A Comprehensive 2023 DEI Calendar
Talent seeks inclusive and diverse workplaces, making Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or DEI work a critical and continuous effort. Whether you are a people and culture, HR, DEI professional, or people leader, our comprehensive DEI calendar will help ensure your employees feel respected and valued.
Here is a year-long 2023 calendar celebrating cultural, religious, professional, and diversity program themes. We improve the employee experience, engagement, and retention of our workforce. Embrace the diversity around us. If we have missed any dates, please let us know.
“Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
January
Month-long Observations
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month (Canada)
National Mentoring Month (North America & UK)
National Poverty Awareness Month in America (United States)
Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month (United States)
Multi-day Observations
January 15-18: Pongal (Hindu) - Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community. It is a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature, and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.
Daily Observations
January 1: New Year’s Day - Celebrated within most Western countries.
January 1: Shogatsu / Gantan-sai (New Year) - The most important holiday in Japan.
January 1: Feast Day of St. Basil - Eastern Orthodox Church holiday.
January 2: World Introvert Day – This day is dedicated to better understanding and appreciating introverts.
January 3: Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus - Celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church.
January 4: National Braille Day - Observed to raise awareness around the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people. It’s celebrated on the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille.
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 three wise men's visit to the baby Jesus 12 days after his birth. Protestant Christians and Roman Catholics celebrate Epiphany and Armenian Christmas.
January 7: Eastern Orthodox Christmas - Eastern Orthodox Christians recognize Christmas on this day, 13 days later than other Christian churches, because they follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar.
January 7: Mahayana New Year (Buddhist) – A celebration of Mahayana New Year is primarily practiced in Northeast Asia - Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
January 13: Lori-Maghi; Makar Sankranti or Maghi - A month-long religious festival is organized by the Sikhs each year to commemorate the memory of 40 martyrs who were slain. Makar Sankranti is a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India.
January 14: Eastern Orthodox New Year - Eastern Orthodox Christians recognize New Year on this day because they follow the Julian calendar.
January 15: World Religion Day - Highlight how the ideas within many of the world’s religious systems are harmonious and that religions play an essential role in all countries’ addressing of societal issues.
January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Commemorates the birth of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and an activist for nonviolent social change until his assassination in 1968. This day is a federal holiday in the United States.
January 22: Chinese or Lunar New Year (Year of the Rabbit) - This week-long festival marks the start of the new year in the lunar calendar used in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere.
January 24: International Day of Education - Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that leaves millions of children, youth, and adults behind.
January 24: World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture - Celebrate the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world.
January 25: Bell Let’s Talk Day (Canada Mental Health) - A campaign to spread the word about mental health.
January 26: International Customs Day – A day celebrated to honor and spread awareness about the role played by Customs authorities in the smooth movement of goods across borders.
January 26: Vasant Panchami - A Hindu festival celebrating spring and Saraswati Devi, the goddess of art and culture.
January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day - The International Day of Commemoration remembers the victims of the Holocaust. It’s the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945 and UN Holocaust Memorial Day.
January 29: National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia (Canada) - Islamophobia is an extreme fear of and hostility toward Islam and Muslims. It often leads to hate speech and hate crimes, social and political discrimination, can be used to rationalize policies such as mass surveillance, incarceration, and disenfranchisement, and can influence domestic and foreign policy.
February
Month-long Observations
American & National Heart Month (North America & UK)
Black History Month (North America)
Ethnic Equality Month (United States)
LGBT+ History Month (UK)
Multi-day Observations
February 1-7: White Cane Week (Canada) - White Cane Week, occurring the first full week of February, was created by the Canadian Council of the Blind to raise public awareness of the reality of life for Canadians living with vision loss.
February 1-7: World Interfaith Harmony Week - World Interfaith Harmony Week is an annual event observed during the first week of February, after General Assembly designation in 2010. The General Assembly pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
Daily Observations
February 1: National Freedom Day – The Celebration of the signing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1865.
February 1: World Hijab Day - Founded by Nazma Khan, World Hijab Day recognizes the millions of Muslim women who wear the hijab and create to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women (non-Hijabi Muslims/non-Muslims) to experience the hijab for one day.
February 4: World Cancer Day – A day dedicated to raising public and political literacy and understanding around cancer; we reduce fear, increase understanding, dispel myths and misconceptions, and change behaviors and attitudes.
February 4: Rosa Parks Day – A day to honor an American Civil Rights hero twice a year on February 4th or December 1st. The holiday recognizes the civil rights leader Rosa Parks.
February 5: Lantern Festival - The Lantern Festival is celebrated in China and other Asian countries by decorating homes and streets with colorful lanterns, honoring deceased ancestors, and promoting reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness. The holiday occurs on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar and marks the first full moon of the new lunar year and the end of the Spring Festival.
February 11: International Day of Women & Girls in Science - A day designated for dismantling gender stereotypes – specifically to end institutional and systemic gender imbalances in science.
February 13: International Epilepsy Day - Celebrated each year on the 2nd Monday of February, is an opportunity to raise awareness of epilepsy, what it is, its treatment, and what is needed to bring that treatment to all people who need it.
February 14: Valentine’s Day - St. Valentine’s Day is a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus. This holiday is typically associated with romantic love and is celebrated by people expressing their love with gifts.
February 14: Have a Heart Day (Canada) - Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation event that brings Canadians together to help ensure indigenous children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.
February 15: Parinirvana or Nirvana Day (Buddhist) - The commemoration of Buddha’s death at 80 when he reached the zenith of Nirvana; February 8th is an alternative date of observance.
February 15: Birthday of Susan B. Anthony - A leader of the women’s suffrage movement; she advocated for abolition, temperance, labor rights, and equal pay for equal work – and helped women win the right to vote.
