All Calendar Holidays
Jan
Feast Day of St. Basil, a holiday observed by the Eastern Orthodox Church, commemorating the death of Saint Basil the Great.
New Year’s Day, the first day of the year according to the modern Gregorian calendar, celebrated in most Western countries.
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, which is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church, commemorates the naming of the child Jesus.
World Braille Day, observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people; celebrated on the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille.
Twelfth Night, a festival celebrated by some branches of Christianity that marks the coming of the Epiphany.
Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), a holiday observed by Eastern and Western Christians recognizing the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus twelve days after his birth.
Christmas, recognized on this day by Eastern Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Christmas thirteen days later than other Christian churches because they follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian version.
Maghi/Lohri, an annual festival celebrated by Sikhs commemorating the memory of forty Sikh martyrs.
Orthodox New Year, celebrated every year on January 14th by Orthodox Christians all over the world. It marks the start
Makar Sankranti, a Hindu festival marking the end of winter and the onset of the harvest, celebrated in various parts of India.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day, is a day that commemorates the birth of the 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.
The Week (Jan 18–25) of Prayer for Christian Unity, during which Christians pray for unity among all churches of the Christian faith.
Timkat, a holiday observed by Ethiopian Orthodox Christians who celebrate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River on Epiphany.
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, who initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa (the pure ones) and who is known as the Father of the Khalsa.
World Religion Day, observed by those of the Bahá’í faith to promote interfaith harmony and understanding.
Mahayana New Year, a holiday celebrated by the Mahayana Buddhist branch on the first full-moon day in January.
Mahayana New Year, a holiday celebrated by the Mahayana Buddhist branch on the first full-moon day in January.
The International Day of Commemoration, remembers the victims of the Holocaust; the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945; and the UN Holocaust Memorial Day.
Feb
St. Brigid of Kildare, feast day for St. Brigid celebrated by some Christian denominations.
National Freedom Day, celebrates the signing of the Thirteenth Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States in 1865.
Imbolc, February 1 - 2, a Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan traditional festival that represents making way for spring and the rebirth of nature.
Candlemas, a Christian holiday that celebrates three occasions: the presentation of the child Jesus, Jesus’ first entry into the temple, and the Virgin Mary’s purification.
Setsubun-Sai (Beginning of Spring), the day before the beginning of spring in Japan, celebrated annually as part of the Spring Festival.
Four Chaplains Day, commemorates the anniversary of the sinking of the US Army transport Dorchester and the heroism of the four chaplains aboard.
St. Blaise Day (The Blessing of the Throats), the feast day of St. Blaise of Sebaste celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church and some Eastern Catholic Churches.
Lailat al Miraj, February 7 - 8, a Muslim holiday that commemorates the prophet Muhammad’s nighttime journey from Mecca to the “Farthest Mosque” in Jerusalem, where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily. Note that in the Muslim calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims will celebrate Lailat al Miraj starting at sundown on February 7.
Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year, February 8 - 10, is a time of renewal through sacred and secular practices.
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar in many East Asian cultures. Celebrated with vibrant parades, traditional performances, and family gatherings, it symbolizes the renewal of life and the ushering in of good fortune.
Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Although named for its former religious significance, it is chiefly marked by feasting and celebration, which traditionally preceded the observance of the Lenten fast. It is observed by various Christian denominations.
Mardi Gras, the last day for Catholics to indulge before Ash Wednesday starts the weeks of fasting that accompany Lent. The term “Mardi Gras” is particularly associated with the Carnival celebrations in New Orleans, Louisiana.
St. Valentine’s Day, a Western Christian feast day honoring one or two early saints named Valentinus. This holiday is typically associated with romantic love and celebrated by people expressing their love with gifts.
Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent on the Christian calendar. Its name is derived from the symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence.
Vasant Panchami, the Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring. On this day, Hindus worship Saraswati Devi, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art, and culture.
Parinirvana Day (or Nirvana Day), the commemoration of Buddha’s death at the age of 80, when he reached the zenith of Nirvana; February 8 is an alternative date of observance.
Presidents Day, a federally recognized celebration in the United States that honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as those of every US president.
World Day of Social Justice, promotes global awareness and action for social justice, urging individuals and organizations to address issues of inequality, discrimination, and poverty through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts.
Magha Puja Day (also known as Maka Bucha), a Buddhist holiday that marks an event early in the Buddha’s teaching life when a group of 1,250 enlightened saints ordained by the Buddha gathered to pay their respect to him. It is celebrated on various dates in different countries.
