To improve the effectiveness of customs services around the world, which performs an important mission in ensuring border security, the Customs Cooperation Council was created in Brussels in 1950, later renamed the World Customs Organization (WCO). In 1953, on January 26, its first meeting was held with the participation of representatives from different countries. Since then, every year on January 26, International Customs Day is celebrated - the professional day of all customs employees. (WCO) serves almost 98% of the world's countries, defends the interests of 180 customs services from all continents and plays a large role in the development of global business: regulates legal transactions and helps in the fight against fraud, guards international security and everything that has a negative impact on trusting relations between countries. Its task is to ensure profit and protect the trade potential of various states, ensure the safety of goods and facilitate the movement of passengers across borders. Regardless of the level of economic development of a particular country, the organization coordinates its customs services, helping to combat smuggling and violations of regulations. International Customs Day highlights the importance of business partnerships. On this day, seminars and conferences, working meetings and negotiations are held, problems are identified and ways to eliminate them are discussed. Customs officers report to the public about successes, achievements, operations performed and hold award ceremonies for the best workers. Russia has been a member of the World Customs Organization since 1992 as the successor to the USSR, and its customs territory accounts for one-seventh of the territory of all countries in the world. The Russian Federation dynamically and harmoniously interacts with other countries on a bilateral basis, and its customs system is recognized as one of the best in the world. Today, customs is an important mechanism of the state structure of foreign trade and a constant source of replenishment of the federal budget.

In 1972, in Stockholm, the UN adopted a Declaration on the development of criteria common to all countries of the world for the preservation and improvement of the environment. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to learn to live in harmony with nature, reducing the level of human influence on the state of the environment. Since June 1972, many people have been trained in the management of ecosystems - the socio-natural environment. On January 26, World Environmental Education Day is celebrated annually, aimed at achieving harmonious relationships between humans and the environment. World Environmental Education Day calls for raising awareness, gaining knowledge and developing skills to prevent and solve environmental problems. Their presence in most developing countries of the world is associated with low levels of education. The UN considers it necessary not only to raise people's awareness of the state of nature and the impact of the anthropogenic factor on it, but also to create awareness and develop appropriate behavior, which should be aimed at preserving nature. The Stockholm Declaration sets out 26 principles on which to maintain a healthy environment. These include human responsibilities for protecting nature and improving its condition, preserving reserves of non-renewable resources (coal, ore, oil, etc.) and limiting harmful emissions into the atmosphere. The UN calls on countries with developed economies to provide financial assistance and technical support to developing countries aimed at protecting the environment. According to the Declaration, adults and the younger generation are familiarized with environmental issues in all corners of the planet. The goal of World Environmental Education Day is to create more harmonious coexistence between society and the environment. There is almost no pristine nature left on the planet - no corners where modern man would not set foot. Scientific and technological progress and civilization for the most part have a negative impact on the environment, including flora and fauna. Therefore, teaching people the basics of environmental management is carried out both in the interests of descendants and for the preservation of the species of flora and fauna existing on Earth. In honor of World Environmental Education Day, public and private organizations hold a lot of thematic events. Kindergartens, schools and libraries organize art exhibitions, competitions and classes on the topic of nature conservation. On January 26, in various parts of the world, parks are cleaned, coastal areas are cleared of debris, and recreational areas are improved. Students take part in conferences and seminars on environmental protection, volunteers organize environmental actions. These and other events in honor of World Environmental Education Day demonstrate the unity of views of progressive humanity and its concern about the state of the planet’s ecology.

