April 17 is Fire Protection Day in Ukraine, World Hemophilia Day, International Coffee Day, International Bat Day and International Mastery of Important Conversations Day. This day in different eras became a turning point both for individual countries and for the whole world — from the era of Great Geographical Discoveries to the dramatic events of the 20th century.
Fire Protection Day in Ukraine
This is an official professional holiday, dedicated to those who daily stand guard over the safety of citizens, risking their own lives to save others. This holiday is a sign of respect for firefighters, who not only extinguish flames, but also are the first to arrive at the scene of man-made disasters, explosions, road accidents and emergency situations, saving people, property, animals and the environment.
The holiday was established by the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 555/2013 of October 11, 2013. The date was not chosen by chance – on April 17, 1918, the first order “On the organization of state fire protection in Ukraine” was issued in Kyiv. Since then, the structure and divisions of the fire service have changed and reformed, but the essence of the service has remained unchanged: readiness to come to the rescue in the most difficult circumstances.
Today, the fire protection includes both state and voluntary formations, in particular fire and rescue units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), fire departments of enterprises, as well as volunteer brigades operating in communities. The profession of a rescuer in Ukraine is one of the most risky, because every year dozens of firefighters die and are injured while performing their duties.
During the years of a full-scale war, fire departments also perform extremely dangerous tasks of eliminating the consequences of missile strikes, shelling, and fires in the combat zone, rescuing the civilian population under fire. Fire units became an integral part of the defense, working side by side with the military, sappers, medics and volunteers.
On this day, the country honors the memory of the fallen rescuers, holds award ceremonies for employees of the State Emergency Service, and educational institutions hold thematic lessons, exhibitions of fire equipment, and demonstration exercises. There are also meetings of veterans of the service with young people, competitions of volunteer firemen’s wives, and events to popularize fire safety knowledge are held in communities.
Interesting facts
The first organized fire departments in Ukraine appeared as early as the 17th century in Lviv, Kyiv and Kharkiv. They were paramilitary structures and had their own cannons for extinguishing fires.
The fire hydrant in Odesa, built in 1875, was one of the tallest buildings of its time and served as an observation tower. Such kalanchi were a mandatory element of large cities – from there, the guards watched the horizon in order to detect smoke in time.
The national record for saving people belongs to the crew of the 25th fire and rescue unit of the city of Dnipro, which in 2019 evacuated more than 300 people from a dormitory engulfed in flames in a matter of minutes.
Women in Ukrainian fire protection have been a reality for over 30 years. Today, more than 2,000 women work as part of the State Emergency Service, including dispatchers, inspectors and rescuers on the front lines.
Unique units operate in the Ukrainian Carpathians – forest fire departments that use not only automobile equipment, but also horses to transport equipment in mountainous areas.
Volunteer fire brigades in communities have become particularly active after decentralization: more than 150 communities have created their own units to provide prompt response in places where there are no permanent units of the State Emergency Service.
Rescuers of the State Emergency Service are involved in international operations: Ukrainian firefighters helped to extinguish forest fires in Greece, Turkey, and Montenegro, and also took part in a rescue mission after the earthquake in Turkey in 2023.
Extinguishing fires in the frontline regions in the conditions of hostilities is one of the most dangerous directions of the modern fire service. In the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Kherson regions, dozens of trips to put out fires after shelling are recorded every week.
World Hemophilia Day
This is a day of solidarity with people living with blood clotting disorders. This day is designed to draw attention to the problems of patients, to popularize knowledge about the disease, as well as to stimulate states and health care systems to ensure access to modern treatment and support.
The date was established in 1989 by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) – it was on April 17 that the founder of this organization, Frank Schneibel, was born, who himself lived with hemophilia and devoted his whole life to fighting for the rights of such patients.
According to public organizations, more than 3,000 people live with hemophilia in Ukraine, of which about 600 are children. A significant part of patients requires constant administration of blood clotting drugs. Systemic provision of such medicines is carried out under the state program, but the needs are not always fully met, especially in wartime conditions.
Interesting facts
Hemophilia is a rare hereditary disease caused by a deficiency of one of the blood clotting proteins. The most common are hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency). The disease is manifested by prolonged bleeding, which is difficult to stop even after minor injuries. In severe cases, spontaneous internal hemorrhages in the joints, muscles, and organs.
Hemophilia is called the “royal disease” – the son of Queen Victoria of England, Leopold, suffered from it, and her descendants spread the gene of the disease in European dynasties, in particular in the Russian Empire (Tsarevich Oleksii Romanov).
At the beginning of the 20th century, the only method of care was blood transfusion, which was accompanied by high risks of infection. It was not until the 1960s that concentrated preparations of coagulation factors appeared.
