National Arizona Day
June 21, Saturday
Arizona
Historical background:
Arizona became the 48th state of the USA on February 14, 1912, becoming the last of the contiguous states to join the union. Despite this, National Arizona Day is celebrated on June 21 as a way to celebrate the cultural and natural wealth of the region during summer, when its desert beauty is especially noticeable.
Features of the state of Arizona:
* Arizona is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Grand Canyon, the Sonoran Desert, and the Red Rocks of Sedona
* It is home to many Indigenous peoples, including the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and others
* The climate ranges from desert to mountainous, with rich flora and fauna
* The capital and largest city is Phoenix
* One of the largest copper smelting and mining states
How it is celebrated:
National Arizona Day is not an official holiday, but it may be observed by:
* Local communities holding cultural events and festivals
* Tourist agencies offering trips to natural landmarks
* Schools and historical institutions sharing stories about the state’s history and symbols
* Online platforms publishing interesting facts and photos of Arizona
Arizona symbolism:
* Nickname: The Grand Canyon State
* Official tree: Palo Verde
* Official flower: Saguaro Cactus Blossom
* Official bird: Cactus Wren
* Official motto: "Ditat Deus" ("God enriches")
Interesting facts:
* Arizona has over 300 sunny days per year
* It is home to the largest Navajo reservation in North America
* The Arizona flag features a sunset over the desert and a copper star symbol — one of the state’s most important resources