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ThuNov 21

Alascattalo Day – November 21, 2024

Alascattalo Day is an annual celebration occurring on November 21. It is a funny celebration based on the Alaskan mascot, the Alascattalo, a cross between a moose and a walrus. On this day, we can be happy and funny and soak in some Alaskan humor and culture. As a state, Alaska is quite laid-back and easy-going, and it’s no secret that they have a great sense of humor! From funny road signs to weird attractions and hilarious people, Alascattalo Day is just a glimpse into the Alaskan way of life. 

History of Alascattalo Day

Alascattalo Day seems like a rather unusual holiday, but it is surely a fun one. This holiday celebrates Alaskan humor as the locals have a knack for spinning up hilarious stories. The day was named after a fictitious animal called the Alascattalo, a mix between a moose and a walrus. The story goes that miners bred the mythical creature at the turn of the 20th century during the Alaskan Gold Rush. Quite interestingly, this mythological creature has even had an asteroid named after it.

Alaskans are known to tell fabricated and funny stories of Northland, and the Alascattalo tale is no different. To honor this, a commercial writer based in Alaska, Steven C. Levi, created Alascattalo Day over 25 years ago, starting with the Alascattalo Day Parade in Anchorage. The parade lasts for around four minutes and goes down an alley that measures a block. The participants of the “longest-running shortest parade in American history” wear disguises and step off at three minutes past noon. On Alascattalo Day, you can buy some funny walrus or moose merchandise and celebrate the holiday in style. 

Alaska also celebrates other annual holidays such as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, World Ice Art Championships, Blueberry Festival, Alaska Hummingbird Festival, Sitka Whale Fest, and Stikine River Garnet Fest. 

Alascattalo Day timeline

1741
Alaska is Spotted

Danish explorer, Vitus Jonassen Bering, first spots Alaska on a voyage from Siberia.

1898
Alaska Strikes Gold

Gold is found in Alaska, and people start flocking to the state.

20th Century
The Alascattalo is Bred

Alaskan miners “breed” the Alascattalo, apparently as a funny response to stupid tourist questions.

1993
“Alascattalo Tales: A Treasury of Alaskan Humor”

Steven C. Levi pens the “Alascattalo Tales” based on Alaskan humor.

Alascattalo Day FAQs

Who gave Alaska its name?

The name comes from the Aleut people who live divided between Alaska and the Russian division of Kamchatka Krai. The name ‘Alaska’ is derived from the Aleut word ‘Alaxsxaq,’ also spelled ‘Alyeska,’ which translates to the mainland. 

What is Alaska famous for?

Alaska is famous for its salmon, moose, bears, glaciers, fjords, mountains, and waterways. And, of course, their Alascattalo! 

What is Alaska’s motto?

The motto of Alaska is “North to the Future” and was created by Juneau newsman Richard Peter. It is meant to present Alaska as a land of promise.

Alascattalo Day Activities

  1. Gift an Alaskan-themed item

    On Alascattalo Day, surprise a friend with a quirky gift associated with the theme. You can get a figurine, shirt, or cap with a walrus or moose on it.

  2. Attend the Alascatello Day Parade

    You can truly enjoy this day properly by traveling to Alaska. Visit Anchorage and participate in the Alascatello Day Parade for a fun way to get a first-hand feel of this rather unusual holiday.

  3. Read “Alascattalo Tales: A Treasury of Alaskan Humor”

    You can spend the day cuddled up in your bed and reading “Alascattalo Tales: A Treasury of Alaskan Humor” to know all there is to know about Alaskan humor.

  1. State bird

    Some Alaskans like to joke that their state bird is the mosquito, but it’s actually the Willow Ptarmigan.

  2. State sport

    Alaska’s state sport is dog mushing, which they once used as a transportation mode.

  3. Filled with lakes

    Alaska has close to 3 million lakes.

  4. Lowest population density

    Alaska has the lowest population density in the country, with one person per square mile.

  5. Alaskan tribes

    There are 224 federally recognized tribes in Alaska.

Why We Love Alascattalo Day

  1. It’s a funny holiday

    We all live hectic lives mired with conflict and stress, so it’s always a good thing to have some fun in our lives. Alascattalo Day can easily make anyone laugh just at the sound of it.

  2. Celebrates humor

    Humor is known to alleviate stress and help us forget our problems for a while. So, it makes perfect sense to celebrate a day dedicated to humor, even if it’s specifically Alaskan humor.

  3. Recognizes Alaskan culture

    This unusual holiday will compel anyone to read more about the place, leading to increased awareness of Alaskan culture.

Alascattalo Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 21Thursday
2025November 21Friday
2026November 21Saturday
2027November 21Sunday
2028November 21Tuesday

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