Events in April 2025

Spring has sprung in the north, and the first hints of Autumn are on the horizon in the south. April is the month spring (or fall) gets underway, and it is filled with religious celebrations, including the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr (March 31-April 1), the Christian celebration of Easter (April) and the Jewish celebration of Passover (April 12-20). I cover these in detail in my A Whole Lot'a Holy Part II. The Hindu New Year, Vaisakhadi, occurs on April 14. This day is also Vaisakhi for Sikhs. Buddhists will mark Songkran (April 13-15). Japan enters its major holiday, Golden Week, at the end of the month (April 29-May 5).

Several southern hemisphere nations, including Australia, Chile, Namibia, West Samoa, and New Zealand, return to standard time on April 6th. Mexico begins its daylight savings the same day.

Tax Day looms in the United States on April 15, leading to several financial fitness-related events before and after the day.

This month's themes include Arab-American and Scottish-American Heritage Months. Several events focus on protecting children from various threats, including assault, health issues and genocide: earth and its sustainability feature prominently throughout the month. Culture lovers will find dozens of days dedicated to poetry, libraries, jazz and the arts.

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As always, except for the Featured Event, the descriptions below are shortened versions of their LEEP Calendar page entries. You can read the entire entry through the images (or links on Substack).

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for more events.

As it is a month full of religious events, we'll start with a day of celebration for those observing the LDS faith: Mormon Day.

MORMON DAY

Date: April 6, [1830]

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Historical Anniversary; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Mormon Day marks the establishment of the Mormon faith, formerly known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), on April 6, 1830. On this day at Peter Whitmer Senior's farm in Fayette, New York, the founding members of the religion Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer, Jr., Samuel H Smith, and David Whitmer organized the doctrine and declared the faith.

Mormonism shares several core beliefs with mainstream Christianity, including the divinity of Jesus Christ and a belief in the Bible. However, it also has distinct differences. The foundations of the faith follow the Book of Mormon, which includes unique doctrines concerning the nature of God and the afterlife.

The term "Mormon" comes from the Book of Mormon. According to the text, Mormon was an ancient prophet who compiled and summarized his people's spiritual and secular histories engraved on golden plates. Joseph Smith, who saw a vision at age 14 and founded the LDS Church, claimed to have translated these golden plates into English and published them as the Book of Mormon shortly before the church's founding in 1830.

PORTFOLIO DAY

Date: April 8, 2025

Location: Worldwide

Champion: National Portfolio Day Association

International Portfolio Day occurs four times a year and is sponsored by the National Portfolio Day Association. It increasingly manifests on social media under the hashtag #PortfolioDay. It is an opportunity for content creators to share their portfolios with others four times a year.

This event is most active on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY

Date: April 10, 2025

Location: United States

Champion: Siblings Day Foundation

National Siblings Day in the United States is similar to Mother's Day and Father's Day. It celebrates the unique bond of brothers and sisters, known as siblings. Growing up with them, our siblings forever become a part of who we are.

If you're fortunate, your siblings become your best friends through life and the people upon whom you can always depend.

WORLD PARKINSON'S DISEASE DAY

Date: April 11, [1855]

Location: Worldwide

Champion: European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA)

April is National Parkinson's Awareness Month in the United States. In the United Kingdom, Parkinson's Awareness Week occurs during the week of World Parkinson's Disease Day, mid-month. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning symptoms continue and worsen over time.

Primary motor signs of Parkinson's disease include the following:

a) Tremor of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face

b) Bradykinesia or slowness of movement

c) Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk

d) Postural instability or impaired balance and coordination

Nearly one million people in the US are living with Parkinson's disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.

INTERNATIONAL LICORICE DAY

Date: April 12, 2025

Location: Worldwide

Champion: Licorice International

The licorice plant (technically a weed) and its roots have been used for thousands of years as a drug, spice, and remedy. Ancient Egyptians included large quantities of the herb in King Tut’s tomb, often in medicines to treat respiratory problems, gastrointestinal issues, and coughs.

During the 18th century, the Dutch began creating candy with it.