Lantern Festival, the first significant feast after the Chinese New Year; participants enjoy watching paper lanterns illuminate the sky on the night of the event.
Maghi-Purnima, a Hindu festival especially for worshippers of Lord Vishnu. Devotees take a holy bath on this day and carry out charity work.
Lailat al Bara’a, Feburary 24 - 25, also known as Lailat Al Baraah, Barat, or popularly as Shab-e-Bara or Night of Forgiveness, it is an Islamic holiday during which practitioners of the faith seek forgiveness for sins. Muslims spend the night in special prayers. It is for St. Brigid celebrated by some Christian denominations. It is regarded as one of the most sacred nights on the Islamic calendar.
Intercalary Days or Ayyám-i-Há, February 26 - 29, celebrated by people of the Bahá’í faith. At this time, days are added to the Bahá’í calendar to maintain their solar calendar. Intercalary days are observed with gift-giving, special acts of charity, and preparation for the fasting that precedes the New Year.
Mar
Nineteen-Day Fast, March 1 - 19, sunset to sunset, a time in the Bahá’í faith to reinvigorate the soul and bring one closer to God. This fast takes place immediately before the beginning of the Bahá’í New Year.
Zero Discrimination Day, is meant to highlight the need for people to be informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change.
International Women’s Day, first observed in 1911 in Germany, is a major global celebration honoring women’s economic, political, and social achievements.
Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival celebrated each year to honor Lord Shiva. It is celebrated just before the arrival of spring. It is also known as the Great Night of Shiva or Shivaratri and is one of the largest and most significant among the sacred festival nights of India.
Meatfare Sunday (The Sunday of the Last Judgment), traditionally the last day of eating meat before Easter for Orthodox Christians.
St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday started in Ireland to recognize St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who brought Christianity to the country in the early days of the faith.
Cheesefare Sunday or Forgiveness Sunday, the last Sunday prior to the commencement of Great Lent for Orthodox Christians.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week, March 18-24, recognizes and celebrates neurological differences.
Beginning of Great Lent, is part of the Orthodox Christian faith that is also known as Clean Monday.
St. Joseph’s Day, in Western Christianity the principal feast of St. Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Ostara, a celebration of the spring equinox commemorated by Pagans and Wiccans. It is observed as a time to mark the coming of spring and the fertility of the land.
Purim, March 23 - 24, a Jewish celebration that marks the time when the Jewish community living in Persia was saved from genocide. On Purim, Jewish people dress up in costumes, offer charity, and share food with friends.
Orthodox Sunday, celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent. It is the celebration of the victory of the iconodules over the iconoclasts by the decision of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Therefore, the service commemorates the restoration of icons for use in services as well as a Christian’s private devotional life.
Palm Sunday, a Christian holiday commemorating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It takes place on the last Sunday of Lent, at the beginning of the Holy Week.
Lord’s Evening Meal, celebrated by Jehovah’s Witnesses in commemoration of the event believed to have occurred on the first night of Passover in approximately 33 CE that other Christians call the Last Supper.
Holi, the annual Hindu and Sikh spring religious festival. It is often celebrated on the full moon (the Phalguna Purnima) before the beginning of the vernal equinox as based on the Hindu calendar.
Khordad Sal (Birth of prophet Zoroaster), birth anniversary (or birth date) of Zoroaster, a spiritual leader and ethical philosopher who taught a spiritual philosophy of self-realization and realization of the divine. Zoroastrians celebrate this day with prayer and feasting.
Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), the Christian holiday commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus and the Apostles were together for the last time before the crucifixion. It is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter.
Good Friday, a Christian holiday to commemorate the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. It is recognized on the Friday before Easter.
Easter, a holiday celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus’ return from death after the crucifixion.
Apr
Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
World Autism Awareness Day, created to raise awareness around the globe.
Laylat al-Qadr, the holiest night of the year for Muslims, is traditionally celebrated on the twenty-seventh day of Ramadan. It is known as the Night of Power and commemorates the night the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
Eid al-Fitr, April 9-10 (sundown to sundown), the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutuba (sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr.
Chaitra Navaratri, a nine-day festival which starts on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar.
The Day of Silence, during which students take a daylong vow of silence to protest the actual silencing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students and their straight allies due to bias and harassment.
Vaisakhi (also known as Baisakhi), the celebration of the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated) and the birth of the Khalsa.
