There are eight public holidays in England: New Year(1st of January), Good Friday(in 2013 March 23), Second day of Easter(in 2013 April 1), may Day, Spring day off(May 27, 2013), Summer day off(August 26, 2013), Christmas(December 25), (December 26).

All public holidays in Great Britain are also called “bank holidays”, i.e. official holidays in banks and other organizations.

Bank holidays mainly fall on Mondays, giving English citizens the opportunity to enjoy a long three-day weekend.

The designation “Bank holidays” was introduced in the 19th century by banker and politician Sir John Lubbock, who considered that two types of holidays should be distinguished.

The Bank Holidays Act 1871 provided for four official holidays: Easter Monday, the First of May, the Last Monday in August and Boxing Day.

Today this term is used for many public holidays, which, however, are not officially recognized as "Bank holidays", i.e. are not holidays.

1.1. New Year.

Rice. 1 Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square.
Rice. 2 New Year celebration.

The main winter holiday in England is Christmas, and the New Year is a continuation of the festive Christmas days. The British do not understand this holiday without street illumination in the form of Her Majesty's crown. The festive city is transformed: it puts on garlands of lights and houses a whole forest of Christmas trees.

The center of New Year's celebrations is Trafalgar Square. Thousands of people always gather there to celebrate the New Year, and a Christmas tree is erected. The Christmas tree is delivered from Norway as a sign of gratitude to the Kingdom for saving members of the Norwegian royal family during World War II.

The most famous new year tradition in this country it is the tradition of the first guest. A few minutes before the midnight clock struck New Year's Eve the father of the family or the dark-haired guest leaves the house through the back door, carrying away a small package containing a piece of coal, a loaf of bread and a coin. The person who "takes away the old year" and then "brings in the new year" should under no circumstances be blond or red-haired - this can bring bad luck.

A minute after the New Year, this man enters the house, loudly slamming the door, and the whole family greets him with laughter, shouts, congratulations and kisses. Then the bundle, which was brought in the same way a year ago, is thrown into the trash bin, and the new bundle is stored until the end of the year. The contents of the package should provide the family with warmth, food and prosperity throughout the coming year.

1.2. Easter.

Easter is a Christian holiday in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, celebrated by the Catholic Church on the first full moon Sunday after the spring equinox between March 22 and April 25.

Major holidays in England follow one another. This Good Friday(Good Friday), herself Easter or Holy Sunday(Easter Day) and Easter Monday(Easter Monday).

The constant symbol of the holiday are chocolate Easter Eggs and the Easter Bunny, symbolizing abundance and fertility.

Rice. 3 Chocolate Easter egg.
Rice. 4 Easter bunny.

Modern traditions of celebrating Easter in England are very cheerful, bright, colorful and joyful. Easter is considered one of the most important holidays of the year. On Easter Day, religious services are held in churches at dawn. Organ music concerts are held in Catholic churches.

On this day it is customary to wear new clothes, which symbolizes the end of the bad weather season and the onset of spring. At this time, tulips, crocuses and daffodils appear in the UK. Easter baskets filled with eggs, bread and other food are taken with them to the Easter service to be blessed in the church.

On Easter Monday, it is customary to give candy and toys to children on the streets. The kids are looking forward to Sunday, when they wake up and see that the Easter Bunny has left baskets of sweets for them and hid the eggs that they painted last week.

Children are looking for eggs all over the house. There are even special competitions - searching for eggs (" Eggstravaganza» – « Eggstravaganza"), the child who collects the most receives a prize. Such celebrations are held in parks and restaurants.

On Easter mornings, children roll eggs down the mountain. This is an old game. The egg rolling down the mountain symbolizes the stone rolled away from the Holy Sepulcher. In Lancashire, Easter festivities and “egg races” are held: hard-boiled eggs are lowered down a hill, and the one whose egg reaches the bottom of the hill first wins. The British brought this tradition to America.

