Category: Annual Celebration

Día de los Muertos, or ‘The Day of the Dead’ in English, is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their loved ones for a celebration with food and drink. The holiday is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd November with the 1st often being dedicated to children who have passed away … Continue reading “Día de los Muertos”

The purpose of International Pronouns Day is to make space for people to share their pronouns and to promote respect and inclusion of all gender identities. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, … Continue reading “International Pronouns Day 18 October”

The Birth of Baháʼu’lláh is one of nine holy days in the Bahá’í calendar that is celebrated by adherents of the Bahá’í faith and during which work is suspended. The holy day celebrates the birth of Baha’u’llah, which means “Glory of God” in Arabic and he is the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i Faith. The anniversary of the day … Continue reading “Birth of Baa’ullah 16-17 October”

Navaratri (meaning ‘nine nights’) is a Hindu festival celebrated every autumn. It is usually held at harvest time. Lasting for nine days, Navaratri celebrates good triumphing over evil. During the festival, three goddesses are worshipped: Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The first three nights are dedicated to Durga (the mother goddess representing power), the next three … Continue reading “Navaratri 15-24 October”

Simchat Torah or Simhat Torah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. The main celebrations of Simchat Torah take place in the synagogue during evening and morning services. In Orthodox, as well as many conservative congregations, this is the only time of year … Continue reading “Simchat Torah 7-8 October”

The theme for this year’s National Poetry Day is ‘Refuge’. National Poetry Day is the annual mass celebration on the first Thursday of October that encourages everyone to make, experience and share poetry with family and friends. Each year we come together because voices, words and stories help to bridge understanding in our community. The … Continue reading “National Poetry Day 5 October”

The theme for this year’s Black History Month ‘Black Resistance’ explores how African Americans have addressed historic and ongoing disadvantage and oppression, as evidenced by recent events. Started in the US as a week-long celebration in 1926 by Carter G Woodson, a noted African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher, in 1976 it became a … Continue reading “Black History Month 1-31 October”

International Translation Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals, who play an important role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security. Transposition of a literary or scientific work, including technical work, from one language into another language, professional … Continue reading “International Translation Day 30 September”

This year Muhammad’s birthday, Mawlid or Eid Milad un Nabi, derived from the Arabic ‘to give birth’, is observed on sundown of 26 September to sundown on 27 September. The date varies each year as it is governed by the lunar calendar. Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is commemorated by Muslims during the month of Rabi’ al-awwal, … Continue reading “Mawlid – Muhammad’s birthday”

Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services. The purpose of Yom Kippur is to effect individual and … Continue reading “Yom Kippur 24-25 September”