Diversity Calendar & Heritage Months

January 1:  New Year’s Day, the first day of the year according to the modern Gregorian calendar, celebrated in most Western countries 

January 1:  Feast Day of St. Basil, a holiday observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, commemorating the death of Saint Basil the Great. Western churches commemorate the day on January 2nd.

January 2: Vasant Panchami, a Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring.

January 3:  Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, which is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church, commemorates the naming of the child Jesus 

 January 4: World Braille Day, observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people.

January 5:  Twelfth Night, a festival celebrated by some branches of Christianity that marks the coming of the Epiphany 

 January 6:  Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), a holiday observed by Eastern and Western Christians that recognizes the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus twelve days after his birth

January 6: Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, who initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa and who is known as the Father of the Khalsa

January 7:  Christmas, recognized on this day by Eastern Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Christmas thirteen days later than other Christian churches because they follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian version

January 13: Coming of Age Day, a public holiday in Japan held to congratulate and encourage all those who reached the age of maturity between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year

January 13: Maghi/Lohri, an annual festival celebrated by Sikhs commemorating the memory of forty Sikh martyrs

January 14: Orthodox New Year, celebrated every year on January 14th by Orthodox Christians all over the world. It marks the start of the new year according to the Julian calendar

January 14: Mahayana New Year, celebrated by the Mahayana Buddhist branch on the first full-moon day in January

January 15:  Makar Sankranti, a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India 

January 18–25:  The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, during which Christians pray for unity between all churches of the Christian faith 

January 19:  World Religion Day, observed by those of the Bahá’í faith to promote interfaith harmony and understanding 

January 20:  Timkat, a holiday observed by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River on Epiphany 

 January 20:  Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a US holiday commemorating the birth of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 24: Union of the Romanian Principalities (Unification Day), a holiday in Romania commemorating the union of the two Danubian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1862.

January 26—27 (sundown to sundown) Lailat al Miraj, a Muslim holiday commemorating the prophet Muhammad’s nighttime journey from Mecca to the “Farthest Mosque” in Jerusalem, where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily. Note that in the Muslim calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Lailat al Miraj starting at sundown.

January 26 Republic Day, a holiday in India commemorating the adoption of the Constitution and the country’s transition to a republic in 1950

January 27 Australia Day, an Australian holiday honoring the establishment of the first permanent European settlement on the continent.

January 27:  The International Day of Commemoration to remember the victims of the Holocaust; the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945 and UN Holocaust Memorial Day 

January 29 Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar in many East Asian cultures. It is celebrated as Korean New Year in South Korea.

February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada. Since 1976, the month has been designated to remember the contributions of people of the African diaspora. 

February 1:  National Freedom Day, which celebrates the signing of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States in 1865 

February 1:  St. Brigid of Kildare, day for St. Brigid celebrated by some Christian denominations. Ireland recognizes the date as a public holiday on Feb. 3. 

February 1–2:  Imbolic a Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan traditional festival that represents making way for spring and the rebirth of nature

February 2:  Candlemas, a Christian holiday that celebrates three occasions: the presentation of the child Jesus, Jesus’ first entry into the temple, and Virgin Mary’s purification 

February 3:  Setsubun-Sai (Beginning of Spring), the day before the beginning of spring in Japan, celebrated annually as part of the Spring Festival 

February 3: Constitution Day, a holiday in Mexico that marks the enactment of its Constitution.

February 3:  St. Blaise Day (The Blessing of the Throats), the feast day of St. Blaise of Sebaste celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church and some Eastern Catholic Churches 

 February 3:  Four Chaplains Day commemorates the anniversary of the sinking of the US Army transport Dorchester and the heroism of the four chaplains aboard

February 11: National Foundation Day, a holiday in Japan celebrating the foundation of Japan, enforced by a
specific Cabinet Order set in 1966

February 12: Daeboreum, a holiday in South Korea celebrating the first full moon of the New Year

February 12: Lantern Festival, the first significant feast after the Chinese New Year; participants enjoy
watching paper lanterns illuminate the sky on the night of the event.

February 13–14 (sundown to sundown) Lailat al Bara’a (Lailat Al Baraah, Barat, Shab-e-Bara,
Night of Forgiveness), an Islamic holiday during which practitioners of the faith seek forgiveness for sins.

February 13: Magha Puja Day (Maka Bucha), a Buddhist holiday that marks an event early in the
Buddha’s teaching life when a group of 1,250 enlightened saints ordained by the Buddha gathered
to pay their respect to him. It is celebrated on various dates in different countries.

February 14:  St. Valentine’s Day, a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus. This holiday is typically associated with romantic love and celebrated by people expressing their love with gifts. 

February 15: Maghi-Purnima, a Hindu festival for worshippers of Lord Vishnu.

