Armed Forces Day (Peru)
A day to honor the Peruvian Armed Forces and their service to the nation.
Observed annually on September 24th, Armed Forces Day in Peru commemorates the founding of the Peruvian Armed Forces. The day features military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and tributes to current and former service members. It highlights the roles of the army, navy, and air force in national defense, peacekeeping missions, and disaster relief. Historical exhibitions showcase equipment, traditions, and stories from Peru’s military history. Schools and communities participate with educational programs and public displays. Government leaders deliver speeches honoring the bravery and sacrifices of service personnel. Citizens honor veterans by laying wreaths at monuments across the country.
Armed Forces Day (Peru)
Christianfeast day:
Anathalon(inBrescia), Antonio Gonzalez, BlessedÉmilie Gamelin(Canada), Gerard of Csanád, Our Lady of Mercyand its related observance:La Mercè(Barcelona), Our Lady of Ransom(Mercedarians), Our Lady of Walsingham(Church of England), Pacificus of San Severino, Rupert of Salzburg, September 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics).
A day marking various Christian saints’ feast days and Eastern Orthodox liturgical commemorations.
On September 24th, several Christian churches commemorate the lives of saints and religious figures. Western traditions honor Saint Anathalon of Brescia, Saint Antonio González, Blessed Émilie Gamelin of Canada, and Saint Gerard of Csanád among others. The Mercedarians observe Our Lady of Ransom, while Barcelona celebrates La Mercè in homage to Our Lady of Mercy. The Church of England commemorates Our Lady of Walsingham and local communities hold special services. Eastern Orthodox congregations mark September 24th in their liturgical calendar with hymns and readings for these featured saints. Devotees attend Masses, processions, and pray for intercession. This day blends local customs, art, and music in remembrance of these holy figures.
feast day
Anathalon
Brescia
Antonio Gonzalez
Émilie Gamelin
Gerard of Csanád
Our Lady of Mercy
La Mercè
Barcelona
Our Lady of Ransom
Mercedarians
Our Lady of Walsingham
Church of England
Pacificus of San Severino
Rupert of Salzburg
September 24 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Constitution Day (Cambodia)
Cambodia’s Constitution Day, celebrating the adoption of its current constitution.
Observed every September 24th, Cambodia’s Constitution Day marks the promulgation of the 1993 constitution following the UN-sponsored elections. The day honors the legal foundation that established Cambodia as a constitutional monarchy with democratic institutions. Government officials and citizens participate in flag-raising ceremonies at the Royal Palace and municipal buildings. Educational programs in schools explain the importance of constitutional rights and civic responsibilities. Cultural performances and exhibitions often accompany official events to showcase Khmer heritage. Speeches by the King and the Prime Minister reflect on the progress of Cambodia’s democracy. It is a public holiday across the country, allowing families to gather and reflect on the nation’s legal pillars.
Constitution Day (Cambodia)
Heritage Day (South Africa)
Heritage Day celebrates South Africa’s cultural diversity and heritage.
Every September 24th, South Africa observes Heritage Day to honor and celebrate the nation’s diverse cultural traditions and history. The day encourages citizens to showcase their heritage through food, music, dance, and art. Many communities host traditional braais (barbecues) under the informal slogan “Bring and Braai” to share cuisines across cultural lines. Heritage sites and museums offer free or discounted entry to promote learning about South African history. Educational events and performances highlight indigenous languages and folk traditions. Government leaders emphasize unity and reconciliation in speeches celebrating the Rainbow Nation. Heritage Day is a public holiday that fosters pride and understanding among South Africa’s diverse population.
Heritage Day (South Africa)
Independence Day, celebrates the independence ofGuinea-Bissaufrom Portugal in 1973.
Celebrates Guinea-Bissau’s independence from Portugal in 1973.
September 24th marks Independence Day in Guinea-Bissau, commemorating the declaration of independence in 1973 after a long struggle led by the PAIGC. The day recognizes the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the country’s journey toward sovereignty. Government ceremonies include military parades, flag-raising, and national anthems performed in public squares. Schools organize educational programs about the liberation war and national heroes such as Amílcar Cabral. Cultural exhibitions showcase traditional dances, music, and crafts from various ethnic groups. Speeches by political leaders reflect on national unity, development goals, and the importance of independence. Citizens celebrate with family gatherings, communal meals, and public festivities.
Independence Day
Guinea-Bissau
Mahidol Day(Thailand)
Commemorates the contributions of Prince Mahidol of Songkla to Thai medicine and public health.
