Independence Day Maldives July 26th

A small island nation south of India, that has the distinction of the lowest average elevation at 1.5 meters and lowest highest elevation of only 2.4 meters, celebrates their Independence Day on July 26th from Great Britain in 1965. They have had self rule for most of their existence until 1887, with only two other times colonial powers controlled the area for a total of just over 15 years. Having influences from the west, middle east and the east as a stopping point for merchants, they have had a number of cultural influences throughout history. Interestingly they are the smallest of the Asian countries in both land area and population but they do have 1,192 islands but only 192 of them are inhabited.

In 2008 a fund was established by the government to relocate the inhabitants of the island with the threat of the ocean swallowing up the country as it has such a low elevation.

Never the less Happy Independence Day The Maldives!

Ebernoe Horn Fair, 25 July

In the small town Ebernoe Sussex, England is a tradition 100s of years old though it had gone into a dormant period and restarted in the mid 1800s. A cricket match is played and a town fair is held, complete with cake, tea and beer stalls plus bouncy castles and a hot air balloon.  Towards the end of the match the batter with the highest score (though I am not even sure what that means, cricket confuses me) get a set of horns from the sheep that has been roasting all day and will be served at the fair.

You can find a full write up about the day from someone who actually attended last years at http://www.talesfromahappyhouse.com/2013/07/ebernoe-horn-fair.html

Happy Ebernoe Horn Festival!

July 24 - Pioneer Day, Utah United States

Celebrating the day when Brigham Young entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, this is a day celebrated by not only those of the Mormon faith but all those who live in the area to commemorate the pioneers who lead the way to the west and settled in the area. Celebrated in similar fashion as Independance Day for the United States, there are parades, fireworks, rodeos and other festivities. It is the second most heavily trafficked day in the area, with the 4th of July just a head of it.

Happy Pioneer Day!

Renaissance Day in Oman and Revolution Day in Egypt, July 23, 2014

Renaissance Day in Oman

Qaboos bin Said al Said became the Sultan of Oman on July 23, 1970, now known as Renaissance Day, taking over from his father. He ushered in a much more progressive government helping to bring the population to a much higher standard of living. He has also helped to maintain good relations with both the West and Iran, often mediating between the two powers.

Happy Renaissance Day Oman!

Revolution Day in Egypt

The largest of the civil holiday in Egypt, it celebrates the anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution in 1952. Marked by concerts and military parades.

Happy Revolution Day Egypt!

Revolution Day - The Gambia, July 22

On July 22, 1994 Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh lead the coup that overthrew the government of Gambia because of the leadership failing to bring about the reforms promised. This new government has lasted since then and each July 22 is celebrated as the anniversary of the new country.

Links:

http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/18-years-of-the-july-22nd-revolution-gambia-triumphs-1

http://www.answers.com/topic/gambia-revolution-day

Happy Revolution Day The Gambia.