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New Year's Day
It is a federal holiday.
People generally have New Year's parties and social gatherings. Many people may come home very late from the previous day's New Year's Eve parties. It is generally dangerous to drive during the early hours of New Year's Day, as many people may be driving while intoxicated. -
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Major holidays and festivals in the USA
These are the most important American holidays and festivals specialised in year 2015.
Source material: http://www.immihelp.com/newcomer/major-holidays-festivals-america.html -
Martin Luther King's Day - the third monday in January
It is a federal holiday.
It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States. -
Valentine's Day
Celebrated in memory of St. Valentine. This holiday is highly commercialized. Lovers express their feelings by exchanging gifts, flowers, and greeting cards. In principle, a Valentine can be for anyone you care about, not just a lover or boyfriend/girlfriend. In practice, though, it is limited to lovers and spouses. -
President's Day - The third Monday in February
It is a federal holiday.
Celebrated to honor the United States presidents.
(George Washington's birthday: February 22.
Abraham Lincoln's birthday: February 12.)
Many stores have major sales on this day. -
St. Patrick's Day
Primarily celebrated by people with Irish backgrounds. Many people wear green clothes and other items on this day.
St. Patrick's Day -
April Fool's Day
This is not really a holiday. People play lighthearted tricks on each other during this day. However, be careful not to play tricks that may be harmful or cause injuries to anyone. It is supposed to be innocent fun. -
Good Friday
Not really a holiday. Always falls on Friday. (before Easter)
It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus. -
Easter
The Easter date depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox.
Celebrated on the Sunday immediately following Good Friday. It is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe it occurred on the third day after Jesus' crucifixion.
People paint Easter eggs with bright colors. Many places organize egg hunts for kids. Egg hunts essentially involve hunting for hidden plastic eggs that contain candy. -
Mother's Day - Second Sunday in May
Second Sunday in May. (in Hungary: 1st!!)
Children send their mothers gifts, greeting cards, take them to dinner, or spend time with them.
In the U.S., children typically move away from their parents when they grow older. There is no concept of joint family. Therefore, Mother's Day is celebrated to appreciate mothers. -
Memorial Day - the last Monday in May
Last Monday in May. It is a federal holiday.
It is the first major holiday in the year after New Year's Day. In many northern states, swimming pools open on Memorial Day. (Before that, it is too cold to swim.)
Memorial Day commemorates Americans who fought for the country and died in wars.
The famous "Indianapolis 500" auto race is held on Memorial Day in Indianapolis, IN.
Many people travel on this long holiday weekend. -
Father's Day - the third Sunday in June
Children send their fathers gifts, greeting cards, take them to dinner, or spend time with them.
In the U.S., children typically move away from their parents when they grow older. There is no concept of joint family. Therefore, Father's Day is celebrated to appreciate fathers. -
Independence Day
It is a federal holiday.
The USA declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. It is a very important day in the history of the U.S.
There are grand fireworks displays in many places this night. Most fireworks start around 9:00 P.M. and last for 15-30 minutes. These fireworks are very beautiful.
Several other activities take place this day, like parades, community/family picnics, parties, or softball games. -
Labor Day
It is a federal holiday.
In many northern states, swimming pools are closed on Labor Day.
Labor Day commemorates the American working tradition.
Many people travel on this long weekend. It is generally the last holiday before it gets cold in most parts of the country.
Many stores have large sales during this weekend. -
Columbus Day - the second Monday in October
It is a federal holiday.
It celebrates the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492. -
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Veterans Day
It is a federal holiday.
It honors the veterans who fought for America in various wars. -
Thanksgiving Day - the fourth Thursday in November
It is a federal, major holiday and technically the longest paid vacation most people get. :)
Thanksgiving Day in the US -
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New Year's Eve
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year's Eve (also known as Old Year's Day or Saint Sylvester's Day in many countries), the last day of the year, is on December 31. In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated at evening social gatherings, where many people dance, eat, drink alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the new year. Some people attend a watchnight service.The celebrations generally go on past midnight into January 1 (New Year's Day).
(from: Wikipedia)