People often confuse anise with licorice, as they taste similar. However, licorice is a root, and anise is a seed that can be substituted for each other in recipes. International Licorice Day is an opportunity to explore the hundreds of varieties of licorice created today worldwide.

WORLD EXPO

Dates: April 13 - October 13, 2025

Location: Japan

Champion: Bureau of International Exhibitions

The World Expo, also known as the World's Fair, is a major international event that showcases nations' achievements and fosters cultural dialogue and innovation. The tradition began with the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, organized by Prince Albert to promote the exchange of ideas and industrial advancements.

Over time, World Expos introduced groundbreaking architectural landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower (1889), the Ferris wheel (1893), and Seattle's Space Needle(1962). These exhibitions have also debuted revolutionary inventions, including the telephone (1876), the X-ray machine (1901), and even everyday items like the ice cream cone (1904). Typically lasting three to six months, each Expo takes place at a dedicated site, reflecting the host country's vision for the future.

In 2025, Osaka, Japan, will host the next World Expo, marking its second time as the venue since 1970. The theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives,"highlights global challenges such as sustainability, health, and the digital revolution. This shift in the Expo's focus from industrial achievements to broader social and environmental concerns reflects a shift in Japan's aims to use the event to explore solutions for modern societal issues while continuing the legacy of Expos as catalysts for progress and innovation.

NATIONAL FIRE SERVICE WEEK

Dates: April 14-20, [1944]

Location: India

Champion: Historical Anniversary; Government of India

National Fire Service Week marks the anniversary of the Bombay Explosion/Mumbai Dock Fire.

The disaster unfolded on April 14, 1944, when the freighter SS Fort Stikine, loaded with a dangerous mix of ammunition, cotton bales, and gold, caught fire at Victoria Dock in Mumbai. The blaze escalated rapidly, triggering two massive explosions that devastated the port, killing between 800 and 1,300 people and injuring over 3,000 others. The inferno destroyed numerous ships, buildings, and infrastructure, prompting a reexamination of fire codes and the critical need for improved fire safety regulations in hazardous industries.

India’s National Fire Service Day and Week pays tribute to the 71 firefighters who perished in the line of duty and serves as a crucial platform to promote fire safety awareness, ensuring such tragedies are never repeated.

TIRADENTES DAY

Date: April 21, [1789]

Location: Brazil

Champion: Historical Anniversary; Brazilian national holiday

Tiradentes Day (Tooth Puller Day) honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, a key figure in Brazil's fight for independence from Portugal. Being a dentist, his former occupation earned him the nickname "Tiradentes," or "tooth puller" in English.

Born in 1746 in the captaincy of Minas Gerais, Xavier's ambitions extended far beyond dentistry upon witnessing Portugal's exploitation of Brazil's wealth, particularly its heavy taxation on gold production in Minas Gerais. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the recent American Revolution, he joined Inconfidência Mineira, a group of conspirators plotting to establish an independent Brazilian republic by overthrowing colonial rule. Portuguese authorities uncovered their scheme before they could act, and Tiradentes was arrested and sentenced to death. On April 21, 1792, he was publicly hanged in Rio de Janeiro, his body dismembered and displayed to warn others against rebellion.

In 1890, after the fall of the Brazilian monarchy, April 21 was officially declared a national holiday to honor his contribution to Brazil's fight for sovereignty.

GLOBAL NATIONAL DAYS

Multiple nations are celebrating national holidays in April.

Constitution Day

• Kosovo: April 9, 2008

Freedom Day

• South Africa: April 27, 1994

Independence Day

• Senegal: April 4, 1960

• Togo: April 27, 1960

• Sierra Leone: April 27, 1961

• Syria: April 17, 1946

Islamic Republic Day

• Iran: April 1, 1979

Liberation Day

• Uganda: April 11, 1979

Liberty Day

• Portugal: April 25, 1974

Martyrs' Day

• Tunisia: April 9, 1938

National Day of Reconciliation

• United Kingdom: April 19

Sumardagurnn Fyrsti

• Iceland: April 24

MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS

Sport hits its stride in April with a bevy of international competitions.

