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.

September 2026

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1
Independence Day of Uzebekistan
All Day
On August 31, 1991, the Republic of Uzbekistan officially declared its independence from the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics). In each region in Uzbekistan, a festive program is written in honor of the Independence Day. These are the performances of original folklore groups and sports battles, and variety sho , ...
2
Independence Day
All Day
Independence Day in Vietnam, celebrated on September 2, commemorates the declaration of independence from French colonial rule in 1945. It’s a day of national pride, marked by parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural performances. , ...
3
Mabon / Fall (Autumnal) Equinox
All Day
Mabon is a pagan harvest festival that is celebrated on the Autumnal Equinox each year – around September 21st through September 24th. Also known as Harvest Home, this holiday marks the middle of the harvest cycle – when both the days and nights are of equal length. It is a time to reap what you sow, a time to give tha , ...
4
Janmashtami
All Day
Janmashtami is observed in India to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Vishnu. It involves fasting, prayers, and various cultural festivities, including reenactments of episodes from Krishna’s life. The 8th day of the Hindu month of Bhadrava (August or September). , ...
5
6
7
Independence Day
All Day
Brazilian Independence Day, celebrated on September 7, commemorates Brazil’s declaration of independence from Portugal in 1822. It’s marked by patriotic parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and public celebrations. , ...
Labour Day
All Day
Labour Day, the first Monday in September, has been a statutory holiday in Canada since 1894. It originated in the first workers’ rallies of the Victorian era. Historically, workers marked the day with various activities. These included parades, speeches, games, amateur competitions and picnics. The holiday promoted wo , ...
8
9
10
St. George’s Caye Day
All Day
In 1798, it wasn’t clear whether Spain or Britain would ultimately gain full control over the area now known as Belize. A large naval battle was held in the waters off of St. George’s Caye and the British ultimately triumphed which is why Belize is the only English-speaking nation in Central America today. , ...
11
Patriot Day
All Day
Observed on September 11, honors the memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. It’s a day to reflect on the tragic events, pay tribute to the heroes who responded, and reaffirm the nation’s resilience. , ...
Ethiopian New year
All Day
The holiday is named “Enkutatash”, meaning “a gift of jewels” because it is thought that the Queen of Sheba returned to Ethiopia on this day some 3,000 years ago with a gift of jewels from King Solomon of Israel. , ...
Rosh Hashana
6:00 pm - 12:00 am
The Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days in Judaism. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and the sounding of the shofar. First day of Tishrei, seventh month of the Jewish Calendar. , ...
12
Rosh Hashana
All Day
The Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days in Judaism. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and the sounding of the shofar. First day of Tishrei, seventh month of the Jewish Calendar. , ...
13
Rosh Hashana
12:00 am - 6:00 pm
The Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days in Judaism. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and the sounding of the shofar. First day of Tishrei, seventh month of the Jewish Calendar. , ...
Ganesh Chaturthi
All Day
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity. Celebrated with grand processions, music, and dancing, it involves installing Ganesha idols in homes and public places, followed by immersion in water bodies. Usually falls between mid- August and mid-Septemb , ...
14
Ganesh Chaturthi
All Day
Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity of wisdom and prosperity. Celebrated with grand processions, music, and dancing, it involves installing Ganesha idols in homes and public places, followed by immersion in water bodies. Usually falls between mid- August and mid-Septemb , ...
15
Shout of Dolores/Cry of Dolores
All Day
The Cry of Dolores is an expression associated with the 1810 Mexican revolt against the Spanish, a cry of sorrow and anger from a priest credited with beginning Mexico’s struggle for independence from colonial rule. , ...
16
Mexican Independence Day
All Day
Mexico is the best place to be on September 16, Mexican Independence Day. This fiesta-friendly holiday celebrates Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, and it’s filled with national pride, colorful parades, mariachi concerts, and food, food, and more Sabrosa food. , ...
Malaysia Day
All Day
Various celebrations take place in Kuala Lampur and throughout Malaysia which celebrate Malaysia’s sovereignty. This is an opportunity to learn about national history, and to enjoy festivities with friends and family. , ...
17
18
19
The Feast of Saint Januarius
All Day
The Feast of Saint Januarius, also known as Festa di San Gennaro, is a religious celebration held in Naples, Italy, on September 19 each year. It honors Saint Januarius (San Gennaro), the patron saint of Naples and a revered Christian martyr. The highlight of the feast is the “Miracle of the Blood,” where a , ...
20
Yom Kippur
All Day
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, observed to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. 10th day of the month of Tishrei. , ...
21
Yom Kippur
All Day
Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, observed to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. 10th day of the month of Tishrei. , ...
Birthday of Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadeq
All Day
This joyous occasion celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and Imam Sadeq, an important figure in Shia Islam. , ...
22
September Equinox
All Day
The September Equinox, around September 22 or 23, signifies the arrival of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a time when day and night are again nearly equal in length, symbolizing the changing seasons. , ...
23
24
25
Chuseok
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Korean Thanksgiving, is a significant three-day harvest festival celebrated in South Korea. It is a time for Koreans to express gratitude to their ancestors for the bountiful harvest and blessings. During Chuseok, families come together to visit ancestral graves, perform traditional rituals, and enjoy various festive f , ...
Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival, Reunion Festival)
All Day
Referred to in China as zhongqiujie (中秋节), the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the largest festivals in Mainland China and East Asia. This festival began as a celebration of the moon and has a tradition of deity, but it is also a time to reconnect with family members. Many traditions of the Mid-Autumn festival are center , ...
26
27
28
29
30
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
All Day
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation honours the survivors and the children who never returned home from residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation proces , ...
1
China’s National Day Holiday
All Day
China celebrates the Chinese National Day on October 1st every year. The celebration commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which was established on October 1st, 1949. Presently, China’s National Day is celebrated over a one week period. The 7-day holiday begins from October 1st and runs until the , ...
National Day/Independence Day
All Day
Nigeria’s National Day, also known as Independence Day, is celebrated on October 1 every year. It commemorates Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960 and is a time for national pride and celebrations across the country. , ...
Mi’kmaq History Month
All Day
A month to promote public awareness of Mi’kmaq culture and traditions to Nova Scotians and beyond. , ...
German Heritage Month
All Day
Germany is one of Canada’s largest cultural communities, this month coincides with the build up to Oktoberfest. It is a time to appreciate German culture and influence in Canada. , ...
Canadian Islamic History Month
All Day
This month aims to celebrate and educate regarding the rich muslim heritage and it’s contributions to Canada. , ...
Latin American Heritage Month
All Day
A time to highlight the many contributions of the Latin American community to Canada’s history. It is also a time to honour our Veterans and learn from comrades and colleagues. , ...
2
Mahatma Gandhi
All Day
Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent Indian leader who played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence through nonviolent civil disobedience. , ...
Shmini Atzeret
6:00 pm - 12:00 am
Shmini Atzeret is a Jewish holiday that immediately follows the festival of Sukkot. It’s a day of additional prayers and reflection. , ...
3
German Unification Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)
All Day
German Unity Day (German: Tag der Deutschen Einheit, pronounced [ˈtaːk deːɐ̯ ˈdɔɪ̯t͡ʃn̩ ˈaɪ̯n̩haɪ̯t] ) is the National Day of Germany, celebrated on October 3 as a public holiday. It commemorates German reunification in 1990 when the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) joined the Federal Republic of Germany (West , ...
Shmini Atzeret
All Day
Shmini Atzeret is a Jewish holiday that immediately follows the festival of Sukkot. It’s a day of additional prayers and reflection. , ...

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