November 01

All Saints' Day has been celebrated since the early centuries of the Church to honor all known and unknown saints. It is observed on November 1 by Catholics worldwide and is a public holiday in countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. The tradition honors martyrs and saints, and follows All Hallows' Eve on October 31. In Mexico and other Latin American nations, it marks the start of Día de los Muertos festivities, a vibrant cultural celebration of ancestors. Families create altars with photos, marigolds, and offerings to remember loved ones. The day combines solemn liturgical services with colorful processions and folk customs, blending religious devotion with cultural heritage.

This national holiday honors the outbreak of the Algerian Revolution in 1954, beginning with coordinated attacks by the National Liberation Front against French colonial forces. Observed annually on November 1, it marks the first major action in the eight-year struggle that led to Algeria's independence in 1962. The day features official ceremonies, wreath-laying at monuments, military parades, and speeches by political leaders. Citizens commemorate the sacrifices of freedom fighters and remember those who lost their lives in the quest for self-determination. Educational events and documentary screenings inform younger generations about the revolution's history. The holiday underscores national unity and pride in Algeria's hard-won sovereignty.

Chhattisgarh, formerly part of Madhya Pradesh, became a separate state on November 1, 2000, following demands for regional autonomy. The day is observed as a state holiday with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and public gatherings. Government officials and citizens pay tribute to the state’s history and pioneers of the movement. Folk dances, music festivals, and handicraft exhibitions showcase Chhattisgarh’s rich tribal and cultural heritage. Schools and colleges hold competitions in art, drama, and essay writing on state identity. The celebrations foster state pride and unity among the diverse communities of Chhattisgarh.

The ceremony was held at Punakha Dzong, the ancient fortress of Bhutan, with attendance by dignitaries and citizens. It followed the abdication of the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in favor of his son. Traditional rituals included the lighting of butter lamps, sacred dances, and blessings by high lamas. The event united the nation in celebration of its monarchy and Buddhist heritage. It set the stage for modernizing reforms under the new king's reign. Annual observances include cultural performances and prayers for the monarch's well-being.

On November 1, 1981, Antigua and Barbuda became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, ending centuries of colonial rule. The holiday is marked by flag-raising ceremonies, military parades, and fireworks displays. Government leaders deliver speeches to honor national heroes and reflect on the path to self-governance. Cultural festivals highlight local music genres like calypso and steelpan, alongside traditional dances and costumes. Schools and communities host pageants and sporting events celebrating Antiguan and Barbudan identity. Street fairs offer local cuisine, crafts, and folklore that showcase the islands' vibrant heritage.

On November 1, 1956, the unification of Kannada-speaking regions led to the creation of the Mysore State, later renamed Karnataka. The day is observed with the state flag hoisted at government buildings and the Rajyotsava Awards conferred on outstanding achievers in various fields. Cultural events showcase traditional music, dance, and theater, while Nagara Sankeerthanas (street processions) wind through cities. Schools and colleges host essay competitions, art exhibitions, and folk performances to instill pride in Kannada heritage. Special commemorative stamps and coins are often released. The festival unites diverse communities under the shared banner of Kannada identity.

The modern state of Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956, from the merger of Malabar District and Travancore-Cochin into a single Malayalam-speaking state. Kerala Day is observed with official ceremonies, flag hoisting, and cultural programs highlighting classical arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and traditional music. Public schools and cultural organizations conduct exhibitions, workshops, and seminars on the state’s heritage and achievements. It is a gazetted holiday featuring parades and communal feasts of traditional Kerala cuisine. The day reflects Kerala's unique social progress, literacy achievements, and communal harmony since its formation.

On November 1, 1848, Governor Peter von Scholten declared the emancipation of enslaved people in the Danish West Indies, now the U.S. Virgin Islands. This historic act ended centuries of bondage for the islands’ African-descended population. Liberty Day is a public holiday featuring parades, cultural performances, and educational events. Ceremonies at Fort Frederik in Frederiksted honor the first reading of emancipation and pay tribute to the resilience of the enslaved. Community gatherings include storytelling, musical concerts, and exhibitions on the history of slavery and freedom. The day is a reminder of the struggle for liberty and the ongoing quest for social justice in the territory.

National Awakening Day, observed on November 1, marks the anniversary of the opening of the first Bulgarian school in 1858 at the Rila Monastery. It celebrates the efforts of educators, writers, and revolutionaries who fought to preserve Bulgarian language and identity under Ottoman rule. Government officials, scholars, and students lay wreaths at monuments of key revival figures. Cultural programs include lectures, folk performances, and exhibitions showcasing 19th-century manuscripts and art. Schools across the country host special lessons on the history of the Revival period. National media broadcast documentaries about the lives and works of key revival figures. The day reinforces pride in Bulgarian heritage and recognizes the power of education and culture in nation-building.

Established in 1954, Self-Defense Forces Commemoration Day is held annually in Japan on November 1 to honor personnel of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Ceremonies are held at JSDF bases and public venues, including flag-raising, moments of silence, and presentation of service awards. The Prime Minister and Defense Minister deliver speeches expressing gratitude for the forces’ dedication to national security and disaster relief efforts. Exhibitions of military equipment and open base visits allow citizens to learn about JSDF activities and technology. Community events often feature performances by JSDF bands and demonstrations of rescue operations. Educational programs in schools highlight the history and role of the Self-Defense Forces in postwar Japan. The day strengthens civilian-military understanding and appreciation.