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10 May Events, Holidays, & More For Your Family To Recognize

From celebrating teachers and mothers to honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military

By Macaroni KID April 30, 2024

Maybe we love May. Actually, there's no maybe about it. The grass is green, spring is fully in bloom, and the kids can practically taste the end of the school year!

We have 10 occasions, events, and holidays happening this month that you can recognize with your family, from celebrating teachers and mothers to honoring those who died while serving in the U.S. military:

Holidays



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May Day

May Day, an ancient spring festival, is celebrated in many countries around the world, often with flower festivals, parades, and dancing around Maypoles. Want to mark the occasion? Leave some flowers for a neighbor to make their May Day! Read a DIY how-to: May Day Baskets are a Fun Way to Celebrate Your Neighbors




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Free Comic Book Day

Get a free comic book at participating local bookstores and comic book stores as part of this national giveaway day! That's a serious superhero move. May 4




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Cinco de Mayo

While this day originated in Mexico to mark the country's victory over the French Army, in the U.S. it's become a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture, music, and cuisine. Try out some of our delicious recipes for guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade chips! May 5



 
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Mother's Day

It doesn't matter if the appreciation of your hard work comes via sticky hug, a handmade card, breakfast in bed, or an expensive gift. Know that you are loved today, and every day. May 12




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Memorial Day

Today, we remember those who died serving in the U.S. military. Take a moment to honor their sacrifice and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service. May 27

Week-Long Observances in May



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Screen-Free Week

Screen-Free Week isn't just about giving up your screens, it's about gaining so much more! Instead of spending an hour on YouTube, you can spend that hour enjoying the great outdoors. Those ten minutes of scrolling through social media can turn into a fun doodling session. And on a rainy day, you can swap out a movie for some quality time reading, chatting, or playing pretend with your family. Read more: Five Ways to Enjoy Screen-Free Week as a Family. May 6-12




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National Teacher Appreciation Week

Teachers work hard every day to educate our kids. This is the week to show them how much we appreciate their efforts. We are proud to have teachers among our Macaroni KID publishers. Read about them here! May 6-10

Month-Long Observances in May



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National Foster Care Month

May is the month when we recognize the amazing work of foster families who make a difference in the lives of over 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system. Learn more about fostering and how you can help. Could you be a foster parent?




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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

This month we celebrate the rich cultural diversity of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, spanning over 30 countries and over 100 different languages. Here are 10 books we love from AAPI authors.




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Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental illness affects more than 50 million people in the U.S. Visit NAMI for resources and ideas on how to mark this month, provide support, and advocate for change.