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Event / Holiday
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Where
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When
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Description
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New Year (Año Nuevo)
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Every Spanish speaking country
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January 1st
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Celebration of the beginning of the year. Fireworks, etc.
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Carnival (Carnival)
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Most Spanish speaking countries
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usually ends on the day before Ash Wednesday
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A celebration before the fasting associated with Lent (Roman Catholic custom). Parades, costumes, dances, Carnival Queen elections, and fireworks.
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Easter (Pascuas/Semana Santa)
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Every Spanish speaking country, esp. Spain, Central America, and Peru
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Sunday thru Saturday before the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21
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Commemorates the week that Christ was crucified and resurrected.
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Labor Day (Día del Trabajador)
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Spain only, but other countries have Labor Day holidays also
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May 1st
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Day off from public work- similar to USA Labor day.
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Festival- Bonfires of Saint John (Les Fogueres de Sant Joan)
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Spain only
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June 19th to 24th
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Fireworks, parties, and big bonfires.
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Assumption of Mary (Asunción)
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Spain only
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August 15th
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Columbus Day (Fiesta Nacional de España)
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Spain only
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October 12th
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Holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus and the nation of Spain. Has parades and other festivities.
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All Saint's Day (Día de los Santos) / Halloween (Día de los Muertos)
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Every Spanish speaking country (to varying degrees)
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November 1st
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Celebrates and honors the lives of the deceased and the continuation of life. Death is not the end, but the beginning of another phase of life.
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Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución)
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Spain only
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December 6th
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Day celebrating the Constitution of Spain.
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Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción)
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Spain only
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December 8th
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Feast celebrating the birth of Mary the mother of Jesus Christ.
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Christmas (Navidad)
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Every Spanish speaking country
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December 25th
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Celebrates the birth of Christ. Gifts exchanged, etc. just like in the USA.
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The siesta
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Every Spanish speaking country
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mid-afternoon nap
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Not as popular from modern changes, but still exists.
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