September Soliloquy
Events, Holidays and Happenings in September 2025
Hello readers! Happy September. I am so glad you're here!
A little housekeeping first.
I'm condensing this newsletter to fit in a single email according to Substack parameters. I hope that is helpful to everyone, and I'd like to ask a favor: Please share, like and/or subscribe to support my work. Particularly on LinkedIn, organic distribution has been significantly suppressed (down 85%) since I included events relating to human rights in the Levant. I will continue to integrate current events into this calendar of events, despite algorithmic penalties. Your help is greatly needed in sharing this monthly newsletter and building its subscribers.
September marks the return of students to school, a change of season, the end of the US Federal Government's fiscal year and American football's return.
Those of the Jewish faith will be observing their High Holy Days beginning with Rosh Hashanah from sundown September 22 through Yom Kippur on October 1. Hindus worldwide will be observing Pitru Paksha from September 6 through 20.
September is home to 100 theme months, including Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 14), World Candle Month, Dystonia Awareness Month in Canada and Australia, Gospel Music Heritage Month, and Hunger Action Month in the United States and Canada.
It is a pivotal transitional month that marks the end of Summer (or Winter) and the beginning of Autumn (or Spring).
As is my custom, the selection this month is eclectic. This issue's deep dive is on Boxed Wine Month. How fun is that! Each highlighted event is a shortened version of the full listing on LEEP Calendar. Check out my September 2024, September 2023 and September 2022 issues of LEEP Ink for more events in September.
ARIELLE K STERRETT DAY
Date: September 17, [1999]
Location: United States
Champion: Michelle Rojas-Sterrett and Guillermo Sterrett
Arielle K. Sterrett (Sept. 17, 1999 – Oct. 22, 2017) was born in Plantation, Florida, the daughter of Michelle Rojas-Sterrett and Guillermo Sterrett. Raised in Kennesaw, Georgia, she was a senior at North Cobb High School and earned recognition as both an Honor and Magnet student.
Sterrett's life, though brief, left a luminous mark on her school community. Described as compassionate, generous and vivacious, she engaged in a wide array of student activities—from Peer Mediation and Anti-Bully Committee to Tribal Connections, Athletic Student Council, Shop with a Warrior, Rally for Childhood Cancer, Hearts for Hooves, and serving as a peer minister and camp counselor.
On Oct. 22, 2017, Sterrett passed away unexpectedly at age 18 due to breathing complications, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance. Her parents created this day in 2021 as a way to keep her memory alive and encourage others to show kindness and care toward each other.
NATIONAL MOFONGO DAY
Date: September 19, 2025
Location: United States
Champion: Chef José Mendín
National Mofongo Day honors Puerto Rico's iconic dish, mofongo.
Mofongo traces its roots to the West African dish fufu, brought to the Caribbean by enslaved people. In Puerto Rico, this technique blended with Indigenous Taíno practices and Spanish culinary influences, evolving into the uniquely rich and flavorful mofongo enjoyed today.
The name “mofongo” derives from the Angolan Kikongo term mfwenge-mfwenge, meaning “a great amount of anything at all.” Historical recipes appear as early as 1859 in Puerto Rico’s first cookbook, El Cocinero Puerto-Riqueño o Formulario, describing a version made with green plantains, garlic, lard or bacon, and seasonings, mashed and served with broth. Stuffed versions—like mofongo relleno— contain seafood, poultry, or meats.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS WEEK
Date: September 8-14, 2025
Location: United Kingdom
Champion: Blood Pressure Association
Know Your Numbers Week, the United Kingdom's largest blood pressure testing and awareness campaign, encourages people to monitor their blood pressure and understand their cardiovascular health. Initiated by Blood Pressure UK in 2001, the campaign has grown into a vital public health initiative, engaging thousands annually.
High blood pressure, often termed the "silent killer," can lead to severe health issues like heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure if left unchecked. The campaign focuses on educating the public about the crucial numbers that reflect their blood pressure levels, promoting awareness and prevention.
A healthy reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg may indicate hypertension, warranting further medical consultation.
BEAR NECESSITIES MONTH
Date: September 1-30, 2025
Location: Worldwide
Champion: World Society for the Protection of Animals
September is Bear Necessities Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about bear conservation and these majestic animals' vital role in our ecosystems. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, currently under threat in the United States, was a significant milestone, providing legal protection for several bear species and funding for conservation programs.
The top five species of bears in North America include the American Black Bear, Brown Bear (Grizzly Bear), Polar Bear, Louisiana Black Bear and the Kodiak Bear.