February 15: International Childhood Cancer Day - International Childhood Cancer Day is a global collaborative campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and express support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors, and their families.
February 18: Maha Shivarati (Hindu) - A major festival in Hinduism dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. People celebrate Maha Shivratri by fasting, vigil, and doing pujas at homes and temples.
February 18: Lailatal Miraj - A Muslim holiday commemorating the prophet Muhammad’s nighttime journey from Mecca to the “Farthest Mosque” in Jerusalem, where he ascended to heaven.
February 20: World Day of Social Justice – A day recognizing the International Labour Organization’s ‘Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization’ premised on the tenet that social development and social justice are indispensable for achieving and maintaining peace and security within and among nations. Topics focus on gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants, or working in concert to remove barriers people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, or disability.
February 20: Family Day (Canada) - Civic holiday in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, which celebrates the importance of family.
February 21: International Mother Language Day - A worldwide annual observance to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
February 21: Mardi Gras - New Orleans, Louisiana, is renowned for Mardi Gras, where the last day of merrymaking before it begins the more modest but longer, sober weeks (Lent) of fasting for Catholics.
February 22: Pink Shirt Day - An international awareness day to promote anti-bullying.
February 22: Ash Wednesday - the first day of Lent on the Christian calendar. Its name is derived from the symbolic use of ashes to signify repentance. It happens immediately after the excesses of the two days of Carnival in Northern Europe, parts of Latin America, and the Caribbean.
March
Month-long Observations
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (Canada & United States)
Gender Equality Month (United States)
Greek-American Heritage Month (North America)
Irish-American Heritage Month (North America)
National Colon Cancer Awareness Month (North America)
National Kidney Month (North America)
National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and Education Month (United States)
National Women’s History Month (Worldwide)
Multi-day Observations
March 22- April 20: Ramadan (Muslim) - In Islam, Ramadan is the holy month whereby Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is a period that aims to cleanse one’s body and soul from impurities and re-focus oneself to worship God.
Daily Observations
March 1: Zero Discrimination Day - Zero Discrimination Day celebrates the right of everyone to live a full and productive life—and live it with dignity. It highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace, and a movement for change to end all forms of discrimination.
March 3: Employee Appreciation Day - Employee Appreciation Day falls on the first Friday of March and is a reminder of the importance of showing appreciation to employees and building a culture of appreciation.
March 6: Purim (Jewish) - The festival of Purim commemorates the heroism of Esther and the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman in the Achaemenid Empire (Persian Era) and begins at the previous sundown.
March 8: International Women’s Day - A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
March 8: Holi (Hindu) - A Hindu spring festival celebrated predominantly in India by both Hindu and non-Hindu people, also known as the "festival of colors" or the "festival of love.” Holi represents the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. On this day, the usual rankings of caste, gender, status, and age are ignored in favor of celebrating together by throwing colored water and powders on one another.
March 14: Pi π Day - Pay tribute to the symbol that constant in mathematics and physics gets when you divide the circle's diameter by its circumference, expressed by the Greek letter π in English, pi. Museums and science centers celebrate this day with educational programs, songs, pi memorization challenges, and at least one event, though many mathematical lovers celebrate simply through enjoying.
March 14: Equal Pay Day (United States) - Equal Pay Day is the symbolic day dedicated to raising awareness of the gender pay gap. In the United States, this date symbolizes how far into the year the average median woman must work to have earned what the average median man had made the entire previous year.
March 15: International Day to Combat Islamophobia - In 2022, the UN General Assembly decided to proclaim March 15 the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and called for strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of tolerance and peace at all levels, based on respect for human rights and the diversity of religions and beliefs.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day - St. Patrick's Day is a global celebration of Irish culture on March 17, the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.
March 20: International Day of Happiness - Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world.
March 20: International Francophonie Day - Celebrating the French language, culture, and values.
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - Declared by the UN, this day remembers the damaging effects of racial discrimination and is a reminder to continue building a world with justice and equality.
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day - A day to raise public awareness of Down syndrome and the effective and meaningful inclusion and participation of all people with Down Syndrome in spaces where decisions are made and impact their lives.
March 21: Persian New Year (Nowruz) - Persian New Year is a day of joy, celebration, and renewal. It is held annually on the spring equinox.
March 22: World Water Day - World Water Day celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2.2 billion people without access to safe water. It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis. A core focus of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.
March 22: Ramadan begins (Islam) - In Islam, Ramadan is the holy month whereby Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is a period that aims to cleanse one’s body and soul from impurities and re-focus oneself to worship God.
March 23: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade - This United Nations international observation 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 day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.
March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility - The International Transgender Day of Visibility recognizes the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements of those who fought, and continue to fight, for gender equity.
April
Month-long Observations
Arab-American Heritage Month (North America)
Autism Awareness Month (Worldwide)
Celebrate Diversity Month (Worldwide)
Deaf History Month (US)
Earth Month (Worldwide)
Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month (Canada)
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month (North America)
National Volunteer Month (Worldwide)
National Child Abuse Prevention Month (United States)
Parkinson Awareness Month (Worldwide)
Sikh Heritage Month (Canada)
Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month (North America)
Multi-day Observations
April 2-8: Holy Week (Orthodox/Eastern) – A period of continued fasting and religious observance following the Great Fast (Great Lent), beginning on Palm Sunday and ending with the feast of Pascha.
April 5-13: Passover / Pesach - Passover celebrates the Jewish people's deliverance from slavery in Egypt. During the first two nights, the story of the exodus from Egypt is told over a special meal called a Seder which begins at previous sundown.
