1. August 5th is
International Beer Day – a holiday established to celebrate the beers of all nations and cultures, as well as the wonderful brewers who create them and bartenders who serve them. Celebrated throughout Australia, Canada, England, Estonia, Germany, Israel, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey and the U.S. Get together with friends and family to try some beers from a culture other than your own. You might even want to leave an especially generous tip for your bartender.
mmm, beer
2. The second week of August is
Elvis Week. Hardcore fans can catch a tribute show, or even head to Memphis for the Elvis festival (10th – 16th August). For the rest of us, it's a great excuse to visit the local 50s Diner and put a few dollars in the juke box.
King of Rock and Roll
3. August 13th is
Alfred Hitchcock's Birthday. What better reason to hold a movie marathon? Check out a complete list of Hitchcock's films
here.
4. August 15th is the day
World War Two Officially Ended. If the end of the greatest war in history isn't a reason to celebrate, I don't know what is.
5. August 15th is the
Feast of the Assumption – the day Catholic's celebrate Mary's ascension into the heaven. Even for those of us who aren't religious, this might be a trigger to take the time to visit the local Cathedral and appreciate the spectacular artwork and architecture.
6. August 18th, 1920 is the day the 19th Amendment was signed, giving U.S. women the right to vote. A big step forward on the long road to equality.
7. August 19th is National
Tell-A-Joke Day in the U.S. (
I kid you not). I, for one, support the movement to make this day international.
8. August 19th is
Mr Snuffleupagus' Birthday. You remember Snuffy, right? The loveable woolly mammoth from our childhood. Embrace your childish side! Puppets really are awesome – and don't forget there's a
new Muppets movie due for release later this year.
Snuffy
9. Bolivia, Corsica, Ecuador, Estonia, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Switzerland and Uruguay can all lay claim to having gained their independence and / or established their nation during the month of August. If you live anywhere near an Embassy or Consulate it's worth checking out whether they're holding any celebrations. Some throw open their doors to the community for dinners, festivals, or parties – many even have free events.
10. For those in the Southern Hemisphere, August is the last month of winter and for those in the North, it marks the end of summer. This is your last chance to enjoy your favourite activities of the season. Snuggle up with a blanket, a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. Or, head outside for one last picnic in the sunshine.
