World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23. The decision was made by the UNESCO session on November 15, 1995. The meaning of the holiday is to show the importance of books and the work of a writer for the cultural and intellectual development of humanity. The date was not chosen by chance. Since 1926, Spain has celebrated Spanish Book Day (the date of death of Miguel De Cervantes). On this day (1616) two other great writers also passed away: William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. A work written by a talented writer is a source of information, a spiritual guide, a kind of bridge between generations and people of all nations. This guided the conference participants when deciding on a new holiday – World Book and Copyright Day. Book Day has been celebrated in different countries since 1996. Book fairs are opening where reading lovers can purchase new products. Creative evenings and various literary performances are organized. People give books to each other. Since 2001, the city that most actively contributed to the publication of various works has received the title of World Book Capital. Russia takes an active part in the celebration of Book Day. Literary and entertainment events take place on Arbat in Moscow. The Cervantes Library, following the Spanish tradition of giving a rose to everyone who bought a book, introduced this custom in Russia. Protecting the rights of authors is a pressing problem of our time. A document on their rights was adopted in 1952 at a UNESCO conference. The USSR joined it in 1973, and in 1993 the law “On Copyright and Related Rights” was signed. Being a writer is an honor, but it is also very responsible. The author’s world is reflected in his works, helping the reader to better understand himself and others, find answers to the questions of life, and not be disappointed in life. The works of great writers live for hundreds of years, but people reread them again and again. Book Day is a holiday for everyone who loves and appreciates it.

Every year on April 23rd a holiday is celebrated - English Language Day. This date was chosen for a reason. It was on April 23 that one of the great classics, William Shakespeare, was born. He is the most famous English playwright and is considered one of the founders of literary English. In international communication, English takes first place. In all countries of the world you can meet many people who speak the language of Shakespeare. The English Language Festival began its existence relatively recently. The UN Department of Public Affairs has put forward a proposal to set specific dates when credit will be given to the official languages ​​of the organization. A total of six days are allocated in the calendar - one for each language of the United Nations. The purpose of this decision was to strengthen multilingualism in the world. The birthplace of English is Great Britain, but the language has spread far beyond the borders of the kingdom. According to statistics, over a billion people on planet Earth speak English. English is also the main official language in the United States of America, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Ireland. No specific customs and traditions of the celebration have yet been established, most likely due to the youth of this holiday. But everyone can celebrate this day in their own way. All over the world, the holiday of the English language is celebrated by holding classes, open lessons, concerts, seminars, and conferences in educational institutions. For example, in many educational organizations it is customary to hold subject weeks dedicated to this holiday. To prepare, students choose their favorite works of American writers in advance. Then the students collectively identify one author who interests them the most. They are looking for more detailed information about him. As a result, on English language day, a literary lounge is held in one of the lessons. Here the guys show and tell what new they have learned about the author and his works. Presentation of information takes place in the form of dramatizations and presentations. In addition, students choose their favorite literary hero or cartoon character in advance. And on the day of language they come dressed as this hero. Another interesting idea is that students are invited to find recipes for original English and Scottish dishes as part of the subject week. And on the holiday itself, set up a small cafe - invite teachers, children from other classes and treat them to national English desserts. Since the holiday is dedicated to the birthday of William Shakespeare, theaters are performing one of the author’s masterpieces - “Romeo and Juliet”, “King Lear”, “Hamlet”, “Othello” and others. Many people from all over the world are ready to join English culture. They study the language of the classics of literature. Knowledge of English in our time expands the boundaries for everyone and increases opportunities for people. Language courses are very popular in all foreign-speaking countries of the world.

Tourists traveling around Germany and local residents wash down stewed cabbage, Bavarian sausages and pretzel with a heady, foamy drink that has been brewed on the territory of modern Germany since 1260. It was in this year that the first brewery was founded in Leipzig by Duke Ludwig the Surov. Another nobleman, William IV, began to monitor the quality of the drink, which later became a national brand. On April 23, 1516, as Duke of Bavaria, he issued a law on the purity of the product, in which he ordered beer to be brewed only from hops and malt with the addition of water. Consistency is a sign of mastery. Centuries have passed, but the historical document still regulates the rules for the production of a foamy drink, which initially applied only in Bavaria, but then spread to all German lands. Each bottle of one of the 5 thousand types of beer produced in Germany indicates that it was brewed taking into account the standards of Deutsches Bierreinheitsgesetz. April 23, the date of publication of the German Purity Law, is German Beer Day. The significant German Beer Day has been celebrated since 1994. This celebration is not the only one dedicated to beer. In terms of scope and breadth of celebration, it is inferior to Oktoberfest, celebrated every year in September and early October. At this time, up to 7 million people who love German beer come to Munich from all over the world. Interestingly, Oktoberfest also owes its existence to the German monarchs. The celebration is based on the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Theresa of Saxony, which took place on October 12, 1810. The citizens liked the copious consumption of free beer so much that it became an annual tradition for the residents of Munich. The foamy drink has long had its patrons not only among royalty. It is known that the priest Arnold from Oudenburg, who lived in the 11th century, urged his flock to drink beer instead of water, in which pathogenic bacteria were killed during the brewing process. Each monk of the Catholic Church of those years legally consumed up to 5 liters of foamy drink per day, thus fighting parasites and germs. Today, Arnold of Soissons, elevated to the rank of saint, is considered the patron saint of Belgian brewers and hop pickers. UNESCO protects both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The list of objects of the latter type includes falconry, silk production for weaving, Spanish flamenco, the Mediterranean diet, Argentine tango, Egyptian takhtib cane dance and other intellectual riches of the peoples of the world. In 2012, the Berlin Institute for Beer Purity proposed that the Bavarian decree Deutsches Bierreinheitsgesetz, issued on April 23, 1516, be included in the UNESCO heritage list. The initiative is under consideration, but this does not bother connoisseurs of the intoxicating drink, who annually celebrate the Day of German beer, which has been brewed for more than 500 years according to the same law. Therefore, it can also claim the status of intangible cultural heritage on a par with the listed koumiss, traditional Mexican cuisine and Turkish coffee.

The philosopher and writer Walter is credited with the authorship of the expression: “Risk is a noble cause.” This approach calls for a brave and courageous person to put everything on the line, regardless of the arguments of reason. Not everyone can take a risk and take advantage of the chance to fulfill a dream or achieve a goal. For people who do not believe in fortune and doubt their abilities, an unusual holiday has been invented. April 23 is Seize Your Chance Day. The holiday encourages you to take a leap into the unknown, casting aside any fears and doubts. This principle guides adventurers of all stripes, including those who bet on horse races and play in casinos. The ability to calculate the results of one’s actions, well-developed intuition and the desire to take risks are characteristic of representatives of a number of professions. The writer Chingiz Abdullayev in one of his books describes two types of criminal investigation workers. The first is leisurely and scrupulous pragmatists. In stressful working conditions, the second type also survives - these are gambling detectives who love adventure and surprise. The second name of Take a Chance Day is the Day of Change. “He who doesn’t take risks, doesn’t drink champagne,” this saying was coined by Formula 1 car racers. April 23 provides everyone with the opportunity to succumb to excitement and do what they previously lacked the confidence and courage to do. And although young people are more prone to risk and adventure, you can try to reach your potential at any age. The words of the song from the popular cartoon about the adventures of pirates and the boy Jimmy “Treasure Island” are an excellent illustration of a situation in which a person is given the opportunity to go beyond the usual and do something out of the ordinary. Looking at failure in a philosophical way helps overcome the fear of failure: by taking a risk, you did not lose, but learned a lesson. He will teach someone mental fortitude, help someone to reconsider their life priorities, and convince others to engage in careful planning to get what they want in the future. “If fate gives you lemons, make lemonade out of them,” Dale Carnegie, a speaker and writer, turned to this proverb, shaping a positive outlook on life in his listeners and readers. You can always try to turn negative circumstances and situations, including the failure of a risky business or adventure, in your favor. Don't lose optimism and try to overcome fear, believing in the benevolence of fate and your own strength, calls for the "Take a Chance" Day.

