FlagAndMap Weblog

We trust the new year is treating you well so far. FlagAndMap plans to offer designs on a range of exciting new products in 2015, beginning with a new line of ring binders designed to give your office a slightly patriotic feel. In many parts of the world Mardi Gras will be celebrated in the coming month, on February 17, the same day that Kosovars celebrate their independence day. Other notable international dates in February are listed below – find a suitable FlagAndMap gift to help you celebrate using the national links. You can also plan further ahead by viewing the full list of 2015 world events.

Feb 4: National Day (Sri Lanka)
Feb 6: Waitangi Day (New Zealand)
Feb 7: Independence Day (Grenada)
Feb 11: Foundation Day (Japan)
Feb 14: Valentine’s Day
Feb 15: National Day (Serbia)
Feb 16: State Restoration Day (Lithuania)
Feb 17: Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras; Independence Day (Kosovo)
Feb 18: Independence Day (The Gambia)
Feb 19: New Year (Chinese calendar); Losar (Tibet)
Feb 22: Independence Day (Saint Lucia)
Feb 23: National Day (Brunei)
Feb 24: Independence Day (Estonia)
Feb 25: National Day (Kuwait)
Feb 27: Independence Day (Dominican Republic)

This morning people in the Americas were able to observe a total lunar eclipse, weather permitting. People who reside around the Pacific Rim will have a similar opportunity on October 8. For a list of other noteworthy 2014 international events, including national holidays and religious festivals, check out our list of world events for 2014.

Sadly my favorite entry in this year’s big euro-community song contest failed to make it past the semifinal stage. I enjoy the friendly cross border enthusiasm of this event and just occasionally there’s a musical gem worth further investigation. This year Bulgaria’s entry, Samo Shampioni performed by Elitsa Todorova and Stoyan Yankulov, caught my attention. These guys have quality musical pedigree and some further digging around turned up other interesting tracks by Todorova and Yankoulov on emusic.com.