One of the typical Easter traditions is preserved in Radley near Oxford. Parishioners join hands and “hug” their church - forming a living circle around it.

In England, the whole family gathers for Easter, prepare Sunday lunch: they bake a lamb with a lot of vegetables, bake an Easter cake (simnel cake), and paint eggs. And on Sunday mornings they serve hot cross buns with tea.

Another tradition associated with Easter is when the monarch gives money to the poor on Maundy Thursday in the Holy Week before Easter. The royal alms are distributed among pensioners living nearby cathedral or an abbey in which a church service is held with the participation of the monarch.

The location of this service changes every year. Previously it was held in London, but Elizabeth II c. at the beginning of her reign she decided to hold ceremonies in different cities United Kingdom.

1.3. May Day.

Rice. 5 Spring day.

The official holiday is the 1st Monday of May. This holiday went down in history as Spring Day (May Day). In the Middle Ages, on this day, girls got up before dawn and washed themselves with dew, believing that this would make them irresistible for the year ahead. Also on this day, archery competitions were held, residents sang and danced.

This custom still survives in some remote British villages, but city dwellers completely ignore it. On this day, fun festivities, costume parades, and other fun events take place in all parts of Britain. And the cities are decorated with flower garlands.

Spring Day is also associated with the national hero Robin Hood. IN Lately The day of May 1 is darkened by mass hooliganism among young people in central London.

1.4. Spring day off.

Rice. 6 Spring day off.

The spring holiday in the UK, celebrated annually on the last Monday of May, refers to the so-called Spring Bank Holiday.

This day can rightfully be called the holiday of flowers, because on the eve of the holiday, houses and streets of England are decorated with garlands of spring flowers.

In the morning, costume processions with flowers and branches of flowering trees are held on the streets. And during the day and evening the holiday spills over into folk festivities.

1.5. Summer day off.

August rest day (August Bank Holiday), which takes place every last Monday in August.

This day is considered an official holiday, and the local population tries to spend it with family in nature.

1.6. Christmas.

Rice. 7 Christmas.
Rice. 8 Christmas wreath.

Christmas– the most important holiday of the year is celebrated on December 25th. From December 1 to December 24, preparations for the Christmas holidays begin, the so-called Nativity Fast. Residents of England are stocking up on Christmas paraphernalia and gifts for loved ones.

One of the main traditions of these weeks is wreaths with candles, which have a special meaning. Such wreaths are made on the first Sunday of this period, and usually consist of 5 candles: four red and one white. Every Sunday a new red candle is lit. They are lit at a time when the family gathers together for prayer, a festive table, etc. A white candle is lit on the evening before Christmas as a symbol that Christ will come into the world and illuminate the darkness.

Another tradition associated with Christmas is hanging up stockings for gifts. According to the Christmas legend, in ancient times there lived a noble, but very poor man. His wife died and he was left alone with three daughters. The girls could not get married because they did not have a dowry.

One Christmas Eve they washed the stockings and hung them in front of the fireplace. Santa Claus decided to help the homeless women and threw a gold bar into each stocking so that they could get married.

Since then, on Christmas night, children in England hang stockings in front of the fireplace, and in the morning they find gifts in them. Children write letters to Santa Claus describing their wishes, but instead of mailing them, they throw them into the fire. And Santa Claus diligently reads the smoke.

The house is decorated with pine branches and wild berries. Branches and berries were brought into the house to disperse the winter gloom and remind that spring is just around the corner. Mistletoe can be found on apple trees and willows. It was hung around the house by the ancient Druids, who believed that mistletoe had mystical powers that brought good luck to the home and scared away evil spirits.

On Christmas Eve, children leave mince pies and brandy for Santa Claus and carrots for the reindeer. Gifts are opened on Christmas morning. Children wake up very early in the morning and find a sock full of gifts at the foot of the bed and gifts on the floor. Later, the family gets together to open all the gifts that were left under the tree.

