All - Leep Calendar

Brother and Sister Day focuses attention on siblings and encourages all siblings to let each other know how much each cares for the other. The event was born of deep regret when a woman realized too late, after her brother died, that she had never let him adequately know how much he meant to her. Two years later, she proposed establishing a simple, non-commercial day on which brothers and sisters could make it a point to connect or reconnect, acknowledging all they share. "Because life is too short," the woman said. "I don't want other people to miss what I missed." This event is one of several Brother/Sister events throughout the year. Photo by Rocio Bacino

Africa

Mar

Brutus Day (44 BC): March 15

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Ides of March day nods to the ultimate backstabber in history, Brutus, and the killing of Emperor Julius Caesar on March 15, 44 BC.

Africa

Mar

Bubble Week, Ntl.: March 16-22

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National Bubble Week is a celebration of the coming of spring and has occurred the week of March 20 (the first day of spring) since 2000. Promoted by various organizations and schools across the U.S., this is a week for kids and families to go outside and have fun blowing bubbles. There are also numerous online contests about the best pictures of bubbles on National Bubble Week. Masthead Photo: LD Lewis. "Chasing Bubbles, Prague New Year's Eve 2016"

Africa

Mar

Bun Day (IS): March 3

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Bun Day in Iceland is tied to the Christian observance of Lent and occurs on Shrove Monday before Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Children wake up in the morning and get their parents out of bed. Over the previous few days, the children prepared paper or cardboard paddles (usually), which they decorated. Icelandic legend says that each spank of the paddle delivered to parents earns a cream-filled bun. Chasing parents with paddles in a reversal of roles is sweet fun!

Africa

Mar

Bunsen Burner Day (1811): March 31

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The Bunsen Burner Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the inventor of the little stove, Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen, on March 31, 1811. The Bunsen Burner is used in labs and for camping. This small device uses flammable gas encased in a can to produce a hot flame, and it is considered the precursor of modern gas stoves.

Africa

Mar

Bursting Day (IS): March 4

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Bursting Day in Iceland is tied to the Christian observance of Lent and occurs on Shrove Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It is tradition to eat foods that are not allowed during Lent, including salted lamb and pea soup.

Africa

Mar

Butchers’ Week, Ntl. (UK): March 3-9 (est)

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National Butchers' Week is an awareness campaign promoted by the industry trade Meat Trades Journal. It celebrates the career of butchers and provides educational and promotional opportunities for the people they serve. Butchers throughout the United Kingdom hold special events. See your local butcher for specials and events.

Africa

Mar

Button Week, Global: March 16-22

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Button Week serves to appreciate the history and unique art that is buttons. Jean Speights, the President of the National Button Society, declared the third week of March as National Button Week in 1989 as support for local clubs, craft groups, and button collectors. Button Week is preceeded by Spring Button Fest, over the third weekend of March. The history of buttons stretches back thousands of years, with their initial use more decorative than functional. Early buttons were made from seashells, metal, wood, and eventually, with the advent of industrialization, from plastics and other synthetic materials. Historically, buttons have been more than just fasteners; they've been statements of fashion, status, and artistry. In the 13th century, buttons became a functional part of European clothing, revolutionizing fashion. They have since become ubiquitous on a wide range of garments and accessories. Button Week encourages the observers to explore the history and variety of buttons, celebrate their artistry and craftsmanship, and recognize their role in fashion and function. For collectors, it's a chance to share their collections, stories, and knowledge about buttons. For artists and crafters, it's an opportunity to showcase creative uses of buttons beyond mere fasteners. Button Week celebrates the small yet impactful object that has played a significant role in fashion and functionality throughout history.

Africa

Mar

Buzzards Day (1957): March 15

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Buzzards Day marks the anniversary of the first sighting of a Turkey Vulture (commonly known as buzzards) on March 15, 1957, on the Hinckley Reservation within the Cleveland, Ohio Metroparks System. Since that first spotting, Clevelanders have headed to the park each year to welcome and witness the return of the buzzards from their winter migration on this day.

Africa

Mar

Caffeine Awareness Month: March

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Caffeine Awareness Month seeks objective, evidence-based information, and advice to reduce caffeine abuse and addiction's health, social, and economic harm. The Caffeine Awareness Association, a non-profit organization, is committed to the physical, mental, and emotional wellness of the public whose lives have been affected by their misuse of or dependency on caffeine. Caffeine Awareness Month was created in 2005. The website has stagnated since 2015, but many organizations continue to observe this unsponsored event.

