July 24, 2024
August, the eighth month of the year, was named after the first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. There are two possible interpretations of the meaning of August that come from the Latin name Augustus; set apart or revered.
In the Northern Hemisphere, August marks the beginning of late summer and early autumn, while in Australia, it is the month where winter is slowly coming to an end. In our cultural calendar, there are many interesting dates and festivals to celebrate in August such as International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, Hip Hop Appreciation Day and Obon Festival.
1. Hiroshima Day
6th August
Hiroshima Day commemorates the devastating atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, by the United States during World War II. On this day in 1945, the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb, codenamed “Little Boy,” on Hiroshima, resulting in immense destruction, loss of life and long-term health effects due to radiation exposure.
The bombing hastened the end of World War II but also raised profound ethical and humanitarian questions about the use of nuclear weapons. Hiroshima Day serves as a somber reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of pursuing peace, nuclear disarmament and the prevention of future conflicts. The day also serves as a call for global unity towards peace, in line with Cultural Infusion’s goal of building a culturally harmonious world.
2. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
9th August
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is an annual global celebration of Indigenous peoples and their unique and varied traditions. Despite being a minority of the global population, Indigenous peoples account for over 5000 diverse cultures throughout different parts of the world and have managed to preserve their unique cultural, economic and political heritage.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples aims to raise awareness about the rights, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples around the world. The day highlights the challenges they face, including discrimination, marginalisation and threats to their lands and cultures. It calls for respect for their rights, preservation of their cultural heritage and recognition of their invaluable role in promoting global diversity and sustainability. They are plenty of ways to create awareness and do your part to help such as learning more about Indigenous cultures and communities, supporting Indigenous peoples and businesses and donating or volunteering at Indigenous organisations.
In Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, we have our Aboriginal Storytelling Through Art cultural educational program, which is an interactive educational workshop where students will learn traditional Aboriginal symbols from our First Nations presenters. This unique experience offers students the chance to craft and present their own stories, making it an ideal intercultural learning opportunity for students of all ages! On the other hand, Aboriginal Storytelling and Artefacts cultural educational program, in New South Wales, Australia Capital Territory and Western Australia combines storytelling with an introduction to the history of Aboriginal tools and artefacts. Throughout the course of this program, students will fully immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture by acting out stories and engaging with cultural artefacts.
3. National Science Week
10th August – 18th August
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. It aims to engage the public with science through a diverse range of events including workshops, talks, exhibitions and interactive activities. The week-long celebration encourages Australians of all ages to explore and appreciate the wonders of science, promoting scientific literacy and fostering a greater understanding of the role science plays in our daily lives and society as a whole.
Our Hero Ladybirds of Galapagos Islands educational program, run by Columbian ecologist Carolina, teaches students basic ecology through firsthand experience of quirky stories and the help of cute hand puppets. We also offer our Riding the Waves educational program demonstrates the science of telecommunications with experiments in sound and light waves and the electromagnetic spectrum! This program will help students learn how everyday technology like mobile phones work and give them insight into what an engineering career involves. These Science Communicator programs are both available in Victoria and are a part of a series of school incursions presented in partnership with the Royal Society of Victoria.
4. Hip Hop Appreciation Day
11th August
Hip Hop Appreciation Day honours the cultural significance and influence of hip hop music and culture. Originating in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s, hip hop has since evolved into a global phenomenon, shaping music, fashion, dance and social movements. This day encourages people to recogise and celebrate hip hop’s contributions to art, expression and community empowerment, while also reflecting on its role in addressing social issues and promoting cultural exchange.
Our Hip Hop Infusion dance program in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia offers students the opportunity to learn about hip hop and urban dance culture around the world. In this high-energy interactive program, a variety of super-danceable beats will be used to get the students up and dancing. It’s the perfect introduction to the expressive world of hip hop!
5. Obon Festival (Bon Odori)
13th August
The Obon Festival, also known as Bon Odori, is a traditional Japanese Buddhist event held annually to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. It typically takes place in the summer, with dates varying by region. The festival’s origins date back centuries, tracing its roots to Buddhist customs aimed at honouring and paying respects to ancestors’ spirits.
