Cultural Calendar

 January 2023  •  February 2023  •  March 2023  •  April 2023  •  May 2023  •  June 2023  •  July 2023  •  August 2023  •  September 2023  •  October 2023  •  November 2023  •  December 2023

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January 2023
  • January 1: Emancipation Proclamation Day: President Lincoln declared all individuals held in slavery free on this day in 1863
  • Janaury 4: World Braille Day: Enable the full knowledge of human rights for the blind and partially sighted to become accomplished through the universal touch-based communication system
  • January 6: Feast of the Epiphany: this Christian feast day celebrates the star leading the three wise men to baby Jesus closing the Christmas season
  • January 7: Eastern Orthodox Christmas
  • January 14: Eastern Orthodox New Year
  • Janury 15: World Religion Day: Highlight how the ideas within many of the world’s religious systems are harmonious in nature, and that religions play an important role in all countries’ addressing of societal issues
  • January 15 : Makar Sankranti: Hindu festival dedicated to the god of the sun, Surya
  • January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: celebrates one of the best-known civil rights activists, MLK Jr.
  • January 22: Lunar New Year: this festival marks the start of the new year in the lunar calendar used in East Asia, Southeast Asia and elsewhere
  • January 24: World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture: Celebrate the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world
  • Janaury 26: Vasant Panchami: Hindu festival that highlights the coming of spring
  • January 27: International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust: a United Nations holiday that remembers the approximately 6 million Jews murdered during World War II
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February 2023

Black History Month February was chosen to celebrate African American History because it holds the birthdays of two men who helped eliminate slavery: Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. 

  • February 1: National Freedom Day: Celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1865
  • February 1: Imbolc: Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc was meant to mark the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in Neolithic Ireland and Scotland
  • February 5: Maghi-Purnima: A Hindu festival especially for worshippers of Lord Vishnu 
  • February 15: Nirvana Day: an annual festival that remembers the death of the Buddha after reaching nirvana; also called Parinirvana
  • February 18: Lailatal Miraj: Muslims celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s nighttime journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he ascended to heaven
  • February 18: Maha Shivarati: Hindu: One of the major festivals in Hinduism dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. People celebrate Maha Shivratri by fasting, keeping vigil and doing pujas at homes and temples
  • February 20: World Day of Social Justice: The observance of the day should contribute to the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all
  • February 21: Losar: The Tibetan Buddhist New Year
  • February 21: Mardi Gras: New Orleans, Louisiana, is renowned for Mardi Gras. The last day of merrymaking before it begins the more modest, but longer, sober weeks (Lent) of fasting for Catholics
  • February 21: Shrove Tuesday: The big hurrah before Christians start Lent, a season of prayer, penance and fasting in preparation for the Easter season
  • February 21: International Mother Language Day: Recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind
  • February 22: Ash Wednesday: a day of prayer and fasting that begins the Christian season of Lent
  • February 26: Intercalary/Ayyam-i-ha: These days are devoted to spiritual preparation for the month long fast, Alá that follows. These days are festive times in the community, characterized by hospitality, charity, service and gift-giving (Bahá’í)
  • February 27: Clean Monday: Considered one of the most important annual feasts in Greece, commencing the 40-day period of Great Lent, or “Sarakosti,” for the Greek Orthodox Church
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March 2023

Women’s History Month Honors the role of women in American history
Gender Equality Month Honors and observes the social, political, cultural, and academic achievements of women and raise awareness against gender bias in our society.