April 20- May 2: Start of Ridvan (Baha’i) - The Festival of Ridvan is a holiday celebrated by those of the Bahá’í faith to commemorate the 12 days when Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder, resided in a garden called Ridvan (paradise) and publicly proclaimed his mission as God’s messenger for this age.
April 23-29: Canadian Fertility Awareness Week - A week to raise awareness and recognize the unique difficulties experienced by people affected by infertility.
April 22-24: Gathering of Nations – An annual festival of over 500 Native American tribes meeting to celebrate their traditions and cultures.
Daily Observations
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day - The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead whole and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
April 2: Palm Sunday (Christian) - A Christian celebration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem the week before his death and resurrection, which marks the start of Holy Week.
April 4: National Caregiver Day - Unanimously adopted by the Members of the Parliament of Canada to recognize the importance of the “invisible” unpaid work, this day provides an opportunity for formal recognition of caregivers and their contributions.
April 6: International Asexuality Day – A day to promote the asexuality umbrella, including demisexual, grey-asexual, and other ace identities worldwide. The four themes of International Asexuality Day are advocacy, celebration, education, and solidarity.
April 6: 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’s celebrated on the Thursday before Easter.
April 7: Good Friday (Christian) - A Christian holiday to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus.
April 7: World Health Day - A global observance day where each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people worldwide.
April 8: Vesak (Buddha Day) - "Vesak," the Day of the Full Moon in May, is the most sacred day to millions of Buddhists worldwide. It was on the Day of Vesak two and a half millennia ago, in the year 623 B.C., that the Buddha was born. It was also on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha attained enlightenment, and it was on the Day of Vesak that the Buddha, in his eightieth year, passed away.
April 9: Easter Sunday - Also called ‘Pascha,’ is one of the holiest days in the Christian (Western) calendar. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from death three days after his crucifixion.
April 10: Easter Monday - Commemorates the women's meeting at Jesus' tomb with an angel who assured them that Jesus had been resurrected from death. It is observed as a holiday in some countries.
April 12: Equal Pay Day (Canada) – Equal Pay Day is the symbolic day dedicated to raising awareness of the gender pay gap. In the United States, this date symbolizes how far into the year the average median woman must work to have earned what the average median man had made the entire previous year.
April 12: International Day of Pink - Celebrated on the second Wednesday of April, this is when people around the world are encouraged to wear a pink shirt and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ2S+ community to continue fighting for equality and acceptance.
April 17: Laylat al-Qadr (Muslim) - Laylat al-Qadr (Arabic: “Night of Power”) is an Islamic festival that commemorates the night on which God first revealed the Qurʾān to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel (Jibrīl). It is most commonly observed on the 23rd night of Ramadan for Shiʿah Muslims and on the 27th for Sunni Muslims. It begins the previous evening.
April 18: Yom Hashoah (Jewish) - Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) is an international day of commemoration, started in Israel, on which the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust are memorialized, which begins at previous sundown.
April 21: Eid-al-Fitr/End of Ramadan (Muslim) - A Muslim celebration to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of dawn to sunset fasting. This day is celebrated with feasts, gifts, and prayers in honor of God, which begins at previous sundown.
April 21: World Creativity & Innovation Day - A UN-designated day to raise awareness of the role of creativity and innovation in all aspects of human development, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity for the growth of creative industries or sectors.
April 22: International Earth Day - Earth Day promotes world peace and the planet's sustainability. Events are held globally in support of the environmental protection of the Earth.
April 23: National Day of Silence (LGBTQ+) - Spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ2+ people.
April 27: Girls in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Day - This is a designated day for creating a global environment that empowers and encourages girls and young women to consider studies and careers in the growing field of information and communication technologies.
April 28: National Day of Mourning (Canada): The National Day of Mourning, held annually in Canada on April 28, is dedicated to remembering those who have lost their lives, suffered injury or illness on the job, or a work-related tragedy.
April 28: World Day for Health & Safety at Work - International day to raise awareness on adopting safe workplace practices and the role of occupational safety and health.
April 30: Journey to Freedom Day - Commemoration of the exodus of Vietnamese refugees and their acceptance in Canada after the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.
May
Month-long Observations
ALS Awareness Month (Worldwide)
American Indian Heritage Month (United States)
Asian Heritage Month (Canada)
Haitian Heritage Month (Worldwide)
Jewish American Heritage Month (North America)
Mental Health Awareness Month (Worldwide)
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month (Canada)
National Asian American and South Pacific Islander Heritage Month (United States)
National Speech and Hearing Month (Canada)
Older Americans Month (United States)
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (Canada)
South Asian American Heritage Month (UK)
Multi-day Observations
May 28 – June 3: National Access Ability Week - A week to celebrate the valuable contributions and accomplishments of Canadians with disabilities and to recognize the need to promote a culture of inclusion to combat the ongoing discrimination against persons with disabilities.
May 25 – 27: Shavuot - A Jewish holiday referred to as the feast of weeks holds double significance. It marks the ancient grain harvest festival in Israel and commemorates the anniversary of the day the Jews received the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Daily Observations
May 3: World Press Freedom Day - A designated day to remind governments of the need to respect their commitment to freedom of the press and a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
May 4: 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 5: Red Dress Day (Canada) - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada.
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). This day celebrates Mexican culture and heritage with various festivities, including parades and mariachi music performances.
May 16: International Day of Living Together in Peace - A day that embraces the principle of peace, non-violent conflict resolution, and the elimination of all forms of conflict and intolerance, including those based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinions, national, ethnic or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status.
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia – In 2004, this day draws attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, or expressions, and sex characteristics.
May 18: Ascension Day - This day commemorates the Ascension of Jesus into heaven on the fortieth day after Easter.
