February Festivities in 2024, the major sports, national days, curious days, and history

Welcome to February.

KEY THEMES FEBRUARY

If you're a fan of hearts and romance, African culture and ethnicity, Carnaval (February 9-13), chocolate, and engineering, this is your month! American football fans get their last football fix until fall with Super Bowl Sunday (February 11th), and much of the Asian world rings in its new year with the Year of the Dragon (February 10th). Christians head into the season of Lent (February 14-March 28), beginning Ash Wednesday(February 14th). These 40 days of fasting last until Easter (March 31st) this spring. And, of course, there is Saint Valentine's Day on February 14th and Black History Month in the United States and Canada. Finally, it's a Leap Year, so February has an extra day this month (February 29th).

Check out my February 2023 and Love and Engineering 2022 issues for more events in February.

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HEADER IMAGE: This month, I chose Biblos, Lebanon, for the header picture. Biblos is an ancient city I've had the privilege to explore intimately and unencumbered. Walking through it, you experience 8,000 years of human history. The ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (complete with a castle) adjacent to this harbor, include buildings and infrastructure from 6000 BC through 1900 AD.

Let's kick off this issue with a little puppy love.

Galgos are an ancient breed of dog often used and killed over the age of three.

DÍA DEL GALGO

Date: February 1st, 2024

Location: Spain, United Kingdom

Champion: Galgos del Sol

Galgos are an ancient breed of sighthound used in competitions and hunting hares (wild rabbits). Unlike greyhounds, galgos are built for distance running rather than speed. They're relatively quiet dogs that do well with other dogs. In Spain, hunters see them as disposable tools. Their owners frequently discard or kill the dogs after the hunting season ends on February 1st rather than care for and feed them, especially if they are over three years old or injured.

Día del Galgo is an international awareness and fundraising campaign promoted by Galgos del Sol. If you'd like to help, you can opt to sponsor a dog, donate, apply to adopt one or assist in outreach via the organization's website. Videos of rescue efforts are included with this event's descriptionon LEEP.

Scouse is Liverpool's unique take on English—promptography LD Lewis

GLOBAL SCOUSE DAY

Date: February 28th, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Graham Hughes

Global Scouse Day celebrates the version of English spoken in and around Liverpool. It is distinct from both standard British English and American English in several ways, including its vocabulary, pronunciation, and intonation. The Scouse accent is more sing-songy than most other English accents, with a broader pitch range and a stronger emphasis on certain syllables.

Pronunciation—Scouse is known for its unique pronunciation. For instance, the 'k' sound in words like 'book' and 'cook' is often pronounced like an 'x,' making it sound more like 'boo-x' or 'coo-x.' The 't' in the middle of words can often be glottal, so 'butter' sounds more like 'bu'er'.

Examples of Scouse pronunciation and phraseology:

• "I'm going to the shop" could be pronounced as "I'm goin' to the shop, like" in Scouse, with a noticeable glottal stop replacing the 'g' in 'going' and a trailing 'like' at the end.

• The word 'about' might sound more like 'abowt' in Scouse.

• A phrase like "That's great" might be "That's boss, that" in Scouse.

Scouse is a vibrant and distinct dialect with its own rules and characteristics, making it notably different from both standard British English and American English.

Poutine is a regional comfort food dish from Quebec, Canada—promptography LD Lewis.

LA POUTINE WEEK

Date: February 1-7th, 2024

Location: Canada

Champion: People Mover Tech Inc.

La Poutine Week is an annual celebration dedicated to Quebec's iconic dish, poutine, which originated in Canada's predominantly French-speaking province. Poutine appeared in the 1950s. Its invention has several claims, but the prevailing legend is that poutine was created in Warwick, Quebec, by a restaurant owner named Fernand Lachance. When a customer requested the addition of cheese curds to his fries, Lachance is said to have exclaimed, "Ça va faire une maudite poutine!" ("That's going to make a damn mess!"), thus giving the dish its name. Poutine was initially seen as a dish of the working class and shunned in haute cuisine circles. Over time, however, it gained popularity across all sectors of society.

Poutine is a simple dish with three key ingredients: 

French Fries— the dish's base is traditionally made from fried hand-cut potatoes until they are crispy on the outside but still soft inside. 

Cheese Curds—Fresh cheese curds are essential for an authentic poutine. They should be soft, have a mild flavor, and are typically added while squeaky fresh. 

Gravy—A hot brown gravy, often made from beef and chicken stock, is poured over the fries and cheese curds. 

The United States celebrates Poutine Day on March 5th.

You use open-source software daily, whether you realize it or not—promptography LD Lewis.

