January
World Braille Day
January 4
Raise awareness of the importance of braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people.
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World Religion Day
Third Sunday
The purpose of World Religion Day is to highlight the ideas that the spiritual principles underlying the world’s religions are harmonious, and that religions play a significant role in unifying humanity.
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Korean American Day
January 13th
The purpose of Commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States. The day also honors Korean Americans’ incredible contributions to society. The commemorative day was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate and House in 2005.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 18
Commemorates the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize and an activist for nonviolent social change until his assassination in 1968.
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Lunar New Year
January 22
One of the most sacred of all traditional Chinese holidays, a time of family reunion and celebration
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Republic Day of India
January 26
It honors the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, as well as the day in 1929 when the Declaration of Indian Independence was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.
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Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27
To remember the victims of the Holocaust. A time to “mourn the loss of lives, celebrate those who saved them, honor those who survived, and contemplate the obligations of the living.” — Former President Barack Obama.
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Tu B’shevat or Rosh HaShanah La’Ilianot
15th day of Hebrew month of Shevat
A Jewish holiday recognizing “The New Year of the Trees.” It is celebrated on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. In Israel, the flowering of the almond tree usually coincides with this holiday, which is observed by planting trees and eating dried fruits and nuts.
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Mahayana New Year
January 28
A holiday celebrated by the Mahayana Buddhist branch, on the first full-moon day in January.
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February
Black History Month
Feburary
Since 1976, the month has been designated to remember the contributions of people of the African diaspora.
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National Freedom Day
February 1
Celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment that abolished slavery in 1865.
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Lailat al Miraj
February 6
Observed from sunset of the previous day, within Islam it signifies both a physical and spiritual journey of Prophet Muhammad.
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March
Women’s History Month
March
Recognizes the valuable contributions women have made to history and society.
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National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March
Increase awareness and understanding of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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National Multiple Sclerosis Education Awareness Month
March
Raise public awareness of the autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord and assist those with multiple sclerosis in making informed decisions about their health care.
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Ash Wednesday
40 days before Easter
A Christian holy day of prayer and fasting that mark the first day of Lent.
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Granting of U.S. Citizenship to Puerto Ricans
March 2
On March 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Jones-Shafroth Act which granted the people of Puerto Rico U.S. citizenship. Puerto Rico is an island in the Caribbean 1,000 miles southeast of Miami where Puerto Ricans today celebrate American Citizenship Day.
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International Women’s Day
March 8
A major global celebration honoring women’s economic, political and social achievements.
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Ramadan
March 10 – April 8
Ramadan, Arabic Ramaḍān, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.
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Easter
March 31
Occurring between March 22 and April 25. A Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.
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April
Autism Awareness Month
April
To raise awareness about the developmental disorder that affects an individual’s normal development of social and communication skills.
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National Deaf History Month
April
National Deaf History Month celebrates the contributions and accomplishments of people who are deaf and those who are hard of hearing and raises awareness for the Deaf community.
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National Arab American Heritage Month
April
Celebrating the heritage and culture of Arab Americans, as well as honoring contributions from Arab Americans, such as Linda Sarsour, an activist for immigrants, women, Black victims of police violence, and indigenous Americans, and Rashia Tlaib, America’s first Muslim Congresswoman.
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National Scottish American Heritage Month
April
Each April, Scottish-American Heritage Month highlights Scottish heritage and remembers the Scottish-Americans who have had an impact on U.S. society. With an impressive list of contributions to American culture, Scottish-Americans have a lot to celebrate.
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May
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May
Commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843.
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Older Americans Month
May
Established in 1963 to honor the legacies and contributions of older Americans and to support them as they enter their next stage of life.
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Jewish American Heritage Month
May
Recognizes the contributions of the Jewish people to American culture.
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Haitian Heritage Month
May
Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized month celebrated in May every year. It is a great time to celebrate the vibrant culture, distinct art, delectable cuisine, and to get to know people of Haitian origin.
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Mental Health Awareness Month
May
Aims to raise awareness and educate the public about mental illnesses and reduce stigma.
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Cinco de Mayo
May 5
The day marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. This holiday is a celebration created by and for Latino communities in the U.S. to commemorate the Latino history and culture.
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Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
May 21
Opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together in harmony.
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Memorial Day
May 27
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
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June
Pride Month
June
To recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender individuals have had on the world.
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Immigrant Heritage Month
June
Explore the heritage and celebrate the shared diversity that forms the unique story of America. It celebrates immigrants across the United States and their contributions to their local communities and economy.
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Caribbean American Heritage Month
June
During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States while honoring the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched life across our region for centuries.
