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.

April 2026

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30
31
National Indigenous Languages Day
All Day
National Indigenous Languages Day is observed across Canada each year on March 31 to recognize and celebrate the rich linguistic heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. This day highlights the importance of preserving, revitalizing, and promoting the more than 70 Indigenous languages spoken in Canada. Each , ...
1
Islamic Republic Day
All Day
Islamic Republic Day commemorates the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran on April 1, 1979, following the Iranian Revolution. , ...
April Fools Day
All Day
April Fools Day, observed on April 1, is a day for pranks, jokes, and humorous hoaxes played on friends and family members. , ...
Sikh Heritage Month
All Day
Canada is home to the second-largest Sikh population in the world. This month is meant to honour the significant contributions Sikh Canadians have made to Canada. This includes cultural, economic, political, and social contributions. , ...
First Day of Passover
All Day
First Day of Passover, known as “Pesach,” celebrates Jewish liberation from Egyptian slavery. It occurs on the 15th day of Hebrew month Nisan, around March or April. Jews avoid leavened foods, eat unleavened bread, and engage in rituals to commemorate freedom and renewal. , ...
2
Sizdah Be-dar (Nature Day)
All Day
Sizdah Be-dar, celebrated on the 13th day of Nowruz, is a day when Iranians traditionally spend time outdoors, often in parks or nature spots. It’s a day of picnicking, relaxation, and fun activities. , ...
Maundy Thursday
All Day
Maundy Thursday, observed on the Thursday before Easter, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples. It’s a day for Christians to reflect on the events leading up to the crucifixion. , ...
3
Good Friday
All Day
A Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It falls on the Friday before Easter Sunday and is a day of solemn reflection and religious observance. , ...
4
Holy Saturday
All Day
Holy Sunday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death, according to the Christian bible , ...
5
Easter Sunday
All Day
Easter Sunday is the most important Christian holiday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the March Equinox. , ...
Tomb Sweeping Day
All Day
Tomb Sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, is a Chinese holiday in early April when families visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. , ...
6
Easter Monday
All Day
Easter Monday is the day after Easter Sunday and is a public holiday in some countries. It’s often a day for family gatherings and outdoor activities. , ...
Kimbangu Day
All Day
Kimbangu day is a public holiday celebrated in the Congo. It honors Simon Kimbangu who was a prominent religious leader, this day commemorates his first ever Sermon. , ...
7
8
9
Day of Valor
All Day
Day of Valor marks the greatness of Filipino fighters during World War 2. The Day of Valor, observed on April 9th, honors the heroism of Filipino soldiers and civilians during World War II, particularly the Fall of Bataan. , ...
10
11
Juan Santamaria Day
All Day
Celebrated annually on April 11th, Juan Santamaria Day honors the legacy of Juan Santamaria, a national hero of Costa Rica. The day marks the anniversary of a pivotal event in Costa Rican history, the Battle of Rivas, which took place on that day in 1856 during the Filibuster War. , ...
12
Orthodox Easter
All Day
Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is the most important holiday in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and is observed on a different date than Easter in Western Christianity due to differences in the calendar. , ...
Orthodox Easter Day
All Day
Orthodox Easter is a significant Christian holiday in Syria, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s observed on a different date than the Western Easter, following the Orthodox Christian calendar. , ...
13
Orthodox Easter Monday
All Day
The day after Orthodox Easter and is often a public holiday in countries with Orthodox Christian populations. It’s a continuation of the Easter celebration with various traditions and activities. , ...
Marturdom of Imam Sadeq
All Day
Imam Sadeq’s Martyrdom is a solemn event for Shia Muslims, marked by mourning and religious ceremonies. , ...
Sham el Nessim
All Day
Sham el Nessim dates back to the ancient Egyptians over 3,000 years ago. The name Sham el Nessim means “renewal of life”, referring to the new life that flourishes during the spring and to the ancient Egyptian belief that the day marks the beginning of the creation of the world. , ...
14
Vaisakhi
All Day