PORTHCAWL ELVIS FESTIVAL
Dates: September 26-28, 2025
Location: Porthcawl, United Kingdom
Champion: Porthcawl Council
Each September, the seaside town of Porthcawl transforms into "Elvisville," hosting the Porthcawl Elvis Festival, regarded as the largest Elvis tribute festival in Europe—possibly even the world. The festival was conceived in 2004 by local entertainer and promoter Peter Phillips. His intent was simple: rescue the historic Grand Pavilion from threatened closure by giving it a purpose.
Porthcawl's charm lies in its joyful absurdity—a small Welsh town taken over by Elvismania with an additional 40,000 guests. The town itself becomes one giant stage: pubs, cafés, and hotels host mini-performances; the streets fill with Elvis impersonators in full regalia; there are contests like Young Elvis and even a "Hound Dog" best-dressed-dog parade.
TIME IS UP DAY
Date: September 17, 2025
Location: Worldwide
Champion: Wellcat LLC
Time's Up Day advocates encourage people to pause and reflect on boundaries: there should be a limit to how long we tolerate apologies, excuses and repeated bad behavior. Experts say that drawing a line—setting a time limit on apologies or promises of change—helps prevent exploitation, manipulation and emotional exhaustion.
Boundaries aren't about punishment. Rather, they're about respect—for yourself and others.
While everyone's tolerance differs (and each culture has its no-nos), certain behaviors are universally viewed as offensive or unforgivable.
BREAKING BOUNDARIES—The most frequently cited:
1) Lying or dishonesty
2) Disrespect or verbal abuse
3) Betrayal of trust, including infidelity
4) Manipulation or gaslighting
5) Repeated broken promises
6) Disregard for personal boundaries
7) Harassment or controlling behavior
These patterns, especially when repeated, signal more than a single misstep. They reveal a lack of respect that cannot be undone with words alone.
HOW TO RESPOND
Addressing a boundary breach begins with clarity. Experts recommend three steps:
1) State the boundary directly
Use simple, clear language: "I need you to stop raising your voice at me."
2) Hold firm
If the behavior continues, reduce engagement or limit contact.
3) Act on consequences
Boundaries only work when they are backed by consistent follow-through.
National Holidays Around the World
CONSTITUTION DAY
Chile (September 19, 1980)
Cambodia (September 24, 1993)
Slovakia (September 1, 1992)
CONSTITUTION WEEK
United States (September 17-23, 1787)
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Armenia (September 21, 1991)
Belize (September 21, 1981)
Botswana (September 30, 1966)
Brazil (September 7, 1822)
Chile (September 18, 1810)
Costa Rica (September 15, 1821)
El Salvador (September 15, 1821)
Guatemala (September 15, 1821)
Guinea-Bissau (September 24, 1973)
Honduras (September 15, 1821)
Macedonia (September 8, 1991)
Mali (September 22, 1960)
Malta (September 21, 1964)
Mexico (September 16, 1810)
Nicaragua (September 15, 1821)
Papua New Guinea (September 16, 1975)
Qatar (September 3, 1971)
St. Kitts and Nevis (September 19, 1983)
Swaziland (September 6, 1968)
Tajikistan (September 9, 1991)
Uzbekistan (September 1, 1991)
Viet Nam (September 2, 1945)
MALAYSIA DAY
Malaysia (September 16, 1963)
NATIONAL DAY
Catalonia, Spain (September 11, 1714)
North Korea (September 9, 1948)
Saudi Arabia (September 23, 1932)
San Marino (September 2, not an anniversary)
REPUBLIC DAY
Republic Day: (September 25, 1961)
Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Car Racing): September 19-21, 2025—Azerbaijan
Berlin Marathon (Running): September 27, 2025—Germany
Billie Jean King Cup Finals (Tennis): September 16-21, 2025—China
Field Hockey World Cup (Hockey): September 18-21, 2025—Belgium
FIFA U-20 World Cup (Football): September 27 - October 19, 2025—Chile
Grand Final AFL (Football): September 27, 2025—Australian
IAAF World Athletics Championships (Multi-sport): September 13-21, 2025—Japan
Italian Grand Prix (Car Racing): September 5-7, 2025—Italy
Men's World Championship (Volleyball): September 12-28, 2025—Philippines
Road Running Championships, World (Running): September 26-28, 2025—United States
Ryder Cup (Golf): September 26-28, 2025—United States
UCI Road Cycling World Championships (Cycling): September 21-28, 2025—Rwanda
World Archery Championships (Archery): September 5-12, 2025—South Korea
World Athletics Ultimate Championships (Multi-sport): September 11-13, 2025—Hungary
World Rowing Championships (Rowing): September 21-28, 2025—China
World Urban Games (Specialty): September 5-7, 2025—United States
DEEP DIVE
INTERNATIONAL BOXED WINE DAY
Date: September 9, 2025
Location: Worldwide
Champion: Wine Nook
International Boxed Wine Day celebrates the innovation, environmental benefits, and increasing respectability of boxed wine. It was established in February 2021 by Wine Nook, a company known for designing stylish boxed-wine dispensers, to highlight the convenience, quality, and eco-friendliness of boxed wine packaging.
