Most Celebrated Occasions in America
More Information About The Celebrations In America
The beauty of the United States is grounded in the diversity of cultures, habits, lifestyles and customs. As the country is so complex in its diversity of cultures, there’s an unique multitude of celebrations, festivals, parades and events that take place every year. While participating in a BridgeUSA J-1 Internship or Trainee program for 6 or 12 months, you will have numerous opportunities to join the celebrations and better understand the culture in America.
Our team decided to put together an article that highlights the most celebrated occasions in America, so that you can better plan your journey in the United States and make sure that you don’t miss any opportunity to go out and experience something new.
Perhaps the most important date for Americans is the Fourth of July, an exclusive celebration that only takes place in the United States and commemorates The Declaration of Independence that was adopted on July 4th, 1776. This federal holiday is often celebrated with festivals, parades, fireworks, barbecues, sparklers and many other festive activities.
Federal Holidays In The United States
Federal holidays are recognized by the government each year and during which non-essential government agencies close. In addition to the government agencies, banks, post offices, schools, and many other private organizations and businesses close as well. Many hospitality businesses are open during these days and organize events. If possible, we recommend to all our BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Visitors to try and join the holiday celebrations and experience cultural activities during these holidays.
Here is the list of the federal holidays that are recognized by the Federal Government:
New Year’s Day (January 1) - New Year’s Day celebrates the beginning of a new year and the end of the holiday season.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January) - Held in honor of the famous civil rights leader, the holiday combines with other holidays in different cities, such as Civil Rights Day in Arizona and Human Rights Day in Idaho.
Washington’s Birthday or Presidents’ Day (3rd Monday in February) - This federal holiday was established in 1879 to celebrate George Washington's Birthday, but is now an observance in honor of all American presidents.
Memorial Day (last Monday in May) - A day in tribute and remembrance of all the men and women who have lost their lives while fighting for their country and serving in the United States Military, since the Civil War.
Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) - Also known as Freedom Day, or Juneteenth National Independence Day, the holiday commemorates the anniversary of the Emancipation Declaration. End of slavery in the United States.
Independence Day or The Fourth of July (July 4) - This federal holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Labor Day (1st Monday in September) - The holiday commemorates and recognizes all American workers and their contributions to the country's economy and society, as well as organized labor movements and the rights of workers in the United States.
Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October) - A federal holiday in honor of Christopher Columbus, an explorer who discovered the Americas. Some regions of the United States do not celebrate Columbus Day, and choose to honor Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples instead.
Veterans’ Day (November 11) - Veterans Day honors all military veterans, who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November) - Originally celebrated to give thanks for the autumn harvest, this holiday includes the sharing of a turkey dinner similar to the one shared between Pigrims and Indians in the 17th century.
Christmas Day (December 25) - A holiday that is widely celebrated around the United States and the world. On this day people get together with friends and family to exchange gifts and share a meal.
Other Occasions To Look Forward To
There are many other holidays that are widely celebrated in the United States and they are worth adding to your calendar. Many regions in the country organize festivities during these holidays and you will certainly have a fantastic time celebrating and joining them.
Valentine’s Day (14 February) - This holiday celebrates romantic love, friendship and admiration. Every year on 14 February people celebrate this day by sending messages of love and affection to partners, family, and friends.
St. Patrick’s Day (Friday, 17 March) - The holiday celebrates and honors Irish heritage and its rich culture and traditions. Cities all over the U.S. celebrate with parades and festivities.
Easter (First Sunday following the full Moon that occurs on or after the March or spring equinox) - On Easter, Christians celebrate the victory of life over death with the resurrection of Jesus. Families and friends celebrate it with egg hunts, colorful eggs and festive meals.
Cinco De Mayo (May 5) - A celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the USA. Some of the most known and beloved Mexican dishes are proudly represented and many events are organized in the country.
Halloween (October 31) - Halloween has been around for more than a thousand years and it’s a popular holiday where people dress-up and have fun. Popular Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns, apple bobbing, playing games, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories and watching scary movies.
Hannukah (25 Kislev - Hebrew calendar) - Hanukkah is a Jewish festival that is celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple (Second Temple) in Jerusalem.
Kwanzaa (December 26 - January 1) - It is a week-long spiritual festival celebrated among African Americans celebrated in the United States and in the Western African Diaspora in other nations of the Americas.
To Sum Up
These are just some of the most important and widely celebrated holidays in the United States. There are many other holidays, celebrations and events that are happening every year, some of them being celebrated nationwide, while others being celebrated at the regional level. We fully recommend to all our J-1 Interns & Trainees to research the local holidays, celebrations and events in advance. That way, you can plan ahead and never miss out.
One thing is certain, you will never get bored while participating in a J-1 Internship or Trainee Program in the United States. The country is so diverse that you will always find a new cultural activity to experience and learn more about the culture in America. We fully recommend that you try to make the best out of your time in the country and join as many cultural activities and celebrations as possible. Don’t forget to ask your colleagues from your host company how they are celebrating or pair with other J-1 Exchange Visitors in order to experience them together.
Our teams at International Trainee Network and Odyssey International Exchange will keep you updated with more information before major holidays and give you ideas about the cultural activities that you can experience.
