Holidays & Observances for August 19 | calendar.web-standard.org

Afghan Independence Day, commemorates theTreaty of Rawalpindiin 1919, granting independence from Britain (Afghanistan)

Afghan Independence Day marks the anniversary of Afghanistan regaining independence from Britain through the Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919.

In 1919, Afghanistan ended nearly a century of British influence with the signing of the Treaty of Rawalpindi, establishing full sovereignty. This national holiday is celebrated across Afghanistan with flag-raising ceremonies, parades, and cultural performances. Government buildings and schools host events highlighting Afghan history, heritage, and traditions. Families gather for special meals featuring traditional dishes, and community gatherings emphasize national unity. Media broadcasts documentaries and programs reflecting on Afghanistan’s journey to independence and its cultural diversity.

Afghan Independence Day Treaty of Rawalpindi

August Revolution Commemoration Day(Vietnam)

August Revolution Commemoration Day celebrates the 1945 uprising that led to Vietnam’s independence from colonial rule.

On August 19, 1945, the Viet Minh launched the August Revolution, overthrowing colonial authorities and declaring independence. This day is observed nationwide with official ceremonies, including wreath-laying at revolutionary monuments. Schools and government offices may close while veterans and officials participate in parades and cultural performances. Communities host exhibitions, film screenings, and educational activities to honor the revolution’s leaders and heroes. The holiday fosters patriotic spirit and reflects on the country’s struggle and achievements since independence.

August Revolution Commemoration Day

Birthday of Crown Princess Mette-Marit(Norway)

Birthday of Crown Princess Mette-Marit celebrates the birth of Norway’s Crown Princess and her philanthropic work.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, born on August 19, 1973, is known for her dedication to humanitarian causes and public service. Although not an official public holiday, fans and well-wishers across Norway send greetings and messages of support. The Royal Household releases statements highlighting her contributions to health, youth engagement, and social inclusion. Charitable organizations often reference her advocacy on issues like HIV/AIDS awareness and cultural exchange. Her birthday serves as an opportunity to reflect on her role in modernizing the Norwegian monarchy and her community efforts.

Birthday of Crown Princess Mette-Marit

ChristianFeast Day:

Bernardo Tolomei, Bertulf of Bobbio, Saint Calminius, Ezequiél Moreno y Díaz, Feast of the Transfiguration(Julian calendar), and its related observances:Buhe(Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo ChurchandEritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church)Saviour's Transfiguration, popularly known as the "Apples Feast" (Russian Orthodox ChurchandGeorgian Orthodox Church), Jean-Eudes de Mézeray, Louis of Toulouse, Maginus, Magnus of Anagni, Magnus of Avignon, Sebaldus, August 19 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

On August 19, various Christian traditions celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration and the feast days of multiple saints.

The Feast of the Transfiguration commemorates Jesus’ revelation of divine glory on Mount Tabor, celebrated by many Eastern churches using the Julian calendar. In Ethiopia and Eritrea, Buhe is observed with children singing and preparing doro wat (spiced chicken stew) around bonfires. Russian and Georgian Orthodox Christians mark it as the Apples Feast, blessing the first fruits of the harvest. Several saints are also honored on this day, including founders such as Bernardo Tolomei and early monastics like Bertulf of Bobbio. Liturgical services, processions, and special prayers are held in monasteries and cathedrals, reflecting a blend of spiritual and cultural traditions.

Feast Day Bernardo Tolomei Bertulf of Bobbio Saint Calminius Ezequiél Moreno y Díaz Feast of the Transfiguration Julian calendar Buhe Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church Saviour's Transfiguration Apples Feast Russian Orthodox Church Georgian Orthodox Church Jean-Eudes de Mézeray Louis of Toulouse Maginus Magnus of Anagni Magnus of Avignon Sebaldus August 19 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Manuel Luis Quezón Day(Quezon Cityand other places in the Philippines named afterManuel L. Quezon)

Manuel Luis Quezón Day honors the second President of the Philippines and the founding of Quezon City.

Established in honor of President Manuel L. Quezón, known as the "Father of the National Language," this day celebrates his legacy and leadership. Quezon City, named after him in 1939, hosts parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and cultural presentations in municipal plazas. Educational institutions organize seminars and exhibits on his contributions to education, language development, and governance. Community events often highlight Filipino arts, literature, and civic values championed by Quezón. The day reinforces local identity and reminds residents of Quezón’s vision for national unity and cultural pride.

Manuel Luis Quezón Day Quezon City Manuel L. Quezon

National Aviation Day(United States)

National Aviation Day celebrates the history and achievements of aviation in the United States.

Proclaimed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, National Aviation Day falls on Wilbur Wright’s birthday, August 19. Air and space museums open free exhibits, and aviation enthusiasts organize air shows and fly-ins across the country. Educational programs in schools introduce students to aeronautical science, engineering, and the legacy of the Wright brothers. The day highlights milestones in flight innovation, from early biplanes to modern jet and space technology. Aviation agencies and organizations host seminars and workshops to inspire future pilots, engineers, and aerospace leaders.

National Aviation Day

World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day honors humanitarian workers and raises awareness of global humanitarian crises.

Established by the United Nations in 2008, World Humanitarian Day commemorates the 2003 bombing of the UN headquarters in Baghdad. Observed globally on August 19, it pays tribute to aid workers who risk and even lose their lives helping others. NGOs, governments, and individuals participate by sharing stories, hosting fundraisers, and using social media campaigns under #WorldHumanitarianDay. Events focus on pressing issues like refugee support, disaster relief, and access to medicines in conflict zones. The day encourages people everywhere to support humanitarian efforts through donations, volunteering, and advocacy.

World Humanitarian Day

Bernardo Tolomei

Bertulf of Bobbio

Saint Calminius

Ezequiél Moreno y Díaz

Feast day of Saint Ezequiél Moreno y Díaz, a Spanish missionary and bishop known for his service in the Philippines and Colombia.

Born in Spain in 1848, Ezequiél Moreno y Díaz joined the Augustinian Recollects and dedicated his life to missionary work. He served communities in the Philippines before being appointed Bishop of Pasto in Colombia, where he cared for the poor and the sick. Renowned for his compassion and humility, he worked tirelessly despite suffering from cancer in his final years. He died on August 19, 1906, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1992. His feast day on August 19 is celebrated by clergy and lay faithful, especially those devoted to the sick and marginalized. Pilgrims and parish communities hold special masses and prayers in his honor on this day.

Ezequiél Moreno y Díaz

Feast of the Transfiguration(Julian calendar), and its related observances:

Buhe(Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo ChurchandEritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church), Saviour's Transfiguration, popularly known as the "Apples Feast" (Russian Orthodox ChurchandGeorgian Orthodox Church)

A major feast commemorating the Transfiguration of Jesus on Mount Tabor, observed on August 19 according to the Julian calendar in Orthodox traditions.

The Feast of the Transfiguration celebrates the moment Jesus revealed his divine glory to Peter, James, and John on Mount Tabor. In churches that follow the Julian calendar, the feast falls on August 19 of the Gregorian calendar. Russian and Georgian Orthodox communities mark the day with the popular Apples Feast, symbolizing the first harvest and Christ’s transformation. In Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Churches, the feast is known as Buhe and is celebrated with dawn church services and colorful processions. Believers bring fruits and vegetables to be blessed, reflecting gratitude for creation and spiritual renewal. Traditional music, local customs, and communal meals enrich the observance across diverse cultures.

Feast of the Transfiguration Julian calendar Buhe Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church Saviour's Transfiguration Apples Feast Russian Orthodox Church Georgian Orthodox Church