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Native American Citizenship Day
June 2
Commemorating the day in 1924 when the U.S. Congress passed legislation recognizing the citizenship of Native Americans.
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Juneteenth
Freedom Day
Emancipation Day
June 19
This celebration honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas and Louisiana finally heard they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War.
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July
French-American Heritage Month
July
French-American Heritage Month is dedicated to celebrating and honoring the influences and the contributions that the French have had on the United States in art, culture, language, etiquette, and more. There are many ways to celebrate the month and recognize the shared culture and partnership with France. You may choose to enjoy French cuisine with friends, contribute to an organization supporting French-American culture, engage in social media discussions, or take a road trip to New York for a view of the iconic Statue of Liberty, which was made in Paris and presented to the United States in 1881 as a gift to commemorate the alliance between France and the United States.
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Independence Day
July 4
Federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.
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International Non-Binary People’s Day
July 14
Raising awareness and organizing around issues faced by non-binary people globally while celebrating their contributions.
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Nelson Mandela International Day
July 18
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.
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Disability Independence Day
July 26
Commemorates the anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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August
Women’s Equality Day
August 26
Which commemorates the August 26, 1920, ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote.
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Janmashtami
August 26
Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Krishna, one of the most important gods in the Hindu religion.
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September
Ganesh Chaturthi
September 7
Ganesh Chaturthi (guh-NESH cha-TUR-thee) is a festival that pays homage to Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, and celebrates the day of his birth. Many recognize that Lord Ganesh brings order in this universe and worship him before embarking on a new endeavor, intellectual journey, or business enterprise. Therefore, it is common to see images or statues of him in these places.
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Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States.
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Labor Day
First Monday
Federal holiday that honors the contributions laborers have made to the country.
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National Native American Day
September 27
During National Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate Indigenous peoples past and present and rededicate ourselves to honoring Tribal sovereignty, promoting Tribal self-determination, and upholding the United States’ solemn trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations.
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October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October
Draws attention to employment barriers that still need to be addressed.
Global Diversity Awareness Month
October
To celebrate and increase awareness about the diversity of cultures and ethnicities and the positive impact diversity can have on society.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a chance to spread awareness. During the month of October, we celebrate people with Down syndrome and make people aware of their abilities and accomplishments. It’s not about celebrating disabilities, it’s about celebrating abilities.
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Rosh Hashanah
October 2-4
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is one of Judaism’s holiest days. Meaning “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement.
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World Mental Health Day
October 10
To celebrate and increase awareness about the diversity of cultures and ethnicities and the positive impact diversity can have on society.
Yom Kippur
October 11-12
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is known as the holiest day of the Jewish year. Leading up to and on that day, Jews traditionally ask for forgiveness for our wrongdoings from God and from our fellow human beings.
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National Indigenous Peoples Day
October 14
An alternative celebration to Columbus Day, gives recognition to the indigenous populations affected by colonization.
Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week
October 20-26
Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week was created in 2014 by the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA). Invisible Disabilities Week was created with the intention of bringing more awareness to invisible disabilities.
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November
National Native American Heritage Month
November
Celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans.
Also, Native American Heritage Day is held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe and honor Native Americans through appropriate ceremonies and activities.
National Family Caregivers Month
November
Proclaimed by President Obama, it honors more than 40 million caregivers across the country who support aging parents. Ill spouses, or loved ones with disabilities who remain at home.
Dia de Los Muertos
November 1-2
Day of the Dead (Dia De Los Muertos) is a two day holiday that reunites the living and dead. Families create ofrendas (Offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. These altars are decorated with bright yellow marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the one being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations!
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International Men’s Day
November 19
Emphasizes the important issues affecting males, including health issues that affect males, improving the relations between genders, highlighting the importance of male role models and promoting gender equality.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
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Hanukkah
November – December
(Hebrew: “Dedication”) also spelled Ḥanukka, Chanukah, or Chanukkah, also called Feast of Dedication, Festival of Lights, or Feast of the Maccabees, Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (often in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on each day of the festival. Although not mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures, Hanukkah came to be widely celebrated and remains one of the most popular Jewish religious observances.
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December
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3
Day of observance promoted by the United Nations and adopted around the world. This day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
International Human Rights Day
December 10
It is celebrated annually around the world. December 10 is when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the first global proclomation of human rights in 1948.
Christmas
December 25
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world.
Kwanzaa
December 26 – January 1
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. It was created by activist Maulana Karenga, based on African harvest festival traditions from various parts of West and Southeast Africa.
New Year’s Eve
December 31
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve, also known as Old Year’s Day or Saint Sylvester’s Day in many countries, is the evening or the entire day of the last day of the year, 31 December. The last day of the year is commonly referred to as “New Year’s Eve”.