April, when spring weather begins to make itself familiar and colorful vegetation finishes sprouting. For some, April means Easter, April Fool’s, and numerous outdoor activities. For others, however, April means Independence Day, Flag Day, and Republic Day celebrations. Countries around the world have unique holidays to accommodate special events in its history that took place all throughout the year, with April being no exception.

In Africa, April holds many holidays for various countries within the continent. Since 1980, Zimbabwe has observed its Independence Day from Britain on Apr. 18 with public plane exhibitions over the capital, singing, speeches, and parades around the country. Other African Independence Days include Apr. 4 for Senegal and Apr. 27 for Sierra Leone and Togo. Apr. 26 is known as Union Day for Tanzania, the anniversary of when Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964, commemorated by an annual parade. Additionally taking place on Apr. 27, Freedom Day is passionately recognized in South Africa to honor the 1994 act giving non-whites the right to vote.

On Apr. 30, the Netherlands and the Netherlands Antilles used to observe Queen’s Day, an annual recognition of Queen Juliana’s Birthday in 1909 and when Queen Beatrix arose to the throne in 1980. However, following the abdication of Queen Beatrix in 2013, her eldest son ascended as King, marking Apr. 27 as King’s Day for the country. This unique holiday is celebrated with parties, parades, marches, dancing, singing, and festivals around towns, showcasing such crowded streets that any transportation besides walking is impossible. In Vatican City, Apr. 24 is the anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI’s coronation in 2005. April Independence Days are observed in Syria on Apr. 17 and Israel on Apr. or May 14, with honorary ceremonies, while Iran enthusiastically remembers its 1979 formation of the Islamic Republic on Apr. 1 as a national and public holiday.

Celebratory days happen each year in countries around the world, but an innumerable size of people have no idea what kind of serious festivals exist beyond their own borders. This April, take the time to study up on the countless distinctive celebrations that occur in neighboring continents and see if you learn something new in history.