Destinations, Travel tips, Festivals and Public Holidays
Archive for July, 2009
Japan Public Holidays 2010 Calendar
Jul 30th
Japan have 15 official holidays in a year. However, due to their strong adherence to the tradition, there are many more traditional festive occasions celebrated throughout the country where businesses are closed. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs. Some Japanese festivals have deep roots in Nepal. The concept of these festivals transported to China from Nepal then from China to Japan. Nepal has some similar festival as in Japan till today like Machendra Jatra, Indra Jatra.
Here is a list of Public Holidays in Japan in Year 2010
Friday, 1 January 2010 (national holiday)
New Year (shogatsu):
This is the most important holiday in Japan. While only January 1 is designated as a national holiday, many businesses remain closed through January 3. 2 January and 3 January are officially holidays for bank and government employees only. This national holiday was established in 1948, as a day to celebrate the new year.
Monday, 11 January 2010 (national holiday)
Coming of Age (seijin no hi):
Cities and towns throughout the nation hold ceremonies to celebrate, congratulate, and encourage men and women who have reached the age of majority (20) during the year.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Beginning of spring (setsubun):
Setsubun is not a national holiday, but celebrated at shrines and temples nationwide.
Thursday, 11 February 2010 (national holiday)
National Foundation Day (kenkoku kinenbi):
According to the earliest Japanese history records, on this day in the year 660 BC the first Japanese emperor was crowned. This national holiday was established to nourish a love for the country and reflect on the establishment of the nation.
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Valentine’s Day:
In Japan, women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day. It is not a national holiday.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Doll’s Festival (hina matsuri):
Also called girl’s festival.
Sunday, 14 March 2010
White Day:
The opposite of Valentine’s Day: Men give cakes or chocolates to women. It is not a national holiday.
Monday, 22 March 20 (national holiday)
Spring Eqinox Day (shunbun no hi):
Graves are visited and ancestors are worshipped during the week (ohigan) of the Vernal Equinox Day.
Thursday, 29 April 2010 (national holiday)
Showa Day (Showa no hi):
The birthday of former Emperor Showa. Before 2007, April 29 was known as Greenery Day (now celebrated on May 4). Due to the way the weekdays fall in 2010, Showa Day is an isolated holiday and not really part of Golden Week.
Monday, 3 May 2010 (national holiday)
Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi):
A national holiday remembering the new constitution, which was put into effect after the war. Part of the Golden Week till 5 May.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010 (national holiday)
Greenery Day (midori no hi):
Until 2006, Greenery Day was celebrated on April 29, the former Emperor Showa’s birthday, due to the emperor’s love for plants and nature. It is now celebrated on May 4. This national holiday is celebrated as a day to commune with nature and be grateful for its blessings.
Wednesday, 5 May 2010 (national holiday)
Children’s Day (kodomo no hi):
Also called boy’s festival, this is a day on which to esteem the personalities of children and plan for their happiness
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Star Festival (tanabata):
Tanabata is a festival rather than a national holiday.
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Festival of Souls (Obon):
Obon is a festival to commemorate deceased ancestors. although this is not an official national holiday, many offices are closed (Tokyo celebrates in July, while most of the country celebrates in August)
Monday, 19 July 2010(national holiday)
Ocean Day (umi no hi):
A recently introduced national holiday to celebrate and show gratitude for the blessings of the oceans and for hoping for the prosperity of the maritime nation that is Japan. The day marks the return of Emperor Meiji from a boat trip to Hokkaido in 1876.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Festival of Souls (Obon):
Obon is a festival to commemorate deceased ancestors. although this is not an official national holiday, many offices are closed (Tokyo celebrates in July, while most of the country celebrates in August)
Monday, 20 September 2010 (national holiday)
Respect for the Aged Day (keiro no hi):
Respect for the elderly and long life are celebrated on this national holiday.
Thursday, 23 September 2010 (national holiday)
Autum Equinox Day (shubun no hi):
Graves are visited to honor one’s ancestors and remember the dead during the week (ohigan) of the Equinox Day.
Monday, 11 October 2010 (national holiday)
Health and Sports Day (taiiku no hi):
On that day in 1964, the Olympic games of Tokyo were opened.
