For many, the start of a new year marks a time of reflection, resolutions and new beginnings.

But for some, the beginning of the year holds an even greater significance – it is the only day in which something miraculous happens once a year: the leap day!

A leap day is an extra day added to the Gregorian calendar every four years to keep our calendars in sync with Earth’s revolutions around the sun.

This extra day, February 29th, only comes around once every four years and it’s a special reminder that time does not always move in a linear fashion – sometimes it takes an extra leap!

What comes once in a year

Every four years, a special day is added to the Gregorian calendar known as a leap day. This extra day, February 29th, only comes around once every four years, and it serves as a reminder that time does not always move in a linear fashion – sometimes it takes an extra leap! The addition of this day helps keep our calendars in sync with Earth’s revolutions around the sun and marks a special occasion that only happens once every four years.

Importance of annual events in our lives

Annual events are a great way to mark the passing of time and remind us of important milestones in our lives. They can help us stay connected with our family, friends, and community while also providing an opportunity for celebration. Events like birthdays and holidays are just some of the many occasions that bring people together meaningfully. These annual events can help create lasting memories and provide a connection that can be cherished for years to come.

Holidays

Christmas

Christmas is an annual holiday celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike around the world. On December 25th, people from all walks of life come together to celebrate with feasting, gift-giving, and festive decorations. Christmas marks the start of the winter season and brings joy to those who take part in its festivities. The origin of Christmas dates back thousands of years and it has become a beloved tradition in many countries.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer. It typically falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims around the world with special prayers, feasting, gift-giving, and other festive activities. This holiday is an important time for reflecting on the blessings of Allah and spending quality time with family and friends.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is an annual Jewish festival observed primarily in the United States and Israel. The eight-day holiday typically falls between late November and late December each year and celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem by the Maccabees in the 2nd century BCE. During Hanukkah, people light a special nine-branched menorah (candle holder) to commemorate the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days when there was only enough for one.

Diwali

Diwali is an annual Hindu festival celebrated throughout India and other parts of the world. The five-day event typically falls in October or November and marks the victory of good over evil. On Diwali night, people light up their homes with colorful diyas (lamps) to honor the goddess Lakshmi, who brings wealth and prosperity to her followers. People also exchange gifts with family and friends, burst fireworks, and enjoy traditional sweets.

Easter

Easter is an annual Christian festival celebrated in many countries around the world. It typically falls sometime between March and April each year and marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Easter Sunday, people attend church services and celebrate with family and friends by exchanging gifts, eating traditional dishes, and decorating Easter eggs. The earliest observance of Easter dates back to the 2 nd century.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an annual holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It typically falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year and was first observed by European settlers in 1621. On Thanksgiving, people come together to give thanks for the blessings they have received throughout the year. Traditional activities include feasting on a large turkey dinner with friends and family, watching football games, and telling stories around the dinner table.

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is an annual tradition celebrated around the world. On December 31st, people from different backgrounds come together to count down the last few seconds of the old year and welcome in a new one. Parties are held at homes, bars, and other venues and often involve champagne toasts and festive decorations. People also make resolutions for the upcoming year and plan ways to make it better than the last.

Seasonal Events

Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice is an annual event celebrated around the world. It typically falls on December 21st and marks the longest night of the year. On this day, people gather to honor the coming of winter, which signals a new cycle of growth and renewal. People often celebrate by gathering around a fire or engaging in other festivities to welcome in the season. They may also exchange gifts and enjoy traditional meals to mark the occasion.

Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox is an annual event celebrated around the world. It typically falls on March 20th or 21st and marks the start of spring, a season known for its abundance of life and growth. On this day, people come together to welcome in the new season with special ceremonies and festivities, often taking part in outdoor activities such as planting flowers or tree planting.

Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice is an annual event celebrated around the world. It typically falls on June 20th or 21st and marks the longest day of the year. On this day, people gather to honor the coming of summer, a season known for its warmth and abundance. People often celebrate by gathering around a bonfire or engaging in traditional activities such as dancing, singing, and feasting.

