Multicultural Events 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.
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- 1RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...Marturdom of Imam AliAll DayImam Ali’s martyrdom is observed with mourning and religious gatherings, particularly by Shia Muslims, to remember his significance in Islam. Origin: Iran , ...April Fools DayAll DayApril Fools Day, observed on April 1, is a day for pranks, jokes, and humorous hoaxes played on friends and family members. Origin: Multiple , ...Sizdah Be-dar (Nature Day)All DaySizdah 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. Origin: Iran , ...
- 2RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...
- 3RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...
- 4RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...
- 5RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...Tomb Sweeping DayAll DayTomb Sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, is a Chinese holiday in early April when families visit and clean the graves of their ancestors. Origin: China , ...Laylat-al-QadrAll DayLaylat-al-Qadr is otherwise known as the Night of Power and is considered to be the Islamic calendar’s Holiest eve. During this night, Angel Jibril revealed the Holy Qur’an’s first verses to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This night falls within Ramadan’s final 10 days, and although the exact date is unidentified, , ...
- 6RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...
- 7RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...
- 8RamadanAll DayRamadan is a sacred Islamic month observed in Saudi Arabia and around the world through fasting, prayer, and reflection. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and encourages spiritual growth, self-discipline, and empathy for the less fortunate. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physi , ...
- 9Day of ValorAll DayDay 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. Origin: Philippines , ...Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)All DayEid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a major Islamic holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It marks the end of fasting and is a time of feasting and communal prayers. Origin: Muslim , ...
- 10Eid Al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)All DayEid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a major Islamic holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan. It marks the end of fasting and is a time of feasting and communal prayers. Origin: Muslim , ...Palm SundayAll DayPalm Sunday falls on the Sunday before Easter and commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It is named after the palm branches that people waved as he entered the city. Origin: Christian , ...
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- 14VaisakhiAll DayVaisakhi, 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, , ...Maundy ThursdayAll DayMaundy 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. Origin: Christian , ...
- 15Good FridayAll DayGood Friday falls on the Friday before Easter and marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a solemn day of reflection and prayer for Christians. Origin: Christian , ...
- 16Holy SaturdayAll DayHoly Sunday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ lay in the tomb after his death, according to the Christian bible Origin: Christian , ...
- 17Rama NavamiAll DayRama Navami is a Hindu festival in India, celebrating Lord Rama’s birth. It occurs in March or April on the ninth day of the Chaitra month. Devotees pray, fast, and reflect on Lord Rama’s virtues from the Ramayana epic. Temples are adorned, and it’s a time of spiritual devotion and reflection. Origin: , ...Evacuation DayAll DayEvacuation Day marks the departure of the last French troops from Syria in 1946, symbolizing Syria’s achievement of independence from French colonial rule. Origin: Syria , ...
- 18Easter MondayAll DayEaster 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. Origin: Christian , ...Hung Kings FestivalAll DayThe 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. Origin: Vietnam , ...
- 19Indigenous Peoples’ DayAll DayThe 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. , ...
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- 21First Day of PassoverAll DayFirst 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. Origin: Judaism , ...Tiradentes DayAll DayTiradentes 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. Origin: Brazil , ...
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- 24Orthodox EasterAll DayOrthodox 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. Origin: Orthodox Christian , ...
- 25Liberation DayAll DayLiberation 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.MarkAll DayThe 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 , ...Orthodox Easter MondayAll DayThe 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. Origin: Orthodox Christian , ...Rogation DayAll DayRogation 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. Origin: Acadian , ...
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- 27King’s BirthdayAll DayKing’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. Origin: Netherlands , ...
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- 30Lberation DayAll DayLiberation 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. Origin: Vietnam , ...
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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.
Notice an error? Have an idea? Let us know! Print PageLast Modified: January 10, 2024