Tag Archives: Holidays

Cinco de Mayo

International Student & Scholar Services is pleased to partner with WHISK and students in the Nutrition, Food Science & Packaging program at SJSU. This blog was written by senior Nutrition students Charles Chang, Annie Chen, Joanna Chen, and Soo Jung Shin.

Are you interested in a Cinco de Mayo cooking demonstration? Join WHISK and SJSU Faculty in Residence on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 7:00 PM (PT) and learn how to make watermelon agua fresca, aguachile, and a vegan ceviche! Click here to join.

History: What is Cinco De Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo means fifth of May in Spanish language, literally. This day is celebrated annually in the United States. One popular misconception is that

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Photo – Kevork Djansezian/AP

this holiday is Mexican Independence Day; however, it is not! The Mexican Independence day is on September 10, 1810. Cinco De Mayo observes and celebrates the victory of the Mexican army over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. There are differences as to how Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in US and in Mexico. Although this is a small holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the United States across the nation, with celebrations and parades in places with large populations of people of Mexican heritage. So, what happened at the city of Puebla, Mexico? Continue Reading…

Golden Week in Japan

There are 4 national holidays from the end of April to the beginning of May that are near in days with one another. Because these holidays are close in days and with weekends there are many companies who allow employees to take time off, sometimes creating a whole week of vacation which is called Golden Week. Golden Week is the longest week of vacation and travel in Japan during the year. Because of this, there are many families who travel within and outside of Japan. It is said that there are many tourist from other countries who try to avoid traveling to Japan during Golden Week because of the crowds and traveling delays.

Photo by Kumiko Shimizu on Unsplash

The 4 national holidays are:

April 29 Showa Day

This is the birthday of former Emperor Showa (Hirohito) who was the Emperor of Japan during Wold War II.

May 3 Constitution Day

On May 3, 1947, The new post war constitution was put into effect. This day is to honor the ratification of the constitution.

May 4 Greenery Day 

Greenery Day is dedicated to the environment and nature because past Emperor Showa loved nature. He was said to love the flowers, trees, and would take walks. He saw the importance of preserving the environment and created this day to bring awareness to the importance.

May 5 Children’s Day

This day is for families think/pray for the future and health of kids. It is also a known as a day to wish successful future of young boys. There is a Boy’s Festival where families with young boys hang carp streamers and flags to wish them strength and future success.

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While it can be busy and lots of travelers during this Golden Week period, it is also very fun. Because many people have this time off, there are also many outdoor festivals, flower parks and cultural celebrations that can differ based on the different areas. Golden Week is a time that many people look forward to, to travel, relax, and to have fun!!