Armed Forces Day(Honduras)
Armed Forces Day in Honduras honors the contributions and sacrifices of the country's military in national defense and humanitarian efforts.
Observed on October 21 each year, Armed Forces Day is a national holiday in Honduras dedicated to commemorating the service of Honduran soldiers across all branches of the armed forces. Parades, military exhibitions and ceremonies are held in Tegucigalpa and other major cities. The day highlights the military's role in protecting national sovereignty, supporting civil authorities during disasters and promoting peace and security. School and community events often include wreath-laying at monuments and patriotic speeches by government officials. Armed Forces Day fosters public appreciation and pride in the armed forces' traditions and modern missions.
Armed Forces Day
Honduras
Christianfeast day:
Asterius of Ostia, Berthold of Parma, BlessedCharles of Austria(Roman Catholic Church), Fintán of Taghmon, Hilarion, John of Bridlington, Laura of Saint Catherine of Siena, Leticia, Malchus of Syria, Peter Yu Tae-chol, Severinus of Bordeaux, Tuda of Lindisfarne, Ursula, Viator of Lyons, October 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
October 21 is marked in the Christian liturgical calendar with feast days for various saints across multiple traditions.
On October 21, both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches commemorate a diverse group of saints and blessed figures. Observances include special masses, liturgies and icon veneration dedicated to each saint. Key figures remembered on this day include Saint Asterius of Ostia, Blessed Charles of Austria and Saint Hilarion, among others. The Eastern Orthodox tradition also honors saints such as Severinus of Bordeaux and Tuda of Lindisfarne. These feast days reflect the rich tapestry of Christian hagiography and offer the faithful opportunities for reflection on the virtues and legacies of these holy men and women.
feast day
Asterius of Ostia
Berthold of Parma
Charles of Austria
Roman Catholic Church
Fintán of Taghmon
Hilarion
John of Bridlington
Laura of Saint Catherine of Siena
Leticia
Malchus of Syria
Peter Yu Tae-chol
Severinus of Bordeaux
Tuda of Lindisfarne
Ursula
Viator of Lyons
October 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Egyptian Naval Day(Egypt)
Egyptian Naval Day celebrates the establishment and achievements of the Egyptian Navy.
Observed annually on October 21 in Egypt, Naval Day honors the foundation of the Egyptian Navy under Muhammad Ali Pasha in the early 19th century. Festivities include naval parades along the Mediterranean coast in Alexandria, commemorative ceremonies at key naval bases and public exhibitions of maritime history. The day pays tribute to the sailors’ bravery and the navy’s vital role in protecting Egypt’s coastline and waterways. Educational events and open-ship visits foster public understanding of naval operations and maritime security. Egyptian Naval Day strengthens national pride in the country’s naval heritage and ongoing missions.
Egyptian Naval Day
Egypt
Indian Police Commemoration Day(India)
Indian Police Commemoration Day honors police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Observed on October 21 each year, Indian Police Commemoration Day was established to remember officers killed on duty while protecting the nation. The central ceremony takes place at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, where wreaths are laid by senior officials and family members of fallen heroes. State and local police forces across India hold parades, exhibitions and cultural programs to pay tribute to the courage and dedication of law enforcement. Seminars on police history, welfare initiatives and community outreach activities accompany the memorial events. The day reinforces public support for policing and highlights the vital role of the police in maintaining peace and security.
Indian Police Commemoration Day
India
National Nurses' Day(Thailand)
Thailand's National Nurses’ Day recognizes the vital role of nurses and commemorates the founding of modern nursing in the country.
Every October 21, Thailand celebrates National Nurses’ Day in honor of the nursing profession’s dedication and compassion. The date marks the birthday of Queen Savang Vadhana, regarded as the mother of Thai nursing and a pioneer in promoting healthcare. Celebrations include award ceremonies for outstanding nurses, professional seminars on advances in nursing practice and public appreciation events at hospitals nationwide. The day highlights the critical contributions of nurses to patient care, public health and medical research. It also offers forums for professional development and raises awareness of challenges facing the nursing community.
National Nurses' Day
Thailand
Ndadaye Day(Burundi)
Ndadaye Day commemorates the legacy of Burundi's first democratically elected president, Melchior Ndadaye.