February 15: Parinirvana Day (Nirvana Day), the commemoration of Buddha’s death at the age of 80, when he reached the zenith of Nirvana

February 17:  Presidents Day, a federally recognized celebration in the United States that honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln birthday, as well as those of every US president

February 20: World Day of Social Justice, promotes global awareness and action for social justice, urging individuals and organizations to address issues of inequality, discrimination, and poverty through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts

February 22: Foundation Day (Founding Day), a holiday in Saudi Arabia commemorating the founding of the first Saudi state named Diriyah

February 23: The Emperor’s Birthday, a holiday in Japan celebrating the birthday of Emperor Naruhito

February 23: Meatfare Sunday (The Sunday of the Last Judgment), a Greek Orthodox holiday and the last day that meat can be eaten before the Lenten fast

February 24: Día de la Bandera (Flag Day), a holiday in Mexico dedicated to the country’s flag

February 25—28: Intercalary Days or Ayyám-i-Há, celebrated by people of the Bahá’í faith and
observed with gift-giving, special acts of charity, and preparation for the fasting that precedes the
New Year

February 26: Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva

February 28—March 14: Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, a time of renewal through sacred and
secular practices.

February – March 8: Rio Carnival, an annual festival held in Brazil

February 28—March 29 (sundown to sundown) Ramadan, an Islamic holiday marked by fasting, praise, prayer, and devotion to Islam.

March is Women’s History Month. Established in 1987, Women’s History Month recognizes all women for their valuable contributions to history and society. 

March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, established to increase awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

March is National Irish American Heritage Month. It celebrates the Irish American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States.

March 1: Zero Discrimination Day, is meant to highlight the need for people to be informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change

March 1 (sunset) to March 19 (sunset):  Nineteen-Day Fast, a time in the Bahá’í faith to reinvigorate the soul and bring one closer to God. This fast takes place immediately before the beginning of the Bahá’í New Year.

March 8:  International Women’s Day. First observed in 1911 in Germany, it has now become a major global celebration honoring women’s economic, political, and social achievements

March 8: Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival celebrated each year to honor Lord Shiva. It is celebrated just before the arrival of spring. It is also known as the Great Night of Shiva or Shivaratri and is one of the largest and most significant among the sacred festival nights of India

March 10:  Meatfare Sunday (The Sunday of the Last Judgment), traditionally the last day of eating meat before Easter for Orthodox Christians

March 11-April 10: (sundown to sundown) Ramadan, an Islamic holiday marked by fasting, praise, prayer, and devotion to Islam

March 14: Equal Pay Day, is a symbolic day that marks how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. It is observed annually in the United States on March 14th.

March 15: International Day to Combat Islamophobia, is observed to bring awareness to the growing global problem of Islamophobia. Islamophobia is a form of religious bigotry and discrimination that targets Muslims and their beliefs.

March 17: Cheesefare Sunday or Forgiveness Sunday, the last Sunday prior to the commencement of Great Lent for Orthodox Christians

March 17:  St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday started in Ireland to recognize St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who brought Christianity to the country in the early days of the faith 

March 18–24 Neurodiversity Celebration Week recognizes and celebrates neurological differences.

March 18: Beginning of Great Lent in the Orthodox Christian faith is also known as Clean Monday

March 19:  St. Joseph’s Day, in Western Christianity the principal feast of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary  

March 20:  Ostara, a celebration of the spring equinox commemorated by Pagans and Wiccans. It is observed as a time to mark the coming of spring and the fertility of the land

March 20–21:  Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year, is a holiday celebrated on the vernal equinox. It is one of the nine Bahá’í holy days on which work is suspended

March 20–21:  Nowruz/Norooz, Persian New Year, a day of joy, celebration, and renewal. It is held annually on the spring equinox

March 21:  International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, observed annually in the wake of the 1960 killing of 69 people at a demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in South Africa. The United Nations proclaimed the day in 1966 and called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination

March 7-8:  Purim, a Jewish celebration that marks the time when the Jewish community living in Persia was saved from genocide. On Purim, Jewish people dress up in costumes, offer charity, and share food with friends. 

March 24: Orthodox Sunday, celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent. It is the celebration of the victory of the iconodules over the iconoclasts by the decision of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Therefore, the service commemorates the restoration of icons for use in services as well as a Christian’s private devotional life

March 24:  Lord’s Evening Meal, celebrated by Jehovah’s Witnesses in commemoration of an event believed to have occurred on the first night of Passover in approximately 33 CE, i.e., the Last Supper

March 24:  Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday commemorating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It takes place on the last Sunday of Lent, at the beginning of the Holy Week

March 25:  Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, a Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus 

March 25  Hola Mohalla, a Sikh festival that takes place on the second day of the lunar month of Chet, a day after the Hindu spring festival Holi 

March 25:  International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a United Nations international observation that offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. First observed in 2008, the international celebration also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice

March 25:  Holi, the annual Hindu and Sikh spring religious festival observed in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, along with other countries with large Hindu and Sikh populations. People celebrate Holi by throwing colored powder and water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlada accomplished when demoness Holika carried him into the fire. It is often celebrated on the full moon (the Phalguna Purnima) before the beginning of the vernal equinox as based on the Hindu calendar

March 26: Khordad Sal (birth of prophet Zoroaster), birth anniversary (or birth date) of Zoroaster, a spiritual leader and ethical philosopher who taught a spiritual philosophy of self realization and realization of the divine. Zoroastrians celebrate this day with prayer and feasting.

