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| HISPANIC MARKETING CALENDAR |
July 2007
Independence Day — (4th) Anniversary of when the United States of America became a free nation. (5th) Anniversary of when Venezuela was freed from Spain in 1811 . (9th) Argentina’s anniversary of the declaration of independence from Spain in 1816. (20th) Also celebrates Colombia’s independence from Spain in 1810. (28th) Celebrates Peru’s independence from Spain in 1824.
Los San Ferminas — This is a festival honoring San Fermin, the patron saint of Spain.
Nuestra Señora de Itati — Commemorates the Virgin of Itati. Thousands of travelers from all countries migrate to Argentina to pay tribute to the Virgin.
Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquira — The patron saint of Colombia. Her story stems from a painting of Virgin Mary and Baby Jesús. The painting was damaged due to humidity and sunlight. It was moved to Chiquinquira, Colombia, where one day, the painting was suddenly miraculously restored and the colors have remained bright and images clear to this day. She is commemorated on this day.
Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Maipu — Commemorates this Saint of Chile. Her image has been worshipped and has been associated with the struggles of independence for the Chilean nation for centuries. A church was built in her honor and she is celebrated year after year.
Munoz-Rivera Day — Celebrates the birthday of Luis Muñoz Rivera (1859-1916), patriot and journalist.
Constitution Day — Uruguay.
Simon Bolivar Day — A celebration of the birthday of South America's greatest liberator; he led the rebellion against Spanish rule that established the independence of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Constitution Day — Commemorates the anniversary of the day in 1952 when Puerto Rico became a commonwealth with the proclamation of their constitution. The United States had acquired the island after the Spanish-American war, and did not allow self-government until the 1950's, when their constitution was written.
St. James Day — Celebrates the patron saint of Spain.
August 2007
Feast of the Saviour — Celebrates the patron Saint of El Salvador. Locals celebrate with a procession honoring the saint.
Virgen de los Angeles Day — Celebrates the patron saint of Costa Rica. One of the most important religious celebrations.
Nuestra Señora de Copacabana — The patron saint of Bolivia is celebrated year after year with a feast in her honor. The figure, with her expressions, represents the inhabitants of the region, and that of an Inca Princess.
Independence Day — (6th) Celebrates Bolivia’s independence from Spain in 1825. (10th) Quito’s independence day. Commemorates the first patriot uprising in 1809 against Spanish rule. (25th) Celebrates Uruguay’s independence from Brazil in 1825.
Assumption — Celebration of Mary’s passage into heaven.
Foundation of Old Panama — Anniversary of the founding of Panama City.
Mother’s Day — Chile.
Restoration of Independence — Commemorates when the country declared war on Spain.
San Martin Day — Anniversary of the death of General José Francisco de San Martín, liberator of Argentina.
September 2007
Labor Day — This day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. This is a nationwide observance in which workers are to receive a day of rest.
Our Lady of Charity — Two brothers and a slave boy from Cuba were in search of salt to preserve meat for the copper miners. Halfway across the Bay of Nipe they put in for the night to wait out a strong storm. The next morning a small white bundle which floated across the water toward them turned out to be the statue of Our Lady. It was attached to a board, that was completely dry, and bore the ins-c-r-i-p-tion I am the Virgin of Charity. A shrine was built immediately, and instantly became a pilgrimage destination.
Grandparents Day — This is the day to recognize all grandparents.
Rosh Hashanah — This is the day of the new year as celebrated on the Jewish calendar.
Ramadan — This is the beginning of the most venerated, blessed, and spiritually-beneficial Islamic holiday. It is honored with praying, charity, and most importantly a month-long fast.
Independence Day — (7th) Commemorates Brazil’s independence from Portugal. (15th) Commemorates the declaration of independence of Central America in 1821. (16th) Celebrates the day that Miguel Hidalgo announced the Mexican revolt against Spanish rule. (18th) Celebrates Chile’s independence from Spain in 1810. (21st) Celebrates Belize’s independence from the United Kingdom in 1981.
Nuestra Señora de Coromoto — The patron saint of Venezuela. Her image encouraged the Indians of the Coromoto tribe to interact with the white Spaniards in order to live a peaceful life free of sin. When her words were ignored, the angry Indian chief reached out to grab the beautiful saint, and she disappeared and a holy card was left in his hand. It was encrusted into a wooden statue, which can still be seen today. She is celebrated each year.
Hispanic Heritage Month — A month-long celebration of the achievements of Hispanics that begins on September 15th and ends on October 15th.
Yom Kippur — This is the Jewish holiday of the Day of Atonement. One of the holiest and most solemn holidays in the Jewish religion, this day is commemorated with a 24-hour fast and intensive prayer.
Autumn Equinox — First Day of Fall.
