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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.

July

August 2026

September

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26 Saints Anne and Joachim Feast Day Saints Anne and Joachim Feast Day All Day The Roman Catholic Church commemorates the parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anne. The couple’s faith and perseverance brought them through the sorrow of childlessness, to the joy of conceiving and raising the immaculate and sinless woman who would give birth to Christ. , ... Origin Catholic Learn More https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/sts-anne-and-joachim-313#:~:text=On%20July%2026%20the%20Roman%20Catholic%20Church%20commemorates,sinless%20woman%20who%20would%20give%20birth%20to%20Christ.
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28 Peru Independence Day/Fiestas Patrias Peru Independence Day/Fiestas Patrias All Day We are celebrating Peru’s Independence Day on July 28. It is a historic day for the people of Peru whereby they celebrate their hard-earned independence. Peru is the famous land of Machu Picchu, Colca Canyon, Rainbow Mountains, the Amazon jungle, etc. The day is also known as ‘Fiestas Patrias’ in Peru. This holiday is , ... Origin Peru Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/peru-independence-day/
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1 Emancipation Day Emancipation Day All Day Emancipation Day in Jamaica is a significant national holiday celebrated on August 1 each year. It marks the anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British colonies, including Jamaica, on August 1, 1834. The day commemorates the liberation of enslaved individuals and honors the struggle for freedom and equality , ... Origin Jamaica Learn More https://publicholidays.la/jamaica/emancipation-day/

2 Virgin of Los Angeles Day Virgin of Los Angeles Day All Day The Virgin of Los Angeles Day is celebrated annually on August 2 in Costa Rica. Also known as Virgen de Los Angeles Day, the holiday celebrates the ‘Virgen de Los Angeles’ or the ‘Lady of the Angels.’ Apart from Christmas and Easter, the Virgin of Los Angeles Day is one of the biggest celebrations in Costa Rica and is , ... Origin Costa Rica Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/virgin-of-los-angeles-day/
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4 Arbaeen Arbaeen All Day Arbaeen is observed 40 days after Ashura and marks the end of the mourning period for Imam Hussein. It is a time when millions of Shia Muslims participate in a pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq, making it one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://www.diversityresources.com/interfaith-calendar-2024/
5 Arbaeen Arbaeen All Day Arbaeen is observed 40 days after Ashura and marks the end of the mourning period for Imam Hussein. It is a time when millions of Shia Muslims participate in a pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Hussein in Karbala, Iraq, making it one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://www.diversityresources.com/interfaith-calendar-2024/
6 Independence Day Independence Day All Day Independence Day in Jamaica is celebrated on August 6 each year, marking the country’s independence from British rule in 1962. The day is observed with parades, cultural performances, and fireworks, reflecting on Jamaica’s sovereignty and cultural heritage. , ... Origin Jamaica Learn More https://publicholidays.la/jamaica/independence-day/
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9 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples All Day International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is recognized to raise awareness & protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. This events also recognizes the achievements & contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection. , ... Origin Multiple Learn More https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day
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12 Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-Askari All Day Imam Hasan al-Askari’s martyrdom is another solemn occasion for Shia Muslims, observed with mourning and religious gatherings. , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://imam-us.org/islamic-awareness/islam-101/beliefs/ahl-al-bayt/imam-hassan-al-askari Demise of Prophet Muhammad and Martyrdom of Imam Hassan Demise of Prophet Muhammad and Martyrdom of Imam Hassan All Day This day commemorates the passing of the Prophet Muhammad and the martyrdom of Imam Hassan, the grandson of the Prophet. It is a day of reflection and remembrance. , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://surfiran.com/event/demise-of-prophet-muhammad-and-martyrdom-of-imam-hassan/2023-09-14/
13 Martyrdom of Imam Reza Martyrdom of Imam Reza All Day The Martyrdom of Imam Reza is a solemn religious holiday in Iran that commemorates the death of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, in 818 AD. Recognized as a day of mourning, it includes rituals such as eulogies, poetry recitation, and gatherings at mosques and shrines. Mashhad, where Imam Reza’s shrine is located, , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://www.persianpod101.com/blog/2019/10/29/martyrdom-of-imam-reza/
14 Martyrdom of Imam Reza Martyrdom of Imam Reza All Day The Martyrdom of Imam Reza is a solemn religious holiday in Iran that commemorates the death of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam, in 818 AD. Recognized as a day of mourning, it includes rituals such as eulogies, poetry recitation, and gatherings at mosques and shrines. Mashhad, where Imam Reza’s shrine is located, , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://www.persianpod101.com/blog/2019/10/29/martyrdom-of-imam-reza/ Independence Day Independence Day All Day Independence Day on August 14 marks Pakistan’s liberation from British rule in 1947, symbolizing the nation’s sovereignty and cultural identity through festivities, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events. , ... Origin Pakistan Learn More https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/pakistan/independence-day
15 Feast of the Assumption (Assumption of Mary) Feast of the Assumption (Assumption of Mary) All Day The Feast of the Assumption ( Assumption of Mary) is a religious holiday celebrated on August 15 in some Acadian communities and by Christians. It’s a day to honor the Virgin Mary and is often accompanied by church processions and feasting. It celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into H , ... Origin Acadian / Christian Learn More https://salutcanada.ca/en/listings/on-august-15-lets-celebrate-national-acadian-day/#:~:text=Owing%20to%20his%20eloquence%2C%20everyone,day%20of%20their%20national%20holiday. National Acadian Day – Journée Nationale Acadienne National Acadian Day – Journée Nationale Acadienne All Day Celebrated on August 15, National Acadian Day is the most significant Acadian holiday. It commemorates the Acadian culture and heritage and is marked by various events such as parades, cultural performances, and gatherings. It’s a day for Acadians to express their pride in their history and language. , ... Origin Acadian Learn More https://salutcanada.ca/en/listings/on-august-15-lets-celebrate-national-acadian-day/#:~:text=Owing%20to%20his%20eloquence%2C%20everyone,day%20of%20their%20national%20holiday. Independence Day Independence Day All Day Independence Day, celebrated on August 15, marks India’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1947. The day features flag hoisting, parades, and cultural events across the nation. , ... Origin India Learn More https://time.astrosage.com/holidays/india/independence-day?year=2024&language=en Liberation Day Liberation Day All Day Liberation Day in South Korea, known as Gwangbokjeol, is observed on August 15 every year. It commemorates the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945, signifying the nation’s liberation and independence after 35 years of occupation. , ... Origin South Korea Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/liberation-day-south-korea/ Ferragosto Ferragosto All Day Ferragaosto is an Italian public holiday celebrated that starts on August 15 each year and runs for two weeks. It is a widely observed summer holiday in Italy, and many businesses and offices are closed on this day. It has ancient Roman origins, initially celebrated as a festival dedicated to the Roman emperor Augustus , ... Origin Italy Learn More https://dreamofitaly.com/event/ferragosto/2024-08-15/#:~:text=August%2015%2C%202024%20%2D%20August%2029%2C%202024&text=It's%20the%20summer%20and%20in,with%20roots%20in%20ancient%20Rome. Dormition of the Holy Virgin Dormition of the Holy Virgin All Day the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated, honoring the passing of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ. The Feast commemorates her “falling-asleep” or dormition and the subsequent assumption of her body into heaven. It is a significant event in Christian tradition, signifying the rev , ... Origin Greece Learn More https://www.goarch.org/dormition#:~:text=Introduction,of%20Jesus%20Christ%2C%20our%20Lord. Founding of Asuncion Founding of Asuncion All Day Every year in Paraguay the 15th August is one of the countries largest and most important national holidays. It marks the anniversary of the founding of Asunción. On the 15th August 1537 Juan de Salazar y Espinosa would have been quite unaware that the settlement he was about to found after turning his ship off the Riv , ... Origin Paraguay Learn More https://simonsparaguay.com/the-founding-of-asuncion/