March 28:  Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), the Christian holiday commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last time before the crucifixion. It is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter

March 29:  Good Friday, a Christian holiday to commemorate the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. It is recognized on the Friday before Easter.

March 31:  Easter, a holiday celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus’ return from death after the crucifixion

March 31:  International Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated to bring awareness to transgender people and their identities as well as recognize those who helped fight for rights for transgender people  

Celebrate Diversity Month, in the US recognizes and honors the diversity surrounding us all

Autism Acceptance Month, was established in the US to raise awareness about and acceptance of the developmental disability that impacts an individual’s experience of the world around them

National Arab American Heritage Month, celebrates the Arab American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans

Deaf History Month celebrates key events in deaf history in the US

Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month was established in Canada to remember the victims of genocide and honor the courage and resilience of all survivors and their descendants

Sikh Heritage Month in Canada celebrates Sikh arts, culture, and heritage

April 2:  World Autism Awareness Day, created to raise awareness around the globe

April 4: Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese festival celebrating spring

April 6: Ram Navami, a Hindu day of worship and celebration of the seventh avatar of Vishnu (Lord Rama).

April 9: Day of Valor (Araw ng Kagitingan), a national observance in the Philippines commemorating the fall of Bataan
to Japanese troops during World War II.

April 10:  Mahavir Jayanti, a Jain holiday celebrating the birth of Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, the founder of Jainism

April 12: The Day of Silence, during which American students take a daylong vow of silence to protest the actual silencing of LGBTQ+ students and their straight allies due to bias and harassment.

April 12: Lazarus Saturday, celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy to commemorate the raising from the dead of Lazarus of Bethany.

April 12: Lord’s Evening Meal, celebrated by Jehovah’s Witnesses to commemorate the event believed to have occurred on the first night of Passover that other Christians call the Last Supper.

April 12—20: Passover, an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.

April 13: Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday commemorating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

April 14: Vaisakhi (Baisakhi), a celebration of the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated) and the birth of the Khalsa.

April 17: Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), a Christian holiday commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last time before the crucifixion.
April 18: Good Friday, a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus.

April 19: Holy Saturday/Easter Saturday, a Christian holiday commemorating the Harrowing of Hell as Christ laid on his tomb after he was crucified and died the day before.

April 20: Easter, a holiday celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus’s return from death after the crucifixion. Orthodox Easter is also celebrated on this day this year.

April 20—May 1: Ridvan, a 12-day festival in the Bahá’í Faith commemorating Bahá’u’lláh’s declaration that he was a
Manifestation of God.

April 21: Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of
Jesus Christ.

April 21: Mahavir Jayanti, a Jain holiday commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira.

April 21: Tiradentes Day, a holiday in Brazil that pays tribute to Tiradentes, a leading figure in the Brazilian struggle for independence from Portugal

April 22: International Mother Earth Day promotes world peace and sustainability of the planet

April 23: St. George’s Day, the feast day of St. George celebrated by various Christian churches

April 25: ANZAC Day, a holiday in Australia and New Zealand commemorating the landing in 1915 of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the Gallipoli Peninsula

April 25: Freedom Day, a Portuguese holiday commemorating the 1974 victory over the dictatorial Estado Novo (New State) fascist government.

April 25: Liberation Day, an Italian holiday commemorating the victory of the Italian resistance movement against Nazi Germany and the Italian Social Republic.

April 26: Koningsdag (King’s Day), a holiday in the Netherlands commemorating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.

April 26: Laylat al-Qadr, the holiest night of the year for Muslims. It is known as the Night of Power and
commemorates the night the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.

April 28: Ninth Day of Ridvan, a festival of joy and unity in the Bahá’í faith to commemorate the reunification of Bahá’u’lláh’s family and by extension the unity of the entire human family the Bahá’í faith calls for.

April 28 Showa Day, a holiday in Japan honoring the birthday of Emperor Shōwa, who ruled from 1926 to 1989. It kicks off Japan’s “Golden Week,” a week of public holidays during which many Japanese take time off to travel.

April 30—May 1: Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s national day or independence day, commemorating the Israel Declaration of Independence.

Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AANHPI) honors the rich and diverse contributions of Asian Americans in US history and culture. Celebrated as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.

Jewish American Heritage Month recognizes the diverse contributions of the Jewish people to American culture. Celebrated as Jewish Heritage Month in Canada.

Mental Health Awareness Month (or Mental Health Month) in the US aims to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses.

National Military Appreciation Month is observed in the US to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, as well as their families.

Older Americans Month honors the legacies and contributions of older Americans and supports them as they enter their next stage of life.

