May is here, the grass is green, spring is fully in bloom and the kids can practically taste the end of the school year! Mother's Day, graduations, and Memorial Day top the list of May dates that we recognize in New Iberia, but what other events and holidays are happening this month?
There are plenty of other occasions, events, and holidays that you can recognize and celebrate with your family this month.
Check out our list below and let us know which are your favorites!
May Monthly Observations |
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 1-31
Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures are so rich in culture and diversity because they are represented in more than 30 countries — including the entire Asian continent and the Pacific Islands — and encompass more than 100 different languages.
Above is a link to a story we love called Lotus & Feather read by Michelle Yeoh, inspired by the true story of a crane that rescued a Chinese village. The author, Ji-li Jiang, grew up in Shanghai before moving to the U.S. in 1984.
Also, check out this list of books for children of all ages in our article Books We Love: Children and Young Adult Books by AAPI Authors. These books are great to help your children gain an understanding and introduce them to aspects of other cultures.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
May 1-31
Mental illness affects more than 50 million people in the U.S. and 17% of youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health condition. Visit NAMI for resources and ideas on how to mark this month, including signing a petition, advocating for change, telling your own story, and more. NAMI has a local chapter here in Acadiana that you can reach out to for local events and support as well.
The Iberia Mental Health Initiative and Bayou Side Run are proud to bring back the Bayou Side 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to downtown New Iberia this May. The event is happening May 4, 2024 at the Steamboat Pavilion and you still have time to register for the event! Get out with friends and family to help bring awareness to this important initiative right here in Iberia Parish.
By talking openly about mental health awareness we are letting others know that it is okay for them to talk about their own struggles too.
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National Hamburger Month
May 1-31
There have been many arguments on who invented the first hamburger throughout history. The claims as to who actually invented the hamburger go back as far as 1871 and there plenty! Find out more on the history of hamburgers here.
Hamburgers have always been one of my favorite meals, with or without the bun! May is the month before our summer season kicks off which normally brings plenty of back yard grilling for many families in New Iberia.
May 28 is also recognized also as National Hamburger Day. We have several restaurants around town offering the best burgers around so be sure to support our local restaurants. We may need to have a hamburger contest to see who's really the best!
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National Get Caught Reading Month
May 1-31
If you have followed me for any amount of time, you know that I am all about the books! We welcome and support any holiday that encourages our children to pick up a book. With so many options available, this is one holiday that we should encourage our kids to get caught celebrating.
From digital books, to audio books, and my favorite, a good old fashioned hardback, each offers is own aspect of venturing out into another world, learning about another culture or a new talent, or simply just enjoying a good story. Plan a trip to one of our local libraries, start your own book club, support a local bookstore, or lend one of your favorites to a friend to celebrate this month.
May Weekly Observations |
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Screen-Free Week
May 6-12
Screen-Free Week isn't just about giving up your screens, it's about gaining so much more! Instead of spending an hour on YouTube, you can spend that hour enjoying the great outdoors. Those ten minutes of scrolling through social media can turn into a fun doodling session. And on a rainy day, you can swap out a movie for some quality time reading, chatting, or playing pretend with your family. Find out more about participating in Screen Free week.
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National Small Business Week
April 28 - May 4
Did you know that Macaroni KID New Iberia is a small business? I completely relate to the stresses as well as the rewards of running a small business. Macaroni KID New Iberia works to make an impacts on the other small businesses in towns and cities in our area. We support businesses and organization in New Iberia, Franklin, Abbeville, Jeanerette, Loreauville, St. Martinville, Breaux Bridge, Morgan City, Patterson and Berwick.. just to name a few!
This is the week to support your local small businesses around town! Learn more about National Small Business Week here and get more information and resources.
To celebrate National Small Business Week, as of today, May 1st through Saturday, May 4th, 2024 any booked and paid advertising package with Macaroni KID New Iberia will get a 10% discount. We can work together to create the perfect fit for your needs! Reach out to us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com for details!
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National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6-10
Teacher Appreciation Week is recognized from May 6 through May 10. Our teachers work hard every day educating our kids. And we all know that our teachers have surely taken on so much more in recent years. This is our week to show them our thanks for all they do from educating to protecting our children.
May Holidays |
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May Day
May 1
May Day, or Beltane, an ancient pagan spring festival is celebrated in many countries around the world, often with flower festivals, parades, and dancing around Maypoles.
Want to mark the occasion? Leave some flowers for a neighbor to make their May Day! Here's how Charlotte Linde, editor of Macaroni KID EATS, celebrates this tradition in her neighborhood.
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National Paranormal Day
May 3
If you are like me and love learning about the paranormal, then this is your day! From UFO watching, to ghost hunting, to Bigfoot stories (or for us here in Acadiana, the Rougarou) we get to enjoy some spooky fun this May to celebrate all things paranormal.
We've partnered with our friends at Louisiana Spirits for several investigations and I am happy to say I am officially now part of the team with the Acadiana Chapter of Louisiana Spirits. I've done several series of articles on investigations with the team in 2022 and 2023 where we investigated historical homes and locations around New Iberia and Franklin.
This year the group also held the first ever Cajun Country Para Con in downtown New Iberia and is in the process of securing a location for next year. Stay tuned to our event calendar to find our how you can participate in upcoming classes and events around Acadiana this year with the team.
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Cinco de Mayo
May 5
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday meant to mark the day the Mexican Army beat the French Army in the 1800s. In the United States, however, the day has turned into a giant celebration of Mexican-American culture, music, and cuisine. Check out our delicious recipes for guacamole, pico de gallo, and homemade chips!
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Mother's Day
May 11
It doesn't matter if the appreciation of the work you do comes in the form of a sticky hug, a handmade card, breakfast in bed, or an expensive gift. Know that you are loved today, and every day. Get a free Mother's Day card from Macaroni KID now for the kids to give something special to Mom.
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Memorial Day
May 28
Today we remember those who died serving in the U.S. military. We have several members of my family who have served as I am sure many of you do.
Memorial Day is not only the day we typically kick off summer break but should be a day of honor for those who fought for our freedoms. We will be sure to add any local events to our calendar to honor our military here in New Iberia and around Acadiana.
Be sure to celebrate this May! |
Macaroni KID New Iberia loves sharing all the news, events, and local celebrations that include all families in our area.
If you have any celebrations in your family for the upcoming months that you would like to see featured, please email suggestions to us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com.
If your business or organization would like to be featured as part of a national day or monthly holiday to advertise your services and/or products, let us know! You can also submit your local free or low cost events for review directly on our events calendar.