May 19: Birthday of Malcolm X - A holiday celebrated either on May 19th, Malcolm X’s birthday, or the third Friday in May, to commemorate the Civil Rights leader who was assassinated in 1965.
May 20: Asian Gold Ribbon Day - The Asian Gold Ribbon (AGR) Campaign is a platform developed for social change and to initiate widespread visibility against anti-Asian hate and racism– an optimistic renewal for generations of Asians feeling pride in who they are.
May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development - A day to educate people on the importance of cultural diversity and to raise awareness of the related issues faced in today's society.
May 22: Victoria Day (Canada) - Victoria Day is celebrated in honor of the birth of Queen Victoria, the first sovereign of Canada, post-Confederation.
May 24: Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) – This day honors the Báb, who was perceived as the messenger of the God and forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, founder of the Bahá’í Faith, which begins at the previous sundown.
May 24: Pansexual and Panromantic Visibility Day - A day to celebrate the pansexual and panromantic community and educate others.
May 28: Pentecost - The annual Christian festival commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his ascension from earth to heaven on Ascension Day. It always falls on the seventh Sunday after Easter.
May 29: Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) - The day that Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Bahá’í Faith, passed away in 1892. Bahá’ís honor this holy day with prayers and selections from the Bahá’í Writings. It is also one of nine days in the year when work should be suspended, which begins at the previous sundown.
May 29: Memorial Day - A federal holiday established to honor military veterans who died in wars fought by US forces.
June
Month-long Observations
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month (United States)
African-American Music Appreciation Month (formerly Black Music Month in the United States)
Canadian Men's Health Month (Canada)
Deafblind Awareness Month (Canada)
Filipino Heritage Month (Canada)
Immigrant Heritage Month (United States)
Italian Heritage Month (Canada)
National Caribbean American Heritage Month (United States)
National Indigenous History Month (Canada)
Portuguese Heritage Month (North America)
Pride Month (LGBTQ+) (Worldwide)
Multi-day Observations
June 4-10: Canadian Environment Week – Established in 1971, Canadian Environment Week celebrates Canada’s environmental accomplishments and encourages Canadians to contribute to conserving and protecting their environment.
June 26 – July 1: The Hajj - This day begins the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which all Muslims must take at least once in their lives if they are physically and financially capable.
June 29 – July 2: Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is symbolic of the lessons of sacrifice, devotion, and willingness as told by the story of Prophet Ibrahim. As one of the most important holidays in Islam, every year, Muslims celebrate by gathering with family and loved ones to pray, showing gratitude for life’s blessings, sharing festive meals, and providing food to those in need, which begins at the previous sundown.
Daily Observations
June 1: Global Day of Parents - A day for appreciating all parents for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.
June 2: Native American Citizenship Day - Commemorates the day in 1924 when the US Congress passed legislation recognizing the citizenship of Native Americans.
June 4: Trinity Sunday – A day to observe in the Western Christian faith as a feast in honor of the Holy Trinity.
June 5: World Environment Day - World Environment Day is the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions worldwide.
June 7: Clean Air Day (Canada) - An annual event to recognize the importance of clean air for public health and the environment. It is an opportunity to encourage Canadians to do their part to help keep the air clean and create awareness of the Government of Canada’s clean air initiatives.
June 11: Race Unity Day - Race Unity Day was started by the Bahá'í National Spiritual Assembly in the United States in 1957, but it was known as Race Amity Day until 1965. The purpose was to promote racial harmony and understanding.
June 12: Loving Day - This day marks the anniversary when the court legalized interracial marriage.
June 13: International Albinism Awareness Day - A day to stand in solidarity with people living with albinism through their triumphs and challenges. It is a day to stand up for the rights of persons with albinism to live a life that is free of stigma, discrimination, fear, and violence.
June 18: International Day for Countering Hate Speech - In July 2021, the UN General Assembly highlighted global concerns over “the exponential spread and proliferation of hate speech” around the world and adopted a resolution on “promoting inter-religious and intercultural dialogue and tolerance in countering hate speech.” The resolution proclaimed June 18 as the International Day for Countering Hate Speech.
June 19: Juneteenth - Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, was established as a federal holiday in the United States in 2022. This celebration honors the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas and Louisiana finally heard they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War. It has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865 and is now starting to be recognized in Canada because of its history of slavery.
June 20: World Refugee Day - A day which recognizes the rights of forcibly displaced persons, be they refugees, asylum seekers, or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and reminds the public that refugees can contribute to society and that every action counts in the effort to create a more just, inclusive, and equal world.
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada) - This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
June 21: Summer Solstice - In the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice (also known as the June Solstice) occurs when the sun travels along its northernmost path in the sky. The Summer Solstice is the day with the most hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the “longest day” of the year. Summer Solstice marks the astronomical start of summer in the northern half of the globe.
June 24: St-Jean-Baptiste Day (Quebec) - On June 24, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day and National Day of Quebec, Francophones across the country show their pride by celebrating their language and traditions.
June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day - Multiculturalism Day celebrates Canada's diverse cultures and the country's commitment to equality, democracy, and mutual respect.
June 27: Birthday of Helen Keller – Today marks Helen Keller’s birthday, whom was a pioneer in advocating for people with disabilities.
Please note: Pride Day (LGBTQ+) varies worldwide by city and country.
July
Month-long Observations
French-American Heritage Month (United States)
Multi-day Observations
July 19 – August 17: Muharram - The first month of the Islamic calendar, during which warfare is forbidden. It is one of the four sacred months of the year, held to be the second holiest month after Ramadan.
Daily Observations
July 1: Canada Day (Canada) - A day commemorating the enactment of the Constitution Act in 1867, thereby establishing Canada as a new federation with its own constitution.
