All - Leep Calendar

The first thing most people will tell you about the Kentucky Apple Festival is all the food you can try, from a tiger ear to fried apple pie. Crafters nationwide offer handmade crafts. Music, exhibits, and various activities round out the festival.

Africa

Oct

Mahatma Gandhi Day (IN)(1869): October 2

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On August 15, 1947, the UK Parliament officially declared India an independent nation no longer under its colonial rule. It would take another two years for the Indian constitution's ratification. India fought hard to gain independence with the non-violent movement led by Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (October 2, 1869) is celebrated annually in India as a national holiday and acknowledged worldwide by civil rights activists. He continues to be one of the most revered people in 20th Century history and an example to all people worldwide seeking freedom from colonialism, oppression, apartheid, and injustice.

Africa

Oct

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) Day, World: October 2

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World MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) Day raises awareness about MRSA. MRSA is deadlier than HIV/AIDS, yet less known. World MRSA Day was created in 2009 by Jeanine Thomas, President and Founder of MRSA Survivors Network, its official organizer. Jeanine Thomas founded MRSA Survivors Network in 2003 and was the first advocacy group in the U.S. to raise the alarm about the MRSA epidemic and other healthcare-acquired infections. With the creation of World MRSA Day, the hope is to raise the awareness of MRSA around the globe and to activate survivors, communities, governments, healthcare officials, and personnel to join together to stop the spread of this preventable disease.

Africa

Oct

Name Your Car Day: October 2

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People name boats, so why not cars? Quite a few people do, including this writer. My current car is Bonnie Blue Bell (2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible). Before Bonnie, I had Abby (a ’97 Sebring convertible), Snowy (1991 Mercury Capri convertible), Bonnet (1989 Ford Escort), Rosie II (1988 Ford Festiva—my first new car), The Great Green Pea Pod (’74 Dodge Dart), USS Guzzy (1971 Chevy Impala) and my first car? A 1969 FIAT 124 that my father named Rosie the Red FIAT when he bought her brand new. Yes, Dad started the tradition in our family, and we tend to hang on to our cars for a long time, too (allergy to car payments). So, if you’ve thought about naming your car and haven’t, today is your day. Have a go at it and give that car a name!

Africa

Oct

Nonviolence, International Day of (1869): October 2

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International Day of Non-Violence occurs on October 2 each year, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi (October 2, 1869 - January 30, 1948). Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneered the philosophy and strategy of non-violent resistance. According to United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of June 15, 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day of Non-Violence is an occasion to disseminate the message of non-violence through education and public awareness.

Africa

Oct

Poetry Day (UK): October 2

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National Poetry Day in the United Kingdom occurs on the first Thursday of October. Poetry Day celebrates British poetry in all of its forms and styles. This day usually sees an abundance of poetry-related events, including open mic readings and awards.

Africa

Oct

Animal Welfare Week: October 3-9

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A LOOK AT ANIMAL WELFARE WEEK AND WORLD ANIMAL DAY Every October, animal lovers worldwide celebrate and advocate for better treatment of all creatures during Animal Welfare Week, which coincides with World Animal Day on October 4. These events offer a unified platform for raising awareness and addressing issues affecting animals globally. World Animal Day was established in 1925 by Heinrich Zimmermann, who organized the first event in Berlin. Initially held on March 24, it was moved to October 4 in 1929 to coincide with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, to gain broader appeal. This date has since been a focal point for animal advocacy worldwide. Animal Welfare Week evolved as an extension of this day, providing a more extended period to engage the public and promote animal welfare causes. These observances are championed by various animal rights groups and welfare organizations globally. World Animal Day, in particular, is facilitated by a UK-based charity that supports the animal welfare movement. The week-long event sees participation from local communities, educational institutions, and even governments uniting under the common cause of animal welfare. People participate in various ways during Animal Welfare Week and World Animal Day. Activities range from educational workshops to animal welfare campaigns, fundraising events, and community clean-ups to promote habitats for wildlife. Social media also plays a crucial role, with advocates using it to spread messages, share resources, and mobilize support through hashtags and online campaigns. World Animal Welfare Week is significant because it not only highlights critical issues such as animal cruelty, habitat destruction, and the illegal wildlife trade, but also plays a crucial role in fostering legislative actions. By bringing these matters to the forefront, Animal Welfare Week and World Animal Day educate the public and create a global network of support for animal rights. Ultimately, these observances remind us of the importance of coexistence and humans' role in protecting every species on the planet. Together, Animal Welfare Week and World Animal Day strengthen the voice for animals, urging a compassionate approach towards all living beings.

