May 2024 US Calendar: Full List of Holidays and Festival Celebrations
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May is a lovely time of year. The weather has finally improved to the point where you can spend a lot of time outside without melting. The kids' school year is coming to an end, concert season is about to begin, and flowers and trees are blooming. The only exception is a seasonal allergy, which can be treated so you can enjoy the rest of the month.
This month is jam-packed with opportunity, so start planning ahead of time. Set aside time to visit the park, go camping, and find a reason to celebrate life. There are a few well-established holidays and observes that are an excellent place to begin.
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| May 2024 US Calendar: Full List of Holidays and Celebrations |
The US Calendar for 12 Months in 2024: Full List of Holidays and Celebrations
January - February - March - April - May- June - July - August - September - October - November - December
| Names for the May full moon: Flower Moon, Hare Moon, and Milk Moon. |
May Flowers and SignsFlower, United States: white lily of the valley. Flower in Britain: hawthorn and lily of the valley. Chinese Floral Emblem: Magnolia. Japanese Floral Emblem: Wisteria. Zodiac signs: Taurus and Gemini |
Full List of Holidays and Celebrations In The US In May 2024
1 May (Wednesday)
May Day
May Day is an international holiday that falls on May 1. In the United States and many other nations, May Day is closely related to Labor Day and International Workers' Day. Some European countries, including the United Kingdom, relate May Day with paganism and the ancient Gaelic festival Beltane.
Law Day
Law Day is a unique day created to help people acknowledge their freedoms and declare their allegiance to the US, especially with regard to justice and equality. As a democratic way of life depends on respect for the law, it also aims to promote it.
Supported by groups like the American Bar Association, this day enables people to acknowledge and talk about the significance of American courts. Law Day may be observed by some local bar associations with a luncheon featuring guest speakers on a range of contemporary legal topics.
Activities on Law Day could include fundraising events and chores, role plays and interactive school lessons on legal subjects like the US Constitution and the idea of separation of powers, and community outreach initiatives with law-related talking points. Law Day falls during Law Week in Florida, which takes place the week of May 1.
Loyalty Day
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| Loyalty Day |
Loyalty Day is honored annually on May 1st in the United States. It is a day to commemorate the American tradition of freedom and to inspire individuals to renew their commitment to the United States.
On Loyalty Day, many Americans come together to celebrate the fundamental beliefs and principles upon which the United States was formed.
Loyalty Day originated from the anti-communist attitude present in America during the First Red Scare. On May 1st, 1921, the inaugural Loyalty Day was observed under the name "Americanization Day".
Lei Day
First Day of Military Appreciation Month
First Day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
First Day of Jewish American Heritage Month
2 May (Thursday)
National Day of Prayer
Every year on the first Thursday of May, individuals of all faiths in America are urged to join in the National Day of Prayer, seeking God's guidance and praying for their country. It is a contentious day, as the United States Constitution requires a separation of state and church. In 2011, the Freedom From Religion Foundation went to court to challenge the constitutionality of the National Day of Prayer, but was unsuccessful.
The National Day of Prayer is not a federal holiday, therefore schools and businesses stay open.
3 May (Friday)
Orthodox Good Friday
Kentucky Oaks
The Kentucky Derby, popularly known as "The Run for the Roses," is a major athletic event in the United States that has taken place annually on the first Saturday of May since 1875. It is a Grade 1 Stakes Race, with 20 3-year-old thoroughbred horses competing on a 2-kilometer track.
The horse race takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville and is sometimes referred to as "the fastest two minutes in sports". It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, which includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The Kentucky Derby winner gets shrouded in a blanket of roses, and if a horse wins all three races, it wins the Triple Crown, albeit only 13 horses have done so in the event's history.
4 May (Saturday)
Orthodox Holy Saturday
Kent State Shootings Remembrance
Kentucky Derby Sporting event
Rhode Island Independence Day
National Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
5 May (Sunday)
Orthodox Easter
According to Christian doctrine, Holy Saturday is the day Jesus died and laid in his tomb. Many Orthodox Christian churches in the United States observe Holy Saturday later than many western churches do. Holy Saturday is often referred to as Holy and Great Saturday.
