World Coconut Day By Sharon Schweitzer The aim of celebrating this holiday is to bring coconuts into the spotlight and recognize their importance and benefits — not just health-wise but economically too. Coconuts are especially celebrated in Asian- and Pacific regions by the APCC, Asian and Pacific Coconut Community, which facilitates most of [...]
National Rice Month By Sharon Schweitzer We celebrate National Rice Month throughout the entire month of September. With over 40,000 kinds that grow on every continent, except in Antarctica, what a way to discover as many varieties as possible! The history of National Rice Month dates back to 1991 when President George H.W. [...]
National Bao Day By Sharon Schweitzer National Bao Day is celebrated on August 22nd every year. It’s a day to savor the deliciousness of the famed dumpling. It’s also a day dedicated to learn more about the bao, also known as ‘baozi’ or ‘hot Asian buns,’ and the culture that surrounds them. Do [...]
International Day of Friendship By Sharon Schweitzer The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in [...]
World Tofu Day By Sharon Schweitzer World Tofu Day is annually observed on July 26th, in honor of tofu, a plant-based alternative to meat that is manufactured from soybeans. Tofu has seen a surge in popularity as more people switch to a plant-based diet. For vegans and vegetarians, it is particularly appreciated and [...]
Marine Day in Japan By Sharon Schweitzer Since 2003, Marine Day in Japan has been observed on the third Monday of July. Marine Day is a Japanese national holiday that aims to thank the ocean for its bounty. Considering that Japan is a maritime nation, the country and its people are heavily dependent [...]
South Asian Heritage Month By Sharon Schweitzer South Asian Heritage Month is held annually from July 18th to August 17th to honor, recognize, and appreciate South Asian history and culture, as well as to comprehend the rich cultural legacy of countries and South Asia. It is also to better comprehend the various heritage of [...]
National Koi Day By Sharon Schweitzer National Koi Day celebrates the Japanese Koi fish and brings attention to the exotic beauty of the fish. As a symbol of courage, patience, perseverance, and strength, the Koi fish has been celebrated in the Japanese culture for centuries. The word "koi" comes from nishiki-goi, which means colored [...]
National Culture Consciousness Week By Sharon Schweitzer “Culture is one of the two or three most complicated words in the English language,” (Raymond Williams, 1976, pg. 87). Culture does not consist of just one set description or definition. It is a concept that varies from one person to the next. Culture can be as [...]
Anthony Bourdain Day By Sharon Schweitzer “Southeast Asia has a real grip on me. From the very first time I went there, it was a fulfillment of my childhood fantasies of the way travel should be.” -Anthony Bourdain Anthony Bourdain-chef and writer, traveled the world with humility, humanity, curiosity, humor, and with [...]