EVERY year we receive our fresh new diaries (well the old-school, paper-loving types do anyway) and it outlines all the upcoming annual holidays that we can look forward to.
There are the South African public holidays – 12 in total – that we all get very excited about (I’ve listed them below for the non-paperback members among us).
Then there are the international days we celebrate, as observed by the United Nations.
These serve to raise awareness about a host of issues. There is almost something for every day, including:
4 February: World Cancer Day [WHO]
3 March: World Wildlife Day
8 March: International Women’s Day
25 April: World Malaria Day [WHO]
28 September: World Rabies Day [WHO]
10 October: World Mental Health Day [WHO]
1 December: World AIDS Day
And while it’s always commendable to celebrate these days with vigour, perhaps 2020 is the year you attempt to indulge in some of the more unusual days which are celebrated in various countries annually.
Unfortunately, being late January already, you’ve missed a few goodies – National Cream Puff Day (2 January), National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day (3 January), and National Step in the Puddle and Splash Your Friends Day (11 January) – although you probably, unwittingly partook in celebrations of National Hangover Day on 1 January.
This February 14th, rather than crying about not having a Valentine’s date, you can celebrate National Cream-filled Chocolates Day and eat your way through the sadness.
This can be followed up two days later with National Do A Grouch a Favour Day – there’s one in every office!
In March you can sit on your mat and play with your fat cat as you indulge in Dr Zeuss Day on the 2nd, and later in the month you can run into an ex wearing your scruffiest clothes as you trip into National Awkward Moments Day.
I will no doubt be taking time to down a few draughts in honour of National Beer Day on 7 April, followed by a day of bean curry on National Big Wind Day (12 April), and then I’ll look for the wabbit on National Bugs Bunny Day (30 April).
I will, however, be avoiding 2 May (World Naked Gardening Day), 13 June (National Weed Your Garden Day), 5 August (National Work Like A Dog Day), and 24 November (National Sardines Day).
Personally, my favourite wacky holiday is 23 December – Festivus. Originating from the classic TV sitcom, Seinfeld, Festivus is a day the rejects the commercialisation of Christmas, with the only decoration a solid aluminium pole.
The traditional meatloaf dinner is followed by an ‘airing of grievances’, where everyone gets a chance to tell their loved ones the many ways they’ve disappointed them over the year.
The evening concludes with the ‘feats of strength’, where the head of the house challenges a guest to a wrestling match. It’s all very festive.
This is going to be a busy year and you really don’t have any time to waste – today is Beer Can Appreciated Day, so get drinking!
South African public holidays
New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2020
Human Rights Day: Saturday, 21 March 2020
Good Friday: Friday, 10 April 2020
Family Day: Monday, 13 April 2020
Freedom Day: Monday, 27 April 2020
International Workers’ Day: Friday, 1 May 2020
Youth Day: Tuesday, 16 June 2020
National Women’s Day: Monday, 10 August 2020
Heritage Day: Thursday, 24 September 2020
Day of Reconciliation: Wednesday, 16 December 2020
Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2020
Boxing Day: Saturday, 26 December 2020
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
