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Calendar of Celebrations
Holidays and observances are a large part of any culture. They provide a time to remember, honor, and celebrate something that is important and has symbolic meaning. As we share this information, we create additional ways to value and appreciate each other's differences.
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
January
Emancipation Day—On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that as of January 1, 1863, all persons held as slaves should be "thenceforward and forever free".
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—A U.S. holiday that commemorates the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King was the acknowledged national leader of the civil rights movement in the 1960's and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. He was born in 1929 and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. His most famous speech is "I Have a Dream." Observed on the third Monday of January since 1986, it is Congress' intention that the holiday "serve as a time for Americans to reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by Martin Luther King, Jr."
Lunar New Year—An important holiday, observed by both the Chinese and Koreans, takes place during the first three days of the first lunar month (late January or early February). There are a variety of festivals, people dress in native costumes, exchange food and gifts, visit family members, and remember ancestors. They settle all business accounts and forget all grudges. In China, the high point of the holiday is the Dragon parade.
Eid Al-Fitr—An Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan when Muslims express happiness in having completed the fast. The feast begins with the sighting of the new moon and lasts for three days. Each person in the family performs an act of charity for the poor, then the family is ready for a happy holiday. Muslim holidays follow the lunar calendar and may be delayed by a day, depending on the sighting of the new moon.
Twelfth Night—Also called the Epiphany, celebrated 12 days after Christmas. Commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, who would later be proclaimed the Christian savior.
February
Black History Month—The Library of Congress: The African-American Mosaic or The History and Origins of African American History Month. Since 1926, Black History Month has been an opportunity to correct and update history to recognize how Blacks have shaped its course. Originally, February was chosen as Black History month to coincide with the birthdays of two men who greatly impacted Black American history: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Lincoln granted by Executive Order the freedom of all slaves in America by issuing the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. Douglass was a fugitive slave who courageously led the abolitionist movement and later civil rights for Black Americans. Read about the richness of Black History. Black Scientists and Engineers have made significant contributions to science and engineering. Read about these contributions.
Lunar New Year—Observed by many Asian countries and communities around the world during the first three days of the first lunar month. People dress in new clothing, exchange gifts, prepare special foods, visit family members, and honor ancestors. They also settle all business accounts and forget all grudges. In North and South Korea, the holiday is known as Shul and marks the first day of Spring. In Vietnam, it is known as Tet. This holiday may also be known as Chinese New Year.
Tet—Celebrates the beginning of a new year and of spring, and is Vietnam's most important festival. It is a time for family reunions, feasting, repainting homes, and paying off old debts. The first night is marked with fireworks and begins four days of festivities that welcome the spirits of ancestors.
March
National Women's History Month—Initiated by the National Women's History Project (NWHP), a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1980 to "promote gender equity through women's diverse lives and accomplishments". The organization was an outgrowth of a California committee formed to address the lack of inclusion of women's history in the curriculum of K-12 schools. In 1981, the NWHP successfully lobbied Congress for "national Women's History Week". Congress expanded the celebration to an entire month in 1987.
Irish American Heritage Month—Proclaimed in 1995, during the month of March many Americans celebrate their Irish lineage.
International Working Women's Day—Commemorates a demonstration by female textile workers in New York in 1857. In 1910, the International Conference of Women met in Helsinki, Finland and established this date as an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions made by women.
Martisor (Martenitza)—Celebrated in Bulgaria and Romania, this joyous celebration marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Red and white pins are given to loved ones on this day for good health and fortune.
Hinamatsuri (Girls Day) —"Doll Festival". Japanese families elaborately display 15 dolls representing the emperor and empress and their court.
Shrove Tuesday—A day to confess sins (shrive), signifying penitence with which to enter the season of Lent. Also called Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras.
St. Patrick's Day—Celebrated annually in honor of Ireland's patron saint. St. Patrick came to Ireland as a missionary and succeeded in converting the Irish to Christianity. He used a shamrock to explain the Trinity to potential converts. The three leaves to the shamrock represented the father, son, and Holy Spirit. Patrick is also reported to have driven all of the snakes, a pagan symbol, out of Ireland and into the sea where they drowned. St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1737.
Holi (Festival of Color)—A Sikh celebration of spring throughout Northern India that is a time of fun and relaxation. During the morning, brightly colored powder and water are thrown at passersby and the afternoon is spent relaxing in a river or bath.
Purim—Celebrates the miraculous rescue of the Jews in ancient Persia with the assistance of Queen Esther from a plot by the king's advisor to exterminate the Jewish people. Bravely, and fearing her own life, Esther pleads with the King to save her people, and thusly they were saved. It is a festival celebrated with rich good food, a retelling of the story of Esther, gifts for the poor, and gifts to each other.
