April showers bring May flowers, and they also bring a host of fun holidays and observances to liven up the month! From religious celebrations to awareness days, foodie events to spring festivals, April offers something for everyone. This comprehensive guide will overview the diverse April observances and provide tips to make the most out of these annual celebrations.
Popular April Holidays
April hosts two major national holidays in the United States – Easter and April Fools' Day.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or just after the spring equinox. This means the date varies from year to year, occurring anytime between March 22 and April 25. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. Popular traditions include attending church services, dyeing Easter eggs, holding Easter egg hunts, and indulging in chocolate Easter bunnies and marshmallow Peeps. Extend the festivities by getting together with family or hosting an Easter brunch.
April Fools’ Day
Celebrated on April 1st every year, April Fools’ Day is a lighthearted holiday dedicated to practical jokes and hoaxes. The origins are unclear, but one theory suggests it stems from the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in the 1500s, when those who continued celebrating the new year in April were branded as “April fools”. Prank your friends by switching out the sugar and salt, pretend you dyed your hair a wild color, or try placing a “Kick Me” sign on an unsuspecting co-worker. Just be sure to yell “April Fools!” afterwards so no one takes the joke too far!
Religious Holidays and Observances
In addition to Easter, the spring month contains other major religious holidays.
Passover
Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the liberation of enslaved Israelites from Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. The dates are based on the Hebrew calendar, so Passover starts on the 15th day of Nisan, varying between late March and late April. Traditions include avoiding leavened bread and products, hosting a ritual dinner called a Passover Seder, and eating symbolic foods like matzo.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the dates for Ramadan shift approximately 11 days each year. Healthy adult Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset for the entire month. Break the fast after sundown by indulging in iftar meals, attending prayer sessions, and reading the Quran. Ramadan concludes with the festive Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Seasonal Celebrations
April ushers in spring with a slew of nature-based observances and seasonal celebrations.
Earth Day – April 22
Earth Day lands on April 22nd as an environmental awareness event celebrated worldwide. The holiday launched in 1970 to protest ecological harm and galvanize political action on environmental reform. Get into the spirit by planting trees, picking up litter, switching to eco-friendly products, or attending festivals and rallies.
Arbor Day – Last Friday in April
Arbor Day promotes appreciating and planting trees. Founded in 1872 in Nebraska, it is legally recognized in all US states, with dates varying based on local climate. Give back to nature by planting and caring for your own tree or volunteering with green organizations. Other activities include visiting botanical gardens, going on nature hikes, or learning about trees.
Gardening Days
April features several gardening holidays, including National Lawn Mowing Day (April 4), National Gardening Day (April 14) and National Arbor Day (last Friday). Roll up your sleeves, get outdoors, and enjoy the warming spring weather by tidying up your lawn and gardens. Plant flowers, pull weeds, improve the soil, or get creative with fun garden crafts and DIY projects.
Awareness Days and Weeks
Numerous health and social awareness events land in April to educate the public and promote positive change.
World Health Day – April 7
Marked annually by the World Health Organization, World Health Day spotlights different global health topics and crises. The goal is to raise public awareness while urging governments to improve healthcare access. Do your part by learning this year’s theme, making donations to health charities, or volunteering for community clinics.
National Public Health Week – First full week of April
This observance organized by the American Public Health Association aims to recognize public health achievements and raise awareness of pressing issues. Get involved by learning about evidence-based public health improvements, sharing daily tips on social media, or volunteering with health organizations.
World Autism Awareness Day – April 2
Designated by the United Nations, this day calls attention to autism spectrum disorders and the challenges facing patients. Over 100 landmark buildings light up blue in solidarity, like the White House and Empire State Building. Participate by wearing blue, making donations to autism nonprofits, or educating yourself and others about autism.
Testicular Cancer Awareness Week – First full week of April
Held annually by the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation, this week promotes education, screening, and early detection. Testicular cancer mainly impacts men between 15-35 years old. Do your part by learning about risk factors, getting screened if at risk, advocating for research funds, or sharing info online to #FeelYourNuts.
Foodie Holidays to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
If you have a major sweet tooth, April will not disappoint with these quirky food holidays.
National Chocolate Mousse Day – April 3
Dedicated to the rich, creamy dessert, this sweet holiday calls for making and devouring chocolate mousse. Impress dinner guests by preparing homemade mousse or pick up a decadent option from your favorite bakery. Top it off with fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for extra decadence.
National Deep Dish Pizza Day – April 5
Chicago is famous for its buttery, cheese-stuffed deep dish pizzas. Celebrate this tasty holiday by trying your hand at making authentic deep dish pizza at home or ordering from well-known Chicago pizzerias that ship nationwide. Host a pizza party to sample an array of deep dish pies.
National Sourdough Bread Day – April 9
Sourdough bread features a tangy, signature flavor from the lactic acid produced by the yeast. Bake your own rustic sourdough loaf or head to specialty bakeries offering sourdough varieties to mark the occasion. Create sandwiches or pair it with soups, salads, and cheeses.
National Jelly Bean Day – April 22
Ronald Reagan popularized jelly beans as a favorite treat, so this holiday honors his birthday. Pick up an assortment of jelly bean flavors and colors to munch on. You can also try fun recipes like jelly bean bark or jelly bean Jell-O.
