Along with October, May is one of the most densely packed months of the year. It's before the summer humidity and the last whole month of the school year. The weather is warming in the Northern Hemisphere and becoming crisp in the Southern Hemisphere. Prom, graduation, mothers, boating, and barbeques are several themes in May. Additional themes include physical fitness, outdoor safety, pets, healthcare careers, and vision health.
Nursing and its related fields are heavily highlighted throughout the month (Florence Nightingale's birthdate is May 12, 1820). International May Day(May 1st), a national or public holiday in many countries, celebrates organized labor worldwide. Haitian, Asian & Pacific Islanders and Jewish Americans celebrate their heritage months. Older Americans (65+) have their month.
Japan celebrates its major holiday, Golden Week(April 29 - May 5). The world tunes in to the Mother of all music competitions, Eurovision(May 13-17), andCinco de Mayo(May 5th)celebrations give a reason to indulge in tequila and Mexican culture and cuisine.
Let's start with one of the world's favorite vegetables: National Asparagus Month.
NATIONAL ASPARAGUS MONTH
Date: May 1-31, 2025
Location: United States
Champion: Unofficial Event. No Sponsor.
National Asparagus Month celebrates a perennial flowering plant species in the asparagus family. It is known for its edible young shoots. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it's low in calories and a good source of fiber. Asparagus graces various dishes worldwide, ranging from simple steamed preparations to complex recipes in gourmet cooking. Whether green, purple, or white, asparagus is valued for its distinct, slightly earthy flavor and can be grilled, boiled, steamed, or roasted.
THANK ZIRYAB IF YOU LOVE ASPARAGUS
Asparagus found favor in royal court meals in Andalusia, Córdoba (Spain), on the Iberian Peninsula, circa 840-852 CE. Abu al-Hasan Ali Ibn Nafi, more commonly known as Ziryab, meaning "Blackbird" or "Jaybird" in Persian, cooked and served vegetables to the king and his court. The former "weed" became a culinary superstar and a favorite of European aristocracy.
Ziryab was born in 789 CE in what is today Iraq. He is one of the more interesting characters in history, rising from slavery to the top of the royal court during his life. Thanks to him, we have music schools, toothpaste, deodorant, clothes for different seasons, asparagus, and a three-course meal—and those are simply his most well-known contributions.
NATIONAL GATOR DAY
Date: May 29, 2025
Location: United States
Champion: Wild Florida Airboats
National Alligator Day, or "Gator" Day raises awareness about alligators, emphasizing their importance to Florida's ecosystem and fascinating nature. Alligators, existing for over 35 million years, are among the largest and most formidable reptiles. They are indigenous to the United States, Mexico, and China, with the American and Chinese alligators being the only remaining species. Florida and Louisiana boast the largest populations of American alligators in the United States.
National Alligator Day aims to provide a different perspective on these often misunderstood creatures, highlighting their ecological significance and the intrigue they add to Florida's wildlife.
TANO FESTIVAL
Date: May 31, 2025
Location: North Korea, South Korea
Champion: Korean Tradition
Each year in early summer, the city of Gangneung comes alive with a swirl of drums, vibrant costumes, and age-old rituals for one of Korea's most cherished folk festivals – the Gangneung Danoje Festival, or Tano Festival.
The festival is a month-long ritual dedicated to appeasing the mountain guardian spirit, or "sansin," Koreans believe protects the region. High priests offer food, wine, and prayers to the spirit in elaborately staged ceremonies to ensure peace, good harvests, and communal prosperity.
The Gwanno mask drama is a favorite with tourists. This satirical pantomime featuring traditional masks adds theatrical flair, often lampooning corruption among the ruling class and providing cathartic humor for festival goers.
Like most festivals, food is a big part of the celebration. Dano rice cakes crafted from freshly harvested herbs and traditional rice wine (sikhye) feature in the festival's abundance.
Gangneung Danoje has been a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2005.
WHITE WREATH DAY
Date: May 29, 2025
Location: Australia
Champion: White Wreath Association Ltd.
White Wreath Day is a day of remembrance and advocacy dedicated to those who have lost their lives to suicide.
The White Wreath Association, founded by Fanita Clark in 2001 after experiencing the personal tragedy of suicide in her own family, promotes the day as an opportunity to support those who suffer in silence. The symbol of the white wreath serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and a call to action against the stigma associated with mental illness and suicide.
