Is the Season the Reason?

Why do more Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo than Fiestas Patrias? Why is Memorial Day more festive than Veterans Day? Why do many non-Jews assume Hanukkah is a major Jewish holiday? The season could be the reason, say Utah State University experts. Weather and the calendar affect people's perceptions of holidays.

For more information, contact (Hispanic celebrations in the U.S.) Héctor Mendiola, program leader for Latino communities, Utah State University Extension, 435-752-6263, cell 435-760-0581; (Memorial Day and Veterans Day) Capt. James Lovewell, USAF; assistant professor, Aerospace Studies, commandant of Cadets, AFROTC Det. 860, Utah State University, 435-797-8734; and (American and  Jewish holidays) Steve Siporin, associate professor, History and English departments, College of HASS, Utah State University, 435-797-2722.