Burns Night
Scots the world over celebrate the life of their National Bard, Robert Burns, on 25 January – the anniversary of his birth in 1759.
Cuba: Liberation Day
Cuba celebrates its Liberation Day on 1 January – the anniversary of the day in 1959 that the Batista regime collapsed, leaving Fidel Castro’s revolutionary forces in control of the island.
Qatar: National Day
Qatar celebrates its National Day on 18 December, the anniversary of the date in 1868 when the British gave its autonomy informal recognition.
Kenya: Independence Day/Republic Day
Kenya celebrates twice over on 12 December: independence was granted in 1963 and the country became a republic in 1964.
Tanzania: Independence Day/Republic Day
Tanzania celebrates Independence Day and Republic Day on 9 December
Thailand: Birthday of HM King Rama IX
Thailand’s National Day is celebrated on the birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, officially styled Rama IX, who was born on 5 December 1927.