Every year on January 26, one of the most unusual unofficial holidays is celebrated - Random Destinations Day. On this day, every person can see unique clues around them that can indicate the right direction for their life path and predict the future. If you look closely at the signs, they will definitely lead to something good. For some, this holiday may be the starting point for a new stage in life. To become a wizard yourself, you can create your own signs. In order not to miss the chance to change something in your life on Random Directions Day, you can use a regular coin. To feel the approach of change in the morning, you need to start your day differently than usual. For example, at breakfast, drink not the usual cup of coffee, but brew yourself aromatic herbal tea or treat yourself to something delicious. You should also pay attention to the choice of clothing, it is better if it is unusual or brighter than usual. When going out to meet a new life, you need to pick up a coin and toss it. In which direction it falls, that’s where you need to go. Of course, the path may turn out to be quite familiar, but even in this case, the owner of the magic coin will be in a good mood for the whole day. A random direction can also be indicated by the wind, which in winter often changes the plans of citizens, covering roads with snow and at the same time forcing many motorists to switch to public transport or even walk. On January 26, you can trust the wind, and it will show you the right path. To do this, you should stand in the direction of the wind and feel how it pushes you in the back, bringing you closer to something important. It will help anyone who is looking for a soulmate to meet their future lover or the woman of their dreams. If you accidentally met someone on January 26, then this person could play an important role in your life in the future. If you trust the wind and at the same time listen to your intuition, then a random direction will be the only right path. On Random Destinations Day, you can allow yourself to follow one of the strangers who most attracts your attention. Perhaps you have long been wondering where one of the neighbors who you like or shows signs of attention to is heading. On January 26, you can follow him and perhaps this will reveal the secret of his route, and maybe even turn into a new acquaintance. To make the pursuit even more exciting on this holiday, you need to pay attention to various signs along the way, which can turn out to be very important clues. In snowy weather, you can also follow someone's footsteps towards your destiny, which can lead you to a place where you have never been before. A randomly chosen direction often turns out to be the only correct one. Each person has his own path in life, which is chosen for many reasons, but does not always lead to happy events. For many, life turns into a sequence of gray everyday life, and they rarely look around, sometimes losing sight of something very important and worthwhile. Celebrating Random Destinations Day is a must in order to experience new sensations, feel a surge of vitality and possibly find a way out of a difficult situation. On this holiday, you can rely on chance, let changes into your life and become truly happy.

Republic Day was first celebrated in India in 1850. Since then, it has been celebrated annually on January 26th. This national holiday celebrates the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the transition of this state from the status of a dominion of Great Britain to a republic. This document was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1849, but came into force on January 26, 1950. This January day was chosen because the Declaration of Independence of India was adopted on January 26, 1930 by the Indian National Congress. Republic Day is one of the three national Indian holidays. This celebration is celebrated by the maximum number of Indians and a characteristic feature of Republic Day is the organization and holding of festive events not only in the capital of the state, but also in the capitals of all Indian states. During all festive processions, extreme precautions are taken, and all those gathered for the celebration are under the constant control of law enforcement agencies. In Delhi, the festive procession follows from the Presidential Palace to the India Gate along the central street of the Indian capital - Rajpath. The procession involves numerous colorfully decorated floats that show all the states of the country to numerous Indians and guests of the country. In addition to the platforms passing along the central avenue, columns of students, folk dancers, scouts, and musical groups take part in the solemn procession. The ceremonial processions begin with the ceremonial arrival of the Indian President and Prime Minister on the central avenue. Simultaneously with the arrival of India's top officials, a military parade of the capital's garrison begins, at which modern weapons are demonstrated. The military parade is accompanied by squadrons of the Indian Air Force flying over Vijay Chowk - Victory Square. On this significant day for Indians, the Indian authorities and local activists organize and hold various festivals of folk music and dance, as well as theatrical performances and other events. In the capital of the Indian state, a festival starts at the National Stadium, which lasts two days and in which groups from almost all Indian states take part. An interesting conclusion to Republic Day in the capital is the “Clear Signal” ceremony taking place. It involves presidential guards dressed in picturesque 19th-century uniforms. The ceremony is held at Vijay Chowk on the second day after the celebration. The leadership of the Indian state and members of the diplomatic corps also necessarily participate in it. The performance of bravura marches and lyrical works by combined army orchestras has medieval roots. In those distant days, it was the sounds of the all-clear that stopped military operations. The ceremony ends with fireworks that fly into the night sky.

Australia is the only continent of all the continents whose inhabitants are “cut off” from the rest of the world, but this does not offend the Australians themselves at all. They are happy, know how to enjoy life, and always find reasons for fun and celebrations. One of these falls on January 26, because on this day the continent celebrates a national holiday - Australia Day. It was on this day many years ago that the colonization of the continent began. Over the many years of its existence, the holiday has acquired many traditions. And it all started out banal, after the first British colonialists landed on the Australian coast in 1788 and founded the first colony of New South Wales in that place. The captain of the ship, Arthur Philip, gave the name Sydney to the first settlement, in honor of the man who was the organizer of the expedition. Now the modern city of Sydney is located on this site. After 20 years, the number of British colonies grew to six, they united into a single Australian Union. At the beginning of the 19th century. It was customary to celebrate the Founding Day of the continent on January 26 and there were no special celebrations on this day. But in 1818, Governor Macquarie came up with the idea of ​​celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Australia with special pomp. On this day, a salvo of 30 guns was fired, and all employees were given the day off. The tradition took root and more and more states began to arrange fireworks displays on January 26 and let people go from work. By 1935, January 26 legally became a national holiday. Traditionally, on this day, the following are held throughout the continent:• festive fireworks;• nautical regattas;• parades;• light shows;• music festivals;• cricket matches;• live music concerts. Even on this day, a reconstruction of the first landing of British ships is carried out, and the honorary title of Australian of the Year is awarded. On January 26, it became a custom to decorate houses with national flags, wear clothes with similar symbols and have a barbecue.