FOSS MONTH

Date: February 1-29th, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Free Software Foundation

Free and Open Source Software Month (FOSS February) was initiated in 2017 by Onyx Point, Inc. to create awareness and celebrate the principles of open source software. February marks founding the Open Source Initiative (OSI) in 1998. FOSS aims to promote open-source methods, create a shared platform for the open-source community, and dispel common misconceptions about open-source software.

Activities during the month include webinars, hackathons, blog articles, and social media engagement to highlight the benefits and initiatives of open-source projects. See this entry on the LEEP Calendar for a list of open-source resources in various categories.

Fondue, the Swiss communal food, is a favorite worldwide—promptography LD Lewis.

NATIONAL FONDUE MONTH

Date: February 1-29th, 2024

Location: United States

Champion: Unofficial Event. No Sponsor.

I have never met a fondue I didn't love! National Fondue Month honors the history of this dish and encourages people to enjoy and rediscover the social and interactive aspects of fondue dining.

Fondue is a beloved culinary tradition spanning centuries and multiple cultures. Its story begins in the Swiss Alps, where it became a practical method of using aged cheeses and stale bread during the winter months when fresh produce was scarce. The earliest known recipe for fondue, featuring a mixture of cheese melted with wine, appeared in a 1699 book published in Zurich entitled "Käss mit Wein zu kochen," which translates to "to cook cheese with wine."

The Swiss Cheese Union, formed in the 1930s, promoted fondue as a national dish to increase cheese consumption, a marketing move that significantly boosted its popularity. By the 1960s and 1970s, fondue had become a symbol of Swiss culture and a trendy dining experience in the United States and Europe, often associated with social gatherings and a sense of fun and camaraderie. I've included three fondue recipes: cheese, beef, and chocolate, on the event's page.

The Battle of the Oranges is a re-enactment of a battle against tyranny from the Middle Ages—promptography LD Lewis.

BATTLE OF THE ORANGES

Date: February 11-13th, 2024

Location: Italy

Champion: Ivrea, Italy

Each February, 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 commemorates 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, underlie 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.

On February 15th, 2024, buildings globally will be lit in blue to raise awareness of Angelman Syndrome—promptography LD Lewis.

INTERNATIONAL ANGELMAN DAY

Date: February 15th, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Angelman Syndrome Foundation

International Angelman Day, observed annually on February 15th, raises awareness for Angelman Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. It aims to increase understanding of the syndrome, support individuals and families affected by it, and promote research efforts for treatments and a cure. Dr. Harry Angelman identified Angelman Syndrome in 1965.

Angelman Syndrome affects the nervous system and is characterized by severe developmental delays, problems with motor coordination (ataxia), balance, and epilepsy. Individuals with Angelman Syndrome often have a happy demeanor, characterized by frequent laughing, smiling, and excitability. The day seeks to educate the public about Angelman Syndrome, which is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late due to its rarity. The event also serves as a fundraiser.

A key feature of International Angelman Day is the lighting up buildings and landmarks in blue. This act of illumination is symbolic, representing a beacon of hope and solidarity for those affected by Angelman Syndrome. Blue was chosen for its calming and peaceful connotations, reflecting the serene and joyful nature of many individuals with the syndrome.

Black women continue to influence the arts worldwide dramatically—promptography LD Lewis.

INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF BLACK WOMEN IN THE ARTS

Date: February 7-15th, 2024

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Unofficial Event. No Sponsor.

As part of Black History Month, grassroots groups have chosen to focus a week on female Black artists and their contributions to visual arts, literature, music, and performing arts during Black History Month. Throughout history, black women have significantly contributed to the arts, often overcoming substantial barriers.

Some notable black female artists and writers include:

• MAYA ANGELOU, the celebrated poet.

• TONY MORRISON, the Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist of "Beloved."

• FAITH RINGGOLD, an artist best known for her painted story quilts.

The International Week of Black Women in the Arts is not just a celebration; it's a call to action to support and recognize black women's vital role in enriching the world's cultural landscape.

Facebook will be 20 years old on February 4th, 2024.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS DAY

Date: February 4th, [2004]

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Historical Anniversary; Meta

Love it or hate it, Facebook will be 20 years old on February 4th.

International Friends Day was created by Facebook in 2016 and falls each year on the anniversary of its founding, February 4th, 2004. Utilizing the medium it pioneered - social media - the company produced a personalized Friends Day video distributed in its users' newsfeeds.

Facebook members can edit to personalize their videos further and share them with friends on that social media platform. In addition to the personalized videos, the company created stickers that Facebook users can use. Some of these include 'Best Friends' and 'Friendship' stickers! The company uses this event to promote its anniversary and, with a shrewd play on marketing, its products. It has managed to show how leveraging social media can deliver results.

