Celebrating Spring Holidays with Food!

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​What's spring’s favorite kind of pickles? Daffo-dills!
• What do you call cheese that isn’t yours on Cinco de Mayo? Nacho cheese!

Spring is a time of fresh starts. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, we’re reminded of the many world holidays and celebrations happening this time of year. What better way to explore these cultures and traditions than through food? At Sticky Fingers Cooking, we believe that food is a powerful tool for learning and connection. Join us as we take a culinary journey through some major spring holidays and learn about the delicious dishes that make them special!

Ramadan (March 10 - April 9, 2024)

Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar marked by a period of fasting and reflection from dawn to dusk. Muslim families and communities come together, sharing pre-dawn meals (suhoor) and breaking their fast with evening feasts (iftar) that often include sweet, delicious dates. Ooey Gooey Date Shakes offer a nutritious burst of energy and hydration, making them a welcome addition to any iftar meal.

Nouruz (March 19, 2024)

Nouruz (Persian New Year) is celebrated in many countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkey. The holiday takes place on the first day of spring. Traditions include cleaning homes, visiting friends and family, and preparing a haft-seen table that features items that represent different aspects of life (growth, fertility, love, health, beauty, patience, and light). Popular Nouruz dishes include herbed rice (sabzi polo) and herbed frittata (kuku sabzi). If you’re wondering what kid-friendly dish to make to celebrate Nouruz, try Middle Eastern Shakshuka Poached Eggs!

Holi (March 25, 2024)

Holi is a Hindu holiday that celebrates love, the arrival of spring, and the victory of good over evil. Holi is also known as “the festival of colors” because traditions include throwing colorful, plant-based powders and smudging them on friends and family as a symbol of love and friendship. Two traditional Holi foods are spiced milk (than-dai) and sweet dumplings (gujiya).  We love celebrating Holi with East Indian Fruit Cakes + Cardamom Fruity Frosting + Fruity Indian Yogurt “Lassis!”

Easter (March 31, 2024)

Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter traditions include attending church services, feasting with family and friends, and, for kids, participating in Easter egg hunts! Springtime, Easterly foods include lamb, peas, and hot cross buns. Why not whip up some easy, peas-y Ginger-Miso Sweet Pea Spread?

Vaisakhi (April 13, 2024)

Vaisakhi is celebrated in mid-April by Sikh and Hindu communities in Punjab, India, Pakistan, and around the world. The festival marks the final harvest of winter crops and the beginning of the new agricultural cycle. Festivities typically include processions, traditional music and dance, and the sharing of meals with family and friends. In these celebrations, traditional Vaisakhi foods play a central role, featuring lentils, grains, and sweets. As a flavorful nod to the winding down of cold-season crops, consider serving up a bowl of Indian Spiced Potato “Aloo Gobi” Extravaganza—a delicious and fitting addition to your Vaisakhi feast!

Passover (April 22-30, 2024)

Passover is a Jewish holiday widely celebrated in the United States, especially among Jewish communities. The holiday commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt (Exodus). An important Passover tradition is the Passover Seder which involves a special plate called the seder plate. The seder plate features foods that represent different aspects of the Passover story. For example, bitter herbs for the bitterness of slavery and a hard-boiled egg for the cycle of life and hope of renewal. Sticky Fingers Cooking kids love Apple Carrot Raisin Challah Knots!

Star Wars Day (May 4, 2024) 

May the 4th – as in May the 4th be With You! is one of Sticky Fingers Cooking’s favorite non-denominational holidays! On this day, fans worldwide celebrate all things Star Wars in all kinds of ways! Some dress in Star Wars costumes, others watch the movies, and some even make Star Wars-themed snacks like Wookiee cookies and blue milk. How will you celebrate?

Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2024)

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday commemorating the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. However, Cinco de Mayo is now more widely celebrated in the United States, where it has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. If you attend a Cinco de Mayo party in the United States, there’s a good chance you’ll be served enchiladas and chips + salsa. But if you’re ready to branch out and try something new, we recommend Mexican Tortilla Churro French Toast + Whipped Cinnamon Yogurt “Crema” + Fruit Salad Salsa!

Happy Spring + Happy Holidays

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