Ram Navami, a Hindu day of worship and celebration of the seventh avatar of Vishnu (Lord Rama). Devotees typically wear red and place extravagant flowers on the shrine of the god.
Mahavir Jayanti, a holiday celebrated by the Jains commemorating the birth of Lord Mahavira. It is one of the most important religious festivals for Jains.
The Festival of Ridvan, a holiday celebrated by those of the Bahá’í faith, commemorating the twelve 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.
Earth Day, promotes world peace and sustainability of the planet. Events are held globally in support of environmental protection of the Earth.
Passover, April 22–30, an eight-day Jewish holiday in commemoration of the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
St. George’s Day, the feast day of St. George celebrated by various Christian churches.
Lazarus Saturday, a day celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church and Oriental Orthodoxy to commemorate the raising from the dead of Lazarus of Bethany.
Ninth Day of Ridvan, April 28–29, a festival of joy and unity in the Bahá’í faith to commemorate the reunification of Bahá’u’lláh’s family and by extension the unity of the entire human family the Bahá’í faith calls for.
May
Beltane, an ancient Celtic, Pagan, and Wiccan holiday commemorated about halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice. The day is often used to celebrate love and romance.
May Day, also called Workers' Day or International Workers' Day, is the day that commemorates the struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement.
National Day of Prayer, a day of observance in the United States when people are asked to “turn to God" in prayer and meditation.
Feasts of Saints Philip and James, a Roman Rite feast day held on the anniversary of the dedication of the Church to Saints Phillip and James in Rome.
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 a variety of festivities, including parades and mariachi music performances.
Orthodox Easter (also called Pascha), a later Easter date than what is observed by many Western churches.
Ascension of Jesus or Ascension Day, celebrated as the ascension of Christ from Earth in the presence of God within most of the Christian faith.
Military Spouse Appreciation Day, an annual occasion observed on the Friday before Mother's Day in May to recognize and honor the support and sacrifices of military spouses in the US.
Buddha Day (Vesak or Visakha Puja), a Buddhist festival that marks Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. It falls on the day of the full moon and is a gazetted holiday in India.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, a global celebration of sexual orientation and gender diversities.
Malcolm X Day, a holiday celebrated either on May 19th, his birthday, or on the third Friday in May, to commemorate the Civil Rights leader.
Pentecost, a Christian holiday which takes place on the 50th day after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks
World Day, a day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a day set aside by the United Nations as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together in harmony.
Declaration of the Báb, May 22–23 (sundown to sundown), the day of declaration of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith.
Lag BaOmer, May 25–26 (sundown to sundown) a Jewish holiday marking the day of hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Trinity Sunday, observed in the Western Christian faith as a feast in honor of the Holy Trinity.
Memorial Day, a federal holiday in the United States established to honor military veterans who died in wars fought by US forces.
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, commemorates the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í faith.
Corpus Christi, a Catholic holiday celebrating the presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
Jun
Native American Citizenship Day, commemorating the day in 1924 when the US Congress passed legislation recognizing the citizenship of Native Americans.
Feast of the Most Sacred Heart, a solemnity in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church.
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev, observed by members of the Sikh faith. Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth Sikh guru and the first Sikh martyr.
Shavuot, June 1–13 (sundown to sundown), a Jewish holiday that has double significance. It marks the wheat harvest in Israel and commemorates the anniversary of the day when the Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Flag Day in the United States, observed to celebrate the history and symbolism of the US flag.
Waqf al Arafa, June 15–16 (sundown to sundown), the second day of pilgrimage within the Islamic faith.
New Church Day, commemorating the day in the Christian faith the Lord called together the twelve disciples who followed him on Earth, instructed them in the Heavenly Doctrine of the New Jerusalem, and sent them out to teach that “the Lord God Jesus Christ reigns, whose kingdom shall be for ages and ages.” This was the beginning of the New Church.
Eid al-Adha, June 16–17 (sundown to sundown), an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah’s (God’s) command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. Muslims around the world observe this event.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, was established as a federal holiday in 2022. This celebration honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas finally learned they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War. June 19, therefore, became the day of emancipation for thousands of African Americans.
Litha, also known as midsummer, the summer solstice celebrated by Wiccans and Pagans. It is the first day of summer and longest day of the year, representing the sun’s “annual retreat.”
National Indigenous Peoples Day or First Nations Day, a day that gives recognition to the indigenous populations affected by colonization in Canada.
