All - Leep Calendar

National Careers Week in the United Kingdom is an annual event designed to teach children and young adults (elementary through university) about career paths and options. The program reaches over 1 million students a year.

Africa

Mar

Carnival (VE): March 3-4

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Carnival in Venezuela is a vibrant and lively event, reflecting the country's rich cultural tapestry. As in other Latin American countries, Carnival celebration is deeply rooted in a mixture of indigenous, African, and European traditions. The customs and the reasons for celebrating Carnival in Venezuela include: VENEZUELAN CARNIVAL CUSTOMS Parades and Costumes: The colorful parades are one of the most visually striking aspects of the Venezuelan Carnival. Participants often wear elaborate costumes, masks, and headdresses. These parades typically feature a mix of dance, music, and, often, thematic floats. Music and Dance: Music is a central part of the celebrations, with genres like Salsa, Merengue, and local folk music dominating the scene. Dancing in the streets is common, with everyone from children to the elderly participating. Water Fights: In some regions of Venezuela, it's customary for people to engage in friendly water fights during Carnival. This can involve everything from water balloons to buckets of water, and it's trendy among children. Beauty Pageants: Beauty pageants are a significant aspect of the Carnival, where local towns often elect a "Carnival Queen." Food: Traditional Venezuelan foods are enjoyed during Carnival. Dishes such as arepas, empanadas, and hallacas are popular, as well as sweet treats like 'quesillo' (a type of flan) and 'arroz con leche' (rice pudding). WHY VENEZUELANS CELEBRATE CARNIVAL Religious Roots: Originally, Carnival in Venezuela, as in many other Catholic countries, was a way to indulge in festivities and excesses before the somber period of Lent, the 40 days of fasting and penance before Easter. Cultural Expression: Carnival has evolved to become a celebration of Venezuelan culture, showcasing the country's diverse musical styles, dance traditions, and culinary heritage. Community Bonding: It's a time for communities to unite, put aside their daily routines and differences, and enjoy the festivities. Preservation of Traditions: The event also serves to preserve and pass down various cultural traditions and folklore to younger generations. Carnival in Venezuela is a festive, colorful, and joyous event that blends religious, cultural, and social elements. It's a time for celebration, indulgence, and cultural expression, deeply cherished by Venezuelans.

Africa

Mar

Carnival of Binche (BE): March 1-4

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Carnival of Binche falls on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday in Binche, Belgium. Hailed by UNESCO as a "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity," dancing, food, and music are all part of the festivities. The highlight of the festivities is the Gilles. The Gilles are male performers dressed as clowns in wax masks, wooden shoes, and colorful costumes. In the afternoon, they change costumes donning large hats with ostrich feathers, and distribute oranges to the crowds; oranges are considered good luck. 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

Catholic Sisters Week: March 8-14

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Catholic Sisters Week, observed annually from March 8-14, is a celebration dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the contributions of Catholic sisters. This event, part of National Women's History Month, focuses on recognizing the vital role played by Catholic nuns in communities worldwide through their commitments to education, healthcare, social justice, and spiritual support. The event was initially known as National Catholic Sisters Week and began as part of National Women's History Month in 2014. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, in coordination with Saint Catherine University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, launched the event to bring greater visibility to Catholic sisters, showcasing their lives and contributions and encouraging young women to consider a vocation in religious life. THE WORK OF CATHOLIC NUNS Catholic nuns engage in various work, reflecting their commitment to serving God and their communities. Their activities span from spiritual roles to social, educational, and healthcare services. How their work manifests depends on their religious order's charism (spiritual focus) and the needs of the communities they serve. Areas of focus include: Educational Services: Many nuns work in educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, and universities. They serve as teachers, administrators, and counselors, providing education and guidance to students of all ages. Healthcare Services—Nuns also play significant roles in healthcare, working in hospitals, clinics, hospices, and community health workers, offering medical care, counseling, and support to the sick and suffering. Social Services—They are involved in various social service projects, including running orphanages, homeless shelters, and soup kitchens assisting the poor, homeless, and marginalized members of society. Spiritual and Pastoral Work—Nuns often engage in spiritual and pastoral work, such as leading prayer and worship services, providing spiritual direction, and engaging in retreat ministry. Missionary Work—Many orders have an international presence, with nuns serving as missionaries in different parts of the world, often in areas of poverty, conflict, or natural disasters. HISTORY OF THE ORDER The formal establishment of monastic communities for women, or nunneries, began to develop more fully in the 4th century with the rise of monasticism in the Christian East and West. Notable early figures include Saint Macrina, sister of Saint Basil the Great, who established a community for women in the 4th century, and St. Scholastica, sister of Saint Benedict, believed to have founded a Benedictine community for women in the 6th century. Over the centuries, numerous religious orders for women emerged, each with its unique charism and mission. These include well-known orders like the Benedictines, Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and later, the Sisters of Charity, founded by St. Vincent de Paul, and the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. WHY WOMEN CHOOSE TO BECOME NUNS Women choose to become nuns for various reasons, often stemming from a deep spiritual calling or vocation and a desire to dedicate one's life to God and to serve others in a religious context. The decision to become a nun often involves a desire for a life of prayer, community living, and a commitment to living out the values of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which are the evangelical counsels embraced by religious life. Many are also motivated by a commitment to social justice, a desire to help the needy, or a passion for educational or missionary work. Catholic Sisters Week serves multiple purposes. Primarily, it's a time to celebrate and give thanks for the selfless service of these women. Events during the week typically include open houses at convents, educational programs, service activities, and prayer services. These events offer a glimpse into nuns' lives, highlighting their dedication and challenges. The week also aims to inspire a new generation of women to consider a life of religious service. By showcasing the diverse ways Catholic sisters contribute to society, the event seeks to dispel misconceptions about religious life and highlight its relevance in the modern world.

Africa

Mar

Celebrate Your Name Week: March 2-8

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The first whole week of each March is Celebrate Your Name Week. Every year it's meant to remind us to honor our names and their significance. Each day has its focus. Sunday is the Namesake Day; Monday is Fun Facts About Names Day; Tuesday is Unique Names Day; Wednesday is Discover What Your Name Means Day; Thursday is Nametag Day; Friday is Middle Name Pride Day; Saturday is Descendants Day.

Africa

Mar

Celery Month: March

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Catch the crunch during Celery Month Celery Month, an annual unofficial event sans sponsor, is an observance highlighting celery, a versatile vegetable known for its crisp texture and distinctive flavor. This month focuses on promoting its various uses in cooking and its health benefits. Celery is a marshland plant in the family Apiaceae, commonly used as a vegetable. It has long fibrous stalks tapering into leaves. Rich in vitamins and low in calories, celery is praised for its health benefits, which include aiding digestion and providing antioxidants. Celery is used in the culinary world for its distinctive taste and crunchy texture. It's a staple in soups, salads, and stews and is also popular as a snack, often paired with dips like peanut butter or cream cheese. Additionally, celery seeds and leaves inform seasonings in various cuisines. FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN TO AMERICA Celery (Apium graveolens) originated in the Mediterranean region. Its history dates back thousands of years to ancient civilizations. Historical evidence suggests that celery, or a similar plant, was cultivated for medicinal purposes in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Italy. The ancient Greeks used celery and its leafy relative, wild celery (known as "smallage"), in various ways, including as a medicinal plant, a flavoring in cooking, and even in their mythology and athletic games (such as the crowning of winners at the Nemean Games, similar to the use of laurel wreaths at the Olympic Games). Over time, selective breeding led to the development of the celery we are familiar with today, which has larger, more palatable stalks than its wild ancestors. This cultivation and refinement likely occurred in the 17th century in Europe, after which celery's popularity as a food item increased, spreading to various parts of the world. Celery Month is an opportunity to educate people on the versatility of celery in cooking, from traditional uses in dishes like chicken noodle soup and Waldorf salad to more creative culinary applications. Throughout Celery Month, promotional events, recipe sharing on social media, and educational campaigns about the nutritional value of celery may occur. These activities aim to inspire people to incorporate more of this healthy vegetable into their meals and to appreciate its role in a balanced diet.

Africa

Mar

Cereal Day, Ntl.: March 7

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Granola is the first cereal, and it was created in 1863 by James Caleb Jackson. A vegetarian, Jackson operated Our Home on the Hillside, which the Jackson Sanatorium later replaced in Dansville, New York. In 1906, the Kellogg brothers entered the mass-produced cereal market with cornflakes. At the time, there were 42 competing brands in Michigan. The Kellogg Brothers were savvy marketers and disguised their cornflakes from others by signing the box and stating theirs were "The Original." They were on the cusp of a massive shift in consumer eating. A few years later, the process for pasteurizing milk was perfected, thus allowing it to last longer when refrigerated. Concurrently, with people now working and living in cities, the heavy protein and calorie breakfast of the past began to give way to a lighter carbohydrate breakfast. Cereal quickly became the preferred choice economically and for time. The Kellogg Brothers were able to build the business with various innovations to their packaging, marketing, and product offerings. In the 1920s, cereal became an exported product to the rest of the world. By the 1930s, with the world engulfed in the Great Depression, cereal became a meal substitute with added vitamins and minerals. Today cereal is an 11-billion-dollar-a-year business with a wide variety of tastes, flavors, and consistencies. Walk into any modern supermarket and see an entire row dedicated to cereal: 250 different types. Honey Nut Cheerios by General Mills continues to be the top-selling cereal in the world. Granola Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

Africa

Mar

Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month: March

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Preventing and Treating CP during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, observed annually in March, is dedicated to increasing public understanding and awareness of cerebral palsy (CP). This month-long observance focuses on educating the public about CP, advocating for better care and treatment options, and supporting individuals and families affected by this condition. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, often before birth. Symptoms vary widely but generally include: Problems with movement, coordination, and posture. Muscle stiffness or floppiness. Difficulty with speech and eating. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. Preventing cerebral palsy is challenging because many factors contributing to its development occur before or during birth, and some are beyond control. However, some preventative steps include: Proper Prenatal Care: Regular medical check-ups during pregnancy can help manage health issues and reduce the risk of premature birth, a risk factor for CP. Preventing Infections During Pregnancy: Certain infections in pregnant women can increase the risk of CP in the baby. Avoiding these infections through vaccination and safe practices is essential. Avoiding Head Injuries in Infants: Protecting young children from accidents or falls that could result in head injuries may reduce the risk of CP. The treatment for cerebral palsy is multifaceted and personalized, focusing on improving each individual's quality of life. Treatments can include: Physical Therapy: Aims to improve motor skills, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility and balance. Occupational Therapy: Helps develop everyday skills and promote independence. Speech Therapy: Assists with communication challenges and speech difficulties. Medication: Can be used to manage muscle spasms, seizures, and pain. Surgical Interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to manage muscle problems or other related conditions. Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month includes various activities such as educational campaigns, fundraising events, and community support gatherings. These efforts aim to foster a better understanding of CP, advocate for robust support systems, and celebrate the achievements of those living with the condition.

Africa

Mar

Cesar Chavez Day (1927): March 31

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On March 31, 1927, Cesar Chavez was born. Cesar Estrada Chavez came of age as a migrant farm worker, witnessing the injustice that pervaded fields and vineyards across California. Facing discrimination, poverty, and dangerous working conditions, laborers toiled for little pay without access to even the most basic necessities. Yet amidst hardship and abuse, Cesar Chavez saw the promise of change — the unlimited potential of a community organized around a common purpose. Today, we celebrate his courage, reflect on his lifetime of advocacy, and recognize our power to lift up lives and pursue social justice. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other visionary leaders, Cesar Chavez based his campaign on principles of nonviolence, which he called 'the quality of the heart.' Through boycotts, fasts, strikes, and marches that demanded both endurance and imagination, he drew thousands together in support of 'La Causa' — a mission to ensure respect, dignity, and fair treatment for farm workers. Alongside Dolores Huerta, he founded the United Farm Workers of America (UFW), an organization tasked with defending and empowering the men and women who feed the world. President Barack Obama declared Cesar Chavez Day official in 2012. The Trump administration did not renew this event. However, the Biden administration reenacted it in 2021. As it is a historical anniversary of merit, we will continue to acknowledge it on LEEP Calendar, regardless of who is president.

Africa

Mar

Chaitra (H): March 15 - April 12

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Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu year. It corresponds to March or April of the Gregorian calendar. Lord Vishnu governs this month, and it commences upon the conclusion of the Hindu festival, Holi. Chaiti Chhath is observed on the sixth day of this month. Many vital festivals occur in Chaitra, including Navratri, Ram Navami, and Hanuman Jayanti. In the Hindu religion, Chaitra is an auspicious month believed to mark the period when the universe was created.

Africa

Mar

Chaitra Amavasya (H): March 29

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In the Hindu religion, Amavas, or Amavasya, means "dark moon" and refers to the new moon phase in Sanskrit. Somvaty Amavasya falls on a Monday. It's believed that fasting on this Amavasya wards off widowhood in women and ensures children in marriage. Washing in a holy river on this day is believed to free a person from illness. Silence observed throughout the day is considered productive, and donations to poor children round out the observance. 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

Mar

Chaitra Navratri (H): March 30

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Chaitra Navratri begins on the ninth day of the Hindu month Chaitra. In the Gregorian calendar, it falls in March or April. It is the holiday for the worship of the goddess of power, Durga. 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

Mar

Chaitra Sukhladi-Hindu New Year (H): March 30

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Chaitra Sukhladi is the first day of the Hindu year and the month of Chaitra. It coincides with March, and Chaitra Suldadi is a restricted holiday in India. 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

Mar

Chalandramarz (CH): March 1

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Every year on March 1st, the Swiss gather together for Chalandramarz, or the "chasing away of the demons of winter," to make way for spring. This colorful nationwide festival features youth in costume, ringing bells, and wielding whips throughout the towns and cities. It is the harbinger of spring in the Alpine nation.

Africa

Mar

Check Your Batteries Day (US/CA): March 9

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Check Your Batteries Day occurs twice a year and coincides with time changes when we spring forward for spring and fall back to standard time in the fall. FEMA chose this day as the logical opportunity for people to remember to check the batteries in their smoke and CO2 detectors and emergency radios, flashlights, and other powered items for emergencies.

Africa