White Wreath Day activities include the laying of white wreaths at significant public locations, light candles, and wear white ribbons. These gestures are not only acts of remembrance but also serve to raise awareness about mental health issues and the need for accessible support services. The organization also advocates for "Safehaven Centres," which they propose as 24-hour facilities intended to provide immediate and nonjudgmental support for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
As Australia continues to face high rates of suicide, White Wreath Day serves as a crucial reminder of the societal and individual actions required to address this pressing public health issue. It is a day for reflection, offering hope and support to those affected by one of society's most grievous yet preventable crises. Participate by wearing white to work today.
NATIONAL IMMIGRANT'S DAY
Date: May 22, 2025
Location: Canada
Champion: Karas Immigration Law
If you live in Oceania or the Americas and are not a member of the indigenous population, you or your ancestors were once immigrants. Canada was built on its immigrants' dreams, aspirations, blood, sweat, and tears. Each year Canada sets aside this day, Canadian Immigrants' Day, to celebrate their contributions to Canadian society and open discussion on immigration policy and law.
According to the Canadian government, Canada continues to set record-high immigration levels. In 2023, Canada admitted 471,550 new permanent residents, surpassing its target of 465,000 for that year. Preliminary figures indicate that 2024 saw a similarly high intake – over 483,000 new permanent residents.
Top Five Country's of Immigration to Canada Origin (2023)
India: 139,714 or 29.6% of new immigrants
China: 31,765 or 6.7% of new immigrants
Philippines: 26,948 or 5.7% of new immigrants
Afghanistan: 20,166 or 4.3% of new immigrants
Nigeria: 17,446 or 3.7% of new immigrants
Source: IRCC permanent resident admissions data
INTERNATIONAL RIDE OF SILENCE DAY
Date: May 21, 2025
Location: Worldwide
Champion: The Ride Of Silence
In 2003, Chris Phelan organized the first Ride of Silence in Dallas after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and killed.
The Ride of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. During National Bike Month, the ride aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police, and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to public roadways. The ride is also a chance to show respect for those killed or injured.
As of 2010, this has become an international event, with riders worldwide joining in solidarity to honor those who have died in bicycle accidents. This event occurs on the third Wednesday in May unless rained out, and the alternate day is the Saturday following the third Sunday.
BIENNALE ARCHITETTURA
Dates: May 20 - November 23, 2025
Location: Italy
Champion: La Biennale di Venezia
The Biennale Architettura, also known as the Venice Architecture Biennale, is one of the most prestigious international architecture exhibitions, held every two years in Venice, Italy. It is a global platform for architects, designers, scholars, and enthusiasts to explore contemporary architectural trends and challenges.
The Biennale Architettura was first established in 1980 by the Venice Biennale organization, which has been organizing art exhibitions since 1895. Introducing an architecture biennale reflected the growing recognition of architecture as an essential cultural and artistic discipline. Over the years, the event has become a leading forum for architectural innovation and discourse.
The Biennale Architettura attracts diverse participants worldwide, including renowned architects, emerging talents, designers, academics, and students. National pavilions, hosted by participating countries, showcase architectural projects and concepts that reflect the biennale theme. These pavilions are often housed in the Giardini and Arsenale, historic venues in Venice dedicated to the event. In addition to the national pavilions, the Biennale Architettura features a central exhibition curated by the appointed director. This exhibition includes works from individual architects, collectives, and interdisciplinary teams, presenting innovative designs, research, and installations that respond to the biennale's theme.
IVOR WEEK
Dates: May 19-23
Location: United Kingdom
Champion: Ivors Academy
Ivor Week is a five-day fundraiser for the The Ivors Academy Trust and lead-up and celebration of the British music industry leading up to and through the Ivor Novello Awards, or "The Ivors."
Artists, celebrities, and music industry craftsmen gather for a week of celebration, networking, workshops, and concerts to celebrate the industry and support each other leading up to the awards ceremony on Thursday night, May 22, 2025.
Anyone who is anyone in the British music industry attends and anticipates the week. Unlike the Grammy Awards, the Ivors focus on craft, creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship rather than commercial success. Categories include Best Song Musically and Lyrically, Best Contemporary Song, PRS for Music Most Performed Work, and other specialized awards that highlight outstanding achievements within the music industry. They are seen as a barometer of musical excellence and have recognized legendary figures, emerging talents, and groundbreaking compositions.