Mahidol Day, observed on September 24th in Thailand, honors Prince Mahidol of Songkla—often called the Father of Thai modern medicine. The day marks the anniversary of the prince’s death in 1929 and celebrates his pioneering work in public health and medical education. Universities and hospitals host ceremonies, academic conferences, and award scholarships in his name. Medical students and professionals lay wreaths at Mahidol memorials and attend lectures on his legacy. The event highlights advances in medicine and encourages ongoing investment in public health research. Schools incorporate lessons about Prince Mahidol’s life and his role in establishing Thailand’s medical institutions. Mahidol Day is a time to reflect on the importance of healthcare and research for national development.
Mahidol Day
Thailand
New Caledonia Day(New Caledonia)
New Caledonia Day commemorates the establishment of regional autonomy and democratic institutions.
Observed each September 24th, New Caledonia Day marks the creation of its first province and the beginning of local self-governance under the 1984 Nouméa Accord. The day celebrates political milestones in the territory’s journey toward greater autonomy within the French Republic. Ceremonies include official addresses by the High Commissioner, flag-raising, and cultural performances showcasing Kanak heritage. Public festivities feature traditional music, dance, and local cuisine. Schools and civic groups organize educational events on New Caledonia’s history, languages, and customs. Exhibitions highlight the diversity of the islands’ communities and their contributions to regional development. New Caledonia Day fosters unity and pride among its inhabitants by honoring their unique identity.
New Caledonia Day
New Caledonia
Republic Day (Trinidad and Tobago)
Celebrates Trinidad and Tobago becoming a republic in 1976.
Republic Day on September 24th marks the anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago’s transition from a constitutional monarchy to a republic in 1976. The day honors the adoption of the country’s own president as head of state, replacing the British monarch. National ceremonies include flag-raising, military parades, and cultural performances highlighting Afro-Trinidadian, Indo-Trinidadian, and other heritages. Civic organizations host educational programs about the country’s constitution and democratic institutions. Speeches by the President and Prime Minister reflect on national unity, development achievements, and future aspirations. Schools and universities hold debates and exhibitions on the significance of republicanism. Republic Day is a public holiday that fosters patriotism and pride in national governance.
Republic Day (Trinidad and Tobago)
Anathalon(inBrescia)
Feast day of Saint Anathalon, the first known bishop of Brescia.
Celebrated locally in Brescia on September 24th, the feast of Saint Anathalon honors the first recorded bishop of the city who led the Christian community in the early 2nd century. The observance includes a solemn Mass at the Cathedral of Brescia and a procession through historic streets. Clergy and faithful pray for guidance and protection, invoking the saint’s legacy of pastoral care. Cultural events often accompany religious ceremonies, featuring traditional music and readings about Anathalon’s life. Local schools and institutions organize lectures on the spread of Christianity in Lombardy. The feast strengthens community bonds and preserves centuries-old devotional practices. Pilgrims may visit nearby shrines and relics attributed to the saint.
Anathalon
Brescia
Antonio Gonzalez
Feast day of Blessed Antonio González, a Spanish Franciscan known for his charity and devotion.
Observed on September 24th in certain Franciscan communities, the feast of Blessed Antonio González honors a Spanish priest renowned for his humble service to the poor and sick in the 17th century. The liturgy includes special readings, hymns, and anointing of the sick, reflecting his ministry. Pilgrimages to his burial site and associated shrines take place, where devotees seek his intercession for healing and compassion. Religious orders hold retreats and community service projects inspired by his example of charity. Educational sessions explore his writings on humility and pastoral care. Local parishes celebrate with communal meals, traditional prayers, and acts of kindness in his memory. Blessed Antonio González’s feast fosters a spirit of service and solidarity.
Antonio Gonzalez
BlessedÉmilie Gamelin(Canada)
Feast day of Blessed Émilie Gamelin, the Canadian nun who founded the Sisters of Providence and dedicated her life to caring for the poor and marginalized.
Blessed Émilie Gamelin (1800–1851) was a pioneering Canadian social worker and foundress of the Sisters of Providence in Montreal. Renowned for her compassion, she opened shelters for the homeless, orphanages, and hospitals, serving victims of poverty and illness. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001, her legacy continues through charitable works across Canada. Her feast day on September 24 celebrates her unwavering faith and dedication to social justice. The day invites reflection on the power of compassion and community service in modern society.
Émilie Gamelin
Gerard of Csanád
Feast day of Saint Gerard of Csanád, the first bishop of Hungary and martyr who helped establish Christianity in the region.
Saint Gerard of Csanád, also known as Gerard Sagredo (c. 980–1046), was a Benedictine monk who became the first bishop of Csanád under King Stephen I of Hungary. A devoted missionary, he played a crucial role in spreading Christian faith among the Magyars. In 1046, Gerard was martyred by anti-Christian rebels and became a revered patron saint of Hungary. His feast day on September 24 honors his courage, evangelizing missionary zeal, and enduring influence on Hungarian religious culture. Pilgrims and faithful observe the day with special liturgies and prayers for national unity and faith.
Gerard of Csanád