Vaisakhi, is a significant harvest festival celebrated in India, particularly in the northern state of Punjab. It usually falls on April 13 or 14 and holds cultural and religious importance for both Sikhs and Hindus. For Sikhs, Vaisakhi marks the establishment of the Khalsa Panth, a Sikh community of initiated members, , ...
Pohela Boishakh
All Day
The Bengali New Year begins. This vibrant celebration, which calls on the frist day of Boishakh in the bengali solar calendar, is widely celebrated in Bangladesh and in parts of Assam, West Bengal, and tripura, India. For Bengali groups, it symbolizes a fresh start and has deep cultural and traditional significance. , ...
15
16
17
Evacuation Day
All Day
Evacuation Day marks the departure of the last French troops from Syria in 1946, symbolizing Syria’s achievement of independence from French colonial rule. , ...
18
Mujahideen Victory Day
All Day
National holiday to celebrate the end of communist rule in Afghanistan. , ...
19
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
All Day
The purpose of this day is to celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the Indigenous Peoples in Brazil. This day was previously referred to as “Indian Day,” but in July 2022, Congress approved a measure to change the term “Indian,” which is considered prejudice against the Indigenous People. , ...
20
21
Tiradentes Day
All Day
Tiradentes Day in Brazil honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, a national hero who fought for Brazilian independence. It is observed on April 21st with parades, cultural events, and historical reenactments. , ...
22
Yom Ha’atzmaut/Independence Day
All Day
Yom Ha’atzmaut, or Independence Day, in Israel celebrates the day that the provisional government read and signed the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948. , ...
23
24
25
Liberation Day
All Day
Liberation Day, also known as Festa della Liberazione, is a national holiday celebrated in Italy on April 25 each year. It commemorates the end of the Italian Civil War and the liberation of Italy from Nazi occupation and fascist rule during World War II. The day is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and resistance agains , ...
Feast of St.Mark
All Day
The Feast of St. Mark, known as Festa di San Marco in Italy, is celebrated on April 25 each year. It is a religious holiday honoring St. Mark the Evangelist, the patron saint of Venice. On this day, special church services and processions take place in Venice and other parts of Italy to venerate St. Mark and his signif , ...
Rogation Day
All Day
Rogation Day is a traditional Acadian holiday celebrated on the Feast of Corpus Christi, which typically falls in late spring. It involves religious processions, feasting, and community gatherings. , ...
Anzac Day
All Day
ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance for victims of war and commemoration of armed forces in both Australia and New Zealand. , ...
26
Hung Kings Festival
All Day
The Hung Kings Festival in Vietnam is a national holiday that honors the legendary founders of the Vietnamese nation, the Hung Kings. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the third lunar month and involves various rituals, processions, and cultural performances to pay homage to these mythical ancestors. , ...
27
King’s Birthday
All Day
King’s Birthday is a national holiday celebrated in the Netherlands on April 27 each year. It marks the birthday of the reigning monarch, King Willem-Alexander, and is a day of vibrant celebrations with street parties, flea markets, and various festivities held throughout the country. , ...
28
29
30
Liberation Day
All Day
Liberation Day in Vietnam, celebrated on April 30, marks the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. It’s a day of patriotic pride and often includes parades, fireworks, and cultural events to commemorate the country’s reunification. , ...
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. , ...
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. , ...
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 , ...
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
All Day
This month is recognized in Canada to specially honour those of the Jewish faith and descent who have made significant contributions to the Department of National Defence, and the Canadian Armed forces, as well as their families. , ...
Polish Heritage Month
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
First recognized in 2024, May is a time to celebrate those of Polish descent. Today there are roughly 1.2 million people of Polish descent in Canada. The first immigrants arrived from Poland in 1752 and built flourishing communities settled mostly in Ontario. , ...
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. , ...

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