May 1: Beltane, an ancient Celtic, Pagan, and Wiccan holiday commemorated about halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice.

May 1: May Day (Workers’ Day, International Workers’ Day, Labor Day), recognized in many countries to commemorate the achievements of the labor movement.

May 2: National Day of Prayer, a day of observance in the United States when people are asked to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

May 3: Constitutional Memorial Day, a holiday in Japan commemorating the enactment of the 1947 Constitution.

May 3: Feasts of Saints Philip and James, a Roman Rite feast day held on the anniversary of the dedication of the Church to Saints Phillip and James in Rome.

May 4: Greenery Day, a Japanese holiday for communing with nature.

May 5: Buddha Day (Vesak or Visakha Puja), a Buddhist festival that marks Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

May 5: Children’s Day, a holiday in Japan and South Korea celebrating children.

May 5: Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday commemorating the Mexican Army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861–1867).

May 5: Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag), a holiday in the Netherlands marking the end of the Nazi occupation and
World War II.

May 8: Iris Day, a holiday in Belgium marking the feast day of the region’s patron saint, as well as the victory won by the Allied Powers during World War II.

May 8: May Day (Bealtaine), a traditional Celtic festival and a holiday in Ireland that celebrates the arrival of the summer.

May 8: Victory in Europe Day, a holiday in France commemorating the Allied victory in the European front in World War II.

May 10: Military Spouse Appreciation Day recognizes and honors the support and sacrifices of military spouses in the US.

May 12: Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day), a Buddhist holiday celebrating Buddha’s birthday.

May 15—16 (sundown to sundown) Lag BaOmer, a Jewish holiday marking the day of hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, a global celebration of sexual orientation
and gender diversities.

May 19: Malcolm X Day, a day in the US commemorating the civil rights leader.

May 19: Victoria Day, a holiday in Canada honoring Queen Victoria, who is known as the “Mother of Confederation.”

May 21: Navy Day (Día de las Glorias Navales), a Chilean holiday honoring the day Chile fought The
Battle of Iquique against Peru.

May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day set aside by the United Nations to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together in harmony.

May 22—23 (sundown to sundown) Declaration of the Báb, the day of declaration of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith.

May 24: Battle of Pichincha Day, a holiday in Ecuador celebrating the end of Spanish occupation.

May 26: Memorial Day, a holiday in the United States established to honor military veterans who died in wars
fought by US forces.

May 29: Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, commemorates the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith.

May 29: Ascension of Jesus or Ascension Day, celebrated as the ascension of Christ from Earth in the presence of God within most of the Christian faith.

May 30: Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, observed by members of the Sikh faith to recognize the fifth Sikh guru and the first Sikh martyr.

May 31—June 2: Dragon Boat Festival, a Chinese holiday commemorating Qu Yuan, the prime minister of the southern Chinese state of Chu during the Warring States period, about 600 B.C. to 200 B.C.

Caribbean American Heritage Month honors and celebrates the rich and diverse culture of the Caribbean American population.

Immigrant Heritage Month gives people across the United States an opportunity to explore their heritages and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of their country.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month was established to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on the world.

National Indigenous History Month in Canada is a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

June 1: Children’s Day, a Romanian holiday celebrating children.

June 1—3 (sundown to sundown): Shavuot, a Jewish holiday marking both the wheat harvest in Israel and the anniversary of the day when the Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai.

June 2: Native American Citizenship Day, commemorating the day in 1924 when the US Congress passed legislation recognizing the citizenship of Native Americans.

June 2: Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica), Italy’s National Day, commemorating the 1946 Italian institutional referendum held by universal suffrage.

June 5—6 (sundown to sundown) Waqf al Arafa, the second day of pilgrimage within the Islamic faith.

June 6—8 (sundown to sundown): Eid al-Adha, an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to follow Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.

June 6: Memorial Day (Hyeonchungil), a holiday in South Korea commemorating all the Koreans who have contributed or died while serving the Republic of Korea.

June 7: Feast of the Most Sacred Heart, a solemnity in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.

June 8: Pentecost, a Christian holiday commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and
other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks.

June 9: King’s Birthday, an Australian holiday celebrating the birthday of King Charles III.

June 9: Whit Monday, a Christian holiday that takes place the day after Pentecost Sunday and a public holiday in much of Europe.

June 10: Portugal Day, a holiday in Portugal commemorating the death of Luís de Camões, a poet and national literary icon.
June 12: Independence Day (Araw ng Kasarinlán), a holiday in the Philippines commemorating the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain in 1898.

June 14: Flag Day in the US, observed to celebrate the history and symbolism of the flag.

June 15: Trinity Sunday, observed in the Western Christian faith as a feast in honor of the Holy Trinity.

June 19: Corpus Christi, a Catholic holiday celebrating the presence of the body and blood of Christ in the
Eucharist.

June 19: Juneteenth (Freedom Day, Emancipation Day), a US holiday honoring the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War.

