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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251231
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20270107
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043929Z
UID:6910-1767139200-1799279999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Winter Break
DESCRIPTION:HAPPY WINTER BREAK & HAPPY NEW YEAR\nSCHOOL IS CLOSED\nSEE YOU AFTER WINTER BREAK
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/winter-break-2/
CATEGORIES:School Break,School Closed
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T035106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035106Z
UID:6679-1769904000-1769990399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:First Day of Black History Month
DESCRIPTION:Is First Day of Black History Month a Public Holiday?\nThis is not a public holiday. Government and public offices\, businesses\, and schools are not closed for this observation but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the beginning of the month-long annual observation. \nBlack History Month (1970) \nThe Black United Students first Black culture center\, Kuumba House in Kent State\, where many events of the first Black History Month celebration took place.Black educators and Black United Students at Kent State University first proposed Black History Month in February 1969. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State a year later\, from January 2 to February 28\, 1970. \nSix years later\, Black History Month was being celebrated all across the country in educational institutions\, centers of Black culture\, and community centers\, both great and small\, when President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month in 1976\, during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history \n 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/first-day-of-black-history-month-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260201
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T035328Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035328Z
UID:6709-1769904000-1769990399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:National Freedom Day
DESCRIPTION:National Freedom Day is an observance in the United States that honors the signing of a resolution that proposed the 13th amendment of the nation’s constitution on February 1\, 1865. Abraham Lincoln\, who was the president at the time\, signed the resolution to outlaw slavery. This anniversary is annually observed on February 1. \nIs National Freedom Day a Public Holiday?\nEven though National Freedom Day falls on Saturday\, February 1\, 2025\, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany people in the United States reflect on and remember the importance of freedom on National Freedom Day. The United States president may annually issue a proclamation on the day. Some educational institutions may incorporate themes relating to National Freedom Day as part of class discussion\, readings\, and other learning activities that explore the importance of the day and its history. \nInformation on local celebrations or events that center on National Freedom Day may be publicized prior to and on February 1. For some people\, it is a time to promote good will\, equality\, and to appreciate freedom. Wreath-laying at the Liberty Bell has also been a tradition to mark National Freedom Day for many years. Other events include annual breakfasts\, luncheons\, musical entertainment\, film screenings\, and literature meetings that explore the theme about freedom. \nPublic Life\nNational Freedom Day is an observance\, but it is not a public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nNational Freedom Day commemorates the date – February 1\, 1865 – when Abraham Lincoln\, who was the nation’s president at the time\, signed a joint resolution that proposed the 13th amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment was made to outlaw slavery and was ratified on December 18\, 1865. \nMajor Richard Robert Wright Senior\, a former slave who founded the National Freedom Day Association\, played a crucial role in creating the observance. Major Wright was deemed as a community leader in Philadelphia and was active in education\, the media\, business and politics. He hoped to see a day that would be dedicated to celebrating freedom for all Americans. \nThe first commemoration of such a day took place on February 1\, 1942\, although it was not made into law yet. A tradition of laying a wreath at Liberty Bell also began. On June 30\, 1948\, President Harry Truman signed a bill to proclaim February 1 as the first official National Freedom Day in the United States. \nSymbols\nNational Freedom Day’s theme is about freedom for all Americans.  Wreath-laying at Liberty Bell\, which symbolizes freedom or liberty\, has also occurred on this day over the years.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/national-freedom-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260203
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T035124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035124Z
UID:6693-1769990400-1770076799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Groundhog Day