Wednesday, 3 November 2010 (national holiday)
Culture Day (bunka no hi):
A day for promotion of culture and the love of freedom and peace. On culture day, schools and the government award selected persons for their special, cultural achievements.
Monday, 15 November 2010
Seven-Five-Three (shichigosan):
A festival for children, Shichigosan is not a national holiday but a traditional festival.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010 (national holiday)
Labour Thanksgiving Day (kinro kansha no hi):
A national holiday for honoring labour.
Thursday, 23 December 2010 (national holiday)
Emperor’s Birthday (tenno no tanjobi):
The birthday of the current emperor is always a national holiday. If the emperor changes, the national holiday changes to the birthday date of the new emperor.
Friday, 24 December 2010
Saturday, 25 December 2010
Christmas:
Christmas is not a national holiday, but it is celebrated by an increasing number of Japanese.
Friday, 31 December 2010
New Year’s Eve (omisoka):
December 31 is officially a holiday for bank and government employees only. But for many offices, 25th will be the last working day until 4th January.
Hong Kong Public Holidays 2010 Calendar
Jul 29th
List of Hong Kong 2010 Public Holidays Calendar
While Hong Kong is an integral part of People Republic of China, they have different holiday dates from China public holidays. This is due to Hong Kong special status as a Special Administrative Region (SAR).
There are 17 public holidays / general holidays / bank holidays in Hong Kong. Public holidays in Hong Kong are set by Hong Kong’s General Holidays Ordinance. They allow workers get rest from work, usually in conjunction with special occasions. More >
F1 Singapore GP Night Race – 27 September 2009
Jul 24th
2009 FORMULA One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix
Get the ultimate Formula One racing experience at the 2009 Singapore GP. See top F1 drivers & Formula 1 racing teams in action at the Singapore GP.
Temperatures are set to rise when the Formula 1 Grand Prix returns to Singapore on 27 September 2009, with fast and furious action happening in the Marina Bay race circuit. Being the only Formula 1 night race and one of the two Formula One street-racing (the other being Monaco), locals and visitors alike have been in ticket buying frenzy.
If you haven’t got your ticket by now, grab it before too late. Race Promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd has announced on 20 July 2009 that the sale of the remaining early bird tickets will be discontinued as of midnight, 31 July 2009. All tickets will then revert to regular prices from 1 August 2009.
Complementing the world’s only FORMULA ONE night race, the Singapore GP Season 2009, organized by Singapore Tourism Board, will take place from 18 September 2009 to 27 September 2009, presenting a slew of exhilarating race-themed events, intoxicating parties and irresistible retail and dining experiences, all with an Asian touch.
While you are in Singapore, pamper your taste buds also. Singapore’s cultural diversity is very much reflected in the variety of local food it has to offer – Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan and much, much more. The palatable pleasures they serve will definitely makes you enjoy your stay even more.
Be prepared for adrenaline-pumping and breath-taking events that will rev you up to the world-class FORMULA ONE action!
Links:
Singapore GP Season official website
F1 Singapore GP ticket
Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix official website
Official Formula 1 website – Singapore race details
Australia 2010 Public Holidays Calendar
Jul 23rd
Here is a list of Public Holidays in Australia in Year 2010
Most of public holidays in Australia are declared on a state and territory basis, except for some holidays which are observed in all states and territories, and are therefore de facto national holidays.
Usually, public and private workers are entitled to take off a public holiday with regular pay, while businesses that are normally open on a public holiday may require employees to work on the day. Traditionally, in this case, the workers were paid at a penalty rate – usually 1½ (known as “time and a half”) or 2 times (known as “double time”) the regular pay. In recent years this tradition has changed somewhat. Most of the entitlement to penalty rates of pay has been reduced or entirely eliminated in many work places.
Besides designating days as public holidays, some of these days are also designated as restricted trading days.
Unlike many countries when a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following work day may or may not be considered a public holiday depending on the state/territory and the holiday in question.