July 4: Independence Day (USA) – A US federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. The original thirteen American colonies declared independence from Britain and established themselves as a new nation, the United States of America.
July 3: Asala (Dharma Day) - The Buddha started teaching on this day. Dharma Day is considered a time to reflect on the scriptures and express gratitude for the Buddha’s teachings.
July 5: National Injury Prevention Day (Canada) - A day to raise awareness about the harmful effects of predictable and preventable injuries across Canada.
July 9: Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i) - Commemorates the anniversary of the execution of the Báb in 1850 Tabriz, Iran.
July 11: World Populace Day - An annual day to reaffirm the human right to plan for a family. It encourages activities, events, and information to help make this right a reality worldwide.
July 14: Bastille Day – The National Day of France, or Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14 yearly with fireworks and a parade. One of the most important days in the nation's history, as it marks the fall of the Bastille, a military fortress and political prison, then considered a symbol of the monarchy and armory.
July 14: International Nonbinary People’s Day - An annually observed day to reaffirm the human right to plan for a family. It encourages activities, events, and information to help make this right a reality throughout the world.
July 15: World Youth Skills Day - World Youth Skills Day encourages youth to celebrate the value of acquiring and developing skills through technical and vocational education and training.
July 18: International Nelson Mandela Day - Declared by the UN, Mandela Day is a day to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela and his values through volunteering and community service, fighting poverty, and promoting peace, reconciliation, and cultural diversity.
July 24: Pioneer Day (Mormon) - Mormons observe Pioneer Day to commemorate the arrival of the first Latter-day Saints pioneer in Salt Lake Valley in 1847.
July 24: International Self-Care Day - International Self-Care Day raises awareness of the critical role self-care plays in the health of Canadians and the sustainability of the health care system.
July 26: National Disability Independence Day - celebrates the anniversary of the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
July 28: World Hepatitis Day - This day spotlights the importance of stepping up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encouraging actions and engagement by individuals, partners, and the public, and highlighting the need for a greater global response.
July 30: International Day of Friendship - The International Day of Friendship was 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
Month-long Observations
National Civility Month (United States)
Multi-day Observations
August 1- 7: World Breastfeeding Week - World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign to raise awareness and galvanize action on themes related to breastfeeding.
August 21-25: Public Service Pride Week (Canada) - Public Service Pride (PSP) is a movement that began in 2018 by a network of federal employees committed to making the public service a diverse, safe, respectful, and healthy workplace for LGBTQ+ public servants. In 2019, the PSP Network launched the first-ever Public Service Pride Week (PSPW) with the goal in mind to send a clear message to Canadians that their federal public service is diverse and inclusive.
Daily Observations
August 1: Emancipation Day (Canada) - Emancipation Day is recognized across Canada, marking the end of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination.
August 4: Barack Obama Day (United States) - This day marks the birth of the United States’ first Black president.
August 7: Purple Heart Day (United States) - Purple Heart Day commemorates the creation of the oldest American military decoration for military merit. The Purple Heart honors the men and women of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People - Pronounced by the UN, this is a day to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous populations and recognize the achievements and contributions that Indigenous peoples make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
August 12: International Youth Day - Held on August 12, this is a day to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions, and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal, and equitable engagement.
August 13: International Left-Handers Day - Observed annually on August 13 to celebrate the uniqueness and differences of left-handed individuals.
August 15: The Assumption of Mary into Heaven - This day commemorates Mary's death and ascent to heaven – often celebrated by Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
August 19: World Humanitarian Day - A dedicated day to humanitarians worldwide to increase public understanding of humanitarian assistance activities.
August 21: Senior Citizens Day (United States) - Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives in the United States. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives.
August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition - A day designated by UNESCO to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade.
August 26: Women’s Equality Day (United States) - Commemorates the passage of women’s suffrage in the U.S. and reminds us of the hurdles overcome by the heroic women who faced violence and discrimination to propel the women’s movement forward.
August 30: Raksha Bandhan (Hindu) - The Hindu festival celebrates the love, bond, and duty between brothers and sisters and brother-sister-like relationships that are not biologically related.
August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day - A day to remember without stigma those who have died and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
September
Month-long Observations
Hispanic Heritage Month (United States)
National Guide Dog Month (United States)
National Recovery Month (North America)
Suicide Prevention Month (North America)
World Alzheimer's Awareness Month (UK)
Multi-day Observations
September 6-7: Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu) - Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and his rescue from potential death by the demon Kasna. Lord Krishna was born in prison, then carried by his father to another village where he was secretly exchanged with a cow herder's daughter for his safety.
September 10-16: Mennonite Heritage Week (Canada) - The Government of Canada officially declared the second week of September as Mennonite Heritage Week. This week is an opportunity to learn more about Mennonite Canadians, their unique history, vibrant culture, and contributions that have helped shape our country.
September 15-17: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) - The Jewish New Year when Jews reflect on their faith, rejoice, and deeply introspect.
September 18-24: International Week of Deaf People - The International Week of Deaf People was first celebrated in September 1958 and has since evolved into a global movement of deaf unity and concerted advocacy to raise awareness of the issues deaf people face daily.
September 24- 30: Gender Equality Week (Canada) - The fourth week in September, raises awareness of the important contributions women and gender-diverse communities have made to the growth, development, character, and identity of Canada; to celebrate the significant achievements and accomplishments made in advancing gender equality; and to reconfirm the commitment to address persistent gender equality gaps in the country.
September 30 – October 6: Sukkot (Jewish) - Sukkot begins five days after Yom Kippur and lasts seven days. Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage holidays (along with Passover and Shavu’ot), which commemorates the historical pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate the harvest, which begins at the previous sundown.
