All - Leep Calendar

Often, flowers represent specific events: the daffodil in England for the coast guard, orchids for prostate cancer, and roses for childhood cancer. The iris is associated with faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, courage, compliments, promises of love, and wisdom. It is the perfect flower to give someone you are newly dating, a college graduate, returning military and special friends. National Iris Day is an unofficial holiday with no sponsor.

Africa

May

Iris Festival (BE): May 2-3

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The Brussels capital region celebrates Iris Day each year at the beginning of May with a festival. The Iris Festival occurs over a weekend and includes free concerts and activities. The iris is associated with faith, wisdom, friendship, hope, valor, compliments, promises of love, and wisdom. It is the perfect flower to give someone you are newly dating, a college graduate, someone returning from military duty, and special friends. 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

May

Isle of Man TT (UK): May 25 - June 6

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ISLE OF MAN TT: A THRILLING MOTORCYCLE TRADITION Nestled between England and Ireland in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a tranquil, picturesque island known for its rugged coastlines, medieval castles, and Celtic and Norse heritage. Yet, once a year, this quiet island transforms into the epicenter of one of the world's most daring motorcycle races: The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy). Established in 1907, the Isle of Man TT is among the oldest continuous motorcycle races in the world. But this isn't just any motorcycle race. It's a grueling, high-speed test of skill and bravery, where riders race on public roads, winding through towns, darting past stone walls, and rocketing over hilltops at speeds often exceeding 200 mph. The TT has several categories, catering to various machines – from lightweight bikes to electric motorcycles in the TT Zero class. This diversity showcases the evolution of motorcycle engineering, from classic designs to cutting-edge technologies. THE COURSE The main course, the Mountain Course, stretches over 37.73 miles, encompassing mountainous terrain and public roads. Riders navigate sharp bends, challenging chicanes, and high-speed straights, all while battling the unpredictable Manx weather. The course's length and complexity mean that mastery requires speed and an intimate knowledge of every twist, turn, and elevation change. RISKS AND REWARDS The Isle of Man TT's allure lies partly in its danger. The risks are substantial, with limited runoff areas, uneven surfaces, and the proximity of challenging obstacles like walls and trees. Tragically, the race has claimed over 250 lives in its history. Yet, despite the risks, riders from around the world, drawn by the challenge and the glory, return year after year to compete. ADDITIONAL FESTIVITIES Over 40,000 fans descend annually on the Isle of Man, transforming the island into a buzzing hub of motorcycle enthusiasm. Beyond the races, The Isle of Man features multiple events, including the Festival of Jurby, which celebrates the island's rich motorcycling history, and the Ramsey Sprint, where enthusiasts test their bikes' speeds. The Isle of Man TT is a paradox – a serene island hosting a heart-pounding, perilous race. It's a testament to the human spirit's drive for adventure and challenge, where racers push the limits of possibility and fans from across the globe come together in shared excitement and respect. For those brave enough to compete and the passionate fans that cheer them on, the TT is not just a race – it's a living legend.

Africa

May

Jamestown Day: May 9

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On May 14, 1607, the colony of Jamestown was founded in the future United States, and it was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. The second Saturday in May is when the town holds its celebration. The city holds an annual festival on the Saturday closest to the 14th.

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May

Jamestown Founding (1607): May 14

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On May 14, 1607, the colony of Jamestown was founded in the United States. It was the first permanent English settlement in the New World. The city holds an annual festival on the Saturday closest to the 14th.

Africa

May

Jeth (S): May 15–June 14

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Jeth is the third month of the Sikh religious calendar and occurs in May and June each year. During Jeth (or also - Jayth), there are several important birthdays for the Sikh faith, including those of Guru Amar Das, Bhagat Puran Singh, and Gurgaddi Guru Hargobind.

