Mainstream May Celebrations
May 8 honors the global humanitarian organization known for disaster relief, blood drives, and its iconic red emblem.
What is World Red Cross Day?
In 2021, she became the first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President of the United States.
Who is Kamala Harris?
This physicist’s theory of relativity revolutionized modern science, and he famously declined an offer to become Israel’s president.
Who is Albert Einstein?
This East Asian country has the world’s largest population and is a top origin for AAPI immigrants, known for its contributions like the Lunar New Year and inventions like paper and gunpowder.
What is China?
Celebrated on May 5, this holiday features tacos, guacamole, and parades to commemorate Mexico’s victory over France in 1862.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
This day in May is when families honor moms with cards, flowers, and brunch.
What is Mother’s Day?
This martial arts legend and actor became a global icon with films like Enter the Dragon and is often called the most famous Asian American in Hollywood history.
Who is Bruce Lee?
This director of Schindler’s List and Jurassic Park co-founded DreamWorks Studios and is Hollywood’s highest-grossing filmmaker.
Who is Steven Spielberg?
This island nation is celebrated globally for its cherry blossom festivals, anime culture, and iconic dishes like sushi and ramen.
What is Japan?
On May 13, Americans honor this iconic dessert first baked in 14th-century England, often served with a scoop of ice cream.
What is National Apple Pie Day?
Celebrated on the last Monday of May, this federal holiday honors U.S. military members who died in service.
What is Memorial Day?
This Taiwanese American basketball player sparked "Linsanity" in 2012 when he led the New York Knicks on a historic winning streak.
Who is Jeremy Lin?
This Supreme Court Justice, nicknamed “Notorious RBG,” fought for gender equality and served on the bench for 27 years.
Who is Ruth Bader Ginsburg?
This South Asian country is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the birthplace of yoga.
What is India?
Held annually on Memorial Day weekend, this 500-mile race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is dubbed the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
What is the Indy 500?
This week (May 6–12) honors Florence Nightingale’s birthday and the healthcare heroes who work in scrubs.
What is National Nurses Week?
This Chinese American cellist, known for his virtuosity and collaborations with artists across genres, has won 19 Grammy Awards.
Who is Yo-Yo Ma?
This biochemist developed the first safe polio vaccine in 1955, refusing to patent it to ensure global accessibility.
Who is Jonas Salk?
This Southeast Asian country is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands and was a key U.S. ally in WWII, where General Douglas MacArthur famously vowed, “I shall return.”
What are the Philippines?
May 19 is dedicated to indulging in this decadent, dark chocolate cake with a name that sounds devilishly delicious.
What is Devil’s Food Cake Day?
This May observance, established nationally in the 1990s, celebrates a diverse group whose contributions range from building railroads to pioneering tech startups—honoring over 50 ethnicities across Asia and the Pacific.
What is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
This Chinese American Olympian won 4 gold medals in figure skating and became the youngest woman to win a U.S. championship at age 13.
Who is Michelle Kwan?
This Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter, born Robert Zimmerman, wrote Blowin’ in the Wind and became a voice of 1960s counterculture.
Who is Bob Dylan?
This Southeast Asian nation’s capital, Hanoi, is home to the One Pillar Pagoda—a historic Buddhist temple built in the shape of a lotus blossom, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
What is Vietnam?
This May 2 celebration is all about chocolate treats shaped into bite-sized balls and rolled in cocoa.
What is National Truffle Day?