Here is a table from wikipedia for such arrangement
| Name | WA | Tas | Vic | ACT | NSW | SA | Qld | NT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | ||
| Australia Day | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | ||||||
| Good Friday | Not applicable (always on a Friday) | ||||||||
| Day before Easter | No | ||||||||
| Easter Monday | Not applicable (always on a Monday) | ||||||||
| Labour Day | Not applicable (always on a Monday) | ||||||||
| Anzac Day | Yes | No | Yes | Sun^ | |||||
| Queen’s Birthday | Not applicable (always on a Monday) | ||||||||
| Christmas | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | ||||
| Boxing Day/Proclamation Day | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | Sun^ | Yes | ||||
^Will be replaced to Monday only if the holiday falls on Sunday
Below is the list of Australian state public holidays dates for year 2010
Australia – Queensland Public Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day
Friday, 1 January 2010 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Good Friday
Friday, 2 April 2010
Easter Saturday
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday, 5 April 2010
Anzac Day
Monday, 26 April 2010
Labour Day
Monday, 3 May 2010
Queen’s Birthday
Monday, 14 June 2010
Royal Queensland Show (# Brisbane Area Only)
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Christmas Day
* Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Boxing Day
Monday, 27 December 2010
Australia – New South Wales Public Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day
Friday, 1 January 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Good Friday
Friday, 2 April 2010
Easter Saturday
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday, 5 April 2010
Anzac Day
Monday, 26 April 2010
Queen’s Birthday
*Monday, 14 June 2010
**Bank Holiday
Monday, 2 August 2010
Labour Day
*Monday, 4 October 2010
Christmas Day
Saturday, 25 December 2010
Boxing Day
Monday, 27 December 2010
Australia – Victoria Public Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day
Friday, 1 January 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Labour Day
Monday, 8 March 2010
Good Friday
Friday, 2 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday, 5 April 2010
ANZAC Day
Monday, 26 April 2010
Queen’s Birthday
Monday, 14 June 2010
Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Christmas Day
Monday, 27 December 2010
Boxing Day
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Western Australia Public Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day
Friday 1 January 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Labour Day
Monday 1 March 2010
Good Friday
Friday 2 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday 5 April 2010
Anzac Day
Monday 26 April 2010 (replaced from Sunday 25 April)
Foundation Day
Monday 7 June 2010
Queen’s Birthday#
Monday 27 September 2010
Christmas Day
Monday 27 December 2010 (replacing Saturday 25 December)
Boxing Day
Tuesday 28 December 2010 (replacing Sunday 26 December)
South Australian Public Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day
Friday, 1 January 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Adelaide Cup
Monday, 8 March 2010
Good Friday
Friday, 2 April 2010
The day after Good Friday
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday, 5 April 2010
Anzac Day
Monday, 26 April 2010
Queen’s Birthday / Volunteer’s Day
Monday, 14 June 2010
Labour Day
Monday, 4 October 2010
Christmas Day
Monday, 27 December 2010
Proclamation Day
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Australia – Northern Territory Public Holidays 2010
New Year’s Day
Friday, 1 January 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Good Friday
Friday, 2 April 2010
Easter Saturday
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday, 5 April 2010
Anzac Day
Monday, 26 April 2010
May Day
Monday, 3 May 2010
Queen’s Birthday
Monday, 14 June 2010
Alice Springs Show Day*
Friday, 2 July 2010
Tennant Creek Show Day*
Friday, 9 July 2010
Katherine Show Day*
Friday, 16 July 2010
Darwin Show Day*
Friday, 23 July 2010
Picnic Day
Monday, 2 August 2010
Borroloola Show Day*
Friday, 20 August 2010
Christmas Day
Monday, 27 December 2010
Boxing Day
Tuesday, 28 December 2010
Australia – Tasmania Public Holidays 2010
New Years Day
Friday 1 January 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Eight Hours Day
Monday 8 March 2010
Good Friday
Friday 2 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday 5 April 2010
Easter Tuesday
Tuesday 6 April 2010
ANZAC Day
Sunday 25 April 2010
Queen’s Birthday
Monday 14 June 2010
Recreation Day (North Tas. area only)
Monday 1 November 2010
Christmas Day Holiday
Monday 27 December 2010
Boxing Day Holiday
Tuesday 28 December 2010
Boxing Day Holiday
Tuesday 28 December 2010
Australian Capital Territory Public Holidays 2010
New Years Day
Friday 1 January 2010
Australia Day
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Canberra Day
Monday 8 March 2010
Good Friday
Friday 2 April 2010
Easter Monday
Monday 5 April 2010
ANZAC Day
Monday 26 April 2010
Queen’s Birthday
Monday 14 June 2010
Labour Day
Monday 4 October 2010
Christmas Day Holiday
Monday 27 December 2010
Asian visitors to New Zealand drops amid influenza A(H1N1) fears
Jul 22nd
Asian visitors to New Zealand drops amid influenza A(H1N1) fears
The number of Asian tourists visiting New Zealand has plummeted due to swine flu fears, officials said Tuesday. The numbers of visitors from China, Japan and South Korea fell by half in June compared with the same month last year as the influenza A(H1N1) virus spread in New Zealand and elsewhere.