Autumn Equinox

The Autumn Equinox is an annual event celebrated around the world. It typically falls on September 22nd or 23rd and marks the start of autumn, a season known for its cooler temperatures and changing foliage. On this day, people come together to welcome in the new season with special ceremonies and festivities, often taking part in activities such as apple picking, hayrides, and pumpkin carving.

Celebrations and Festivals

Carnival

Carnival is an annual festival celebrated around the world. It typically falls in February or March and marks the start of Lent, a season of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter. On Carnival, people come together to enjoy music, dancing, parades, and feasting. Common activities include costume parties, masquerade balls, and traditional street processions. People may also take part in outdoor activities such as boat races and beach parties.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is an annual festival celebrated in Germany and around the world. It typically falls in late September or early October, beginning with a parade through Munich’s streets and ending on the first Sunday of October.

On Oktoberfest, people gather to celebrate Bavarian culture with music, dancing, beer drinking, and traditional foods such as pork knuckles and sausages. Other activities may include carnival rides, fireworks, and live entertainment.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is an annual festival celebrated in many cities around the world. It typically falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday and marks the start of Carnival season. On this day, people come together to enjoy parades, live music, dancing, and feasting. Common activities include costume parties, mas querade balls, parades with floats, and traditional street processions.

Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead is an annual festival celebrated in Mexico and around the world. It typically falls on November 1st and 2nd, and marks a time to remember and honor those who have passed away. On this day, people gather to celebrate with traditional activities such as decorating altars with offerings for the dead, creating sugar skulls, building floats for a procession, and gathering to enjoy music, dancing, and feasting.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is an annual festival celebrated around the world. It typically falls on the new moon of the first lunar month, which is usually in late January or early February. On Lunar New Year, people gather to welcome in the new year with special ceremonies and festivities, often engaging in activities such as lighting firecrackers and giving red envelopes filled with money as gifts. People may also take part in traditional activities such as lion dances, dragon parades, and feasting.

Annual Sporting Events

Olympics

The Olympic Games are an annual sporting event celebrated around the world. It is one of the most prestigious and widely viewed sporting events in the world, and it typically takes place every four years in a different city. The Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece as a religious festival honoring Zeus, and today it features athletes from all over the world competing in various sports such as swimming, track & field, gymnastics, and more.

World Cup

The World Cup is an annual international football tournament celebrated around the world. It typically takes place every four years in a different host country, with teams from all over the world competing for the title as champions of the world. The World Cup is one of the most prestigious and widely watched sporting events in the world, and its final match is often considered to be one of the biggest sporting events in history.

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is an annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), celebrated in America and around the world. It typically takes place at the end of January or early February and marks the culmination of the NFL season. On Super Bowl Sunday, people come together to cheer on their favorite teams and enjoy a variety of activities such as watching the halftime show, eating delicious snacks, and participating in friendly wagers.

Wimbledon

Wimbledon is an annual tennis tournament celebrated in England and around the world. It typically takes place in late June and early July, and it is considered to be one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world. On Wimbledon, players from all over the world compete on grass courts to win the title as champion. Other activities may include visits to the famous Centre Court, exploring A orangi Park, and enjoying the traditional strawberries and cream.

Tour de France

The Tour de France is an annual cycling race celebrated around the world. It typically takes place in July, and it is considered to be one of the most prestigious and grueling sporting events in the world. On Tour de France, cyclists from all over the world compete on a course that spans up to 3,500 km (2175 miles) through various French cities.

Conclusion

There are a variety of events and festivals that come once a year from all around the world. The Day of the Dead is an annual festival celebrated in Mexico and around the world which falls on November 1st and 2nd. Lunar New Year is another annual festival celebrated worldwide, usually in late January or early February. Other annual events include the Olympic Games, World Cup, Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and Tour de France. Each of these events is celebrated around the world and marks the culmination of their respective sports season.