Benito Juarez's Birthday—Commemorates the birth in 1806 of one of Mexico's great presidents and wartime leaders.
April
Chakri Day—A national holiday in Thailand honoring Rama I, who founded the Chakrin Dynasty in 1782, and the founding of Bangkok as the capital of Thailand.
Buddha's Birthday—Celebrates the birth of the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama. He is thought to have lived in India from around 1029 - 949 B.C.E. Celebrated as a national holiday in Korea, Japan, and other Asian cultures.
Tiradentes Day—A national holiday in Brazil honoring Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, also known as Tirandetes (tooth puller). Da Silva Xavier was the leader of the first organized movement against Portuguese rule in Brazil in 1789. It would be 30 years after his death before Brazil gained its independence.
Discovery of Brazil Day—Commemorates the discovery of Brazil in 1500 by Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral.
Passover—An eight-day festival marking the liberation if the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. It begins with a ritual dinner known as Seder. Traditionally, the first and last two days are viewed as holy, while dietary restrictions last the entire week. Begins at sundown.
Easter—Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.
Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day—A U.S. event begun by Ms. Magazine in 1993 to focus national attention on the concerns, hopes, and dreams of girls. The day/week is set aside for workers to introduce their daughters to the world of work.
Gathering of the Nations Powwow—Brings nearly 3,000 participants representing over 700 tribes and nations to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to promote the traditions and culture of Native American people. The event provides Native and non-Native people the opportunity to participate, practice, teach, and exchange tribal traditions.
Greenery Day—A Japanese holiday for nature appreciation.
Earth Day—Established in 1970, a U.S. event to attract publicity to the growing needs for cleaner air and water. Former Senator Gaylord Nelson first proposed the idea for Earth Day in 1969. His idea was to have a nationwide teach-in on the environment.
Independence Day in Israel—Also known as Yom Ha Atzmaut and commemorates the beginning of the independent state of Israel and its government on May 14, 1948.
Yom Ha-Shoah (Holocaust Day)—A day set aside as a memorial to Jews who were killed in concentration camps during World War II. Established on April 12, 1951, and falls on the anniversary of the liberation of the first concentration camp, on April 10, 1945. This day may be observed by a fast from sundown the previous day to sundown on this day.
May
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month—Enacted on October 28, 1992, for the purpose of honoring the achievements of Asian/Pacific Americans and to recognize their contributions to the United States.
Flores de Mayo—A Filipino spring festival that lasts the entire month of May and culminates on May 31 with fiestas everywhere.
Cinco de Mayo—A Mexican national holiday that celebrates the victory over French invaders on May 5, 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. It is also a day for honoring the friendly relations between California and Mexico and is a time when American citizens of Mexican heritage celebrate their ancestry. Among national holidays, it ranks second only to Mexican Independence Day. The holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverages, and customs unique to Mexico and includes ceremonies, formal speeches, festivals, dances, and parades.
Golden Spike Day—Commemorates the day, in 1869, when the final spike was driven into the Transcontinental Railroad. As the result of a labor shortage in California, 10,000 Chinese immigrants were brought in as laborers for the railroad. Their contribution was finally recognized in 1999.
Armed Forces Day—Proclaimed by Harry S. Truman in 1950, this day honors all branches of the Armed Forces of the U.S.
Memorial Day—A time to remember U.S. heroes and loved ones who have died. In 1869, General John Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, designated May 30 as a day to decorate the graves of the Union soldiers. Over the years, graves of other soldiers were included, and we now honor all of those who have died.
June
Gay and Lesbian Pride Month—June is the nationally proclaimed month to celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT) pride.
Juneteenth—Originated in the U.S. around the time of the Civil War. In 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom for all slaves. Many Texas slave owners refuse to tell their slaves this news and kept them in slavery until Union troops arrived in Houston in June 1865, at which time they spread the news. The end of slavery was a gradual and local process, and local observances were common. Most often, these days are observed by communities gathering together, dancing, and sharing food, stories, good times, and the memories of the sacrifices of the people.
Juhannus—A celebration in Finland to celebrate the summer solstice and the feast of St. John. Also called St. John's Eve.
Dragon Boat Festival—Honors China's first major poet, Ch'u Yuan. Yuan drowned himself in protest of injustice and corruption in 278 B.C.E. It is a summer holiday marked with regattas, boating sports, and races between graceful dragon-shaped boats.
July
Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act—Celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. This Act brings civil rights to persons with disabilities. It provides for reasonable accommodation in work situations and standards for physical accessibility to buildings and public transportation for people with disabilities.