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25 The Prophet’s Birthday The Prophet’s Birthday All Day Known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is celebrated in Kuwait and other countries as a significant Islamic holiday. It commemorates the birth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and is observed on the 12th day of the Islamic lunar month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. On this day, Muslims engage in special prayers, lectures, and gatherings to , ... Origin Muslim Learn More https://publicholidays.com.my/prophet-muhammads-birthday/
26 The Prophet’s Birthday The Prophet’s Birthday All Day Known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is celebrated in Kuwait and other countries as a significant Islamic holiday. It commemorates the birth of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and is observed on the 12th day of the Islamic lunar month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. On this day, Muslims engage in special prayers, lectures, and gatherings to , ... Origin Muslim Learn More https://publicholidays.com.my/prophet-muhammads-birthday/ National Repentance Day National Repentance Day All Day Repentance day is a day of Christian prayer that is recognized as a public holiday in Papua New Guinea. It is common for people to come together in church and ask for forgiveness. , ... Origin Papua New Guinea Learn More https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/papua-new-guinea/national-repentance-day
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28 Raksha Bandhan Raksha Bandhan All Day Raksha Bandhan is an Indian festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a protective thread (rakhi) on their brothers’ wrists, and in return, brothers give gifts and promise to safeguard their sisters. , ... Origin India Learn More https://7thpaycommissionnews.in/raksha-bandhan-2024-date-in-india/
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1 Independence Day of Uzebekistan 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 , ... Origin Uzebekistan Learn More https://people-travels.com/countries/uzbekistan-additional/independence-day-of-uzbekistan
2 Independence Day 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. , ... Origin Vietnam Learn More https://www.vietnamonline.com/az/national-independence-day.html
3 Mabon / Fall (Autumnal) Equinox 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 , ... Origin Pagan / Wiccan Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/mabon/
4 Janmashtami 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). , ... Origin India Learn More https://www.drikpanchang.com/dashavatara/lord-krishna/krishna-janmashtami-date-time.html?year=2024
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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