National Day of Luxembourg- 23 June

Luxembourg's National Day is originally the birthday celebration of the country, the Grand Duchy, which began on the birth of the Grand Duchess Charlotte, on 23 January. Because they didn't want to celebrate the national day in winter, they postponed the national celebrations to June 23. This date remained unchanged even after her regime ended.

The celebrations all over the Grand Dukes begin on the evening of the National Day, on 22 June. In the capital, Luxembourg City, the festivities begin with festive ceremonies for the exchange of guards at the Grand-Ducal Palace around 4:00 pm.



In the evening there are torchlight parades in the capital. The public areas and narrow streets of Luxembourg turn into a huge open-air party with free concerts, DJs and dancing around the city. Local food stalls such as hot dogs, potato fritter, Luxembourgian beer and wine are also opened and offer plenty of options.

Later at night there is a fireworks show from Adolphe Bridge.

The next day, on National Day (June 23), the day begins with an official ceremony, followed by a military parade that begins at the train station. In the afternoon there is a teh daum (a psalm of thanksgiving and early Christian prayer) in Notre Dame Cathedral. 

In honor of Luxembourg's National Day, here are some interesting facts about it: 

Luxembourg is the smallest country in Europe in terms of population - it has about half a million people.   

Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of size - its territory is only 2,586 square kilometers.   

Although Luxembourg is such a small country, it is one of the richest countries in the world. Its per capita GDP is the highest in the world and its unemployment rate is the lowest in the European Union. 

Luxembourg gained independence from the French Empire on 9 June 1815.

Most Luxembourgers speak 3 languages:

 Luxembourgish, French and German. The official language in Luxembourg is Luxembourgish. 

Every year, about one million tourists visit Luxembourg (more than the citizens who live there). 

According to TripAdvisor website, the attraction that attracts the most tourists in Luxembourg is its American cemetery. This is a military cemetery that was first established during World War II and was chosen as one of the 12 permanent American cemeteries in Europe during this war. Many cavities buried in temporary burial sites were transferred to it.

40% of Luxembourg's population is immigrants who came mainly from Portugal.

The smallest wage gap between men and women is found in the state of Luxembourg and stands at only 4.9%!

The capital city of Luxembourg is named as the name of the country, Luxembourg.

The national motto of Luxembourg is "we strive to remain who we are" -  "Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn" (Luxembourgish).

Luxembourg won the Eurovision title five times. In 1961, 1965, 1972, 1973, and 1983. Not a bad achievement for a country so small.

June 23 is also Let It Go Day

Let it go Day - June 23

Let it go day is a special day designed to make room for us in the soul for positive and pleasant things.

Are you familiar with the regrets, hatreds, resentments we hold and the angers that sit on our hearts and take away our energy from the soul, sometimes for weeks, months and even years?

People from the past, who hurt us intentionally or not, exes who broke our hearts, friends who disappeared from our lives, all kinds of people we have a negative feeling towards.

June 23 is a special day to release all the negative thoughts and feelings, to decide to move on and throw away the past.

You can do it in all sorts of ways: you can go yelling at the sea, you can throw stones at the lake, when each stone symbolizes something negative, you can write a letter and anything that you think will help.

It's true that every day is good to let it go, but if you did not do it and did not think about it, this day is meant to remind you that because in order to build a positive future, you should get rid of the precipitation that pulls you down.

June 23 is also Luxembourg's national day

International Camel Day - June 22

International Camel Day is celebrated on June 22 each year, to raise awareness that camels are very important animals and that they have the right to live a good life and be treated with compassion.

The camel is a mammal also called the "Ship of the desert", and is suitable for desert life. It can be found in the world in the Middle East, Australia and Africa, in desert regions.

Camels are captive animals and adapted to the needs of humans. Humans use them as beasts of burden and labor, and also as a source of milk, meat and wool.

There are two types of camels: the single-humped camel, which is the most common type of camel, and the endangered two-humped camel.

In honor of International Camel Day, get some fascinating and surprising facts about the camel

The camel is able to endure without drinking water for two weeks.

The camels do not store water in their hump! Some people think that the camel can get by for a long time without water available because it carries water in its hump, but the truth is that what is there is only pure fat. This fat is an insulation against the cold heat.

To deal with water deficiency in the body, the camel secretes concentrated urine that contains small amounts of water, so the body does not excrete much water. When the camel reaches a water source he drinks large amounts to make up for the missing water in his body and reach a proper water balance.

When the camel finds water, it can drink up to 160 liters (about 40 gallons) at a time!

The camel adapts to desert life by being active in the morning and in the evening, when the air is cool. In the hot hours of the day he lies in the shade or rests while standing.

When the camels are scared or nervous they tend to vomit. That's why you should never annoy a camel. He does not spit but vomits food contents from his stomach.

Camels have three sets of eyelids and two rows of lashes to keep sand away from their eyes. When there are sandstorms, they are able to completely close their nostrils.

Camels have thick lips that allow them to eat thorny plants that other animals cannot eat.

The camels can sit comfortably on very hot sand thanks to the thick leather cushions on their chest and knees.

The camels are very strong and can carry up to about  900 pounds for 25 miles a day.

Camel's pregnancy lasts 14 months.

The calves are born completely white and turn brown as they mature.

In Arabic, the word camel has more than 160 synonyms.

June 22 is also Onion Rings Day and World Rainforest Day

Onion rings day- 22 June

Onion rings are a delicious and crunchy snack that can be eaten in many shapes. 

The onion rings are, like their name, rings cut from onions, fried in deep oil. You can coat the rings in bread crumbs, beer dough or tempura. You can dip them in ketchup, mayonnaise, tartar sauce and more. 

The exact origin of the onion rings is unknown, but as early as 1933 a recipe was published in the New York Times for onion rings dipped in milk and coated in flour.

The onion rings are a perfect addition to the meal, and the day of the onion rings (which we do not know why it is so determined) is the day to buy or prepare them.

Onion rings

June 22 World Rainforest Day and World Camel Day

World Rainforest Day - June 22nd

The rainforests keep our planet alive. They are home to half the species of animals in the world, they provide us with fresh water, and are essential for maintaining our climate stability. And yet every second an acre and a half are lost, and every year 78 million acres of precious rainforests are destroyed. This is why World Rainforest Day was created - to take decisive action to fight the creation of forests, to reduce the effects of climate change on them and to protect our rainforests for future generations.

World Rainforest Day was first created in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership. This organization works with indigenous peoples living in the vicinity of the rainforests and launches projects that will help heal and renew the rainforests with the local communities. Rainforest Day is about raising awareness of the importance of the existence of rainforests and what they do for us.

Hundreds of events take place on this day, from events in local communities to international virtual events, school education initiatives, charity projects, and hundreds of small private individuals.

The Rainforest Partnership has many community-based projects in the Amazon, but today itself is backed by the involvement of over 70 global partners, from environmentalists to the media, all of whom strive for positive and defining action that preserves the rainforest. The slogan for the event is "Because the world can not wait", a strong statement and call for action for people around the world.

A monkey in a rainforest on the island of Borneo in Asia. Most of the island's formerly covered by tropical rainforest is now used for the oil, wood, and palm oil industries.

The main focus of the day is to stay optimistic and focus on what we can do to save the rainforest.

Our rainforests have sustained us for thousands of years. They produce oxygen, keep local communities alive, absorb carbon dioxide and keep water fresh and clean.

The Amazon Forest (Portuguese: Floresta Amazonica) is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. The forest has existed for about 60 million years. It was formed when the Atlantic Ocean expanded enough to create a tropical climate in the Amazon Basin. After the mass extinction of the dinosaurs, it is estimated that a wet climate developed that led to the spread of the rainforest. The Amazon rainforest is located in the tropical region of South America. Its area is 7,769,994 square kilometers (although its exact borders are controversial), and it covers nine countries: Brazil with about 60% of its total area, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The forest is named after the Amazon River that flows through it and the variety of species in it is the largest in the world.In 2011, after a selection process that lasted four years, the forest and the river that flows through it were chosen as one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

The forest is inhabited by various Native American tribes who subsist on hunting animals, fish and insects that serve as food for them, build huts for themselves and make their clothes from plants, skins and feathers.

So why is the disappearance of the rainforest so dangerous? Leading factors in forest creation include deforestation, mining and industrial development, as well as land clearance for animal husbandry. As wider areas are cleared for deforestation and cattle grazing, more infrastructure is needed to create road areas and store large machinery. The natural habitats of the animals and the homes of the indigenous peoples are being significantly destroyed. The extent of deforestation can cause climate change, floods, desertification and soil erosion - all of which threaten our planet and our way of life.

Rainforests account for about 28% of the world's oxygen production

How to mark World Rainforest Day?

A great way to mark this day is to enrich your knowledge by reading about rainforests on the National Geographic website.

If you are buying products that contain palm oil, an oil that is used to cut down palm trees and damage the habitats of many animals (such as monkeys, for example), look for the RSPO standard symbol - a unique standard for controlled use of palm oil. Share the information about the importance of rainforests on social media.

 June 22 is also Onion Rings Day and World Camel Day

Selfie day - June 21

Are you also one of those people who stops every minute to photograph themselves on the phone making faces just like that? Do you also have a phone full of pictures of your face everywhere you go, even the most ordinary, when what you see in the picture is not the landscape but your face?

If so, Selfie Day is for you.

If you like pushing your face into every picture, taking pictures with every celebrity you meet, or even with animals, or you have an urge to take a selfie when you are just walking down the street, selfie day is your day.

The history of the selfie

A selfie is a self-portrait taken. Its history began in the early days when there were cameras. The first selfie was taken as early as 1839 by the American photographer Robert Cornelius (although some believe it was not he who photographed himself but his aides). Already in the age of old cameras, the technicians who created them realized the need for self-photography and added to the camera the possibility of timed photography. Smartphones have added the ability to reverse camera direction and share photos on social media in the early 21st century.

Yes yes, the need for self-portrait may be due to arrogance, vanity and narcissism, but it is so common and ancient that if you are addicted to selfies, you really are not alone.

In 1914 the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, the daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, who was 13, felt a strong need to take a selfie. She photographed herself through the mirror because then there was no other way to do it.

The selfie of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna

In 1966 Buzz Aldrin photographed himself in the first selfie in space.

The word "selfie" on the other hand is relatively new. The word is derived from the English word self and it first appeared on the Australian Forum in 2002, and first appeared in the book by photographer Jim Krauss in 2005.

In 2012 the word selfie was chosen by Time magazine as one of the "Ten Buzzards of 2012" and in 2013 it was added to the Oxford Dictionary and also won the title of "Word of the Year".

In 2014, the BBC officially announced "Selfie Day" to be held on June 21 every year.

How to celebrate selfie day?

The best way to celebrate Selfie Day is to take full photos of your selfies and upload the best to the web and wish you a "Happy Selfie Day".

Today you should not feel bad about the fact that you really like your face and it must appear everywhere. So have fun photographing yourself (preferably from above) and share the photo.

June 21 is also Music Day ,  Yoga day and Giraffe Day

Music Day - June 21

Music Day (in French: Fête de la Musique) is an annual music festival held on June 21, the first day of summer (and also the longest day of the year), in many cities around the world.

The idea of a musical celebration throughout the day on a day when the season alternates from spring to summer, was originally by American musician Joel Cohen, who spent two seasons as a producer of musical programs on national French radio. His idea was implemented and officially made a national holiday by the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang. More countries liked the idea and the festival later became a holiday in 110 countries around the world.

It is hard to imagine a culture where music does not play a vital role. The benefits of music to the human soul are intangible, but they are enormous. Music opens up new worlds for people. It can be used to tell stories, to inspire, or to help people relax. On Music Day people all over the world gather together to celebrate the incredible power of music.

The perfect way to celebrate this day is to make music, alone or with friends. You do not have to be a musician, because anyone can make music. If you have kids, they love something as simple as knocking on pots and pans and singing. If you do not know how to play, you can meet for a karaoke evening with friends. Even if you do not have any musical talent, you can spend the day listening to your favorite songs. The great thing about music is that it's for everyone.

June 21st is also Selfie Day, Yoga day and Giraffe Day

Yoga Day-21 June

Yoga has many health benefits. It improves flexibility, contributes to balance and stability of the body, builds muscles, increases circulation, strengthens the immune system, helps regulate blood pressure, helps to concentrate and sleep better and more.

The origin of yoga is Hindu philosophy. The word "yoga" means the union of consciousness and soul. A state in which the senses focus inwards and are not disturbed by external factors. Thoughts are concentrated internally and not distracted. Yoga is the way to reach peace and merge with the essence of ourselves. 

International Yoga Day was set by the United Nations in December 2014. The date June 21 was chosen because it is the longest day of the year in many countries in the world. 

How to celebrate World Yoga Day?  

The best way to celebrate this day is to attend a yoga class. Hundreds of schools around the world teach yoga and it is not difficult to find a place close to where one can learn it. If you know how to do yoga, this day is an opportunity to teach others and offer more people to do yoga to relax tensions and improve quality of life. A pleasant yoga day! 

June 21 is also Selfie Day, World Music Day and International Giraffe Day