June 19: New Church Day, commemorating the day in the Christian faith the Lord called together the twelve disciples who followed him on Earth, instructed them in the Heavenly Doctrine of the New Jerusalem, and sent them out to teach that “the Lord God Jesus Christ reigns, whose kingdom shall be forages and ages.”

June 20: Litha (Midsummer), the summer solstice celebrated by Wiccans and Pagans.

June 21: National Day of the Indigenous Peoples in Chile, a Chilean celebration honoring the rituals and beliefs of the country’s Indigenous communities.

June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day or First Nations Day, a Canadian day recognizing the country’s Indigenous populations.

June 26: Islamic New Year/Muharram 1, the day that marks the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.

June 28: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Day, commemorating the Stonewall
Riots that occurred on June 28, 1969.

June 29 Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, a liturgical feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome for the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

June 30 Armed Forces Day, a holiday in Guatemala commemorating the overthrow of former President Vincente Cerna y Cerna by the Liberal Revolution.

Disability Pride Month is a worldwide time to celebrate the diversity of the disability community and to recognize the accomplishments of people with disabilities.

July 1: Canada Day (Fête du Canada), a Canadian holiday celebrating the 1867 enactment of the Constitution Act, which established the three former British colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick as a united nation called Canada.

July 4: Independence Day (The Fourth of July), a US holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

July 5—6 (sundown to sundown) Ashura, an Islamic holiday commemorating the day Noah left the ark and the day Allah saved Moses and the Israelites from the Egyptians.

July 9: The Martyrdom of the Bab, a Bahá’ís observance of the anniversary of the Báb’s execution in Tabriz, Iran, in 1850.

July 10: Asalha Puja (Dharma Day), a celebration of Buddha’s first teachings.

July 11: Celebration of the Golden Spurs (Day of the Flemish Community), a Belgian holiday marking the victory of the Flemish over the French in the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302.

July 11: St. Benedict Day, the feast day of St. Benedict celebrated by some Christian denominations.

July 14: Bastille Day (French National Day), a holiday in France marking the anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789, a major event in the French Revolution.

July 14: International Nonbinary People’s Day, aimed at raising awareness and organizing around the issues faced by nonbinary people around the world while celebrating their contributions.

July 15: St. Vladimir the Great Day, feast day for St. Vladimir celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

July 16: The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, a Catholic feast day that is recognized in Chile as their patron saint’s day.

July 17: Constitution Day (Jeheonjeol), an observance in South Korea commemorating the day in 1948 when the country’s Constitution was proclaimed.

July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day, a recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday.

July 21: Belgium National Day (Belgian Independence Day), a Belgian holiday commemorating the investiture of the country’s first monarch, King Leopold I, and the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands and the formal establishment of the Kingdom.

July 21: Marine Day (Ocean Day, Sea Day), a Japanese holiday set aside to give thanks for the ocean’s bounty and to reflect on the importance of the ocean to Japan.

July 23: The birthday of Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia, whom the Rastafarians consider to be their savior.

July 24: Pioneer Day, observed by Latter Day Saints to commemorate the 1847 arrival of the religion’s first pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley.

July 25: St. James the Greater Day, feast day for St. James the Greater celebrated by some Christian denominations.

July 26: Disability Independence Day, a celebration in US commemorating the 1990 signing of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.

July 27: Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, a symbolic day in the US that marks the day that Black women
need to work until they made what non-Hispanic White men made in the previous year.

July 30: International Day of Friendship, proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

August 1—14: Fast in Honor of Holy Mother of Jesus, a 14-day period of preparation for Orthodox
Christians leading up to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

August 1: Lammas, a festival marking the annual wheat harvest within some English-speaking countries in the
Northern Hemisphere.

August 1: Lughnasadh, a Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan festival celebrating sacrifice and giving back and marking the beginning of harvest season.

August 2—3: Tisha B’Av, a fast commemorating the destruction of two holy and sacred temples of Judaism destroyed by the Babylonians (in 586 BCE) and Romans (in 70 CE).

August 6: Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast of the Transfiguration), a Christian feast day is dedicated to the transfiguration of Jesus.

August 7: Battle of Boyacá Day, a holiday in Colombia commemorating the country’s 1819 victory at the Bottle of Boyacá over Spanish and royalist forces during Colombia’s war for independence.

August 8: Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu holiday commemorating the loving kinship between a brother and sister.

August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples recognizes and celebrates the rich cultural heritage and contributions of indigenous peoples worldwide.

August 9: National Day of Singapore, a holiday in Singapore marking the day in 1965 when the country gained independence from the
United Kingdom.

August 11: Independence Day (Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito), Ecuadorian independence day, marks the capital city of Quito’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1809.

August 11: Mountain Day, a Japanese holiday providing opportunities to get familiar with mountains and appreciate blessings from mountains.

August 13—15: Obon (Ullambana), a Buddhist festival and Japanese custom that honors the spirits of ancestors.

