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

Mar

Fasching Sunday (DE/AT): March 2

06:20 AM | -

Part of the Lutheran and Catholic traditions heading into the 40 days of penance and fasting before Easter, Fasching Sunday is the final Sunday service. It is called Tulip Sunday and is Carnaval, German style.

Africa

Mar

Fastelavn (Carnival)(NO/SE/FI/GL/IS/DK) : March 2

06:20 AM | -

Fastelavn, a traditional celebration observed in several Scandinavian countries, is a festive occasion that marks the coming of spring and the prelude to the Lenten season. Rooted in both pagan customs and Christian traditions, Fastelavn typically falls on the Sunday or Monday before Ash Wednesday, primarily in Denmark, Norway, and parts of Sweden. Fastelavn traces to medieval times when it began as a pre-Lenten festival that combined Christian rituals with older seasonal celebrations. It was a time of feasting and merriment before the 40 days of fasting during Lent. The customs associated with Fastelavn are varied and rich. In Denmark, children dress up in costumes and go door to door, singing in exchange for treats, reminiscent of the Halloween tradition in other countries. One of the most characteristic traditions of Fastelavn is the "slå katten af tønden" (hit the cat out of the barrel), where children use sticks to hit a wooden barrel decorated with a picture of a cat. This practice historically symbolized the driving away of evil spirits, though, in modern times, the barrel contains candy and fruits, serving as a piñata-like game for children. In addition to the fun and games, Fastelavn buns, known as "fastelavnsboller," are a culinary highlight. These sweet pastries come in various styles, often filled with cream or jam and topped with icing. In Norway, 'Fastelavensris'—decorative branches with feathers—are also a part of the tradition, symbolizing the coming of spring. Fastelavn is not only a children's festival; it extends to all ages and includes parties, parades, and other community events. It serves as an opportunity to gather and enjoy the last days of winter, looking forward to the warmth and renewal of spring. Fastelavn is a Scandinavian festival with deep historical roots that blends ancient customs with Christian traditions. It is a joyous celebration featuring a variety of unique cultural practices, from children's games to celebratory foods, all heralding the end of winter and the anticipation of spring and the Lenten season.

Africa

Mar

Fastnacht Day: March 4

06:20 AM | -

Fasnacht Day has a rich and varied history, and its celebration continues to evolve and adapt to new cultural and social contexts worldwide. Fasnacht Day, also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is a traditional holiday celebrated in various parts of the world, particularly in Europe and the Americas. The holiday is typically observed on the day before Ash Wednesday, heading into the Christian season of Lent. The history of Fasnacht Day dates back several centuries, tracing to medieval Europe. In many cultures, the day before the start of Lent was a time of feasting and merriment as people prepared to observe the solemn period of fasting and reflection in the weeks ahead. One of the earliest known references to Fasnacht Day comes from the city of Basel in Switzerland, where a carnival tradition known as Fasnacht began in the 14th century. The festival features elaborate parades, street performers, and other festivities—a final burst of enjoyment before the austere period of Lent begins. Similar celebrations occur throughout Europe, including Germany, Austria, and France, under Karneval, Fasching, and Carnaval and are often associated with masks and costumes as people participate in parades and street parties. In the United States, Fasnacht Day is heralded by the Pennsylvania Dutch, particularly in Lancaster and York. Central to Pennsylvania celebrations is a doughnut called a "fasnacht," made with potato dough and fried in lard. The eating of fasnachts the day before Lent arrived in the region by German settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Africa

Mar

Fat Tuesday (C): March 4

06:20 AM | -

Fat Tuesday is the nickname given to Shrove Tuesday, a day of repentance in the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 9:27), marking the end of Epiphany. It is part of the Carnaval celebration, leading up to Lent and the final day of debauchery, festivities, and merry-making before 40 days of sacrifice and fasting begin. During the Middle Ages and prior, it was prohibited for Christians to eat meat, fats, eggs, milk, and fish during the season of Lent. Fat Tuesday was a way to purge the larder so nothing would spoil. In some countries, this day is called Pancake Day, with pancakes being a way to clear the pantry of foods that should not be eaten during the fast.

Africa

Mar

Feast of the Annunciation (C): March 25

06:20 AM | -

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

Fertility Day, Goddess of: March 18

06:20 AM | -

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

Festival of Owls, Intl. (US-MN): March 7-9

06:20 AM | -

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

Fete des Chefs Coutumiers (VU): March 5

06:20 AM | -

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

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

06:20 AM | -

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

Fill Our Staplers Day: March 10

06:20 AM | -

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

Finnmarksløpet (NO): March 14-22

06:20 AM | -

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

Fix a Leak Week: March 17-23 (est)

06:20 AM | -

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

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

06:20 AM | -

FLAG AND ANTHEM DAY IN ARUBA

On March 18, 1976, the island nation of Aruba adopted its current flag and national anthem, "Aruba Dushi Tera." On March 18, 1986, the Netherlands officially recognized Aruba's autonomy from its kingdom.

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

Florida Archaeology Month (US-FL): March

06:20 AM | -

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