Sometimes you really want to throw yourself an unplanned holiday during the workweek. Relax, treat your loved ones, and attend an event. The 2020 animal holiday calendar will help you with that.
January 25 – Eastern New Year
On this day, at three minutes past midnight, the White Metal Rat will officially assume the title of hostess of the year. The celebration will last for 15 days, from January 25 to February 10.
How to celebrate
You can watch the celebrations live in China. Your imagination will undoubtedly be captivated by the noisy mass celebrations, vibrant costumes of Chinese mythological heroes, and colorful fireworks. Then, meet up with friends and dress up in costumes representing the Chinese zodiac. This will give a boost of positivity not only to those celebrating but also to passersby.
Another way to celebrate the current Year of the White Metal Rat is with a party featuring Chinese food and fortune cookies. This will set the tone for the coming year and get you started.
February 2 is Groundhog Day
This is a traditional holiday for residents of the United States and Canada. It is believed that on this day, one should observe groundhogs emerging from their burrows. The animals' behavior can be used to predict the approach of spring.
How to celebrate
There are different ways to celebrate Groundhog Day:
- go to the zoo, make sure the groundhog is sleeping and probably having sweet dreams, and then return home, continuing to wait for spring to come;
- arrange a movie night with your loved ones and be sure to watch the film "Groundhog Day", starring Bill Murray;
- take a day off from work and spend the whole day under a warm blanket with an interesting book and a liter of tea.
April 1 is International Bird Day
The International Convention for the Protection of Birds Useful to Agriculture, signed on March 19, 1902, and entered into force on December 12, 1905, became the first international environmental convention. In honor of this, many countries began celebrating International Bird Day. In Russia, this holiday falls on April 1 and is a wonderful alternative to April Fool's Day.
How to celebrate
If the weather permits, you can gather your friends and head to a forest or grove to enjoy the spring, the birds singing, and sitting around a campfire.
For residents of large cities, exhibitions are often held on this day. There, you can admire feathered fauna and perhaps buy a couple of budgies.
Those interested can make a charitable contribution to the Nature Protection and Conservation Fund.
April 4 is World Butterfly Day
Another holiday that draws attention to environmental issues. These adorable creatures have recently become especially critical, as many rare species are on the brink of extinction.
How to celebrate
The best options for celebration are:
- a small clean-up day in nearby parks and groves;
- a visit to the zoological museum and an exhibition dedicated to wildlife;
- make a donation to the Nature and Ecology Funds.
July 1 is International Dog Day
A holiday celebrating man's loyal and reliable companions, a day of honor and respect for those animals who serve in difficult roles on the border, in the police, or in rescue teams. A day of remembrance for hero dogs – bomb disposal experts, rescuers – who saved the lives of their owners or passersby.
How to celebrate
We offer several options for celebrating the holiday of our loyal and devoted friends:
- visit a dog show and watch the champions perform;
- If you have a hero of the occasion, arrange a themed photo shoot for him with his family;
- Watch the film "Hachiko," which tells the touching story of a devoted dog's boundless love for its owner.
July 23 is World Whale and Dolphin Day.
The holiday was established in 1986 by the International Whaling Commission. It commemorates the 1982 ban on commercial whaling, effective from the 1985-1986 season.
How to celebrate
We offer several options:
- visit the dolphinarium;
- make a charitable contribution to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Fund, which campaigns against the extermination of these mammals;
- Watch a documentary about the life of cetaceans and start dreaming of buying a piece of the ocean and breeding baby whales and dolphins there.
July 29 is International Tiger Day.
The purpose of the festival is to draw public attention to the problem of the disappearance of the striped predator population and to inform people about ways to protect these animals.
How to celebrate
For example, you can:
- tell your loved ones about the rapid decline in the population of these animals and invite them to sign a petition to ban hunting of predators;
- rewatch "Mowgli" or "Life of Pi";
- donate money to funds that protect tiger populations and their relatives.
August 8 is World Cat Day
World Cat Day is celebrated at the initiative of the International Fund for Animal Welfare not only to honor furry homebodies but also to draw attention to the problem of homeless cats.
How to celebrate
On this day you can:
- hug your mustachioed and striped pet and treat him with his favorite treat.
- adopt a cat from a shelter for temporary or permanent fostering;
- donate several packages of food and necessary medications to the animal shelter;
- please homeless cats with a couple of bags of food.
September 20 – Night of the Bats
Its main goal is to draw attention to the problems of bats and their conservation and to debunk the myths surrounding these animals, which many people have an unjustified fear of, considering them vampires.
How to celebrate
The most daring bat lovers can climb into the attic to search for a nest and feed the little creatures. Or they can take advantage of the moment and rewatch their favorite vampire movies. Yes, bloodsucking bats are just a superstition, but sometimes you just want to tickle your nerves with a good horror film.
October 4 is World Animal Day
An international day designed to draw humanity's attention to the problems of other inhabitants of planet Earth.
How to celebrate
If you care about animals, you can help the shelter in any way you can (donate money, medication, or food) or volunteer there. We also recommend rewatching your favorite movies about human-animal friendship.
November 30 is World Pet Day
A holiday that encourages us to appreciate and respect our pets. A day to thank them for the joy they bring to our lives.
How to celebrate
If you don't have a pet yet, today is a great opportunity to get one. You could also arrange a themed photo shoot.
