Mat 20 Festivals and celebrations in English speaking countries and in the Czech Republic | Maturita SUPŠ Helenín

What do you know about the British Christmas?

British Christmas is a special time of year when people come together to celebrate. Families often decorate their homes with lights, ornaments, and a Christmas tree. On Christmas Day, on the 25th of December, they usually have a big meal with roast turkey, stuffing, and other traditional dishes. People often exchange gifts, and children believe in Santa Claus or Father Christmas, who brings presents on Christmas Eve. British people also enjoy Christmas crackers, which are festive tubes that make a popping sound when pulled apart and contain small toys and jokes.

What is the meaning of Czech Christmas and how do Czech people celebrate it?

Czech Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. People celebrate it with family and friends. They have a big dinner on Christmas Eve. Carp is the main dish, and they eat it with potato salad. Presents are placed under the Christmas tree and opened after dinner. The presents are brought by Baby Jesus (Ježíšek).

What is the meaning of Czech Statehood Day, and how is it celebrated?

Czech Statehood Day (Den české státnosti)/St. Wenceslas Day is on September 28. It honors St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of the Czech Republic. The day celebrates Czech history and culture. There are parades, concerts, and events. The president and other officials attend ceremonies.

How do people celebrate Easter?

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. People often attend church services and have family gatherings. In many English-speaking countries, they decorate and hunt for Easter eggs, which are a symbol of new life. Families often have a special meal with dishes like roast lamb or ham. Another popular tradition is the Easter bunny, which is said to bring candy and small gifts to children in baskets.

What do you know about Guy Fawkes' Day?

Guy Fawkes' Day, also known as Bonfire Night, is celebrated on November 5th in the United Kingdom. It commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. To mark the occasion, people light bonfires and set off fireworks in towns and cities across the country. Children often create an effigy of Guy Fawkes, called a "guy," which is burned on the bonfire. Some people also enjoy traditional foods like toffee apples and parkin cake during the celebrations.

How do people celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is celebrated on October 31st in many English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is believed to have originated from ancient Celtic traditions. People often dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and attend parties. Children visit neighbors' houses asking for candy, and homeowners often decorate their homes with pumpkins, cobwebs, and other spooky decorations. A typical decoration is a carved pumpkin with a candle called Jack-o'-lantern. Halloween is a fun and exciting time for people of all ages to enjoy.

How is Easter celebrated in the Czech Republic?

In the Czech Republic, Easter is a blend of Christian traditions and ancient customs. One of the unique aspects of Czech Easter celebrations is the "pomlázka," a braided willow whip used for playful spanking, symbolizing youth and fertility. Easter Monday is a significant day, when men visit women with the "pomlázka" whip and get decorated eggs as a gift. Traditional foods include Easter Lamb Cake, which is a cake baked in the shape of a lamb, and mazanec, a sweet bread with raisins and almonds. Dyed eggs, called "kraslice," are a popular decoration, and they are often beautifully decorated with traditional patterns.

How do people in the Czech Republic celebrate New Year's Eve?

In the Czech Republic, New Year's Eve is a time for fun and parties. People gather with friends and family. They watch fireworks at midnight. They toast with champagne and wish each other a happy new year. Dancing and music are popular, too.

How is Easter celebrated in the USA?

In the United States, Easter celebrations often focus on fun activities. One of the most famous events is the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, where children participate in an egg-rolling race on the White House lawn. The Easter Bunny is a popular figure, believed to bring candies and small gifts in baskets to children. Easter egg hunts are organized in communities and families across the country, and kids search for colorful eggs hidden in gardens or parks. Many families also enjoy a special meal together, featuring dishes like ham or roast lamb.

What is celebrated on Independence Day?

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is an American holiday celebrating the United States' independence from Britain in 1776. People all over the country come together for parades, barbecues, and fireworks displays. It is a time for Americans to show their patriotism and remember their country's history. Many people display the American flag on their homes, and there are often concerts and other patriotic events. Independence Day is a public holiday, so schools and businesses are typically closed.

How do Czechs celebrate Independent Czechoslovak State Day/Day of the establishment of an independent Czechoslovak state?

Independent Czechoslovak State Day/ Day of the establishment of an independent Czechoslovak state (Den vzniku samostatného československého státu) is on October 28. It marks the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918. People remember their history and independence. It is a public holiday. There are ceremonies, events, and speeches by officials.

What is Jan Hus' Day, and why is it important in the Czech Republic?

Jan Hus' Day (Den upálení mistra Jana Husa) is on July 6. Jan Hus was a Czech religious reformer. He fought for religious freedom and was burned at the stake. People remember his bravery and beliefs. The day is a public holiday with ceremonies and events.

What is the significance of Labour Day in the Czech Republic, and how is it celebrated?

Labour Day is on May 1. It celebrates workers and their rights. It is a public holiday, so many people have the day off. They relax and spend time with their families. Some attend parades or cultural events.

What is Saints Cyril and Methodius Day, and why do Czechs celebrate it?

Saints Cyril and Methodius Day is on July 5. The saints brought Christianity to the Slavic people. They also created the Glagolitic alphabet (Hlaholice). Czech people honor their work and influence. It is a public holiday with religious services and cultural events. People spend time with family and friends.

Where is St. Patrick's Day celebrated?

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a national holiday in Ireland, but it is also celebrated in many other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. People often wear green clothing and accessories to show their Irish pride. Parades, festivals, and other events are held in cities around the world. Traditional Irish music, dancing, and food are enjoyed during the celebrations. In some places, rivers or fountains are even dyed green as a part of the festivities. St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, as well as to have fun with friends and family.

What do you know about St. Valentine's Day?

St. Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a day to express love and affection to friends, family, and romantic partners. In English-speaking countries, people often exchange cards, flowers, and chocolates to show their love. Couples may go out for a special meal or spend time together at home. Some people also celebrate by giving small gifts or holding parties with friends. St. Valentine's Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who is associated with love and courtship.

What is Struggle/Fight for Freedom and Democracy Day, and how is it observed in the Czech Republic?

Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day (Den boje za svobodu a demokracii) is on November 17. It commemorates two important events in Czech history. People remember the fight against Nazis and the Velvet Revolution (Sametová revoluce). It is a public holiday. There are ceremonies, speeches, and events.

What is the history of Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a North American holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada. It originated as a harvest festival and is now celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. The holiday commemorates a feast shared between the Pilgrims who came from Europe and the Wampanoag Native Americans in 1621. Today, families gather for a special meal, which usually includes roast turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It is a time for people to give thanks for the blessings in their lives, and many also watch football games or participate in local parades (for example Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York).

What kind of holiday is Trooping the Colour?

Trooping the Colour is a military ceremony held in London, England, to celebrate the British monarch's official birthday. It usually takes place on the second Saturday in June. The event features a parade of soldiers in colorful uniforms, as well as the royal family members riding in carriages or on horseback. The Queen's/King's Guard marches to the music of a military band, and the ceremony ends with a flypast by the Royal Air Force. People often gather to watch this spectacular event and celebrate the British monarchy.

Why is Victory in Europe Day/Victory Day important, and how do Czech people commemorate it?

Victory in Europe Day/Victory Day (Den vítězství) is on May 8. It marks the end of World War II in Europe. Czech people remember and honor those who fought. There are ceremonies and events. The president and other officials make speeches.