Traditional and international festivals

San Valentino

It is a traditional festival assimilated by the Catholic Church as the feast day of San Valentine, who was the protector of lovers. The festival is celebrated on February 14, the name day of San Valentin. In some countries the day is known as Lovers' Day and in others as Love and Friendship Day.

Carnival

A festival that has been celebrated by thousands for centuries. The Greeks held numerous festivals in honor of the god of wine. The Romans also dedicated this festival to Bacchus, the god of wine. During Saturnalia, it was customary for soldiers and gentlemen to swap clothes for a day and get intoxicated for 24 hours. The Roman Catholic Church later made this day Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the 40-day period of Lent according to the Christian calendar. The Portuguese holiday is called “Entrudo” and seems to be the origin of the Rio Carnival. The first carnival in Rio took place in 1840. The participants danced polkas and waltzes. The traditional samba, which is now the hallmark of the carnival, was only part of the carnival from 1917.

Mother's Day

For many centuries mothers have been commemorated. It started with the worship of the mythological mothers that exist in many cultures. The first public holidays arose to commemorate mothers. Over time, and for reasons unknown today, a dedicated holiday for the most important women in our lives was instituted. Perhaps it was because the children were moving farther away from home to study or work, or to commemorate those who died in the war. A holiday that honors family values ​​and is a good opportunity to spend time together.

Father's Day

This holiday is celebrated on March 19, Saint José's Day, in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Honduras, Equatorial Guinea, Liechtenstein, Macau, Andorra and Bolivia. However, in most countries it is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, but there are also other dates: in Russia, for example, February 23, Defender of the Fatherland Day, is celebrated. In Romania it is the second Sunday in May and in Australia and New Zealand it is the first Sunday in September. In Germany, the day is celebrated 40 days after Easter. The day may vary from city to city as the holiday actually originated in the United States.

International Women's Day

Also known as International Working Women's Day, this day commemorates women's struggle for equality and empowerment in everyday life. It is celebrated on March 8th. In some countries it is a national holiday.

The first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911 in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Switzerland. Since then, the holiday has spread to many other countries.