Is Orthodox Holy Saturday a public holiday in the US?Even though Orthodox Holy Saturday occurs on Saturday, May 4, 2024, it is a working day. In the United States, most businesses have regular operating hours. |
Cinco de Mayo
The following day is another occasion for celebration. The name of the celebration is also the date, which translates straight to May 5th. This is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the decisive victory over French invaders at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
Today, Cinco de Mayo is mostly observed by Mexican-Americans in the United States. Today is a day to commemorate Mexican culture and heritage. The music, dancing, and food are all top-notch.
Even if you do not have Mexican ancestry, you can still celebrate this festival. Look for methods to assist Mexican-Americans in your neighborhood, such as eating at local family restaurants and politely attending any parades or shows they have. Embracing and honoring each other's uniqueness is what makes America great.
6 May (Monday)
Yom HaShoah
Orthodox Easter Monday
National Nurses Day
National Nurses Day is observed yearly on May 6 to raise awareness of the critical role nurses play in society. It marks the start of National Nurses Week, which concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday.
 International Nurses Day (May 12): History, Celebration, Significance and More |
| Is National Nurses' Day a public holiday? National Nurses Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have regular operating hours. What do people do? National Nurses Day is observed with celebrations and banquets throughout the United States to recognize the work of nurses. Banquets, state and local proclamations, and seminars are some of the most popular activities. Many nurses receive presents or flowers from friends, family, and patients. National Nurses Day and National Nurses Week are observances, not public holidays in the United States. |
7 May (Tuesday)
National Teacher Appreciation Day
Truman Day
Events are held to honor the legacy of Harry S. Truman. Many are organized by or benefiting the Democratic Party, which Truman represented. They include educational workshops for high school students, social gatherings with Democratic leaders, and fundraising dinners to benefit the Democratic Party at the local, state, and national levels. Every year, the Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, celebrates Truman's birthday. A wreath is set in his memory, films about him or his life are screened, and birthday cake is offered. In addition, the City of Independence bestows the Harry S Truman Public Service Award on someone who is dedicated and hardworking and exhibits the same level of honesty, integrity, and ability as Truman.
8 May (Wednesday)
Victory in Europe Day
Victory in Europe Day, often known as VE Day, commemorates May 8, 1945, when Nazi forces surrendered to the Allies during World War II.
Businesses and schools are open on this national celebration, which is not a public holiday.
People all over the world flocked to the streets to celebrate the conclusion of the European War, and many of them partied late into the night.
In the United States, President Truman dedicated this triumph to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was instrumental in the United States' wins during World War II and died just one month before triumph Day.
Despite the fact that it was a celebration day, the flags were flown at half-staff in honor of Roosevelt. Still, hundreds of people gathered in Times Square and other American cities to mark the German surrender.
9 May (Thursday)
Ascension Day
Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, is a Christian holiday that occurs on the fortieth day of Easter, which is a Thursday. It commemorates Jesus' ascent to heaven. Ascension Day is not a public holiday, thus businesses and schools are open.
Ascension Day is one of the Catholic Church's six Holy Days of Obligation, which are days when everyone is obligated to attend mass. Because it can be difficult for some individuals to attend church on a Thursday, certain churches in America have requested permission from the Pope to have Ascension Day service on the following Sunday. This modification enables more believers to join in services.
10 May (Friday)
Confederate Memorial Day
Native American Day
Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Military Spouse Appreciation Day, also known as Military Spouse Day, is an annual event held on the Friday before Mother's Day. It commemorates and recognizes all of the wives of soldiers serving in the United States Armed Forces for their support and sacrifice. Military spouses are typically the ones that keep soldiers going while they are overseas safeguarding the country, providing strength and drive. It takes a lot of guts to go into combat, but it also takes a lot of courage and commitment to stay at home and hold down the fort while caring for their families. On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we recognize all of the sacrifices that military spouses make.
12 May (Sunday)
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is commemorated around the world at various times of the year. For individuals living in the United States, it is always planned for the second Sunday of May. The date number varies from year to year, but it's easy to remember which weekend you should make plans for.