• Antiqua Sailing Week (Sailing): April 26 - May 2 —Antiqua and Barbados

• Boston Marathon (Running): April 21 —United States

• Chevron Championship (Golf): April 24-27 —United States

• Dubai World Cup (Horse Racing): April 5 —United Arab Emirates

• Etape Loch Ness (Cycling): April 27 —Scotland/United Kingdom

• Final Four (Basketball): April 5-7 —United States

• Frozen Four (Ice Hockey): April 10-12 —United States

• Grand Prix of Bahrain (Car Racing): April 11-13 —Bahrain

• Grand Prix of Japan (Car Racing): April 4-6 —Japan

• Guinness Women’s Six Nations (Rugby): March 22 - April 26 —Europe

• Internazionali BNL d’Italia (Tennis): April 29 - May 18 —Italy

• London Marathon (Running): April 27 —United Kingdom

• Masters Tournament (Golf): April 10-13 —United States

• Mutua Madrid Open (Tennis): Apr 21 - May 4 —Spain

• NCAA Women's Final Four (Basketball): April 4-6 —United States

• NFL Draft (American Football): Apr 24 - 26, 2025 —United States

• Raddox Health Grand National (Horse Racing): April 5 —United Kingdom

• Run the Great Wall (Running): April 20 —China

• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (Car Racing): April 18-20 —Saudi Arabia

• Schneider Electric Paris Marathon (Running): April 13 —France

• Sierra Leone Marathon (Running): April 30 —Sierra Leone

• Snooker World Championship (Specialty): April 19 - May 5 —United Kingdom

• WrestleMania (Wrestling): April 19-20 —United States

DEEP DIVE POSTPONEMENT

I must republish an updated version of my 2003 article, "What is Fascism?".

Rather than do a deep dive this month, I will publish an entry for October 5 as its own version of this newsletter later in the month. Given current events, I cannot sit back.

October 5, [1914], is the day "fascism" and all it encompasses entered the political lexicon. October's issue is too far in the future. Now is the time to post this.

HERE'S WHERE THE ARTICLE COMES FROM

From 1999 to 2011, I ran a web portal called Couples Company, where we covered topics relating to all eight stages of intimacy. Intellectual Intimacy, stage four, focuses on the ideas, passions, morals and causes that can make or break a couple. Politics featured prominently; for this section, I began to write voraciously as someone very much against both invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. I studied what was happening and vehemently balked as Colin Powell set in motion his "weapons of mass destruction." I saw that presentation at the United Nations in a television studio in Portland, Oregon. My Valentine's Day gifts segment got bumped for this breaking news (they rescheduled a few days later). As I watched Powell weave his web of lies, I looked at the reporters and commented, "You're not buying this, are you?"

They looked at me like I was nuts. That was February 5, 2003. We began bombing Iraq in March.

By the end of October 2003, alarmed by what I saw in the United States, I published what would become the number one article on a website devoted to relationships: "What is Fascism?"

It stayed number one for seven years. Go figure.

OBSTINATE ME

I recently reread it and realized that not only are the warning signs starker now, but many of the erosions to our democracy set in place to bolster the drumbeats of war in the early 2000s have matured and metastasized. It is genuinely frightening, particularly the disregard of our laws in the United States and international law on the world stage. Nearly everything we have accomplished as a global society since the Second World War has essentially dissolved into the very ideas, strategies, and conditions that brought us that war!

What is that definition of "insanity" —doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results?

Thank you, no. I'm rewriting the article "What is Fascism" for a 2025 audience. Please be sure to look for it sometime in the next few weeks. I promise I won't go off on these tangents too often. In this case, I must.

___________________________________

In closing, I would like to acknowledge one of my readers, Marwa Essam. She has a lovely Substack detailing her experiences as a Palestinian woman living in the diaspora.

Thank you for the gift of your time. Please like, subscribe and share. The next issue will be exclusively devoted to October 5, the anniversary of fascism, followed by May's events around April 20.

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Last updated: Apr 12th 2025