People all over the world celebrate World Table Tennis Day on April 23. This is a very young holiday (first held in 2015), which has become popular among people of different ages, races, and religious traditions. The establishment of the celebration was initiated by the International Table Tennis Federation. The goal she pursues is noble and sublime: promoting a healthy lifestyle, uniting people, doing good. Previously, the holiday was celebrated on April 6. It is on this day that sports day is celebrated under the auspices of world development. But from 2023, it was decided to celebrate the holiday on April 23 - the birthday of Ivor Montague, the famous British tennis player, organizer of the first World Table Tennis Championship in 1926, as well as the founder and first president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Good intentions contributed to the fact that already in the first year of the celebration, events dedicated to the celebration took place literally all over the planet. More than 50 countries from America, Asia and Europe performed at them. Russia is no exception. Our country responds with pride and scope to the opportunity to give demonstrations, competitions, and tournaments promoting a healthy lifestyle. Russian cities make sports clubs, park areas, educational and entertainment institutions, business centers and even streets into celebration venues. Anyone can demonstrate their skills and love for table tennis. The holiday is celebrated brightly and unforgettably in the capital. FNTR (Russian Table Tennis Federation) organized, for example, an interactive platform in GUM itself. Throughout the day, the center of the store gave everyone the opportunity to pick up a racket. In parallel, professional athletes teach playing lessons on this day. Master classes are also held by “current” stars and those who have already become veterans of domestic table tennis. A separate line should be mentioned for events held for charitable purposes. They enjoy great support from world famous athletes. All proceeds received as a result of their holding are donated to help disabled children... “Which Russian doesn’t like driving fast?” – the famous classic once asked. Now we can say with confidence that Russians treat table tennis with the same love. After all, on a holiday when it is popularized, you can not only shake yourself up with physical activity, but also pass on a piece of your soul and goodness to those who are in dire need of help. Well, here's to the rackets, gentlemen!

Hedgehogs, echidnas and porcupines use their spiny armor when attacked by predators. In the plant world, roses, rosehips and cacti have needles for protection. People use their fruits, flowers and pulp for various purposes - making jam from the petals, tea, mezcal and the famous Mexican tequila. The popularity of this alcoholic drink over time led to the disappearance of wild cacti and, in particular, blue agave in South America. An enterprising farmer, a certain Pedro Singanes, decided to cultivate the plant and began growing cacti on the property for sale to tequila producers. Other Mexicans followed his example. In honor of the initiative of Senor Singanes, Cactus Grower Day was established on April 23. The holiday is celebrated by lovers of perennial plants of the Cactaceae family on all continents. Easy-to-care cacti grow outdoors in California and Arizona, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and Cuba. Desert varieties thrive at air temperatures of +60°C. In Russia and other northern countries, succulents take root well at home. Despite their harsh appearance and needles, cacti produce surprisingly delicate and beautiful flowers, the nectar of which in the wild is enjoyed by bats, hummingbirds and insects. In the deserted Sonorans of North America, giant saguaros grow up to 20 meters high. The largest cactus, the Californian giant, has a height of 33.4 m. The plant is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The oldest was discovered in Cuba - its age was 600 years. Saguaros, shaped like a candelabra, serve as a habitat for wild birds - the elf owl and other birds. The role of cacti in the ecosystem of the Sonoran Desert is so great that cutting down or damaging these unique plants is punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Tequila and mezcal are made from the pulp of the plant, and jam is made from the fruits. A favorite delicacy of Mexicans is asitron: a dessert in the form of cactus slices in sugar syrup. The indigenous people of South America in ancient times and to this day used the plant's needles as surgical needles for suturing wounds. Traditional healers in Africa used the leaves, fruits and roots of cacti to treat diseases of the skin and internal organs. In Madagascar, prickly pears brought by the French from Mauritius were planted near fortresses and used as a security barrier against native raids. Cacti, which appeared on Earth 30-35 million years ago, are considered exotic plants. They grow slowly in central Russia and bloom extremely rarely. Succulents are grown at home because of their unpretentiousness and healing properties - ionization of indoor air. Cacti are placed near a computer monitor or TV, because they are believed to absorb electromagnetic radiation. Although there is no scientific evidence for this, gardeners still love succulents and share their breeding experiences and photographs of their rare blooms. And on April 23, all fans of cereus, prickly pear, echinopsis and other representatives of the Cactaceae family celebrate Cactus Farmer's Day.

Funny Holidays - International Nose Picking Day

Funny holidays - Cyclist Day in Russia

Spanish is the official language of communication for several international communities: - United Nations (UN); - European Union (EU); - Organization of American States (OAS); - African Union (AU). In 2010, at the initiative of the UN, days of languages ​​were established (separately for each of the 6 official languages ​​of this organization). This was done with the aim of supporting initiatives that promote the development of multiculturalism and multilingualism. At the same time, the task was set to increase the awareness of the world community in matters of history, culture, use, and development of each of them. The language of Cervantes and Picasso, Dali and Cortez received its own holiday, which is celebrated throughout the world on April 23 of each year. In fact, this day is a day to celebrate the entire Hispanic culture. One interpretation of the word "Hispanidad" refers to a concept that has its roots in the times of Spanish colonial rule over much of the world. It unites not only residents of Spain itself, but also all Spanish-speaking peoples. Originating in the kingdom of Castile, the Spanish (Castilian) language has changed little since the time of Christopher Columbus. Following the rule “as it is written, so is it pronounced” (but not vice versa), it is one of the fastest-learning European languages. The language is most widespread today in the countries of Latin America, which were former Spanish colonies in the past. In 21 countries of the world it is officially state-owned. It is owned by: - ​​30 million people. in Europe (not counting Spain); - 40 million people. in the USA; - 5.5 million people. on both American continents (not including Spanish-speaking countries). The number of people studying Spanish in China and the countries of Southeast Asia and the African continent is growing. The most Spanish-speaking country is Mexico, and about 500 million people in the world speak it. The Spanish language ranks in the world: - 2nd place in terms of the number of native speakers (329 million people), second only to Chinese in this indicator; - 3rd place in popularity in communication; - 4th place among countries of residence of native speakers (44 states with at least 3 million carriers). Therefore, Spanish Language Day is celebrated by all people who teach, study, communicate and simply love Spanish-speaking culture. On this day, many countries hold language lessons and express courses, popular science and art exhibitions, games and competitions, dance marathons and concerts of national performers. One of the highlights is the online voting for the most interesting word in the Spanish language. World celebrities also take an active part in them - Alicia Alonso, Shakira, Isabel Allende, Vicente del Bosque, Rafael and others. In 2009-2010, an interesting event was held, called “rain of words.” Using a special cannon, small leaflets with the words that received the highest points from the voting participants were shot into the air. In subsequent years, the leaflets were replaced by balloons. To popularize the holiday, spread the Spanish language and teach it, both enthusiasts and organizations specially created for these purposes are actively involved. One of them is the Cervantes Institute, which has over 75 centers around the world.

Turkish Holidays - Children's Day and National Sovereignty (Ulusal Egemenlik ve Cocuk Bayrami)