Feast of Lanterns (O-Bon)—A Japanese holiday also known as the Feast of Fortune. It is a time for people to remember their ancestors. According to Buddhist beliefs, the dead revisit Earth during this period and lanterns are lit for their souls. It is an ancient holiday observed in July by those who follow the Gregorian calendar, and on a later date by others who follow the lunar calendar. It is one of the two high points of the Japanese festival calendar, the other being the New Year celebration. There are religious rites throughout Japan in memory of the dead.
Independence Day—Celebrated on the Fourth of July, this holiday has become the most significant patriotic occasion in the United States. In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, the "first formal pronouncement by an organized body of people of the right to government by choice", and with this severed colonial ties with England. Congress adopted Jefferson's declaration on July 4, 1776 and this date became the birthday of the United States of America.
Bastille Day—Commemorates the event that launched the French Revolution. The Bastille held political prisoners and became a symbol of oppression by the monarchy. On this date in 1789, the Bastille was stormed and prisoners freed.
Birth of Haile Selassie I—Commemorates the birth, in 1892, of the former emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie. He was born Tafari Makonnen and later took the name Haile Selassie, meaning Power of the Holy Trinity. Ethiopians and Rastafarians celebrate this day.
August
Women's Equality Day—Recognized annually on August 26, this date marks the passage of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote. This amendment was the culmination of women's civil rights activities which formally began at the first women's rights convention in 1848. Individuals who worked tirelessly to promote suffrage for women were Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, a former slave and leader of the abolition movement. In 1974, Congress designated this date as a day of recognition each year for this important, historical event.
Tisha b'Av—This solemn holiday is a reminder of the destruction of the First and Second Temples and the loss of the Jewish State to the Romans. It is customary for Jews to fast, to observe traditional mourning practices, and to study only melancholy passages from the Torah.
September
Hispanic Heritage Month—Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized each year beginning September 15 through October 15. Congress first designated annual recognition of Hispanic Americans in 1968. In 1988, it was expanded from a weekly to a monthly period. The month was chosen because it includes two significant holidays: El Dieziseis de Septiembre (the 16th of September), which celebrates the independence of six Latin American countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) and Chile from Spain, and El Dia de la Raza (the Day of the People) on October 12, which celebrates Hispanic and Indian cultures.
Independence Day in Mexico—Marks the beginning of the Mexican revolt in 1810 against 350 years of rule by Spain. When Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo, a Criollo priest in the Mexican town of Dolores, called mass the morning of September 16, 1810, he told the people that the time had come to expel the Spaniards who had misgoverned and oppressed Mexicans for ten generations. His speech, known as the "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores), began the Mexican War of Independence. Because of his patriotism and his views on human rights towards the indigenous peoples of Mexico, the Mestizo's, and other Criollos, Father Hidalgo is considered to be the father of the Mexican nation and symbolizes Mexican independence. The "Diez y Seis de Septiembre" is celebrated by Mexicans all over the world (not only in Mexico and the United States), and by many other Latinos and non-Latinos who believe and support the principals of racial equality. It is a day for Latinos to reflect and pay respect to the many contributions of its' ancestors and heritage throughout the Americas, Europe, and throughout the world. The day is celebrated with festivals, music, dance, songs, and speeches.
Citizenship Day—Honors the more than 100,000 people from other countries who become U.S. citizens each year. This day was chosen because it is the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1878.
Labor Day—Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a federal holiday since 1894. Labor Day was a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
Confucius' Birthday—A national holiday in Taiwan and China commemorating the birth of the teacher Confucius in 551 B.C.E. One of the most influential men in China's history, Confucius stressed five virtues: charity, justice, propriety, wisdom, and loyalty. It is also a day set aside to honor teachers.
October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month—October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. In 1945, Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week," in an effort to educate the public about issues related to disability and employment. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed from the description to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. Congress expanded the special recognition from a week to a month-long period in 1988.
Columbus Day—Celebrates the voyage of Christopher Columbus to what would come to be known as the New World. With three ships and a crew of 90, Columbus hoped to find a western route from Europe to the Far East. Instead, the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria landed in the Bahama Islands on October 12, 1492 and a new era of European exploration and expansion began. The 400th anniversary of the event inspired the first official Columbus Day holiday in the United States. In 1892, President Benjamin Harrison issued a proclamation urging Americans to mark the day. The public responded enthusiastically, organizing school programs, plays, and community festivities across the country. Many Italian-Americans observe Columbus Day as a celebration of Italian-American heritage.
Rosh Hashanah—Celebration of the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah begins the Jewish High Holy days, which last for 10 days, culminating with Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with family gatherings, special meals, and sweet tasting foods. Also, a day of Judgement and Remembrance, on Rosh Hashanah, Jews examine their past deeds and remember the history of their people. On the tenth of the High Holy days, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is observed. Yom Kippur is the most solemn religious holiday observed with fasting, reflection, and prayers.
