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Holiday Focus: Ilinden (Macedonia)
On August 2, Macedonia marks the anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising, a famous Macedonian revolt against the Ottoman Empire in 1903. Though the revolt was unsuccessful, Macedonians still consider the rebellion a symbol of their refusal to accept Ottoman rule. Ilinden, which coincides with St. Elijah's Day, is one of Macedonia's most important national holidays and is celebrated with speeches, concerts, and other cultural events.
World Holidays Featured This Month
Japan - Obon Festival - Mid-August
Obon Festival takes place over several days in mid-August, with dates varying by region. During this time, people take vacations and return to their ancestral homes to welcome visiting ancestral spirits with bonfires.
Argentina - Death of General Jose de San Martin - August 17
Commemorates the general who is known as the Liberator of Peru, Chile, and Argentina for his defeat of the Spanish in 1812.
Gabon - Fete National - August 17
Commemorates Gabon's independence.
Hungary - St. Stephen's Day - August 20
Celebrates the harvest and honors the first king of Hungary.
Namibia - Heroes' Day - August 26
For Owambo people, this holiday marks the beginning of the armed resistance to South Africa. For Herero people, it honors ancestors killed by German colonizers.
Slovakia - Slovak National Uprising Day - August 29
Commemorates the 1944 rebellion against the Nazis.
Moldova - Limba Noastra - August 31
Celebrates the proclamation of Romanian as the official language.
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