  • March 1: Zero Discrimination Day: Highlights how people can become informed about and promote inclusion, compassion, peace and, above all, a movement for change. Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement of solidarity to end all forms of discrimination
  • March 7: Purim: A Biblical Jewish festival known for extravagant costumes, the exchanging of gift baskets, performances, and a feast. This joyous celebration commemorates how ancient Jews were spared from massacre during the Persian Empire
  • March 8: International Women’s Day: A day highlighting the political, social, cultural, and economic achievements of women
  • March 8: Holi: Hindu holiday that celebrates the winter harvest and onset of spring
  • March 8: Hola Mohalla: A three-day long Sikh festival which normally falls in March
  • March 17: St. Patrick’s Day: feast day of a Catholic saint who inspires cultural and religious celebrations around the world
  • March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
  • March 21: Baha’I New Year: Ismaili Muslims worldwide observe Navroz (Nowruz), a festival that marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and the first day of spring.
  • March 22 to April 21: Ramadan: the start of Islam’s sacred month — during this time Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk
  • March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
    March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
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April 2023

Celebrate Diversity Month Highlights unique backgrounds, cultures, and traditions
Arab-American Heritage Month
Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month
Autism Awareness Month
National Volunteer Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Earth Month

  • April 2: World Autism Awareness Day: raises awareness for those with autism that seeking to improve their lives and the acceptance of them in society
  • April 2: Palm Sunday: Christians throughout the world celebrate the day Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem days before his crucifixion
  • April 5 to April 13: Passover: major Jewish festival that celebrates the freeing of Israeli slaves
  • April 9: Easter: the most important Christian holiday, which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection
  • April 9: Palm Sunday: Orthodox
  • April 14: Vaisakhi: A day to celebrate 1699 - the year when Sikhism was born as a collective faith
  • April 14: Good Friday: Orthodox
  • April 16: Pascha/Easter: Orthodox
  • April 17: Easter Monday: Orthodox
  • April 17: Yom Hashoah: This annual day of remembrance of the victims is observed by Jewish communities worldwide
  • April 17: Laylat al Qadr: Also known as the Night of Decree or the Night of Power,it is the night on which the Angel Gabriel is believed to have been sent down from the heavens by God to recite the opening verses of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. As such, this is a night on which Muslims believe God bestows blessings, answers prayers, and forgives sins.
  • April 21: Start of Riḍván: Riḍván is a twelve-day festival that celebrates the beginnings of the Bahá’í Faith
  • April 21: Eid al-FitrEid-ul-Fitr: Know Its History, Traditions And Significance
  • April 22: Earth Day: holiday that applauds the planet we live on and all it does for us; Earth Day is observed by more than 192 nations
  • April 22-24: Gathering of Nations: More than 500 Native American tribes meet to celebrate their traditions and cultures
  • April 23: National Day of Silence(LGBTQIAA+): Spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of LGBTQ2+ people
  • April 25: Yom Ha’Atzmaut: The celebration of Israeli independence is marked each year on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar
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May 2023

Mental Health Awareness Month Raises awareness for those living with mental and behavioral issues. This month also seeks to support families or communities who are impacted by mental illness.

Older Americans Month Celebrates how older Americans contribute to the United States

Jewish American Heritage Month Honors American Jews and their contributions to the United States throughout history

Asian American and Pacific Island Heritage Month Commemorates people with Asian and Pacific Island ancestry and their contribution to the United States

  • May 1: International Workers Day:  a celebration of laborers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labor movement 
  • May 5: Cinco de Mayo: Mexican-American holiday that celebrates Mexico’s defeat of the French Army
  • May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia: this event seeks to raise awareness for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • May 18: Ascension Day: Traditionally celebrated the 40th day after Easter Sunday to commemorate Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven
  • May 19: Malcolm X’s Birthday: well-known Muslim minister and civil rights activist, who was assassinated in 1965
  • May 20: Asian Gold Ribbon Day: Stand in Solidarity against Anti-Asian Racism
  • May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: Protect the diversity of cultural expressions
  • May 25: Shavuot: The feast of weeks is celebrated seven weeks after the second Passover seder. Although Shavuot began as an ancient grain harvest festival, the holiday has been identified since biblical times with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
  • May 25: Ascension: Orthodox
  • May 26: Buddha’s Birthday: celebrates the Buddha, who founded one of the world’s most practiced faiths
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June 2023

LGBT Pride Month Pride Month recognizes LGBT people and the effect they’ve had on the world. June was selected to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. 

