Page 40 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

38  USA A T A GLANCE

USA THROUGH THE YEAR

The size and scope of the United States celebrating the nation’s diverse history
means that at almost any time of year you and culture. October and November are
can find the right weather to suit any prime time for harvest festivals, especially
activity. In the middle of winter, for example, near Thanksgiving. The year ends with a
while skiers are enjoying the deep snows variety of religious holidays, including
of the Rockies and New England, sun- Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and the
seekers flock to Florida or the Arizona African-American celebration Kwanzaa,
deserts. Both the weather and the calendar while the college and professional football
of events heat up in the summer with a seasons climax with a series of New Year’s
proliferation of county fairs, arts and Day championship games and the Super
music festivals, and other events, many Bowl finale.

guided walking tours, a fire- May
Spring work display, and concerts, Cinco de Mayo (May 5).
Spring inspires a definite sense celebrate the blossoming of the Celebrations of Mexican
of renewal all over the country. city’s famous cherry trees and culture featuring folk dancing
Wildflowers carpet the deserts, the arrival of spring. and mariachi music, take
the magnolias and cherry trees place all over the US to mark
burst into bloom, and melting April the anniversary of the Battle
snows fill streams and waterfalls Easter (date varies). This spring of Puebla.
to their annual peak. Among holiday is a study in contrasts. Kentucky Derby (first Sat
the events that celebrate the Early-morning outdoor “ Easter in May), Louisville, KY. The
season, the most symbolic are Sunrise” services are held all country’s biggest horse race
the first games of the baseball over the country, while in New and the start of the “Triple
season, which begins in April. York City, outrageously dressed Crown” championship takes
characters join in the Easter place at the end of a two-week-
March Parade down Fifth Avenue. long public party.
Academy Awards (late Feb–mid- At this time, college kids flock Wright Plus (mid- or late May),
Mar), Hollywood, CA. The movie to warm climes in Florida, Texas, Chicago, IL. You can tour
industry honors its stars with and California for their annual architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s
golden Oscars. “Spring Break.” buildings and residences during
Whale & Ocean Arts Festival Patriot’s Day (Mon nearest this annual housewalk at
(early Mar), Lahaina, HI. Lectures, Apr 18), Lexington and Oak Park.
dives, and whale-watching Concord, MA. Early-morning Spoleto Festival USA (late
celebrating the humpback re-enactments of the first May–early Jun), Charleston, SC.
whale that winters off the battles of the American The largest arts festival in
Hawaiian coast. Revolution are followed by the the United States.
Bike Week (early Mar), Daytona, country’s most famous race, Indianapolis 500 (Sun before
FL. Motorcycle racers and the Boston Marathon. Memorial Day), Indianapolis, IN.
enthusiasts congregate in New Orleans Jazz & Heritage The most famous auto race in
one of the US’s largest gatherings Festival (late Apr), New Orleans, the US draws over 100,000 fans.
of bikers. LA. Performances by top and Kinetic Sculpture Race
St. Patrick’s Day Parade emerging talents. (Memorial Day weekend), Arcata,
(weekend nearest Mar 17),
Boston, MA; New York City,
NY; Chicago, IL; San Francisco,
CA. Parades celebrating Irish
heritage are held in these major
cities. Towns such as Butte,
MT, and Savannah, GA, also
hold parties.
South by Southwest Festival
(mid-Mar), Austin, TX. An
independent pop-music and
film festival.
National Cherry Blossom
Festival (late Mar–early Apr),
Washington, DC. More than 200
events, such as exhibitions, free Bagpipers marching as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, New York City
Picturesque view of San Remo apartments from Central Park, New York City

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