“Experience with past shocks, like SARs and September 11, meant we knew that arrivals from our Asian markets would likely be badly hit by the swine flu outbreak,” Tourism New Zealand chief executive George Hickton said.
Visitor numbers from Japan fell 67 percent to 2,300 last month from June last year, the lowest number of arrivals from there since June 1985, Statistics New Zealand said Tuesday. In the same month the number of visitors from China fell 49.4 percent to 2,556 and South Korean tourist numbers dropped 48.5 percent to 3,114. Overall, the number of Asian visitors fell 37.4 percent to 17,982 in June compared with a year earlier.
Hickton said it was hoped that some of the earlier threatened cancellations from Asia could be turned into postponements in coming months. “Fortunately, our offshore offices are picking up some more positive signals for later this year,” he said. “We are hoping China will start to improve from September, and the outlook for Japan is also looking slightly better for the first time in many months.”
The impact of the global economic crisis has also hurt tourism, which provides one in 10 New Zealand jobs and nearly 10 percent of gross domestic product. The main Asian markets were among the worst affected in the year to June, with the number of visitors from South Korea falling 31 percent from the previous year to 61,733, Japan by 23 percent to 88,474 and China 13.2 percent to 107,541.
Overall, the number of tourists in the year fell three percent to 2.41 million and numbers for the month of June were 135,200, down five percent from a year earlier. The falls in the numbers of Asian visitors has been partly offset by more Australians visiting their neighbouring country. In the year to June the number of Australian visitors rose four percent to 1.01 million.
Some funny , almost true facts about life in Singapore
Jul 22nd
This is so funny………………and most are so true……..
Funny truths about life in small small Singapore….
1. At night – Most people sleep with cooling air-conditioner while putting on thick blankets; At daytime – Most people will bathe with heater on
2. Day – Cannot Wake up; Nite – Cannot Sleep
3. Translation is needed between Singaporean Chinese and Mainland Chinese
4. Smell Of rubbish besides letterboxes; Letters inside Rubbish bin
5. Singapore Chinese use different languages other than Chinese to communicate.
6. Singaporeans never like to vote, but like to complain
7. There are quite a number of rich/poor in singapore – They have Car, Credit Card, CPF(self-funded retirement savings) but no Cash and is liable to lots of loans
9. There are quite a few high-tech barbaric singaporeans -they know how to use state-of-the art equipment, latest web widgets, 3g mobile phone and powerful computers but they dunno how to use a simple dustbin or a toilet
10. Half Singaporeans rushed to buy Hello kitty, but the other half are busy killing stray cats
11. Chewing Gum – You can chew, but not allowed to buy (Restricted to buying)
12. Cigarettes – Convenient to buy; not convenient to smoke
13. Private Cars – Getting cheaper to buy one, but getting harder and more expensive to maintain
14. Public Bus – Half the Crowd squeeze in front section of the Bus, Second section is for Carrying Ghost
15. Education – Teachers teaching Less but expects students to learn More
Singapore National Day 9 August 2009
Jul 22nd
Singapore National Day is observed yearly to celebrate Singapore’s Independence on 9 August 1965.
Singapore celebrated its first National Day in 1966, one year after Singapore’s independence from Malaysia.
This year, the 44th birthday of Singapore falls on Sunday, 9 August 2009, with this year theme is “Come Together – Reaching Out, Reaching Up”
As the National Day (Independence Day) holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday, 10 August 2009 will be a public holiday.
One of the most important aspect of this holiday is the National Day Parade.
The National Day Parade is a national ceremony in Singapore that, as its name implies, includes a parade on Singapore’s national day on August 9, in commemoration of Singapore’s independence.
The first National Day Parade started in the morning at 0900. People came as early as 0700 in order to get good vantage points. Singapore’s first President, Mr Yusof bin Ishak and Singapore’s first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, were seated with members of the government at the grandstand on the steps of City Hall.