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD IN MAY
CONSTITUTION DAY
Marshall Islands: May 1, 1979
Norway: May 17, 1814
Poland: May 3, 1791
CONSTITUTION MEMORIAL DAY
Japan: May 3, 1947
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Eritrea: May 24, 1991/1994
Jordan: May 25, 1946
Paraguay: May 14-15, 1811
Timor-Leste: May 20, 2002
Georgia: May 26, 1919
NATIONAL DAY
Azerbaijan: May 28, 1918
Yemen: May 22. 1990
YOM HA ATZMA'UT
Israel: May 13/14, 1948
MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS IN MAY 2025
Cyclofemme (Cycling: May 11 —United States
Emirates FA Cup Final (Football): May 17 —United Kingdom
Europa League Final (Football): May 21 —Spain
French Open (Tennis): May 25 - June 8 —France
Giro D'Italia (Cycling): May 10 - June 1 —Italy
Grand Final A-League (Football): May 23-25 —Australia
Grand Prix of Italy (Auto Racing): May 16-18 —Italy
Grand Prix of Monaco (Auto Racing): May 23-25 —Monaco
Grand Prix of Spain (Auto Racing): May 30 - June 1 —Spain
Grand Prix, Miami (Auto Racing): May 2-4 —United States
IIHF World Championship (Ice Hockey): May 9-25 —Sweden, Denmark
Indianapolis 500 (Auto Racing): May 25 —United States
Isle of Man TT (Motorcycle Racing): May 26 - June 7 —United Kingdom
Kentucky Derby (Horse Racing): May 3 —United States
PGA Championship (Golf): May 12-18 —United States
Preakness Stakes (Horse Racing): May 17 —United States
Premier League Final (Football): May 25 —United States
Scripps National Spelling Bee (Academics): May 25-30 —United States
Senior PGA Championship (Golf): May 22-25 —United States
Table Tennis World Championship (Table Tennis): May 17-25 —Qatar
UEFA Champions League Final (Football): May 31 —Germany
World Masters Games (Multi-sport): May 17-30 —Taiwan
DEEP DIVE FEATURE
LOOMIS DAY
Date: May 30, 2025
Location: Worldwide
Champion: Created by Robert Birch, deceased. No Sponsor.
Loomis Day honors Dr. Mahlon Loomis (July 21, 1826 – October 13, 1886), an American inventor and dentist who tapped into wireless technology with his inventions. Based on the first known wireless aerial communication in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1866, Loomis received Letters Patent No. 129,971 on July 30, 1872. His invention improved telegraphing by allowing for wireless message transmission three decades prior to Marconi's experiments and years before his 1874 birth.
Born in Fulton County, NY, in 1826 to an intellectually prominent family, Loomis was a dentist and inventor. His experimentation in Virginia's mountains involved two kites equipped with a vertical antenna and a spark gap transmitter, establishing communication over a distance of 14 to 18 miles. This early success in using radio waves predated and arguably outdid Marconi's initial efforts, who in 1895 managed a wireless signal over just 1.5 miles.
Despite his pioneering work, Loomis's contributions to radio are lesser known, primarily due to his financial hardships. Unlike Marconi, who benefitted from robust financial backing in Britain, Loomis struggled economically. His attempts to secure U.S. government funding were thwarted by slow legislative processes and the financial crises of the 1870s, including the Panic of 1873 that triggered a severe depression.
This highlights the crucial role of financial support in the advancement and recognition of technological innovation. Loomis's life, dotted with other inventive efforts—from patented porcelain false teeth to electrical thermostat improvements—reflects a spirited pursuit of innovation, albeit without lasting commercial success. His ideas around telegraphy, while not fully realized in his lifetime, laid the necessary groundwork for wireless communication. Contrasting these figures, Lynchburg, where Loomis conducted his experiments, emerged as a hub of innovation in various industries.
Post-Loomis, the city was notable for pioneering efforts such as the Bonsack machine for cigarette manufacturing in 1881, innovations in funeral service logistics, and the creation of Chapstick by Dr. Charles Browne Fleet, a local pharmacist. These historical footnotes underscore Lynchburg's role in fostering inventiveness beyond Loomis's work.
While Marconi is celebrated with a Nobel Prize for his contributions to wireless telegraphy, remembering Loomis is essential for a complete understanding of the field's early days. His experiments predated and anticipated the technological strides that would later revolutionize communication worldwide. Loomis's story is a poignant reminder of how financial backing can shape the trajectory of technological advancement and public recognition in the annals of history. This event was created by Robert L Birch, who passed away in 2005.
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For more events see my May 2023 and 2024 editions and the 2022 focus on Mom holidays.
Thank you for the gift of your time. Please like, subscribe and share to support my work. The next issue will cover events in June 2025. Have a fantastic May 2025!
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