In the 1980s, thousands of hemophiliacs around the world contracted HIV and hepatitis C from insufficiently purified drugs. This tragedy became an impetus for reforms and the creation of international safety standards.
In 2017, the world’s first gene treatment for hemophilia was approved, which allows the body to produce the missing protein on its own. This is a breakthrough that opened a new era in treatment.
In various countries, on April 17, buildings are illuminated with red light as a sign of support for people with hemophilia. The promotion is called Light It Up Red.
According to WFH estimates, almost 75% of people with blood clotting disorders in the world are undiagnosed or do not receive adequate treatment, in particular due to a lack of specialists, test systems and drugs.
In 2023, Ukrainian doctors for the first time performed joint replacement surgery on a patient with a severe form of hemophilia — 10 years ago, this was considered almost impossible due to the high risk of bleeding.
Hemophilia most often affects men, while women are carriers of the defective gene. This is due to the fact that the hemophilia gene is located on the X chromosome.
International Coffee Day
This is an unofficial but well-known holiday for all coffee connoisseurs, symbolizing a deep respect for the coffee culture, invention and traditions of Italy. This date was chosen because it was on April 17, 1938 that the Italian Achille Gaggia patented his revolutionary system for preparing coffee under pressure, which later became the basis for the modern espresso machine.
In a cup of espresso there is a philosophy of speed and concentration, because the very word “espresso” translated from Italian means “squeezed” or “made under pressure.” This drink became the basis for an entire coffee culture – from cappuccino to latte, from macchiato to raffa – but it remains the first and main gesture of good morning for millions of people.
The history of espresso begins in 1901, when another Italian – Luigi Bezzera – created the first design of a coffee machine that allowed for quick coffee preparation using steam. This device became the prototype of an industrial coffee maker. However, it was Achille Hagia who went further – he created a technology using a pressure lever, which made it possible to achieve the creamy foam – the famous crema, which has since become an integral feature of real espresso.
Despite its small volume – only 25-30 ml – espresso is a concentrate of taste, aroma and technique. Everything matters: pressure, water temperature, grinding, extraction time, type of coffee beans. And this is precisely the beauty of the drink, which has become a global symbol of quality and inspiration.
Interesting facts
Coffee is the second most traded commodity in the world after oil. It is exported to more than 100 countries, and more than 2 billion cups of coffee are drunk in the world every day.
The origin of coffee leads to Ethiopia, where, according to legend, the shepherd Kaldi noticed that his goats became extremely lively after eating the berries of the coffee tree. This is how the acquaintance of mankind with this drink began.
The first coffee shops appeared in the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, and later spread throughout Europe. In Venice, coffee began to be brewed as early as 1645, and in London – in 1652.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system, improving concentration, attention and mood. However, in large doses it can cause anxiety or insomnia.
There are two main types of coffee beans – Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a milder and more complex taste, but contains less caffeine. Robusta is more bitter, with a stronger invigorating effect.
Coffee saves the bees. Coffee flowers are rich in nectar and attract bees, and the caffeine in the nectar improves their memory and navigation. This is proven by the research of scientists from the University of Newcastle.
The Scandinavian countries have the highest consumption of coffee per capita in the world. Finland leads the way – more than 12 kg per person per year.
Coffee can smell up to 800 different aromatic compounds, more than wine. That is why its tasting is a complex art that requires a trained sense of smell and taste buds.
They drink coffee in space. Astronauts on the International Space Station have special bags of concentrate, as well as a capsule coffee maker developed jointly with Lavazza and the Italian Space Agency.
Classic espresso is prepared in 25–30 seconds at a temperature of 90–95°C and a pressure of 9 bar. Crema – the foam on top – is a sign of quality espresso: it retains the aroma and indicates the correct pressure during brewing.
In Italy, the price of espresso is regulated by law: in many cities, the price of a “standing coffee” in a bar should not exceed 1 euro. There are still coffee shops in Milan that use mechanical lever coffee makers from the 1950s—the very ones based on Gaggia’s patent.
In 2015, espresso was recognized as part of the intangible cultural heritage of Italy at the regional level.
International Bat Day
This day is designed to change the perception of mysterious creatures and remind: bats are not a symbol of fear, but part of the fragile ecological balance that we must protect. The initiator of this date was the International Organization for the Protection of Bats (Bat Conservation International) – a globally recognized conservation movement that works to preserve more than a thousand species of bats around the world.
Bats have been a source of superstition, folklore and misconceptions for centuries. They were depicted as harbingers of darkness, associated with vampires, and imagined as carriers of diseases. However, modern science long ago disproved these ideas. Today, bats are seen as indispensable regulators of natural processes, vital for maintaining balance in ecosystems.
