World Puppetry Day
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Ancient Puppetry Origins. Puppets were used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for theatrical and ceremonial purposes, marking the earliest known use of puppetry
History
BCAncient Puppetry Origins. Puppets were used in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome for theatrical and ceremonial purposes, marking the earliest known use of puppetry
How It's Celebrated
World Puppetry Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.
Other Years
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The people of the Netherlands do not just celebrate Christmas on December 25. Christmas celebrations here begin on December 5, the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday 25 December. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 December in 2027. The saint was a bishop in the fourth century. One story about him claims he inherited money from his wealthy parents and used his wealth to help the poor. One legend tells how he helped a needy family. The three young girls in the family were unable to get married because their parents were too poor to provide dowries. St. Nicholas heard of their misfortune and dropped a bag of gold down their chimney to pay for the girls’ dowries. St. Nicholas’ generosity is commemorated in the Netherlands today. He is known as Sinterklaas, and he is credited with giving presents to children on December 5. Sinterklaas lives in Spain, and he arrives in Amsterdam by boat on December 5. He rides a white horse in a parade through the streets. Children put carrots and hay for the horse in their shoes. They leave their shoes near a fireplace or on a windowsill. Sinterklaas leaves presents in their shoes. December 5 is also a night for parties to celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Children receive presents from Sinterklaas at these parties. Other activities at the parties include games and treasure hunts. Biscuits made with marzipan or cinnamon are served for refreshments. The Netherlands’ Christmas celebration continues through the month of December. Houses are decorated with evergreens. People put up trees in their homes decorated with candles, bells and ribbons. Trees are put up in the city squares and decorated. Streets are adorned with strings of lights shaped like stars or bells. Food stalls in the streets sell seasonal sweet treats such as oliebollen and appelflappen. Oliebollen are similar to donuts, and appelflappen are apple beignets. People can hear Christmas music played in the streets. Red and green decorations are used in department stores. Children receive most of their presents during the celebrations of St. Nicholas Day, so Christmas Day is usually spent enjoying the company of family and eating. Children might hang up stockings and receive a few more presents. Some people attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas. Christmas Day may begin with a brunch of smoked salmon and fancy rolls. The last meal of the day is a dinner that may include pork, goose or game meats. Special dishes served for these meals include kerststol for brunch and gourmetten for dinner. Kerststol is a loaf with fruits. Gourmetten is made by placing a small grill on the table. People can grill small pieces of meat and vegetables. The day ends with people gathering around the fireplace to sing carols and tell stories. This day is known as First Christmas Day in the Netherlands. December 26 is Second Christmas Day. People dine on leftovers or go out to eat. They may attend concerts. If the weather permits, they might spend time in an outdoor activity such as ice skating.
Armed Forces Day
Formerly known as Resistance Day, Armed Forces Day is a prominent national holiday in the country of Myanmar. In 2027, Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday 27 March. The holiday will be on Monday 27 March in 2028. It’s celebrated every year on March 27, commemorating the beginning of the Burmese National Army’s resistance to Japanese occupation in 1945. The day features an assortment of celebrations, with the most iconic being a marching parade and displays of Myanmar’s military forces. However, the lingering effect of years of brutal military rule has made Armed Forces Day a controversial holiday among Myanmar’s citizens. In the years leading up to World War II, the country of Myanmar, then known as Burma, was nearing a state of open rebellion. Burma had been under British rule in some form or another for more than a century, resulting in very poor treatment of the native Burmese and fostering a deep resentment for the British. Guerrilla warfare frequently erupted, eventually leading to a strong nationalist movement and a desire for independence. British rule finally ended in 1942 when, facilitated by Burmese leaders who were led to believe they would be granted independence, the Japanese army successfully invaded Burma. It soon became clear, however, that the Japanese had no intention of surrendering control of the country. Increasingly frustrated and resentful of a Japanese occupation