Sam's Birthday

Note for the folks at home: A number of national holidays are recognized in Kenya. Christmas is a big one, although in some areas the celebration of the holiday may seem underwhelming to someone from America or Europe. Valentine's Day, on the other hand, is celebrated with surprising vigor, in my experience. The giving of gifts on Valentine's Day seems to dwarf even Christmas' gift-swappery, even in more remote towns. (I was shocked to hear that all of my colleagues were exchanging gifts on February 14th, and they were equally shocked that I had no gifts for anyone.) Kenya also boasts a number of nation-specific holidays, namely Madaraka ("Responsibility") Day on June 1st, marking the day Kenya achieved full self-rule after colonization; and Jamhuri ("Republic") Day on December 12th, commemorating both the day Kenya became independent of the UK (in 1963) and the day Kenya was established as a republic (in 1964). Both are celebrated with parades, festivals, and of course a day off from work. Finally, October 20th is Mashujaa ("Heroes") Day, honoring the individuals that helped build the Republic of Kenya. Formerly called "Kenyatta Day", after Kenya's first president, the holiday's name was permanently changed for the 2010 celebration (a week after my arrival in the country.)