Daily Observations
September 4: Labour Day - The first Monday in September has been a statutory holiday in Canada since 1894. It originated in the first workers’ rallies of the Victorian era.
September 5: International Day of Charity - This United Nations-designated day promotes charitable efforts to alleviate poverty worldwide.
September 8: International Literacy Day - A day to raise people’s awareness of and concern for literacy issues in the world.
September 11: Patriot Day (U.S.A.) – A day to commemorate the lives of those who died in the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, Pentagon, and hijacked United Airlines Flight 93.
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day - World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 each year to raise awareness of suicide and promote action through proven means to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts globally.
September 15: International Day of Democracy - In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly resolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy—to promote and uphold the principles of democracy.
September 16: Mexican Independence Day - Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. A national holiday in Mexico, observed by various performances from fireworks to dance routines.
September 18: International Equal Pay Day - International Equal Pay Day, celebrated on September 18, represents the longstanding efforts of equal pay for work of equal value. It further builds on the United Nations’ commitment to human rights and against all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls.
September 19: Ganesh Chaturthi - A Hindu holiday lasting approximately ten days in which the elephant-headed Hindu god is praised and given offerings.
September 20: HeForShe - The United Nation’s HeForShe campaign aims to kick-start a global solidarity movement supporting women’s rights and full equality between women and men.
September 21: International Day of Peace - This is a day to recognize the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace. It is also considered to be a day of ceasefire – personal or political.
September 21: World Gratitude Day - An annual celebration on this day to remind us of the importance of expressing thanks and appreciation.
September 22: National Native American Day – This is celebrated on the fourth Friday of September every year, falling on September 22 this year, as a way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the nation of the U.S.A. came into being.
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages - The International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. Celebrated annually worldwide on 23 September every year along with the International Week of Deaf People.
September 23: Bi Visibility Day - Marked each year since 1999, Bi Visibility Day raises bi awareness and challenges bisexual & biromantic erasure.
September 24: Yom Kippur (Jewish) - The Jewish Day of Atonement, which comprises a 25-hour fast whereby people refrain from working, eating, and drinking. Synagogue services are also attended in worship of this sacred day beginning at sundown.
September 27: Mawlid al-Nabī / Eid-Mauladun-Nabi (Muslim) - Anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Some Muslims mark this occasion with special prayers, while other Muslims may mark the occasion by dedicating more time to reading the Qur'an, which begins at the previous sundown.
September 30: National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Canada) - A federal statutory holiday to honor the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is vital to the reconciliation process.
September 30: Orange Shirt Day (Canada) - A day to wear an orange shirt to remember the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken away when she was sent to a residential school at age six. The date was chosen because this was the time of year children were taken from their homes and placed in residential schools.
October
Month-long Observations
ADHD Awareness Month (Worldwide)
AIDS Awareness Month (United States)
Autism Awareness Month (Canada)
Black History Month (UK, Ireland, and The Netherlands)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Worldwide)
Bullying Prevention Month (Worldwide)
Canadian Islamic History Month (Canada)
Child Abuse Prevention Month (Canada)
Disability Employment Awareness Month (Canada)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (United States)
Down Syndrome Awareness Month (United States)
Family History Month (United States)
German Heritage Month (Canada)
Global Diversity Awareness Month (Worldwide)
Healthy Workplace Month (Canada)
LGBT+ History Month (North America & Australia)
Filipino American History Month (United States)
Italian-American Heritage Month (United States)
Latin American Heritage Month (Canada)
Mark it Read for Dyslexia Awareness Month (Canada)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (North America)
National Work and Family Month (United States)
Women’s History Month (Canada)
Multi-day Observations
October 1- 7: Mental Illness Awareness Week - Mental Illness Awareness Week is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness.
October 15- 24: Navratri (Navaratri) - A Hindu festival of nine nights in the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, celebrated with various traditions and rituals in honor of a different form of the goddess each night.
October 15- 21: Invisible Disabilities Week - The Invisible Disabilities Association began hosting Invisible Disabilities Week (IDW) in 2014. The goal of IDW is to spread awareness, education, and support around the world for those living with invisible disabilities.
October 15- 21: Workplace Bullying Awareness Week - Workplace Bullying Awareness Week aims to provide education and awareness of how workplace bullying affects our lives and our work.
Daily Observations
October 1: National Seniors Day - An international day to recognize the contributions of older persons/seniors and examine the issues that affect their lives.
October 2: International Day of Nonviolence – Observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
October 4: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (Canada) - This is a day to stand in solidarity with Indigenous families and communities to honor the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls whose lives have been cut short by violence.
October 6: Shemini Atzeret – A Jewish holiday also known as The Eighth (Day) of Assembly. It takes place the day after the Sukkot festival at sundown, where gratitude for the fall harvest is deeply internalized.
October 7: Simchat Torah - A Jewish holiday that begins at sundown and marks 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 acknowledgment of the words of the Torah being a never-ending cycle.
October 9: National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (United States) - This day honors the indigenous people of the United States; the holiday coincides with Columbus Day.
October 5: World Teacher Day - A day that celebrates the role teachers play in providing quality education to all levels. This enables children and adults of all ages to learn to take part in and contribute to their local community and global society.
October 10: Thanksgiving Day (Canada) - Canadian Thanksgiving is a chance for people to give thanks for a good harvest and other fortunes in the past year.
October 10: World Mental Health Day - First celebrated in 1993 to raise public awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health worldwide. You can support the efforts by reflecting on your own biases regarding mental health and advocating against the related social stigma.
October 11: National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+) – National Coming Out Day in the United States was established in 1988 on the second anniversary of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay rights. Now celebrated in Canada and other parts around the world, this day serves as an opportunity to celebrate LGBTQ2S+ identities, decrease stigma, increase awareness, and advocate for change.
