We have always heard of the holidays and traditions of the United States. Whether it’s at school, on TV or on social media, we have all heard about Thanksgiving or Halloween. But what are these typical American celebrations really about? You’ll find out by reading this article! 

1- New Year’s Eve: 

Let’s start with the first celebration of the year: New Year’s Eve. Always celebrated on January 1st in the countries using the Gregorian calendar, it marks the beginning of a new year and new resolutions. In the United States, everyone dresses up to see great open-air performances under a sky lit with fireworks. On that evening, it is customary to go to Times Square and watch the crystal ball descend and then kiss a loved one at midnight. Americans also sing “Auld Lang Syne” (“It’s only a goodbye”) to celebrate the beginning of the year. 

2- Saint-Patrick’s day: 

Every March 17 the holy patron of the Irish is honored in the United States. On that day, it is customary to wear green clothes and clovers. Americans attend parades, enjoy Irish specialties and go to pubs. It is also common to see fountains and rivers dyed in green, or to see leprechauns in the streets. 

3- Independence Day: 

Celebrated on July 4, Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States from the British Empire. On that day, the starred banner, the national anthem and fireworks are in order. It is also customary to attend parades and processions in several American cities. 

4- Halloween: 

“Trick or Treat!” That’s what the children dressed up as monsters say on the evening of October 31, when the time comes to go treat or tricking. From the beginning of October, everyone decorates their homes. Pumpkins, skeletons and other decorations, more or less frightening, are used to frighten passers-by. It is not uncommon to see competitions for the best decorated house in some neighborhoods. 

5- Thanksgiving: 

Considered a family holiday, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the last Thursday of November. This day commemorates the meal shared in 1621 between the Mayflower settlers and the Wampanoags Indians to thank them for helping the settlers to survive during winter. American families enjoy turkey and pumpkin pie, share blessings and thank God for the harvest of the year. Since 1989, there has been a tradition in which the President of the United States pardons two turkeys. These turkeys will, then, spend the rest of their lives at the Polytechnic Institute of Virginia. 

6- Christmas Eve: 

Finally, the last major holiday of the year in the United States is Christmas. Like Thanksgiving, Christmas is most often celebrated with family. The houses and streets are decorated with garlands and Christmas trees. Choirs are caroling all over the cities. Children are impatiently waiting for Santa Claus to bring them gifts. For Christmas Eve, it is traditional to eat stuffed turkey or ham accompanied by “green bean casserole” (green beans, cream of mushrooms and fried onions), mashed potato with cranberry sauce and pecan pie or apple pie for dessert. 

So, do you feel like going to the United States for the holidays?