Bats suffer from habitat loss, pesticide use, cave destruction, and disorientation caused by artificial lighting and urban noise. Hundreds of species are threatened with extinction. The international day is also a platform to emphasize that the protection of bats is not just about caring for animals, it is a responsibility for the health of the planet as a whole.
Bats are also protected in Ukraine. All species found in our territory are listed in the Red Book. They cannot be killed, chased or destroyed nesting places. However, even in the 21st century, many people still have superstitions, because of which bats often die in residential areas or suffer as a result of careless treatment.
Interesting facts
Bats are the only mammals capable of active flight. Their wings are elongated fingers connected by a leathery membrane.
They sleep with their heads down not “for fear”, but because it is easier for them to take off – bats cannot take off from the ground, only “from the ceiling”.
26 species of bats live in Ukraine. All are under the protection of the state.
One bat eats up to 2,000 mosquitoes at night, saving a person from diseases and bites.
Some tropical species pollinate bananas, mangoes, dates, and agave. Without bats, there would be no agave — and, by extension, tequila.
Bats navigate using echolocation: they emit ultrasound and “hear” reflections from obstacles.
The smallest bat – the bumble bee from Thailand – weighs less than 2 g. The largest — Philippine flying foxes — have a wingspan of up to 1.7 m.
In Europe, bats are protected by the EUROBATS international agreement. Ukraine has been its party since 1999.
International Mastery of Important Conversations Day
In today’s world of instant messages, superficial reactions, and endless information noise, the conversations that really matter are becoming more important. It is for this purpose that the International Day of Mastery of Important Conversations is celebrated every year – an unofficial, but increasingly popular holiday dedicated to conscious, attentive and responsible communication between people.
It’s a day when the focus shifts from slogans and headlines to real dialogue—one that builds trust, heals conflict, opens opportunities, transforms relationships, and forces you to rethink your own beliefs. Although the date does not have an official international status, it is celebrated every year by communication coaches, psychologists, mediators, educators and all those who believe in the power of words as a tool for change.
The concept of “important conversation” covers a wide variety of life situations: from a sincere conversation with a child or a partner to a difficult confession, negotiations, reconciliation or even the moment when a person dares to say “no”. These are the moments when emotions are strong, the stakes are high, and the risk of misunderstanding is real. That is why mastery of such conversations requires preparation, empathy and the ability to hear, not just speak.
The cultural and social context of the holiday is extremely deep. In times of wars, pandemics, social tension, when societies are polarized, the ability to speak and listen turns into an act of responsibility. The mastery of an important conversation becomes not just a personal skill, but the key to coexistence, compassion and finding solutions in the most acute situations.
Interesting facts
Research from Harvard University has confirmed that open communication in marriage has a direct impact on life expectancy and the risk of heart disease. People who can talk about emotions live longer.
The “Crucial Conversations” method is the book that gave the name to the holiday itself, sold more than 5 million copies and became the basis of thousands of trainings around the world.
British family law mediators have a rule that no custody decision is final until the parties have attempted to have a frank discussion with a professional.
In international peacekeeping missions, special protocols of “important conversations” are used to prevent radicalization through verbal interventions in the early stages of a conflict.
In Norway, teaching important conversation skills is part of the school curriculum starting at age 11. Children are taught how to listen, articulate complex emotions and conduct respectful dialogue.
Historical events on this day
U in 1492 it was on April 17 that Christopher Columbus signed an agreement with the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, committing to find a new sea route to India. This document launched an expedition that, despite an error in determining the route, became one of the most important geopolitical turning points in world history — the beginning of the European colonization of America.
U in 1839 independence of the state of Guatemala was proclaimed on the ruins of the Federation of Central American Republics. Its appearance meant the transition from a unified entity to an independent national path that went through numerous political transformations.
April 17, 1895 the Simonosek Peace Treaty was signed, which officially ended the First Sino-Japanese War. Under its terms, China recognized the independence of Korea, ceded the island of Taiwan and the Liaodong Peninsula to Japan. This treaty laid the foundation for Japan’s growing influence as a new regional imperialist player.
U in 1941 it was on this day that Yugoslavia capitulated to the forces of Nazi Germany, which became the next phase of Hitler’s expansion in Europe during the Second World War.
Twenty years later – in 1961 – in the Bay of Pigs in Cuba (Playa Chiron area), there was an unsuccessful attempt to land armed emigrants trained by the US CIA, who tried to overthrow the regime of Fidel Castro. The operation ended in defeat and became one of the loudest foreign policy failures of the John Kennedy administration.
U in 1991 The Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR adopted a law on the rehabilitation of victims of political repressions, thereby effectively recognizing the criminal nature of the mass persecutions of the Soviet totalitarian regime. This step became one of the first legal bases on the way to restoring historical justice in independent Ukraine.