DESCRIPTION:Groundhog Day falls on February 2 in the United States\, coinciding with Candlemas. It is a part of popular culture among many Americans and it centers on the idea of the groundhog coming out of its home to “predict” the weather. \nIs Groundhog Day a Public Holiday?\nGroundhog Day is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, February 2\, 2025 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nGroundhog Day is a popular observance in many parts of the United States. Although some states have in some cases adopted their own groundhogs\, the official groundhog\, Punxsutawney Phil\, lives at Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney\, Pennsylvania. The town has attracted thousands of visitors over the years to experience various Groundhog Day events and activities on February 2. \nThe Punxsutawney Groundhog Club plays an important role in organizing Groundhog Day in the town. Club members\, news reporters\, locals\, and visitors meet at Gobbler’s Knob on February 2 each year to await Phil’s appearance and his weather prediction. Pennsylvania’s governor has been known to attend Groundhog Day ceremonies. Many weather researchers questioned the groundhog’s accuracy in predicting the weather\, but some of the groundhog’s fans may not agree. \nPublic Life\nGroundhog Day is an observance but it is not a public holiday in the United States. However\, areas around parks and some streets may be busy or congested in towns\, such as Punxsutawney\, where Groundhog Day events are popular. \nRoots in Nature\nThousands of years ago when animalism and nature worship were prevalent\, people in the area of Europe now known as Germany believed that the badger had the power to predict the coming of spring. They watched the badger to know when to plant their crops. By the time the first German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania they probably understood that this was not true but the tradition continued. \nUnfortunately\, there were not many badgers in Pennsylvania so the groundhog was substituted for the badger. Tradition has it that if the groundhog sees its shadow on February 2 it will be frightened by it and will then return to its burrow\, indicating that there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If it does not see its shadow\, then spring is on the way. \nPunxsutawney Phil\nPunxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the United States in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob was made on February 2\, 1887. It is said that Punxsutawney Phil (the groundhog) was named after King Phillip. He was called Br’er Groundhog prior to being known as Phil. Canada also celebrates Groundhog Day. \nThe movie “Groundhog Day” from 1993\, starring comedian Bill Murray\, made Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania famous worldwide. The film’s plot added new meaning to the term “Groundhog Day” as something that repeats itself endlessly. \nNote: References to seasonal changes in this article relate to the Northern Hemisphere.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/groundhog-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260202
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260203
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043927Z
UID:6906-1769990400-1770076799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Tu Bishvat/Tu B'Shevat
DESCRIPTION:Tu B’Shevat (or Tu Bishvat) marks the “birthday of the fruit trees” under Jewish law\, and is often celebrated by a symbolic meal and tree planting activities. \nIs Tu B´Shevat a Public Holiday?\nWhile this is not a public holiday in the United States\, some Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date. \nWhen Is Tu B´Shevat?\nTu B´Shevat is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Shevat in the Hebrew calendar\, which usually falls in January in the Gregorian calendar. \nFruit\, Nuts and Planting\nSome Jewish people gather with family and friends to celebrate Tu B´Shevat by serving a seder (holiday meal) of dried fruit and nuts\, red wine and grape juice. Pickled etog\, a type of citrus\, is often a featured dish at these festivities. \nOther Jewish people celebrate by planting trees or joining in on efforts to raise environmental awareness. To many\, it is considered the Jewish equivalent of Arbor Day. \nGreen Day\nIn recent years\,Tu B’Shevat has come to be primarily an environmental holiday. Many Jews use this day as an opportunity to remind themselves of their scriptural duty to care to be good stewards for God’s creation\, or the natural world. \nMany Jews honor the day by taking part in a tree-planting ceremony\, or collecting and sending money to Israel for tree planting efforts there. \nOthers celebrate by picking fruits and vegetables at farms\, starting herb gardens\, building birdhouses\, or organizing beach and park clean-up activities. \nJewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel\nIn the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances\, with the exception of Yom Kippur\, which lasts only one day worldwide\, and Rosh Hashana\, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora. \nThis custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon. \nThe beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin\, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published\, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time\, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for 2 days to make sure that the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/tu-bishvat-tu-bshevat/
CATEGORIES:Jewish
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260204
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260205
