Iceland
In Iceland, February 23 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.
Italy
In Italy, the week of Feb. 22-28 is Carnival Week. On Tuesday and Thursday, they have shows and special events for children. Later in the week, they have parades and parties.
Carnival celebrations are held in many other places also. They are similar to the Mardi Gras celebrations held in New Orleans. These celebrations include feasting and festivities before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
Mexico
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.
