FEBRUARY, the second month of the year, has a rich and fascinating origin. The Romans added January (Ianuarius) and February (Februarius) to the beginning of the calendar, making January the first month. February was named after the Latin word februum, which means “purification” and atonement that took place during this period.
As various nations around the world celebrate their national days in the month of February, including, Sri Lanka, Grenada, Japan, Tibet, Afghanistan, Serbia, Canada, Lithuania, Libya, Kosovo, Gambia, Saint Lucia, Brunei, Guyana, Estonia, Mexico, Kuwait, and the Dominican Republic, we are reminded of the significance of freedom, sovereignty, and self-governance. These occasions not only commemorate the struggles and triumphs of the past but also inspire future generations to cherish and protect their hard-won independence.
FebMexico Constitution Day (First Monday of February)
Mexico Constitution Day is celebrated on the first Monday of February, Mexico’s Constitution Day marks the ratification of the Constitution in 1917.
04FebSri Lanka Independence Day
Sri Lankan Independence Day is celebrated on February 4th each year. This national holiday marks the country’s independence from British rule in 1948.
07FebGrenada Independence Day
The Independence Day of Grenada is celebrated on February 7th each year. This national holiday is marked by parades and ceremonies and commemorates the day the country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1974.
11FebJapan National Foundation Day
The annual national holiday on January 11 marks the foundation of Japan, enforced by a specific Cabinet Order set in 1966. It is the accession date of Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan.
13FebTibet Independence Day
Tibet Independence Day is observed on February 13. It marks the anniversary of the five-point proclamation issued by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1913.
15FebAromantic Spectrum Awareness Week
The full week after February 14, Sunday to Saturday is observed as Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week. Aromantic, or aro, individuals are those who experience little or no romantic feelings.
15FebAfghanistan Liberation Day
Liberation Day is celebrated in Afghanistan on February 15. It commemorates the withdrawal of Soviet Union troops from Afghanistan in 1989.
15FebSerbia Statehood Day
Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) is celebrated annually on February 15, marking the First Serbian Uprising in 1804, which gradually became the Serbian Revolution against Ottoman rule. The day also coincidentally marks the adoption of the first modern Serbian Constitution, known as the Sretenje Constitution.
15FebCanada National Flag Day
Canada celebrates National Flag Day on February 15, commemorating the first time the Canadian flag was raised in 1965. This iconic red and white maple leaf emblem symbolizes unity, diversity, and the collective pride of being Canadian.
16FebLithuania Statehood Restoration Day
Statehood Restoration Day marks the re-establishment of statehood in Lithuania. It is one of the country’s three principal national holidays.
17FebLibyan Revolution day
Libyan Revolution Day is celebrated on February 17 annually, marking the start of the 2011 revolution against Muammar Gaddafi’s regime.
17FebKosovo Independence Day
Kosovo Independence Day is celebrated on February 17. This day marks the Unilateral Declaration of Independence from Serbia in 2008.
18FebGambia Independence Day
Gambian Independence Day is celebrated on February 18 each year and is a national holiday. It marks the day the country gained independence from the United Kingdom.
22FebSaint Lucia Independence Day
Saint Lucia Independence Day is celebrated on February 22 every year. The day marks its inclusion in the Commonwealth of Nations as an independent state in 1979.
23FebBrunei National Day
Brunei National Day is a national holiday marking its independence from the United Kingdom on January 1, 1984.
23FebRepublic Day of Guyana
Estonia Independence Day marks the day of the Estonian Declaration of Independence in 1918. It is a national holiday celebrated with concerts, parades, and parties.
24FebEstonia Independence Day
Estonia Independence Day marks the day of the Estonian Declaration of Independence in 1918. It is a national holiday celebrated with concerts, parades, and parties.
24FebMexico Flag Day
Established by General Lázaro Cárdenas, then President of Mexico, Flag Day or Día de la Bandera is a national holiday honoring the country’s flag. The day also honors General Vicente Guerrero, who first pledged allegiance to the Mexican flag in 1821.
25FebKuwait National Day
Kuwait National Day was originally celebrated on June 19. Due to the extreme heat during the summer peak, the day was shifted to February 25, 1963. It is a national holiday in the country.
26FebKuwait Liberation Day
Kuwait Liberation Day, falling a day after Kuwait National Day, thus setting up a two-day holiday, marks the defeat of Iraqi troops by US-led coalition forces on this day in 1991.
27FebDominican Republic Independence Day
Dominican Republic Independence Day is celebrated to honor the beginning of its second independence from Haiti on February 27, 1844, which ended on January 24, 1856.
Along with these important dates, there are many other events that take place in the month of February. It begins with World Cancer Day, promoting awareness and action against the deadly disease. The month also celebrates the contributions of women in science and recognizes the importance of protecting wetlands. Additionally, February highlights critical issues such as female genital mutilation, online safety, and language preservation. Furthermore, the month honors the legacies of Charles Darwin and the importance of NGOs, productivity, and sustainable food systems. Overall, February’s observances aim to inspire positive change, promote awareness, and celebrate the diversity of human experience.
February 12th and 14th mark two unique celebrations: Darwin Day and Valentine’s Day. Darwin Day honors the birth and legacy of Charles Darwin, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to the theory of evolution. In contrast, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, romance, and friendship, originating from ancient Roman and Christian traditions. While one day honors a scientific breakthrough, the other celebrates love and friendship, making for an interesting contrast in February.