Caribbean American Heritage Month This month recognizes those of Caribbean descent and the impact their accomplishments have had throughout American history
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
Black Music Month
National Indigenous History Month (Canada)

  • June 2: Indian Citizenship Act of 1924: This act granted Native Americans born in the U.S. citizenship. However, they were not given the right to vote until 1957
  • June 5: World Environment Day: The largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world.
  • June 12: Loving Day: This day is the anniversary of the court decision that legalizes interracial marriage
  • June 11: Puerto Rican Day Parade: This parade is a demonstration of cultural pride that seeks to raise awareness of issues in the Puerto Rican community
  • June 19: Juneteenth: This day commemorates when the last African Americans learned of the Emancipation Proclamation (over two years after it was originally issued)
  • 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 26 to July 1: The Hajj: This day begins the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims must take once in their lives
  • June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day 
  • June 27: Birthday of Helen Keller: The pioneer in advocating for those with disabilities
  • June 28: Eid al-Adh: One of Islam’s most important holidays, the "Feast of Sacrifice" is celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, begins on the 10th day of the Muslim calendar lunar month of Dhul-Hijja, at the time of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. 
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July 2023
French-American Heritage Month
  • July 2: Birthday of Thurgood Marshall: An African American civil rights leader and the first black Supreme Court justice.
  • July 3: Asalha Puja: Asadha Puja or Dhamma Day is an important Buddhist festival that celebrates Buddha's first sermon 
  • July 4: Independence Day 
  • July 14: Bastille Day: One of the most important days in the history of France, it marks the fall of the Bastille, a military fortress and political prison, then considered a symbol of the monarchy and armoury.
  • July 18: International Nelson Mandela Day: Intended to promote humane conditions of imprisonment, raise awareness about prisoners being a continuous part of society, and to value the work of prison staff as a social service of particular importance.
  • July 19: Al Hijra / Muharram: Islamic New Year
  • July 25: Pioneer Day: This Utah state holiday marks the arrival of LDS church founder Brigham Young to the Salt Lake area
  • July 26: Americans with Disabilities Act / National Independence Day for People with Disabilities: This law protects people with disabilities from being discriminated against
  • July 27: Ashura: Marked by Muslims with a voluntary day of fasting which commemorates the day Noah left the Ark and the day that Moses was saved from the Egyptians by God
  • July 30: Al-Hijri: this day marks the start of the Muslim New Year — beginning the prior evening
  • July 30: International Day of Friendship
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August 2023
  • August 1: Emancipation Day (Canada): Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination
  • August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People: This day was created by the UN to celebrate the culture of indigenous people on a global scale
  • August 15: Feast of the Assumption: This Roman Catholic feast day marks the entry of the mother Mary into Heaven (body and soul)
  • August 19: World Humanitarian Day (United Nations)
  • August 26: Women’s Equality Day: This day marks the anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in the year 1920
  • August 31: Ganesh Chaturthi: This Hindu festival celebrates Lord Ganesha’s birth
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September 2023

National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) This month honors Hispanic and Latino Americans for their contributions to U.S. culture.

National Recovery Month This awareness month seeks to educate Americans on treatment and health services for individuals with substance use disorder.

  • September 4: Labor Day (US)
  • September 5: International Day of Charity
  • September 15: Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year  
  • September 15 to September 17: Rosh Hashanah: This holiday is the Jewish New Year when Jews reflect on their faith
  • September 20: HeForShe: This movement was started by the UN with the goal of promoting gender equality
  • September 21: International Day of Peace (United Nations)
  • September 22: Autumnal Equinox: This date marks a variety of religious observances across the globe
  • September 23: International Day of Sign Language (United Nations)
  • September 24 to September 25: Yom Kippur: Primarily centered on atonement and repentance, the day's observances consist of full fasting accompanied by prayer and confessions. Alongside the related holiday of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is one of the two components of the High Holy Days of Judaism.
  • September 29: Sukkot Begins: Jewish Feast of Tabernacles or the Feast of Booths
  • September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Canada): The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities
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October 2023

Global Diversity Awareness Month An awareness month with the goal of promoting respect toward various cultures.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month This awareness month aims to advocate for individuals with disabilities and their inclusion in the workforce.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women; this month seeks to boost awareness of the disease.