Rice. 9

December 26th is one of the most pleasant holidays - Boxing Day. The name of this holiday does not come from the word boxing, but from the word “box” (box, box).

Traditionally, on this day, donation boxes are opened in churches and their contents are distributed to the poor. Previously, on this day, servants were sent home for a festive dinner with their families.
The holiday is an additional day off after Christmas.

England is an important part of Great Britain. The specifics of its holidays are slightly different from the holidays celebrated in Scotland or Ireland. What holidays are usually celebrated in England?

New Year in English (1st day)

The British spend New Year's Eve with their families. At the festive table, they congratulate each other on the upcoming holiday and make a promise to themselves. For example, quit a bad habit in the New Year or accomplish something.

Valentine's Day (14th)

Valentine's Day in England is associated with a beautiful legend. Traditionally, on this date, lovers give each other memorable gifts and cards in the shape of hearts, which are called Valentines.

There is a legend according to which during the war, despite the ban from the leadership, the priest Valentin married soldiers with their chosen ones. For this he was thrown into prison. There, Valentin, while awaiting his execution, met the warden's daughter and fell in love with the girl. Valentin could not admit his feelings. He simply wrote the girl a letter, which she received after the execution of the priest. This is how the first Valentine appeared.

Valentine's Day is a very personal holiday that couples celebrate together. Usually, February 14 is celebrated in bars and restaurants, making reservations in advance at the best establishments in England.

Mother's Day (last Sunday of Lent)

The Feast of All Mothers in England is celebrated on the last Sunday of Lent. The holiday has a very long history, connected with the fact that children used to be sent out of home early to work.

They were allowed home only at the end of Lent; they brought the money they earned and small gifts for their sisters and mothers to the family. Now children live with their parents, and on Mother’s Day they try to do housework for their grandmothers and mothers. It is also customary to give flowers to women on this holiday.

April Fool's Day (1st)

A fun day of jokes and practical jokes in England is called April Fool's Day. The British love to joke, so they can change the clock in the house or place a rubber cushion that makes obscene sounds under the seat.

In England, even the media take part in the sweepstakes. Only in this country the official time for jokes is limited to the first half of the day. Also on April Fool's Day, acquaintances and friends present each other with humorous souvenirs.

Easter (first Sunday in April, full moon)

Easter in England begins on the full moon. The full moon must certainly fall on Sunday. English Easter traditions are so revered in the country that even schools declare Easter weekend and let children go on vacation.

On Easter, all Christian churches hold festive services. People come to these services with Easter baskets. They contain colorful eggs, bread and other products. Baskets are carried to church for lighting. When Monday comes, candy is handed out to all the children on the streets.

For children, Easter is an excellent occasion for games and pranks. Parents hide painted eggs and sweets in the house, and children look for them, and when they find them, they receive other gifts.

Cheese race (last Monday of the month)

Cooper's Hill near Gloucester hosts an exciting annual event. The cheese race is a competition where participants run down a mountain to collect a wheel of cheese.

The tradition of a bright and funny holiday dates back to the 15th century. It is believed that running down the mountain for cheese used to be one of the competitions for the spring equinox..

Today, a huge number of people come to the event. The race is organized in several races. Women and men compete separately. The winner is the one who is the first to catch the head of Gloucester flying from a two-hundred-meter slope.

Monarch's Birthday (second Saturday in June)

The tradition of separating the official and real birthday of the monarch was established by King Edward the Seventh. The thing is that the monarch was born in the fall, but wanted to celebrate his birthday in the summer. Therefore, the holiday now falls in June. Saturday is chosen as the day of celebration.

On this holiday, Her Majesty performs on the balcony in Buckingham Palace. A ceremonial parade is also held on this date. On this day, public figures who have made a great contribution to the life of Great Britain are awarded.