Virgin Mercedes Day — Celebrates the Mercedes Virgin with vigil, bands, fireworks and midnight mass.
October 2007
Battle of Angamos — This was an important struggle in the War of the Pacific. After this battle, the Peruvian Navy was unable to prevent the invasion of its territory.
Colombus Day Observed
Cirio de Nazare — Celebrates Our Lady of Nazareth. More than one million people participate in the Our Lady of Nazareth procession, considered to be one of the largest in the Catholic world. Festival lasts 15 days.
Anniversary of the War of Independence in 1868 — Celebrates the beginning of the War of Independence in 1868 .
Day of the Americas/National Day/Dia de la Raza — This holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America. A holiday with complex and changing meanings. Hispanics in the U.S. are split on their political feelings about the holiday.
Noss Senhora de Aparecida — In 1717, a group of Brazilian fishermen pulled up a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, followed by an abundant catch after a fruitless fishing day. They enshrined the statue, and in 1929, the Brazilian nation declared Nossa Senhora Aparecida the Patroness of Brazil. At least 500,000 pilgrims flock to this sanctuary annually.
Nuestra Señora de Pilar — The patron saint appeared at one of Jesus’s apostle’s sides when he was disheartened with his message of spreading Jesus’s word. He was in Spain, and she instructed him to build a church in her honor. She disappeared, leaving a pillar behind. The church was built, and it was the first one commemorating the Blessed Mother. Her site is still a major pilgrimage location to this day.
Hispanic Heritage Month — This month-long celebration of Hispanic achievements ends on October 15th.
National Boss Day — This is traditionally a day for employees to thank their superiors for being kind and fair throughout the year. All bosses are recognized on this day.
Our Lord of Miracles — The holiday stems from the 1700s when a huge earthquake destroyed Lima, but a painting of the Purple Christ was not affected.
Sweetest Day — Originated in Ohio as a day when candy makers distributed candy to unfortunate people, such as orphans and the poor. Today, it involves giving flowers and gifts to loved ones as an act of kindness.
Revolution of 1944 — Commemorates when the brutal dictator, General Jorge Ubico, was overthrown and democracy was implemented.
Halloween — This is a tradition most notably celebrated by children dressing up in costumes and going door-to-door collecting sweets.
November 2007
All Saints Day — Honors and recognizes all of the saints of the Catholic church, many of which were martyrs.
Day of the Dead — A festive time when Mexican families remember their dead, and the continuity of life.
All Souls Day — Commemorates loved ones that have passed away. People go to pay respect at cemeteries and special religious services are held.
Independence Day — (3rd) Celebrates Panama’s independence from Colombia in 1903. (28th) Celebration of Panama’s independence from Spain.
Cuenca’s Independence Day — The culmination of three days of festivities, this is the final day of Cuenca's biggest annual celebration.
Flag Day
Daylight Savings Time — On this day, the nation turns its clocks back for daylight savings.
Cry of Independence Day — El Salvador.
Constitution Day
First Cry for Independence Day — Commemorates the first battle for Independence in 1811, led by Padre José Matías Delgado.
Cartagena’s Independence Day — Commemorates the city of Cartagena’s declaration of independence made in 1811.
Veterans Day — commemorates Armistice Day, the day which ended World War I. Also honors the veterans who gave their lives for our nation.
Republic Day — Commemorates the date when Brazil proclaimed itself a republic.
Discovery of Puerto Rico Day — Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico on his second voyage to the west in 1493.
Nuestra Señora de la Divina Providencia — The devotion to this Saint was brought over to Puerto Rico from Italy and Spain by the bishop of Puerto Rico. A cathedral was restored in the Divine Providence, and immediately the Virgin of Providence was established there.
Celebration of the Revolution — Celebrates the day when revolutionaries overthrew the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz .
Nuestra Señora de la Paz — In 1682, merchants found an abandoned box on the shore of El Salvador. They were unable to open the box, and assuming it had something of value inside they decided to take it to the City of San Miguel to learn how to open it. The box was carried on a donkey’s back. When they arrived, the merchants found the donkey laying on the ground the box suddenly was opened. Inside, they found Our Lady holding the Child. The inhabitants of the region immediately ceased their fighting when this image was found. She was named Our Lady of Peace and she is commemorated every year.
Nuestra Señora de la Presentacion del Quinche — Our Lady of the Presentation of Quinche is a handsome wood sculpture carved in the 16th century by Don Diego de Robles. The Indians recognized the Virgin, who they said had appeared in a cave and had promised to deliver them from the dangerous bears which devoured the children. She is celebrated each year with a feast.
Thanksgiving Day — This is an annual one-day holiday to give thanks at the end of the harvest season. It is celebrated with a huge feast (traditionally including a turkey) with family and friends and parades.
