May 24 in most countries is an ordinary working day. However, in a number of places on this date there are several significant events that are actively celebrated in different states.
Day of Slavic Writing and Culture
On May 24, Russia celebrates the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture. During this holiday, both believers and those who love Russian culture and literature remember the role of Saints Cyril and Methodius in the formation of Slavic writing.
On the same day, the cultural role of Cyril and Methodius is remembered in Bulgaria and Macedonia.
The brothers Cyril and Methodius, who lived in the 9th century, preached Christianity in Bulgaria. They also created the first Slavic alphabet - the verb. Subsequently, on the basis of this letter, the Cyrillic alphabet was developed - the alphabet used by many Slavic peoples, including Russians.
For a long time, Cyril and Methodius were venerated primarily in the church for their missionary work. However, in the 19th century, more and more people began to pay attention to the cultural heritage they left behind. Since 1863, the day of memory of Cyril and Methodius was established as May 11, that is, May 24 in the new style. In Soviet times, this holiday has lost its popularity and remained in the shadows, as a religious one. However, with the beginning of perestroika, more and more lovers of literature began to be interested in the history of the brothers' heritage. The first Day of Slavic Writing and Culture in modern history was held in 1985.
Various cultural and educational events are timed to May 24. The largest of them is the Cyril and Methodius Readings, held in Moscow under the auspices of the Russian Language Institute. Slavic scholars, philologists, historians gather in Moscow to sum up the results of their work.
The geography of the Days of Slavic Culture is gradually expanding - by 2013, solemn events are being held in more than 20 cities.
May 24 in other countries
May is celebrated abroad as well. Independence Day is celebrated in Eritrea on May 24, since on May 24, 1993, this state officially separated from Ethiopia. In Bermuda, Bermuda Day is celebrated on this day. Traditionally, it is from this moment that the inhabitants of the islands begin to swim in the sea after winter and put on the famous Bermuda shorts. In the capital of the country, a festive parade is held every year, which attracts both locals and tourists.
On May 24, Buddhists, especially in the countries of South Asia, celebrate Vesak - the day of remembrance of Gautama Buddha. This event is accompanied by a night vigil in the temple. However, it should be noted that the date of the holiday does not fall on May 24 every year, since Buddhists calculate their memorable events according to the lunar calendar.