Father's Day (third Sunday of the month)

On this date in England all fathers of the kingdom are congratulated. Daughters give roses to their fathers, sons make crafts for them. Preparations for the holiday take place even in kindergartens; children draw pictures for their dads to congratulate them and express their gratitude to them for their contribution to raising children.

Lady Godiva Festival (31st)

The carnival in honor of the English Lady Godiva is always colorful and fun. Processions are organized around the city in which half-naked women take part.

« According to Coventry urban legend, a local lord so taxed the residents that they turned to his wife for help. Then Lady Godiva asked her husband to reduce taxes, but he agreed to do this only if his wife drove naked through the city. The lord could not even think that a noble lady would agree to such an act. Godiva ordered the local residents to lock themselves in their houses, and she mounted a horse and rode around the city. Then the lord reduced taxes. An annual festival is held in honor of the courageous act of this noble woman.».

The carnival takes place in 11th century costumes. At the end of the celebration there is a traditional fireworks display.

Halloween (31st)

A terrible night, when, according to legend, evil spirits step on the earth, in England, as in other countries, it is called Halloween. In the Middle Ages, they believed that at the end of October the line between worlds was erased, and spirits, vampires, and werewolves came out of their hiding places to prey on humans.

Trying to avoid a terrible fate, people came up with a way out, and they themselves began to dress up as evil spirits, so that real evil would mistake them for their comrades-in-arms and not touch them.

Halloween is celebrated with fun in England. Themed parties are held everywhere. Homes are decorated with pumpkins, candles and spooky decor. Children go from house to house and beg their neighbors for candy.

Bonfire Night (5th)

The day of the famous Guy Fawkes in England is also called Bonfire Time. The history of the holiday is connected with the tragic events that occurred in the country in 1605.

At that time, King James the First reigned. He planned to strengthen the taxes that Elizabeth II had imposed on Catholics. Then Guy Fawkes and other attackers decided to blow up parliament on November 5th. They planned to overthrow James in order to place a king of the Catholic faith on the throne.

To carry out the crime, barrels of gunpowder were placed in the basement under the parliamentary halls. Only Guy failed to do what he had planned. One of his assistants sent a letter to a lord he knew, asking him not to come to the meeting on November 5th. So the letter got to the king, the cellars were searched, gunpowder was found there, and the attackers were executed.

The tragic history of Bonfire Night does not prevent the British from celebrating this day with ease and joy. By tradition, an effigy of Guy Fawkes is burned in all squares of the country. The British also organize house parties where they bake potatoes over coals and eat them with thick sausages. Many celebrate with family and friends.

It is always interesting and useful to study the life of other peoples and countries, to travel to these countries, to get acquainted with the way of life of people. You cannot get a complete picture of the country and its people without getting acquainted with the holidays held in a particular place and the peculiarities of their implementation.

When talking with any person about England, the famous double-decker red buses, Big Ben, soldiers in beautiful uniforms, the Queen, Stonehenge, the prime meridian immediately come to mind. But the sights are not the whole country. Many holidays in England are unknown to the average person. And they are quite interesting and different from holiday dates in other countries.

Variety of holidays in England

It should be noted right away that English holidays are similar in dates to holidays in Wales and Northern Ireland, but are somewhat different from holidays in Scotland.

Public holidays in England are usually called "bank holidays", which means official holidays among banking and other organizations. Unofficial events, which the British also have in abundance, do not mean a day off, but are nevertheless held vigorously, such as April Fool's Day: jokes and practical jokes on this day are present even on television screens and in the local press.

National English holidays, as in other countries, are associated with historical events that are of great importance for the country. One of the main such days for the British is St. George's Day, as for the Irish - St. Patrick's Day, for the Scots - St. Andrew's Day, and for the residents of Wales - St. David's Day.

Feast of St. George

St. George is considered the patron saint of England. The holiday takes place on April 23 (coinciding with the birthday and death of W. Shakespeare). Saint George opposed the persecution of Christians, for which he was executed. He is considered the embodiment of courage, protection of the weak and oppressed.

