America Recycles Day(United States)
An annual reminder to celebrate and promote recycling efforts across the United States.
Established by Keep America Beautiful in 1994, America Recycles Day takes place every November 15 to encourage individuals, communities, and organizations to recycle and reduce waste. Participants host events, share tips, and make recycling commitments. Schools, businesses, and local governments organize collection drives and educational programs. The day raises awareness of resource conservation and sustainable practices. It highlights the environmental and economic benefits of recycling.
America Recycles Day
Christianfeast day:
Abibus of Edessa, Albert the Great, BlessedCaius of Korea, Didier of Cahors, Francis AsburyandGeorge Whitefield(Episcopal Church), Blessed Hugh Faringdon, Leopold III, apublic holidayinLower AustriaandVienna., Malo, Mechell, November 15 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A liturgical celebration honoring multiple saints observed on November 15 in various Christian traditions.
On November 15, the Christian calendar commemorates saints such as Abibus of Edessa, Albert the Great, and Blessed Caius of Korea. The Episcopal Church also remembers Francis Asbury and George Whitefield. In Eastern Orthodox tradition, saints like Malo and Mechell are honored with special liturgies. In parts of Lower Austria and Vienna, the feast of Leopold III is observed as a public holiday. These celebrations include church services, processions, and cultural events reflecting local customs.
feast day
Abibus of Edessa
Albert the Great
Blessed
Caius of Korea
Didier of Cahors
Francis Asbury
George Whitefield
Episcopal Church
Blessed Hugh Faringdon
Leopold III
public holiday
Lower Austria
Vienna
Malo
Mechell
November 15 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Day of the German-speaking Community of Belgium(German-speaking Community of Belgium)
The official celebration of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, showcasing its culture and heritage.
Observed on November 15, this day marks the cultural and political identity of Belgium’s German-speaking population. It commemorates the first session of the Council of the German-speaking Community in 1984. Festivities include concerts, exhibitions, and traditional performances across municipalities. Local leaders deliver speeches highlighting linguistic rights and regional autonomy. Schools and community centers host educational activities and cultural workshops. The celebration fosters unity and pride among community members.
Day of the German-speaking Community of Belgium
German-speaking Community of Belgium
Day of the Imprisoned Writer(International observance)
An international observance highlighting the plight of jailed authors and advocates for freedom of expression.
Established by PEN International in 1981, the Day of the Imprisoned Writer is held annually on November 15. It honors writers who have been persecuted or imprisoned for their work and raises global awareness about censorship. Events include readings, exhibitions, and advocacy campaigns organized by writers’ associations and human rights groups. Participants call for the release of incarcerated authors and promote legal protections for free speech. The day underscores the vital role of literature in fostering open dialogue and democracy.
Day of the Imprisoned Writer
International observance
Independence Day, unilaterally declared in 1988. (Palestine)
Palestine observes this day to commemorate its unilateral declaration of independence in 1988.
On November 15, 1988, the Palestinian National Council proclaimed the establishment of the State of Palestine. The declaration was made in Algiers amid the First Intifada and sought international recognition. Commemorations include official ceremonies, cultural events, and lectures on Palestinian history. Citizens and diaspora communities reflect on themes of sovereignty and self-determination. While full diplomatic recognition remains contested, the day remains a symbol of national identity and aspiration.
Independence Day
Palestine
King's Feast(Belgium)
Belgium’s annual feast day honoring the monarchy and the reigning king.
The King’s Feast, observed on November 15, is a public holiday in Belgium dedicated to the monarchy. It coincides with the feast of St. Leopold and celebrates the king’s role as head of state. Ceremonies include a Te Deum service in Brussels and official speeches by the sovereign. Government institutions and many businesses close for the day. The holiday reinforces national unity and respect for constitutional traditions. Belgian citizens mark the occasion with family gatherings and cultural activities.
King's Feast
National Tree Planting Day(Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka’s annual observance dedicated to planting trees and promoting environmental conservation.
Established in 1971, National Tree Planting Day is held every November 15 to combat deforestation and preserve biodiversity. Schools, community groups, and government agencies organize tree planting campaigns in urban and rural areas. Millions of seedlings are distributed and planted in parks, along roads, and in private gardens. The event educates the public about the importance of forests for climate regulation and wildlife habitat. It fosters a culture of environmental stewardship among citizens of all ages. Initiatives often include educational workshops and awards for the most innovative planting projects.
National Tree Planting Day
Sri Lanka
Peace Day(Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast’s national Peace Day commemorates the end of its civil conflict and promotes unity.
Peace Day in Ivory Coast is observed on November 15 each year to honor the ceasefire agreement that ended the Ivorian Civil War. The day features official ceremonies with government leaders and religious figures calling for reconciliation. Communities organize peace marches, cultural performances, and discussions on conflict resolution. Educational institutions hold programs teaching the values of tolerance and social cohesion. Peace Day reinforces ongoing efforts to heal divisions and build sustainable peace. It remains a symbol of hope and national solidarity.
Peace Day
Ivory Coast
Republic Proclamation Day(Brazil)
A Brazilian public holiday marking the proclamation of the republic in 1889.
Republic Proclamation Day commemorates the end of the Brazilian Empire and the establishment of the republic on November 15, 1889. Military officers led a peaceful coup that deposed Emperor Pedro II and installed a provisional government. The day is celebrated with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and official speeches. Educational programs explore the political and social transformations of the period. Many cities host reenactments and cultural festivals highlighting national history. The observance reinforces civic pride and reflection on Brazil’s democratic development.
Republic Proclamation Day
Shichi-Go-San(Japan)
A traditional Japanese celebration for children aged three, five, and seven to pray for their healthy growth.
Shichi-Go-San, literally “Seven-Five-Three,” is observed on November 15 in Japan. Families dress children in kimono and visit Shinto shrines to offer prayers for health and prosperity. The festival dates back to the Heian period when special ages were celebrated with rituals. Children receive Chitose-ame (thousand-year candy) symbolizing longevity. Photographers capture formal portraits to mark the occasion. Today, Shichi-Go-San blends religious tradition with modern celebrations, uniting families in a cherished cultural ritual.
Shichi-Go-San
Republic Day(Northern Cyprus)
Republic Day commemorates the declaration of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on November 15, 1983. It is a day of national pride marked by official ceremonies and cultural events.
On November 15, 1983, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was proclaimed, following a period of political tension and conflict. Republic Day is celebrated annually with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and speeches by political leaders. Cultural performances, concerts, and community gatherings emphasize the nation’s heritage and identity. Schools and government offices often hold special events to educate citizens about the history of Northern Cyprus. The day fosters national unity and reflects on the challenges and achievements of the young republic.
Republic Day
The beginning ofNativity Fast(Eastern Orthodox)
The Nativity Fast, known as the Christmas Lent, begins in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is a period of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ.
The Nativity Fast starts on November 15, marking forty days of fasting before Christmas for Eastern Orthodox Christians. During this period, adherents abstain from meat, dairy, and eggs, focusing on prayer, almsgiving, and spiritual reflection. Churches hold special liturgies, prayer services, and scriptural readings to guide worshippers through the fasting season. The fast culminates in the Feast of the Nativity on January 7 (Julian calendar), celebrated with joyful services and communal meals. The Nativity Fast emphasizes self-discipline, repentance, and anticipation of the Incarnation of Christ.
Nativity Fast
Eastern Orthodox