August 15: Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, a Christian holiday commemorating the day of the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

August 15: Dormition of the Theotokos, a Great Feast of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches that commemorates the “falling asleep,” or death, of Mary the Theotokos (“Mother of God”) and
her bodily resurrection before ascending into heaven.

August 15: Ferragosto, a holiday in Italy that originates from Feriae Augusti, the festival of Emperor Augustus,
who called for a day of rest for agricultural workers.

August 15: Independence Day, a holiday in India commemorating the nation’s independence from the
United Kingdom in 1947.

August 15—16: Krishna Janmashtami, a Hindu celebration of Lord Vishnu’s most powerful human incarnation, Krishna, the god of love and compassion.

August 15: National Liberation Day of Korea, a holiday in South Korea and North Korea commemorating the
day in 1945 when Korea was liberated from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule by the Allies.

August 17: Marcus Garvey Day, a celebration of the birthday of the Jamaican politician and activist who is revered by Rastafarians.

August 20—30: Paryushana Parvarambha, a Jain festival lasting 8 to 10 days that is observed through meditation
and fasting.

August 21: Ninoy Aquino Day, a holiday in the Philippines commemorating the assassination of former Senator
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. August 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition and the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) that initiated the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.

August 26: Women’s Equality Day, a US celebration of the 1920 certification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the
US Constitution that gave women the right to vote.

August 27: Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu holiday lasting approximately 10 days, in which the elephant-headed Hindu god is praised and given offerings.

August 29: Beheading of St. John the Baptist, a holy day observed by various Christian churches that commemorates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the US from September 15 to October 15.

Intergenerational Month is celebrated in the US to promote intergenerational understanding and connection among people of all ages.

September 1: Labor Day, a holiday in the US and Canada honoring the contributions workers have made
to those countries.

September 5: Mawlid Al-Nabi, the observance of the birthday of Islam’s founder, the prophet Muhammad. Shi’a
Muslims celebrate it five days later than Sunni Muslims.

September 6: Hungry Ghost Festival, a Chinese holiday in which street, market, and temple ceremonies take place to honor dead ancestors and appease other spirits.

September 7: Brazilian Independence Day, a holiday in Brazil commemorating the day The Regent Prince, Dom
Pedro, son of the Portuguese king, Dom João VI, was authorized to rule if the king either died or returned to Portugal.

Second Week in September: National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, a weeklong celebration of the vital role HBCUs play in molding Black leaders, encouraging high school-aged youth to enroll into HBCUs, providing scholarship dollars for matriculation, and sustaining a pipeline for employment from undergraduate to corporate America.

September 11: Ethiopian New Year, when Rastafarians, who believe Ethiopia is their spiritual home, celebrate
the New Year.

September 14: Elevation of the Life-Giving Cross (Holy Cross), a day that commemorates the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus in some Christian denominations.

September 15: Independence Day, a holiday in Guatemala marking the anniversary of the day the region known as Central America, which included present-day Guatemala, declared its independence from Spanish rule.

September 15: Respect for the Aged Day, a Japanese holiday honoring older citizens.

September 16: Mexican Independence Day, a holiday in Mexico marking the anniversary of the Mexican War
of Independence against Spain in 1810.

September 18: Chilean Independence Day, a holiday in Chile commemorating the beginning of the process of
Chile gaining independence from Spain.

September 18: International Equal Pay Day represents the long-standing efforts toward the achievement of
equal pay for work of equal value.

September 19: Army Day, a Chilean holiday that recognizes the country’s army, typically with a military parade.

September 21: Mabon, the second harvest ritual celebrated in Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan traditions, marking
the first day of fall and the vernal equinox.

September 22—24 (sundown to sundown) Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration, marking the
creation of the world.

September 22—Oct. 1: Sharad Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

September 23: Autumnal Equinox Day, a Japanese holiday celebrating the autumn harvest.

September 23: International Day of Sign Languages, proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness
about the importance of sign languages in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.

September 23: Saudi National Day, a holiday in Saudi Arabia commemorating the 1932 proclamation that
renamed the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

September 26: Native American Day, a US holiday honoring Native American cultures and the history of violence
against them in the United States.

September 27: Meskel, a holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean Orthodox Churches commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by the Roman Empress Helena in the fourth century.

September 27: The Day of the Walloon Region, a Belgian holiday commemorating the day in 1944 when the first shots were fired in the liberation of Wallonia, the southern region of Belgium, from Nazi German occupation during
World War II.

September 27: French Community Holiday, a Belgian holiday recognizing the cultural identity, traditions, and
history of the French-speaking community of the country.

September 29: Michaelmas (The Feast of Michael and All Angels), a Christian festival dedicated to Archangel Michael observed in some Western liturgical calendars.

September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a Canadian holiday honoring the Indigenous children who never returned home and survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities

Filipino American History Month honors the history, culture, and accomplishments of Filipino Americans, highlighting their significant contributions to American society and recognizing their unique heritage and identity.

Global Diversity Awareness Month is dedicated to celebrating and increasing awareness about the diversity of cultures and ethnicities and the positive impact diversity can have on society.