During Obon, families come together to clean gravesites, offer food and incense, and participate in traditional dances called Bon Odori. These dances are performed to welcome and entertain the spirits of the deceased. The festival also includes other cultural activities such as lantern displays, fireworks and street fairs. Obon serves as a time for reflection, gratitude and reconnecting with one’s heritage, culture and loved ones.
While Obon has deep religious and cultural significance, it is also celebrated as a time of joy and festivity. It’s a time when people come together to honor their ancestors, celebrate their heritage, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Through its traditions and rituals, Obon continues to play a vital role in preserving Japanese cultural identity and fostering a sense of community.
Immerse students in Japanese culture with one of our cultural programs to promote intercultural understanding! Our Japanese Infusion cultural educational program, (available face-to-face in New South Wales) brings Japanese culture to life using songs, games and storytelling to teach children about the culture, traditions, seasons and celebrations of Japan. We also offer our Japanese Calligraphy or Japanese Ink Painting cultural educational program,, led by award-winning artist Junko, where students can learn different types of brush techniques and touch on Japanese history and origins. Both programs are available in Victoria.
6. Indian Independence Day
15th August
Indian Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 15th to commemorate the day in 1947 when India gained independence from British rule. It marks the end of over two centuries of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era of self-governance for the Indian subcontinent. The day is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India, with flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic speeches, cultural events and parades. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the ongoing struggle for justice, equality and prosperity in the nation.
Students can learn about Indian culture in our cultural programs such as Bollywood Infusion, a vibrant cultural dance program that delves into some of the origins and symbolism behind Bollywood dances. Available in Australia-wide, students will learn a short routine and get to try some moves for themselves in this program!
We also offer our Dancing Around India (available in New South Wales) and Classical Indian Dance (available in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia) cultural dance programs, where students can immerse themselves and learn about the diverse aspects of Indian culture through its traditions, and understand why each folk dance holds cultural significance.
Discover some of the most significant instruments of Indian classical and contemporary music with captivating sounds and rhythms through our Indian Instrumental Infusion cultural educational program,(available in Victoria and Queensland), presented by musicians devoted to their art.
7. Book Week
17th August – 23rd August
Book Week in Australia is an annual event celebrating books and reading, organised by the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA). It aims to promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading among children and young people. This year, the theme of Book Week 2024 is Reading is Magic, with Jess Racklyeft as the illustrator who will be creating the official posters and graphics around the theme.
The week features various activities such as book fairs, author visits, storytelling sessions and costume parades based on favorite book characters. The highlight of Book Week is the announcement of the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, recognising outstanding Australian children’s books across several categories. Book Week encourages a love for literature and fosters a sense of imagination and creativity among readers of all ages.
Celebrate Book Week with one of our storytelling programs where students can learn stories about different countries and cultures in the world through music, dance and storytelling.
Our Fairytale Puppetry – Exploring Languages cultural educational program, available in Victoria engages students with language and culture through a range of nine classic fairytales and stories such as The Jungle Book and Puss in Boots told through exquisitely crafted traditional European hand puppets. The program can be tailored to suit different ages or language levels and is available in French or Mandarin.
With a music focus, Filipino Music and Storytelling cultural educational program, (available in Victoria) is a captivating program that showcases Filipino language and multiculture by getting students to jump into stories, songs and movements, using props like the Ukulele and kamishibai (Japanese paper theatre). Iranian Voices cultural educational program, in Victoria is also another storytelling program which explores music, where students will learn the tales and cultures of Iranian women singers pre- and post-the 1979 Revolution with the enchanting tones of the kamancheh (the Iranian ancestor to the European violin).
Presented by Tom and Sofari, our Wayang Kulit cultural educational program, in Western Australia uses theatrical storytelling through traditional hand-carved shadow puppets from Java, Indonesia to bring to life ancestral spirits which are said to dwell within the puppets. Students will learn about Indonesian characters and culture through this compelling and ghostly medium.
Book your August celebrations now!
Enquire about our cultural educational program, available Australia-wide to celebrate and commemorate important dates for the month of August.
See you again next month to explore the cultural dates to celebrate in September!
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