Дата	Название праздника
2026-01-01	День нового года
2026-01-06	The Three Wise Men Day
2026-02-16	Carnival / Shrove Monday
2026-02-17	Карнавал / Масленица / Масленица
2026-03-20T11:46:00-03:00	Мартовское равноденствие
2026-04-02	Maundy Thursday
2026-04-03	Хорошая пятница
2026-04-05	Пасхальное воскресенье
2026-04-19	Landing of the 33 orientals
2026-05-01	Labor Day / May Day
2026-05-18	Battle of Las Piedras
2026-06-19	José Artigas’ Birthday Memorial
2026-06-21T05:24:30-03:00	Июньское солнцестояние
2026-07-18	Constitution Day
2026-08-25	День независимости
2026-09-22T21:05:13-03:00	Сентябрьское равноденствие
2026-10-12	Day of cultural diversity
2026-11-02	All Souls’ Day
2026-12-21T17:50:14-03:00	Декабрьское солнцестояние
2026-12-24	сочельник
2026-12-25	Рождество
2026-12-31	Канун Нового года

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new calendar year in the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most of the world today. This festive occasion has roots in ancient traditions, with celebrations dating back to Babylonia around 4,000 years ago. Interestingly, the Romans were the first to officially recognize January 1st as the start of the year, honoring Janus, the two-faced god of beginnings and transitions. Customs vary globally, from fireworks and parades to family gatherings and resolutions aimed at self-improvement. In Spain, it’s traditional to eat twelve grapes at midnight, symbolizing good luck for each month ahead. With its blend of cultural significance and joyous celebration, New Year’s Day serves as a moment of reflection, hope, and renewal as people worldwide usher in new opportunities and experiences.

The Three Wise Men Day Introduction

The Three Wise Men Day, also known as Epiphany or Día de Reyes, is celebrated on January 6th and holds significant cultural and religious importance in various countries, particularly in the Christian tradition. This holiday commemorates the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, to the newborn Jesus, as described in the Gospel of Matthew. Interestingly, it marks the end of the Christmas season in many cultures. In Spain and much of Latin America, the day is celebrated with parades, music, and the traditional “Rosca de Reyes,” a sweet bread shaped like a crown. Families often gather to share this treat, which conceals a figurine symbolizing good luck for the year ahead. The holiday also emphasizes themes of generosity and sharing, as gifts are exchanged, echoing the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh brought by the Magi. In some cultures, children leave their shoes out to receive gifts, much like the tradition of Santa Claus. Overall, The Three Wise Men Day is a vibrant celebration that blends religious reverence with joyous festivities, fostering community and family bonds.

Carnival / Shrove Monday Introduction

Carnival, particularly celebrated on Shrove Monday, marks the vibrant lead-up to Lent in many cultures around the world. This festive occasion is characterized by exuberant parades, colorful costumes, and lively music, epitomizing a joyous farewell to indulgence before the solemnity of the fasting season. Originating in medieval Europe, the term “carnival” is derived from the Latin “carne vale,” meaning “farewell to meat,” reflecting the practice of consuming rich foods before the Lenten fast.

In cities like Cologne and New Orleans, Carnival transforms the streets into a kaleidoscope of festivities, where revelers partake in elaborate celebrations filled with dancing, masked balls, and culinary delights such as pancakes, which are traditionally consumed on Shrove Tuesday. Fascinatingly, some regions incorporate unique local customs; for example, in Brazil, the Rio Carnival is renowned for its samba parades, while Venice showcases its iconic masquerade balls. This multifaceted celebration not only fosters community spirit but also serves as a canvas for cultural expression, making Carnival a beloved occasion that captivates participants and spectators alike.

Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day Introduction

Carnival, also known as Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day, is a vibrant celebration that marks the culmination of the pre-Lenten festivities in many cultures around the world. Traditionally observed on the day before Ash Wednesday, it serves as a final opportunity for indulgence before the solemn season of Lent begins. The name “Shrove” derives from the old English word “shrive,” meaning to confess one’s sins, reflecting the day’s historical religious significance.

Pancakes have become a hallmark of this holiday, symbolizing the use of up leftover ingredients like eggs, milk, and sugar, which were often restricted during Lent. In the UK, pancake races are a fun tradition, where participants flip pancakes while running to the finish line. Meanwhile, in places like Brazil and New Orleans, Carnival transforms into extravagant parades filled with music, dance, and colorful costumes, showcasing the cultural diversity of the celebration. Interestingly, the date of Carnival varies each year, as it is calculated based on the lunar calendar and always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, making it a movable feast with deep-rooted historical and cultural significance.

March Equinox Introduction

The March Equinox, occurring around March 20th or 21st each year, marks a pivotal moment in the astronomical calendar when day and night are nearly equal in length. This phenomenon signals the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. The word “equinox” derives from Latin, meaning “equal night,” and it embodies a time of renewal and balance. Many cultures celebrate this transition with festivals that honor the changing seasons, such as the Persian New Year, Nowruz, symbolizing rebirth and hope. Interestingly, the equinox has also inspired various scientific pursuits; it serves as a reference point for timekeeping and agricultural cycles. In some traditions, the equinox is seen as a time for reflection and setting intentions, as the increasing daylight encourages growth and vitality. Whether observed through cultural rituals or scientific significance, the March Equinox is a fascinating celebration of nature’s rhythms and the cyclical passage of time.