Britain has many of the holidays that North America has such as Christmas, Good Friday and Easter. There are many other holidays in Britain that has been developed over time. Some of these breaks allow for vacation time on long weekends due to a holiday Monday. Others are to reflect on history and appreciation of the past that has created where we are in the present.
The United Kingdom refers to their main holidays as Bank Holidays. Bank Holidays are a day off for most of the working population and students. When a Bank Holiday falls on a weekend, when many are off work already, the day will be celebrated on the Monday. Several cities also host games of Cricket on these days.
On July 12, 1690, William III overcame and overpowered the catholic King James the II. This day was called the Battle of Boyne and is also known as Orangeman’s Day. Each year on July 12th, marches are held in Birmingham and Liverpool. The men and women marchers are dressed in black with orange sashes.
Orangeman’s Day is a main holiday within the UK, with Northern Ireland declaring it a Banking Holiday. Leading up to the marches and parades that take place on July 12th, groups reflect around bonfires the night before.
Royal weddings have been marked as Banking Holidays in the past. July 29th, 1981, was a holiday for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. This year, on April 29th, there will be a holiday for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The citizens of Britain have the opportunity to oversee the festivities or watch it on the television.
The Spring Bank Holiday takes place at the end of May. Many take advantage of this long weekend by planning short trips and mini vacations. Most people are off work and school on this day. The Spring Bank Holiday takes place on the last Monday of May, which is the Monday after Pentecost. On Coopers Hill in Gloucestershire, you will find many people chasing a large rolling cheese. The winner of this race will win a Double Gloucester cheese weighing in at eight pounds.
The UK also respects Yom HaShoah. Yom HaShoah is the Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is a day to celebrate the lives of the Jewish people who died in the Holocaust. Ceremonies take place as well as services at the local Synagogues. Holocaust survivors tell their stories and schools take this time to teach their students about Jewish history.
Though Scotland celebrates the Summer Bank Holiday the first Monday of August, the rest of the UK takes their break on the last Monday. The last Monday of August honors the ending of summer and the beginning of autumn. Banks, schools and businesses close to take part in the celebrations. Exuberant costumes are displayed in the second largest street parade in the world in Notting Hill.
The UK has many special days throughout the year. Some are considered Bank Holidays and others are days marked on the calendar. Holidays in Britain range from religious, historical and vacation days. These holidays allow all citizens of the UK to celebrate traditions and reflect on times past.
Further reading St Ives
Tags: entertainment, holidays, holidays in cornwall, home and family, leisure, lifestyle, outdoors, recreation and sports, travel, travel and leisure, Vacations
March 30 2012 07:52 am | Vacations