that led to the deaths of as many as 250,000 citizens, a young Burmese general named Aung San organised a resistance against the Japanese military. On March 27, 1945, Aung San and his national army rose up against the Japanese, launching attacks across the country and again changing allegiances to the Allied powers. The resistance quickly led to the ousting of Japanese forces and, eventually, Burmese independence. Unfortunately, the achievement of independence in 1948 was not the end of Burma’s troubles. The republican government was overthrown by a coup d’état led by General Ne Win in 1962. Burma has been under some form of military rule until recently, leading to frequent internal conflicts as well as widespread accusations of suppression, corruption and human rights violations. Sporadic protests against the military government were dealt with harshly and often suppressed by violence. Several attempts at democratisation were made over the years, including nominally “free” elections in 1990, but most were quickly shut down by the military leadership. Originally created to celebrate the start of the successful opposition to fascist power, Resistance Day was once the most cherished secular holiday in Myanmar. The meaning has changed over the years, however, as is reflected by the name change. Today, Armed Forces Day is primarily an opportunity for the Burmese government to tout the power of the national military, known as the Tatmadaw. While many citizens still take great pride in the Burmese armed forces, many other citizens – particularly ethnic groups that are often subject to discrimination and abuse by the military – view the holiday in its modern form with contempt. The most visible and high-profile celebration of Armed Forces Day comes in the form of the large military demonstration held in the capital city of Naypyidaw. This display is not made accessible to the general public, though select groups are able to attend. The demonstration features a marching parade of the military forces as well as displays of tanks, jets, helicopters and other assorted military hardware. Outside of the parade in the capital city, other smaller-scale celebrations include fireworks displays, live music and public gatherings, most of which take place in and around the former capital of Yangon.
Assumption Day
Assumption Day is also known as the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is observed every 15 August in Lithuania. Assumption Day celebrates the day when, according to Catholic tradition and doctrine, the Virgin Mary was assumed bodily into Heaven. In 2026, Assumption Day falls on Saturday 15 August. The holiday will be on Sunday 15 August in 2027. The Assumption of Mary has been a church tradition since at least the 4th Century A.D., but it was not an officially recognised Catholic dogma until the 1950 declaration of Pope Pious XII. Over three-fourths of Lithuanians consider themselves Roman Catholic, so it’s no surprise that they have made Assumption of Mary a national holiday in their country. In Lithuania, however, ancient traditions are mixed in with Assumption Day teaching and practices. The day is called “Zoline” by many, a Lithuanian word meaning “Meadow Grass Day”. It became an official holiday only in 2000 but has been celebrated much longer. Flowers and wheatears are taken to churches on Zoline. It is a harvest tradition that has pagan roots but is now associated with Mary as the first of the Church, other than Jesus himself, to be given a glorified body. Thus, she is like the first of the new harvest in a spiritual comparison according to Roman Catholic teaching. There is a festival for Zoline in the town of Pivasiunai, which is the biggest such celebration in all Lithuania. It goes on for eight straight days. A painting of Mary with the baby Jesus is at the centre of the celebrations.
Christmas Day
Christmas in New Caledonia is celebrated with a public holiday every 25 December, as it is in a majority of countries around the world. This Christian festivity commemorates the birth of Jesus, and is part of a 22-28 day season in the Christian calendar known as Advent. In 2026, Christmas falls on Friday 25 December. The holiday will be on Saturday 25 December in 2027. Christmas Day and the Christmas season are a busy time of year in New Caledonia. This is one of the main tourist seasons on the island with many from Australia, New Zealand, and France coming here while the kids are out of school. About half in New Caledonia are Catholic and often go to mass all night on the day before Christmas. They seek to welcome Christmas morning while joyfully remembering the day that Christ was born. Many Protestants and Evangelicals in New Caledonia go to church on Christmas Day or the Sunday nearest to Christmas to celebrate the birth of the Saviour. The capital city of Noumea is lit up like a Christmas tree for the holidays each year. The city centre is the brightest spot, including Coconut Palm Square, the capital complex, and the Noumea Museum. Both palm trees and buildings are decked out with multi-coloured lights for the occasion.