The Festival of Winter Walks is celebrated annually during the holiday season from the third Saturday of December to the first Sunday of January. This year, it takes place from December 17 to January 1. This festival is organized by the Ramblers and has been part of the U.K. festive season for over 30 years now. It aims to encourage more people to get walking, especially in green, nature-dense areas to take in the wintery beauty of Britain. The walks are generally free and open to anyone to join. Each walk is different, allowing participants an option of the kind of views they want to take in when they participate.
Virgin of Caacupé Day
Virgin of Caacupé Day takes place every December 8 and is a revered Paraguayan tradition that has existed for centuries. Every year on this day, thousands of pilgrims descend on a small town in central Paraguay to commemorate the anniversary of a holy apparition. Centuries ago, a Guaraní sculptor named José escaped near death due to divine intervention, and as he said he would, he carved a beautiful statue of the virgin to thank the heavens above. Our Lady of Caacupé has continued to guide and protect the nation of Paraguay ever since.
Immaculate Conception Day
Immaculate Conception Day, or ‘Día de la Inmaculada Concepción,’ is a Roman Catholic holiday observed every December 8 to commemorate the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. In Spain, this day is one of two national holidays that fall just a day apart and herald the beginning of the country’s Christmas season. The other important holiday, Constitution Day, falls on December 6 and marks when the new constitution was approved after the Franco regime’s collapse.