Over the years, the Parade has become the biggest national event in Singapore. What is perhaps most memorable at each celebration is the fireworks display marking the climax of the parade; the sky would be bursting with the wonderful colors of the visual vista, dazzling it as well as the hearts of fellow Singaporeans. On this very special occasion, most Singaporeans would be decked out in patriotic colours – namely, red and white.
The Singapore National Day Parade is usually held in the Singapore National Stadium or the Padang. For the first time in 2007, it was held in Marina Bay and future parades, including this year’s 9 August 2009 National Day Parade will be held there until the new sports hub is completed in around 2011.
Due to the enormous popularity and support from the people, in 2003 Singapore government set up the e-balloting ticketing system. Such ticketing system enables citizens to stand a chance at winning the tickets(free of charge) by registering their e-mail addresses or mobile numbers at the NDP website or phonelines.
While it is very unlikely for visitors to ever get hold of the Parade ticket, you can always join the local and tourist crowds at the Waterfront (near Esplanade) to enjoy the beautiful fireworks.
Some hotels (e.g. One Fullerton) also have rooms well positioned to view the fireworks display.
US Public Holidays 2010 Calendar
Jul 21st
List of 2010 United States of America (U.S.A) Federal and States Holidays Date
The United States does not have national holidays (i.e., days where all employees in the U.S. receive a day free from work and all business is halted). The U.S. Federal government can only recognize national holidays that pertain to its own employees; it is at the discretion of each state or local jurisdiction to determine official holiday schedules. There are eleven such “Federal holidays“, ten annual and one quadrennial holiday. The annual Federal holidays are widely observed by state and local governments; however, they may alter the dates of observance or add or subtract holidays according to local custom. Pursuant to the Uniform Holidays Bill of 1968 (taking effect in 1971), official holidays are observed on a Monday, except for New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. There are also U.S. state holidays particular to individual U.S. states.
Most retail businesses close on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but remain open on all other holidays. Private businesses often observe only the “big six” holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). Some also add the Friday after Thanksgiving, or one or more of the other federal holidays.
(from Wikipedia)
Here is a list of Public Holidays in USA in Year 2010
Federal Public holidays in the United States with 2010 dates:
New Year’s Day
Celebrates beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Festivities include counting down to midnight (12:00 AM) on the preceding night, New Year’s Eve. Traditional end of holiday season. (January 1)
Friday, 1 January 2010
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Honors Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights leader, who was actually born on January 15, 1929; combined with other holidays in several states. (Third Monday in January)
Monday, 18 January 2010
Inauguration Day
Observed only by federal government employees in Washington D.C., and the border counties of Maryland and Virginia, in order to relieve congestion that occurs with this major event. Swearing-in of President of the United States and Vice President of the United States. Celebrated every fourth year. Note: Takes place on January 21 if the 20th is a Sunday (although the President is still privately inaugurated on the 20th). If Inauguration Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the preceding Friday or following Monday is not a Federal Holiday.
January 20, the first January 20th following a Presidential election
(Obama was inaugurated in 2009, no Inauguration Day in 2010)
Washington’s Birthday
Washington’s Birthday was first declared a federal holiday by an 1879 act of Congress. The Uniform Holidays Act, 1968, shifted the date of the commemoration of Washington’s Birthday from February 22 to the third Monday in February. Many people now refer to this holiday as “Presidents’ Day” and consider it a day honoring all American presidents. However, neither the Uniform Holidays Act nor any subsequent law changed the name of the holiday from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents’ Day.[2]
Third Monday in February
Monday, 15 February 2010
Memorial Day
Honors the nation’s war dead from the Civil War onwards; marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season. (traditionally May 30, shifted by the Uniform Holidays Act 1968)
Last Monday in May
Monday, 31 May 2010
Independence Day
Celebrates Declaration of Independence, also called the Fourth of July.
July 4
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Labor Day
Celebrates the achievements of workers and the labor movement; marks the unofficial end of the summer season.
