Celebrations Around the World

By Eric Jeon

Seoul-August 12th

                                                       Fantastic Melon Day

Have you ever heard of the Turkmen melon day? It is an unusual holiday that is celebrated in the Asian country, Turkmenistan. It is observed on the second Sunday of August because it is the ripening season of the famous Turkmen muskmelon.

In 1994, a previous president named Saparmyrat Niyazov established this day to celebrate muskmelons, which is one of the major crops of Turkmenistan and also a pride for Turkmens.

To commemorate, Turkmens have contests such as ‘Golden Melon”,” Biggest Watermelon”, and “Biggest Pumpkin”. Also, in Ashgabat, the capital, there are numerous dances and musical performances.

So, what are muskmelons? Muskmelons are called cantaloupes in America. They smell like musk. They were originated in India, but it is famous in Turkmenistan. They come in many colors. Yellow, pink, green, white are the most popular ones. It is very tender and sweet. Turkmenistan’s melons are especially sweet.

How about celebrating melon day from now? It would be a good chance to experience Turkmenistan’s agriculture!