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May

Jewish-American Heritage Month: May

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Jewish Americans have been part of the American experience almost since the beginning. The first arrived from Holland in the mid-1600s, quickly followed by another group of merchants and traders from Brazil and the Caribbean. During the American Revolution, most Jewish Americans were of Sephardic (Arab) descent. Several fought in the Revolutionary War, and many were instrumental in securing financing for the colonies. In the beginning, Jewish immigrants settled in North Carolina. With the Industrial Revolution and the promise of jobs, New England became the preferred location, with New York, Philadelphia, and Boston boasting the largest populations. The entertainment and tech industries would draw additional migrations to the West Coast. During the 19th century, as revolution swept through Europe, the first significant wave of Ashkenazi (European) Jews began entering the United States. By the 1880s, over 200,000 had arrived. Wars, famine, and growing racism against Jews and other ethnic groups, coupled with the Industrial Revolution's need for labor and the ability to live and worship freely, increased the number of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. By 1910, 50 percent of those immigrating to the United States identified as Jewish. In 1921, new US immigration laws culled the flow of all immigrant groups, despite the increasing dangers in Europe. Jewish Americans have been instrumental in the civil rights movement, establishing the entertainment industry and contributing to higher education, the arts, law, and medicine. Jewish Americans first protested the downgrading of US public schools in New York in the 1920s. As a group, Jewish Americans continued to be more active in politics and causes than any other single demographic. Today, nearly six million persons identifying with the Jewish faith or culture live in the United States, one-third of the global Jewish population. The United States boasts the second-largest population of Jewish persons in the world. Only the state of Israel has slightly more. Here are five of the most famous Jewish Americans from the past 100 years: Albert Einstein - One of the most famous scientists of the 20th century, Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who fled Nazi Germany and eventually settled in the United States. He is best known for his Theory of Relativity and his contributions to the development of atomic energy. Ruth Bader Ginsburg - A former Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Ginsburg was the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She was known for her advocacy for gender equality and her strong defense of civil rights. Steven Spielberg - A renowned filmmaker, Spielberg is one of the most successful directors in Hollywood history. He has directed numerous blockbuster films, including Jaws, ET—the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, and Schindler's List. Barbra Streisand - A singer, actress, and filmmaker, Streisand is one of the most successful entertainers in American history. She has won numerous awards for her work, including two Academy Awards, nine Grammy Awards, and a Tony Award. Mark Zuckerberg - A co-founder of Facebook, Zuckerberg is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in modern history. He has been named one of Time magazine's "100 most influential people" multiple times and has been the subject of numerous biographical works. Jewish Heritage Month is a month to appreciate the history and contributions of Jewish Americans in building and creating the United States as we know it today.

Africa

May

Joseph Brackett Day (1797): May 6

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Joseph Brackett was a leader in the Shaker religious community. An author and songwriter, he is best known for his song 'Simple Gifts.' Today is the anniversary of his birth, May 6, 1797.

Africa

May

Jyeshtha (H): May 2-31

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Jyeshtha or Jyaistha is the third month of the Hindu calendar, corresponding to May-June in the Gregorian calendar. 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

May

Keep Kids Alive—Drive 25, Ntl.: May 1

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Keep Kids Alive; Drive 25mph Day is a day of action designed to make roadways safer for drivers, pedestrians, passengers, cyclists, and kids at play. Commit to practicing safe driving for the next 24 hours to participate. These may translate to safer driving in the year ahead.

Africa

May

Keffiyeh Day, World : May 11

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ABOUT WORLD KEFFIYEH DAY World Keffiyeh Day (May 11) and Nakba Day (May 15) demonstrate solidarity with the Palestinian cause and struggle. WHAT IS A KEFFIYEH? A keffiyeh (also known as a kufiya, shemagh, or ghutrah) is a centuries-old traditional Arabian scarf worn by men and women. Its appearance differs slightly depending on the region. Black and white tends to be the color chosen in the Levant (Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria). Red and white or plain white is more common in the Gulf states and North Africa. Versions in beige, blue, and green can also be found; however, these are more recent incarnations and are not specific to a region. The keffiyeh's pattern resembles the fishing nets and agricultural lands that have fed generations for thousands of years. The scarf is worn by people of all faiths as protection from the sun, wind and sand. A SYMBOL OF SOLIDARITY, FREEDOM AND CULTURE Beginning in the late 19th century, prior to the fall of the Ottoman Empire and through the First World War, the keffiyeh became a popular symbol of solidarity for Arabs struggling against colonialism. With the establishment of Israel in 1948, it became associated with the Palestinian people in their struggle against Israel's brutal colonization and subsequent ethnic cleansing of lands not granted to the new state by the United Nations. KEFFIYEH ENTERS POPULAR CULTURE In 1967, Israel swept up the rest of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula in what became known as the Six-Day War. In the 1980s, the Sinai returned to Egypt, but as the Israeli vise tightened around the Palestinian society now under its occupation, a rebellion known as the First Intifada ("Intifada" is Arabic for "uprising"—nothing more) erupted. Israel, a nuclear superpower, put it down within a year. Following the First Intifada, PLO leader Yasser Arafat and his consistent donning of a black and white keffiyeh elevated the scarf to its iconic current symbolism of solidarity, human rights and freedom from occupation within Palestinian and Arab society. Following the October 7, 2023 events, it became more than a utilitarian garment and a symbol of Arab culture and unity. The keffiyeh emerged as an internationally recognized symbol of social justice, anti-apartheid, and a demonstration of solidarity with oppressed people worldwide. Political interests profiting from occupation and oppression have attempted to associate the pattern, which dates back centuries, with "terrorism." CONTEXT: WHAT IS THE NAKBA? Nakba Day is an annual day mourning the displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians (December 1, 1947 - December 31, 1949) from their land of over 4,000 years, preceding and through the state of Israel's declaration of independence in 1948. Nakba, "catastrophe" in Arabic, is the name given to the first ethnic cleansing of Palestine. During these two years, Israel chose to use terror and military force to expand the land given to it by the United Nations by 300%. It did so through conquest, terrorism and ethnic cleansing. During the Nakba, the Palestinian inhabitants of dozens of villages were massacred, and hundreds of Palestinian towns and villages were depopulated and razed. In total, an estimated 18,000 Palestinians were killed, and 750,000 temporarily fled or were forcibly expelled. Their stolen homes, businesses and land were either given to incoming Jewish immigrants or renamed and disappeared under newly planted pine forests and agricultural kibbutzim.