Observed every October 21, Ndadaye Day honors the memory of President Melchior Ndadaye, whose 1993 election marked Burundi’s first democratic transition. His tragic assassination shortly after taking office led to a period of national turmoil. The day features official ceremonies, memorial services and educational programs that promote democracy, peace and reconciliation. National flags are flown at half-mast, and public discussions reflect on Ndadaye’s vision for governance and civil rights. Ndadaye Day serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic institutions and unity in Burundi’s future.
Ndadaye Day
Burundi
Overseas Chinese Day(Republic of China)
Overseas Chinese Day in Taiwan celebrates the cultural and economic contributions of Taiwanese communities abroad.
Observed each October 21 by the Republic of China (Taiwan), Overseas Chinese Day recognizes the achievements and support of Taiwanese expatriates around the world. Government-led forums, cultural exhibitions and networking events highlight the role of the diaspora in promoting Taiwan’s economy, culture and international relations. Awards honor individuals and organizations that strengthen ties between Taiwan and global communities. The day fosters a sense of identity, encourages investment and tourism, and celebrates the global Taiwanese family.
Overseas Chinese Day
Republic of China
Trafalgar Day(theBritish Empirein the 19th and early 20th century)
Trafalgar Day commemorates Admiral Nelson’s decisive naval victory over Napoleon’s fleet in 1805.
Celebrated on October 21, Trafalgar Day honors the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars, where the British Royal Navy under Admiral Lord Nelson defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets. This victory secured British naval supremacy and thwarted Napoleon’s plans to invade Britain. Traditional observances have included church services, naval parades and the singing of patriotic hymns. Historic naval ports and former British colonies often host reenactments, exhibitions of maritime artifacts and wreath-laying ceremonies at local monuments. Trafalgar Day reflects on leadership, courage and the strategic importance of naval power in shaping world history.
Trafalgar Day
British Empire
Birth of the Báb (2017)(Baháʼí Faith)
The Birth of the Báb celebrates the appearance of the Báb, the herald of the Baháʼí Faith.
Observed by Baháʼís each October 21, the Birth of the Báb commemorates the 1819 birth of Siyyid ‘Alí Muḥammad Shírází, who declared himself the Báb and paved the way for the Baháʼí Faith. One of nine holy days on which work and school are suspended in many Baháʼí communities, the occasion is marked by devotional gatherings featuring readings from sacred texts, prayers, music and historical reflections on the Báb’s life and mission. Community feasts, charitable initiatives and cultural programs foster unity and spiritual renewal. The day emphasizes themes of sacrifice, equality and the oneness of humanity as taught by the Báb.
Birth of the Báb (2017)
Baháʼí Faith
Asterius of Ostia
The feast day of Saint Asterius of Ostia commemorates an early Christian bishop and martyr celebrated on October 21.
Saint Asterius of Ostia was a 3rd-century bishop known for his pastoral leadership and steadfast faith during times of persecution. According to tradition, he shepherded the Christian community in Ostia, the port city of ancient Rome, before suffering martyrdom under imperial oppression. His feast day on October 21 is observed with special liturgical services, prayers and readings recounting his courage and devotion. In art and iconography, Asterius is often depicted in episcopal vestments, symbolizing his episcopacy and sacrifice. This celebration invites the faithful to reflect on the challenges faced by early Christians and to draw inspiration from Asterius’s example of endurance.
Asterius of Ostia
Berthold of Parma
Feast day commemorating Blessed Berthold of Parma, a 13th-century Franciscan tertiary famed for his humility and miraculous healings.
Blessed Berthold of Parma was a Franciscan tertiary from 13th-century Italy.
He embraced a life of solitude, prayer, and service to the poor.
Credited with numerous healings, he became a sought-after intercessor for the sick.
After his death, pilgrims flocked to his tomb, where many reported miracles.
His beatification recognizes his enduring legacy of charity and devotion.
His feast on October 21 invites reflection on simple holiness and compassionate care.
Berthold of Parma
BlessedCharles of Austria(Roman Catholic Church)
Feast day honoring Blessed Charles of Austria, the last Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, beatified for his steadfast faith and peacemaking efforts.
Born Archduke Karl Franz Joseph in 1887, Charles ascended the throne in 1916.
He sought a peaceful resolution to World War I and championed social reforms.
Exiled after the empire's collapse, he continued to care for the poor and wounded.
Married to Zita of Bourbon-Parma, he supported his family in hardship and penance.
Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004, he is venerated for his humility and devotion.
His feast on October 21 celebrates his life of service, compassion, and courage in times of turmoil.
Charles of Austria
Roman Catholic Church