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Mardi Gras
United States, 7th March, 2000
Every year New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras, attracting visitors
from all over the USA and abroad. There are parades, dancing
in the streets and revellers in masks and costumes all in
a spirit of wild abandon.
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The 4th of July
United States, 4th July, 2000
In honour of America's victory against the British in the
Revolutionary War, this holiday is celebrated throughout the
country with spectacular fireworks displays. American fireworks
are among the best in the world and some of the most dazzling
shows take place over lakes, rivers or on the coast, where
the sky is lit up without any architectural obstacles and
the light is reflected from the water.
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Hallowe'en
United States, 31st October, 2000
Another holiday celebrated in the USA is Halloween. Children
dress up in, often, ghoulish costumes, as witches, devils
and ghosts and tour the neighbourhood, usually in groups,
knocking on the doors of nearby houses and saying 'trick or
treat'. The owner of the house is then obliged to give the
children some sort of 'treat', usually food or sweets. Failure
to comply can result in the 'trick'. The night before Halloween
is known as Mischief Night, when children roam their neighbourhoods
making a nuisance of themselves with pranks such as ringing
doorbells and running away or spreading toilet paper along
fences and telephone poles. Both of these nights are somewhat
unpopular with adults, but children have a great time and
the tradition is probably too engrained in American tradition
to be discontinued.
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Thanksgiving
United States, 25th November, 2000
Thanksgiving takes place on the last Thursday of November
(Nov 26 in 1998, Nov 25 in 1999). It is a festival celebrated
with close family and friends. Blessings are shared and prayers
of thanks are said over a meal of roast turkey, bread stuffing,
roast potatoes and yams. This holiday originated in the first
year after the Pilgrim Fathers arrived in the New World as
a feast to thank the American Indians for their aid and advice
in helping the immigrants come to grips with a new land.
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Las Posadas
America, December, 2000
The Christmas Holiday, Las Posadas, Navidad and Dia de Tres
Magos in Latin American culture is a season of spiritual renewal,
gathering of family and friends, and colorful fiestas, including
delicious foods and libation. There are variances in religious
rituals according to the influence of each country's indigenous
Indians, but all share a strong Latin heritage dating from
the arrival of Roman Catholicism to the American Continent
over four hundred years ago.
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Christmas:
United States, 25th December, 2000
The Americans celebrate Christmas in a big way, both religiously
and as consumers. Northern regions have the added bonus of
wintery weather and snowfall, and a 'White Christmas' (a fairly
common event in the New England area and other northern States)
always adds to the atmosphere.
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