 Kidsville Connections
Around The World This Month
Bun Day
In Iceland, February 19 is Bun Day, or Bolludagur. On this special day, children wake up early in the morning, waving colorful sticks or bun wands to get their parents out of bed. They receive tasty treats of cream puffs or buns. The buns come in different shapes and sizes but are usually filled with a delicious cream filling or jam, and might be topped with chocolate. Bun Day is two days before Lent. On the following day, Shrove Tuesday, they celebrate Bursting Day when they fill up on salted meat and peas. Finally, on Ash Wednesday, the children celebrate by playing pranks and parading around the streets, singing and asking for treats.
Chinese New Year
In China, February 18 is the start of the New Year. Traditional Chinese lunar year 4705 begins at sunset on the day of the second New Moon after the winter solstice. Each year is also designated by one of 12 animals. 2007 is known as the Year of the Boar (or Pig). The New Year celebration lasts for 15 days. The Chinese people celebrate with dinners with their families, parades, fire crackers, and a Lantern Festival on the 15th day.
Flag Day
February 24 is celebrated as Flag Day (El Dia de la Bandera) in Mexico. On this day in 1821, the Plan de Iguala document was signed, proclaiming Mexico as an independent country. On Flag Day, there are special festivities held at the monument to General Vicente Guerrero, the first Mexican soldier to swear allegiance to the flag. The flag of Mexico has three bands of colors: green, white in the middle and red. The white part in the center has the symbol of the eagle and the snake, which comes from Aztec history.
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