This year has a lot of themes. Two quick searches (1, 2) learned that 2009 is the
- International Year of Astronomy
- European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009
- Charles Darwin Year (he was born 200 years ago and it’s 150 years since On the Origin of Species was first published)
- Year of the Gorilla
- Year of the Hedgehog
- International Year of Natural Fibres
- Year of the Ox
- International Year of Reconciliation
- Dutch Year of Traditions
If it floats your boat, it’s also the year of John Calvin (born 500 years ago), Joseph Hayden (died 400 years ago), the Elfstedentocht (held for the first time 100 years ago) and probably more.