Category Archives: Notable Dates
Christmas Traditions – From Deep-fried Caterpillars to Trees Decorated With Spiders’ Web
Christmas is a season of celebration and fun that is observed in many ways around the world. From hanging spiderweb decorations to eating deep-fried caterpillars, this whistlestop tour around the globe explores some of these seasonal traditions.
The Year That Britain Lost 11 Days
Discover where and why we lost 11 days in 1752! This signified a very unusual period in Britain’s history where the country “lost” 11 days due to an act of parliament. Reportedly this led to confusion, disruption and protests from angry mobs. But how and why did this happen? Read on to find out.
The Colourful Festivities & Traditions of Mardi Gras
This year, Mardi Gras takes place on Tuesday 21 February. However, in New Orleans, carnival season always begins on the Feast of Epiphany in January, and culminates in Mardi Gras, which is an official holiday in Louisiana. Here in the UK it’s better known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day.
Winter Solstice
See how different nationalities at different festivals celebrate the point in the year when our earth finally starts tilting nearer the sun. The shortest day of the year and the turning point when daylight hours start to get longer.
Commemorating 217 Years Since the Battle of Trafalgar Day
Trafalgar Day is commemorated each year on 21 October, marking the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, which established Britain’s naval supremacy for over a century. Here we take a look at what happened on that important day, which took place 217 years ago, and explore some of the ways that it is celebrated both in the UK and around the world.