Feast Day of Saints Peter and Paul, a liturgical feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome for the apostles St. Peter and St. Paul in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Last Sunday in June, is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Day in the United States. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots that occurred on June 28, 1969.
Jul
Canada Day, or Fête du Canada, a Canadian federal holiday that celebrates the 1867 enactment of the Constitution Act, which established the three former British colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick as a united nation called Canada.
Independence Day, (also known as the Fourth of July), a US federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The original thirteen American colonies declared independence from Britain and established themselves as a new nation known as the United States of America.
Hijri New Year, July 7–8, the day that marks the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.
The Martyrdom of the Bab, a day when Bahá’ís observe the anniversary of the Báb’s execution in Tabriz, Iran, in 1850.
St. Benedict Day, the feast day of St. Benedict celebrated by some Christian denominations.
International Nonbinary People’s Day, aimed at raising awareness and organizing around the issues faced by nonbinary people around the world while celebrating their contributions.
St. Vladimir the Great Day, feast day for St. Vladimir celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.
Ashura, July 16–17 (sundown to sundown), an Islamic holiday commemorating the day Noah left the ark and the day Allah saved Moses from the Egyptians.
Nelson Mandela International Day, begun on July 18, 2009, in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly. It was inspired by a call Mandela made a year earlier for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices in which he stated, “It is in your hands now.” It is more than a celebration of Mandela’s life and legacy; it is a global movement to honor his life’s work and to change the world for the better.
Asalha Puja, or Dharma Day, a celebration of Buddha’s first teachings.
The birthday of Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia, whom the Rastafarians consider to be their savior.
Pioneer Day, observed by Latter Day Saints to commemorate the 1847 arrival of the religion’s first pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley.
St. James the Greater Day, feast day for St. James the Greater celebrated by some Christian denominations.
Disability Independence Day, celebrating the anniversary of the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, marks the day that Black women need to work until they made what Non-Hispanic white men made in the previous year. The point of this day is to acknowledge the pay disparity between men and women as well as how disproportionately Black women are impacted, making, on average, 64 cents for all workers (including part time) on the dollar as compared to non-Hispanic, white men.
International Day of Friendship, proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
Aug
Lammas, a festival to mark the annual wheat harvest within some English-speaking countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
Lughnasadh, a Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan festival celebrating sacrifice and giving back. The holiday marks the beginning of harvest season and is the first of three harvest rituals.
Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast of the Transfiguration), celebrated by various Christian denominations, the feast day is dedicated to the transfiguration of Jesus.
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, is to recognize and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contributions of indigenous peoples worldwide. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and injustices faced by indigenous communities around the globe.
Tisha B’Av, August 12-13, a fast in commemoration of the destruction of two holy and sacred temples of Judaism destroyed by the Babylonians (in 586 BCE) and Romans (in 70 CE). At the end of Tisha B’Av, select passages from the Torah are read and netilat yadayim, or the washing of the hands, is performed.
Obon (Ullambana), August 13–15, a Buddhist festival and Japanese custom that honors the spirits of ancestors. 15 Fast in Honor of Holy Mother of Jesus, beginning of the fourteen-day period of preparation for Orthodox Christians leading up to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the beliefs of the Catholic Church, as well as parts of Anglicanism, the day commemorates the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
Dormition of the Theotokos, a Great Feast of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches that commemorates the “falling asleep,” or death, of Mary the Theotokos (“Mother of God”) and her bodily resurrection before ascending into heaven.
Marcus Garvey Day, which celebrates the birthday of the Jamaican politician and activist who is revered by Rastafarians. Garvey is credited with starting the Back to Africa movement, which encouraged those of African descent to return to the land of their ancestors during and after slavery in North America.
Hungry Ghost Festival, a Chinese holiday in which street, market, and temple ceremonies take place to honor dead ancestors and appease other spirits.
Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu holiday commemorating the loving kinship between a brother and sister. “Raksha” means “protection” in Hindi and symbolizes the longing a sister has to be protected by her brother. During the celebration, a sister ties a string around her brother’s (or brother-figure’s) wrist and asks him to protect her. The brother usually gives the sister a gift and agrees to protect her for life.
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, also the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) that initiated the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean.
Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 certification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution that gave women the right to vote. Congresswoman Bella Abzug first introduced a proclamation for Women’s Equality Day in 1971. Since that time, every US president has published a proclamation recognizing August 26 as Women’s Equality Day.
