Life in the U.S.: Holidays that Are Celebrated in the Land of the Free (Part 1)

Acquiring the required band score in the IELTS test is just the start of your adventure in the U.S. Regardless of your purpose in taking the language proficiency evaluation—be it for immigration qualifications, international studies or overseas employment—adjusting to the life in the Land of the Free is part of living your American dream.

Homesickness and culture shock are expected in the first few months. However, once you get used to the lifestyle changes, you will also appreciate the unique experiences that life in the U.S. comes with. Celebrating American-unique holidays is one of these privileges.

There are predominantly two kinds of holidays in the U.S.: Federal holidays and Public holidays.

Instead of national holidays, federal holidays are celebrated in the U.S. These are the days acknowledged by the U.S. Congress in Title V of the U.S. Code (5 U.S.C. § 6103). According to the code, private employees are entitled to a paid day off on every legal holiday. Workers of nonessential federal government agencies who are required to work on these days earn a holiday wage in addition to their usual salary.

Public holidays, on the other hand, differ from state to state. There are eight holidays that are observed in the U.S.:

1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Official celebration date: Third Monday of January
Established 2017 date: Jan. 16

Martin Luther King Jr. was the frontrunner of the African-American Civil Rights Movement. The holiday seeks to honor his monumental works to end racial discrimination and promote equal rights regardless of color and background.

Some educational institutions declare the holiday a day off while others conduct classes that are centered on his works. Including one of his most famous addresses, “I Have a Dream,” in your IELTS preparations can give you an insight of the U.S.’s history. Most companies close down to celebrate this day while some public transit systems do not operate on this day. The American government passed the holiday bill in 1983. President Ronald Reagan approved the legislation. It was initially set on Jan. 15, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday; however, officials deemed the date too close to the Yuletide and New Year’s celebrations.

2. President’s Day
Official celebration date: Third Monday of February
Established 2017 Date: Feb. 20

President’s Day commemorates the past leaders of the U.S. Although it is a federal holiday, it is mostly celebrated in schools by remembering the works and contributions of former presidents. Many institutions and organizations take advantage of the event’s patriotic spirit by presenting historical reenactments and programs.

It was initially an event to honor George Washington, the first president of America and the hero of the Revolutionary War. A national holiday set on his birthday, Feb. 22, until the mid-1970s, the date was moved after taking into consideration of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12. Soon after, the government expanded the celebrations to appreciate the efforts of all former presidents.

3. Memorial Day
Official celebration date: Last Monday of May
Established 2017 date: May 29

Services and ceremonies in churches, cemeteries and other public places are held to remember the dead. Most Americans visit cemeteries to be with their dearly departed, reminiscing on times long past, while others take advantage of the long weekend that the holiday presents and spend their time offs in various vacation spots.

Originally established in recognition of those who have sacrificed their lives to protect their homeland during the Civil War, Memorial Day now also encompasses the remembrance of those who passed away in general.

4. Independence Day
Official celebration date: July 4

Fourth of July is one of the most popular holidays in the U.S. Every year, cities would organize community-wide events to commemorate America’s Independence Day. Such activities include parades, barbecues, firework displays, festivals, fairs and contests. Some states have their own customs and traditions to commemorate the holiday.

The holiday specifically commemorates America’s Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The date officially marks the birth of the U.S. as an independent nation. Contrary to popular beliefs, it is not the day the first draft of the constitution was written nor the day the American Revolution concluded. July 4 is the day that the Continental Congress approved the final revisions of the Declaration of Independence. It was not widely celebrated until after the death of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams 50 years after its approval.

Including these holiday festivities in your IELTS preparations not only help you build up your vocabulary but also provide an overview of what life is like in the U.S. Remember that the IELTS test includes general knowledge in its exam components.

There are four other holidays that are celebrated only in the U.S. that are included in the next part.