holiday two
Holidays, two
Some holidays are national holidays, when shops, schools, and businesses close. In Britain certain holidays are called Bank Holidays, because banks and government offices close on those days.
Foreign and International Holidays
14. Does your country celebrate foreign or “international” holidays? If yes, which foreign holidays does it celebrate?
15. May Day (May 1), also called Labour Day, is a holiday in many countries. Does your country celebrate or observe May Day (Labour Day). What does it commemorate? How is it celebrated?
16. Many countries observe Good Friday and Easter. Explain what happens.
17. Does your country celebrate Christmas? What happens during Christmas in your country?
18. Many countries celebrate New Year’s on 1 January. What happens on New Years? How do people celebrate New Years in your country? When do you celebrate New Years?
Holidays From Around the World
19. Hindus celebrate their New Year, Divali, in late autumn. The Chinese New Year is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world (It happens on the first new moon between January 21 and February 19). Have you attended or watched a Chinese New Year Celebration? Where? What takes place?
20. Does your town, city and, or nation have a patron saint? Who is he? What did he do?
21. In the Republic of Ireland, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) is a holiday. What do you associate with St. Patrick’s Day?
22. What do you know about Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, and second Monday in October in Canada)? What is the history of Thanksgiving Day? What takes place?
23. France has important public holidays on Bastille Day (July 14), and Joan of Arc’s Day (second Sunday of May). Why are these commemorated?
24. In Japan, May 5 is a national holiday called Children’s Day. How is it celebrated?
25. An important national holiday in Australia and New Zealand is Anzac Day (April 25), the day the Anzac forces landed in Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. Why is this day commemorated?
26. Probably the most famous festival is the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Have you ever attended it? Does you city or country have carnival celebrations? What happens? Describe it.
