Defender of the Fatherland Day is a Russian holiday observed on February 23 as Men’s Day due to the compulsory military service for most Russian men. Gifts and postcards are frequently given by women to male relatives, even though they’ve never served in the armed forces. On the day before or after the holiday, many women congratulate their male coworkers and boys may receive small gifts from their female classmates. On this day, local authorities in Russia may organize parades to honor the military and veterans. Women serving in the military are increasingly being honored on this day, which calls into question the holiday’s traditionally masculine significance.
National Maxwell Day
National Maxwell Day takes place every year on January 30 to celebrate the history of the name and all the Maxwells worldwide. The name Maxwell is a Scottish surname, and a habitational name derived from a location near Melrose in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Maxwell was first noted in 1144 as ‘Mackeswell,’ meaning “Mack’s spring.” The surname Maxwell was also popular in Ulster, where it has, in some instances, been taken as a different form of the surname Miskell. Maxwell as a surname is represented in Scottish Gaelic as MacSuail. The name Maxwell is of Scottish origin and means ‘great stream.’
José Martí’s Birthday Memorial
José Martí’s Birthday Memorial is observed on January 28 across Cuba. Martí’s name is synonymous with liberty across Latin America. The day marks the birth anniversary of one of the leading freedom fighters of the Cuban Revolutionary Movement. Millions of Cubans celebrate the day and show appreciation towards Martyr Martí, the foremost symbol of Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain in the 19th century.