For questions, additions, or clarifications, please contact Gladys McCormick, Associate Dean for Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Maxwell School, or Stephanie Williams, Academic Specialist for the Maxwell School.
August 2023
August 1: Lamas (Cristian)
Lamas is a Christian festival celebrating the wheat harvest by placing bread baked from the first harvest on the altar. This tradition comes from Celtic Christianity.
August 1: Lughnasadh (Wiccan)
Lughnasadh is a Pagan and Wiccan festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season.
August 7: Purple Heart Day (United States)
On Purple Heart Day, the nation pauses to acknowledge and remember the sacrifices made by the brave members of our military. The Purple Heart medal is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military.
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
This day is dedicated to raising awareness and protecting the rights of the world's indigenous population.
August 13: International Left-Handers Day
International Left-Handers Day celebrates the differences and distinctiveness of left-handed individuals.
August 13-15: Obon (Buddist/Shinto)
Obon is a Japanese Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of deceased ancestors.
August 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Roman Catholic)
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Catholic feast day commemorating the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.
August 15: Dormition of the Theotokis (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
The Dormition of the Theotokos is an Orthodox Christian commemoration that marks the death, resurrection, and glorification of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
August 15-28th: Fast in Honor of the Holy Mother of Lord Jesus / Dormition Fast (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Fourteen-day fasting period in preparation for the celebration of the Great Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
August 17: Marcus Garvey Day (Jamaican)
Marcus Garvey Day honors a Jamaican-born political activist, orator, publisher, journalist, and entrepreneur who fought for the rights of Afro-Jamaicans.
August 19: Transfiguration of the Lord (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
In the Orthodox view, the Transfiguration is not only a feast in honor of Jesus but also a feast of the Holy Trinity.
August 29: Beheading of John the Baptist (Christian)
This Christian remembrance commemorates the death of John the Baptist, who is known for preparing the people to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
August 30: Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)
Raksha Bandhan is a Hindu festival that celebrates the love and duty between brothers and sisters.
August 30: The Ghost Festival / Ullambrana (Buddhist, Taoist)
In Chinese culture, the fifteenth day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar is called Ghost Day, and the seventh month, in general, is regarded as the Ghost Month. During this time, ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased ancestors, come out from the lower realm.
September 2023
September 1: First Installation of Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple (Sikh)
This is a Sikh remembrance of the eternal installation of the holy book, Granth Sahib.
September 4: Labor Day
Labor Day is observed to honor workers as part of the American organized labor movement.
September 5: International Day of Charity
This day promotes global solidarity to eradicate poverty.
September 6: Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
Krishna Janmashtami is a two-day Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Krishna, a widely worshipped Hindu god who is considered a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher.
September 8: Nativity of Mary (Christian)
This is a Christian celebration of the birth of the Virgin Mary, marked as a liturgical feast in the General Roman Calendar and in most Anglican liturgical calendars on September 8, nine months after the solemnity of her Immaculate Conception.
September 11: Paryushana Parva (Jain)
This Jain festival signifies the human emergence into a new world of spiritual and moral refinement. It consists of eight days of intensive fasting, repentance, and pujas, with a focus on the natural qualities of the soul. The eighth day (Samvatsari) is the most important and is centered on forgiveness.
September 12: Paitishahem Gahanbar (Zoroastrian)
Zoroastrians celebrate this feast, one of six Gahanbars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year, to commemorate the creation of the earth or the "feast of bringing in the harvest."
September 15: International Day of Democracy
The theme for 2023 is "Empowering the next generation."
September 15 - 17: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the Jewish New Year, a day of judgment and remembrance, celebrated in the seventh month (Tishrei) as a day of rest and celebration ten days before Yom Kippur.
September 15: Start of National Hispanic Heritage Month
This period celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
September 16: Mexican Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day marks the beginning of Mexico's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule, with the historic "El Grito de Dolores" inspiring a nationwide celebration of Mexican heritage and identity.
September 18: Fast of Gedaliah (Jewish)
This is a fast day from dawn until dusk on the day after Rosh Hashanah, commemorating the assassination of the governor of Judah, whose murder ended Jewish autonomy following the destruction of the First Temple.
September 19: Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayak Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi / Ganeshotsav (Hindu)
This celebration marks the birthday of the deity Lord Ganesh, who is depicted with an elephant's head on a human body. In the Hindu tradition, he is the son of Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvati.
September 21 - 24: Mabon /Alban Elfed / Autumnal Equinox (Pagan)
Also referred to as Harvest Home, the Feast of the Ingathering, and Meán Fómhair. Mabon is the second celebration of the harvest, a ritual of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth, and a recognition of the need to share them to secure the blessings of the Goddess and the God during the coming winter months. It is one of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
September 23: Native American Day
This day honors those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the United States came into being and hopes to change the way people view Native Americans and their culture.
September 24 - 25: Yom Kippur (Jewish)
Yom Kippur is often considered the holiest day of the year for Jews and is dedicated to atonement and abstinence. During Yom Kippur, Jews fast from before sundown on the first day until after sunset on the second day and light a Yahrzeit memorial candle at sundown on the night of Yom Kippur.
September 26 – 27: Mawlid al-Nabi (Islam)
Mawlid al-Nabi, "Birth of the Prophet," commemorates the birthday of Islamic prophet Muhammad and is observed with recollections of Muhammad's life and significance.
September 27: Elevation of the Life-Giving Cross - Holy Cross Day (Roman Catholic)
This is a Roman Catholic liturgical observance where red vestments are worn at church services, and if the day falls on a Sunday, the holiday’s Mass readings are used.
September 28: Meskel (Ethiopian Orthodox Christian)
Meskel is the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Christian commemoration of the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (St. Helena) in the 4th century. It is celebrated soon after the beginning of the Ethiopian calendar year (mid-September).
Septmber 29 - October 6: Sukkot (Jewish)
Sukkot is a week-long celebration that begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals. It is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land.
September 30: International Blasphemy Rights Day (Atheist, Agnostic)
This day celebrates blasphemy as defined in the various national, state, or religious laws that encourage individuals and groups to openly express criticism of religion and blasphemy laws. Celebrations include educating about the importance of freedom of expression, even opinions contrary to religions or offensive to religious people.
October 2023
October 2: International Day of Nonviolence
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement and a pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
October 2: Mehregan (Zoroastrian)
This day honors Mehr, the one believed to create bonds of friendship and love. It is also the time for the Autumn Festival in Iran.
October 4: Blessing of the Animals (Christian)
A Christian observance that shows respect for domestic animals that hold significant meaning to people. It is observed on various dates, especially those related to St. Francis.
October 4: Saint Francis Day (Roman Catholic)
This feast commemorates the life of St. Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church's patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be "blessed."
October 6 - 8: Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
Also known as Atzereth, this is a fall festival that includes a memorial service for the dead and features prayers for rain in Israel.
October 7 - 8: Simchat Torah (Jewish)
Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the new cycle.
October 9: National Indigenous Peoples' Day (United States)
This day celebrates and honors indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures.
October 11: National Coming Out Day (LGBTQ+)
In 1988, the U.S. celebrated National Coming Out Day, rooted in the spirit of personal activism and the importance of openly identifying as lesbian or gay to combat homophobia. Its founders believed that openness could dispel ignorance and prejudice.
October 12: Ayathrem Gahanbar (Zoroastrian)
There are six Gahambars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year. This feast is the Zoroastrian celebration of the creation of plant life ("bringing home the herds") at the end of autumn.
October 15 - 24: Navaratri (Hindu)
A nine-day festival celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and the victory of good over evil.
October 16-17: Twin Holy Days – Birth of the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh (Bahá'í)
This holiday celebrates the birthdays of the Bab and Bahá'u'lláh, two of the Baha'i faith's most important figures. For Bahá'ís, the Twin Holy Days celebrate the rebirth of the world through the love of God.
October 16: Boss' Day (United States)
It has been pitched as a day for employees to thank their bosses for being kind and fair throughout the year.
October 19: Spirit Day (LGBTQ+ anti-bullying)
Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for LGBTQ youth and to speak out against bullying
October 20: Birth of Guru Granth (Sikh)
Sikhs celebrate the conferment of the title of Guru on Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikhism authoritative sacred text) on this day which is known as the Birth of the Guru Granth.
October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day
This day is intended to raise public awareness of stuttering, which affects one percent of the world's population.
October 24: Dasara / Dussehra (Hindu)
Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Celebrates the victory of King Rama by defeating the demon, Ravana, who stole King Rama’s wife.
October 28: Milvian Bridge Day (Christian)
Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On October 28, 312 CE, Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire.
October 31: All Hallows’ Eve / All Saints’ Eve / Halloween (Roman Catholic)
A Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and merriment involving children and families. It is a prelude to All Saint's Day and begins the three-day observation of Allhallowtide dedicated to remembering the dead.
October 31: Reformation Day (Protestant)
Protestant Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious freedom. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenberg Church door.
October 31- November 1: Samhain (Pagan, Wiccan, Druid)
One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community and reflect on past relationships, events, and other significant changes in life.
October 31 - November 2: Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead / Día de Muertos (Mexican, Central American, South American, Caribbean)
A holiday celebrated in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean, with international recognition. It's a multi-day event for gathering with family and friends to remember and support the spiritual journey of deceased loved ones. Traditions include ofrendas, calaveras, marigolds, favorite foods, and visits to graves.
November 2023
November 1: All Hallows' Day / All Saints’ Day / Hallowmas (Roman Catholic)
Is an opportunity for believers to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout Christian history.
November 2: All Souls Day (Roman Catholic)
An opportunity for Roman Catholics and Anglo-Catholic churches to commemorate the faithful departed.
November 9: World Freedom Day
A United States federal observance declared by then-President George W. Bush to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe.
November 9: World Adoption Day
Raise awareness of the importance of adoption, celebrate family, and help families seeking to raise funds for their adoption journey.