Springtime Festivals, Fairs and Fun
April provides the perfect backdrop for beloved springtime activities and festivals across the country.
Cherry Blossom Festivals
These springtime festivals celebrate the burst of beautiful cherry trees in bloom, with major events held in Washington DC, New York City, and Macon, Georgia. Partake in cultural performances, food vendors, walking tours, arts and crafts, or a picnic under the pink canopies.
Egg Hunts and Easter Activities
In addition to church services, many communities host free public egg hunts and Easter activities. Search for local events or organize one with friends and family. Dye eggs together or get competitive with egg tosses and races.
Garden Tours
April is peak season for gorgeous spring gardens, so look for open garden tours at local arboretums, botanic gardens, and historic estates. Immerse yourself among tulips, daffodils, flowering trees, and green landscapes.
Kite Flying Festivals
The breezy April weather creates ideal conditions for kite flying. Check events calendars for kite festivals offering professional showcases, competitions, kite making workshops, and open flying areas for the public. Fly a kite solo or join in the colorful fun.
Planning Your Own April Celebrations
If you want to organize any April celebrations yourself, here are some quick tips:
Research the holiday origins and traditions to generate ideas. Check for free event resources.
Pick suitable activities that fit the holiday theme and your budget. Keep food, weather, age groups, and mobility restrictions in mind.
Send digital invites with schedule details, asking guests to RSVP. Remind them one week before the event.
Decorations can be simple if you’re short on time. Balloons, streamers, tablecloths and themed plates/napkins work for most events.
Prep food, activities, and favors in advance to reduce day-of stress. Delegate tasks to family or friends.
Capture photos throughout the event for memories and social media. Tag attendees and use relevant hashtags.
With this crash course on major April holidays and observances, you can start brainstorming how to liven up your month with meaningful celebrations. Try a fresh theme this year or put a unique spin on traditional practices. April offers a diverse lineup guaranteed to inject merriment and warm memories into your spring season.
Frequently Asked Questions About April Holidays and Celebrations
When does Easter fall in April?
Easter Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the full moon occurring on or just after the spring equinox. This means it can occur anytime between March 22 and April 25 each year. The Western Christian holiday commemorates Jesus Christ's resurrection, with traditions involving church services, family gatherings, egg decorating, and Easter egg hunts.
What are the major food-related April holidays?
Some of the top food and drink holidays in April include National Beer Day on April 7th, National Grilled Cheese Day on April 12th, National Garlic Day on April 19th, National Picnic Day on April 23rd, and National Pretzel Day on April 26th. There are also days dedicated to specific foods like deep dish pizza, chocolate mousse, jelly beans, and sourdough bread.
How is Passover related to Easter?
Passover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the exodus of enslaved Israelites from ancient Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus. It typically falls in late March or April. Passover and Easter often coincide based on calculations of the lunisolar Hebrew calendar and solar Gregorian calendar. Both holidays symbolize spiritual freedom and redemption in their respective faiths.
What holidays fall on April 1st?
April Fools' Day is the major holiday celebrated on April 1st every year. Its origins trace back to adopting the Gregorian calendar, when those who still celebrated the new year in April were ridiculed as “April fools.” Traditions include pranks, jokes, and hoaxes to trick friends. Other April 1st holidays include National Sourdough Bread Day and National Walking Day.
When is the best time to view cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossom season reaches its peak in April most years, making it the perfect time to view these beautiful blooms at festivals and orchards across the country. Major cherry blossom festivals occur in Washington DC, New York City, and Macon, Georgia. The blooms last roughly two weeks, so check forecasts to time your visit.
How can I celebrate Earth Day?
Earth Day on April 22 promotes environmental awareness and action. Get into the spirit by planting trees, picking up litter, going on nature walks, switching to eco-friendly products, attending rallies and festivals, making recycled crafts with kids, or donating to an environmental nonprofit.
What are top spring activities for April?
Popular springtime activities in April include Easter egg hunts, flying kites, viewing cherry blossoms, flower gazing, spring cleaning and gardening, visiting zoos and botanical gardens, taking nature photography, having picnics, outdoor sports, hiking, and camping. Attend a local festival for more ideas.
What's the difference between Arbor Day and Earth Day?
Arbor Day encourages tree planting and care, while Earth Day focuses on environmental protection more broadly. Arbor Day dates vary by US state based on local climate, while Earth Day is always April 22. You can plant a tree for both Earth Day and your state's Arbor Day celebration!
Where can I find resources for April celebrations?
Check sites like Time And Date, Foodimentary, and Days Of The Year for full April calendars detailing every holiday and observance. Look up local community events calendars. Search Pinterest and parenting blogs for activity ideas, crafts, recipes, and party tips tied to April celebrations.
What are the most family-friendly April holidays?
Top family-friendly April holidays include Easter, April Fools' Day pranks, Earth Day activities, Arbor Day tree planting, gardening days, cherry blossom festivals, egg decorating and hunts, kite flying days, and National Pet Day. Adjust activities based on kids' ages and abilities. Get kids involved in planning and preparing for a fun family experience.
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