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Holidays in April 2023:
Festivals and Holidays Around the World

It is practically impossible to calculate the number of holidays celebrated around the world. Each country has its own important dates, interesting traditions, and customs that we either don't know anything about or know very little. Let's broaden our horizons and learn more about events in different corners of our planet! Permeet presents a selection of festivals around the world in April. So, the most popular festivals around the world in April 2023

Laugh Day | Fool's Day

Location: worldwide
Holiday: Laugh Day | Fool's Day
Date: April 1
Status: Cultural holiday, western holiday
Purpose: fun, jokes, pranks

History of the holiday: The origin of Fool's Day is not known for certain, there are several different versions. According to one of them Fool's Day appeared as the result of the calendar reform of the 16th century - the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, when the New Year was moved from April 1 to January 1. Those who did not have time to get used to the new calendar or refused to recognize it, continued to celebrate the New Year in the old style, that is, on April 1. They were considered fools and subjected to ridicule and deception. Although the exact origin of Fool's Day remains unknown, this holiday has become popular in many countries and is considered a symbol of fun, jokes and pranks

Traditions and Symbols: Traditionally on this day, everyone gives each other flowers, dances and dresses up in zombie costumes. Ha! Joke! April 1 is the season for jokes, pranks, and fun. Nowadays, pranks are reaching amazing proportions, are popular on social media and depend on the author's idea. But there are also traditional jokes in different countries. For example, in France, pranksters attach a paper fish to other people's backs, while in Ireland you can only joke until noon

Easter

Location: worldwide
Holiday: Easter
Date: Jewish Passover on April 6, Gregorian Easter on April 9, and Julian Easter on April 16
Status: Religious Holiday
Purpose: Symbolizes resurrection, new life and hope for the future

History of the holiday: The holiday of Passover is one of the major religious holidays of Christianity and Judaism, celebrated in April. It is celebrated in many countries around the world to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead after his crucifixion on the cross

Traditions and Symbols:
Jewish Passover. The Jewish Passover is steeped in tradition and rituals that have been passed down for centuries. Before the holiday, Jews must cleanse their homes of chametz, which are foods containing yeast or other forbidden ingredients. The Passover Seder is a large table gathering where Jews read the book of Haggadah, which contains stories about Jewish history and rituals associated with the Passover. During the Seder, Jews eat special foods, such as matzo and bitter herbs, symbolizing different aspects of Passover history. The celebration continues for several days, during which Jews practice many other traditions and rituals related to Passover.
Catholic Easter. Eggs are a main symbol of this feast, representing new life and rebirth. Traditionally, Easter eggs are painted red to symbolize the blood of Christ shed on the cross. It is also customary to eat foods that were previously forbidden during Lent, such as cakes, bacon, and eggs. Some territories practice egg hunts, a tradition loved by children. Another symbol of the holiday in some countries is the Easter bunny, who brings eggs, hides them for children, and sometimes offers chocolate or other sweets.
Orthodox Easter. Orthodox Easter traditions include the painting of eggs using various techniques, as well as the consecration of an Easter basket with eggs, cakes, red fish, herbs, and other products in church. During the celebration, there are often chants and ringing of bells. Cakes and Easter muffins are also customary during this holiday
Bisket Jatra
Location: Nepal
Holiday: Bisket Jatra
Date: April 14
Status: Cultural holiday, religious holiday
Purpose: Bikram Sambat calendar New Year's Eve

History of the festival: The Bisket Jatra holiday has been celebrated for several centuries and is one of the most well-known and beloved festivals in Nepal. Its origin is shrouded in legends, with some stories attributing the holiday to the defeat of evil demons by the locals, while others connect it to the beginning of the new year according to the lunar calendar

Traditions and Symbols: The Bisket Jatra festival is an eight-night/nine-day celebration of the Nepali New Year, mainly held in Bhaktapur. It features various fascinating events, including a grand opening attended by government and clergy representatives. One of the most exciting events is the tug of war between the upper and lower districts, followed by a long parade throughout the city. Over the following days, there are multiple religious ceremonies, rituals, sports competitions, and folk music concerts. Children also present sweets and fruits to their mothers during this festival
Songkran
Location: Thailand
Holiday: Songkran
Date: April 13-14
Status: National holiday, religious holiday
Purpose: Celebration of the New Year according to the Buddhist calendar

