Americans may well need a holiday soon, but Labor Day isn't celebrated on May 1 like in many countries because of its socialist origins and because it's often associated with Chicago's Haymarket Affair, a violet labor protest that happened in 1886. Instead, the celebration takes place on the first Monday of September in the US.
But Labor Day is just one example of how American holiday traditions sometimes differ from the rest of the world. Across the globe, there are unique holidays that Americans typically don't celebrate. There are also popular ones that many Americans choose not to celebrate for cultural and historical reasons.
From unfamiliar traditions to holidays steeped in controversy, the reasons vary as widely as the festivities themselves. Explore these global celebrations to get a glimpse into diverse cultures and understand the unique factors that shape what Americans choose to honor—or not. Click on for more.