On January 26, Ukraine traditionally celebrates the Day of the Employee of the State Audit Service of Ukraine (formerly the Day of the Employee of the Control and Audit Service). This holiday is relatively new, since it was not inherited from the Soviet Union, but was established already during the independence of Ukraine. His story began on January 26, 1993. On this day, the President of Ukraine signed a decree, which spoke about the founding of a new executive body of Ukraine - the control and audit service. According to the law, the responsibilities of the control and audit service included control over funds in the state budget. Simply put, this body was supposed to monitor where and on what money from the budget was spent, in what quantities, and whether there were any abuses. Under this name and with this set of functions, the control and audit service of Ukraine existed until 2010. In 2010, by decree of the President of Ukraine, the service was reorganized. From this time until 2015, this body existed as the State Financial Inspectorate. The set of powers was almost identical to those possessed by the Control and Audit Service of Ukraine. In 2015, another reorganization of the executive authorities of Ukraine took place. In October 2015, the State Financial Inspectorate was reorganized. In its place, the State Audit Service was established. Despite all the reorganizations and restructurings, January 26 is legally and traditionally considered a holiday for employees of this service. This professional holiday is celebrated typically for such events. In addition to traditional corporate events, various conferences, round tables, and debates are held on this day. Often on this day management makes official reports on the work done for the year. And the best employees are publicly awarded with certificates and bonuses. Sometimes such events are attended by top officials of the state: ministers or their deputies, deputies of the Verkhovna Rada, etc.

January 26, 1921 became one of the most significant dates in the history of the modern Republic of Latvia. Proclamation and recognition (de jure) of the country's independence. Although this period did not last so long (until 1940), it was of great importance in the development of the state. Latvia began its struggle for sovereignty back in 1914. But the act of independence was proclaimed in 1918. The first countries that recognized Latvia as a full-fledged and independent state on the world stage were France, Italy, Great Britain, Belgium and distant Japan. At the end of the same year, the League of Nations accepted the Republic of Latvia into its membership. Such recognition did not give full independence, but allowed the country to enter the international legal arena - to conclude treaties, to have a voice in international conferences and discussions. Why is the day celebrated de jure? In 1940, the USSR forcibly included the territory of the country into its composition. Until 1991 and its collapse, the country was under occupation. And since 1990, obvious actions began to return independence. By the way, Latvia returned to the sovereignty of the last of the Baltic states. On this day, Latvians do not celebrate the holiday particularly pompously. Concerts and public events are often organized. This day is more accepted as a memorable date that should not be forgotten, as well as the long struggle of the Latvian people for their independence. January 26 is also commonly called Diplomat's Day. According to tradition, on this day flowers are laid at the cemeteries of former employees of the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Various events are also held at the diplomatic level, meetings with representatives of different countries to increase the recognition of the Republic of Latvia in the international arena. From 2017 to 2021, the 100th anniversary of Latvia is celebrated. In honor of the anniversary, many projects and events are planned to be held in various areas of life.

The first mention of the Icelandic holiday Torrablout dates back to the 13th century, indicating its ancient pagan origins. The literal translation of the name Torrablout is "Victim of the Fourth Winter Month". To understand the meaning of the holiday, you need to familiarize yourself with the Icelandic calendar. The fact is that in this northern island state, even today there are only two seasons - winter and summer, and “Torri” is the name of one of the months of winter. Whether this concept has a connection with the god Thor or another deity of the pagan pantheon is not known for certain. But it is absolutely clear that the celebration consisted of a ritual of sacrifice, because blót is translated as sacrifice. With the advent of Christianity, the ancient pagan cults were declared ungodly, and the revival of Torrablout occurred only at the end of the 19th century. The anniversary of the colonization of Iceland required a special celebration in the national romantic spirit. The festive room was decorated in the spirit of the Vikings of the early Middle Ages with carved wooden tables and thrones, painted shields and helmets, with blazing bonfires and braziers. In the mid-20th century, Torrablout was declared an official holiday as a tribute to the island's cultural past. Its specific date is the first Friday after January 19th. The holiday was replenished with interesting customs. So, the owner of the house, welcoming the onset of the fourth winter month, should jump around the house with his bare feet and his pants down. And as a treat, traditional Icelandic delicacies are offered, which will become the most incredible and risky exotic for all visitors. Guests can be pleased with hakarlem - cut from rotten shark meat, or a sheep's head smoked in a chimney. Local vodka aged in potatoes will help increase the level of fun. You can learn about the quality and effect of this drink from the name; “brennivin” translates as black death.

