February 2 is Candlemas. We are officially half-way through winter. (Will we make it to the end???) I’ve collected some Youtube videos to highlight some of the festivities on this date around the world.
In North America, it’s Groundhog Day. While there are celebrity rodents all over the U.S. and Canada, the most famous has got to be Punxsutawney Phil from Pennsylvania. Here’s a photo montage from Phil’s 2008 prediction of six more weeks of winter. Phil, I’m counting on better news from you for 2009!
This next clip doesn’t really have to do with Groundhog Day per se . . . just groundhogs. You’ll see the cutest marmotte in this French commercial for Milka chocolate:
In France, it’s la Chandeleur, or Crepe Day. You hold a coin in one hand, and flip a crepe in the other. If the crepe lands in the pan, you’ll have a year of happiness. Here is a French crepe recipe. Look delicious?
Finally, el Dia de la Candelaria is a religious and family celebration in Mexico. People have parties and eat tamales. Many families also dress a niño Dios in fine clothes to be presented at church. Check out these photos from About.com. Now, about those tamales . . .
Have yourself a multicultural midwinter celebration 
