On March 3rd, Hinamatsuri (雛祭り) is celebrated in Japan. This is a day when families with little girls wish "health and happiness" for them. Hina refers to the kind of dolls traditionally put on display for the celebration. Matsuri means "festival" in Japanese. Putting them together, Hinamatsuri means something like, "Hina-doll Day". However, Hinamatsuri is commonly referred to as "Girls' Day" in English. Continue reading
Tag Archives: holiday
Valentine’s Day in Japan and China
Valentine’s Day （バレンタインデー barentain dee) in Japan is celebrated quite differently from the U.S; women give chocolates to men. Continue reading
San Valentín in Spain
Valentine's Day in Spain is much like in many other parts of the world. It is a day to exchange regalos o detalles (small gifts) with your loved one, have a nice cita (date) in a restaurant and share a bottle of wine in un lugar romántico (a romantic spot.) Continue reading
‘L’Amour, toujours’ – Valentine’s Day in France
Quel est ton Valentin/Valentine ? Who is your Valentine? (m/f.) Fêter la saint Valentin (to celebrate St Valentine's Day) often means offering des petits cadeaux (small gifts) in the form of flowers, a romantic diner, wine and chocolates. Continue reading
Mardi Gras in France
Mardi Gras was the last day Christians could eat des mets gras (fatty foods) before spending 40 days of prayer and meat abstinence, until Easter. This day announced the beginning of Carême (Lent). It marks in a climactic fashion the end … Continue reading
Chinese New Year
Chinese people have what is called “the lunar calendar.” Most traditional Chinese holidays go by this calendar and Chinese New Year is one of them. This year, Chinese New Year is on February 10th. Chinese New Year is the most … Continue reading
Brazilian Carnival
To say Carnaval is the most greatly anticipated holiday in the country would be an understatement. Millions of Brasileiros (Brazilians) and tourists alike will tell you that the year can only begin after the Carnival festivities, when passion meets talent and great music, and the entire country stops its day to come together in celebration. Continue reading
La Noche de San Juan: The Night of Fire
San Juan is a festival celebrated on June 23rd, a magical night that welcomes the summer season. The celebration takes place during the shortest night of the year; the summer solstice. It is a celebration that is usually held on … Continue reading
June 2nd is “Festa della Repubblica” in Italy.
June 2nd is “Festa della Repubblica” in Italy. It celebrates the referendum of 1946 when Italians had to decide between monarchy or republic. After 85 years of monarchy, Italy became a Republic. A twist is that the the royal family … Continue reading