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T035727Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035727Z
UID:6727-1770163200-1770249599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Rosa Parks Day
DESCRIPTION:Rosa Parks Day is an American observance to honor civil rights activist Rosa Parks\, who was known for refusing to give up her seat on a bus. \nIs Rosa Parks Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is not a public holiday. Government and public offices\, businesses\, and schools are not closed on this day but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the annual observance. \nIt is observed in California and Missouri on February 4 and Alabama and Ohio on December 1. \nCelebrate Rosa Parks Day\nRosa Parks Day promotes equal opportunities\, civil rights\, and fairness across communities in the U.S. Church leaders\, politicians\, and organizational leaders unite in states like California and Ohio to promote the day with a range of events and activities. \nMany schools have classroom activities that focus on Rosa Parks’ struggles for equality and achievements against discrimination. \nPublic Life\nRosa Parks Day is an observance and not a public holiday in the U.S. \nAbout Rosa Parks\nOn December 1\, 1955\, African American seamstress Rosa Parks was travelling in a Montgomery City bus when the bus driver asked her to vacate her seat for a white man. The driver’s request was standard practice of racial segregation in buses at the time. Rosa Parks refused to leave her seat on the grounds of fairness\, freedom and equality. As a result\, she was arrested and convicted of violating the laws of segregation\, known as the “Jim Crow” laws. She appealed her conviction and formally challenged the legality of segregation. At the same time\, civil rights activists\, including Martin Luther King Jr\, boycotted the Montgomery bus system. \nThe boycott lasted for 381 days\, into December 1956\, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the segregation law was unconstitutional and the Montgomery buses should be integrated. This boycott kick-started other civil rights protests throughout the U.S. Over the years\, the Rosa Parks bus has become a symbol of the fight for equal rights. It has been fully restored and is now displayed in the Henry Ford Museum. Rosa Parks’ Day\, on February 4\, is also known as the Day of Courage.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/rosa-parks-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260208
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260209
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043859Z
UID:6892-1770508800-1770595199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Super Bowl
DESCRIPTION:One of the biggest annual sporting events in the United States\, the Super Bowl\, also sometimes known as the Big Game\, is the final championship game of the National Football League (NFL). \nThe game is the culmination of the football season that begins during the previous year\, usually on the Thursday after Labor Day. The first game is known as the NFL Kickoff game. \nIs Super Bowl Day a Public Holiday?\nBetween 2004 and 2021\, the Super Bowl was scheduled for the first Sunday of February; however\, after changes to the format and schedule in 2021\, the showpiece now takes place on the second Sunday in February. Sundays are non-working days in the United States. \nHow Is the Super Bowl Celebrated in America?\nThe Super Bowl\, also sometimes known as Superbowl\, is the most-watched sporting event in the United States and even though it is not an official holiday\, many people treat it like a national holiday. To celebrate it\, people get together with family and friends to watch the event on television at home or in restaurants and bars. \nSuper Bowl parties are held all over the country\, where people wear the colors or jerseys of their favorite teams. Bars and restaurants usually set up special viewing areas for the live telecast of the game and may offer specials on food and drinks. \nFood and drinks are a major part of super bowl parties. Some favorite Big Game foods include chips with Guacamole or Buffalo Chicken Dip\, chicken wings\, Chili\, and pizza. Beer is one of the most-consumed beverages on Super Bowl Sunday. \nHalf-time Show and Super Bowl Ads\nIn addition to the game itself\, millions of people across the country tune in to watch the half-time show where pop stars\, musicians\, and singers perform while the players take a break. \nSuper Bowl commercials are also very popular. The popularity of the Big Game has been used by companies to promote their brands during commercial breaks. The advertisement spaces are highly coveted and companies pay huge premiums to produce and air their ads. \nWhat Is the Super Bowl?