Africa

Oct

Boyfriend Day, Ntl: October 3

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October 3 is National Boyfriend Day, a day to celebrate the pre-marital romantic bond between a man and a woman; in today's society, it can also describe the romantic relationship between two men. This event simply appeared on the internet in 2014 and gained wide acceptance in 2016. Boyfriend is an informal honorarium. The term "boyfriend" originates in English, dating back to the 19th Century. Initially, "boy" denoted a young male, while "friend" signified a close acquaintance. Over time, the combined term began to describe a woman's male companion, especially when the relationship held romantic or intimate implications. In modern times, the gender-ubiquitous word "partner" often replaces the word "boyfriend." Evolution of Dating in Western Culture Courtship in the 18th and 19th centuries: Before the concept of dating took hold, Western societies practiced courtship. This formal process involved a young man seeking permission from a woman's parents to court her. The intention was marriage, and activities took place in the family setting. The Rise of "Calling" in the Late 19th Century: As urban areas grew, the practice of "calling" emerged. Young men would visit women in their homes, where they'd engage in supervised conversations in the parlor. The Advent of Modern Dating in the Early 20th Century: The cultural shifts following World War I and the popularization of the automobile ushered in significant cultural changes in the 1920s. Unsupervised dating became the norm. With more leisure opportunities, couples began meeting outside the home in social settings like movie theaters and dance halls. Post-World War II and the 'Baby Boom': The end of World War II brought a return to traditional values. The rate of marriages surged, and there was an emphasis on starting families. The Sexual Revolution and the '60s and '70s: With the arrival of birth control and legalized abortion, a cultural shift in attitudes toward sex led to more liberal dating behaviors. Relationships became less formal, and "hooking up" gained traction. The '80s and '90s: This period saw a resurgence of traditional dating norms amidst rising concerns about AIDS. At the same time, personal advertisements in newspapers and early online dating began to emerge. The Digital Age and 21st Century: The rise of the internet and smartphones led to a boom in online dating. Platforms like Match.com and apps like Tinder and Bumble transformed how couples meet. The idea of "swiping" left or right became ingrained in dating culture. Throughout history, economic factors, technological advancements, and social mores have influenced the concept of dating. Today, dating in Western culture blends tradition, gender fluidity, and modernity, influenced by personal choice, cultural trends, and technology.

Africa

Oct

Dance Week, Ntl.: October 3-12 (est)

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DANCE, DANCE, DANCE DURING NATIONAL DANCE WEEK National Dance Week, organized by the National Dance Week Foundation (NDWF), initially occurred in April. In 2024, the governing body moved the event to October to accommodate recital and competition schedules. National Dance Week is a vibrant event promoting dance and its many benefits. This week-long celebration aims to raise awareness about the artistic, cultural, and health-related value of dance while encouraging participation across all age groups and communities. The week aims to promote dance as a valuable and enjoyable activity with numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. By showcasing dance's diversity and inclusiveness, the week seeks to break down barriers and make dance more accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Additionally, National Dance Week aims to support and elevate the dance community by providing opportunities for dancers to showcase their talents and for the public to experience the richness of dance culture. By doing so, it hopes to foster a greater appreciation for dance and to inspire more people to participate in this dynamic and expressive art form. HISTORY National Dance Week was established in 1981 by the National Dance Association. It was conceived to bring greater recognition to dance as an art form and to encourage more people to engage in dancing, whether as a hobby, exercise, or profession. Over the years, the celebration has grown, embracing a diverse range of dance styles and communities. The primary purpose of National Dance Week is to celebrate dance in all its forms and to make dance accessible to everyone. It aims to increase public awareness about dance's benefits, which include physical fitness, cultural expression, artistic creativity, and social connection. By highlighting these aspects, National Dance Week seeks to inspire more people to experience the joy and benefits of dance. National Dance Week involves a wide range of participants, including dance schools, professional companies, community organizations, fitness centers, and educational institutions. These participants organize various activities and events to engage the public and celebrate dance. Events during the week include dance performances, flash mobs, workshops, and open classes in different dance styles such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, ballroom, and cultural dances. Many dance studios offer free or discounted classes to encourage new participants. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #NationalDanceWeek and #NDW are also popular, helping to spread the celebration online and connect dancers and enthusiasts nationwide. National Dance Week in the United States is a celebration highlighting dance's beauty, diversity, and benefits. Through various events and activities, it aims to unite people, encourage participation, and enhance public appreciation for the art of dance.

