Holidays Celebrated Around the World in May and JuneBy Janne Halla
The months of May and June usher in an abundance of joyful gatherings all around the world as spring gives way to the warmth of summer. These months offer a vibrant tapestry of many cultures and happy occasions, from old customs to contemporary festivities.
Cinco de Mayo, held on when else but May 5th, commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Celebrated mainly in Mexico and by Mexican communities worldwide, this day showcases parades, lively music, traditional dances, and Mexican cuisine. Wesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is a significant festival celebrated by Buddhists worldwide. It honors the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Buddhist communities assemble in temples decked out with vibrant decorations for meditation, acts of charity and offering, and processions. The event places a strong emphasis on kindness, introspection, and sharing joy with others. It doesn't have a designated date for celebrations as it varies from country to country. The lively Duanwu Festival, often known as the Dragon Boat Festival, honors the famous Chinese poet Qu Yuan. The celebration, which is held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, includes dragon boat races in which teams furiously row to the rhythm of drums. Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings, are a typical treat enjoyed at this festival along with a variety of cultural displays. Canada's national holiday, Victoria Day, commemorates Queen Victoria's birth on the Monday preceding May 25th. Additionally, it ushers in the summertime. Parades, fireworks, and other outdoor festivities are popular in Canada. Due to Canada's historical and cultural links to the British monarchy, the day is significant both historically and culturally. In Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, the native Dayak people hold a harvest celebration known as Gawai Dayak. The celebration, which commemorates the abundant rice harvest, is a season of giving gratitude and rebirth. The celebrations center on vibrant cultural performances, traditional music, and ceremonial rites that promote community cohesiveness and protect ancestral traditions. |