Psychologist's Day is an informal, but significant holiday for scientific professionals in Ukraine. The Federation of Mental Health, under the patronage of the World Health Organization, set the date for International Mental Health Day (also known as Psychology Day) in October 1992. But Psychologist Day still does not have official approval. In Ukraine, it was decided to celebrate it on April 23. Highly qualified psychologists are guides of a person into his inner world, interpreters and translators of simple and complex mental phenomena into a language accessible to clients. Explaining to parents and children the relationships that have developed between them, finding moments that destroy harmony in the union of spouses, and finding out the nature of the distorted perception of the world are the tasks of psychologists. The work of a psychologist requires emotional and mental stress. It is necessary to delve into other people's problems, and to do this, temporarily become the one you are helping, get used to his way of thinking, type of reactions. At the same time, one must not lose objectivity, the ability to systematize and define. Psychology practices are required in various areas of life: Absolutely confidential, specialists conduct psychological diagnostics, teach methods of self-development and autogenic training, provide the basics for improving memory and attention, provide assistance in career guidance, and advise on issues of deviant behavior. Modern scientists, based on parallel areas of psychology (psychoanalysis, behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, genetic, humanistic) study the problems of ideals, moral values, morality. In Ukraine, psychology confidently occupies its rightful place among the sciences about society and man. A degree of trust in professionals and a culture of seeking help from them are gradually being formed. Many Ukrainians realize that they should turn to psychologists not in case of mental illness, but during an emotional crisis. In 1996, political psychologists of Ukraine united into the All-Ukrainian Association to analyze the activities of national and world politicians. The effective work of psychologists helps improve the mood in the country and improve the climate in society.

Holidays in Spain - St. George's Day (Valentine's Day, La Diada de Sant Jordi)

Holidays of Russia - Day of Press Services of the Penitentiary System of the Russian Federation

Terenty Marevny is celebrated according to the folk calendar on April 23 (the old style date is April 10). The name for the date was borrowed from the church calendar - the day of veneration of St. Terentius of Africa (Carthage), who suffered for his faith in Jesus Christ in the 3rd century. Saint Terence lived in the city of Carthage (modern Tunisia), and together with his wife he professed the faith of Christ. When the ruler of the state issued an order on compulsory sacrifices to the pagan gods, Terenty and 39 other Christians refused. They were locked in prison, subjected to severe torture and starvation, but they were unshakable in their faith, for which they were all beheaded. Together with Terentius, 3 of his comrades suffered at the hands of the pagans: Maximus, Pompius, Africanus. Terenty was popularly called the haze because on a given day the star often appeared in a white haze (haze) at dawn. The sign of haze always pleased the peasants, because it meant that a rich grain harvest was foreshadowed. The lack of haze was frustrating; it was believed that the crops would have to be sown again, since the previous ones would not sprout. On Terenty Marevny, previously hidden snow turned the roads into a swampy mess. Moving along them was difficult, the carts got stuck in the mud. Therefore, they tried to postpone long trips to a later date, and the day itself was called “restricted to travel.” There was a sign related to destroyed roads: if first the right foot got stuck in the mud, then the person should expect well-being. Wives who had sinned against their husbands, be it deception or betrayal, and who wanted to improve their relationship, repented before the Lord on Terentyev’s day. However, repentance should be done with only a strong and sincere desire for reconciliation. If peasants noticed young spiders on Terenty Marevny, then they were expecting fine days. Meeting old spiders on your own web on a hill meant a temporary cold snap. The flowering of the hazel tree foreshadowed that the cold would not return. Morning fog from the west promised rainy weather in the afternoon.

