Cultivating Consciousness
Monthly Major Religious and Cultural Observances
This is an effort to promote a welcoming environment and grow in respect and appreciation together. We realize we may miss celebrations important to us; please help us cultivate consciousness about cultural, religious or heritage dates that are important to you.
January
Jan. 1
New Year’s Day
Marks the start of a new year according to the Gregorian calendar and is a federal holiday in the U.S.
Jan. 20
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. King, a slain leader of the American civil rights movement. The occasion is often marked by volunteering to serve others.
Jan. 24
International Day of Education
An annual observance in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
Jan. 26
International Day of Clean Energy
A day intended to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.
Jan. 27
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust
Set on day anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the most notorious of the camps where Nazis mass murdered Jewish people, the day reaffirms UNESCO’s commitment to counter antisemitism, racism and other forms of intolerance.
February
recognizes achievements and contributions of generations of Black people in America.
Feb. 1
World Hijab Day
Celebrates the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of religious faith.
Jan. 29 – Feb. 12
Lunar New Year
Celebration by more than 1.5 billion people around the world based on the lunisolar calendar. Each year corresponds with an animal from the Chinese zodiac, which consists of 12 different animals and cycles through over 12 years. 2025 is the Year of the Snake.
Feb. 11
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
An annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
Feb. 16 – 22
National Engineers Week
Started by the National Society of Professional Engineers, the week celebrates engineers’ contributions to society.
Feb. 20
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day
Volunteers, educators and professionals role model to girls how engineers change our world.
Feb. 20
World Day of Social Justice
An international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections.
Feb. 28 – Mar. 29
Ramadan
Annual observance for Muslims worldwide during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar marked by abstaining from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk and prayer and reflection.
March
marks the contributions of women throughout American history.
Mar. 5
Ash Wednesday
Start of a 40-day period before Easter Sunday of fasting, prayer and reflection celebrated by many Christians.
Mar. 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.
Mar. 14
Holi (Festival of Colors)
The Hindu holiday marks the beginning of spring with brightly colored powders and rituals in front of a bonfire, honoring the love of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna.
Mar. 14
Pi Day
Started by the National Society of Professional Engineers, the week celebrates engineers’ contributions to society.
Mar. 17
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious and cultural holiday to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, but has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture around the world.
Mar. 20
International Day of Happiness
Recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.
Mar. 21
International Day of Nowruz (Persian/Iranian New Year)
Rooted in Zoroastrianism and celebrated for more than 3,000 years and is now celebrated by more than 300 million people around the world, it marks the vernal equinox and first day of spring. Its spelling and pronunciations vary by country.
Mar. 23
Atheist Day
A day that focuses on those who do not believe in God. The term ‘atheism’ first emerged in medieval Europe more than 400 years ago and was used to describe those who rejected the thought of a higher power.
April
is a time to focus on environmental consciousness and sustainable innovation.
Apr. 7
World Health Day
Marks the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948, and is celebrated annually, drawing attention each year to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
Apr. 11
National Day of Silence
A student-led day of silence to recognize and protest the discrimination and harassment of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or intersex and their allies.
Apr. 12
International Day of Human Space Flight
The date of the first human space flight (carried out by Soviet citizen Yuri Gagarin), which stands as the beginning of the space era for mankind, is celebrated each year at the international level, reaffirming the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals and increasing the well-being of states and peoples.
Apr. 12 – Apr. 20
Passover
In Judaism, commemorates the liberation of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of their firstborn children from destruction.
Apr. 13 – Apr. 20
Passion or Holy Week
Commemorates the seven days leading up to Easter. It begins with the commemoration of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, marks the betrayal of Jesus on Spy Wednesday, climaxing with the commemoration of the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday and the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday.
Apr. 20
Easter
The principal festival of the Christian church, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion.
Apr. 22
Earth Day
An annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection, which was first held on April 22, 1970. The global event often include a wide range of events, inclusive of one billion people across 193 countries. 2025’s official theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.”
May
celebrates current and generations of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States and recognizes American Jews’ achievements and contributions to the U.S.
May 4
Star Wars Day
Unofficial holiday for fans of the Star Wars movie franchise based on the quote “May the Force be With You;” festivities include saying “May the 4th be With You”.
May 5
Cinco de Mayo
Commemoration of Mexican-American culture that falls on May 5, the date of Mexico’s victory over France during the Franco-Mexican War in 1862.
May 17
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
A worldwide celebration of sexual and gender diversities observed on the date that the World Health Assembly (of the World Health Organization) no longer listed homosexuality as a medical diagnosis.
May 17
World Tele-communications and Information Society Day
A global day focused on helping close the digital divide and empowering the least developed countries through information and communication technologies.
May 26
Memorial Day
Honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
June
focuses on the culture, achievements and activism of people who love and live beyond heteronormativity.
June 4 – June 9
The Hajj (or Hadj or Haj)
A pillar of Islam required by all Muslims at least once. During the pilgrimage and upon arrival at Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Muslims perform a series of consecutive rituals to wipe away sins and unify followers of diverse backgrounds.
June 14
Flag Day
Honors the adoption of the national flag of the United States of America with parades, essay contests, ceremonies, picnics and other events to preserve the traditions, history and pride of the American flag.
June 18
International Day for Countering Hate Speech
Governments, international organizations, civil society groups and individuals are encouraged by the United Nations to hold events and initiatives promoting strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech.
June 19
Juneteenth
Federal holiday that recognizes June 19, 1865, as the day enslaved Africans and African Americans in Texas learned that they had been freed more than two years before by the Emancipation Proclamation edict issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863.
June 20
Litha
Pagan and Wiccan celebration of the power of the sun on the summer solstice — the longest day of the year.
June 26
Islamic New Year (Al-Hijra or Hijri)
Held on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, which is based on when the Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to the city now known as Medina to flee persecution.
June 29
International LGBT+ Pride Day
Commemorates the Stonewall Riots that occurred on June 28, 1969. The riots are credited with a shift in activism for the rights and dignity of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
July
commemorates the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act with a goal of changing the stigma that people with disabilities are limited.
July 1
Jashn-e-Tirgan
Ancient festival that includes food, poetry recitation and water games celebrated by some Iranians and Zoroastrians in honor of water and rainfall which boost harvests and avoid drought.
July 4
Independence Day
A federal holiday held in the United States on the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence that officially declared American’s independence from the British Empire.
July 10
World Chess Day
Meant to recognize the important role of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in supporting international cooperation for chess activity and aiming to improve friendly harmony among all peoples of the world, but also to provide an important platform to foster, dialogue, solidarity and culture of peace.
July 18
Nelson Mandela International Day
Recognized by the United Nations, the day celebrates the former South African president’s contributions to the culture of peace and freedom and is a call to action for people to make a positive impact in their communities.
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
reminds us to treat others with kindness, empathy and respect.
Aug. 9
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
Recognition started by the United Nations to protect the right of indigenous peoples to make their own decisions, celebrate their culture and recognize their contributions to issues such as environmental protection.
Aug. 13
International Lefthanders Day
Encourages right-handed people to try things with their left hand to raise awareness of the everyday struggles of people dominant with their left hand.
Aug. 15
Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Occasion of the Virgin Mary’s bodily ascent to heaven upon death instead of going through the normal process of physical decay; the day is recognized by Catholics.
Aug. 19
World Humanitarian Day
Shines a light on the thousands of aid workers who sacrifice their own lives to deliver urgent health care, shelter, food, protection, water and more in humanitarian crises.
Aug. 26
Women’s Equality Day
Celebrated in the United States on the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The day marks the progress women have won through the years, and of the work that remains to be done.
Aug. 26
Ganesh Chaturthi
Annual festival of the manifestation of Ganesh, the Hindu god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune, with celebrations that include installation of clay idols of Ganesha in homes and publicly on pandals.
September
celebrates contributions of people whose ancestors came to the U.S. from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Sept. 1
Labor Day
National holiday in honor of workers that resulted from organized movements that led to safe working conditions, paid time off and sick leave.
Sept. 8
International Literacy Day
International Literacy Day helps raise awareness and concern for literacy problems that exist within local communities as well as globally.
Sept. 11
Patriot Day
Observance in remembrance of those killed in the four coordinated terrorist attacks by the al-Qaeda militant organization against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.
Sept. 15 – Oct. 15
Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrates contributions of people whose ancestors came to the U.S. from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. It begins on Sept. 15 because it marks the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, with Mexico and Chile on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Sept. 15 – Sept. 16
Mawlid al-Nabi
Annual observation of the day when the Islamic prophet Muhammad was born. It is celebrated with religious gatherings such as festivals, prayer services and recitations of poetry and litanies. Most denominations of Islam approve of this holiday while a few do not.
Sept. 15
International Day of Democracy
A day allowing us the opportunity to celebrate and appreciate our democratic society.
Sept. 17
Day of Social Justice
Marks the birth anniversary of social reformer E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) who launched the Self Respect Movement in India for equality of men and women and abolition of caste.
Sept. 17
Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival or Lantern Festival)
Celebration of the harvest moon by people descended from southeast and northeast Asian countries that features reunions, lanterns, exchange of mooncakes and other festivities.
Sept. 21
International Day of Peace (World Peace Day)
United Nations declaration of a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace with a 24-hour observance of non-violence and cease-fire.
Sept. 22 – Sept. 24
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar. It begins a 10-day period of repentance and prayer which ends on Yom Kippur.
Sept. 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.
October
the celebration of Hispanic heritage continues through October 15 and a collaboration between government and industry to raise awareness about digital security and annual observance of LGBTQ+ history.
Oct. 1 – Oct.2
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
The Day of Atonement is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, marking the end of the 10 days of repentance.
Oct. 2
Vijayadashami or Dussehra
The end of Shardiya Navratri, a 10-day worship of Maa Durga, a major goddess, and her nine avatars.
Oct. 4 – Oct. 10
World Space Week
An international celebration of science and technology, and their contribution to the betterment of the human condition.
Oct. 5
World Teachers’ Day
A day to celebrate how teachers are transforming education but also to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the way ahead for the profession globally.
Oct. 10
World Mental Health Day
A day to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Oct. 11
National Coming Out Day
Day of awareness to support anyone living life openly as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Oct. 13
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Commemoration of Native American history and culture.
Oct. 13
Columbus Day
Commemoration of the day that Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas in 1492.
Oct. 24
United Nations Day
Marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding document by most of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.
Oct. 20 – Oct.21
Diwali
Hindus, Jains and Sikhs celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Many Hindus invite Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, into their homes to bring prosperity.
Oct. 23
Birth of Baháʼu’lláh
The Birth of Baháʼu’lláh is one of nine holy days in the Bahá’í calendar that is celebrated by adherents of the Baháʼí faith and during which work is suspended. The holy day celebrates the birth of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baháʼí faith.
Oct. 31
Halloween
A celebration observed in many countries on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows’ Day). In popular culture, the day has become a celebration of horror, being associated with the macabre and supernatural.
November
celebrates the contributions of the original people who inhabited the land that became the United States of America.
Nov. 1-2
All Saints’ Day and
All Souls Day
Members of the Roman Catholic Church as well as some Protestant churches honor the saints of the church who have attained heaven. The day is followed by All Souls Day, which honors those who died within the faith.
Nov. 1‐2
Día de los Muertos
Translated in English as Day of the Dead, the celebration that originated in Mexico commemorates death and life by providing offerings for deceased children and adults.
Nov. 10-16
International Week of Science and Peace
The annual observance of the International Week of Science and Peace, which also includes Armistice Day, is making an important contribution to the promotion of peace. The Week encourages greater academic exchanges on a subject of universal importance while also generating greater awareness of the relationship of science and peace among the general public.
Nov. 10
World Science Day for Peace and Development
This annual observance highlights the important role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.
Nov. 11
Veterans Day
Federal holiday in the United States that honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Nov. 16
International Day for Tolerance
Established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNESCO’s principles of tolerance reads “Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human.”
Nov. 20
World Philosophy Day
By celebrating World Philosophy Day each year, on the third Thursday of November, UNESCO underlines the enduring value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for each culture and for each individual.
Nov. 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Honors memory of transgender people who were murdered because of hate or prejudice.
Nov. 25
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
This day acts as a catalyst for change and empowers individuals and communities to stand against all forms of violence, including: Domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and other practices that are harmful to women.
Nov. 27
Thanksgiving Day
The United States celebrates Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday in November. Individuals celebrate Thanksgiving for a multitude of reasons. For some, it remains a way to express gratitude for the harvest, for family, or to a higher power; for others, it’s a holiday built upon being united as a family and sharing in a special meal.
Nov. 29
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
This day has been observed as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1978. This date, which was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people, is based on the call by the United Nations General Assembly for an annual observance of the resolution on the partition of Palestine.
December
is a time for people around the world to stand up for human rights and the dignity of all individuals. First established in the U.S. as a day, it become a monthlong observance when the United Nations wrote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Dec. 1
World AIDS Day
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.
Dec. 3
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Established by the United Nations as part of commitment to realize that the rights of persons with disabilities are a matter of justice and investment in a common future.
Dec. 10
Human Rights Day
Serves as a day to reflect on the progress made in promoting human rights and to highlight the challenges that persist.
Dec. 14 – Dec. 22
Hanukkah (Chanukah)
Festival of Lights that commemorates the victory of Jewish freedom fighters over Greek occupiers in 2nd century BCE and the rededication of Jerusalem’s Holy Temple.
Dec. 16‐24
Las Posadas
Celebrated in Latin America and by Hispanics in the United States the name means inn or lodging in reference to the story in the Bible of the search for a place to stay where Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, could be born.
Dec. 18
Arabic Language Day
A day dedicated to promoting linguistic diversity and cultural understanding. It emphasizes the importance of the Arabic language in facilitating communication and cooperation among Arabic-speaking countries and the international community.
Dec. 21‐Jan. 1
Yule (Winter Solstice)
Celebration by pagan and wiccan faiths that marks the shortest day of the year and the time when the days begin to lengthen again.
Dec. 21
Yaldā (Winter Solstice)
Festival celebrated by Zoroastrians and other Persian and Central Asian communities on the longest and darkest night of the year.
Dec. 25
Christmas
Religious celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ as recounted in the New Testament of the Bible that has also evolved into a celebration by Christians and non‐Christians around the world.
Dec. 26‐Jan. 1
Kwanzaa
Created based on African harvest festival traditions, the festival celebrates African American culture and heritage.