“When most of us think of May 5, the Mexican-American festivity of Cinco de Mayo comes to mind. But in Japan May 5 is a national holiday — Children’s Day — set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948.
This May 5 Yume Japanese Gardens will celebrate girls and boys with yukatas (light summer kimonos) for youngsters, goldfish netting, origami, traditional toys from Japan, Taiko drumming, and much more. Flying above it all at the entrance to the Gardens will be koinobori — colorful, streaming wind socks shaped like carp. Best of all admission to the Gardens is free May 5 for all children 12 and under. We hope to see you there!”

Info at: www.tucsonjapanesegardens.org, the gardens are open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (new hours for month of May), at 2130 N. Alvernon Way.