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TÜRKİYE-APRİL 23-National Sovereignty and Children's Day 

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TÜRKİYE-APRİL 23-National Sovereignty and Children's Day 

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National Sovereignty and Children's Day, celebrated on April 23rd in Turkey, is a unique national holiday commemorating the establishment of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1920 and dedicated to children by Atatürk. Schools are closed nationwide, and children symbolically take on government roles, delivering speeches in parliament, performing traditional dances, and participating in official ceremonies. The day emphasizes Turkey's commitment to national sovereignty, democracy, and children's rights, highlighting the importance of future generations. This special celebration reflects the country's deep respect for children and its democratic values, making it a significant and meaningful national event.

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Hıdırellez: Traditional Spring Celebration in Turkey

Origin and Meaning:

Ancient cultural festival marking the arrival of spring

Celebrated on May 5th

Rooted in both Islamic and pre-Islamic Anatolian traditions

Named after legendary figures Hızır (Al-Khidr) and İlyas (Elijah)

Cultural Significance:

Symbolizes renewal, hope, and prosperity

Believed to be a magical day when wishes come true

Represents harmony between nature and human life

Traditional Practices:

People gather outdoors in parks and gardens

Prepare special meals and picnics

Jump over bonfires for good luck

Make wishes and tie colored ribbons to trees

Young people perform traditional dances

Perform rituals for health, happiness, and success

Geographical Spread:

Widely celebrated in Anatolia

Also observed in Balkan countries

Symbolic Rituals:

Collecting morning dew

Preparing special herbal teas

Cleaning and decorating homes

Wearing new clothes

Sharing food with neighbors and community

A day of joy, hope, and cultural connection celebrating spring's arrival.

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Original text of the Constitution (source: Wikipedia)

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MAY POLAND - Constitution of May 3rd 1791

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MAY POLAND - Constitution of May 3rd 1791

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The authors of the Constitution of 3rd May were King Stanisław August Poniatowski, Ignacy Potocki, Hugo Kołłątaj and Adam Stanisław Krasiński. The Constitution of 3rd May was established by a government act adopted that day by the Four-Year Sejm. During the Four-Year Sejm, many members of parliament, working on behalf of neighboring countries (Russia, Prussia and Austria), opposed the establishment of the fundamental law. The opportunity arose on May 3, 1791, when many opponents of the constitution had not yet returned from their Easter vacation.

It was the second written constitution in the world (after American one). It constituted the Republic of Poland.

The 3rd of May Constitution Day was celebrated until the last partition. Celebrating the 3rd of May was banned in all partitions, only after World War I when Poland regained independence was the 3rd of May Constitution Day revived. During World War II during the German and Soviet occupation the holiday was banned. Only in 1981 did the people's government allow the 3rd of May celebrations. Since 1989, the 3rd of May Constitution Day is again a national holiday and since 2007 it has also been celebrated in Lithuania (due to we were the union from 1385 to 1795).

It is one of the most important celebrations in Poland. Children at schools perform historical shows and everyone is dressed elegant (white shirts or blouses and dark trousers or skirts). The day before we celebrate the day of the Polish flag when everyone should have the flag of Poland on their house and it is obligatory for each institution.

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GREECE APRIL SPECIAL DAY 20 Αpril  2025 Easter Christian    The lanterns of wishes

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GREECE APRIL SPECIAL DAY 20 Αpril  2025 Easter Christian    The lanterns of wishes

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SPECIAL DAY is the Christian Easter, a magnificent religious celebration with numerous customs and traditions during and after Holy Week. It includes the Lazarakia , the decoration of the Epitaph with flowers and its procession, the red eggs, the Easter brioche, the baking of the lamb, the magiritsa ( eating with offal and vegetables) the fireworks of the Resurrection of Christ, the burning of Judas, the handmade balloons made of large paper glue that go up high on the day of the Resurrection.

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ΑGIOS ΕDIPSOS ΕVIA GREECE  The big balloons tradition of our village 20 April 2025

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ΑGIOS ΕDIPSOS ΕVIA GREECE  The big balloons tradition of our village 20 April 2025

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During Holy Week, the villagers make improvised balloons with coloured paper and fly them upwards making wishes. The custom culminates on Resurrection Day, when the biggest balloons are flown along with the lanterns.

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Constitution of May 3rd at School in Lubiszyn

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Constitution of May 3rd at School in Lubiszyn

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The celebration of Polish Constitution Day on 30th April 2025. Class 7 presented the show explaining the events of 1791 and the importance of Polish Constitution.

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"Rota" - Polish patriotic song performed during Constitution of 3rd May celebration. 

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"Rota" - Polish patriotic song performed during Constitution of 3rd May celebration. 

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ROMANIA, APRIL, Catholic Easter and Orthodox Easter, 20 April 2025

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ROMANIA, APRIL, Catholic Easter and Orthodox Easter, 20 April 2025

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The two holidays, Catholic Easter and Orthodox Easter, fall on the same day, in 2025, both will be celebrated on April 20. The two events have not been celebrated on the same day since 2017.

Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord.

Red eggs

The most famous Easter custom has its origins in the scene where Jesus was crucified on the cross on Good Friday. Coming to see her crucified son, the Virgin Mary had in her hand a basket of eggs that turned red from the blood of the Savior. In popular tradition, red eggs are good luck. That is why, on Easter morning, it is good to wash our faces with water from a vessel in which red eggs and silver coins are placed.

At the same time, red eggs are cracked at the Easter table along with the well-known line "Christ is Risen! - Truly He is Risen!", which symbolizes the forgiveness of a grave sin of those who said it.

Moreover, if someone discovers two yolks in an egg, that person will soon get married.

On the first day of Easter, there is a custom of wearing new clothes. The gesture symbolizes the renewal of the body and soul.

Tradition says that in order to always be together with our loved ones, we must share the first cracked egg with all family members. The egg must also be broken by the head of the family. He also cleans it, and everyone will take a piece of that egg and eat it at once.

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MAY ROMANIA, In May we celebrate Traditional Costume Day,

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MAY ROMANIA, In May we celebrate Traditional Costume Day,

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Romania In May we celebrate Traditional Costume Day, which represents one of the most important forms of culture of a people.

The National Day of Traditional Costume in Romania was established by Law 102/2015 and is celebrated on the second Sunday of May, this year May 11, 2025.

According to the normative act, the marking of this day has the role of promoting Romanian folk costume, of "highlighting the invaluable values ​​that traditional costumes specific to each area represent"

The folk costume was the secret of the soul of the woman, the one who created true masterpieces over time in the moonlight, in the long winters.

The Romanian folk costume dates back to the 9th-10th centuries, but more numerous testimonies exist from the 14th century, the oldest representation of the authentic Romanian costume being recorded in the Vienna Painted Chronicle of 1358, which describes the Battle of Posada between the King of Hungary, Carol Robert of Anjou, where the costume of Basa au Menahaen Voie and the costume of Basa au Menahaen Voie is represented, with long shirts, tied at the waist with a belt or strap, isari, opinci and hats made of pieces of sheepskin on the head.

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23 April - Saint George's Day Traditions - Romania

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23 April - Saint George's Day Traditions - Romania

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The Holy Great Martyr George is one of the most venerated saints in the Orthodox calendar, celebrated every year on April 23. On the morning of St. George's Day, the head of the family, always a man, places green branches on the posts of gates and houses, on the windows and doors of houses and stables, in gardens and on the graves in cemeteries. Thus, it was believed that people, cattle and crops were protected from evil forces. The green branches were kept throughout the year to be used as remedies against diseases. They were also put in animal feed, in the belief that they would be protected from the power of evil spirits. On the eve of St. George's Day, brides believed that they could see their groom if they looked into a bucket full of water that night. There is also a custom that on the morning of April 23, girls would place green furrows in the middle of the road, decorated with wreaths, to see which boy would step on them. If the boys they loved did not step on the wreaths, the girls believed that they would get married that year. The wreaths and wreaths were kept throughout the year, to be used as love charms or as a remedy to alleviate various illnesses.

No one was allowed to sleep on this day because it was believed that whoever violated the ban would be sleepy for the entire year.
Of all the customs listed, only the custom of decorating gateposts and the doors with green willow branches is still preserved in contemporary communities.

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Mai, 21, Romania - Customs of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena

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Mai, 21, Romania - Customs of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena

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It is believed that on this day, birds teach their young to fly.
Considering that a new generation threatens the harvest, it was forbidden to work on this day. By resting from field work, it was believed that the harvest would not be eaten by birds.
It is the last day when corn, oats and millet were sown. It is said among the people that everything sown after this day dries up.
It is the day when the shepherds decide who will be the shepherd, where the sheepfolds will be made and who they will hire to guard them during grazing.
The milk from each sheep is measured and marked on the tally.
To protect themselves from evil forces, the peasants would sit around a fire. The sheep would also be passed through the smoke from this fire, "so that they would be protected from evil", while they would be alone in the sheepfold.

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AGIOS EDIPSOS EVIA GREECE 20 April 2025 Epitaph Church of St. George

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AGIOS EDIPSOS EVIA GREECE 20 April 2025 Epitaph Church of St. George

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On Good Friday after the Crucifixion of Christ we decorate the Epitaph with fragrant flowers and make a procession throughout the village.

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ΑGIOS EDIPSOS EVIA GREECE 20 April 2025 Easter cookies

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ΑGIOS EDIPSOS EVIA GREECE 20 April 2025 Easter cookies

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They are the fasting cookies before Easter. After Easter our cookies become Easter cookies with milk and egg.