Krishna Janmashtami, August 26–27, a Hindu celebration of Lord Vishnu’s most powerful human incarnation, Krishna, the god of love and compassion. Celebrations include praying and fasting.
Beheading of St. John the Baptist, a holy day observed by various Christian churches that follow liturgical traditions. The day commemorates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, who was beheaded on the orders of Herod Antipas through the vengeful request of his stepdaughter, Salome, and her mother.
Paryushana Parvarambha, a Jain festival lasting eight to ten days that is observed through meditation and fasting. It focuses on spiritual upliftment, pursuit of salvation, and a deeper understanding of the religion.
Sep
Labor Day, a day in the United States that honors the contribution that workers have made to the country and is observed on the first Monday of September.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu holiday lasting approximately ten days, in which the elephantheaded Hindu god is praised and given offerings.
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week, September 8-14, Second Week in September: a weeklong celebration of the vital role HBCUs play in molding Black leaders, encouraging high school aged youth to enroll into HBCU’s, providing scholarship dollars for matriculation, and sustaining a pipeline for employment from undergraduate to corporate America.
Ethiopian New Year, Rastafarians, who believe Ethiopia is their spiritual home, celebrate the New Year on this date.
Elevation of the Life-Giving Cross (Holy Cross), in some Christian denominations, a day that commemorates the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus.
Mawlid Al-Nabi, September 15–16, the observance of the birthday of Islam’s founder, the prophet Muhammad, celebrated during the month of Rabiulawal, the third month of the Muslim calendar. Shi’a Muslims celebrate it five days later than Sunni Muslims.
International Equal Pay Day, celebrated for the first time in 2020, represents the long-standing efforts toward the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. It further builds on the United Nations’ commitment to human rights and its efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls.
Mabon, the second harvest ritual celebrated in Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan traditions. Mabon is the first day of fall and celebration of the vernal equinox. The holiday is about gathering wisdom and honoring elders.
International Day of Sign Languages, a day proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
Meskel, a religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean Orthodox Churches that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by the Roman Empress Helena in the fourth century.
Native American Day, a federal holiday observed annually on the fourth Friday in September in select US states to honor Native American cultures and the history of violence against them in the US.
Michaelmas, or the Feast of Michael and All Angels, is a minor Christian festival dedicated to Archangel Michael observed in some Western liturgical calendars.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a Canadian federal holiday that honors the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.
Oct
Rosh Hashanah, October 2–4 (sundown to sundown), the Jewish New Year celebration, marking the creation of the world.
Sharad Navratri, October 3–12, the nineday Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil. Festival participants worship God in the form of the universal mother, commonly referred to as Durga, Devi, or Shakti, and the event marks the start of fall.
Blessing of the Animals, in congruence with St. Francis Day. Many Unitarian Universalists have picked up on the Catholic tradition of blessing animals, particularly pets, as St. Francis was known for his special connection to animals.
St. Francis Day, feast day for St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, celebrated by many Catholic denominations.
Latina Women’s Equal Pay Day, it marks the day that Latine women need to work until they made what Non-Hispanic white men made in the previous year. The point of this day is to acknowledge the pay disparity between men and women as well as how disproportionately Latine women are impacted, making, on average, 52 cents on the dollar as compared to non-Hispanic, white men.
World Mental Health Day, it was first celebrated in 1993, this day is meant to increase public awareness about the importance of mental health, mental health services, and mental health workers worldwide.
National Coming Out Day (United States), it is for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, this day celebrates coming out and the recognition of the 1987 march on Washington for gay and lesbian equality.
Yom Kippur, October 11-12 (sundown to sundown), the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, a day of atonement marked by fasting and ceremonial repentance.
Dasara, Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, in the eastern and northeastern states of India, marks the end of Durga Puja, remembering goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma.
National Indigenous Peoples Day, an alternative celebration to Columbus Day, gives recognition to the indigenous populations affected by colonization.
Canadian Thanksgiving, a chance for people to give thanks for a good harvest and other fortunes in the past year.
Sukkot, October 16-23, a seven-day Jewish festival giving thanks for the fall harvest.
International Pronouns Day, it seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Each year it is held on the third Wednesday of October.
Birth of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh Holy Day, the day Sikhs celebrate Sri Guru Granth Sahib, their spiritual guide.
Shemini Atzeret, October 23–24 (sundown to sundown), a Jewish holiday also known as The Eighth (Day) of Assembly, takes place the day after the Sukkot festival, where gratitude for the fall harvest is deeply internalized.