Hurricane Season Ends — This is the day when hurricane season ends across the nation.
December 2007
Santa Barbara — Legend says she became the patron saint in time of danger after her father, who had guarded her to prevent her from turning to Catholicism, got struck by lightning. She is not a saint of the Catholic church. She is venerated by many people globally but she is the product of a legend that has not been declared accurate. She is honored with a feast.
Hanukkah — An 8 day Jewish festival, which ends on December 12th. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.
Constitution Day — Celebrates when the Spanish people voted in a national referendum to approve the draft constitution which had been passed by the interim parliament representatives in October of the same year.
Immaculate Conception — Celebrates the belief that Mary herself was immaculately conceived. The idea is central to the belief in her absolute perfection and purity as the vessel of Christ's incarnation .
Nuestra Señora de Caacupe — Our Lady’s image was carved into a tree trunk by a man who promised to do it if his prayers for protection from a dangerous tribe were answered by Mother in Heaven. Her image was protected from a great flood and has been kept in a church. Year after year, a feast is held in Our Lady’s honor and thousands of pilgrims congregate at the Virgin’s sanctuary.
Mother’s Day — Panama
Our Lady of Guadalupe — Mexico’s most important religious holiday. On this day, many celebrations and feasts are held in honor of Mexico's patron saint.
Posadas — Festivities that continue for nine days in commemoration of the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem .
San Lazaro — San Lazaro, the “Miracle Worker”, is another Patron Saint of Cuba. He was resurrected by Jesus on the fourth day after he passed away.
Winter Solstice — First Day of Winter.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Kwanzaa — This African-American holiday begins on December 26th and ends on January 1st. It reaffirms the dignity of the human person in community and culture.
Holy Innocents Day — Observed in commemoration of the slaughter of male infants in Bethlehem during Herod the Great's attempt to kill the infant Jesus.
New Years Eve
January 2008
New Years Day
3 Kings Day — Holiday remembering the day when the 3 wise men following the star to Bethlehem arrived bearing their gifts to Jesus.
Our Lady of Highest Grace — This is the day of the patron saint of the Dominican Republic.
Juan Pablo Duarte Day — Celebrates Juan Pablo Duarte’s Birthday. He is known as the founder of the Dominican Republic.
Jose Marti’s Birthday — A political activist, independence hero and poet who led the fight for Cuba’s independence from Spain.
Eugenio Maria de Hostos’ Birthday — Celebration of the Puerto Rican educator and independence advocate. He made many educational impacts in Latin countries such as Peru and the Dominican Republic. He was also known as one of the first systematic sociologists in Latin America as well as a supporter of women’s rights.
Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday — Celebration of an important figure in American History. Martin Luther King Jr. paved the way for Civil Rights and he received a Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 35. He was assassinated in 1968.
Islamic New Year — This is the date when Islamic followers celebrate their New Year (El-Hijra).
Carnaval — Carnaval is a five day festive holiday celebration of a last indulgence of carnal pleasures that Catholics must give up for 40 days of fasting during Lent. Celebrated with numerous parades, music, dancing and feasts.
February 2008
Treaty of Hidalgo — Celebrates the day when a peace treaty ending the Mexican-American war was signed. This treaty provided for the Mexican Cessation of land to the United States in exchange for money.
Groundhog Day — In American tradition, every February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil (a groundhog) comes out of his burrow in Pennsylvania to predict how much longer winter will last (based on his shadow).
Nuestra Señora de Suyapa — The image of Our Lady carved in a cedar wood was found by an 8 year old boy who was spending the night in the woods on his way back to the village of Suyapa after gathering corn all day. She is the patroness of Honduras and multitudes of pilgrims migrate to Suyapa to see her year after year.
Constitution Day — Official holiday that commemorates the Constitution of Mexico .
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday — Celebrates the birthday of the 16th U.S. President. He is best known for the Emancipation Proclamation, which abolished slavery. Lincoln was assassinated in 1865.
Valentines Day — On this day, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones in the name of St. Valentine.
Chinese New Year — This date signifies the new year for the Chinese and also the new lunar cycle.
Presidents Day — This is a day that honors the men who have served as presidents in this nation.
George Washington’s Birthday — Celebrates the birthday of the first President of the United States.
Flag Day — This Mexican national holiday honors the Mexican flag .
Independence Day — Celebrates the Dominican Republic’s independence from Haiti.
March 2008
Women’s Day — Commemorates the revolt of American women in New York City in 1857. This is the day when people praise working women.
Baron Bliss Day — This is the day when a celebration is held to honor Baron Bliss, a British-born traveler who gave about 2 million U.S. dollars to a trust fund for the benefit of the citizens of Belize (formerly British Honduras).
