Best of...Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
This May, if you are seeking a way to enjoy a unique and fun spring celebration, check out one of these great Cinco de Mayo celebrations throughout the United States. Cinco de Mayo, which means the fifth of May in Spanish, celebrates the day Mexico defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. It's a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is the Mexican Independence Day, which is actually celebrated on September 16. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage and have a great time. These ten celebrations are only a few of the many diverse and unique celebrations that you will find throughout the United States around May fifth.
Denver, Colorado
Each year in Civic Center Park, Denver, there is a huge Cinco de Mayo celebration. The Cinco de Mayo "Celebrate Culture Festival" is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country. Denver has a vibrant Latino community and this is one way the city comes together to celebrate Latino culture. In 2010, the festival will have three live entertainment venues. There will be a wide variety of Latino music and dance, as well as folk arts and handicrafts, a children's carnival, and much more. Of course, no Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without lots of great Mexican food.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona is a fabulous place to spend Cinco de Mayo. Attendees of this festival will find a wide variety of parties and festivals. Downtown Phoenix has a large festival on May 1st and 2nd. This festival has music, food and is a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the whole family.
Reno, Nevada
Reno is a great place to enjoy a party, and Cinco de Mayo is a holiday known for its fun party atmosphere. Throughout Reno and Tahoe, visitors and residents will find all sorts of Cinco de Mayo celebrations. One of these is the Cinco de Mayo Festival at the Grand Sierra Resort, May 1-2. This festival celebrates Mexican culture with great entertainment, food, performances, and more.
San Antonio, Texas
In the beautiful city of San Antonio, Texas, Cinco de Mayo revelers will find a great celebration at the historic Market Square. At this fun event celebrating Mexico's victory on May 5, visitors can enjoy a large variety of entertainment. There will be concerts, food, and many other fun Cinco de Mayo traditions. All of these events take place at the beautiful Market Square.
St. Paul, Minnesota
Many people think that the Southwest would be the best place to find a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but St. Paul Minnesota hosts a great Cinco de Mayo celebration every year. In 2010 the "Cinco de Mayo Fiesta" starts on May 7 and lasts through May 8. Throughout the two day festival there are many exciting entertainment options. There is the usual food and music, but this unique celebration also features a parade and even a car show.
San Francisco, California
Every year in San Francisco, the Mission Neighborhood Centers put on the SF Cinco de Mayo Festival. This celebration is a very family-friendly event, showcasing Mexican culture through music and art. If you are looking for a more family oriented festival, this alcohol free event is the celebration for you. This year the Mission Neighborhood Centers also had a pre-festival Black Tie VIP Dinner Gala.
San Marcos, Texas
San Marcos is home to one of the country's most unique Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This year, from April 30 to May 2, the town of San Marcos will host VIVA! Cinco de Mayo and all of the fun Cinco de Mayo festivities throughout the days of the celebrations. The festivities include a parade, a pageant, dancing, and music. The most unique feature of this celebration is the state-wide Menudo cook-off. People throughout the state of Texas come together to showcase their favorite Menudo recipies.
Portland, Oregon
If you are in the Northwest during the beginning of May, stop by Portland for the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. This celebration lasts from May 1 to May 5, and it is presented by the Portland Guadalajara Sister City Association. The four-day celebration is dedicated to showcasing and celebrating Mexican culture. There will be two stages with a wide variety of amazing live entertainment that's sure to wow the entire family.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California has one of the largest Cinco de Mayo festivals in the nation. Although the Festival de Fiesta Broadway is held before the actual day, it is one of the best celebrations of Latino culture in the country. In 2010 the Festival was held on April 25. The Festival de Fiesta Broadway always features amazing performers and lots of fun.
Best of...Bird Watching Festivals
Bird watching festivals are a great way for birders of all skill levels to gather together and increase their knowledge. Every bird festival in every region has its own unique flare. The best way to choose a bird festival is by picking one in the region that has the species of birds you are most interested in. In addition to the region, the season of the year also make a big difference in the type of birds you'll be able to see. The eight festivals below represent a very few of the broad range of bird festivals available throughout the United States.
Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival, Arcata, CA
The 15th-annual Godwit Days Spring Migration Bird Festival will be held from April 15 to April 21, 2010. There are events and excursions planned for the whole week of the festival, but the core days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 16-18. During the three days there will be lectures, seminars, an art contest, a keynote speaker and many other interesting activities and events. This festival is named after the Marbled Godwit, thousands of which winter in this region of northern California.
Olympic Peninsula BirdFest, Sequim, WA
The 2010 Olympic Peninsula BirdFest is being held Friday April 9 through Sunday April 11. Beautiful Sequim, Washington is home to a variety of unique northwest habitats, and attendees of the BirdFest can enjoy birding opportunities on the bays, estuaries, beaches and the five mile Dungeness Spit. The festival has activities for bird enthusiasts of all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Wings Across the Big Sky, Missoula, MT
Big Sky country is an ideal spot to hold a bird festival. This summer festival takes place in early June. Throughout the three days of this festival there will be special speakers, lectures, and field trips to some amazing locations around Western Montana. Montana Audubon hosts this great festival together with other local Audubon Chapters. The wild landscapes of Montana provide a great setting in whichh to learn about some of the Western United States' amazing birds.
Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival, Willcox, AZ
This unique festival in southeastern Arizona is a great way for bird enthusiasts to learn about the environment in Arizona. The festival is held over Martin Luther King Day Weekend. At this festival, bird watchers will learn about the migratory species that winter in the region as well as the bird species that make the southwest their permanent home.
Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, Titusville, FL
Florida is home to a very wide variety of bird species; in fact, it has the largest number of species in the eastern region of the United States. During the 2011 Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival, you will have the chance to view and learn about many of these unique species. The festival is held annually in late January and is headquartered at the Brevard County Community College. Throughout the days of the festival there will be exhibits, seminars, and keynote speakers. However, the field trips are always the best way to enjoy the birds, so be sure to sign up for trips to some of the best regional bird watching sites.
Morro Bay Winter Bird Festival, Morro Bay CA
This winter festival is held annually in January, over Martin Luther King Weekend. It is a huge event for birders and each year hosts hundreds of people coming to learn about the region's birds. Morro Bay is located in southern California, between San Francisco and Los Angeles. There is access to amazing bird habitats, and over the weekend of the Bird Festival there are often sightings of hundreds of different species. This festival has a wide variety of events for birders of all skill levels. Registration for this popular festival opens in October.
The Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, Farmington, UT
This festival is one of the best bird watching festivals in Utah. During the days of this year’s festival, birders will be able to take numerous field trips to see the birds of Utah as well as listen to amazing speakers. This year’s festival is being held May 13 through May 17, 2010. For birders looking for some great adventures, there are a wide variety of trips guided by well-regarded experts. The festival also features workshops and children's activities, so bring the whole family.
New River Birding & Nature Festival, West Virginia
This festival highlights some of the amazing birds found in the eastern United States. The festival events last from April 26 through May 1, 2010. The festival is held around the New River Gorge National Park. Throughout this week-long festival, there are great hikes and birding tours, featured speakers, and much more. The New River Birding & Nature Festival is one bird watching festival you won't want to miss.
|
Best of...Easter Egg Hunts
White House Easter Egg Roll, Washington, DC
Perhaps the best know and most iconic Easter Egg activity in the United States is the White House Easter Egg Roll started by President Hayes in 1878. Each year children are chosen by lottery to participate in the roll. This year the roll will be held on April 5, 2010. Every year the event has a theme and the activities and events center around this theme. The lottery for this year's roll is closed, but you can always enter your children (aged 12 and under) for next year's event.
Biltmore Estate Easter Egg Hunt, Asheville, North Carolina
Each year the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina holds its annual grand Easter Egg Hunts. The stunning estate has a wide variety of activities beyond the egg hunt. Your children will love the magic shows, storytelling and the Easter Bunny. If you can plan your vacation to the Biltmore Estate over the Easter Holiday, don't forget to bring baskets for the Children so they can collect as many eggs as possible.
Miami Seaquarium Easter Egg Hunt, Miami, Florida
If you are lucky enough to be in Miami, Florida on Easter weekend, April 2-4, you won't want to miss the amazing annual festivities at the Miami Seaquarium. This already fantastic destination transforms itself into an Easter wonderland. The family will enjoy continuous egg hunts and parades with sea-themed characters. Of course, you will still be able to enjoy all of the great sea creatures that live at the Seaquarium and all of the usual rides and exhibits as well.
New York Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza in Central Park, New York, New York
Every year in Central Park, families flock to the Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza to celebrate the unofficial start of spring in New York City. This celebration is much more than just a giant egg hunt. Children and adults alike will love the multitude of activities that makes this event a true Eggstravaganza. You will find egg dying, performances and of course the egg hunt at this annual celebration.
Cedar Hill Farm Egg Hunt, Hernando, Mississippi
This farm in Mississippi has many days of Easter Egg Hunts and activities. Starting March 27th and continuing through April 3rd, you can bring the kids to Cedar Hill Farm to enjoy a day of spring and Easter activites. Cedar Hill Farm hosts continuous egg hunts as well as pony rides, face painting and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Everyone in the family will enjoy the variety of sweets and treats at the farm as well as the unique festive atmosphere.
Colorado's Largest Easter Egg Hunt, Copper Mountain, Colorado
Copper Mountain Resort holds Colorado's Largest Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday, April 4 from 8am to 5pm. The Mountain holds a big kids hunt and a hunt for little kids, and there are numerous opportunities for the kids to see the Easter Bunny around the resort throughout the day. This is a great place to a enjoy top notch Easter celebration and a great ski experience at the same time.
An African-American Family Tradition at the National Zoo, Washington, DC
The Easter Monday celebrations at the National Zoo are a long-standing Washington, DC tradition. Zoos are a great place to enjoy Easter celebrations. Children get the wonder of discovering new animals and the whole family gets to enjoy the wide variety of Easter celebrations. There are games, food, the Easter Bunny and of course egg hunts. In 2010, if you happen to be in Washington, DC on April 5, you won't want to miss the fun family activities at the National Zoo.
The Great Metrozoo Egg Safari, Miami, Florida
Miami's Metro Zoo has exciting Easter festivities planned on both April 3 and April 4. Children will enjoy a variety of fun Easter activities including music, games and egg hunts. Even more exciting for the family is watching the animals enjoy their Easter treats. The whole family can see the lions, elephants, otters and many more animals enjoy special Easter treats.
Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza, Orange, California
Every Easter, the Easter Bunny makes a visit on the Irvine Park Railroad. The whole family can enjoy rides on the Irvine Park Railroad through Irvine Regional Park. Starting March 20 and continuing through April 3, children can participate in the egg hunts. Every egg they find they will be filled with delicious treats and fun prizes. The Easter Eggstravaganza also has rides, games and much more.
Best of...Carnival
Carnival is one of the most exciting celebrations of the year. Traditionally, Carnival is celebrated before the start of Lent and includes parades, parties, and masquerade-like costumes. Some celebrations spread throughout the month, while others last just for the day. It is celebrated in many different ways throughout the world. Brazil is home to one of the biggest Carnival celebrations in the world. The Caribbean is also home to amazingly colorful and exciting celebrations. If you want to stay in the United States, however, you will find plenty of diverse and thrilling Carnivals -- or, as it is often known here, Mardi Gras celebrations.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
In Baton Rouge, the parades start on February 5th and the fun doesn't end until February 20th. The parades are all hosted by different groups around the city. Should you choose to spend Mardi Gras season in Baton Rouge, you will have many options to enjoy the masquerade and excitement of the celebrations. You can collect beads and enjoy the party atmosphere of the events. Mardi Gras in Louisiana is unlike any other event in the world.
Pensacola, Florida
In Florida you will find some amazing Mardi Gras celebrations, all with a special Florida twist. Pensacola has one of Florida's great Mardi Gras celebrations. You can enjoy the parades, some of which occur in the evening and some during the day. Pensacola celebrates Mardi Gras in high style, and visitors can join the local revelers in enjoying the food and drink at a variety of local establishments.
Austin, Texas
Each year Austin celebrates the Carnival Brasiliero. Unlike many cities in the U.S., which celebrate our version of Carnival (Mardi Gras), Austin celebrates the Brazilian Carnival. Austin's Carnival is a night of music and fun. At this event you will find some of the fun of Brazil within the United States. If you can go, be sure to enjoy the costumes and the delightful samba music.
San Diego, California
San Diego is home to one of the most exciting Carnival celebrations on the West Coast. This year, 2010, San Diego celebrates their 16th annual Mardi Gras on the 16th of February. In San Diego you can join the revelers in the streets to enjoy the carnival and street performances. You can collect your Mardi Gras beads while enjoying the celebration in the lounges and bars of San Diego or watch the variety of artists, dancers, and other street performances..
St. Louis, Missouri
Each year, St. Louis has one of the largest Carnival or Mardi Gras celebrations outside of New Orleans. The Soulard Mardi Gras is the biggest Mardi Gras celebration in St. Louis and it has many great events that you can enjoy. In St. Louis, the Mardi Gras party starts on the twelfth night in January and lasts right up to Fat Tuesday. You can enjoy cook-offs, wine tasting, and even the ever-fun pet parade. The Mardi Gras festivities culminate with The Mayor's Ball, which is the formal masquerade ball of the festivities, and of course, The Grand Parade. The Grand Parade is held on the night of Mardi Gras and people flock to the streets to enjoy the event.
Galveston, Texas
This year will mark the 99th Mardi Gras celebration on Galveston Island. The 2010 celebration started on February 5th and the festivities will continue through February 16th. Visitors can enjoy a variety of parades, galas, and balls as well as many other forms of entertainment. Galveston has a very family friendly Mardi Gras season, which mixes family appropriate entertainment with all the excitement of the usual Mardi Gras and Carnival. There are both day and night time parades, including a Children's Parade. Galveston also has over 50 galas and events during the Mardi Gras season, including costume contests, balls, and pageants, the proceeds of which go to various groups throughout the community.
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile is the place to visit if you are looking for a unique Carnival or Mardi Gras experience. The diverse cultural influences of the city make it one of Alabama's most interesting cities. Its mix of Catholic, Creole, French, and Spanish make for an amazing Carnival Celebration. Mobile is home to the original Mardi Gras celebrations. The Carnival celebrations can start in November and continue until midnight on Mardi Gras. During this time period the streets are filled with parades, live marching bands, and immense crowds of celebrators. If you can't visit during the Carnival season, you can still visit the Mobile Carnival Museum to revel in the long and rich history of Mardi Gras and Carnival in Mobile.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is known for the biggest and best Carnival/Mardi Gras celebration in the entire United States. The Big Easy starts celebrating Carnival as early as Jan. 30 and continues the celebration right up to Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010. In New Orleans you will find a different parade each night, each with amazing floats, colorful costumes, and lots of fun. Mardi Gras is a celebration that unites many of the diverse origins of the city under one event. Visitors to New Orleans can see the Mardi Gras Indians or watch the Zulu parade.
|
