What would that be?

Chances are that young Irish boys probably attended at least one of the annual celebrations held on March 17 to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day. In cities with large Irish populations such as New York, Boston, and Chicago, residents held large, festive parades, along with speeches, and food, every year to mark the patron saint of Ireland’s special day. Also, in many cities, large numbers of Irish immigrants became policemen and firemen. These groups also sponsored friendly competitions and contests, as well as annual dances such as the “Policemen’s Ball,” and the “Firemen’s Ball,” which you might have attended when you were older.

Do you know of special holidays that are celebrated by other ethnic groups in the United States? Make a list. Then go to your local library and find out how these holidays came about.