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Yennayer, also known as the Amazigh New Year, is celebrated on January 12th or 13th (depending on regional variations) in several North African countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and the Canary Islands. It marks the beginning of the year in the Berber or Amazigh calendar and is a significant cultural and traditional observance for Berber communities. Key features of Yennayer include: Traditional Foods: Families come together to prepare and share traditional Amazigh dishes, often featuring ingredients like couscous, grains, vegetables, and dried fruits. Special Yennayer foods symbolize prosperity and abundance. Cultural Events: Festivities may include cultural events such as music performances, traditional dances, storytelling, and poetry readings that showcase Berber heritage and creativity. Decorations: Homes and public spaces may be adorned with colorful decorations, symbols, and items associated with Berber culture. This adds a festive atmosphere to the celebration. Traditional Clothing: People often wear traditional Amazigh clothing, which varies by region and may include vibrant fabrics and intricate designs. Renewing Ties: Yennayer is a time for families and communities to strengthen bonds, reconcile differences, and renew ties with their cultural heritage. It is an occasion for reflection and unity. Cultural Revival: The celebration of Yennayer contributes to the preservation and revival of Amazigh culture and language. It reinforces the identity and heritage of Berber communities. Yennayer is a cultural and symbolic celebration that highlights the rich traditions and heritage of Berber communities in North Africa and the Canary Islands. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the preservation of indigenous traditions.

Kandyan dance (Sinhala: උඩරට නැටුම්) encompasses various dance forms popular and native to the area called Kandy of the Central Hills region known as Udarata in Sri Lanka, which have today spread to other parts of the country. It is an example of Sinhalese culture in Sri Lanka.

Mask making is a popular tradition in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan mask artisans ply their trade along the Western, South Western, and Southern coasts of the island. Of these, the Ambalangoda area on the South Western coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its talented artisans. These masks are used in several occasions bound with Sri Lankan tradition.

Every year, on the Tuesday after Pentecost, the small town of Echternach in Luxembourg hosts a unique procession known as the "hopping procession." This procession, which has been taking place for over 600 years, is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a must-see for anyone visiting Luxembourg. During the procession, thousands of people make their way through the streets of Echternach, hopping rhythmically to the beat of a procession band. The hopping is said to represent the movement of St. Willibrord, the patron saint of Luxembourg, who is believed to have walked backwards to his monastery in Echternach after performing a miracle. The procession starts at the Basilica of St. Willibrord and proceeds through the town to the crypt of the abbey. The crypt is believed to be the final resting place of St. Willibrord, and many participants take the opportunity to pay their respects and leave offerings. The hopping procession of Echternach is a unique expression of Luxembourgish culture and an important part of the country's heritage. It has managed to survive for over 600 years despite various challenges and is a testament to the resilience of Luxembourg's people and traditions. A commemorative stamp celebrating the hopping procession of Echternach would not only be a wonderful addition to any stamp collection but also a great way to raise awareness of this fascinating cultural event. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/hopping-procession-of-echternach-00392 https://www.visitluxembourg.com/event/dancing-procession-echternach

Store Bededag, or Great Prayer Day, is a Danish holiday that falls on the fourth Friday after Easter. The holiday is traditionally a time for fasting and prayer, and it is customary to visit the graves of loved ones and lay wreaths and flowers. In modern times, however, Store Bededag has become more of a celebration of baked goods. Bakeries across Denmark offer special pastries, cakes, and buns, including the popular "varme hveder" or warm wheat buns. These buns are typically served with butter and jam and are a delicious way to celebrate the holiday. Another Store Bededag tradition is the ringing of the church bells. On the evening before the holiday, the bells are rung in a special pattern known as "lysning," which means "clearing." The sound is said to clear the air of evil spirits and pave the way for a peaceful holiday. Overall, Store Bededag is a time for reflection, remembrance, and indulgence in delicious baked treats. Whether you spend the day fasting and praying or enjoying warm wheat buns and cakes, it's a holiday that's sure to leave you feeling both spiritually and gastronomically satisfied. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Store_Bededag

São João is one of the most memorable dates in Portugal. It is mostly celebrated in Porto but over time, it started to be celebrated in other regions of Portugal. This festivity is known for the traditional ballons trowed in the air from the night of the 23rd of June till the 24th. Thank you! :) https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festa_de_S%C3%A3o_Jo%C3%A3o_do_Porto