History of the festival: The history of the Songkran holiday dates back to 600 BC, following the death of sage Kapila Brahma. Originally celebrated in India as a symbolic rite of purification of the soul and body, people poured water on each other to symbolize a new beginning. Today, Songkran is a major festival celebrated in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, marking the beginning of the rainy season and the end of the dry season

Traditions and Symbols: The Songkran holiday is known for its tradition of pouring water, which represents the purification of the soul and the start of a new life cycle. Street water fights are a common sight during this festive occasion, leaving no one dry. Additionally, people participate in cleaning their homes and public areas, performing religious rituals, making offerings to monks and temples, and visiting the elderly. A white thread tied around the wrist serves as a symbol of purification, adding to the significance of this vibrant celebration
Coachella
Location: California, USA
Holiday: Coachella
Date: April 14-16
Status: Cultural festival, music festival
Purpose: Festival dedicated to art and music

History of the festival: The Coachella festival was established in 1999 and has grown to become one of the most highly anticipated music events in the United States. It all started with a boycott by rock band Pearl Jam of venues controlled by Ticketmaster due to conflicts. The musicians went on to hold their concert at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, which turned out to be a resounding success and eventually became the annual Coachella festivalr

Traditions and Symbols: Discover the traditions and hallmarks of Coachella, one of the most popular music festivals in the world. Held in the Coachella Valley in the Colorado desert, the festival features live performances and raucous parties with well-known artists from all musical genres, including Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails, Beyonce, and many others.
Global Selfie Earth Day
Location: worldwide
Holiday: Global Selfie Earth Day
Date: April 22
Status: Cultural festival, music festival
Purpose: To raise awareness of global issues

History of the festival: In 1970, UNESCO launched an environmental campaign to draw attention to global issues - pollution, global warming, deforestation, protecting endangered animals and others. The Earth Day initiative was joined by 193 countries

Traditions and Symbols: Every year on April 22, NASA launches satellites into space to observe the Earth as part of Earth Day celebrations. This day is marked by various activities related to ecology and nature, including games, contests, and workshops for children on caring for plants and creating mini-gardens.
Earth Day also provides an opportunity for companies and organizations to promote environmental responsibility and launch campaigns on energy conservation, the use of eco-friendly materials, and waste sorting.
On this day, we can reflect on our impact on the environment and take steps to preserve the planet. Many countries have implemented programs and laws to reduce environmental impact, increase renewable energy usage, and support clean technology. Supporting such initiatives is a great way to honor Earth Day and show your commitment to protecting the environment

King's Day | Koningsdag

Location: Kingdom of the Netherlands

Holiday: King's Day | Koningsdag

Date: April 27

Status: National holiday

Purpose: Birthday of King Willem-Alexander


History of the festival: The first Koninginnedag was established in 1885 to commemorate the birthday of Queen Wilhelmina. Over time, the holiday became a beloved tradition and is now celebrated annually in various ways. In 2013, King Willem-Alexander became the monarch, and the holiday was renamed Koningsdag

Traditions and Symbols: Festivities include fairs, concerts, carnivals, and other forms of entertainment. It is customary to wear orange clothing and jewelry, the color of the Dutch royal family. The royal family participates in the festivities, attending events and mingling with the people. Amsterdam's free exchange market is a popular attraction, offering a chance to sell or exchange items and connect with locals while enjoying the holiday atmosphere

Beltane Fire Festival
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Holiday: Beltane Fire Festival
Date: the night of April 30 to May 1
Status: Cultural festival
Purpose: The arrival of summer, the beginning of a new season

History of the festival: The history of the holiday goes back thousands of years and is rooted in ancient pagan traditions centered around the worship of the sun god and goddess of fertility. During this night, people believed that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits of ancestors and deities to cross into the physical world. To ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune and prosperity for the upcoming season, people would gather around bonfires, dance and sing songs

Traditions and Symbols: The Beltane Fire Festival in Edinburgh is a highly renowned event centered around the theme of fire. Participants come together to celebrate the arrival of the new season by performing various rituals around a large bonfire. The festival is characterized by lively dancing, singing, and performances that symbolize the renewal and rejuvenation of nature. A key part of the celebration is the ritualistic act of jumping over the bonfire, which signifies a transition from one state to another and serves as a purification ritual for negative energies
Holiday Calendar: