Typical Polish holidays
Damian Kurowski Piotr Kulig Sebastian Cegiełka Mateusz Cegiełka (Poland)
Another typical Polish holiday is Easter Monday (the second day of Easter) also called Dyngus Day or Wet Monday. People pour water on each other which is believed to bring them health and fortune. Young boys and girls usually pour buckets of water or throw plastic bags full of water on random passers-by. On that day they are soaking wet a few times and that is why they need to change their clothes many times. In villages in the southern part of Poland farmers sprinkle holy water on their fields on Monday morning. It’s a very happy and funny day which provides a lot of fun and entertainment. |
Independence Day is celebrated on the 11th of November. In November 1918 Poland gained back independence after 123 years of captivity, being divided among three countries: Russia, Germany and Austria. This holiday is one of the most important national celebrations for Poles.
Houses and buildings are decorated with Polish flags. All patriotic monuments are decorated with flowers. It is a public holiday, celebrated mostly by officials. The main national celebrations take place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw. In our village main celebrations are held by the monument of Jozef Pilsudski in the local park. It is the time of contemplation and remembrance of the past. |
21st March, the first day of spring is another holiday in Poland.The first day of astronomical spring is a day of drowning Marzanna. It’s a straw figure which represents winter. At schools there are usually contests for the prettiest Marzanna. As soon as the best Marzanna is chosen, pupils go to the nearest river where it is first burnt and then drowned. Another famous tradition refers to playing truant on that day. However, those who decide to miss school must be careful not to get caught by police patrols.
National Holidays in Greece
Anna Alexiou Virginia Darla Antonia Katsouli Artemis Kleidara Sofia Kouroutzi (Greece)
The 25th of March is a holiday which has a double meaning for all Greeks. It is both a Christian and a National holiday. It is celebrated in our Orthodox church as the Annunciation of the Theotokos. This is the day that the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she was going to give birth to the son of God. In addition, it is the day which signifies the start of the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821 after 400 years of occupation and oppression by the Turks. The Greeks couldn’t bear living in slavery and united they decided to fight against the Turks. Thus, on the 25th of March all Greeks celebrate the reclamation of their freedom and the rebirth of their nation. There is a school parade in every town and village and a big armed forces parade in Athens, the capital of Greece. |
May the1st is a traditional spring holiday and is celebrated in Greece with excursions to nature. It is a day of happiness, relaxation and recreation for all people, young and old. All families collect flowers and make flower wreaths which are a tradition in our country. This ‘May Wreath’ as it is known, is carried to people’s houses and it is usually placed on their front door where it remains for the entire month of May. The 1st of May is not only a recreation holiday but also a celebration of the international labour movement, the day when we remember and honor the struggles of the workers. Thus, the 1st of May is a landmark for the working class. |
Holidays in Spain
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Have you ever heard anything about holidays in Spain?
There are a lot of holidays in Spain but some are more important than others. Now you are going to know some of the most important holidays here.
There are a lot of holidays in Spain but some are more important than others. Now you are going to know some of the most important holidays here.
SAN FERMINES
The San Fermines is a celebration that started in the
medial ages and it takes place every year in the Spanish city of Pamplona.
It starts the 6th and finishes the 14th of July.
One of the principal activities in Sanfermines is the “Encierros” that consists of a race in front of the bulls. The typical clothes people wear are white trousers and a white t-shirt with a red handkerchief.
It starts the 6th and finishes the 14th of July.
One of the principal activities in Sanfermines is the “Encierros” that consists of a race in front of the bulls. The typical clothes people wear are white trousers and a white t-shirt with a red handkerchief.
APRIL FAIR
This is a typical fiesta in Seville, during one week that depends on the date of the Passion Week.
In Remedio’s neighbourhoodthere are a lot of booths and attractions.
The first fair was in 1846.
EL ROCÍO
It’s the biggest pilgrimage in Spain. It’s a religious party in honour to the Virgin Of Rocío that takes place the weekend of the Pentecost’s Sunday. It’s celebrate d in the Rocio’s village, in Almonte( Huelva).
During one week there is a pilgrimage through Doñana in which thousands of pilgrims of all Spain go to Almonte. On Sunday people do the “Salto a la reja” to take out the Virgin in procession.
People wear flamencos dresses and eat typical food too.
HOLY WEEK
It's the annual Christian commemoration of the passion, death and resurrection of JesuChrist. The date is between 22 of March and 26 of April.
It starts the Sunday of Ramos and finishes the Sunday of Resurrection.
During that week there are different processions of religious scenes.
There are people that go with the procession and
they wear typical clothes of “Semana Santa”.
CÁDIZ CARNIVAL
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It is the most famous carnival in Spain. Every year during January and
February it is celebrated in Manuel Fallas theatre. The contest is formed by
different carnival groups that make their own songs with current political
problems.
There are four different groups: “Chirigotas”, “Comparsas”, “Coros” and “Cuartetos”; each group is worn in a different way.
Next day they do a parade in the street where all the people are disguised.
There are four different groups: “Chirigotas”, “Comparsas”, “Coros” and “Cuartetos”; each group is worn in a different way.
Next day they do a parade in the street where all the people are disguised.
VALENCIAN FALLES
It is a fiesta in Valencia city that is celebrated from the 15th to 19th of March. They make some high sculptures and later they burn it.
People wear the typical clothes of “Fallas”.
And there are many pyrotechnics shows.
TOMATINAS
It’s celebrated in Buñol (Valencia).
People who participate throw tomatoes each other.
It takes place the last Wednesday of August.