It is worth noting that almost all celebrations, except Christmas, New Year and Easter, fall on Monday for the British.

The British spend most official holidays with their families, in a quiet, homely atmosphere, but folk festivities, dating back centuries, or various festivals are held in such a way that every tourist would like to get to England precisely during such festive madness.

Major English holidays

The beginning of the year - January 1, as in other countries, coincides with the New Year celebration, but in England this event is not as large-scale as, for example, in Russia. Still, the main New Year's holiday for the British is Catholic Christmas, which falls at the end of the year, on December 25.

It is Christmas that is associated with magnificent celebrations and traditional treats in the form of stuffed turkey and pudding. There is also Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, and Christmas Day of rest, December 27, which is a public holiday. The British traditionally decorate their houses with candles, berries, Christmas tree branches, and Christmas socks.

Another English holiday that has spread throughout the world today is Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day (February 14). Usually this event involves a romantic evening when lovers exchange gifts in the form of hearts and Valentine's cards.

Similar to our traditional holiday, March 8, is Mother's Day among the British. It is celebrated on March 10th. On this day, it is customary for women to rest, and for men to help them with the housework. Previously, the holiday was a church holiday and was called Mother's Sunday (it fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent), but then it merged with a secular holiday and now always takes place on March 10.

April 1st is celebrated as a joke April Fool's Day or April Fool's Day. Now this holiday, naturally, which is not official, has spread everywhere. On this day, friends play pranks on each other and make fun of each other.

England is a monarchy, the British love and honor their Queen, so her birthday is celebrated everywhere, twice a year. Real Queen's birthday falls on April 21, but the monarch's birthday is celebrated in England on the second Saturday of June. On this day, a ball is held, a parade and a review of troops are held.

Easter holidays usually fall in March or April and are celebrated in many countries, but what distinguishes the holiday in England are its symbols: the Easter bunny or rabbit, which signifies abundance, and Easter chocolate eggs.

The first Monday in May is considered an official holiday and is called Spring Day. The British associate it with Robin Hood, and is held in the form of costumed processions and folk festivals.

Summer events occur mainly in August. The last Monday in August falls on the August Rest Day, and the day off is considered official. On this day, it is customary to go outdoors with your family. On the last Sunday of August Notting Hill Carnival is celebrated. This is a two-day carnival, festivities, where everyone dresses up in whatever way they want, music is constantly heard, fairs and exhibitions are held.

Just like some others, a holiday called All Saints' Day or Halloween (October 31) has now spread throughout the world. Of course, it is not an official holiday, but it is celebrated by many. The symbol of Halloween is a pumpkin with slits in the shape of a face and a candle inside. On this day, young people pretend to be various evil spirits and scare each other.

November 5th is the night of Bonfire Night or the Night of Guy Fawkes, who tried to blow up the London Parliament in the 17th century. On this night, his effigy is burned, fireworks are set off, and bonfires are lit. This national holiday is considered a kind of farewell to autumn.

At the end of the year, from December 1 to Christmas begins Christmas post, during which the British plan the Christmas weekend and prepare for the main holiday: they buy gifts and prepare various Christmas symbols.

Having figured out, or better yet seen, what events are held in England and on what scale they are celebrated, we can safely say that talk about the restraint of the British is largely untrue, at least during public festivities. No matter how prim and reserved the British may look from the outside, they know how to have fun no worse than you and me.

England is a country with rich history and culture. Like many others, she has her own holidays. This section of the site contains an article on the topic of UK holidays on English language with the translation.

Holidays in Britain in English

England is a country rich in history and culture. Like many others, she has her own holidays.

All the festivities can be divided into groups:

• Statutory holidays - days of celebration marked on the calendar are non-working.
• Holidays that you need to work, and has not been canceled, but the solemn speeches and other events are subject.
• Unofficial holidays - all in the days work, the festivities are not considered mandatory and can not be included in the list of public holidays.

Holidays for banks

As you know, banks around the world have a rest in holidays and weekends. In the UK public holidays also known as Bank weekends or holidays. That is additional days in addition to weekends when banks are closed (Goss. companies too). The relevant law was adopted in 1871. It displays days when banks are closed. Then they had a 4 year. Now they are 8 (England, Wales), Scotland - nine, North.Ireland - ten.
If the day fixed output will have on a Saturday or Sunday, it will be postponed to Monday, respectively. The employers in this pay weekend and those included in the number of vacation days.

Holidays In Britain:

New year

One of the most important holidays in the country, traditionally marked on January 1. It is considered a warm family holiday. Britons young and old make plans for the New year, make a wish. And solemnly promise ourselves something or other. In London held a colorful parade with dancers in beautiful costumes, acrobats.

Twelfth night

Notes on January 5 after the New year so to speak. It is the evening before the Baptism of Christ. The British must remove all the Christmas decorations in the house and in the yard, this is done to avoid possible failures in the new year. If something remains, it is left already for the whole year.

Night Bern

25 Jan. It is celebrated most often in Scotland. It"s a celebration of Robert burns - he was a poet on a national scale. Men wear the kilt pattern clan, read poetry Bern, playing the bagpipes. The menu is also traditional.

The Day Of Love

14 Feb. The obligatory exchange of cards and sweet gifts for his half, and just for friends and family.

Valentine's Day.David

He is considered a strong patron of Wales and the locals pay tribute to him - everyone wears clothes a symbol of the country - the Narcissus. The main dish on the menu of every family - Kaul (a soup of lamb and vegetables, bacon). The symbol of Wales is also considered the leeks, it also serves to this day.

Pancake feast

It is celebrated every year, the holiday falls on the last Tuesday before Lent. The majority of Britons hold the Post, but Pancake day is not averse to treat yourself to treat. Pancake races are held in some cities of the country.

Afterword

Holidays in Britain are many. This country honors its traditions, transmitting the precepts to a new generation. And easier to make it through the holidays for example. These are just some of them, an integral part of the culture and history of the country.

Translation into Russian:

All festive events can be divided into groups:

• Official holidays - days of celebration are marked on the calendar and are non-working.
• The holidays on which you need to work have not been cancelled, but ceremonial performances and other events still take place.
• Unofficial holidays - everyone works on those days; the celebrations themselves are not considered mandatory and may not be on the list of public holidays.

Holidays for banks

As you know, banks all over the world rest on holidays and weekends. In the UK, official holidays are also called Bank Holidays. That is, additional days except weekends, when banks are not open (government institutions too). The corresponding law was adopted back in 1871. It displays the days when banks are closed. Then there were 4 of them a year. Now there are 8 of them (England, Wales), Scotland - nine, Northern Ireland - ten.

If a fixed day off falls on Saturday or Sunday, it will be moved to Monday accordingly. Employers pay for weekends and they are included in the number of vacation days.

British holidays:

New Year

One of the most important holidays in the country is traditionally celebrated on January 1st. It is considered a warm family holiday. The British, young and old, are making plans for the New Year and making wishes. They also solemnly promise themselves this or that. In London there is a colorful parade with dancers in beautiful costumes and acrobats.

twelfth Night

Celebrated on January 5th after the New Year, so to speak. This is the evening before the Baptism of Christ. The British must remove all Christmas decorations in the house and yard to avoid possible misfortunes in the new year. If there is something left, then it is left for the whole year.

Night of Bern

The 25th of January. It is celebrated most often in Scotland. This is a holiday in honor of Robert Burns - he was a national poet. Men wear kilts with clan designs, read Berne's poems, and play bagpipes. The menu is also traditional.

Day of Love

The 14th of February. It is obligatory to exchange cards and cute gifts for your other half, and just for friends and family.

