Category: Annual Celebration

Andrew, also called Saint Andrew the Apostle, (died 60/70 ce, Patras, Achaia [Greece]) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and the brother of St. Peter. He is the patron saint of Scotland and of Russia, as well as other countries including Greece, Barbados and Romania. The celebration of Saint Andrew as a national festival is thought to originate … Continue reading “St Andrew’s Day (30 Nov)”

The Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico and is elsewhere associated with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day (1 November) and All Souls’ Day (2 November). It is both a remembrance and celebration for the dearly departed. November 1, called Día de Los Inocentes, or Día de Los Angelitos, is the day … Continue reading “El Día de los Muertos”

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 Baháʼu’lláh (26-27 October)”

What is Diwali? Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. The festival, which coincides with the Hindu New Year, celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness which is why Diwali is also known as the festival of lights. The word Diwali comes from the … Continue reading “Diwali Monday (24 October)”

According to tradition, it is on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) that God decides each person’s fate, so Jews are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. The holiday is observed with a day-long fast, confession, intensive prayer and special religious services. The name Yom Kippur is based on … Continue reading “Yom Kippur 4-5 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 17-18 October 2022”

This year Muhammad’s birthday, Mawlid or Eid Milad un Nabi, derived from the Arabic ‘to give birth’, is observed on sundown of 7 October to sundown on 8 October. 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 7-8 October 2022”

National Poetry Day is a UK-wide celebration of poetry and this year’s theme is The Environment. Libraries and bookshops across the country are celebrating National Poetry Day. Pop in to see what is going on. National Poetry Day was founded in 1994 by the charity Forward Arts Foundation, whose mission is to celebrate excellence in poetry and … Continue reading “National Poetry Day 6 October 2022”

The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Time for Change: Action Not Words’, which means working to tackle racism, reclaim Black history and ensure Black people, their pasts and their stories are included and represented all year round. Started in the US as a week-long celebration in 1926 by Carter G Woodson, a … Continue reading “Black History Month”

Navratri (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 “Navratri (26/9-5/10)”