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AGIOS EDIPSOS EVIA GREECE 25 March Annunciation of the Virgin ΑΝD St George's Day celebration 23 April 2025

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AGIOS EDIPSOS EVIA GREECE 25 March Annunciation of the Virgin ΑΝD St George's Day celebration 23 April 2025

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Parade of horses throughout the village to celebrate the great feast of St. George

(photo by Fotis Parakatselakis)

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Romania - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ 

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Romania - The Resurrection of Jesus Christ 

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I made with my students an activity representing the resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

We painted the mountain of Golgota where He was crucified and I explained them the meaning of cthis celebration: Jesus Christ was sacrified for our sins because God loved us so much that He gave for people His only Son.

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April 23rd marks National Sovereignty and Children's Day in Turkey — a distinctive national holiday that honors both the foundation of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in 1920 and the value of children in the nation’s future. Initiated by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this day uniquely combines a celebration of democratic ideals with a heartfelt dedication to youth. On this public holiday, schools across the country are closed, and children step into symbolic leadership roles by giving speeches in parliament, engaging in cultural performances, and attending state ceremonies. The day stands as a powerful expression of Turkey’s devotion to sovereignty, democratic governance, and the rights of children. It is not only a commemoration of historical progress but also a joyful tribute to the next generation.

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APRIL 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day

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APRIL 23 National Sovereignty and Children's Day

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On this special day, presented to children by the unique leader Atatürk, our children experienced the joy of the holiday in their most colorful clothes and with great enthusiasm. April 23 is celebrated every year all around our country with the participation of not only Turkish children but also all children of the world. Of course, it is the greatest holiday for all adults who do not grow up with the child inside them.

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Yelda Akbal Ümraniye Science and Art Center İstanbul Türkiye 

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Türkiye- April 23 National Sovereignth and Children's Day

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Türkiye- April 23 National Sovereignth and Children's Day

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April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day

April 23rd marks the day when the Turkish nation gained its sovereignty and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey was opened. This significant day was dedicated to children by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and is celebrated annually as the "National Sovereignty and Children's Day."

This special day is celebrated to convey messages of peace, love, and brotherhood to children all around the world. Atatürk regarded children as the guarantee of the Republic and emphasized the importance of educating them for a better future. April 23rd is not only a holiday for Turkish children but also an international celebration for children worldwide.

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Füsun Dönmez- Maltepe Kadir Has Science And Art Center- İstanbul-Turkiye

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ȘTIRBU ANA - MARIA, SECONDARY SCHOOL NO. 33, GALAȚI, ROMANIA, APRIL, ORTHODOX EASTER, 20 APRIL 2025

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ȘTIRBU ANA - MARIA, SECONDARY SCHOOL NO. 33, GALAȚI, ROMANIA, APRIL, ORTHODOX EASTER, 20 APRIL 2025

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Resurrection of the Lord:

The holiday marks the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, as presented in the Bible.

Traditions:

A common tradition is the Easter egg hunt and the joy of sharing traditional culinary dishes.

Preserving traditions:

Many people preserve their Easter traditions and customs from generation to generation, gathering as families and sharing special dishes and moments.

During this period, Christians go to church where they sing various religious songs dedicated to this holiday.

The children painted icons illustrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Orthodox Easter in Greece - Maroula Tsoulkana , Greek School of Zurich

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Orthodox Easter in Greece - Maroula Tsoulkana , Greek School of Zurich

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In the above images we see the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Thursday, the procession of the Epitaph on Good Friday and the Resurrection on Holy Saturday evening, where everyone holds a candle.

In the evening, the priests with the "Receive ye light from the unquenchable light and glorify Christ risen from the dead" ask the faithful to light their candle with the Holy Light, which symbolizes Christ.

On Easter Sunday, each family roasts a whole lamb or goat and they eat all together.

On the same day we eat the Easter cookies and buns that we have prepared.

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International Children' s Book Day - Maroula Tsoulkana , Greek School of Zurich

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International Children' s Book Day - Maroula Tsoulkana , Greek School of Zurich

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On the occasion of World Children's Book Day we were divided into groups , the children chose to read a book and then draw on a piece of paper a picture or a hero that made an impression on them. We put all the drawings in a box and then made a page from a silent book by joining the children's drawings together.

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Mother's Day - Maroula Tsoulkana , Greek School of Zurich 

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Mother's Day - Maroula Tsoulkana , Greek School of Zurich 

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Today is a beautiful reminder to celebrate the incredible women who shape our lives with their love, strength, and kindness. A mother is not just someone who gives us life, but someone who stands by us through every laugh, every tear, and every dream we chase.

To every mom — thank you for the countless sacrifices you make, the lessons you teach, and the warmth you bring into our world. Whether it’s a gentle hug after a tough day, words of encouragement when we need them most, or simply being there, your love makes life brighter.

Let’s cherish and honor all the mothers, grandmothers, mother figures, and those who hold us close in their hearts. You are appreciated, loved, and celebrated today and always.

Happy Mother’s Day! 🌸💖