St. David's Day

He is considered a strong patron of Wales and local residents pay tribute to him - everyone wears the symbol of the country - the daffodil - on their clothes. The main dish on the menu of every family is kaul (a soup made from lamb, vegetables, and bacon). Leeks are also considered a symbol of Wales, and they are also served to this day.

Pancake holiday

It is celebrated every year, the holiday falls on the last Tuesday before Lent. Most Britons fast, but on Pancake Day they don’t mind treating themselves to a treat. Pancake races are held in some cities across the country.

Afterword

There are many holidays in Britain. This country honors its traditions, passing on its covenants to the new generation. And it’s easier and clearer to do this through holidays, for example. These are just a few of them, an integral part of the culture and history of the country.

UK holidays and events 2020: the most important festivals and highlights, national holidays and events in the UK. Photos and videos, descriptions, reviews and timings.

• Tours for May to the UK
• Last minute tours to the UK

• February 14, 2020 Valentine's Day in England
• February 24 - March 1, 2020Maslenitsa in England
• May 1, 2020 Rochester Chimney Sweep Festival
• May 24, 2020 British Queen's Birthday
• July 21 - 24, 2020 Isle of Wight Festival

  The music festival, taking place on one of Britain's well-known islands, has many blemishes on its history. In 1968, the headliner of the festival was the American cult band of the hippie era Jefferson Airplane, who made a name for themselves with the hit White Rabbit.

• August 2, 2020 Fringe Festival
• 8 – 12 August 2020 Great Beer Festival in London
• October 31, 2020 Halloween
• November 5, 2020 Guy Fawkes Night
• December 25, 2020 Christmas in the UK
• December 31, 2020 New Year in London
• December 31, 2020 New Year in Scotland
• December 31, 2020 New Year in England
• December 31, 2020 New Year in Great Britain

When Russians celebrate May Day, people in the UK organize the Rochester Chimney Sweep Festival. Yes, yes, modern heating systems have not yet eradicated this profession; rather, on the contrary, they have raised its prestige.

The British love May; there are many holidays and festivals in this month: in May they honor chimney sweeps, organize a whiskey festival, or simply celebrate May Day by choosing a king and queen of the month.

So, on the first of May in England there is a colorful procession with dancing in honor of the grimy, but never despondent people with ladders, ropes and brooms. “My Lord” leads the procession, followed by Jack-in-the-Green, a boy decorated with leaves and branches, teenage clowns somersaulting in front of him, followed by lords and ladies. At the end there is “milady”, who collects the “treasury”. Jack-in-the-Green represents the spirit of spring and the forest.

Apart from Easter, Christmas and New Year, all UK holidays fall on Mondays. This is how the British diplomatically solved the problem of a “hard day.”

In May, Scotland hosts a whiskey festival: before ordinary people The doors of factories open, which you usually can’t get into, of course. And most importantly, during the festival there are tastings of the drink that the Scots are so proud of. On May Day, a medieval carnival is held on the streets, ruled by a king and queen - they are chosen by the residents themselves. On the last Monday of May, residents of Great Britain have a spring day off: everything around is decorated with fresh flowers, people dance and sing in the streets. Every year, during three weeks in August, the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, welcomes guests and participants of the world's largest arts festival, the Fringe.

The Fringe festival hosts 32 thousand performances and more than 2 thousand different shows, for which more than 250 venues are equipped throughout the city.

Another interesting holiday celebrated in Great Britain is Apple Day. It is celebrated on October 21 or the weekend closest to this date. On this day you can try hundreds of different varieties of apples, some of which are not sold in regular stores. Also among the holiday dishes are apple pies, fruit and vegetable seasonings, and cider. And, of course, the holiday is not complete without games and competitions. For example, you can shoot apples with a bow or try your hand at a competition for the longest strip of peel.

The longest apple peel is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. American Katie Wolfer peeled an apple for 11 hours and 30 minutes and obtained a peel 52 meters 51 centimeters long. The record was set on October 16, 1976 in New York.