I like Election Day, which I celebrated last week, and upcoming Jan 2006- Inaguration Day! I tried to look for history for Inaguration Day but it's hard to find it. For those don't know what it is.. It is Political New Year, where family and friends get together and celebrate together to welcome new leaders.
It is same idea as Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year, Hmong- Hmong New Years, Kwanzaa (?) for African Americans.
Most politicans and their families/friends celerbate it- it is usually at beginning of janurary- sometimes it is one weeklong celebration, sometimes it is month long- depends on who want to celebrate it for how long.
From my experince:
There would be like 5 to 10 swearing in ceremonies (depends on what kind elections it is), parties at friends or politicans houses, receptions after the ceremonies, prayer services, open houses, different events happening during the week, and it ends with Inagural Ball (dance). One of the ball I went to had big firework display which was very awesome. Most of time people wear business or semi-formal attire to ceremonies and events but for the ball, have to wear like tux, and evening dress, it is like Prom. I do have some pictures somewhere but will have to find them and try to scan and post them.