Africa

Mar

California Strawberry Day: March 21

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The California Strawberry Commission's California Strawberry Day celebrates the state's rich history and ongoing success as a leading producer of strawberries in the United States. The day focuses on appreciating strawberries' versatility, flavor, and nutritional benefits while acknowledging the hard work of farmers and workers in the strawberry industry. The purpose of California Strawberry Day is to promote strawberry consumption among the public, highlight the economic importance of strawberry farming to California's agriculture, and educate consumers about the health benefits of strawberries. California, known for its ideal growing conditions, produces over 90% of the nation's strawberry crop, making this day an important celebration for the state's agricultural community. STRAWBERRY DAY PROMOTIONS Typical activities on California Strawberry Day include: Strawberry Tasting Events: Farms, farmers' markets, and grocery stores may host tasting events, allowing people to sample different varieties of strawberries and learn about their distinct flavors and uses. Cooking Demonstrations: Chefs and culinary experts might conduct cooking demonstrations, showcasing innovative and traditional ways to incorporate strawberries into meals and desserts. Educational Workshops: These may focus on strawberries' nutritional benefits, sustainable farming practices, or tips for growing strawberries at home. Community Festivals: Some communities celebrate with festivals that include strawberry-themed contests, such as baking competitions, eating contests, and best strawberry dish awards. Promotions and Discounts: Retailers and restaurants often offer promotions, discounts, or special menu items featuring strawberries to encourage people to enjoy and purchase more. YUMMY FOODS THAT USE STRAWBERRIES Strawberries are celebrated for their versatility in cuisine and accent a variety of dishes, including: Desserts: Strawberries are a staple in desserts, such as shortcakes, pies, tarts, and ice creams, complimenting their natural sweetness and vibrant color. Salads: Fresh strawberries can add a sweet and tangy flavor to green salads, pairing well with ingredients like spinach, nuts, and goat cheese. Beverages: Strawberries are commonly used in smoothies, cocktails, and mocktails, providing a refreshing and fruity element. Sauces and Jams: Strawberries can serve as a delicious accompaniment to desserts, breakfast dishes, and even savory entrees. Fresh Snacks: Served fresh, strawberries are a nutritious snack, rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. California Strawberry Day serves as a reminder of the state's significant contribution to strawberry cultivation and the fruit's cultural and nutritional value. It encourages the public to celebrate and enjoy strawberries in all their forms, supporting local farmers and the economy.

Africa

Mar

Campfire Girls Day (1912): March 17

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The Camp Fire Girls organization was incorporated on March 17, 1912, by Mrs. Charles Farnsworth of Vermont with Luther Gulick M.D. and his wife, Charlotte Vedder Gulick of Maine. Campfire Girls were created to be a sister organization to the Boy Scouts of America. Girl Scouts were started two years later. In 1975 the Camp Fire Girls was renamed to Camp Fire Boys and Girls to include both genders. The Camp Fire program includes various after-school programs, environmental education, camping, and other small-group experiences.

Africa

Mar

Canadian Bacon Day, Ntl.: March 3

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This is another one of those confusing foods with multiple origin stories. It's one of these two. Option one—National Canadian Bacon Day celebrates Canadian bacon, an American deli-style smoked round or oval-shaped ham that is leaner than belly strip bacon ("steaky" in Brit) and does not require cooking. This style (commonly found alongside pineapple on pizza) has nothing to do with Canada besides its name. Option two—since this event was created by the producers of America's largest Bacon Festival (annually in Des Moines, Iowa), which attracts global bacon connoisseurs, it is more likely it celebrates the original Canadian style bacon, a wet-cured pork loin from the back, rolled in crushed cornmeal and fried called Peameal bacon, a Canadian breakfast delicacy. Created in Toronto, Canada (and a reason for the city's nickname "Hogtown"), Peameal is trimmed of all fat, soaked in brine, juicy, and much lower in fat and cholesterol than the pork belly strips of traditional bacon. It looks more like the tenderloin with a yellow halo. Peameal bacon must be cooked as it isn't cured. Peameal bacon sandwiches are the official sandwich of Toronto (just like Cheesesteaks are the official sandwich of Philadelphia); if you want to try the original, drop into the Carousel Bakery at Toronto's Saint Lawrence Market. Origin story one or two? Nobody said this would be logical. Therefore, you win if you choose to celebrate National Canadian Bacon Day with US-named Canadian bacon that isn't Canadian or bacon or with Canadian peameal bacon, which isn't bacon but it is Canadian. Enjoy!

Africa

Mar

Canberra Day (AU)(1913): March 10

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Canberra Day in Australia is the second Monday in March and commemorates the official naming of Australia’s capital city, Canberra, on March 12th, 1913. Multiple events occur at The Canberra Festival and The Chief Minister’s Canberra Day Awards Ceremony, including sporting events, music, film, and theater. Families traditionally picnic and celebrate in the park. Canberra has a long history beginning with Indigenous Australians known as the Ngunnawal people, who arrived nearly 21,000 years ago.

Africa

Mar

Cape Town International Jazz Festival (ZA): March 28-29 (est)

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Sub-Saharan Africa basks in a fantastic mix of artists from all over the globe—the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is fondly known as "Africa's Grandest Gathering" for good reason. The festival began in 2000, so it's relatively young compared to other jazz festivals. But don't let its age fool you; it has rapidly grown to become the fourth-largest jazz festival worldwide, a real testament to its quality and the hard work of the organizers. The festival is held annually, usually around the last weekend of March or the first weekend of April, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The festival is an eclectic mix of jazz from across the spectrum, so there's something for everyone. The diversity is incredible, from the more traditional jazz styles to African jazz, hip-hop, and funk elements. The festival typically features over 40 artists performing on multiple stages over two days, so you're spoilt for choice. But it's not just about the music. The festival also includes a free community concert in Greenmarket Square, right in the heart of the city, which allows everyone to enjoy the music, even if they can't attend the main festival. And then there's the Jazz Festival's Sustainable Training & Development program that offers workshops, photojournalism projects, and music business classes for young talents, which is fantastic for promoting and nurturing local talent. 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