HISTORY
Packaged wine as we know it—"bag-in-box" or "boxed wine"—was pioneered by Australian vintner Thomas Angove of Renmark, South Australia, who patented the design on April 20, 1964. His innovation featured a polyethylene bladder inside a cardboard box. Two years later, Charles Malpas improved it with a plastic tap for easier pouring. The design was inspired by pre-existing bag-in-box packaging used for battery acid—Yikes!
The concept quickly gained popularity in Australia, and in the 1980s, Franzia, an Australian brand, introduced boxed wine to the U.S. as an affordable, convenient table wine.
DEMOGRAPHICS
While detailed demographics are limited, trends show strong appeal among eco-conscious consumers, casual drinkers, and those seeking convenience or value. Brands like Juliet and Bota Box, with sleek packaging and premium wine inside, are deliberately targeting at-home relaxation and particularly appealing to women.
European markets have seen significant adoption, with countries like Sweden reporting that bag-in-box accounts for nearly 29% of total wine sales. In France, boxed wine makes up around 45% of supermarket wine sales.
A BILLION-DOLLAR INDUSTRY
While long-term yearly data from the 1960s is limited, several sources highlight notable growth:
Between 2015 and 2019, boxed wine brands outpaced still bottled wine in both value and volume growth.
Recent data shows boxed wine sales in U.S. off-premise retail reaching approximately $1.6 billion in the $4-plus price tier, up nearly 9% year-over-year.
Total boxed wine sales in the latest four weeks were about $164 million, reflecting a 4% increase, although volume declined slightly.
Globally, the wine box packaging market was valued at about $1.11 billion in 2022. It grew at an estimated CAGR of 3.5% from 2015 to 2021.
Annual growth is projected at around 5.1% through 2032, reaching $1.83 billion. The growth of boxed wine continues, driven by rising wine consumption, e-commerce demand, and sustainability concerns.
TOP BRANDS
Franzia is one of the most recognizable boxed wine brands, sold in 3- and 5-liter cartons and known for affordability. Founded in 1906 by Teresa Franzia, the brand is now owned by The Wine Group and remains among the world's top-selling wine brands.
In the U.S., premium boxed wine brands like Black Box (Constellation) and Bota Box (Delicato Family Wines) have driven market interest, with combined sales reaching nearly 14 million cases annually.
BOTTLE VS BOX
Boxed wine is increasingly shedding its "cheap and low-quality" stigma:
The packaging prevents oxidation after opening, keeping wine fresh for up to six weeks—far longer than typical bottles.
It offers substantial cost savings—up to 40%—thanks to reduced packaging and logistics.
The eco-advantages are compelling: reusable cardboard boxes weigh less, cut carbon emissions, and require less manufacturing energy.
Upscale establishments like Merriman's in Hawaii are encouraging high-end wineries to adopt boxed packaging to replace thousands of glass bottles and reduce their carbon footprints.
The emergence of premium boxed wines—by Juliet, Bota Box, Tablas Creek, and others—demonstrates that quality and aesthetic appeal can rival traditional bottles.
However, bottled wine still retains its romantic and traditional allure, and for some connoisseurs, certain varietals and vintages still benefit from traditional bottling.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
INVENTOR: Thomas Angove (1964), Charles Malpas tap (1967)
MARKET GROWTH: Strong growth from 2015 to 2019; $1.6 billion in U.S. sales in the 4-plus dollar tier; global market valued at about $1.1 billion in 2022, projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2032.
DEMOGRAPHICS: Eco-conscious consumers, casual drinkers, women at home; strong European adoption.
TOP BRANDS: Franzia, Black Box, Bota Box.
BENEFITS: Longer freshness, cost savings, eco-friendliness, rising quality and growing prestige.
Thank you for the gift of your time. The next issue will cover events in October 2025.
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ABOUT LEEP CALENDAR: LEEP Calendar (https://www.leepcalendar.com) is a soon-to-launch web-based application of over 12,000 events, holidays, and anniversaries designed around the needs of professional marketers and editorial departments, created by marketing and editorial veteran LD Lewis.
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