First Monday in September
Monday, 6 September 2010
Columbus Day
Honors Christopher Columbus, traditional discoverer of the Americas. In some areas it is also a celebration of Italian culture and heritage. (traditionally October 12); celebrated as American Indian Heritage Day and Fraternal Day in Alabama;[3] celebrated as Native American Day in South Dakota.[4] In Hawaii, it is celebrated as Discoverer’s Day, though is not an official state holiday.[5]
Second Monday in October
Monday, 11 October 2010
Veterans Day
Honors all veterans of the United States armed forces. A traditional observation is a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. remembering those killed in war. (Commemorates the 1918 armistice, which began at “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”)
November 11
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Thanksgiving Day
Traditionally celebrates the giving of thanks for the autumn harvest. Traditionally includes the consumption of a turkey dinner. Traditional start of the holiday season. (Note: Thanksgiving is not celebrated on the same day in Canada).
Fourth Thursday in November
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Christmas
Celebrates the Nativity of Jesus. Some people consider aspects of this religious holiday, such as giving gifts and decorating a Christmas tree, to be secular rather than explicitly Christian.
December 25
Saturday, 25 December 2010
In addition to the federal holidays, individual states observe the following holidays (with the 2010 dates):
* Alabama: Confederate Memorial Day, fourth Monday in April (Monday, 26 April 2010)
* Alaska: Alaska Day, anniversary of transfer to U.S. control, October 18 (Monday, 18 October 2010) ; Seward’s Day, anniversary of purchase from Russia, March 27 (Saturday, 27 March 2010)
* Arkansas: Daisy Gatson Bates Day, February 16 (Tuesday, 16 February 2010), observed with Washington’s Birthday
* California: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12 (Friday, 12 February 2010) , César Chávez’s birthday, March 31 (Wednesday, 31 March 2010)(also may be optionally observed in Colorado and Texas)
* Colorado: Colorado Day August 1, 1876 Colorado became a state. This date is recognized/celebrated each year by state residents.(Sunday, 1 August 2010)
* Connecticut: Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12 (Friday, 12 February 2010) ; Good Friday, (Friday 2 April 2010)
* Delaware: Return Day, Thursday following Election Day; every two years, celebrates the returns of an election, having political opponents “bury the hatchet” in a bucket of sand
* District of Columbia: Emancipation Day, April 16 (Friday, 16 April 2010)
* Florida: Pascua Florida Day, April 2 (Friday, 2 April 2010)
* Georgia: Robert E. Lee’s Birthday (Thursday, 19 January 2010) and Confederate Memorial Day (Monday, 26 April 2010)
* Hawaii: Good Friday, (Friday 2 April 2010); May Day or Lei Day, date varies, usually May 1st (Saturday, 1 May 2010); Kamehameha Day, June 11 (Friday, 11 June 2010); Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Day, March 26 (Friday, 26 March 2010); Admission Day or Statehood Day, third Friday in August (Friday, 20 August 2010)
* Idaho: Idaho Human Rights Day, January 19 (Tuesday, 19 January 2010)
* Illinois: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, February 12 (Friday, 12 February 2010) (most state offices close, many schools choose to close on President’s Day). Pulaski Day first Monday of every March (Monday, 1 March 2010).
* Kansas: Kansas Day, January 29 (Friday, 29 January 2010)
* Louisiana: Mardi Gras date varies (Tuesday, 16 Feburary 2010); Good Friday (Friday, 2 April 2010)
* Massachusetts: Patriot’s Day, 3rd Monday of April (Monday, 19 April 2010) , traditionally April 19, anniversary of Battles of Lexington and Concord
* Maine: Patriot’s Day, April 19 (Monday, 19 April 2010), anniversary of Battles of Lexington and Concord
* Maryland: Maryland Day, March 25 (Thursday, 25 March 2010), commemoration of first European settlement of Maryland; Defenders Day, September 12 (Sunday, 12 September 2010), commemorates the successful defense of the city of Baltimore from an invading British force during the War of 1812.
