Holidays – 21st of April

This day commemorates the legendary founding of Rome on April 21, 753 BC, when Romulus established what would become one of history's greatest empires. According to Roman mythology, twin brothers Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf after being abandoned as infants. The brothers later decided to build a city, but a quarrel over its location led Romulus to kill Remus, making him the sole founder and first king of Rome.

The early settlement on the Palatine Hill was indeed a rough frontier town that welcomed outcasts, fugitives, and displaced people seeking a fresh start. This inclusive approach, though chaotic, helped the fledgling city grow rapidly. The famous "Rape of the Sabines" occurred when Rome's predominantly male population needed wives—leading to the dramatic abduction of women from neighboring Sabine tribes, which eventually resulted in the integration of the two peoples.

Modern Romans celebrate this anniversary with parades, historical reenactments, and cultural events throughout the city. The Italian military traditionally performs ceremonial displays, while archaeological sites host special exhibitions. Rome's birthday, known as "Natale di Roma," transforms the Eternal City into a living museum where citizens dress in period costumes and gladiator demonstrations bring ancient history to vivid life.

This day celebrates the boundless power of human imagination and its ability to transform our world. Established by the United Nations in 2017, World Creativity and Innovation Day recognizes creative thinking as an essential driver of progress, innovation, and sustainable development across all sectors of society.

The date was strategically chosen to coincide with Leonardo da Vinci's birthday, honoring the ultimate Renaissance polymath who embodied the perfect fusion of art, science, and invention. This connection highlights how creativity transcends traditional boundaries, linking artistic expression with technological advancement and social innovation.

Communities worldwide mark this occasion through diverse celebrations: art exhibitions, innovation workshops, hackathons, and collaborative projects that bring together artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and dreamers. Schools organize creative challenges, while businesses launch innovation labs and brainstorming sessions. Many cities host maker fairs and startup showcases, demonstrating how creative solutions address real-world problems.

The holiday emphasizes that creativity isn't limited to traditional arts – it encompasses everything from sustainable urban planning to breakthrough medical treatments. It reminds us that every smartphone app, architectural marvel, and life-saving vaccine began as someone's creative spark.

This annual celebration encourages individuals to embrace their innovative potential and recognize creativity as humanity's greatest renewable resource for building a better tomorrow.

This holiday commemorates one of the most pivotal moments in Jamaican and Rastafarian history—the arrival of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I on April 21, 1966. When the emperor's plane touched down at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport, an estimated 100,000 Rastafarians and curious onlookers flooded the area, creating such chaos that Selassie initially couldn't disembark for over an hour.

For Rastafarians, who regard Haile Selassie as Jah (God incarnate) and the prophesied messiah, this visit validated their faith in extraordinary ways. The movement, which emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s, had long proclaimed Selassie's divinity based on biblical prophecies and Marcus Garvey's teachings about a future African king.

During his three-day visit, Selassie toured various parts of Jamaica, meeting with government officials and addressing crowds. Remarkably, he seemed genuinely moved by the devotion shown by Rastafarians, even donating land in Ethiopia for repatriation purposes—a dream many Rastafarians held dear.

The day is now observed annually with prayer services, reasoning sessions, and cultural celebrations throughout Jamaica and Rastafarian communities worldwide. Many followers mark the occasion by studying Selassie's speeches, preparing traditional foods, and reflecting on themes of African unity, repatriation, and spiritual consciousness that remain central to Rastafarian beliefs.