NATIONAL DAYS IN FEBRUARY

Independence Day

• Dominican Republic (February 27th, 1844)

• Estonia (February 24th, 1918)

• Granada (February 7th, 1974)

• Kosovo (February 17th, 2008)

• St. Lucia (February 22nd, 1979)

• Lithuania (February 16th, 1918)

• Sri Lanka (February 4th, 1948)

Liberation Day

• Afghanistan (February 15th, 1989)

• Kuwait (February 26th, 1991)

National Day

• Gambia (February 18th, 1965)

• Guyana (February 23rd, 1970)

• Kuwait (February 25th, 1950)

• Vietnam (February 3rd, 1930)

Revolution Day

• Libya (February 17th, 2011)

• Suriname (February 25th, 1980)

MAJOR FEBRUARY SPORTS EVENTS

• Asia Cup (Football): January 12th - February 10th; Qatar

• Daytona 500 (Auto Racing): February 18th; United States

• Fiesta de los Vaqueros and Tucson Rodeo: February 17-25; United States

• Georgia State Rodeo: February 23-24; United States

• Ladbrokes Launceston Cup (Horse Racing): February 28th; Australia

• NBA All-Star Game (Basketball): February 18th

• Royal Hobart Regatta (Sailing): February 10-12; Australia

• Simplot Games (Multi-sport): February 15-17; United States

• Six Nations (Rugby): February 3rd - March 16th; United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Italy

• Snowshoe National Championships (Running): February 10-11; United States

• Super Bowl (American Football): February 11th; United States

• Winterlude (Multi-sport): February 2-19; Canada

• World Aquatics Championships (Swimming): February 2-18; Qatar

• World Championship (Table Tennis): February 16-25; South Korea

FEATURED EVENT

Take yourself out for a nice meal during Solo Diners Eat Out Week—promptography LD Lewis.

SOLO DINERS EAT OUT WEEK

Date: February 1-7, 2024

Location: United States, Worldwide

Champion: Dirt Candy

Michelin Star recipient Dirt Candy, a New York City vegetarian restaurant, initiated Solo Diners Eat Out Week after realizing solo diners are a significant segment of the restaurant-going public.

The event occurs during the first seven days of February. As the event gained traction, restaurants in other cities and countries picked up the mantel by offering special menus, discounts, or promotions explicitly aimed at solo diners, encouraging them to visit and enjoy a meal independently. Restaurants also seek to create more welcoming environments for solo diners, such as offering communal tables, bar seating, small tables, reading materials, or engaging solo activities.

Social media features selfies of solo diners, restaurant recommendations, and various hashtags fostering a sense of community and shared experience among solo diners. Check local listings for restaurants participating in Solo Diners Eat Out Week.

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Personally, I love eating out alone. Since I often travel alone, I had to get used to this early on. I felt awkward the first time or two, similar to how I felt going to a movie alone for the first time. I thought everyone was looking at me. They weren't, and it didn't matter if I was in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, or Central America. It didn't matter if I was at a fancy iftar buffet, celebrating Thanksgiving at a restaurant overseas, or marking Christmas in an Islamic country alone. Nobody cares. Nobody was shocked to see a pretty woman eating dinner, lunch, or breakfast alone in a diner, five-star restaurant, or local hotspot. Nobody bothered me (unless I was sitting at the bar or in a communal area where I wanted to be bothered).

It's a pleasure to go out alone today, even a treat. If there is a bar, I'll sit at the bar if I want to speak with other people. If I don't, I prefer a small table off to the side, on the patio, or near a window where I can people-watch, read a book, sketch, or enjoy a nice glass of wine. Generally, I'll avoid "rush hour," the 11 AM-1 PM and 7 PM-9 PM time slots. First, it is easier to get a great table. Secondly, the specials are still available, and third, I don't have to wait as long for the food, plus the service tends to be better.

If you're reading this and have never taken yourself out to eat, use this week to try it. Bring a book or a sketch pad (try to refrain from scrolling on your phone for more than a few minutes. That does look pathetic!). Ask the restaurant if they have any solo diner specials for the week. This event is gaining traction globally. They just might. Bon appetite!

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Thank you for the gift of your time! That's a wrap for this issue. The next will be March events around the world. If you're not a subscriber, please subscribe, and let me know what you think of LEEPCalendar.com as we get it off the ground! DM me with any thoughts, good or bad. I really do want to hear from you. Oh, and please help me get the word out! Thanks all!

Last updated: Jan 19th 2024