\nThe Super Bowl is the final game of the NFL season\, a campaign that usually begins on the Thursday after Labor Day during the previous year. With the exception of the Kickoff Game\, most other games are played on Sundays and Mondays\, though sometimes\, games can be scheduled on other days of the week. 32 teams play 17 games each\, making the season 272 games long. \nThe Workings of an NFL Season\nThe 32 teams are divided into two conferences—the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The 16 teams in each of the conferences are further divided into four divisions: North\, South\, East\, and West Divisions. \nDuring a season\, each team in a division plays six times—two games against each of the other teams in that division\, one in their home city\, and one away from home. In addition\, each team plays two home and two on-the-road games against a team from another division in its own conference\, as well as four games against teams from a division in the other conference. Two games are also played against teams from the other two divisions in its own conference\, one fixture at home and one away\, based on division ranking from the previous season. The 17th matchup is a non-conference opponent from a division that a team is not scheduled to meet. Teams are allocated a division that is determined by a rotation system each season. \nThe Playoffs\nThe NFL season\, which ends in December or January\, decides which six teams from each conference qualify for the Playoffs—division winners are automatically eligible. Two wildcard teams are chosen based on their wins during the season. \nThe Playoffs are played in three rounds: the Wild Card Round\, the Divisional Round\, and the Conference Championships. The winners of the Conference Championships go on to face each other at the Super Bowl. \nHistory of the Super Bowl in the USA\nThe first Super Bowl game was played between the National Football League’s (NFL) Green Bay Packers and the American Football League’s (AFL) Kansas City Chiefs on January 15\, 1967\, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles\, California. It was the only game in Super Bowl history that was broadcast on more than one TV network. Since then\, the game has been broadcast exclusively on one network chosen by a negotiated contract every year. \nIn 1970\, the AFL and NFL formally merged to create the NFL as we know it today. Roman numerals were attached to the Super Bowl in 1971. Since then\, all Super Bowls\, except Super Bowl 50 played on February 7\, 2016\, has had a Roman numeral attached to it.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/super-bowl-2/
CATEGORIES:Sporting Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260214
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260215
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T035824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035824Z
UID:6736-1771027200-1771113599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Valentine's Day
DESCRIPTION:Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards\, letters\, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. They may also arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Common symbols of Valentine’s Day are hearts\, red roses and Cupid. \nIs Valentine’s Day a Public Holiday?\nValentine’s Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany people celebrate their love for their partner by sending cards or letters\, giving gifts or flowers and arranging meals in restaurants or romantic nights in hotels. People who would like to have a romantic relationship with somebody may use the occasion to make this known\, often anonymously. Valentine’s cards are often decorated with images of hearts\, red roses or Cupid. Common Valentine’s Day gifts are flowers chocolates\, candy\, lingerie and champagne or sparkling wine. However\, some people use the occasion to present lavish gifts\, such as jewelry. Many restaurants and hotels have special offers at this time. These can include romantic meals or weekend breaks. \nPublic Life\nValentine’s Day is not a public holiday. Government offices\, stores\, schools and other organizations are open as usual. Public transit systems run on their regular schedule. Restaurants may be busier than usual as many people go out for an evening with their spouse or partner. Valentine’s Day is also a very popular date for weddings. \nBackground\nThere are a number of Saints called Valentine who are honored on February 14. The day became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages in England. This may have followed on from the Pagan fertility festivals that were held all over Europe as the winter came to an end. Traditionally\, lovers exchanged hand written notes. Commercial cards became available in the mid nineteenth century. \nSymbols\nThe most common Valentine’s Day symbols are the heart\, particularly in reds and pinks\, and pictures or models of Cupid. Cupid is usually portrayed as a small winged figure with a bow and arrow. In mythology\, he uses his arrow to strike the hearts of people. People who have fallen in love are sometimes said to be ‘struck by Cupid’s arrow. Other symbols of Valentine’s Day are couples in loving embraces and the gifts of flowers\, chocolate\, red roses and lingerie that couples often give each other.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/valentines-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260215
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260216
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043715Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043715Z
UID:6825-1771113600-1771199999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Maha Shivaratri