Africa

Oct

Family TV Show Day: October 3

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Family TV Show Day encourages families to pick a show every family member can watch together regularly and build this into their routines. Family viewing can open communication and promote in-depth discussions on complex topics, including violence, bullying, sex, and other issues resulting from storylines. This tactic of discussing collective viewing experiences is often more effective with teenagers and tweens than the traditional one-on-one talks on such matters.

Africa

Oct

Francisco Morazán Day (HN)(1792): October 3

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Francisco Morazán was the president of the United Provinces of Central America and military leader in Honduras. His life and accomplishments are celebrated on the anniversary of his birth each year, October 3, 1792. The national hero died on September 15, 1842. Francisco Morazán Day is a public holiday.

Africa

Oct

Gore Vidal Day (1925): October 3

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On October 3, we celebrate the birth of Gore Vidal in 1925. Born Eugene Louis Vidal, he was an American writer and a public intellectual. Vidal died on July 31, 2012; his many great novels, essays, and screenplays remain with us.

Africa

Oct

Grand Prix, Singapore (SG): October 3-5

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The Singapore Grand Prix is a prestigious Formula One (F1) motor racing event held annually in the city-state of Singapore. The race was first held in 2008 and has since become a popular event in the F1 calendar, usually taking place in September. The Singapore Grand Prix is known for being the first-ever night race in the history of Formula One. The 5.063 km (3.147 miles) Marina Bay Street Circuit is a challenging track that demands technical precision and good strategy from the drivers. It features 23 corners and combines high-speed straights with tight, twisty sections. The track is illuminated by thousands of powerful lights to ensure visibility for the drivers. The race is also famous for its unique atmosphere, with the city skyline providing a stunning backdrop to the action on track. The event is a significant draw for tourists, with concerts, entertainment, and various activities happening throughout the race weekend.

Africa

Oct

Independence Day (IQ)(1932): October 3

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INDEPENDENCE DAY IN IRAQ: A CELEBRATION OF ANCIENT HERITAGE AND FREEDOM Iraq's Independence Day, observed annually on October 3rd, marks the anniversary of the country's independence from British control in 1932. This day is a significant milestone in Iraq's modern history, as it commemorates the nation's emergence as a sovereign state after years of foreign rule and a long history that stretches back thousands of years. In 1932, Iraq made history by gaining independence from the United Kingdom, becoming the first Arab country in the Middle East to achieve full sovereignty. This milestone was a significant shift in the region's dynamics, as the British had established a mandate over Iraq after the First World War under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which dismantled the Ottoman Empire. Before World War I, the region that is now Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire and was known as Mesopotamia—a name that reflects its ancient heritage as one of the cradles of civilization. AN ANCIENT LAND AND PEOPLE Iraq's history is among the oldest in the world. The land of Mesopotamia, meaning "between rivers," referring to the Tigris and Euphrates, is often called the "Cradle of Civilization." This region was home to some of the earliest known civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. These ancient peoples made significant contributions to writing, law, and urban development, with the invention of cuneiform writing and the establishment of the first cities. Iraq's civilization is at least 7,000 years old, with some of the oldest cities in the world located within its borders. Ur, Uruk and Babylon are among these ancient cities, each playing a crucial role in the development of early human societies. Babylon is renowned for its Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ur is the birthplace of Abraham, a key figure in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Abraham is believed to have left Ur and arrived in Rafia, Caanan/Philistine (modern-day Rafah in the Gaza Strip, Palestine) around 1150 BCE. CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY Independence Day in Iraq combines national pride and reflection on the country's rich heritage with official ceremonies, military parades, and speeches by political leaders emphasizing national unity and sovereignty. In major cities like Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul, public squares feature Iraqi flags, and citizens participate in festivities that include cultural performances, traditional music, and dances that showcase the country's diverse heritage. Independence Day in Iraq is a poignant time to honor the resilience of the nation and its people, who have endured decades of conflict and hardship. The day serves as a powerful reminder of Iraq's long journey through history, from the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia to its struggles for independence in the 20th century and its ongoing efforts to build a stable and prosperous future. Iraq's Independence Day is more than just a celebration of political freedom; it is a tribute to a land that has been a crossroads of cultures, ideas, and empires for millennia and a symbol of its people's enduring spirit.

Africa

Oct

Kid's Music Day: October 3

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Kids Music Day was created in 2016 to raise awareness about the importance of music in children's education. It involves public and private schools, concerts, and instrument donations.

Africa