Celebrations Across Nations 1

Carnival of Venice

Description: Venice’s Carnival got its start in 1162, when townspeople
celebrated a victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia. In honor of this
victory, the people started to dance and gather in San Marco Square.
Celebrating the festival and wearing masks would repeatedly be
outlawed yet would keep reappearing throughout the centuries.

Traditions: Traditionally masks are worn during the festival. One of the
most important parts of the festival is the contest for la maschera più
bella or "the most beautiful mask" which is judged by a panel of
international costume and fashion designers.

Chinese New Year

Description: The Chinese New Year is the main holiday of the year for
more than one quarter of the world’s population. The Chinese New Year
remains the most important holiday in China as well as many other countries. The holiday is a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors. It is also a time to bring family together for feasting. 

Traditions: Red envelopes with money are distributed to children. Dragons are also present in cultural celebrations as the Chinese people often think of themselves as descendants of the mythical creature.

Cinco de Mayo

Description: This holiday is celebrated on May 5 in Mexico and the
United States. It commemorates the Mexican victory over the French
occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla.

Traditions: People observe this holiday by enjoying food and drink
accompanied with music and dancing.