November 11: Remembrance/Veterans Day
A federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces (who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable).
November 12: Diwali / Deepavali (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain)
Diwali extends over five days and celebrates the victory of good over evil.
November 13: World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power.
November 14: New Year (Jain)
After celebrating Diwali at the end of Ashwina, Jains celebrate the new year on the first day of the following month of Kartika. Mahavira's chief disciple Gautama Swami attained keval gyan on this day.
November 15: Nativity Fast (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
A period of abstinence and penance in preparation for Christmas.
November 16: International Day for Tolerance
Define and provide awareness of tolerance for any and all governing and participating bodies.
November 19: International Mens Day
Global awareness day for many issues that men face, including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide, and violence.
November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
Memorialize those who have been murdered as a result of transphobia.
November 20: Universal Children’s Day (Human Rights, U.N.)
Children's Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honor of children.
December 2023
December 7-15: Hanukkah (Jewish)
An 8-day celebration in the Jewish faith that honors the victory of Jews over Syrian Greeks.
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception ( Roman Catholic)
The day that Roman Catholics celebrate Mary’s conception without original sin.
December 21 - January 1: Yule (Pagan)
A Pagan and Wiccan holiday that celebrates the winter solstice.
December 22: Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday (Sikhism)
Guru Gobind Singh is the tenth Sikh Guru and spiritual master. This date commemorates the day he was born
December 24-25: Christmas (Roman Catholic and Protestant Christian)
Christmas is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah whose message and self-sacrifice began the Christian religion.
December 26: St. Stephen’s Feast Day (Christian)
The day commemorating St. Stephen’s life and service as he became the first Christian to die for the faith
December 26-Jan 1: Kwanzaa (African American, African Diaspora)
This celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture. It culminates in a feast and gift-giving.
December 26: Zartosht No-Diso (Zoroastrian)
Commemorates the death of the Prophet Zarathushtra.
December 28: Holy Innocents Day (Christian)
Christian day of solemn memory of male children killed by King Herod in the attempt to destroy Jesus.
December 31: Feast of the Holy Family (Roman Catholic)
The Feast of the Holy Family is a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus of Nazareth, his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary, and his father Saint Joseph as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families.
January 2024
January 1-2: Feast Day of Saint Basil (Eastern Orthodox Christian)
Orthodox Christian commemoration of St. Basil the Great, who wrote a Eucharist Liturgy that bears his name.
January 1: Gantan-sai (Shinto)
Gantan-sai is the annual New Year festival of the Shinto religion.
January 1-5: Maidyarem Gahanbar (Zoroastrian)
There are six Gahanbars (five-day festivals) spread throughout the year. This “mid-winter feast” celebrates the winter solstice.
January 1: Solemnity of Mary / Mary, Mother of God (Roman Catholic)
A liturgical feast that celebrates M
ary’s motherhood of Jesus. Considered a Day of Obligation in some countries.
January 4: World Braille Day (United Nations)
World Braille Day was established by the UN General Assembly in December 2018. The date also marks the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, who at the age of 15, invented the tactile system for reading and writing for use by people who are blind or visually impaired.
January 7: Coptic Orthodox Christmas (Eastern Orthodox)
Using the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth
January 7: Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Christian)
This feast day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist.
January 13: Maghi (Sikh)
The festival of Lohri, which is celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus all across India, marks the end of the winter season and is traditionally believed to welcome the sun to the northern hemisphere.
January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (United States)
To mark the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
January 18: Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
Buddhist celebration of the time when Siddhartha Gautama took his place under the Bodhi tree, vowing to remain there until he attained supreme enlightenment.
January 20: Timkat (Ethiopian Orthodox)
Celebrates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. This festival is best known for its ritual reenactment of baptism.
January 21: World Religion Day (Multi-Faith Organizations)
Established by the Bahá’ís in the United States, it is intended to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasizing the common dimensions underlying all religions.
January 24: International Day of Education (United Nations)
A global observance established by the United Nations to promote education and raise awareness about its importance.
January 25: Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
The Mahayana New Year dates differ for each country based on their customs and traditions. While some Mahayana Buddhists observe the celebration on January 1 alongside the Gregorian New Year, others wait for the full moon of January.
January 25: Conversion of Saint Paul (Christian)
Christian observance of the experience of Paul when he was confronted by a vision of Jesus while on his way to persecute Christians and became a leading presenter of Jesus. Observed at worship services.
January 26: International Customs Day ( World Customs Organization)
This date commemorates the day of the inaugural session of the Customs Cooperation Council, later renamed World Customs Organizations (WCO) held in Brussels in 1953. WCO dedicates a new theme every year.
January 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day (United Nations)
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 that established the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, also designated 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust – observed with ceremonies and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at United Nations offices around the world.
February 2024
March 2024
April 2024
May 2024
June 2024
July 2024
Calendar information from UC DAVIS Multicultural Holidays, Worktango, Interfaith Calendar 2023, and other sources as needed.