* Mississippi: Mardi Gras Day, date varies (Tuesday, 16 Feburary 2010)
* Missouri: Truman Day, May 9 (Sunday, 9 May 2010)
* Nebraska: Arbor Day, last Friday of April (Friday, 30 April 2010)
* Nevada: Nevada Day, commemorates date of admission to the Union, observed on last Friday of October (Friday, 29 October 2010)
* New Hampshire: Civil Rights Day, January 19 (Tuesday, 19 January 2010)
* Oklahoma: Statehood Day, November 16 (Tuesday, 16 November 2010)
* Rhode Island: V.J. Day or Victory Day, second Monday in August (Monday, 9 August 2010)
* South Dakota: Native American Day, second Monday in October (11 October 2010)
* Tennessee
o Legal holidays: Good Friday (Friday, 2 April 2010)
o Days of special observance: Robert E. Lee Day, January 19 (Tuesday, 19 January 2010); Abraham Lincoln Day, February 12 (Friday, 12 February 2010); Andrew Jackson Day, March 15 (Monday, 15 March 2010); Mother’s Day, Second Sunday in May (Sunday, 9 May 2010); Statehood Day, June 1 (Tuesday, 1 June 2010), commemorates date of admission to the Union; Memorial or Confederate Decoration Day, June 3 (Thursday, 3 June 2010); Nathan Bedford Forrest Day, July 13 (Tuesday, 13 July 2010)
* Texas: Confederate Veterans Day, January 19 (Tuesday, 19 January 2010); Juneteenth, June 19 (Saturday, 19 June 2010)
* Utah: Pioneer Day, July 24 (Saturday, 24 July 2010)
* Vermont: Town Meeting Day, first Tuesday in March (Tuesday, 2 March 2010); Battle of Bennington Day, August 16 (Monday, 16 August 2010), commemorates Revolutionary War battle of same name
* Virginia: Lee-Jackson Day, Friday before the third Monday in January (Friday, 15 January 2010)
* West Virginia: West Virginia Day, June 20 (Sunday, 20 June 2010)
Holiday Destinations & Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Jul 20th
Where to go in Singapore? What are the popular destinations? What are the places of interest in Singapore?
We got asked these questions quite frequently.
Singapore is one of the most amazing places in the world to go on a vacation with incredible tourist attractions, great nightlife, awesome cuisines and wonderful spa retreats.
A lot of people like to go on a Singapore holiday in order to make the best of their vacations and have a great time with their friends and family. It is a shockingly modern city and a fantastic place to visit during the holidays. It has a great deal of almost everything to offer to its visitors. The major tourist attractions will leave you bewitched with its charm.
So to give you a bit of overview, here we compile a list of Popular Holiday Destinations & Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Sentosa Island
Sentosa island is the undisputed No 1 most popular holiday destination of Singapore. In brief, it is a whole island converted into an attraction park. It is big and will probably take you 1-2 whole days to explore everything. Sentosa Island is the answer of Singapore to Disneyland, and will be even more so with the opening of Universal Studio with the Integrated Resort (IR) next year.
Beach lovers can enjoy exciting games and sea sports along the 3.2-km long sandy beaches stretching across Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong.
Fort Siloso is the Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort stands as an important window to our colonial past and a poignant reminder of the war years.
What else to do ? Ride a movie (Cinemania) / Join the army (Fort Siloso) / Spot sharks without getting wet (Underwater World) / Admire butterflies / Erupt yourself (VolcanoLand) / Splash yourself (Fantasy Island) / Fall for dolphins (Dolphin Lagoon) / Climb the Merlion for a panoramic view / Walk on a dragon / Have a look at other countries (Asian Village) / Relax on spotless artificial beaches / Rollerblade on the alleys or rent a bike / Spot skeleton on a nature walk / Have a photo with a snake / Watch monkeys getting coconuts / Walk a suspended bridge / Admire a collection of shells / Cool off by one of the numerous fountains or manicured gardens (orchid, scented, spices,…) / Bike on water / Dream at the musical fountain / Stand on the southernmost point of the Asia continent / Ride the monorail around for free / Dance on the beach in swim suit at the two beach bars (regular foam parties as well) / Swim in the laguna
Orchard Road
From the world famous city, comes the world famous shopping destination – the Orchard Road Singapore. There are over 30 malls and shopping centers located in the stretch or road, closely connected to each other by pavements and underground pass. Here, you’ll find everything like the stylish Louis Vuitton, the exquisite Bergdorf Goodman, the elegant Tiffany & Co., the ever popular Prada, the immaculate Versace, Cartier, Fortunoff, Dior, Fendi, and Chanel. And the list goes on and on…
Ethnic quarters
As a multiracial country, Singapore host a number of unique destinations which celebrates the cultural diversity of the different races. Here are some places where you can experience the culture, customs and traditional festivals.
