Looking for information on popular holidays and events celebrated around the world? Holidays profiled in this section include Mardi Gras, Kwanzaa, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving and even Festivus!
Some see Thanksgiving as an example of the possibility of great respect and cooperation between two different cultures. Today, many associate the holiday less with pilgrims and American Indians and more with football and turkey. Learn how a bountiful See more »
Are you bored with the commercialism of the Christmas holidays? Do you find tinsel distracting? Is there a large aluminum pole collecting dust in your crawlspace? If you answered yes to all of the above then Festivus is for you! Learn about this fascinating holiday here.
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When you hear the words "Cinco de Mayo," what comes to mind? Margaritas? Mariachi bands? There's more to the holiday than these displays of Mexican culture. Find out what Cinco de Mayo is all about.
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The Easter holiday seems to be on a different day each year. Have you ever wondered how they determine which day Easter will fall on each year? You can find the answer to that question here.
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The Menorah is a symbol of the Hanukkah holiday. The candles are lit on each day of the holiday. Where did this tradition start and what do the candles represent? Find out the answer in this article.
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Easter's around the corner -- might be time to brush up on your holiday knowledge. Learn all about this springtime celebration, from its origins to the (often wacky) worldwide variations on its observance.
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Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah celebrates a very special triumph over religious persecution, when the Jews were able to escape oppression at the hands of Antiochus, a Syrian king. Read more about this important Jewish holiday.
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For people of African descent living around the world, the holiday of Kwanzaa is a time to honor African traditions. This relatively new holiday lasts seven days, uses seven symbols and sets forth seven ideals. Learn all about Kwanzaa and how it is celebrated.
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Mardi Gras turns New Orleans into a hotbed of fun and reveling. This might make the festival's religious ties rather hard to imagine. Learn all about the roots, traditions and current practices of Mardi Gras.
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In the religion of Islam, Ramadan is the holiest time of the year. For a month, Muslims fast during daylight hours to show their loyalty to and praise for Allah. Find out what Ramadan is all about.
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Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion. You may know all about it, or you may know only that it has something to do with apples and honey. Learn all about Rosh Hashanah.
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Learn about the story, the saint, the shamrocks and the famous Blarney Stone associated with Saint Patrick's Day.
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Some see Thanksgiving as an example of the possibility of great respect and cooperation between two different cultures. Today, many associate the holiday less with pilgrims and American Indians and more with football and turkey. Learn how a bountiful
See more »
What's 63 feet long, 46 feet tall and filled with 12,000 cubic feet of helium? One of the behemoth balloons at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Learn how many balloon wranglers are needed to keep the parade afloat and find out what this event has to do with emigrants, zoo animals and the holidays.
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When did the Valentine's Day frenzy begin? Was there really a saint named "Valentine"? Why the flowers and chocolate? Learn all about the origins and symbols of Valentine's Day.
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Yom Kippur is one of two Jewish High Holidays. It marks the end of a 10-day period during which Jews seek forgiveness for their sins so they can make a fresh start. Find out all about Yom Kippur.
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The national American holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. falls on the third Monday in January. Learn about the life and work of this legendary civil rights activist.
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Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence every year on July 4 with picnics and fireworks. Learn the story behind Independence Day in the United States and how its traditions came about.
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Yo-yos can be traced back at least 2,500 years -- it's a toy with phenomenal staying power. On June 6, yo-yo fans everywhere can "walk the dog" to commemorate the birthday of Donald Duncan, credited with making yo-yos popular in the United States.
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Get out your party hats and sparklers! New Year's Eve is the night when young and old stay up past midnight to ring in the new year. Fireworks blast off around the globe while bottles of champagne pour a bubbly sea of mirth. What are the different ways people celebrate New Year's, and how can you ensure good luck for the next 12 months?
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Wonderful Weirdos Day was created by citizens of Austin, Texas to celebrate personality quirks on September 9. Read more about Wonderful Weirdos Day.
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