World Day of Peace

January 1, Monday

World Peace Day, also known as the World Day of Prayer for Peace, is an international holiday celebrated on January 1. Its main purpose is to draw attention to the importance of peace throughout the world, the need to end wars, conflicts and violence, and to promote ideas of solidarity, justice and dialogue among peoples.

History of the holiday
World Peace Day was established in 1967 on the initiative of Pope Paul VI, who proposed to celebrate this day on January 1 of each year. It was first celebrated on January 1, 1968. The Catholic Church has made this day a special day for prayer and reflection on peace and the solution of global problems such as injustice, poverty, social inequality and armed conflicts.

Meaning of the holiday
A call for peace. The main idea of World Peace Day is to make people aware of the importance of peace as a basis for sustainable development and prosperity. Wars and violence cause great suffering, destruction and disaster, and this day reminds us of the efforts that must be made to achieve global peace.

Promoting justice. Peace is impossible without social justice, the fight against poverty and inequality. In this context, the holiday is also dedicated to calls for solutions to these problems as fundamental steps towards peace.

Dialogue and cooperation. World Peace Day emphasizes the importance of dialogue between peoples, cultures and religions. Only through open communication and mutual respect can agreement be reached and conflicts prevented.

Prayer for peace. In the Catholic tradition, this day is associated with prayers for peace, which are held in all churches. Believers pray for an end to wars, for harmony between peoples and for justice for all.

Celebration traditions
Prayers. On this day, church services and prayers for peace are held all over the world, where people ask for an end to violence and suffering, as well as for harmony and understanding between peoples.

Educational events. Many countries hold events, seminars and lectures on issues of peace and justice. These events help raise awareness of global conflicts and ways to resolve them.

Messages and appeals. The Pope and other religious leaders send their calls for peace to the world community. These messages are seen as moral guidelines for decision-making in the international arena.

Solidarity events. In some countries, this day includes solidarity events, peace marches and events aimed at drawing attention to the importance of ending wars and conflicts.

World Day of Peace

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World Day of Peace in other years

2021 January 1, Friday
2022 January 1, Saturday
2023 January 1, Sunday
2025 January 1, Wednesday

World Day of Peace in other countries