Around The World In Twelve Months – June

Don’t forget Dad this month!

The one-size fits all last minute gift of a neck-tie has always been the go-to gift for Father’s Day. Do him a favor this year and skip the ties, socks, or pleated pants… all Dad really wants is to know that he’s needed! Click on any event below to learn more about it.

  • 2 June – Republic Day – Italy
    Known to Italians as “Festa della Repubblica,” the annual event commemorates the fall of fascism and the end of World War II with a historic vote to create a republic government over the reigning monarchy.
  • 5 June – Constitution Day – Denmark
    In 1849, the signing of the Constitution gave birth to Denmark as a constitutional monarchy. Expect almost all workplaces and shops to close at noon on that day which is ripe with celebration, as it is also Denmark’s Father’s Day!
  • 5 June – Jerusalem Day – Israel
    This day commemorates the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control was over the Old City in June of 1967 after the Six-Day War. While this day has lost some significance with secular Israelis, the religious Zionist community still very much commemorate the reunification of Jerusalem. This is a day for parades and extra prayer.
  • 6 June – Ramadan – Muslims Worldwide
    One of the Five Pillars of Islam, Ramadan is a month of fasting commemorating the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad. Fasting from dawn until sunset for all adult Muslims is mandatory and it also calls for a refrain from smoking, sexual activity, and any sinful behavior. The only exceptions are for those in adverse circumstances related to age, illness, and pregnancy.
  • 6 June – D-Day – USA and Western Europe
    Codenamed Operation Neptune, the Normandy landing of the Allied Forces during World War II was the largest seaborne attack in history. Although eventually considered to be the turning point for liberation of Northwest Europe from Nazi control, it cost at least 10,000 lives on the Allied side and 1,000 on the German side.
  • 6 June – Memorial Day – South Korea
    The National Cemetery in Seoul annually hosts a memorial ceremony to commemorate the men and women who lost their life in the Korean War and other military wars and battles. In addition to flying the flag at half-staff, a moment of silent prayer is observed while sirens are heard countrywide.
  • 6 June – National Day – Sweden
    The creation of modern Sweden can be traced back to 1523 with the election of King Gustav Vasa, signaling the end of the Danish-ruled Kalmar Union. This day became a national holiday in 2005, replacing Whit Monday, thus leading to fewer days off, much to the disfavor of some Swedish unions.
  • 9 June – Dragon Boat Festival – China
    The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the traditional Chinese calendar… which explains why it’s also called the Double Fifth Festival. Typical activities include drinking realgar wine, eating sticky rice treats wrapped in bamboo leaves, and of course dragon boat races.
  • 10 June – Portugal Day – Portugal
    The official holiday commemorates the death of Luís de CamõesM on 10 June 1580. Camões is one of Portugal’s greatest poets and is known for his epic poem, “Os Lusiadas,” which focuses on prominent 15th-century Portuguese exploration. Each year a different city is chosen by the President of the Portuguese Republic to host the official celebrations, which often involve parades, military ceremonies, and concerts.
  • 12 June – Shavuot – Judaism
    Representing one of three pilgrimage festivals, Shavuot is also celebrated as the day when God gave the Torah to the Israelites on Mount Sinai. Modern day observances vary, but often involve decoration of synagogues and homes with greenery, festive meals, recital of Aramaic poems, consumption of various dairy products, as well as readings from the book of Ruth.
  • 12 June – Independence Day – Philippines
    On June 12, 1898, the flag of the Philippines was raised for the first time and the Philippine Declaration of Independence was signed, freeing the archipelago from Spain. On this national holiday, it is typical to see fireworks displays, parades, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
  • 12 June – Russia Day – Russia
    Often incorrectly identified as Russia’s Independence Day, Russia Day in fact celebrates the enacting of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, marking the beginning of constitutional reform for the Soviet state. Although considered by many to be just a “day off,” it can conjure up resentful memories of severe unemployment brought about by the fall of the Soviet Union.
  • 19 June – Father’s Day – Worldwide
    Although celebrated in some countries on June 19, by and large the worldwide day to celebrate fathers and fatherhood is the third Sunday in June. Not officially celebrated in the US until the 20th century, Father’s Day was made official to complement Mother’s day and to honor male parenting.
  • 19 June – Juneteenth – USA
    Galveston, Texas, in 1985, was the site where “General Order #3” was read, announcing the total emancipation of slaves. This day is honored by local celebrations across the nation; it is a day of remembrance and appreciation for the long and unfinished road to equality in this country.
  • 20 June – National Flag Day – Argentina
    In addition to honoring the flag of Argentina, this holidays also honors the flag’s creator, Manuel Belgrano, who died on that day in 1820. The city of Rosario hosts the official celebrations, with a non-working day for administrations and schools.
  • 24 June – Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day – Quebec
    Brought to Canada by early French colonists, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day honors the Jewish preacher who baptized Jesus in the Jordan river. This day is a public holiday in the province of Quebec where it is common to hear church bells ringing, and see firework displays and parades.