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Festivals and Celebrations
Amish life revolves around spirituality, so do
their celebrations. They do not observe Inde-
pendence Day, Labour Day, or Memorial Day.
Nothing related to war, patriotism, or politics
is celebrated.
Their most important holidays are religious:
Easter, Good Friday, Pentecost, Ascension.
Thanksgiving is acknowledged, but many
families spend it at weddings, as it coin-
cides with the traditional marriage season
(October to December). They also celebra-
te 26 December as a “Second Christmas
Day”, set aside for extended family visits
and gatherings.
Three Key Destinations:
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
The most famous, tourist-friendly, and acces-
sible. It has restaurants, markets, shops, and
carriage rides. But also crowds, heavy traffic,
and a more commercial atmosphere.
Holmes County, Ohio
Home to around 40,000 Amish. Fewer tou-
rists, more authenticity. Ideal for those see-
king a peaceful and immersive experience.
Shipshewana, Indiana
A perfect middle ground: well prepared for
visitors, but still true to itself. Just 2.5 hours
from Chicago.
In Shipshewana you’ll find a complete ex-
perience. The Wednesday flea market and
auction draw people from across the region.
Before going, it’s best to have breakfast at
one of the nearby restaurants—many serve
traditional Amish food. The Menno-Hof Cultu-
ral Centre is an excellent first stop. It tells the
story of the Amish and Mennonites (a related
group) in a visual and educational way.
Shipshewana wall painting
SIGNATURE JOURNEYS
Amish family at the flea market - Shipshewna
Curious scene at the market - Shipshewana
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