Shab-e-Barat—A fast in preparation for Ramadan. It is believed that on this night, Allah absolves sins and fixes the destinies of humans for the coming year. It is common, particularly in India and Pakistan, to ask Allah to forgive people who have died. Begins at sundown the previous day.
Tangun Day (Foundation Day)—In Korea, recalls 5,000 years of Korea's history and commemorates the day when the legendary founder of the Korean nation, Tangum, established his kingdom of Chosun in 2333 B.C.E.
National Coming Out Day—In the U.S. commemorates the largest gathering to date of Gays and Lesbians supporting gay rights in Washington, D.C. in 1987, and is an international day of visibility for the Gay and Lesbian community.
November
Native American Heritage Month—Recognizes the important contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native peoples to our country. Tribal America has brought to this great country certain values and ideas that have become ingrained in the American life: the knowledge that humans can thrive and prosper without destroying the natural environment; the understanding that people from very different backgrounds, cultures religions, and traditions, can come together to build a great country; and the awareness that diversity can be a source of strength rather than division.
Veterans' Day—Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11 has been set aside to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during the war in order to ensure a lasting peace. Armistice Day became a legal holiday in 1938, one year before World War II began. Soon after the end of World War II, Congress passed a bill renaming the national holiday as Veterans' Day.
Thanksgiving—An annual holiday observed in the United States and Canada. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast which is now known as the first Thanksgiving. On the fourth Thursday in November, Americans express gratitude for their good fortune. Although early Thanksgiving days were spontaneous celebrations, by the mid-nineteenth century, an annual fall Thanksgiving meal was customary throughout much of the nation.
Loy Krathong—Celebrated for 6,000-7,000 years, this is a Thai festival of lights in which candles (Krathongs) are floated along rivers and canals throughout the country. Many Thais use this day to visit a major temple, have a festival dinner, and then go to the nearest body of water to launch their Krathongs after saying a prayer.
December
World AIDS Day—A day designed to increase the awareness and education about AIDS and focus attention on the fight against it. It is marked by opportunities to learn more about AIDS.
Human Rights Day—Established in 1948 by the United Nations commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Human Rights. This day reminds everyone of the basic civil, economic, political, and social rights due to every person.
Jamhuri—The largest national holiday in Kenya and commemorates independence from the British in 1963.
Bodhi Day—Celebrates the day of the Buddha's enlightenment. In 596 C.E., Siddhartha Gautama sat for seven days under a Bodhi tree vowing to understand the meaning of life. In the eighth morning, he realized the Four Noble Truths of suffering and the way to overcome them by the Eightfold Path. At this moment he reached Bodhi and was named Buddha.
Chanukah—Observes the Jewish Festival of Lights. Chanukah commemorates a historical event in the 2nd century B.C.E. after a war with the Syrian army when the Jews reentered Jerusalem and were rededicating the Temple. When it came time to re-light the Menorah, they searched the entire Temple, but only one small jar of oil bearing the pure seal of the High Priest could be found. Miraculously, the small jar of oil burned for eight days, until a new supply of oil could be brought. Today, the observance of Chanukah features the lighting of a special menorah with eight branches (plus a helper candle), adding one new candle each night. Other customs include spinning the dreidel (a top with Hebrew letters on the sides), eating "oily" foods like potato latkes (pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts), and giving Chanukah gelt (coins) to children.
Ramadan—The ninth and holiest month of the Muslim year is a month of spiritual and physical purification and self-discipline. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from before sunrise until it is dark enough to see the stars. Observance of this fast is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan marks the revelation of the Koran (the Islamic scriptures) by the prophet Muhammad.
Christmas—Observed annually on December 25, this day recognizes the birth of Jesus Christ as celebrated by Christians for more than 1600 years. The season begins on the First Sunday of Advent and ends on Epiphany and is celebrated around the world in many different ways. Christmas is also a popular secular holiday, which focuses on the many versions of St. Nicholas. Regardless of whether the celebration is religious or secular, the spirit of the season remains.
Kwanzaa—A holiday that honors the rich cultural roots of Americans of African ancestry and stresses family unity. It is a cultural holiday in recognition of traditional African harvest festivals, based on seven fundamental principles: unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective work and responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani). The Kwanzaa means "the first" or "the first fruits of the harvest" in the African language of Swahili.
Japanese New Year—Shogatsu or Ganjitsu, is celebrated in Japan from December 29th through January 3rd. Many people visit shrines during this time to pray for good fortune and health to come.
If you see information that you feel is inaccurate or have information that you would like to see added, please contact the Diversity Program Office at 303/384-7595 or Peggy Rendon.
Content Last Updated: April 27, 2009
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