DESCRIPTION:Maha Shivratri is an annual festival honoring Shiva\, the Hindu God of destruction. People celebrate by fasting for a whole day and staying awake all night. They also chant hymns and sing devotional songs\, called bhajans. \nIs Maha Shivaratri a Public Holiday?\nMaha Shivaratri is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nIt is a solemn Hindu festival devoted to introspection and meditation. The day reminds worshippers to work towards overcoming darkness and ignorance. \n\nThe Great Night of Shiva\nMaha Shivratri\, which means the great night of Shiva in Hindi and Sanskrit (Maha = great\, Ratri = night)\, is one of 12 Shiv Ratris during the year. The 14th day of the Waning Moon period of every lunar month is devoted to Shiva. These nights are also known as Masik (monthly) or Maas Shivratri. \n\nWhen is Maha Shivratri?\n\nIn South Indian calendars\, it falls on the 14th day (chaturdashi tithi) of the Waning Moon period of the Hindu month of Magha.\nIn North Indian calendars\, Maha Shivratri falls on the 13th and 14th day of the Waning Moon (Krishna paksha) in the month of Phalguna.\n\nWhere is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?\nIn India\, Maha Shivaratri is a Gazetted Holiday\, which means that all central government employees have a day off. Indian states have their own rules about granting the day off. \nIn the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir\, Maha Shivratri is called Herath. Unlike the rest of India\, it is celebrated on the 13th (triyodashi) day of Phalguna. The next day is spent feasting. \nWhere is Maha Shivratri Celebrated?\nIn India\, Maha Shivaratri is a Gazetted Holiday\, which means that all central government employees have a day off. Indian states have their own rules about granting the day off. \nIn the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir\, Maha Shivratri is called Herath. Unlike the rest of India\, it is celebrated on the 13th (triyodashi) day of Phalguna. The next day is spent feasting. \nFasting\, Devotional Songs\, Night-Long Vigils\nMaha Shivratri is celebrated differently in different communities and regions. Devotees usually fast (vrat) for 24 hours and stay awake during the night\, chanting sacred mantras and singing devotional songs called bhajans in praise of Shiva. One of the most repeated chants during the occasion is om Namah Shivaya. \nThey visit Shiva temples to end their fast\, burning incense and bathing the lingam or linga with rose water\, milk\, and honey. This ritual is called puja. The lingam is a phallus-shaped representation of Shiva. \nCannabis and Fairs\nAlthough Maha Shivratri is a solemn holiday\, many Hindus like to celebrate it with lively fairs. Especially towns and villages with temples host these fairs for the believers who come to pray to Shiva. \nA unique tradition associated with the Maha Shivratri celebrations is the consumption of thandai\, a drink made of cannabis (bhang)\, sweet almonds\, and milk. \nWorship Through Dance\nIn many parts of India\, including Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra\, temples organize dance festivals called Natyanjali. During the multi-day festival\, traditional dancers use their art to worship Natraj\, Shiva’s incarnation as the lord of dance. \nThe Many Legends of Maha Shivratri\n\nChurning of the seas (Samudra Manthan): According to one story\, the gods (devas) and demons (asuras) churned the mythical seas to extract amrita\, the nectar of immortality. As they churned\, poison emerged from the sea. To save the world\, Lord Shiva consumed the poison\, which turned his neck blue. Because of this\, he is also often called Neelkanth (blue throat in Sanskrit).\nThe heavenly dance of creation: Some believe that Maha Shivratri is the night when Shiva performed the tandava\, the powerful dance of creation\, preservation\, and destruction.\nShiva’s union with Parvati: In another myth\, Shiva is said to have married Parvati\, on this day after she fasted for him. Parvati is the Hindu goddess of power\, devotion\, and motherhood. Today\, many women follow goddess Parvati’s steps and fast during Shivratri for the long lives of their husbands and sons. Those who are not married\, fast and pray for a devoted husband like Shiva.\nShiva as the punisher: According to some legends\, the festival of Shivaratri commemorates the time Shiva intervened in an altercation between Brahma and Vishnu. Brahma is the God of creation\, and Vishnu is the God of preservation. Angered by their disagreement\, Shiva took the shape of a raging fire. Another story has Shiva cursing Brahma after he fought with Vishnu.\n\nGod Shiva: The Destroyer\nIn Hinduism\, Shiva is one of the three supreme lords\, the other two being Brahma and Vishnu. \nAlso known as Mahadeva\, the great God\, Shiva destroys to create. He is a kind god who lives a simple life on Mount Kailasa. He is also depicted as an angry god who destroys ignorance\, darkness\, and selfishness. His other names include Rudra\, Shankar\, Mahesh\, and Bholenath. \nShiva is often represented as sitting cross-legged with a snake coiled around his neck and his hair piled high with a Crescent Moon in it and the river Ganges flowing from it. On his forehead is his third eye\, which destroys the world when opened. The trident is his weapon of choice. \nIn the Shaivite tradition within Hinduism\, Shiva is the supreme being\, while in Shaktism\, Shiva is seen as inseparable from the goddess Shakti.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/maha-shivaratri-2/
CATEGORIES:Hindu
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260216
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260217
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043827Z
UID:6869-1771200000-1771286399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Presidents' Day
