- Origin United States
- Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/kwanzaa/
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.
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
- SU
- 29Kwanzaa8:00 am - 12:00 amKwanzaa 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 , ...
- 30KwanzaaAll DayKwanzaa 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/
- 31KwanzaaAll DayKwanzaa 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/
- 1ShogatsuAll DayAlso 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 DayAll DayNew 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
Kwanzaa12:00 am - 6:00 pmKwanzaa 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 DayAll DayAn annual celebration commemorating Sudan’s independence from British-Egyptian rule. , ... - 2Birthday of Imam Ali and Father’s DayAll DayThis 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. , ...Berchtold’s DayAll DayA 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
- 4Myanmar (Burma) Independence DayAll DayMarks 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
- 5
- 6EpiphanyAll DayEpiphany is observed on January 6 and commemorates the visit of the Magi (the Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus. It is a significant Christian holiday that celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. , ...
- 7Orthodox Christmas DayAll DayOrthodox Christmas Day falls on January 7 each year as the Orthodox Church adheres to the Julian calendar to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The modern Gregorian calendar, which introduced adjustments to the calendar year, shifted the celebration of Christmas to December 25. As a result, the two calendars now observe Chr , ...
- 8
- 9Martyrs’ DayAll DayMartyrs’ Day is a day celebrated in Panama and is a national day of mourning. It commemorates the January 1964 anti-American riots over the sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. The riot began when the Panamanian flag was ripped, and students were killed. This day of mourning is observed on January 9th every year, with , ...
- Origin Panama
- Learn More https://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/martyrs-day-in-panama/
- 10
- 11
- 12YennayerAll DayYennayer is a public holiday to celebrate the New Year in Algeria and Morroco. There are often bonfires, traditional feasts of chicken and couscous dishes, dancing, games, and horse parades. , ...
- Origin Algeria and Morocco
- Learn More https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/algeria/yennayer
- 13LohriAll DayA popular harvest festival celebrated primarily in the northern regions of India, particularly in Punjab. It usually takes place on January 13 every year and marks the end of winter and the onset of longer days. During Lohri, people gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs, and offer prayers to seek blessings for , ...
- Origin India
- Learn More https://panchang.astrosage.com/festival/lohri?language=en
- 14Orthodox New YearAll DayThe Orthodox New Year, also known as the Old New Year, is celebrated annually on January 14. It corresponds to January 1 in the Julian calendar, which predates the Gregorian calendar. This significant holiday holds special importance for those practicing the Orthodox Christian faith. Traditionally, the day is marked wi , ...
- Origin Christian
- Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/orthodox-new-year/
Makar SankrantiAll DayMakar Sankranti is a festival celebrated in India, usually on January 14 or 15. It marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. The festival is observed with various regional customs and names across India, and i , ...- Origin India
- Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/makar-sankranti/
- 15Pongal8:00 am - 12:00 amPongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated mainly in the southern states of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. It usually takes place in mid-January and is a time to give thanks to the Sun God for a successful harvest. The festival is marked by the preparation of a special dish called Pongal, made from freshly ha , ...
- Origin India
- Learn More https://panchang.astrosage.com/festival/pongal?language=en
Isra and Miraj5:00 pm - 12:00 amIsra and Miraj, also known as Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj, is an Islamic holiday observed in Kuwait. It commemorates the night journey (Isra) and ascension (Miraj) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens. On this day, Muslims participate in special prayers and reflect on the signific , ...- Origin Kuwait
- Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/isra-and-miraj/
- 16PongalAll DayPongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated mainly in the southern states of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. It usually takes place in mid-January and is a time to give thanks to the Sun God for a successful harvest. The festival is marked by the preparation of a special dish called Pongal, made from freshly ha , ...
- Origin India
- Learn More https://panchang.astrosage.com/festival/pongal?language=en
Prophet’s AscensionAll DayProphet’s Ascension commemorates the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s a night of prayer, reflection, and spiritual significance for Muslims. , ...- Origin Iran
- Learn More https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/iran/israa-miaraj-night
Isra and Miraj12:00 am - 5:00 pmIsra and Miraj, also known as Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj, is an Islamic holiday observed in Kuwait. It commemorates the night journey (Isra) and ascension (Miraj) of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to the heavens. On this day, Muslims participate in special prayers and reflect on the signific , ...- Origin Kuwait
- Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/isra-and-miraj/
- 17PongalAll DayPongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated mainly in the southern states of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. It usually takes place in mid-January and is a time to give thanks to the Sun God for a successful harvest. The festival is marked by the preparation of a special dish called Pongal, made from freshly ha , ...
- Origin India
- Learn More https://panchang.astrosage.com/festival/pongal?language=en
- 18Pongal12:00 am - 6:00 pmPongal is a four-day harvest festival celebrated mainly in the southern states of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. It usually takes place in mid-January and is a time to give thanks to the Sun God for a successful harvest. The festival is marked by the preparation of a special dish called Pongal, made from freshly ha , ...
