January 14

The Old New Year falls on January 14th when the Julian calendar New Year corresponds to the modern Gregorian date. In Abkhazia, Azhyrnykhua features folk music, dances, and festive meals. The Berber community celebrates Yennayer with special breads, rituals for prosperity, and colorful gatherings. Across regions, families come together to exchange gifts and wishes for the coming year. Traditional costumes, music, and local dishes underscore the cultural diversity of these observances. The day offers a chance to reflect on heritage and maintain connections to ancestral calendars and rituals.

Ratification Day marks the day when Maryland became the final state to ratify the Treaty of Paris on January 14th, 1784. This ratification officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Celebrations include historical reenactments, lectures, and exhibits at museums and historical societies. Educators use the day to discuss the treaty's significance in establishing United States independence. Local communities may host ceremonies near state buildings or landmarks. The observance honors the diplomatic and political efforts that secured peace and shaped the nation.

Yennayer marks the beginning of the agrarian Amazigh calendar and is observed across North Africa, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Festivities include preparing traditional couscous dishes, playing folkloric music such as ahidus, and donning regional attire. Families gather to share special pithas (rice cakes), perform rituals for a prosperous year, and engage in dances. Yennayer fosters cultural pride and highlights the rich heritage and resilience of the Amazigh people.