DESCRIPTION:The federal holiday on the third Monday of February is called Washington’s Birthday\, while several US states celebrate it as “Presidents’ Day” (spellings vary). The holiday creates a long weekend. \nFederal Holiday: These Services Are Closed\nPresidents’ Day (officially “Washington’s Birthday”) is a federal holiday in the United States on the third Monday in February. Because it is a federal holiday\, federal services\, such as US Postal Service post offices\, are closed on Presidents’ Day. Some schools close as well\, especially in the DC area. Private businesses are usually open\, as well as private mail and delivery companies. Public transport often operates on a Saturday schedule. \nWhy Is Presidents’ Day on a Monday?\nPresidents’ Day is celebrated on a Monday to create a long weekend—initially only for federal employees. The holiday has only been celebrated on a Monday since 1971 when the US Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The act moved three federal holidays from their original dates to a Monday: Washington’s Birthday (originally February 22)\, Memorial Day (originally May 30)\, and Veterans Day (originally November 11\, and moved back to that date in 1978). \nWashington’s Birthday or Presidents’ Day?\nIt all started with Washington’s Birthday. In 1885\, the US Government decided to honor the first US president\, George Washington\, with his own federal holiday: Washington’s Birthday. It was celebrated on Washington’s actual birthday*\, February 22. In 1885\, this day was a Sunday. \nAlmost one hundred years later\, in 1971\, the US Congress changed the date for Washington’s birthday celebration to the third Monday in February to create a three-day weekend. Congress never changed the name—federally\, the holiday is still called “Washington’s Birthday.” \nThe naming differences become clearer when you look at the state holidays. Several US states introduced their own state holidays with different names: \n\n7 states and DC call it “Washington’s Birthday” or “George Washington Day.”\n5 states use some combination of Washington and another president\, usually Lincoln.\n4 states use Washington and “Presidents’ Day” in their title.\n24 states use “Presidents’ Day” in some variation—eleven use “Presidents’ Day” (plural)\, ten call it “President’s Day” (singular)\, and three simply use “Presidents Day.”\n10 states do not celebrate the day at all.\n\nSo both “Presidents’ Day” and “Washington’s Birthday” are correct. Today\, most people use “Presidents’ Day” as the name for this holiday. \nIs Presidents’ Day a Public Holiday?\nPresidents’ Day or Washington’s Birthday is a federal holiday in all US states. Federal employees will usually have a day off from work. 41 US states have instituted a state holiday on the same date\, usually called “Presidents’ Day” or “Washington’s Birthday” or some variation thereof. State holidays are not necessarily public holidays\, they can be observances as well—please check with your local state rules and regulations to see if Presidents’ Day is a public holiday in your state. \n\n* George Washington was born February 11\, 1731\, however\, when the British colonies changed their calendar from Julian to Gregorian in 1752\, Washington’s birth date became February 22\, 1732.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/presidents-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260217
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260218
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043714Z
UID:6823-1771286400-1771372799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Lunar New Year
DESCRIPTION:Many people in countries such as the United States celebrate Lunar New Year\, also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. It marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. \nIs Lunar New Year a Public Holiday?\nThis is not a public holiday. Government and public offices\, businesses\, and schools are not closed on this day but may hold special events and outreach programs to commemorate the annual observance. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany individuals and communities\, particularly Chinese communities\, in the United States take part in the Lunar New Year celebrations\, which can last for days. Lunar New Year celebrations in the United States have\, over the years\, included activities and events such as: \n\nLunar New Year parades featuring colorful costumes\, floats\, firecrackers and other attractions.\nVarious dances\, including lion and dragon dances.\nChinatown fun runs or walks.\nBalls and pageants.\nStreet fairs.\nFirework displays.\n\nSome organizations may hold special contests or make announcements to coincide with Lunar New Year. For example\, some newspapers or magazines may announce the top 10 Chinese restaurants in a city or town on Lunar New Year. It is customary for many Chinese-American families to spend time together and exchange gifts\, including money wrapped in red and gold packages that are usually given to children. \nPublic Life\nLunar New Year is not a federal public holiday in the United States. It is a legal observance in California as of 2015. However\, some Chinese businesses may be closed on the day or amend their business hours to take part in the Lunar New Year festivities. There may be heavy traffic and some streets may be closed in towns or cities where Lunar New Year celebrations are held. \nBackground\nAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau (Census 2000: Chinese Largest Asian Group in the United States; March 4\, 2002)\, the Chinese comprised more than 20 percent of the 11.9 million people who identified themselves as Asians in the United States’ Census 2000. That translates into 2.7 million reporting as Chinese – the largest Asian group in the United States. \nChinese historical organizations in the United States can trace the arrival of the Chinese in North\, Central and South America as far back as the 1600s. Many Chinese immigrants settled in the United States during the 19th century. With immigration\, came Chinese traditions and events such as Lunar New Year\, which is now largely celebrated in many communities across the United States. \nSymbols\nLunar New Year has various symbols and traditions. For example\, flowers are an important part of New Year decorations. Writings that refer to good luck are often seen in homes and business environments. They are usually written by brush on a diamond-shaped piece of red paper. Tangerines and oranges are also displayed in many homes and stores as a sign of luck and wealth. \nEnvelopes with money (Hong Bao\, Ang Pao\, or Lai See) often come in the color red\, which symbolizes happiness\, good luck\, success and good fortune. These envelopes are mainly given as presents to children. Each Lunar New Year is associated with an animal name for one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/lunar-new-year-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260217
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260218
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043845Z
UID:6884-1771286400-1771372799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
DESCRIPTION:Shrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent (for Western Christians)\, 47 days before Easter Sunday. Shrove Tuesday is also called Mardi Gras\, Fat Tuesday\, or Pancake Day. \nIs Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras a Public Holiday?\nShrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras 2025 is a state holiday in 4 states and an observance\, christian in 47 states. \nWhat Is Mardi Gras?\nMardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French. It was the last day to use fat and fatty foods before the time of Lent when Christians would fast. Today\, the word Mardi Gras mainly refers to Mardi Gras parades or Carnival parades in former French-speaking territories like Alabama and Louisiana. For many people\, Mardi Gras means colorful parades\, dancing\, glittering costumes\, and extravagant balls. \nWhat Is Shrove Tuesday?\n\nShrove Tuesday is the last day before the fasting period of Lent in Western Christian churches. On Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday\, people in many countries celebrate Carnival\, bake pancakes\, and prepare themselves for 40 days of fasting before the most important festival in the Christian Church: Easter. \n\nMardi Gras Traditions\nTo celebrate Mardi Gras\, people dress up in eye-catching costumes – featuring the colors purple\, green\, and gold – and dance in the streets or as part of a spectacular ball. Debutantes are introduced at the Ball Tableau as a formal introduction to society. \nPeople throw trinkets like plastic jewelry and sweets to crowds as part of the customary “parade throw” at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras celebration. During the Bacchus parade\, the king’s float throws doubloons with the image of the “Celebrity King” to parade watchers. \nA rare item you can catch from a Mardi Gras parade is the New Orleans Zulu or Golden Coconut\, a painted coconut with added glitter\, either in gold or painted like Zulu faces. Officially\, throwing these coconuts has been forbidden since 1988 – but you might still catch one. \nMardi Gras Parades\nOn Mardi Gras\, many people in the United States take part in parades and festivities\, mainly in southern states like Louisiana\, Alabama\, and Texas. Mardi Gras parades feature feathered masques\, colorful costumes\, and marching bands\, as well as many local customs. \nIn Alabama\, Mardi Gras is mainly celebrated in the counties of Mobile and Baldwin\, where parades can start as early as January and traditionally feature marching bands along side colorful floats. \nIn Galveston\, Texas\, people celebrate Mardi Gras with masked balls\, a royal coronation\, Cajun dances\, and jazz performances. \nThe most famous Mardi Gras parade in the US is probably held in New Orleans\, with thousands of people flocking into the city just for the event. There are many old traditions as part of the Mardi Gras festivities\, such as the King of the Carnival and Monarch of Merriment\, as well as Comus\, the God of Revelry. \nMardi Gras Food\nTraditional Mardi Gras food includes the super sweet King Cake covered in colorful frosting. The person who gets the piece of the cake containing the hidden baby charm or little Jesus figurine is dubbed the “King” of that year’s Mardi Gras. \nCrawfish Étoufée\, a thick stew served with white rice\, is another traditional Cajun and Creole dish served in New Orleans at Mardi Gras. \nHistory of Mardi Gras in the US\nMardi Gras celebrations in the United States go back as early as 1703\, when French soldiers held festivities in Mobile\, Alabama. Back then it was more of a pre-Lent celebration akin to festivities on Shrove Tuesday in modern-day France. \nMardi Gras became a parade event in 1857\, when the Cowbellion de Rakin Society\, the first of Mobile’s organizations that journeyed to New Orleans\, set up a Mardi Gras celebration with the first carnival society\, the Mistick Krewe of Comus. \nDuring the Covid-19 pandemic\, parades and large gatherings were canceled. In order to keep the spirit alive\, many New Orleans residents decorated their houses and front yards in spectacular fashion\, earning the 2021 festivities the nickname “Yardi Gras”.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/shrove-tuesday-mardi-gras-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260218
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260219
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T040026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040026Z
UID:6746-1771372800-1771459199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Ash Wednesday
DESCRIPTION:Many Christian Americans mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It follows Shrove Tuesday\, which features Mardi Gras celebrations. \nIs Ash Wednesday a Public Holiday?Ash Wednesday is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nSome Christians in the United States attend special Ash Wednesday church services. This includes students who attend Catholic and other church schools. Priests usually place blessed ashes in form of the cross on individuals’ foreheads to remind them of mortality\, sorrow for sins\, change\, and forgiveness. \nAsh Wednesday marks the beginning of Lenten discipline for observant Christians. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter. For some Christians\, Lent is a time to think about one’s life choices and mortality\, as well as reflect on life directions. It serves as a wakeup call for some Christians. There are also those who choose this time of the year to donate to charities or take part in charity events as a way to get close to God. \nPublic Life\nAsh Wednesday is an observance and not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground and Symbols\nThe practice of marking foreheads with ashes is common among Roman Catholics\, Anglicans\, Lutherans and Episcopalians in the United States. However\, some Methodist and Presbyterian churches adopted this custom in recent times\, especially around the 1990s. A general article about Ash Wednesday worldwide covers more information about its background and symbols.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/ash-wednesday-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260218
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260219
DTSTAMP:20260429T113910
CREATED:20260107T043830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043830Z
UID:6875-1771372800-1771459199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Ramadan Starts (Tentative Date)
DESCRIPTION:Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period of prayer\, fasting\, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in the United States. The first verses of the Koran (Qu’ran) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (also written as Mohammad or Muhammed) during the last third of Ramadan\, making this an especially holy period. \nIs Ramadan (first day) a Public Holiday?\nEven though Ramadan (first day) falls on Saturday\, March 1\, 2025\, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nRamadan is a month of fasting for many Muslims in the United States. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. \nPeople of Islamic faith are encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during Ramadan. Some Muslims recite the entire Qur’an by the end of Ramadan through special prayers known as Tarawih\, which are held in mosques every night of the month\, during which a section of the Qur’an is recited. Ramadan is also a month for acts of charity. Some Islamic centers and organizations actively take part in charity events and activities such as giving basic necessities\, including food and clothing\, to the homeless or donating school equipment to schools. \nSome schools for students of Islamic faith may hold special events to welcome Ramadan. Some school authorities may issue requests on or prior to Ramadan\, asking staff members at all schools within a district to help Muslim students perform their fasting ritual. \nPublic Life\nMany Islamic businesses and organizations may amend opening hours to suit prayer times during Ramadan in the United States. There may also be some congestion around mosques during prayer times\, such as in the evenings. \nBackground\nRamadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar\, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat\, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink. It is considered to be the most holy and blessed month. Fighting is not allowed during this period. \nThe month of Ramadan traditionally begins with a new moon sighting\, marking the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims (except children\, the sick and the elderly) abstain from food\, drink\, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan. This is considered as the holiest season in the Islamic year and commemorates the time when the Qu’ran (Islamic holy book) is said to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This occurred on Laylat Al-Qadr\, one of the last 10 nights of the month.  Ramadan ends when the first crescent of the new moon is sighted again\, marking the new lunar month’s start. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/ramadan-starts-tentative-date/
CATEGORIES:Muslim
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