Since the late 1920s, most countries on this planet have celebrated some version of International Children’s Day. Some do it on the first or second weekend in June, or earlier in spring when life is new; others have adopted Nov. 20 as Universal Children’s Day.
The United States has never declared any official, ongoing, annual children’s day or holiday, but the American Library Association has adopted Mexico’s annual observance, El Dia del Nino (The Day of the Child, always April 30), as its special day to promote literacy among children of all backgrounds, El Dia del Libro (The Day of the Book).
Clark College has adopted the same occasion, for the same reason. On Friday night, it hosts its annual family-friendly “Celebration of My People,” that is, its “Celebracion de Mi Gente: El Dia del Nino/El Dia del Libro.” Free and open to everyone, the event foregrounds Latino culture as well as the value of literacy; it will feature bilingual performances and storytelling, dancing, face painting, environmentally sustainable crafts and delicious snacks. Oswald the Penguin, Clark College’s mascot, will be on hand for photos and visits with children.