1. Geylang Serai
It was earlier known as the Geylang Kelapa; Geylang Serai was an abode to many of the Malay Kampongs. It is famous for the exquisite quality of lemongrass that grows here in abundance. There are traditionally made Malay-Kalimpong houses and a cultural museum as well.
2. China Town
China Town was historically the home to Chinese population who lived here. The place can be best explored on foot and can be marveled at the various interesting areas of Chinese worship. The main places of worship include the Thian Hock Keng temple, Sri Marimman temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. The China Town market is very popular for its cheap bargains where you can buy a lot of stuff like the textile, medicinal herb and Chinese handicraft.
3. Little India
Little India is a district endowed with Indian culture’s ethnic elements. The most attractive features of here are Sri Veeramakaliamman temple and Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. The latter is known more for its massive Buddha statue. Exquisite Indian silk, brassware, gold jewelry and trinkets can be bought from the exotic market. Little India’s cuisine and henna are also very popular.
4. Arab Street/ Kampong Glam
The colorful district of Kampong Glam got its name from a local tree, Gelam. It has a Malay Heritage Centre and Sultan Mosque. Also known as the Masjid Sultan, the mosque excels in architectural splendor. The textiles, fabrics and the baskets made of cane, straw and rattan of the market, trinkets, and perfumes are very famous here.
Nightlife
As for a taste of Singapore nightlife, some popular night spots highly recommended are Chijmes Singapore , Singapore Boat Quay, Mohammed Sultan Road, Singapore Robertson Quay and Holland Village Singapore. Arguably, some of the most popular party destinations currently are Zouk, St James Power Station (coal-fired power station turned into large entertainment complex), and MoS (Ministry of Sound)
Food
As a metropolitan where most of the population dines out, Singapore naturally has huge array of gastronomical offers. From posh five-star restaurants to economical food hawker centers, you can find and enjoy international as well as local food almost everywhere in Singapore.
Other destinations
You will never go wrong with the well-known Singapore tourist attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Night Safari (Night Zoo), Jurong Bird Park and the Singapore Flyer etc.
Vietnam 2010 Public Holidays Calendar
Jul 17th
In Vietnam, workers get the day off work during the public holidays. There are a total of 9 days of Vietnamese public holidays a year, making it the lowest in the region.
Here is the list of public holidays in Vietnam for year 2010
Tet Duong Lich
New Year’s Day
Friday, 1 January 2010
Tet Nguyen Dan
Lunar New Year / Vietnamese New Year, Tet Nguyên Ðán, more commonly known by its shortened name Tet, is the largest, most important and popular holiday and festival in Vietnam. It is the Vietnamese New Year based on the Lunar calendar, a lunisolar calendar. The name Tet Nguyên Ðán (in Sino-Vietnamese) can be loosely translated as Feast of the First Morning. Tet is celebrated on the same day as Chinese New Year. It takes place from the first day of the first month of the Lunar calendar (around late January or early February) until at least the third day. However the corresponding public holiday started a day earlier, from last day of the last lunar month. Visitors may experience difficulties during this period as shops, restaurants and public services close and prices tend to go up in the few shops that remain open.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Monday, 15 February 2010
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Gio to Hung Vuong Day
Hung Kings Commemoriations – Traditional holiday adopted by the government on 28 March 2007 commemorating the mythical Hùng Kings. Hùng Vuong (Hùng Kings in Vietnamese) was the first king of Van Lang or Lac Viet (as Vietnam was known at the time). His dynasty existed in Vietnamese prehistory, but much of the lore from this time is now lost to the ages.
Friday, 23 April 2010
Ngày thong nhat
Victory Day, Reunification Day, or Liberation Day is a public holiday in Vietnam that marks the occasion Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops captured Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) on April 30, 1975. This signalled the end of the Vietnam War.
In the overseas Vietnamese exile community, the day is remembered as the “Fall of Saigon”, but this term is considered treasonous in present day Vietnam and can lead to harassment or imprisonment.
Friday, 30 April 2010
Ngày Quoc te Lao dong
International Labour Day
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Quoc khánh
National Day – Vietnam declares its independence, forming the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam)
Thursday, 2 September 2010
As in most other nations, if a holiday falls during the weekend, it is observed on the following Monday.
