9 Bizarre American Customs You Won’t Believe Exist
In the beautiful tapestry quilt that is America, you’ll easily find bold, vibrant, and meaningful traditions, customs, and events that delicately weave the entire country together. From massive Independence Day celebrations with colorful fireworks to the Mexican holidays Cinco de Mayo, Labour Day, and Super Bowl Sunday, America knows how to celebrate and acknowledge its customs. Today, that’s exactly what we’re sharing. We’re exploring bizarre American customs you’ve probably never heard about. Ready? Let’s go!
1. Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. It is the unofficial start to the beautiful summer season and an American custom that holds a lot of meaning. Memorial Day is a federal holiday to honor and mourn the U.S. military men and women who died serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally, it was known as Decoration Day, but in the years following the Civil War, it became Memorial Day. Many people visit American cemeteries and place flags at gravesites. Others may gather and have a barbeque and celebrate the life they have, while there are also parades and festivities all over the country. It’s a bittersweet holiday, bitten by the sadness of loss and grief while spun with celebration and love. This year, Memorial Day lands on May 27, 2024.
2. Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is a day that acknowledges Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In America, it’s a day to celebrate Mexican-American culture. People enjoy tacos, tequila, and margaritas in full force. Some cities in the country host parties, festivities, and parades. Some neighborhoods host street parties and carnivals and bring in food trucks and other exciting entertainment. Some amazing and traditional Cinco de Mayo foods Americans enjoy are:
- Tacos
- Guacamole
- Salsa and chips
- Quesadillas
- Nachos
- Churros
- Enchiladas
3. Super Bowl Sunday
Super Bowl Sunday is an iconic American custom. Though it’s an unofficial holiday, it’s filled with many festivities, feasting, and fun. Super Bowl Sunday marks the NFL’s (National Football League) annual championship game. Many people host or attend watch parties, enjoy game-day food like buffalo wings and nachos, and enjoy the much-anticipated half-time show. Past performers have included some incredible artists, so Americans know that the half-time show will be jaw-dropping year after year.
Past performances: Super Bowl Sunday:
- Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Mary J. Blige
- The Weeknd
- Shakira and Jennifer Lopez
- Lada Gaga
- Katy Perry
- Prince
- The Rolling Stones
4. Fourth of July
Independence Day is a holiday celebrated on July 4th in America. The holiday acknowledges the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4, 1776. The holiday is marked by enormous displays of vibrant fireworks, exciting concerts, family reunions, picnics, barbecues, and much more. Many people express their patriotic side through decorations and flags.
5. Labour Day
Labour Day marks the unofficial end of summer in America. But, more importantly, it’s a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and celebrating American workers. Labour Day is the first Monday in September. This year, it’s on September 2, 2024. Many places in America acknowledge it with parades that tell the history of the labor movement, exciting festivities, and retail sales.
6. Thanksgiving
The fourth Thursday of November is American Thanksgiving. It’s a reflection of American culture and a time to acknowledge the things Americans are grateful for. It’s of the highest cultural, historical, and social importance, and families and friends come together in many ways. The roots of Thanksgiving date back to the early 17th century, when English Pilgrims and the Indigenous community united to celebrate a successful harvest in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. The tradition emphasizes values of gratitude, togetherness, and expressing thanks. Many people indulge in delicious feasts of traditional foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and cornbread. Some families enjoy gatherings, playing an annual game of football, or watching movies together. Other Thanksgiving Day activities families enjoy are raking the leaves, pumpkin carving, and drinking pumpkin spice lattes.
7. Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras in America is an exceptionally bright, colorful, and bold festivity. It is marked by elaborate parties, incredible parades, vibrant costumes, gorgeous masks, and the iconic throwing of the beads. It is enjoyed with delicious food before Lent begins. In some areas of the country, Mardi Gras is a week-long celebration.
8. Black Friday
Black Friday is a national day of extravagant shopping. Enthusiastic shoppers line up in anticipation of retail sales. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. It also serves as the kickoff to the holiday season, with many using the Black Friday sales to get a headstart on their shopping.
9. Homecoming
Homecoming is a nationwide school event that happens in either late September or early October. Its purpose is to welcome back former members of the community. It’s usually centred around a banquet or dance, parades, football games, and, of course, good food. Homecoming is an iconic American custom that many look forward to in their school careers.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re interested in diving into American culture and history or just wanting to find the best American tradition to take part in, this list should cover it all. From Memorial Day to Cinco de Mayo, Super Bowl Sunday, Independence Day, Labour Day, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Homecoming, these American customs are deeply rooted in history, offering families and individuals an exciting and fun way to acknowledge them. Bright, bold, colorful fireworks that light up the night sky, catching beads from the Mardi Gras parade, enjoying traditional feasts like turkey and cranberry sauce, and taking part in charming homecoming celebrations are just some of the American customs that are well-loved and enjoyed.