Africa

May

Kentucky Derby (US-KY): May 2

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The Kentucky Derby falls on the first Saturday of May in Louisville, Kentucky. Known by many names such as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," "The Run for the Roses," or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby usually lasts for two minutes. The track length and many of the traditions for this race pay tribute to the Epson Derby in England. The winning horse receives a blanket of roses. The Kentucky Derby is the first race of the American Triple Crown; the others are the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. 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

May

Kids to Parks Day, Ntl.: May 16

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Kids to Parks Day is a national day of play that connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks. By discovering our public lands, kids across the country are learning about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and history. Kids to Parks Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May.

Africa

May

Labor Day/Worker's Day International (CN): May 1

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International Labor Day recalls the Haymarket Martyrs in Chicago in 1886. It was 1886 when the workers at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Chicago went on strike. The farm equipment manufacturing factory had begun mechanizing, putting the highly skilled metal workers out of work. Those remaining went on strike to demand an eight-hour workday. In the 1880s, workers typically worked 60 hours a week. In response, the company locked out the workers and hired scabs. On May 1, 1886, a large May Day parade was held in Chicago. On May 3, a riot at the factory saw two men killed by the police, leading to a mass rally in Haymarket Square the following night. Most of the rally was a peaceful event, with over 1500 people in attendance. After the last speaker, the police tried to break up the crowd. The crowd resisted, and someone set off a bomb. The violence escalated. Police began firing into the crowd. Seven policemen and four protesters were killed, and over 100 were injured. The riot was blamed on the labor movement, and its leaders, "the anarchists," were rounded up. In June 1886, they were brought to trial, and seven were sentenced to death despite never proving who threw the bomb. Two would later have their sentences commuted to life. The aftermath of Haymarket put unions in a negative light. Still, it led to the formation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which would take the drive to unionize into the 20th Century. May 1 is internationally recognized as Labor Day or Workers Day in over 80 countries. Some, like the United States, have a separate holiday set aside. For China, this is a significant state holiday that may move dates if May 1 falls on a Tuesday-Thursday so workers can enjoy a three-day weekend.

Africa

May

Lag B'Omer (J): May 4/5

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Bonfires, haircuts, and weddings, what do all these things have in common? The Jewish holiday of Lag B'Omer. Lag B'Omer marks the anniversary of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's death (approximately 120AD - 199 AD), the author of the Zohar and the teachings of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah, which originated around the time of the first books of the Talmud. Both collections inform various sects of modern Judaism. The Hassidic teachers of the faith believe that a person's good works culminate in their impact on the day of their death. Therefore, the Rabbi's request that his life be celebrated joyfully marks this 33rd day between Passover and Shavuot (18th of Iyar). The 32 days leading up to Lag B'Omer are a time of mourning in the Jewish faith. During the second century, 24,000 yeshiva students succumbed to a plague. The abstinence from joys, including weddings, festivities, and pleasure, serve as a reminder of the students and the dangers of plagues. Lag B'Omer marks the end of the mourning and is a day of celebration. One tradition is that all three-year-old boys get their first haircut on this day. Another is the resumption of weddings, as this day is seen as particularly auspicious. Huge bonfires, dancing, and singing round out the festivities. Bonfires are considered mystical and are a central theme of the celebration. What is the best way to celebrate today? Gather your friends around the bonfire if you're near a Jewish community! The holiday starts at sundown on the 8th and ends at sunset on the 9th.

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