(Multinational) Arbor Day

1594 – The First Festival of the Tree
(As Far As We Know)

According to historical records it was Major Luis de Luaces who established the first Arbor Day in 1594 in the Spanish village of Mondoñedo.
This event was known as “Fiesta del Arbol” or “Festival of the Tree”.
Many lime and horse-chestnut trees were planted in a park that is currently known as Alameda de los Remedios.
This festival is regarded as an early forerunner to present Arbor Day festivities

Alameda de los Remedios is still carefully maintained and even grew out to be a cherished attraction of Mondoñedo.
In this park the Festival of the Tree is memorialized on a granite and bronze marker that thanks the Major for the event and stating the year it happened.

1805 – The First Annual Arbor Day

The first modern Arbor Day that is has turned into a yearly event and also still is celebrated today was in the little Spanish village of Villanueva de la Sierra in 1805.
A local priest, Don Juan Abern Samtrés, created the Festival of Trees (Fiesta del Arbol). He proclaimed a three-day carnival that began on Carnival Tuesday and lasted three days.
The festival’s main focus of course was tree planting. A poplar was first planted in the Valley of the Ejido, followed by many other trees at Fuente de la Mora and Arroyada.
A feast and a dance event followed the planting activities.
Don Juan Abern Samtrés also authored a manifesto in support of the trees planted around Villanueva.
This yearly Arbor Day is still celebrated all throughout Spain on Carnival Tuesday. (approximately)

The Most Copied Arbor Day

A Nebraska newspaper editor and former Cleveland’s Secretary of Agriculture, Julius Sterling Morton, established Arbor Day in the USA on April 10, 1872.
The effects of this Arbor Day event can still be seen today in the form of a much greener Nebraska.
Julius Mortom’s mansion and estate in Nebraska City, the Arbor Lodge State Historical Site and Arboretum, is now a state park.
Fun fact: Julius disliked cutting down healthy living trees for Christmas trees.

US Arbor Day has often been celebrated both as “American” Arbor Day and as a worldwide Arbor Day. Because US related stuff is usually presented worldwide, while still assuming the audience is all US inhabitants.

What Every Arbor Day is All About

Every self-respecting Arbor Day, will have these elements:

Arbor Days are focused on protecting and planting trees.

Arbor Days celebrate the beauty and value of trees.
Sustainability often plays an important theme.

Inspiring public participation through activities and campaigns.