Multicultural Calendar

Learn about and celebrate important dates for different cultural groups in Unama’ki-Cape Breton.

Unama’ki – Cape Breton is home to more than 132 000 residents. Among those, more than 6000 of the Island’s residents were born outside of Canada – in more than 35 countries. Unama’ki – Cape Breton is home to diverse and vibrant communities with many important cultural celebrations.
We’ve created this calendar to help you learn about and celebrate significant cultural dates that are important to Cape Bretoners from around the world. When we learn about and celebrate significant cultural dates that are important to locals born outside of Canada, we are showing all locals that they belong here, and that the Island welcomes all cultures.

We’ve included important dates for the top countries of origin for foreign-born locals in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, including: India, Nigeria, Philippines, Ukraine, Vietnam, Korea, China, United States, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Iran, Syria and Pakistan. The calendar also includes important dates of major world religions including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh dates.

We researched some of the key dates for these different ethnocultural groups and religions and created this multicultural calendar as a resource for all Unama’ki – Cape Breton residents.

Share this calendar with your friends and co-workers and be part of building a more welcoming and inclusive Unama’ki – Cape Breton for all.

May 2025

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1
May Day
All Day
May Day is a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, usually celebrated on May 1, around halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice. Festivities may also be held the night before, known as May Eve. Traditions often include gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving flora , ...
Loyalty Day
All Day
Loyalty Day is a day set aside to reaffirm loyalty and love for the United States. It’s a time for citizens to express their devotion to the principles of the American democracy and to reflect on the privileges and freedoms enjoyed as American citizens. , ...
International Labor Day
All Day
International Labor Day, observed on May 1, is a global tribute to workers and their contributions. It’s a day for labor movements, unions, and workers to advocate for labor rights and fair working conditions. Parades, rallies, and protests are common activities on this day. , ...
Asian Heritage Month
All Day
May marks the observance of Asian Heritage Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the profound contributions of individuals of Asian descent to Canada. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the rich history and remarkable achievements of Asian Canadians while also recognizing the challenges , ...
2
3
Constitution Day
All Day
Polish Constitution Day, celebrated on May 3, marks the adoption of the Constitution of May 3, 1791, one of the first written constitutions in the world. The day is commemorated with cultural events and ceremonies, reflecting on Poland’s democratic heritage and values of freedom and sovereignty. It is a time of n , ...
Velorio de la Cruz de Mayo
All Day
Held annually on May 3 in Caracas, this day sees locals gather together to pay their respects to crucifixes which have been adorned with garlands. People stand around the crosses praying and singing, dressed in traditional Venezuelan garb. , ...
4
Remberance Day
All Day
Also called Dodenherdenking, this day is observed in the Netherlands on May 4 every year. It is a solemn day dedicated to remembering and honoring the victims of World War II and other conflicts. At 8 p.m., the entire country observes two minutes of silence to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, followed by cere , ...
5
Liberation Day
All Day
Liberation Day in the Netherlands, known as Bevrijdingsdag, is celebrated on May 5 each year. It commemorates the end of the German occupation during World War II and marks the country’s liberation. On this day, various festivities, concerts, and events are held throughout the Netherlands to celebrate freedom and , ...

All Day
Arrival Day (May 5th) is a national holiday in Guyana, originally celebrated as Indian Arrival Day to honor the first group of Indian indentured laborers who arrived aboard the SS Whitby on May 5, 1838. Over time, its significance has expanded to recognize all ethnic groups who arrived as indentured laborers after the , ...
Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo)
All Day
The day was initially observed as ‘Indian Arrival Day’ by the Indo-Guyanese community to commemorate the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured labourers on board the SS Whitby on May 5, 1838. , ...
6
Martyr’s Day
All Day
Martyr’s Day in Syria is a day to remember and pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and sovereignty. , ...
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8
Victory in Europe Day
All Day
Victory in Europe Day is the day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, May 8, 1945; it marked the official end of World War II in Europe in the Eastern Front, with the last known shots fired on May 11. Russia and some f , ...
9
Europe Day
All Day
Europe Day held on May 9 every year and celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the historic ‘Schuman declaration’ that set out his idea for a new form of political cooperation in Europe, which would make war between Europe’s nations unthinkable. Schuman’s proposa , ...
10
11
Mother’s Day
All Day
A day to honor and show appreciation to mothers and maternal figures for their love and care. It is celebrated on different dates in various countries. , ...
12
Buddha Purnima
All Day
Buddha Purnima, a key Buddhist festival in India, celebrates Gautama Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Observed on the first full moon of the fourth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, its date varies annually in the Gregorian calendar, usually falling in May. This full moon is especially significant as , ...
Vesak
All Day
Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima, is a significant Buddhist holiday celebrated on the full moon day in May. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Buddhists engage in prayer, meditation, and acts of kindness, and temples are adorned with colorful decorations. , ...
13
14
15
Lag B’Omer
6:00 pm - 12:00 am
Lag B’Omer, celebrated among the Jewish community in the United Kingdom, marks a break within the period of mourning between Passover and Shavuot. This occasion holds special relevance for its connection to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered sage whose teachings are celebrated on this day. , ...
16
Lag B’Omer
12:00 am - 6:00 pm
Lag B’Omer, celebrated among the Jewish community in the United Kingdom, marks a break within the period of mourning between Passover and Shavuot. This occasion holds special relevance for its connection to Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered sage whose teachings are celebrated on this day. , ...
17
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19
Victory Day
All Day
Victory Day is a commonly used name for public holidays in various countries, where it commemorates a nation’s triumph over a hostile force in a war or the liberation of a country from hostile occupation. In many cases, multiple countries may observe the same holiday, with the most prominent united celebrations o , ...
20
21
Navy Day/ Día de las Glorias Navales
All Day
Navy Day, or ‘Día de las Glorias Navales’ in Spanish, occurs every May 21 and honors the day Chile fought a strategic battle against Peru. The Battle of Iquique, fought during the 19th century War of the Pacific, inspired countless young Chileans to fight for their country and eventually win the war against Bolivia and , ...
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23
24
Victoria Day
All Day
The Sovereign’s birthday has been celebrated in Canada since the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). , ...
Battle of Pichincha
All Day
The Battle of Pichincha Day on May 24 is of particular importance to Ecuadorians. It is a small but highly significant battle that freed colonies from Spanish rule. On this day in the 19th century, a battalion of rebels pitted their wits against Spanish royalist soldiers on the Cerro Pichincha, an Andean volcano, secur , ...
25
26
Memorial Day
All Day
Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. It’s a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service to the United States. It often involves ceremonies, parades, and the decoration of graves to honour the fallen soldiers. , ...
27
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31
Dragon Boat Festival
All Day
The Dragon Boat Festival, celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm in China, is a time-honored tradition that pays tribute to Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet and patriot. Families gather to enjoy traditional foods like zongzi, sticky rice dumplings, and engage in various customs that honor the legacy of Qu Yuan. , ...
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This calendar is an initiative of the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP) Awareness Working Group.
For more information about the work of the CBLIP, please visit www.capebretonpartnership.com/CBLIP.

Please note, newly submitted items for the calendar may be delayed in being uploaded, however we will attempt to have new submissions added as able.

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Last Modified: June 12, 2024