One of the best parts about Mother's Day is that you may spend it anyway you want. There is no overarching theme or rule you must follow. All that remains is to convey your love and respect for your mother on this particular day.
You do not have to end there, either. This is a day to honor your spouse, grandma, or anybody else who has played a motherly role in your life. Families come in many kinds and sizes, so don't let that stop you from taking advantage of this May observation.
Read more: Mothers' Day: Best Wishes, Great Quotes and Sweet Messages
14 May (Tuesday)
Yom Ha'atzmaut
Primary Election Day
15 May (Wednesday)
Peace Officers Memorial Day
17 May (Friday)
National Defense Transportation Day
18 May (Saturday)
Public Lands Day
Armed Forces Day
Preakness Stakes
19 May (Sunday)
Pentecost (Whitsun Day)
Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday, is a Christian celebration that occurs fifty days after Easter.
It originated in the Jewish custom of the Festival of Weeks, but it also remembers the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' Apostles upon his ascension into heaven.
It is not a public holiday in the United States or Canada, but because it comes on a Sunday, stores and businesses will remain closed as usual.
20 May (Monday)
Whit Monday
Whit Monday is observed every year on the day following Pentecost, marking the completion of the 90-day Easter Season. This is why it is often referred to as Pentecost Monday.
Whit Monday does not have a set date because it is determined by when Easter begins. Whit Monday is not a public holiday, therefore businesses and schools are open as usual.
22 May (Wednesday)
Emergency Medical Services for Children Day
National Maritime Day
Harvey Milk Day
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| Harvey Milk Day |
Harvey Milk Day is observed every year on May 22 to honor the life and legacy of gay rights leader Harvey Milk, who was also the first openly gay elected to government in the United States.
It is not a public holiday, but it is considered a Day of Special Significance in California.
Who was Harvey Milk?Milk was born in New York on May 22, 1930. As a result, this was chosen as the day to honor him. After graduating from college in New York in 1951, he had a variety of occupations, including teaching, and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Harvey Milk left New York in 1972 to operate a camera store in San Francisco, California, and became involved in a few homosexual rights organizations. Working closely with the LGBT community, Milk rose to prominence in the gay rights movement, and his store became a gathering place for the community. |
25 May (Saturday)
National Missing Children's Day
26 May (Sunday)
Trinity
Lag BaOmer
27 May (Monday)
Memorial Day
The last Monday in May is designated for Memorial Day. This is the most serious of May holidays. On this day, we remember and celebrate the lives of those who have died in service to their country. Their sacrifice is part of the reason we can appreciate what we have now.
Memorial Day does not call for a celebration or social gathering. Instead, it should be a day of reflection and service. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially if they are serving overseas and have been away from home for extended periods of time. One day out of the year does not make much of a difference, but it is a kind gesture that means a lot to families who have lost loved ones.
Many Americans like getting the day off for a federal holiday. While it is good to have a break from work and school, you should make the most of this day. Perhaps you might go to a local cemetery and offer flowers or give a dinner to a family you know. Even the tiniest acts can have a significant impact.
Many of these holidays are well-known and may already be scheduled in your digital calendar. Others, such as NASCAR Day, may be unfamiliar to you. Do your own research. There are several strange days to commemorate, ranging from National Chocolate Parfait Day on May 1st to World Hypertension Day on May 17th. One of these less well-known May celebrations has the potential to become a new annual tradition and family favorite.
Decoration Day State Holiday
Jefferson Davis' Birthday
Learn more: Memorial Day: Top 10 Activities to Honor, Travel Advice
30 May (Thursday)
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi literally means "body of Christ," and this day commemorates and praises the presence of Jesus Christ's body and blood in the Eucharist or Communion.
It is a religious holiday, not a public day.
History In order to commemorate the divinity of Jesus Christ's Body and Blood, St. Thomas Aquinas proposed to Pope Urban IV a Feast Day dedicated solely to the Holy Eucharist.
One important aspect of Maundy Thursday was the celebration of the Eucharist, which included features such as washing the feet and committing to the priesthood.
31 May (Friday)
World No Tobacco Day
National Smile Day
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