"THE GREAT BRITAIN
GUY FAWKES´ DAY - the 5th November
- It‘s celebrated on the evening of the 5th November, primarily in the United Kingdom but in British colonies too. It celebrates the foiling of the Gunpowder Plot in which a group of Catholic conspirators (including Guy Fawkes) wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in Westminster and kill Protestant king James I. of England and the majority of the English Parliament. The conspirators were later executed.
- The celebrations involve fireworks displays and the building of bonfires, where dummies= effigies, representing Guy Fawkes are burnt.
- Guy Fawkes wanted Catholicism to be unsuccessful



THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
INDEPENDENCE DAY – the 4th of July – “ the birthday of the United States of America”
- federal holiday, which remembers the signature of the Declaration of Independence 1776 (USA was British colony) – Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft
- it is associated with fireworks (in some states isn’t allowed fireworks – because of dry climate), barbecues,concerts, parades, political speeches and ceremonies – flags are everywhere

THANKSGIVING DAY - the fourth Thursday in November
- In 1621, Pilgrim Fathers celebrated the first harvest and thanked Indians for their help (Native Americans taught them how to plant corn and other crops)
- It is family holiday - people travel long distances to visit family and friends.
- roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes, pumpkin pie, vegetables

president pardons turkey – this turkey isn’t kill
Macy’s Christmas parade (pochod) – (macy-store), everybody watch it in TV (morning)


FESTIVALS AND FEAST DAYS WHICH ARE COMMON FOR USA AND UK

CHRISTMAS
- It is one of the oldest and most loved traditions in English speaking countries.
- Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
- Families decorate their homes for the holiday season - coloured lights, small evergreen tree in their home and decorate it with coloured lights and bright ornaments…
- The period before Christmas is called Advent.

Macy’s Christmas parade (pochod) – (macy-store), everybody watch it in TV (morning)
CHRISTMAS IN THE USA
- The American Christmas Season starts on the day after Thanksgiving in November. It is the biggest shopping day of the season. Christmas trees are set up around 15 December and people send each other Christmas cards.
- 24th of December is a workday – office partys
Decoration (sometimes crazy)
- 25th of December is a day for family celebration. Young children wake up early on Christmas morning to find the gifts and candies Santa Claus has left under the Christmas tree and into stockings, which are on the mantle of the fireplace.
- In the evening, 25th of December, they have a big dinner- a turkey and potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, mince pie and pumpkin pie. Dinner isn’t only for family, they can invite friends.
- 26th of December – SALES in shops, workday for most Americans. Christmas trees are usually taken down in the first week of January.
Card: “Happy holiday” – they don’t know, if people celebrate Christmas (Muslims, Hinduism)"

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