Festival and Celebrations
The Seminole Nation celebrates
Chalo Nitka
which means “day of the big bass.” The Indian Claims Commission handed down the decision in May 1964 concerning land that was taken from their ancestors. The judgement was handed down in honor of the Seminole Nation of Florida. As a result of three wars from 1816 to 1855, 4,000 Seminoles were shipped to Oklahoma. The Big Cypress Swamp and the Everglades nations never gave in. They didn’t sign a treaty, they simply retreated into the saw grass marshes. The Government wished to rectify their mistake in its dealings with the native and established the Indian Claims Commission that was finally approved five years later.
Chalo Nitka Festival
is celebrated on the first Saturday in March. Activities include athletic contests, nation dances, and the crowning of a princess.
North Americans have developed organized cultural activities, such as concerts and other musical events. It started in New England where the Worcester Music Festival, in Massachusetts, has been an annual event since 1858. The festival is held in the Memorial Auditorium during the last week in October, and includes five concerts featuring symphonies and choruses.
Community festivals where created to draw publicity for communities, namely in honor of Philadelphia’s English heritage. Two well known festivals are: Mummer’s Parade and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The exact date of Mardi Gras is determined by the date of Easter. Celebrations began at Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans is known as the
king
of the Mardi Gras cities. Private masked balls are held in the Municipal Auditorium during what is called
Carnival Season.
Before Easter, Christians are supposed to have their last fling before behaving for forty days of penitence. Parade floats are made of colorful paper and flowers. Spectators wear costumes and masks. Those riding on the floats toss beads of every size and color along with fruit, fresh bread, coins and sweets.
In Puerto Rico emphasis is placed on
San Juan Bautista Festival
around St. John’s Day in June when again Christians are supposed to enjoy themselves, then behave for forty days.
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I. Have students bring in colorful beads, costumes, and masks from home ahead of time. Halloween costumes are fine and add flavor to the Mardi Gras setting. Take a few minutes to dress up. Put on a carnival recording, and have a small parade. Allow students to visit other classes, and ask them to join in the fun.
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II
. Mardi Gras
or
San Juan Bautista Festival
can be done on a larger scale with some preparation. Chicken wire works best for stuffing crepe paper into the holes to make colorful decorations. Parade around the whole school.