Dominican Republic Holidays - Duarte Day

January 26 (January 13, old style) is celebrated as Ermilov’s Day according to the folk calendar. This holiday is named in honor of the church date of honoring the memory of Saints Hermilus and Stratonik of Belgrade, who died in the 4th century for their faith in Jesus Christ. According to legend, Yermil worked as a deacon in the church, and his comrade Stratonicus worked as a guard in prison and secretly professed the Christian faith. When the persecution of Christ's supporters began, Yermil was imprisoned and tortured. Stratonicus grieved over the torment of his friend, for which he was convicted of Christianity. Both were executed by being tied up with a net and thrown into the waters of the Danube. Three days later the bodies were found and buried near Singidon. Among the people, a cold usually set in on Ermilov’s day. Due to severe frosts, peasants stayed at home, avoiding illness. It was forbidden to work for Yermil, so the people had fun and exchanged stories. On Ermilov's day special attention was paid to the cat. On the one hand, it was considered an “unclean” animal. People believed that cats could be possessed by a witch or devil. The souls of sinners after death were reincarnated into a mustachioed pet, and death came to a dying child in the guise of a cat. That's why they said that you can't kill cats, otherwise you'll ruin your happiness. They were kicked out of the church and not taken on trips because cats brought bad luck. A cat of any color crossing the road foreshadowed trouble. In order not to jinx a serious matter, they did not remember this animal out loud. On the other hand, the mustachioed pet personified home comfort and security. According to legend, he saved Noah's Ark from sinking: when a mouse sent by Satan made a crack in the wall of the ship, the cat plugged it with its tail. It was believed that cats avoided the “rotten” place, they found safe corners in the room, and the owners placed beds in those corners. In order for the baby to sleep soundly in the cradle, a black cat was first placed there. But sleeping with an animal was strictly forbidden, otherwise the sleeper could go crazy. Watching a meowing friend on Ermilov's day, they determined the coming weather. A cat curled up in a circle predicted an impending cold. If she ground her claws down, a blizzard was expected, and if she stretched out to her full length, the arrival of warmth.

Spouse's Day in Iceland (Bondadagur)

Orthodox holidays on January 26:

Yermil and Stratonicus were friends; they lived in Singidon (Belgrade) in the 4th century, when Emperor Licinius ruled the people. These were times when the Christian faith was persecuted. Both friends became victims of this persecution, but never renounced the Name of Christ. For their strength of spirit and the fact that until the last moment they did not renounce the holy faith, Yermil and Stratonik were recognized as holy martyrs according to Christian canons. The day of the holy martyrs Ermil and Strato of Belgrade is celebrated every year on January 26, on this day a liturgy is held in the church in their honor. Ermil served as a deacon in Singidon, for which he was thrown into prison. He was subjected to terrible torture for a long time so that he would renounce his faith. His friend Stratonicus was a secret Christian and served as a warden in the same prison. Seeing the torment of his friend, he could not hold back his tears, thereby betraying himself. Stratonikos was taken into custody and tortured for a long time, demanding that he betray the faith. The cruel tormentors could not break their spirit, then Licinius ordered them both to be sewn up in a net and drowned in the Danube. Three days later, their bodies were found and secretly buried according to Christian rites near the city. The holy relics of Hermilus and Stratonikos were secretly transported to Constantinople, where they were kept for a long time in the Church of Hagia Sophia. This was mentioned by one of the Russian pilgrims named Anthony, who visited this temple at the beginning of the 13th century. The Day of the Holy Martyrs Ermil and Straton of Novgorod is well known among the people; it is simply called Ermil’s Day. There are also traditions that the Slavs tried to adhere to. This day should have been spent at home with the family, without doing hard work. Usually on this day there was severe frost outside, so it was believed that those who did not go outside on Eremin’s Day would not get sick for a whole year. On Eremin’s Day they organized home gatherings. Particular attention was paid to cats on this day, because by their behavior one could predict what the weather would be like in the near future: • if they sharpen their claws, there will be strong snowstorms; • curled up, frosts are coming; • stretches, warming will come. It is considered a very bad omen kill an animal on Ermilov's day, even if it happened by accident: the one who did it will have to pay for his action for the whole year.

Memorial Day of St. Irinarch of Rostov