LGBTQ+ History Month is a US observance recognizing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer history and the history of the gay rights movement.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the US draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.

Polish American Heritage Month commemorates the first Polish settlers and celebrates the history and culture of the Polish community in America.

October 1: National Day of the People’s Republic of China, a celebration commemorating Mao Zedong’s formal proclamation of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. It kicks off China’s “Golden Week,” during which many Chinese people go traveling around the country.

October 1—2 (sundown to sundown) Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, a day of atonement marked by fasting and ceremonial repentance.

October 2: Dasara (Dussehra, Vijayadashami), a Hindu festival marking the end of Durga Puja and remembering goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma.

October 2: Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday, a holiday in India. It is also recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence.

October 3: Day of German Unity, a holiday in Germany commemorating the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.

October 3: Gaecheonjeol (National Foundation Day), a holiday in South Korea celebrating the formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC.

October 4: St. Francis Day, feast day for St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, celebrated by many Catholic denominations.

October 4: Blessing of the Animals, a Catholic and Unitarian Universalist tradition of blessing animals, particularly pets on St. Francis Day, as St. Francis was known for his special connection to animals.

October 5—7: Chuseok (Hangawi), a mid-autumn harvest festival and a three-day holiday in South Korea.

October 5: Latina Equal Pay Day, a symbolic day in the US marking the day that Latine women need to work until they made what non-Hispanic White men made in the previous year.

October 5: Republic Day, a holiday in Portugal commemorating the establishment of a republican form of government in the country in 1910.

October 6: Mid-Autumn Festival, a Chinese harvest festival celebrating autumn.

October 6—13: Sukkot, a seven-day Jewish festival giving thanks for the fall harvest.

October 9: Hangul Day (Korean Alphabet Day), observed in South Korea to recognize the invention and proclamation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet.

October 10: Guayaquil Independence Day, an Ecuadorian holiday recognizing the day a group of Guayaquil natives took over the Spanish military post and declared independence from Spanish rule.

October 10: World Mental Health Day, meant to increase public awareness about the importance of mental health, mental health services, and mental health workers worldwide.

October 11: National Coming Out Day, a US celebration of those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer coming out and the recognition of the 1987 march on Washington for gay and lesbian equality.

October 12: National Day of Spain(Día de la Hispanidad), a holiday in Spain commemorating the Spanish legacy worldwide.

October 12: Our Lady of Aparecida’s Day (Nossa Senhora de Aparecida), a holiday in Brazil dedicated to the country’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary Aparecida.

October 13: Canadian Thanksgiving, a chance for Canadians to give thanks for a good harvest and other fortunes in the past year.

October 13: Discovery of Two Worlds Day (Descubrimiento de Dos Mundos; Dia de la Raza, Day of the Race), a holiday in much of Central and South America commemorating the first encounters of Europe and Indigenous peoples.

October 13: National Indigenous Peoples Day, an alternative celebration to Columbus Day, recognizing the indigenous populations affected by colonization.

October 13-15 (sundown to sundown) Shemini Atzeret (The Eighth Day of Assembly), a Jewish holiday taking place the day after the Sukkot festival, where gratitude for the fall harvest is deeply internalized.

October 13: Sports Day, a holiday in Japan that promotes sports and an active lifestyle.

October 14—15 (sunset to sundown) Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday marking the end of the weekly readings of the Torah. The Torah is read from chapter one of Genesis to Deuteronomy 34 and then back to chapter one again, in acknowledgement of the words of the Torah being a never-ending cycle.

October 15: International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace.

October 20: Installation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, a Sikh holy day celebrating Sri Guru Granth Sahib, their spiritual guide.

October 20: Revolution Day in Guatemala, commemorating the day of the Guatemalan Revolution of 1944.

October 21—25: Diwali (Divali, Deepavali), a five-day festival of lights among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists that celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and lightness over darkness.

October 22—23 (sundown to sundown) Birth of Báb, a Bahá’í holiday celebrating the prophet Báb.

October 31: All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), a celebration observed in several countries on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.

October 31: Reformation Day, a Protestant Christian religious holiday celebrated alongside All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween) during the triduum of Allhallowtide in remembrance of the onset of the Reformation.

October 31—Nov. 1 (sundown to sundown) Samhain, a Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan festival marking the end of the harvest season.

National Family Caregivers Month in the US celebrates the more than 40 million caregivers across the country who support aging parents, ill spouses, or other loved ones with disabilities who remain at home.

National Native American Heritage Month in the US celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans.

November 1: All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all known and unknown Christian saints. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the day is observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

November 2: All Souls’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all faithful Christians who are now dead.

November 2—3: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday that is a time of remembrance for dead
ancestors and a celebration of the continuity of life.

November 3: Cuenca Independence Day, an Ecuadorian holiday commemorating the day the city of Cuenca declared its independence in 1820.

