CBLIP Partner Update Event 2025: Elisk+Nweyek - Weaving Together - Tisser Ensemble

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.

November

December 2025

January

MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
SU

1
2
3
4
5 St.Nicholas’ Eve St.Nicholas’ Eve All Day St. Nicholas’ Eve, known as Sinterklaasavond, is a beloved Dutch holiday celebrated on December 5 in the Netherlands. It is the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) is believed to arrive in the country from Spain, accompanied by his helpers called Zwarte Pieten (Black Petes). Families a , ... Origin Netherlands Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/st-nicholas-eve-sinterklaas/
6 St. Nicholas Day St. Nicholas Day All Day St.Nicholas Day, known as Sinterklaas, is celebrated on December 6 in the Netherlands. It is a traditional holiday where children receive gifts from Sinterklaas, a legendary figure based on the historical Saint Nicholas. On this day, children leave their shoes by the fireplace, and Sinterklaas is believed to visit duri , ... Origin Netherlands Learn More https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/netherlands/st-nicholas-day
7 The Feast of St. Ambrose (Milan) The Feast of St. Ambrose (Milan) All Day The Feast of St. Ambrose, celebrated in Milan, Italy, on December 7 each year, commemorates the feast day of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan. St. Ambrose was a prominent bishop and theologian, and his feast day is marked with special church services and festivities in the city of Milan. , ... Origin Italy (Milan) Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/feast-of-st-ambrose/

8
9
10
11
12 Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe All Day Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Roman Catholicism, the Virgin Mary in her appearance before St. Juan Diego in a vision in 1531. The name also refers to the Marian apparition itself. Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special place in the religious life of Mexico and is one of the most popular religious devotions. Her image has pl , ... Origin Mexico Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Our-Lady-of-Guadalupe-patron-saint-of-Mexico
13 Acadian Remembrance Day Acadian Remembrance Day All Day Observed on December 13, Acadian Remembrance Day commemorates the Acadian Deportation of 1755 when many Acadians were forcibly removed from their homeland. It’s a day for reflecting on this tragic event in Acadian history. , ... Origin Acadian Learn More https://anydayguide.com/calendar/4091
14 Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah

15 Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
16 Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
17 Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
18 Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
19 Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
20 Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
21 December Solstice December Solstice All Day The December Solstice, around December 21 or 22, marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s the day with the shortest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere. , ... Origin Multiple Learn More https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/solstice/ Yalda Night Yalda Night All Day Yalda Night, celebrated on the winter solstice (usually December 21), is an ancient Persian tradition that marks the longest night of the year. Families gather to read poetry, eat special foods like pomegranates and watermelon, and stay up late to welcome the return of longer daylight hours. , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://surfiran.com/how-to-celebrate-the-longest-night-of-the-year-like-an-iranian/ Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah

22 Sambisa Memorial Day Sambisa Memorial Day All Day December 22 is designated as Sambisa Memorial Day in Borno State, observed as a public holiday. This day serves to mourn the victims of Boko Haram insurgents, honor the Nigerian Military’s achievements, and remember the fallen soldiers and volunteers who bravely sacrificed their lives in the fight against Boko Ha , ... Origin Nigeria Learn More https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/nigeria/borno/sambisa-memorial-day Hanukkah Hanukkah Hanukkah, (Hebrew: “Dedication”) Jewish festival that begins on Kislev 25 (usually in December, according to the Gregorian calendar) and is celebrated for eight days. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem by the lighting of candles on , ... Origin Judaism Learn More https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah
23
24 Christmas Eve Christmas Eve All Day Observed on December 24, Christmas Eve is the evening before Christmas Day. It is often marked by church services, festive gatherings, and the anticipation of gift-giving. , ... Origin Christian Learn More https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Christmas_Eve Libyan Independence Day Libyan Independence Day All Day This day celebrates independance from Italy in 1951. It is representative of the country’s leap to independence from European influence. , ... Origin Libya Learn More https://www.embassyoflibyadc.org/news/december-24-libyan-independence-day
25 Christmas Day Christmas Day All Day Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed with religious services, gift exchanges, and festive meals. , ... Origin Christian Learn More https://tagvault.org/blog/why-do-we-celebrate-christmas/#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways%3A%201%20Christmas%20originally%20celebrated%20the%20birth,loved%20ones%20are%20common%20traditions%20associated%20with%20Christmas.
26 The Second Day of Christmas The Second Day of Christmas All Day The Second Day of Christmas in Poland, known as “Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia,” is celebrated on December 26. It is a public holiday following Christmas Day. Families often continue their festive celebrations, enjoying special meals and spending time together during this extended holiday period. , ... Origin Poland Learn More https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/poland/2nd-day-of-christmas St. Stephen’s Day St. Stephen’s Day All Day St. Stephen’s Day, also known as the Day of the Wren or “Lá an Dreoilín” in Ireland, is celebrated on December 26. It is a traditional holiday that dates back to medieval times and honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. On this day, people participate in various customs, including the “ , ... Origin Ireland Learn More https://publicholidays.eu/vatican-city/st-stephens-day/ Synaxis of the Mother God Synaxis of the Mother God All Day The Synaxis of the Mother of God, also known as the Feast of the Theotokos, is a Christian feast celebrated on December 26 in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and commemorates her role in giving birth to Jesus Christ, the Savior. , ... Origin Greece Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/synaxis-of-the-mother-of-god/#:~:text=The%20Synaxis%20of%20the%20Mother,figure%20of%20the%20Christian%20faith. Kwanzaa Kwanzaa 8:00 am - 12:00 am Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday that celebrates and honors African culture not only in the African-American community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from December , ... Origin United States Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/
27 Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti All Day Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is a significant Sikh festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was a spiritual leader, warrior, and poet. The festival is observed on the full moon day of the mont , ... Origin India Learn More https://www.festivalsfun.com/india/guru-gobind-singh-jayanti/index.html Kwanzaa Kwanzaa All Day Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday that celebrates and honors African culture not only in the African-American community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from December , ... Origin United States Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/
28 Day of the Holy Innocents Day of the Holy Innocents All Day In Mexico and all over the Catholic world, December 28 commemorates the Santos Inocentes or Holy Innocents, considered the first Christian martyrs. Upon hearing of the birth of Jesus, King Herod ordered the death of every child in Bethlehem under the age of two in an effort to wipe out all competition to his throne. Bu , ... Origin Mexico Learn More https://www.mexconnect.com/articles/3840-december-28-or-april-fools-mexico-celebrates-the-holy-innocents/ Kwanzaa Kwanzaa All Day Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday that celebrates and honors African culture not only in the African-American community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from December , ... Origin United States Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/

29 Kwanzaa Kwanzaa All Day Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday that celebrates and honors African culture not only in the African-American community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from December , ... Origin United States Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/
30 Kwanzaa Kwanzaa All Day Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday that celebrates and honors African culture not only in the African-American community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from December , ... Origin United States Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/
31 Kwanzaa Kwanzaa All Day Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday that celebrates and honors African culture not only in the African-American community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from December , ... Origin United States Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/
1 Shogatsu Shogatsu All Day Also known as Japanese New Year, this celebration is seen as the most important day in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together. It is a tradition to visit a shrine or temple (Hatsumode) during Shogatsu. , ... Origin Japan Learn More https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html New Years Day New Years Day All Day New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1 and marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It’s a time for parties, fireworks, and resolutions to start the year anew. Fun fact: On New Year’s Day in Brazil, which is a national holiday, fishermen in certain coastal regions pay tribute to Iemanjá, , ... Origin Multiple Learn More https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/new-years-day Kwanzaa Kwanzaa 12:00 am - 6:00 pm Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration celebrated in the United States, as well as other countries with populations of African descendants. It is a holiday that celebrates and honors African culture not only in the African-American community but also in the World African community. This holiday is celebrated from December , ... Origin United States Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/ Sudan Independence Day Sudan Independence Day All Day An annual celebration commemorating Sudan’s independence from British-Egyptian rule. , ... Origin Sudan Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/sudan-independence-day/#:~:text=Sudan%20formally%20attained%20its%20independence,Egypt%20on%20January%201%2C%201956.
2 Birthday of Imam Ali and Father’s Day Birthday of Imam Ali and Father’s Day All Day This holiday celebrates the birth of Imam Ali, a revered figure in Shia Islam, and is an occasion to honor fathers, similar to Father’s Day in some cultures. , ... Origin Iran Learn More https://www.honaronline.ir/Section-culture-and-literature-8/170307-imam-ali-as-birth-anniversary-father-day-celebrated-in-iran#:~:text=(HONARONLINE)%20%2DThe%2013th%20day,the%20date%20as%20Father's%20Day. Berchtold’s Day Berchtold’s Day All Day A public holiday recognized in most cantons throughout Switzerland. It commemorated Duke Berchtold who founded the capital, Bern, in 1218. Bern was named after the german word for “Bear” after a Berchtold embarked on a great hunt. , ... Origin Switzerland Learn More https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/switzerland/berchtolds-day
3
4 Myanmar (Burma) Independence Day Myanmar (Burma) Independence Day All Day Marks the date in 1948 when Myanmar proclaimed its independence from Britain. Unlike many independence days, this is not Myanmar’s National Day. That is celebrated on 10th day following the full moon of the month of Tazaungmone (late November to early December) when student riots in 1920 against British Rule are , ... Origin Myanmar Learn More https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/myanmar/myanmar-independence-day

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.

Notice an error? Have an idea? Let us know! Print Page

Last Modified: June 12, 2024