15th of September

This day celebrates the fundamental principles that allow citizens to shape their own destinies through democratic participation. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2007, International Day of Democracy honors the Universal Declaration on Democracy adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union on September 15, 1997—a groundbreaking document that outlined democracy's essential elements.

The holiday serves as both celebration and wake-up call, recognizing democratic achievements while acknowledging ongoing challenges worldwide. Democracy isn't just about voting; it encompasses free speech, equal representation, rule of law, and the protection of minority rights. This observance reminds us that democracy requires active participation from all citizens, not passive spectatorship.

Countries mark the day through various activities: parliamentary open houses, civic education programs, public forums, and youth engagement initiatives. Schools often host mock elections or debates, while civil society organizations promote voter registration drives. Social media campaigns use hashtags like #DemocracyDay to spark global conversations about democratic values.

Interestingly, the date coincides with the International Day of Democracy being observed during the UN General Assembly's annual session, amplifying its global reach. The day particularly resonates in nations transitioning to democracy or those defending democratic institutions against authoritarian pressures, serving as a beacon of hope and solidarity for people fighting for their democratic rights.

This day serves as a crucial reminder for men across Europe and beyond to prioritize their prostate health. Established in 2006 by the European Association of Urology, European Prostate Day emerged from growing concerns about the alarming rates of prostate-related diseases and the tendency among men to avoid routine health screenings.

The prostate, a walnut-sized gland that plays a vital role in male reproductive health, affects millions of men worldwide through conditions ranging from benign enlargement to cancer. What makes this day particularly significant is its focus on breaking down the stigma and reluctance many men feel about discussing intimate health concerns with their doctors.

Healthcare organizations across Europe mark the occasion by offering free screenings, educational seminars, and awareness campaigns in hospitals, community centers, and public spaces. Medical professionals use this opportunity to emphasize that early detection can dramatically improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

The day has gained momentum beyond Europe, inspiring similar initiatives globally. One striking fact: prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, yet many cases go undiagnosed until advanced stages simply because men skip regular check-ups. European Prostate Day champions the message that taking charge of one's health isn't just smart—it's lifesaving.

This day offers a delightfully rebellious twist to the mid-September routine, encouraging people to take a lighthearted break from rigid schedules and bureaucratic nonsense. While its exact origins remain charmingly mysterious, the Day of Blowing off the System has emerged as an unofficial celebration of playful defiance against life's more absurd rules and regulations.

The holiday invites participants to embrace their inner rebel through harmless acts of creative non-conformance. Some celebrate by wearing mismatched socks to important meetings, others by taking the scenic route to work, or perhaps by answering emails with unusual formality or unexpected humor. The key is maintaining a spirit of fun while gently thumbing one's nose at unnecessary bureaucracy.

Though not officially recognized anywhere, this grassroots observance has found particular appeal among office workers, students, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by institutional demands. Social media has helped spread awareness, with people sharing photos of their small acts of systematic rebellion using creative hashtags.

The beauty of this day lies in its flexibility – there's no prescribed way to celebrate, making it perfectly suited to individual expression. Whether it's wearing a silly hat during a video conference or taking an extra-long lunch break, participants find joy in these minor acts of institutional irreverence while keeping things playful rather than problematic.

This holiday celebrates one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of modern life: packaging. Established in 2007 by the Polish Chamber of Packaging, Wrappings' Day recognizes the crucial role that boxes, bottles, bags, and wraps play in our daily existence, from protecting our morning cereal to safely delivering online purchases.

The holiday serves as both celebration and call to action, highlighting how packaging safeguards products during their journey from manufacturer to consumer while showcasing the industry's economic significance in Poland. Beyond mere protection, packaging serves as silent salespeople on store shelves, communicating brand values and product information through clever design and innovation.

Polish packaging professionals use this day to showcase cutting-edge developments in sustainable materials, smart packaging technologies, and eco-friendly alternatives. Educational campaigns demonstrate how seemingly simple wrapping solutions require complex engineering to balance durability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.

The observance also addresses pressing environmental concerns, promoting discussions about reducing waste, improving recyclability, and developing biodegradable alternatives. Many companies organize workshops and exhibitions displaying innovative packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact while maintaining product integrity.

Wrappings' Day reminds us that behind every perfectly preserved product lies sophisticated science and design—transforming an everyday necessity into an opportunity for creativity, sustainability, and economic growth.

This holiday celebrates the transformative power of creativity and self-expression, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds' beloved children's book "The Dot." The story follows Vashti, a young girl who believes she can't draw, until her art teacher encourages her to simply make a mark and see where it takes her. What begins as an angry dot becomes the catalyst for discovering her artistic potential.

International Dot Day emerged in 2009 when teacher Terry Shay was inspired to create a global celebration of creativity after reading Reynolds' book to his students. The holiday encourages people of all ages to embrace their creative spirit, take risks, and overcome self-doubt through art-making.

Schools, libraries, and community centers worldwide participate by hosting dot-themed activities. Children create dot art using everything from paintbrushes to unconventional tools like cotton swabs, stamps, and even their fingertips. Many participants share their creations online using #DotDay, creating a vibrant digital gallery of artistic expression.

The holiday's deeper message resonates beyond art classrooms – it's about having the courage to begin, to make your mark, and to believe in your creative potential. International Dot Day reminds us that every great journey starts with a single step, or in this case, a single dot.

Few condiments have inspired enough regional pride to earn their own annual celebration, but in the Polish city of Kielce, mayonnaise is genuinely serious business. The Kielce Mayonnaise Factory, known locally as Społem, has been producing its beloved recipe since the 1930s, and the creamy, tangy result became so deeply woven into local identity that residents eventually decided it deserved official recognition.

The celebration draws both locals and food enthusiasts from across Poland to honor what many consider the finest mayonnaise produced in the country. Festivities typically include tastings, cooking demonstrations, and competitions where participants showcase dishes built around the iconic condiment. Local restaurants craft special menus, and vendors offer creative mayonnaise-based creations ranging from classic potato salads to more adventurous flavor combinations.

What makes Kielce mayonnaise particularly special is its distinct recipe, which loyal fans insist produces a noticeably richer and more balanced flavor than mass-produced alternatives. The factory itself holds a place of genuine affection among residents, representing local industrial heritage and culinary craftsmanship in equal measure.

The day functions as a cheerful celebration of local pride, reminding visitors that Polish food culture runs far deeper than pierogi and bigos. Sporadically the most unexpected things become symbols of community identity, and in Kielce, that symbol happens to come in a jar.