- Origin India
- Learn More https://panchang.astrosage.com/festival/pongal?language=en
- 19Martin Luther King Jr. DayAll DayA federal holiday in the United States that honors the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday in January and serves as a day of remembrance for his contributions to the civil rights movement and his pursuit of racial equality. , ...
- Origin United States
- Learn More https://www.almanac.com/content/when-martin-luther-king-jr-day
TimkatAll DayThe annual festival, meant to replicate Christ’s baptism in the river Jordan, takes place on the 19th January (or the 20th in a leap year). Timkat, also written as Timket, literally translates to ‘baptism’. , ...- Origin Ethiopia
- Learn More https://www.brilliant-ethiopia.com/timkat
Sonam Losar8:00 am - 6:00 pmSonam Lhosar is a significant festival celebrated by the Tamang community in Nepal, marking their New Year. ‘Lho’ means year, ‘Sar’ means new or fresh, and ‘Sonam’ refers specifically to the Tamang people. It is also celebrated by other Himalayan Buddhist communities in parts of Indi , ...- Origin Nepal
- Learn More https://www.discoveryworldtrekking.com/blog/sonam-lhosar-festival-in-nepal
- 20Guru Gobind Singh JayantiAll DayGuru 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
- 21
- 22Ukrainian Unity DayAll DayUnity Day is a Ukrainian commemoration that honors the signing of the Treaty of Unity on January 22, 1919. This marked the unification of Eastern and Western Ukraine. , ...
- Origin Ukraine
- Learn More https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/ukraine/ukrainian-unity-day
Dia del Estado Plurinaciona/Plurinational State Foundation DayAll DayBolivians celebrate their multicultural identity with the Plurinational State Foundation Day. Called ‘Dia del Estado Plurinacional’ in Spanish, this national holiday pays tribute to the nation’s new name — also known as the Plurinational State of Bolivia — and the adoption of their new constitution. The government made , ...- Origin Bolivia
- Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/plurinational-state-foundation-day/
- 23Vasant PanchamiAll DayVasant Panchami, also known as Basant Panchami, is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated in India, typically falling in late January or early February. It marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, arts, and music. On this day, people dress in yellow attire, , ...
- Origin India
- Learn More https://nationaltoday.com/vasant-panchami/
- 24World Day for African and Afro Descendant CultureAll DayHeld every year on 24 January, World Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture celebrates the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world, reinforcing UNESCO’s mandate to promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity around the globe. As a rich source of the worl , ...
- Origin Multiple
- Learn More https://www.unesco.org/en/days/african-culture
- 25Burns NightAll DayBurns Night, a vibrant celebration in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, honors the Scottish poet Robert Burns through feasting, poetry recitation, and traditional rituals. Poetry recitations, often featuring Burns’ own works, along with lively music and dancing, contribute to the convivial atmosphere. , ...
- Origin United Kingdom
- Learn More https://www.calendarpedia.com/when-is/burns-night.html
Tatiana or ‘Tatyana” DayAll DayTatyana Day in Ukraine is a cultural holiday celebrated on January 25 (or January 12 in the Julian calendar). It commemorates the endorsement of Ivan Shuvalov’s petition by Empress Elizabeth of Russia in 1755 to establish a university in Moscow. The chosen date coincided with the traditional Russian religious hol , ...- Origin Ukraine
- Learn More https://www.ukraine.com/blog/tatyanas-day-a-day-for-celebration/
- 26Republic DayAll DayRepublic Day is a national holiday in India celebrated on January 26 each year. It commemorates the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, marking the country’s transition to becoming a sovereign democratic republic. The day is marked by grand celebrations in the capital city of New Delhi, i , ...
- Origin India
- Learn More https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/india/india-republic-day
Australia DayAll DayAustralia Day is the official national day of Australia. Observed annually on 26 January, it marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet and raising of the Union Flag by Arthur Phillip at Sydney Cove in New South Wales. In present-day Australia, celebrations aim to reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation , ...- Origin Australia
- Learn More https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia_Day
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30The Three Holy HierarchsAll DayOn January 30 the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of the Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs, Saint Basil the Great, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Gregory the Theologian (Nazianzus) who are the Patron Saints of education and teaching. , ...
- Origin Greece
- Learn More https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/01/30/feast-day-of-the-synaxis-of-the-three-holy-hierarchs/
- 31
- 1Black History MonthAll DayFebruary is Black History Month in Canada, offering an opportunity to learn more about the important contributions and experience of Black Canadians in shaping Canada’s history. Black Canadians have been part of Canada’s heritage since the 1600s, and continue to actively shape Canada’s culture, identi , ...
- Origin North America
- Learn More https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html
ImbolcAll DayImbolc is a Pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc was meant to mark the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox in Neolithic Ireland and Scotland. The holiday is celebrated by Wiccans and other practitioners of neopagan or pagan , ...- Origin Pagan
- Learn More https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/imbolc
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 PageLast Modified: June 12, 2024