Daily Staff Writer

Thursday, Oct. 17

Spain — Romeria of Our Lady of Valme

The celebration takes place on a hilltop near Seville where King Ferdinand III is said to have invoked the assistance of the Queen of Heaven before marching on to regain Sevilla from the Moors. As promised, for her help, Ferdinand built a sanctuary in memory of the event. The image of Our Lady of Valme makes a ceremonial departure from the small parish church in Dos Hermanas, accompanied by decorated floats, costumed pilgrims and singing children. The image is borne up the hillside and into the sanctuary for the ritual Mass. Dancing and singing, praying and drinking follow until sunset, when Our Lady of Valme is escorted back to her home in Dos Hermanas. Only one of the romerias that take place in many Spanish communities, the Romeria of Out Lady of Valme gives the flavor of the event. All romerias involve a picnicking, camping, cross-country pilgrimage.

Friday, Oct. 18

Canada — Persons Day

A day to commemorate the 1929 ruling that declared women to be persons in Canada. Until this ruling, English common law prevailed: “Women are persons in matters of pains and penalties, but are not persons in matters of rights and privileges.” Emily Murphy led the courageous “Famous Five” from Alberts who championed the cause which was popularly known as the “Persons Case.”

Great Britain — St. Luke’s Day

According to custom, St. Luke was capable of brining some golden days out of his horn in the midst of chilly autumn weather, and the days were aptly called: “St. Luke’s Summer.” Held on the 18th, the Great Charlton Fair, is thus called “Horn Fair” in honor of St. Luke. Every booth has a pair of horns stuck up in front and even the gingerbread is adorned with gilt horns. St. Luke is considered the patron saint of doctors and artists, and was himself a physician and painter.