October 11: International Day of the Girl - This is a day that promotes girls’ rights and highlights gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys. This day gives governments and organizations the opportunity to raise public awareness about gender bias and discrimination directed at girls.
October 14: Defender of Ukraine Day -This day celebrates those who have fought for the freedom of Ukraine.
October 15: International Day of Rural Women - International Day of Rural Women recognizes the critical role and contribution of rural women, including Indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security, and eradicating rural poverty.
October 16: Birth of the Bab (Baha’i) - Celebrates the birth of the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í community. In the Bahá’í calendar, the Birth of the Báb and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh are celebrated one after the other in one festival referred to as the “Twin Holy Days”.
October 17: Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha’i) - Celebrates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i faith. In the Bahá’í calendar, the Birth of the Báb and the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh are celebrated one after the other in one festival referred to as the “Twin Holy Days”.
October 18: Persons Day (Canada) - Persons Day in Canada marks the day in 1929 when the historic decision to include women in the legal definition of “persons” was handed down by Canada’s highest court of appeal. This gave some women the right to be appointed to the Senate of Canada and paved the way for women's increased participation in public and political life. Though this decision did not include all women, such as Indigenous women and women of Asian heritage and descent, it did mark critical progress in the advancement of gender equality in Canada.
October 19: International Pronouns Day – A day to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Each year it is held on the third Wednesday of October.
October 19: Spirit Day (LGBTQ+ anti-bullying) - This day is aimed specifically at LGBTQ youth and what their community can do to support them. You can participate in this day by wearing purple and speaking out against bullying. Each year it is held on the third Thursday of October.
October 20: Sikh Holy Day (birth of Guru Granth) - Sikh Holy Day is the day Sikhs celebrate Sri Guru Granth Sahib, their spiritual guide.
October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day - International Stuttering Awareness Day is intended to raise public awareness of stuttering, which affects one percent of the world's population.
October 26: Intersex Awareness Day - A day to encourage dialogue and raise awareness on the human rights violations faced by intersex people.
October 31: Halloween - Halloween is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, though it shares important ties with various other celebrations from several faiths and cultures, including Día de los Muertos (or the Day of the Dead), All Saints Day, and All Souls Day. Halloween made its way over to the United States with British and Irish colonists, eventually becoming the holiday we know today, with traditions of door-to-door trick-or-treating and decorations.
November
Month-long Observations
American Indian, and Alaskan Native Heritage Month (United States)
Diabetes Awareness Month (Worldwide)
Financial Literacy Month (Canada)
Indigenous Disability Awareness Month (Canada)
Movember (Worldwide)
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (Canada)
National Family Caregivers Month (United States)
National Native American Heritage Month (United States)
Multi-day Observations
November 5-11: Veterans' Week (Canada) - Every year during the lead-up to Remembrance Day on November 11, we honor those who have served Canada in times of war, military conflict, and peace.
November 12-16: Diwali (Hindu) - Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights and the Hindu New Year. Diwali lasts for 5 days: Day 1 - New Year for business; Day 2 - the triumph of the god Vishnu over the evil demon; Day 3 - Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, visits homes lit by lamps; Day 4 - Bali worship day; Day 5 - devoted to brothers and sisters.
November 19- 25: Canada History Week - Canada History Week provides all Canadians with opportunities to learn more about the people and events that have shaped the country that we know today.
November 19- 25: National Addictions Awareness Week (Canada) - National Addictions Awareness Week highlights solutions to help address harms related to alcohol and other drugs. It provides an opportunity for people in Canada to learn more about prevention, talk about treatment and recovery, and bring forward solutions for change.
November 19- 25: Restorative Justice Week (Canada) - Restorative Justice (RJ) Week is recognized every year during the third week of November to acknowledge the impacts and achievements of the RJ approach and its application in Canada. RJ Week is an opportunity to explore how RJ can deal with harm in different situations: families, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, etc. It allows us to think about how RJ's values and principles can be applied to everyday challenges.
November 25- December 10: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence - Every year, from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), Canadians observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It is an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up and renew our commitment to end gender-based violence.
Daily Observations
November 1: All Saints’ Day (Roman Catholic) - All Saint’s Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, Hallowmas, Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of all the saints, known and unknown.
November 1: National Stress Awareness Day - Every first Wednesday in November was founded by Carole Spiers, the chairperson of ISMA, to increase public awareness and help people recognize, manage, and reduce stress in their personal and professional lives.
November 2: Dia de Muertos (Latin America) - In Mexico and, to a lesser degree, elsewhere in Latin America, the Day of the Dead (or Día de los Muertos) is an opportunity for family and friends to honor and remember deceased loved ones. The observation of the day likely has roots in the rituals of the pre-Hispanic people of Mexico. After Spanish colonization and the arrival of Catholicism, the holiday became intertwined with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day and is celebrated on All Saints’ Day, November 1.
November 8: Indigenous Veterans Day (Canada) - A day to honor the important contributions made by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Veterans in service to Canada.
November 9: World Freedom Day - On this day in 1989, a momentous event in history took place when the Berlin Wall was abolished. The wall separated families and communities for almost three decades. Today, it marks the rise of democracy and freedom and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.
November 9: World Adoption Day - Every year, on November 9th, World Adoption Day encourages adoptees to share their stories. It's also a day for adoptive parents to connect with others and reflect upon their adoption journey.
November 11: Remembrance/Veterans Day - Commemorates the members of the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives during the World Wars and other military efforts in history and currently.
