12 unique regional holidays you've probably never heard of, and the history behind them

National holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Memorial Day are celebratedall over the US, but there are some holidays strictlycelebrated in certain regions of the country.While most know Mardi Gras as a holiday in New Orleans, there are other celebrations around the states that you may not know about.From Alaska to Utah, here are some regional holidays and their origins.Mormons celebrate Pioneer Day in Utah.Every July 24, Mormons in Utah celebrate Pioneer Day to rememberthe day Brigham Young and his followers entered the Salt Lake Valley, founding Salt Lake City and the Church of Latter-day Saints. Today on July 24,all governmentoffices and business are closed as the city holds parades, concerts, pageants, cookouts, and even fireworks.For those who aren't Mormon, a new holiday has developed on July 24: Pie and Beer Day. Locals bars serve pastries and beer as a jab to the Mormon faith, which frowns on drinking alcohol.Rhode Island celebrates Gaspee Days around Memorial Day.While the rest of America celebrates Memorial Day and the unofficial start of summer, a small town in Rhode Island celebrates a different holiday: Gaspee Days. The holiday can be traced back to 1772 whenpatriots burned a British schooner, the HMS Gaspee, in Warwick, Rhode Island. Today, the incident is recognized as one of the first events leading to the American Revolutionary War, along with the Boston Tea Party.Since 1965, Warwick celebrates the historical event by reenacting the ship burning. The festivities also include a road race, parade, and fireworks.Maine also celebrates an event from the American Revolution: Margaretta Days.The first naval battle of the American Revolution, theBattle of the Margaretta,occurredin the waters just outside of Machias, Maine. Over 200 years later, the town of Machias still celebrates the battle to commemorate the fallen soldiers on a holiday calledMargaretta Days. Every June 16, the town turns back time, to 1775, dressing as patriots and loyalists, reenacting events, and holdingperiod demonstrations. The festival includes a crafts fair, children's activities, and musicians.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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