National Polish American Heritage Month A month selected to honor those with Polish heritage.
Bullying Prevention Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Filipino-American Heritage Month
Italian-American Heritage Month
LGBTQ History Month
National Work and Family Month 

 

  • October 1: National Seniors Day (Canada): All Canadians to join in celebrating older adults across Canada
  • October 2: International Day of Nonviolence
  • October 7: Simchat Torah: The two holidays at the conclusion of Sukkot
  • October 10: World Mental Health Day: A day that advocates for mental health awareness and education; on this day, you can support the efforts by reflecting on your own biases regarding mental health and advocating against social stigma related to it.
  • October 10: Indigenous People’s Day: This day honors the indigenous people of North America; the holiday was formerly called Columbus Day
  • October 11: National Coming Out Day: LGBTQIAA+
  • October 11: International Day of the Girl Child (United Nations)
  • October 14: ­Defender of Ukraine Day: This day celebrates those who have fought for the freedom of Ukraine
  • October 15: White Cane Safety Day: Blind awareness
  • October 15: Navrati Begins: A 9-day festival when Hindus celebrate the goddess Durga for killing the demon, Mahishasura
  • October 17: Spirit Day: 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
  • October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day: International Stuttering Association
  • October 26: Eid Milad ul-Nabi: an annual celebration to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad and is observed in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which commences with the sighting of the moon
  • October 26: Intersex Awareness Day
  • October 31: Halloween
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November 2023

National American Heritage Month This month celebrates the contributions — cultures, traditions, histories — of Native people to the United States

Movember A month-long fundraiser that seeks to raise awareness for men’s issues like suicide as well as prostate and testicular cancer

  • November 1: All Saints’ Day, All Souls Day, Día de Los Muertos: These days are dedicated to all those who have passed away in the Christian faith as well as the Mexican and Aztec communities
  • November 9: World Freedom Day: Commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe
  • November 10: World Science Day for Peace and Development (United Nations)
  • November 11: Veterans Day
  • November 12: Diwali: An important celebration in the Hindu faith in which a variety of deities are praised
  • November 13: World Kindness Day
  • November 16: International Day for Tolerance: The UN holiday was founded to encourage respect among various people regardless of culture, language, religion, or ethnicity
  • November 16: Dutch American Heritage Day: This day applauds the long friendship between the Netherlands and the United States
  • November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance: This day is held as a remembrance for all those murdered because of transphobia
  • November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (United Nations): Marks the launch of the UNiTE campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative of 16 days of activism concluding on the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day (10 December)
  • November 28: Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha'i)
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December 2023
  • December 1: World AIDS Day: This day highlights the importance of HIV/AIDs awareness and raises money for its cure.
  • December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities: This United Nations holiday raises awareness for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
  • December 6: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Canada)
  • December 7 to December 15: Hanukkah: A Jewish holiday celebrating Jews rising up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.
  • December 8: Bodhi Day: Buddhists Prepare To Observe Bodhi Day, When Siddhartha Gautama Became Buddha
  • December 10: International Humans Rights Day: A holiday adopted by the UN in 1948 following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
  • December 16 to December 24: Las Posadas: A religious festival celebrated in Mexico and parts of the U.S. during the Christmas season.
  • December 18: International Migrants Day (United Nations): A day to recognize the important contribution of migrants while highlighting the challenges they face 
  • December 22: Winter Solstice/Yule: A festival celebrated by Pagan and Wiccan faiths.
  • December 25: Christmas: A Christian holiday marking the birth of their lord and savior, Jesus Christ.
  • December 26: Kwanzaa: An 8-day holiday often celebrated by Black Americans that was inspired by African harvest celebrations.
  • December 29: Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 was signed into law by U.S. President Nixon
  • December 31: New Year's Eve
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Some data sourced from:
Diversity Resources
Diversity for Social Impact