September 24 Holidays

Heritage Day is a South African public holiday observed on September 24 to celebrate the diversity of cultures, beliefs, and traditions that make up South African society — a day colloquially known as “Braai Day” because South Africans celebrate it by gathering around an outdoor fire. National Horchata Day celebrates the refreshing milky-white beverage made from rice, almonds, or tiger nuts — whose Valencian form, horchata de chufa, was documented in 13th-century Spain and is classified as a UNESCO-protected traditional product. World Maritime Day is a variable UN observance held on the last Thursday of September, established by the International Maritime Organization to highlight shipping’s role in the global economy — the maritime industry carries more than 80 percent of the world’s traded goods. National Cherries Jubilee Day celebrates the French flambéed cherry dessert created in 1887 by Auguste Escoffier for a banquet hosted by Queen Victoria — a dish so theatrical that the flames are half the experience.