Daylight Savings Time — This is the day when the nation turns their clocks forward for daylight savings.
St. Patrick’s Day — A festive holiday celebrating the patron saint of Ireland. People celebrate with parades, by wearing green, and by drinking beer.
St. Joseph Day — St. Joseph is highly honored by Orthodox and Roman Catholics as the foster father of Jesus and the chaste spouse of Mary. Roman Catholics regard him as patron of the Church.
Vernal Equinox — First Day of Spring.
Birthday of Benito Juarez — Official holiday honoring the birthday of Benito Juarez, a national hero and famed Mexican president.
Holy Week – The week leading up to Easter involves solemn processions, prayer, masses and other preparations for Jesus’ rebirth.
Holy Thursday — The Thursday before Easter, the day on which the Last Supper is said to have occurred .
Good Friday — A holy day celebrated by Christians on the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary.
Easter Sunday — Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
Cuasimodo — In Chile, On the Sunday after Easter, parish priests in colonial times went forth to take the Holy Sacraments to the elderly and infirm those who couldn't get to church on Easter Sunday. They were guarded by groups of cowboys who protected them from bandits after the silver chalices. Along the way, the priests and their bodyguards were given food and drinks, usually chicha or wine, to wash away the road dust. The tradition continues to this day.
National Environment Education Week — This day is the start of the largest organized environmental event in the U.S. It increases the educational impact of Earth Day with a full week of educational events.
April 2008
April Fool’s Day — A traditional day in which various pranks are performed on people, who are the “fools” of the day.
Passover — This is an 8 day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II.
Pan American Day — celebrated annually as a commemorative symbol of the American nations and the voluntary union of all in one continental community, marking the anniversary of the day in 1890 when this union was established.
Landing of the 33 Patriots Day – Anniversary of the landing of thirty-three exiles in 1825, who began a campaign leading to Uruguay’s independence.
Tiradentes Day — Commemorates the execution of Brazilian national hero Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier - a co-conspirator in the 1789 revolt against the Portuguese.
Administrative Professionals Day — A day to recognize administrative professionals for their contributions to the workplace and also to attract people to that sort of career.
Arbor Day — A day dedicated to tree planting and to raising awareness of the importance of trees.
International Earth Day — This is a day intended to inspire awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment.
May 2008
Labor Day — This is a day to rest from labor.
Cinco de Mayo — Commemorates the victory of Mexican forces over the French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla, and in other parts of Mexico. It is also celebrated in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population and has been commercialized over the years to become a day of parties and events.
Our Lady of Lujan — Tradition has it that an ox-drawn wagon taking the statuette of the Virgin of Lujan from Buenos Aires to Santiago del Estero stopped suddenly by the Luján River. The oxen refused to cross the river. Then someone noticed two small boxes that had been left in the back of the wagon. Each of these boxes contained a different image of the Virgin: one represented the Immaculate Conception and the other the Virgin holding the Child Jesus. When the boxes were removed, the oxen continued immediately. It was understood that Our Lady wished to stay in Lujan, and that was respected.
Mother’s Day — This is a day to recognize mothers. The day is celebrated with flowers, presents and special programs for mothers (Mexico, United States, and Nicaragua).
Our Lady of Evangelization
Independence Day — (15th) Celebrates Paraguay’s independence from Spain in 1811. (20th) Anniversary of the transfer of power from Spain in 1902.
Battle of Las Piedras — Anniversary of the end of the conflict between Uruguay and Brazil in 1828.
Battle of Pichincha — Military and civilian parades show the nation's pride of the day in 1822 when the country's most important battle in the war for independence from Spain was fought.
Revolution of May/Independence Day — Commemorates the establishment of an autonomous government resulting from the revolution on this day in 1810. Known in Argentina as Revolucion de Mayo .
Memorial Day — This is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.
Corpus Christi — This is a Christian feast in honor of the Holy Eucharist. It is the solemnity of the body and blood of Christ.
June 2008
Start of Hurricane Season
Malvinas Day — This is an Argentine tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Falklands War.
Flag Day — America.
Sacred Heart — This is a religious devotion to Jesus’ heart. It represents a divine love for humanity as well as the concept of loving Jesus.
Father’s Day — A day to recognize all fathers.
Artigas Day — Celebrates Jose Gervasio Artigas who was a national hero and a first leader in the movement towards independence in Uruguay.
Flag Day — Argentina
Summer Solstice — First Day of Summer.
San Juan Day — Commemorates the birth of St. John the Baptist.
Inti Raymi — Festival of the Sun. Second largest festival in South America .
St. Peter & St. Paul Day — One of the oldest saints’ day. This feast commemorates the martyrdom of the two great Apostles, assigned by tradition to the same day. |