Passover is a joyful holiday for Jews all over the world. According to the lunar calendar, which they used in ancient times, the beginning of the holiday falls on the 14th day of the first month of the biblical year. This corresponds to the middle of spring. The celebration lasts for a week. The historical basis of Passover is the mass exodus of Jewish slaves from Egypt. In the 13th century BC. After 400 years of oppression and unbearable life, the Jews followed the prophet Moses to the Promised Land. One of the meanings of Passover is Exodus (departure from hated lands). Once upon a time, 70 people from the tribe of Jacob came to Egypt. Then the number of Jews grew, and already 600 thousand left the country. Pharaoh did not want to let them go, but God sided with the Jews and subjected the Egyptians to 10 plagues: rampant elements (hail, darkness), an invasion of reptiles, and a pestilence of livestock. The last straw was the death of the first-born boys. Jewish children were not harmed because... on the doors of the Jews there was the blood of slaughtered lambs. Moses ordered to kill the lambs sacred to the Egyptians, roast them, eat them openly, and mark their doors with their blood. The ruler of Egypt was forced to give in and release the Jewish tribe. When he rushed in pursuit of the Jews, the Red Sea parted before the fugitives and swallowed up their pursuers. These events are celebrated on the seventh day of Passover. Jews go to ponds and read an excerpt from the Pentateuch “Song of the Sea.” General cleaning is the beginning of preparations for the most important Jewish holiday. The remnants of fermented food are carefully swept out of the house - after all, in the Exodus they ate only unleavened wheat cakes (matzo), the dough did not have time to ferment. Chametz (leavened bread) is burned or sold to non-Jews, and is redeemed after Passover. For the evening festive meal - seder - special dishes are used. Dishes are placed on the table, each of which, according to Kabbalistic teachings, has a special meaning: the meat bone of a lamb is a symbol of sacrificial lambs; 4 cups of wine for each - symbols of liberation; bitter herbs for matzo sandwich; a jug of salt water - tears shed in slavery. It is customary to invite the poor to the Seder. On Passover, the Torah is read in synagogues and in homes, the history of the people of Israel is remembered, and prayers of gratitude are said. Celebrating Passover, Jews return to the historical events that led to the formation of the Jewish people. This is a holiday of spring renewal, liberation from slavish habits. It is the strict sequence of actions and dishes in the Passover Seder, unbroken in millions of Jewish families for many centuries, that guarantees that the sons of Israel scattered throughout the world feel themselves released from captivity, liberated. The holiday reminds them that they need to love their neighbors and take care of their people.

Orthodox holidays on April 23:

On April 23, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Day of Remembrance of the Hieromartyr Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople. It fell to Gregory's lot to become patriarch at the beginning of the 19th century during the years of the Ottoman yoke, when Christians suffered great oppression from the Muslim Turks. The holy martyr occupied the patriarchal throne three times. The first time this happened in 1797, Gregory immediately began to improve the position and status of the Christian Church, which was in complete decline. Educational institutions and printed publications were restored, and the moral spirit of parishioners began to revive. The efforts of the patriarch were met with indignation by the Turkish authorities and the objectionable priest was sent into exile to Athos. The restoration of Gregory to the Patriarchal throne of Constantinople eight years later also ended in exile. The third return of the patriarch took place ten years later in 1819 and led to the monstrous death of the holy martyr. The insurgency in Greece caused an increase in the terror of the Turkish authorities against Christians. In this situation, Gregory was forced to take care of saving lives among his flock. He calls on believers not to show resistance and to honor the Sultan, but Muslims have already declared a holy war on the infidels, and death could touch every Christian at any second. The Easter week of 1821 took place almost underground; the Orthodox were afraid to show joy from the great holiday and preferred to hide in their homes. And yet Gregory served a solemn service in the church of St. George, where hundreds of brave Christians came. Despite the fact that Gregory chose the position of condemning the rebel anti-Turkish movement, the authorities of the Ottoman Empire considered the patriarch unreliable. The elder was arrested right in the middle of the festive liturgy. Realizing his sad fate, Gregory ended the church celebration. The arrest was followed by the excommunication of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and the interrogation of the elder about his connections with the leaders of the rebel movement. The saint answered the questions with noble silence, after which the torturers decide to resort to torture. Representatives of the Ottoman authorities showed incredible cruelty towards the former patriarch; beatings and torture were accompanied by mocking offers to convert to Islam, to which Gregory replied that he would accept death while remaining a Christian. After prolonged torture, the elder was sentenced to death by hanging. The sentence was carried out in front of the eyes of frightened Christians, weeping at the sight of inhuman cruelty applied to the saint. After the execution, the body of the holy martyr was not removed from the noose for another three days. The mutilated remains of the saint were thrown into sea waters, where they could have been lost forever. But the body was found by Russian sailors and taken to Russia, where it was noticed that the relics did not decay, despite the long stay in the water and on the ship. Subsequently, when Greece was freed from the Turkish yoke, the acquired relic was sent to Athens, where Gregory was canonized and the relics were placed in the Annunciation Cathedral.

Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Terenty and his squad