (US/CA): February

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Black History Month focuses on the African American experience in the United States, its history, triumphs, and stories. This specific demographic is unique in American culture, forced to come here in chains and as slaves. But even at such odds, the African American community fought and won their rights and freedoms. That fight continues today. This event includes multiple champions, including The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Africa

Jan

New Year's Resolution (Business) Month, Intl.: January

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At the beginning of the year, resolve to be more successful and profitable in business throughout the coming year. January is the month in which people brim with enthusiasm and energy. International New Year Business Resolution Month provides the opportunity to create a clean slate and is the perfect opportunity to review your organization's goals and create new ones.

Africa

Jan

Oatmeal Month, Ntl.: January

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Initially, oatmeal was horse feed, and the plant was a weed. Scottish peasants first cooked and ate it as porridge. Given its slightly sweet taste, oatmeal quickly rose in favor. Russia, Canada, the United States, Finland, and Poland are the world’s top producers of oats. The majority of oats continue to feed livestock. However, the versatility of oats and their health benefits, being high in fiber, low fat, and vitamin-rich, have made them a breakfast favorite and an alternative to wheat. National Oatmeal Month allows you to rediscover this compelling grain and work toward a healthier you.

Africa