February might be the shortest month of the year, but there's certainly no end to the events, holidays, and celebrations to celebrate with your family this month. We've rounded up nine special occasions to recognize with your family.
From Black History Month to Fat Tuesday, here are nine holidays and celebrations to recognize this February:
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Black History Month
All Month
This month we recognize and celebrate the history, the contributions, and bring awareness to African American history that is part of our culture in the United States. From the White House in 2022: "Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations."
We also have a great article to share, A Teacher's Perspective: An At-Home Lesson About Black Wall Street, that you can use as a discussion topic with your children this month. It gives a great overview about the history of Black Wall Street.
In December of 2022, the Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia announced the opening of the The Iberian African American Historical Society Center for Research and Learning. The society works to collect and preserve records, historical photographs, and documents that continue to educate the community on the contributions of the African Americans in Iberia Parish. Located on the second floor of the visitor's center at the Shadows on the Teche, you can schedule your appointment during the weekdays to access the Center for Research and Learning.
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Groundhog Day
February 2
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? You can watch the live broadcast to see if he does. If so, it's six more weeks of winter.
Did you know that several states have their own version of Punxsutawney Phil? In New Iberia, we had Pierre C. Shadeaux, the Cajun groundhog, that normally made his predictions at Bouligny Plaza.
I am not sure if he will be there for 2024 but Groundhog Day is a fun day to recognize with the kids by reading a book, watching a video or movie, or doing some crafts to celebrate. Head here for fun links to use in your celebration.
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Lunar New Year
February 10
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a time of vibrant celebrations enjoyed by families around the world. In 2024, we are moving into the Year of the Dragon. The celebration is technically 15 days long and since it's based on the lunar calendar, it usually falls in January or February each year.
The focus of Lunar New Year is on new beginnings and celebrating hope and good fortune for the upcoming year. You know we love crafting at Macaroni KID New Iberia and this sounds like a perfect holiday to celebrate with crafts! Here are 3 Kid-Friendly Lunar New Year Crafts to Celebrate Year of the Dragon.
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International Day of Women & Girls in Science
February 11
The International Day of Women & Girls in Science was established in 2015 by the United Nations to ensure full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. Encouraging young girls to pursue STEM related fields is a important for us to develop the next generations of leaders and problem solvers.
If you have a young lady in your life interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics, then you can learn more about how to encourage them by checking out some of these organizations:
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Fat Tuesday
February 13
Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras as we know and love here in New Iberia, is the celebration of food, fun, and carnival revelry that begins on King's Night in January and leads up to the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is celebrated throughout Acadiana with parades, king cake, chicken run's, festivals and more.
To get the details of what's happening from New Iberia to Morgan City this carnival season, head to our 2024 Macaroni KID New Iberia Mardi Gras Guide for events and family fun happening near you.
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Valentine's Day
February 14
We see the jewelry store ads too, but heartfelt words and a thoughtful, simple gesture like planning an evening together — even if it's at home for those of us who are exhausted parents — can mean the most. Here are ideas for a romantic Valentine's Day evening at home.
Join us for fun Valentine's Day crafts on our next appearance on Good Day Acadiana with Alex Worstell on February 7, 2024, from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.
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National Random Acts of Kindness Day
February 17
"Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you." - Princess Diana
If you are looking for ideas to celebrate today, be sure to read Celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day for simple ideas you can do to show kindness to someone else. If we all took the time to do something kind for another person, can you image the ripple effect that may have on society as a whole. It's simple... just be kind.
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National Love Your Pet Day
February 20
I mean, OK. You don't have to tell us twice. We know our two can be a total handful sometimes, but we would not have it any other way!
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Leap Day
February 29
Hip hip hooray! It's Leap Day. When it only comes around once every four years, you've gotta celebrate. Party old school with a game of leapfrog. Or hop out to a local park, indoor play place, or your backyard for some leaping around with kids. Don't forget to check our partner site CertifiKID for some epic deals on indoor fun.
Macaroni KID New Iberia loves sharing all the news, events, and
local celebrations for all families in our area!
Did you know that you can submit your free or low cost event directly to our event calendar? If your business or organization has any upcoming events, submit your event here.
All submissions will be reviewed by our team before being added.
If your business or organization would like to be featured as part of a national day or monthly holiday to advertise your event, products, or services, let us know!
Also, if our subscribers have upcoming celebrations that you would like to see featured, please email your suggestions to us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com.
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