Simchat Torah, October 24–25 (sundown to sundown), a Jewish holiday, 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 acknowledgement of the words of the Torah being a never-ending cycle.
Reformation Day, a Protestant Christian religious holiday celebrated alongside All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween) during the triduum of Allhallowtide in remembrance of the onset of the Reformation.
Samhain, October 31 — November 1 (sundown to sundown), a Gaelic, Pagan, and Wiccan festival marking the end of the harvest season and a celebration of the dead and ancestors.
All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), a celebration observed in several countries on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.
Nov
All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all known and unknown Christian saints. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the day is observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
Diwali, also known as Divali or Deepavali, is a five-day festival of lights among Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists that celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and lightness over darkness.
All Souls’ Day, a Christian holiday commemorating all faithful Christians who are now dead. In the Mexican tradition, the holiday is celebrated as Dia de los Muertos (October 31–November 2), which is a time of remembrance for dead ancestors and a celebration of the continuity of life.
Birth of Báb, (sundown to sundown), a Bahá’í holiday celebrating the birth of the prophet Báb.
Birth of Baha'u'llah, is the Bahá’í celebration of the birth of their founder and teacher.
Veterans Day, a US federal holiday honoring military veterans. The date is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world and commemorates the ending of World War I in 1918.
Transgender Awareness Week, November 13–19, the week before Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20, in which people and organizations participate to help raise the visibility of transgender people and address issues members of the community face.
Nativity Fast, November 15—December 24, a period of abstinence and penance practiced by the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches in preparation for the Nativity of Jesus.
International Men’s Day, emphasizes the important issues affecting males, including male health issues, improving the relations between genders, highlighting the importance of male role models, and promoting gender equality. This holiday is celebrated in more than seventy countries.
Transgender Day of Remembrance, established in 1998 to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia and raise awareness of the continued violence endured by the transgender community.
Feast of Christ the King, a Catholic holiday established to thank God for the gift of time and a rededication to the Christian faith.
The Ascension of ‘Abdu’lBaha, is a holy day in the Bahá’í Faith, commemorating the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha.
Thanksgiving Day, a day in the United States that began as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.
Native American Heritage Day, held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe and honor Native Americans through appropriate ceremonies and activities. The law establishing the day was signed by President George W. Bush in 2008.
St. Andrew’s Day, the feast day for St. Andrew within various Christian denominations.
Native American Women’s Equal Pay Day, it marks the day that Native women need to work until they made what Non-Hispanic white men made in the previous year. The point of this day is to acknowledge the pay disparity between men and women as well as how disproportionately Native women are impacted, making, on average, 59 cents on the dollar as compared to non-Hispanic, white men.
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Advent, December 1-24, a Christian season of celebration leading up to the birth of Christ.
World AIDS Day, commemorates those who have died of AIDS and acknowledges the need for continued commitment to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities, designed to raise awareness regarding persons with disabilities in order to improve their lives and provide them with equal opportunity.
Bodhi Day, a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment; also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.
Immaculate Conception of Mary, celebrates the solemn celebration by various Christian denominations of belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
International Human Rights Day, established by the United Nations in 1948 to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a religious holiday in Mexico commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.
St. Lucia’s Day, a religious festival of light in Scandinavia and Italy commemorating the martyrdom of St. Lucia, a young Christian girl who was killed for her faith in 304 CE.
Las Posadas, December 16-24, a nineday celebration in Mexico commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem.
Yule Winter Solstice, celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans. The first day of winter and shortest day of the year represents a celebration focusing on rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings as the sun begins to move farther away from Earth.
Hanukkah, December 25 - January 2, a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabeans, leaders of the Jewish people, over the GreekSyrian ruler, Antiochus, approximately 2,200 years ago.
Christmas Day, the day that many Christians associate with Jesus’ birth.
Zartosht No-Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra), a day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion. It commemorates the anniversary of the death of the prophet Zoroaster, or Zarathushtra.
Boxing Day, a secular holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and South Africa.
Kwanzaa, December 26 — January 1, an African-American holiday started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal AfricanAmerican heritage.
St. Stephen’s Day, a day to commemorate St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, or protomartyr.
St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Day, feast day for St. John, celebrated by Christian denominations.
Feast of the Holy Innocents, a Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus.
Feast of the Holy Family, a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus, his mother, and his foster father, St. Joseph, as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families.
Watch Night, a day for Christians to review the year that has passed, make confessions, and then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving.