Gainesville, Florida, hosts the three-weekend-long Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. The event is open Saturday and Sunday and features jousting, falconry, entertainment, crafts, rides, and everything you can imagine to celebrate the era before the Renaissance. Family-friendly, educational and fun, this event first occurred in 1986.

Africa

Jan

Holocaust Victims' Day, World (1945): January 27

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Holocaust Victims' Day remembers the horrific events of the 1930s through the mid-1940s in Europe, including summary killings, imprisonment, discrimination, and other state-supported acts of terror that began as early as 1933. Holocaust Victims' Day marks the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp by Russian soldiers on January 27, 1945, and is observed in memory of the over 12 million victims who perished. The Holocaust is one of the most significant manmade tragedies in recent history in scale and brutality. Victims were targeted based on their faith, physical or mental challenges, political views, color, and sexual orientation. Many were imprisoned and used as slave labor, and others were murdered, died of disease, or starved in purpose-built concentration camps. People targeted by the Nazi regime for imprisonment and extermination included those of the Jewish faith, Catholic faith, Romani (Gypsies), the mentally ill, disabled, communists, persons of color, and homosexuals. Political prisoners were generally communists or thought leaders and intellectuals, irrespective of faith, including teachers, artists, writers, journalists, clergy, lawyers, politicians, and business owners. For example, when Nazi Germany conquered Poland six weeks after invading in 1939, only three percent of the intellectual class remained alive. Anyone who could lead or form resistance was murdered. The largest demographic targeted and murdered were those of the Jewish faith; in totality, 25% of the world's Jewish population perished under Nazism. Though a smaller population, 25% of the world's Romani population was exterminated during the Holocaust as well. Using a network of concentration camps connected by trains to imprison and enslave people by demographic was not a Nazi invention. The tactic was first deployed during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1917, resulting in over one million deaths. Officers of the German army were allies of the Ottomans in WWI and participated in the slaughter. Sixteen years later, they perfected the system during WWII. Holocaust Victims' Day honors all the victims, regardless of faith, race, health, or sexual orientation, and urges society to learn from the circumstances leading up to and causing this international tragedy.

Africa

Jan

Home Office Safety and Security Week: January 13-17

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Home Office Safety & Security Week occurs each year and focuses on people who work out of their homes. Many precautions taken in corporations or workplaces to safeguard employees (and the company's bottom line from lawsuits) remain absent in home office environments. Home Office Safety & Security Week teaches the dangers in home offices and how to avoid them.

Africa

Jan

Hot and Spicy Food Day, Intl.: January 16

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International Hot and Spicy Food Day honor all the unique hot and spicy foods, whether they are part of Mexican cuisine, Indian cuisine, and many others.

Africa

Jan

Hot Buttered Rum Day (US/UK): January 17

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Hot Buttered Rum Day celebrates the classic cocktail craved for its warmth, richness, and indulgent flavor. This drink, traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, especially around the holidays, combines the sweetness of sugar, the richness of butter, and the complexity of rum, rounded off with spices for a comforting beverage. The key ingredients of Hot Buttered Rum include dark rum, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These ingredients are combined with hot water or cider to create a soothing, warm cocktail. The butter adds a creamy texture, while the spices bring a festive aroma and flavor. The origin of Hot Buttered Rum traces back to England and colonial America. Rum was a common commodity in England and its colonies as part of the Triangle Trade (which unfortunately also included slavery), and it became a popular ingredient in various drinks. Hot Buttered Rum originates with the colonial practice of adding rum to hot beverages, which likely evolved from earlier European traditions of spiced and heated wines and ciders. Over time, Hot Buttered Rum evolved into today's recipe, becoming particularly associated with winter and holiday festivities. Its popularity endures due to its comforting warmth and the rich, complex flavors that make it a festive favorite.

Africa

Jan

Hot Chocolate Day, Ntl: January 31*

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What better way to warm up a cold winter day than with hot chocolate? National Hot Chocolate Day is embraced by many restaurants, confectioners, and fast food restaurants throughout the nation. At many, you'll find free hot chocolate by purchasing something.

Africa

Jan

Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day: January 14

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Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day warms up mid-January every year. The name pastrami is Balkan, from the word 'pastramă,' the origins of which can be traced back from Greek to Turkish. This type of wind-dried beef has been a traditional food in Anatolia for centuries, probably predating the Ottomans. American pastrami comes from the navel end of the brisket. It's cured and coated with a mix of spices such as garlic, coriander, black pepper, paprika, cloves, allspice, and mustard seed. After that, it's smoked and steamed. The hot pastrami sandwich can be traced back to 1887.

Africa

Jan

Hot Tea Day, Ntl.: January 12*

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National Hot Tea Month and National Hot Tea Day (Day created in 2016) are promoted by the Tea Council of the USA and encourage tea lovers across the nation to share their favorite tea stories for a chance to win money in a sweepstake. Tea originated in China, and today the US is the world's third-largest tea importer.

Africa

Jan

Hot Tea Month, Ntl.: January

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National Hot Tea Month and National Hot Tea Day (created in 2016) are promoted by the Tea Council of the USA, encouraging tea-lovers across the nation to share their favorite tea stories for a chance to win in sweepstakes. Tea originated in China, and today the US is the world's third-largest tea importer.

Africa

Jan

Houseplant Appreciation Day: January 10

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Houseplant Appreciation Day—because cats and dogs are not our only household friends that deserve a holiday! Today is a day for growing, caring for, and loving houseplants, and it serves as a reminder to show them a little love, especially during the winter months.

Africa

Jan

Hugging Day, Ntl.: January 21

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Kevin Zaborney created National Hugging Day in 1986. Zaborney chose this day because he felt people are generally tired and in low spirits between Christmas/New Year and Valentine's Day, surmising a hug would cheer us up.

Africa

Jan

Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, Nt.: January

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NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS

AND PREVENTION MONTH

National Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month is an initiative of ECPAT-USA, an association of travel and entertainment companies that seeks to protect every child's fundamental human right to grow up free from the threat of sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Human trafficking is a significant and persistent problem in the United States, impacting thousands of individuals annually. It involves exploiting people through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex. Victims can be of any age, gender, or nationality, though vulnerable populations, such as undocumented immigrants, runaway youth, and economically disadvantaged individuals, are most at risk. The United States is both a source and destination for trafficked individuals, with cases reported in urban, suburban, and rural areas.

MOST IMPACTED INDUSTRIES
Human trafficking occurs across various industries, but specific sectors are particularly vulnerable:

—Healthcare
Organ removal is a quickly growing segment of human trafficking.

—Sex Industry:
Coercion into prostitution, pornography, or other forms of commercial sexual exploitation is common.

—Agriculture and Food Processing:
Labor trafficking frequently occurs in these industries, where workers may face exploitation under harsh conditions.

—Domestic Work:
Forced domestic servitude, including housekeeping and childcare, is an area of victimization.

—Construction:
Victims are lured with jobs and forced to work in unsafe construction environments.

—Hospitality and Restaurants:
Exploitation in hotels, resorts, or food service roles is another area prone to human trafficking.

JOBS OFTEN HELD BY VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Jobs that allow traffickers to maintain control and minimize detection are preferred. These jobs include prostitution, janitorial services, farming, factory work, nail and hair salons, and caregiving roles. Workers are often isolated, poorly paid (if at all), and subjected to abusive conditions.

SIGNS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Identifying a trafficking victim can be challenging, but typical indicators include:

—Appearing fearful, submissive, or overly anxious.

—Showing signs of physical abuse or malnutrition.

—Lacking identification or control over their documents.

—Working excessively long hours under poor conditions without breaks.

—Being accompanied by someone who controls their movements or interactions.

—Avoiding eye contact or evading conversations about their circumstances.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT TRAFFICKING

If you suspect trafficking:

—Do Not Confront the Trafficker:
Doing so can put you and the victim in danger.

—Gather Information:
Note details such as locations, descriptions, and any observable behaviors.

—Contact Authorities:
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733. This confidential service connects you to resources and professionals who can assist.

—Alert Local Law Enforcement:
Report the situation to local police, emphasizing the potential trafficking situation.

—Support the Victim:
If you can safely do so, offer reassurance or resources, but prioritize professional intervention to avoid endangering the victim further.

National Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month seeks to end the nightmare brought about by human trafficking. By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can play a critical role in combating human trafficking and helping victims regain their freedom and dignity.

Africa

Jan

Human Trafficking, Wear Blue Day: January 11

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The Blue Campaign is the unified voice for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, the Blue Campaign strives to protect the fundamental right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice. Through the Blue Campaign, DHS raises public awareness about human trafficking, leveraging partnerships to educate the public to recognize human trafficking and report suspected instances. The Blue Campaign also offers training to law enforcement and others to increase the detection and investigation of human trafficking, protect victims, and bring suspected traffickers to justice. To view all available Blue Campaign resources, please visit our resources page. DHS is responsible for investigating human trafficking, arresting traffickers, and protecting victims. DHS also provides immigration relief to non-U.S. citizen victims of human trafficking. DHS utilizes a victim-centered approach to combat human trafficking, placing equal value on identifying and stabilizing victims and investigating and prosecuting traffickers. Victims are crucial to investigations and prosecutions; each case and every conviction changes lives. DHS understands how difficult it can be for victims to come forward and work with law enforcement due to their trauma. DHS is committed to helping victims feel stable, safe, and secure.

Africa

Jan

Hunt for Happiness Week: January 19-25

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According to British psychologist Cliff Arnall, January 21 is the saddest day of the year. The Secret Society of Happy People has declared war on unhappiness to offset this downer day. Its solution? National Hunt for Happiness Week. Why is January 21 the unhappiest day of the year? Arnall explains: “After all the holiday mayhem, the cold temps and holiday bills can bring on the winter blues, so sometimes we have to make an effort to hunt for happiness,” says Society founder Pamela Gail Johnson The Secret Society of Happy People has identified Thirty-One Types of Happiness: • Amused • Anticipation • Awestruck • Balanced • Blessed • Celebrate • Cheerful • Confident • Content • Enthusiasm • Giving • Helpful • Honorable • Hopeful • Humor • Inspired • Joyful • Kindness • Lively • Love • Mellow • Motivated • Nostalgic • Optimistic • Peaceful • Playful • Relieved • Satisfaction • Social • Spiritual • Thankful Happiness hunters can find themes and ideas to jumpstart their other celebration ideas at the Society’s website. http://www.sohp.com/hunt_for_happiness_week.php

Africa

Jan

Hyaluronic Acid Day, Ntl: January 21

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Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the human body and is recognized for its role in skincare and medical treatments. It boosts the ability of skin to retain moisture, making it a key ingredient in many cosmetic and skincare products. Knowledge of hyaluronic acid dates back to the 1930s when Karl Meyer and John Palmer first isolated it from bovine eyes. The men discovered that this substance, composed of sugar molecules, had an extraordinary capacity to bind to water, making it a groundbreaking discovery in biochemistry. Its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water makes it ideal for cosmetics and moisturizing products, including lotions, serums, and other skincare products. In the human body, hyaluronic acid is found in the highest concentrations in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. Its primary function is to retain water, which helps keep tissues well-lubricated and moist. Unfortunately, the body's ability to create it decreases with age, resulting in dry skin and wrinkles. Beyond skincare, hyaluronic acid is used in certain eye surgeries, including cataract removal, corneal transplantation, retinal detachment repair, and natural fluids replacements. Additionally, it's common in injectable fillers used in cosmetic surgery, often to reduce wrinkles or add volume in some regions of the face. Hyaluronic Acid Day was created by L'Oréal's brand La Roche Posay in 2022 to raise awareness of its importance in healthy skin care and to promote products containing it.

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