6 November 2016 XXXIX
 Laika Day 3 November 2016 XXXIX marked the ninth annual Laika Day celebration in Molossia. Laika Day was established by His Excellency, The President in 2007 XXX, to recognize our canine family here in Molossia. Our dogs are faithful companions and friends, as well as frequent sources of entertainment. The President felt that they should have their own holiday, to recognize the significant presence they have in our lives. Laika Day is named for the Soviet Space Dog, Laika, who became the first recorded animal to orbit the earth. Laika, whose real name was Kudryavka, rocketed skyward on the Soviet spacecraft Sputnik 2, on 3 November 1957, fifty-nine years ago. She perished in space due to overheating after just a few hours. Laika represents the very essence of dogs, loyal, trusting and obedient. These qualities are what make dogs such a large part of human life, and recognition of this is long overdue. The ninth annual Laika Day began with a trip to the local dog park. The dogs, Molly, Duncan , Annie, Bella, Tom and Thor could run free with few restrictions, and did so for about an hour. Afterward, the adventurers returned to the Molossian Home Territories, for a couple of well-deserved Laika Day treats. Thus ended Laika Day and a fine time was had by all! |
 Molossia's Dogs |
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Guy Fawkes Celebration On 5 November 2016 XXXIX, Molossians celebrated our sixth annual Guy Fawkes Night. Guy Fawkes Night, or Bonfire Night, is a popular event in Great Britain, dating back to the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 5 November 1605 when Guy Fawkes and 13 of his cohorts conspired to blow up Parliament and King James I of England. After the plot was uncovered and the conspirators executed, the 5th of November became an official holiday in Great Britain, adopted likewise six years ago in Molossia, in recognition of our English roots. Prior to the holiday, Molossian citizens gathered in Government House and created their own Guys, to burn in effigy. That done, on the 5th of November the bonfire in Norton Park was lit and Molossians gathered for the evening festivities. Dinner was shepherd's pie, Molossian style, accompanied by hot apple cider and apples dipped in caramel. Then the Guy Fawkes rhyme was recited by the company, after which the Guys were committed to the bonfire, one by one, the President's going in first. The evening was concluded with gentle revelry around the fire until it became coals and the celebrants dispersed. A fine time was had by all and we all look forward to next year's Guy Fawkes Night!
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 The Many Guys of Molossia  Ready to Burn |
