Aug. 15: Woodstock

On August 15, 16 and 17, 1969, just a month after the famous moon landing of Apollo 11, nearly 500,000 people attended the Woodstock music festival.

Festivus Explained

Are you bored with the commercialism of the Christmas holidays? Do you find tinsel distracting? Is there a large aluminum pole collecting dust in your crawlspace? If you answered yes to all of the above then Festivus is for you! Learn about this fascinating holiday here.

How Cinco de Mayo Works

When you hear the words "Cinco de Mayo," what comes to mind? Margaritas? Mariachi bands? There's more to the holiday than these displays of Mexican culture. Find out what Cinco de Mayo is all about.

How Easter Works

Easter's around the corner -- might be time to brush up on your holiday knowledge. Learn all about this springtime celebration, from its origins to the (often wacky) worldwide variations on its observance.

How Fireworks Work

If you've ever been to an aerial fireworks show, then you know that fireworks have a magic all their own. Ever wonder how they make such incredible colors and designs? Learn all about these pyrotechnics!

How Hanukkah Works

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah celebrates a very special triumph over religious persecution, when the Jews were able to escape oppression at the hands of Antiochus, a Syrian king. Read more about this important Jewish holiday.

How Kwanzaa Works

For people of African descent living around the world, the holiday of Kwanzaa is a time to honor African traditions. This relatively new holiday lasts seven days, uses seven symbols and sets forth seven ideals. Learn all about Kwanzaa and how it is celebrated.

How Mardi Gras Works

Mardi Gras turns New Orleans into a hotbed of fun and reveling. This might make the festival's religious ties rather hard to imagine. Learn all about the roots, traditions and current practices of Mardi Gras.

How Ramadan Works

In the religion of Islam, Ramadan is the holiest time of the year. For a month, Muslims fast during daylight hours to show their loyalty to and praise for Allah. Find out what Ramadan is all about.

How Rosh Hashanah Works

Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish religion. You may know all about it, or you may know only that it has something to do with apples and honey. Learn all about Rosh Hashanah.

How St. Patrick's Day Works

Learn about the story, the saint, the shamrocks and the famous Blarney Stone associated with Saint Patrick's Day.

How Thanksgiving Works

Some see Thanksgiving as an example of the possibility of great respect and cooperation between two different cultures. Today, many associate the holiday less with pilgrims and American Indians and more with football and turkey. Learn how a bountiful harvest and a Native American named Squanto led to a steadfast tradition.

How the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Works

What's 63 feet long, 46 feet tall and filled with 12,000 cubic feet of helium? One of the behemoth balloons at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Learn how many balloon wranglers are needed to keep the parade afloat and find out what this event has to do with emigrants, zoo animals and the holidays.

How Valentine's Day Works

When did the Valentine's Day frenzy begin? Was there really a saint named "Valentine"? Why the flowers and chocolate? Learn all about the origins and symbols of Valentine's Day.

How Yom Kippur Works

Yom Kippur is one of two Jewish High Holidays. It marks the end of a 10-day period during which Jews seek forgiveness for their sins so they can make a fresh start. Find out all about Yom Kippur.