May 04 2009
Happy Star Wars Day! (and other Public Holidays, Festivals and Events in May 2009)
A little late, but here’s a malaysian abroad’s monthly overview of public holidays, festivals and events going on in Malaysia, Switzerland and the USA. The month of May has A LOT going on!
1st May: May Day / Labour Day / International Workers’ Day (worldwide except USA)
A celebration of the social and economic achievements of the international labor movement, this is a day off for almost all countries of the world. Due to its status as a celebration of the efforts of workers and the socialist movement, May Day is particularly important countries such as the People’s Republic of China, Cuba, and the former Soviet Union.
1st May: Loyalty Day (USA)
Due to its status as a celebration of the efforts of workers and the socialist movement, internationally celebrating celebrating the worker on May 1st was deemed communist, and therefore in the USA this day is known as Loyalty Day instead (the American Labor Day is marked on the first Monday in September). It’s not marked in any way except perhaps by the President issuing a proclamation. Yawn!
4th May: Star Wars Day
I have to let some of my geekiness through! Do you get why this day is Star Wars Day? Hint - it’s a pun; see my Life After Work post for more.
5th May: Cinco de Mayo (USA)
The holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. However, this historical origin is mostly set aside, and instead, Cinco de Mayo in the USA is more a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. I’m looking forward to the music and food at streetside stalls!
 Dharma Wheel source: wikipedia |
7th May: Hari Hol Pahang (Pahang, Malaysia)
A holiday on for the state of Pahang, on this day the past Sultans and royalty of the state are honored.
9th May: Wesak Day (Malaysia)
This day marks the birthday of the Gautama Buddha.
21st May: Ascension (Switzerland)
Held 39 days after Easter, this day commemorates Jesus being taken up bodily into heaven forty days after his resurrection. This is a day off for the whole of Switzerland.
25th May: Memorial Day (USA)
Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service to their country. Since it’s a long weekend, and occurs at what is essentially the start of truly warm weather, Memorial Day weekend is usually seen as the start of summer, and is marked by almost everybody with barbecues, family get-togethers, water sports, alcohol, etc.
Related Posts:
- Days of note in January
- Days of note in February
- Public Holidays - March
- Public Holidays, Festivals and Events in April
ummm… missed a big one there. funny ’cause we already bought cards to mark it (and not late this year) - MOTHER’S DAY!! how “worldwide” is that one celebrated? does hallmark’s reach extend to switzerland and malaysia?
Kosh: yeah, I’m not a fan of Hallmark Holidays anyway, and this day in particular isn’t that big of a deal for me, eh? :p