"Agood piece of advice: Beware of Easter Monday in Poland. Although this advice might seem strange, you really should take it to heart, cause otherwise… you’ll get soaked! The tradition of Śmigus-Dyngus is still going strong in Poland." The festival is traditionally celebrated by boys throwing water over girls they like and spanking them with pussy willows. Boys would sneak into girls' homes at daybreak on Easter Monday and throw containers of water over them while they were still in bed. https://www.northernirishmaninpoland.com/smigus-dyngus-wet-monday-in-poland-whats-it-all-about/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Amigus-dyngus https://culture.pl/en/article/smigus-dyngus-polands-national-water-fight-day https://theculturetrip.com/europe/poland/articles/what-is-polands-wet-monday-everything-you-need-to-know-about-smigus-dyngus/ https://polandin.com/36630861/polands-wet-monday-an-agelong-tradition https://polandin.com/53142966/wet-monday-the-wettest-holiday-in-poland https://www.afterbrexitsupport.org/en/news/16-tradition-in-poland-wet-monday-in-poland-smigus-dyngus

On August 1st, Peru and Ecuador celebrate Pachamama Raymi, a traditional festival that honors Pachamama, the revered Mother Earth in Andean culture. Pachamama Raymi is a time to express gratitude and pay homage to the earth for its abundance and fertility. During the festival, people gather in communities and perform rituals to show their reverence for Pachamama. Offerings of food, flowers, and other symbolic items are made to the earth as a sign of appreciation. Ceremonies are conducted by shamans and spiritual leaders, who lead prayers and rituals to establish a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Pachamama Raymi is deeply rooted in indigenous beliefs and traditions, reflecting the close connection between the Andean people and the natural environment. It is a time to reflect on the interdependence between humans and the earth and to seek blessings and protection for the upcoming agricultural season. The festival is marked by vibrant music, traditional dances, colorful costumes, and delicious traditional food. It is a joyful occasion that brings communities together to celebrate their cultural heritage and strengthen their bond with the natural world.

In Egypt, the Flooding of the Nile, also known as Wafaa El-Nil, is a significant event that takes place annually between August 15 and August 28. This natural phenomenon marks the historic flooding of the Nile River, which has played a vital role in shaping the country's civilization and culture for thousands of years. The Flooding of the Nile is celebrated as a time of abundance, fertility, and renewal. It is a time when the river overflows its banks, depositing rich silt and nutrients onto the surrounding land, making it highly fertile for agriculture. This flooding was crucial to ancient Egyptian agriculture and allowed for successful crop cultivation. During this period, Egyptians gather to commemorate and honor the Nile River, which has sustained their livelihoods and provided sustenance throughout history. Festivities include various cultural activities, such as traditional music, dance performances, and boat processions along the river. The Flooding of the Nile holds both cultural and religious significance. It is seen as a symbol of life and prosperity, and many Egyptians offer prayers and express gratitude for the river's blessings. The event also highlights the close connection between the Egyptian people and the natural environment. In modern times, the Flooding of the Nile is also observed as an opportunity to promote tourism and raise awareness about Egypt's rich history and heritage. Visitors can witness the grandeur of the Nile during this time, appreciating the vital role it has played in Egypt's civilization and the unique cultural traditions associated with it. Overall, the Flooding of the Nile, or Wafaa El-Nil, is a time-honored celebration that showcases the deep reverence and appreciation Egyptians have for the Nile River. It is a reminder of the country's agricultural roots and the enduring bond between the people and the natural resources that sustain them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flooding_of_the_Nile https://egypt.travel/en/events/wafaa-el-nile

Dear Slowly team, Last year there was a large batch released to commemorate Christmas and New Year holiday in Europe, America, some Asian and Oceanic. So I think it'd be nice if we have some Premium Region-Specific Lunar New Year stamps this year. Besides solar new year, many Asian countries do celebrate Lunar New Year as the most important and popular festival in their countries. ( Detail here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_New_Year ) In Vietnam, Tết Nguyên Đán takes place from the 1st day of the first lunar month. For example, Tết falls on January 22nd in solar calendar in 2023 and usually lasts for a week. The most iconic things about Vietnamese Tet certainly is our traditional dishes " Bánh Chưng, Bánh Dày". While Bánh Chưng shaped square symbolizes the Earth, Bánh Dày shaped round symbolizes the Sky. The filling of Bánh Chưng consist of mung beans and pork which symbolize all living organisms on the Earth. All of the ingredients are wrapped with green leaves, honoring the unconditional love of parents for their kids. Bánh Chưng, Bánh Dày are all made of rice, which emphasizes the important role of rice in Vietnam, a country with a long-standing wet-rice culture. You can find out more about our Tet Nguyen Dan and the legendary of Bánh Chưng, Bánh Dày here: * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T%E1%BA%BFt * http://www.lionbrand.com.au/blog/the-legend-of-the-rice-cake-banh-chung-and-banh-giay Vietnam doesn't have any commemorative stamp at present so I hope that we can see a well-depicted stamp next year. Thank you!