November 13: World Kindness Day - World Kindness Day is an international holiday that was formed in 1998, to promote kindness throughout the world and is observed annually on this day as part of the World Kindness Movement.
November 14: World Diabetes Day - In 1991, IDF and the World Health Organization designated this day, as World Diabetes Day in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
November 16: International Day for Tolerance - In 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming November 16 as International Day for Tolerance. This action followed the adoption of a Declaration of Principles on Tolerance by UNESCO's Member States on November 16, 1995. Among other things, the Declaration affirms that tolerance is neither indulgence nor indifference. It is respect and appreciation of the rich variety of our world's cultures, our forms of expression, and our ways of being human.
November 19: International Men’s Day – A day to celebrate the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities, highlight positive role models, and raise awareness of men’s well-being and mental health. One of the six pillars of International Men’s Day is to improve gender relations and promote gender equality for men and women.
November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance - A day to memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia and to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community.
November 20: Universal Children’s Day (United Nations) - Universal Children's Day is celebrated annually on November 20th. The goal of Universal Children's Day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children's rights and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children.
November 20: National Child Day (Canada) - Canada has declared November 20th as National Child Day to celebrate the rights of children.
November 22: National Housing Day (Canada) - Each year, National Housing Day is held on November 22. It’s a day to recognize the important work done by housing partners across Canada to improve access to housing for everyone in Canada.
November 23: Thanksgiving (United States) - Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and the preceding year.
November 25: Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) - The Day of the Covenant is the day when Baháʼís celebrate the appointment of ʻAbdu'l-Bahá as the Centre of Baha'u'llah's Covenant.
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - Designated by the UN, this is a day to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to multiple forms of violence. Women's rights activists have observed 25 November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981. This date was selected to honor the Mirabal sisters, three political activists from the Dominican Republic who were brutally murdered in 1960 by order of the country’s ruler, Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).
November 25: Holodomor Memorial Day - Holodomor Memorial Day is commemorated each year to remember the millions of Ukrainians who were starved to death in Ukraine in 1932 and 1933 during the Holodomor Famine Genocide.
November 27: Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i) - The Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá is a holy day that commemorates the death of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
November 27: Guru Nanak Gurpurab - One of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, Gurpurab celebrates the birth of the first Sikh guru Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Guru Nanak is highly revered by the Sikh community and was one of the most celebrated Sikh gurus.
December
Month-long Observations
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month (Worldwide)
Universal Human Rights Month (Worldwide)
Multi-day Observations
December 3-24: Advent - Advent marks a month-long period of preparation and anticipation for the birth of Jesus on Christmas Day.
December 8-15: Chanukah / Hanukkah (Jewish) - Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrating the success of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire, and the liberating and rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, which begins at the previous sundown.
December 16-24: Las Posadas - A nine-day Christmas festival celebration in Latin America, and heritage communities in the U.S. commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem.
December 26- January 1: Kwanzaa - Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday that has been adopted around the world, including in Canada, to celebrate African family, community, and culture.
Daily Observations
December 1: World AIDS Day – Designated on December 1 every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
December 2: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is annually held on December 2 to raise awareness of the atrocities of modern slavery. It is not to be confused with another UN day, the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
December 3: International Day for People with Disabilities - Designated on December 1 every year since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
December 5: International Volunteer Day - The United Nations Volunteers Programme coordinates International Volunteer Day on December 5 every year to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe.
December 6: The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women (Canada) - This is a day to remember those who have been victims of gender-based violence and those we have lost. It is also a time to take action to prevent and respond to gender-based violence by remembering and learning from our past, listening to survivors, and speaking out against harmful behavior.
December 6: St. Nicholas Day / Feast of Saint Nicholas - The tradition of Saint Nicholas Day, usually on December 6 (December 19 on the Julian calendar), is a festival for children in many countries in Europe related to surviving legends of the saint, and particularly his reputation as a bringer of gifts. The American Santa Claus, as well as the British Father Christmas, derive from these legends, and the name “Santa Claus” is derived in part from the Dutch Sinterklaas.
December 8: Pansexual Pride Day - Pansexual Pride Day celebrates the strides taken by the pansexual and panromantic community to be accepted and understood.
December 8: Bodhi Day - Bodhi Day celebrates the day Siddhartha Gautama, Sakyamuni Buddha, achieved enlightenment. Known as Rohatsu or Jodo-e in Japan and elsewhere by other names, this holiday is widely observed in the Mahayana traditions of East Asia and across the globe.
December 9: International Genocide Prevention Day – Today marks the United Nations’ International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
December 10: International Human Rights Day - A day to honor the UN General Assembly's adoption and proclamation, on December 10, 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights.
December 18: International Migrants Day - Declared by the United Nations, this is a day to honor the international convention on the protection of the rights of migrants.
December 20: International Human Solidarity Day - This is annually held on December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity. It also aims to remind people of the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty.
December 21: Yule Winter Solstice (Pagan) - In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs when the sun travels along its southernmost path in the sky. The Winter Solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year, making it the “shortest day” of the year. This marks the astronomical start of winter in the northern half of the globe.
December 24: Christmas Eve (Christian) - Christmas Eve is the evening before Christmas and is often observed with a long meal, usually with family, sometimes accompanied by other celebrations such as midnight mass.
December 25: Christmas (Christian) - A holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is recognized as a public holiday in many nations around the world and is also celebrated secularly by many non-Christians.
December 26: Boxing Day - The day after Christmas Day was traditionally celebrated as the day tradesmen and servants would receive gifts from their employers.
December 31: New Year’s Eve/Watch Night - In many countries, New Year's Eve is celebrated with dancing, eating, drinking, and watching or lighting fireworks. Watch Night is a day for Christians to review the year that has passed, make confessions, and then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving.
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