November 3: Culture Day, a Japanese holiday dedicated to promoting culture, the arts, and academics.

November 5: Guru Nanak’s Birthday, a major Sikh festival commemorating Guru Nanak Sahib, who was the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.

November 11: Armistice Day (Remembrance Day), a holiday commemorating the ending of World War I in much of Europe.

November 11: Cartagena Independence Day, a holiday in Colombia recognizing Cartagena becoming the first Colombian providence to gain independence.

November 11: Veterans Day, a US holiday honoring military veterans.

November 13–19: Transgender Awareness Week, in which people and organizations in the US participate to help raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face.

November 15—Dec. 24: Nativity Fast, a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus.

November 15: Republic Proclamation Day, a Brazilian holiday recognizing the day the Republic of the United
States of Brazil was created.

November 17: Revolution Day (Dia de la Revolucion), a holiday in Mexico commemorating the beginning of
the Mexican Revolution.

November 19: International Men’s Day, a day recognizing the important issues affecting males, including
male health issues, improving the relations between genders, highlighting the importance of male role models, and promoting gender equality.

November 20: Black Consciousness Day (Zumbi dos Palmares/Dia da Consciência Negra), a holiday in Brazil set aside to commemorate the death of Zumbi, a leader of resistance to slavery, and to reflect on the tragic injustices imposed on the Black community and African descendants.

November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day established in the US to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia and raise awareness of the continued violence endured by the transgender community

November 23: Feast of Christ the King, a Catholic holiday established to thank God for the gift of time and a rededication to the Christian faith.

November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day, a Japanese holiday set aside to respect labor, to celebrate production, and for citizens to give each other thanks.

November 27: Thanksgiving Day, a US holiday that began as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.

November 27: The Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, a holy day in the Bahá’í Faith, commemorating the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.

November 28: Native American Heritage Day, a US observance that encourages Americans of all backgrounds to honor Native Americans.

November 30-Dec. 24: Advent, a Christian season of celebration leading up to the birth of Christ.

November 30: Bonifacio Day, a holiday in the Philippines, commemorating Andrés Bonifacio, who is considered “The Father of the Philippine Revolution.”

November 30: Commemoration Day (Martyr’s Day), a holiday in the United Arab Emirates recognizing Emirati martyrs who have given their lives in civil, military, and humanitarian service.

November 30: Native American Women’s Equal Pay Day a symbolic day in the US marking the day that Native women need to work until they made what non-Hispanic White men made in the previous year.

November 30: St. Andrew’s Day, the feast day for St. Andrew within various Christian denominations.

December 1: Great Union Day, a Romanian holiday commemorating the expansion of Romania to its
present-day boundaries in the aftermath of World War I.

December 1: Independence Restoration Day, a Portuguese holiday commemorating the day in 1640 when Portugal revolted against Spanish rule and regained its independence.

December 1: World AIDS Day, created to commemorate those who have died of AIDS and acknowledge the
need for continued commitment to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

December 2: National Day, a holiday in the United Arab Emirates commemorating the country’s formation.

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities, designed to raise awareness regarding persons
with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.

December 6: Constitution Day (Dia de la Constitucion Espanola), a holiday in Spain commemorating the approval of the Spanish Constitution by referendum in 1978.

December 6: St. Nicholas Day, a Christian holiday marking the death of Saint Nicholas in 343 AD. In the Orthodox Church, it falls on December 19.

December 8: Bodhi Day, a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment

December 9: Immaculate Conception of Mary, a solemn celebration by various Christian denominations of belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

December 10: International Human Rights Day, established by the United Nations to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a religious holiday in Mexico commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.

December 13: St. Lucia’s Day, a religious festival of light in Scandinavia and Italy commemorating the martyrdom of St. Lucia, a young Christian girl who was killed for her faith in 304 CE.

December 14—22: Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days and nights to recognize the victory of the Maccabean, leaders of the Jewish people, over the Greek-Syrian ruler, Antiochus.

December 16–24 Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration in Mexico commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem.

December 21: Yule Winter Solstice, a Pagan and Wiccans celebration focusing on rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings as the sun begins to move farther away from Earth.

December 25: Christmas Day, the day that many Christians associate with Jesus’s birth.

December 26: Boxing Day, a secular holiday
celebrated in many countries.

December 26—Jan. 1: Kwanzaa, an African-American holiday celebrating universal African-American heritage.

December 26: St. Stephen’s Day, commemorating St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, or protomartyr.

December 26: Zartosht No-Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra), a day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion, commemorating the anniversary of the death of the prophet Zoroaster, or Zarathushtra.

December 27: St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Day, feast day for St. John, celebrated by Christian denominations.

December 29: Feast of the Holy Family, a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus, his
mother, and his foster father, St. Joseph, as a family.

December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents, a Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children
in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus.

December 31: Rizal Day, a holiday in the Philippines commemorating life and works of José Rizal, a national hero.

December 31: Watch Night, a day for Christians to review the year that has passed, make confessions, and
then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving.