National Mashed Potato Day, on October 18, is one holiday that spud lovers in the United States look forward to every year. It’s an opportunity for them to indulge in even more of their favorite dishes. The origins of this holiday are not entirely clear. Different sources also state it as happening on different dates. Some people, however, believe the Idaho Potato Commission was responsible for founding this day in celebration of mashed potatoes. Whatever the case, the humble yet amazing potato deserves a day to honor its existence. Cultures all over the globe use potatoes as a staple food or a popular accompaniment for other dishes.
Guayaquil Independence Day
Ecuador celebrates the Guayaquil Independence Day, a national holiday, on October 9 to commemorate Ecuador’s liberation from Spanish rule in 1822. When October 9 falls on a weekend, the holiday is typically observed the following weekday. Guayaquil, Ecuador’s main city and economic center, goes all out to commemorate Ecuador’s independence day, known as “Independencia de Guayaquil” in the local dialect. Independence Day celebrations in most cities include anything from musical concerts and fireworks displays to cultural events and parades. For these independence ceremonies, important historical landmarks are used as host locations. Since Guayaquil is perfectly situated on the western bank of the Guayas River, the city readily hosts visitors and tourists who come to join in the celebration.
Uzbekistan Independence Day
The anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence Day is on September 1, a celebration of their independence from the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan, also known as the Republic of Uzbekistan, is a double landlocked country in Central Asia whose largest city, Tashkent, is its capital. The country shares its borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. It is a secular state with a presidential constitutional government and a population of about 35.3 million. So far, the Uzbekistan environment has suffered greatly from Soviet policies to rapidly increase cotton production without proper environmental studies.