EDI Calendar

EDI Calendar 2023

This calendar is not exhaustive. Dates may vary from year to year based on the lunar calendar, geographic locations, and other factors. This calendar can be used to plan content and respect holidays celebrated by diverse groups.

• January

• New Year’s Day - The first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar. 1 Jan.
   

  Kwanzaa (ends) - The celebration honors African heritage and culminates in a feast and gift-giving. 1 Jan.

  Armenian Orthodox Christmas Day - Armenian Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Epiphany. 6 Jan.

  Eastern Orthodox Christmas Day - Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in accordance with the Julian calendar.  6 Jan.

  World Religion Day - Observance initiated in 1950 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. Though initiated in the United States, World Religion Day has come to be celebrated internationally. 15 Jan.

  Martin Luther King Jr. Day (U.S.) - In honor of MLK’s birthday. King was the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. 16 Jan.

  Mahayana New Year - Mahayana Buddhists celebrate the New Year on the first full moon day in January. 18 Jan.
  
  Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) - The celebration of the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival is usually referred to as the Spring Festival in modern China and is one of several Lunar New Years in Asia. 22 Jan.

  International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Commemorates the tragedy of the Holocaust that occurred during the Second World War. 27 Jan.

• February

• Black History Month (U.S. and Canada) - An annual celebration of the achievements of peoples of African ancestry. The month-long observance recognizes the central role of Blacks in American and Canadian history.
  
  World Cancer Day - An international day to raise awareness of cancer and inspire action to end cancer. 4 Feb.
  
  Susan B. Anthony Day (U.S.) - A celebration of women’s suffrage in the United States on the date of the civil rights leader’s birthday. 15 Feb.

  International Mother Language Day - A worldwide annual observance to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and support multilingualism. 21 Feb.

  Mardi Gras - The celebration of Carnival, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. 21 Feb.

  Ash Wednesday - The first day of Lent that is recognized by Western Christians as a holy day of prayer and fasting. 22 Feb.

   

• March

• Zero Discrimination Day - This day aims to promote equality before the law and in practice throughout all the member countries of the United Nations. 1 Mar.

  National Employee Appreciation Day (U.S.) - Organizations have the chance to support, thank and reward employees on the first Friday of March. 3 Mar.

  International Women’s Day - The celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women worldwide and throughout history. 8 Mar.

  Saint Patrick’s Day - A celebration of Irish heritage, rooted in the traditional feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. 17 Mar.

  Holi - A Hindu spring festival also celebrated by non-Hindus, such as Jains, Newar Buddhists, and Sikhs. Originating from the Indian subcontinent has also spread to other areas of Asia and parts of the Western world. Also known as the "festival of colors" or the "festival of love.” 8 Mar.
  - Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, represents the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrations are marked by throwing colored water and powder at each other. Everywhere you find shades of blue, pink, yellow, and above all happiness. | Neetika Varma
  
  Equal Pay Day - 15 Mar. 

  International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - This day exists as a call to action to eliminate racial discrimination worldwide. 21 Mar.

  Persian New Year (Nowruz) - Nowruz is celebrated by diverse communities worldwide, with its roots in Iranian and Zoroastrian traditions. 21 Mar.

  World Down Syndrome Day - Observed by the United Nations, this day raises awareness of Down syndrome and how people with Down syndrome play significant roles in our workplaces and communities. 21 Mar.

  Cesar Chavez Day (U.S.) - A day to honor Mexican-American activist, Cesar Chavez. A federal commemorative holiday in the United States, this day pays tribute to the progress Chavez made for farm workers and Hispanic Americans. 31 Mar.
  
  Transgender Day of Visibility - A Proclamation on Transgender Day Of Visibility, 2022 31 Mar.

  National Deaf History Month (U.S.) - A month of awareness dedicated to honoring key events in deaf history and celebrating contributions by the deaf community. 13 Mar.-15 Apr.
  
  Ramadan (begins) - The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. 23 Mar.
  
  Women's History Month (U.S.) - An annual observance that honors women as critical agents of historical change and celebrates contributions they have made in history and contemporary society.

  Irish-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Irish-Americans in the United States.

• April

• World Autism Awareness Day - An internationally recognized day that encourages countries to raise awareness about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout the world. 2 Apr.

  Passover - This commemorates Jewish liberation by God from slavery in ancient Egypt and their freedom under the leadership of Moses. 5 Apr.

  Good Friday - This Christian holiday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus on the Friday before Easter. 7 Apr.

  Easter - A festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion. 9 Apr.
  
  Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day. 18 Apr. 

  Festival of Ridvan - An annual 12-day festival celebrated by Bahá'ís in honor of the prophet-founder of the Bahá'í faith. The first (21 April), ninth (29 April), and 12th (2 May) days are Bahá'í Holy Days when work is suspended. 20 Apr.- 2 May
  
  Eid al-Fitr - A religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan. 21 Apr

  Arab American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans in the United States.
  - UCLA Library staff assembled a list of materials on Arab American history and cultural contributions featuring everything from hidden histories to bars from DJ Khaled.

  Scottish-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Scottish-Americans in the United States.

  National Autism Awareness Month (U.S.) – #REDinstead, avoid Autism Speaks
  - UCLA student organizations, clinics seek to support autism awareness for all ages – Daily Bruin
  - A Conversation with Daniel Geschwind, MD, PhD – UCLA Neurology, YouTube Video

• May

• International Workers Day - Commemorates past labor struggles and celebrates laborers, working classes and good working conditions. This day is not celebrated in Canada and the United States, as both countries have separate Labor Day holidays. 1 May

  Cinco de Mayo (U.S.) - Celebrated in the United States as a day of commemorating Mexican culture and heritage. 5 May

  Vesak - This day celebrates the birth, spiritual awakening and death of Buddha and is observed by Buddhists worldwide. 6 May

  Mother’s Day (U.S.) - A celebration honoring motherhood and the influence of mothers in society. 8 May

  World Day for Cultural Diversity - Celebrates the richness of the world’s diversity and highlights the need for intercultural dialogue. 21 May

  Memorial Day (U.S.) - A day to remember those who have died in military service to the nation. 29 May

  National Military Appreciation Month (U.S.) - The month of May includes Military Spouse Appreciation Day (8 May), Armed Forces Day (16 May), and Memorial Day (25 May). This month exists to pay special tribute to the United States Armed Forces and all who serve or who have died in the line of service.

  Mental Health Awareness Month (U.S.) - A month to raise awareness about mental health and break the stigma surrounding the topic in your workplace.

  Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States.

  Haitian Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Haitians in the United States.
  
  Indian Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Indians in the United States.

  Jewish-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Jewish Americans in the United States.

• June

• National Cancer Survivors Day (U.S.) - A day to celebrate those who have survived cancer, inspire those recently diagnosed and provide support and outreach to the community. 5 Jun.

  Race Unity Day - This day aims to promote racial harmony and understanding. Although it is a Bahá’í-sponsored day, it is a universal holiday that can be celebrated by anyone. 11 Jun.

  Juneteenth (U.S.) - In commemoration of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865, this day honors African-American freedom and achievement. 19 Jun.

  World Refugee Day - This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. 20 Jun.

  Father’s Day (U.S.) - Celebrates the contribution that fathers and father figures make for their children's lives. 18 Jun.

  LGBTQ+ Pride Month - Commemorates the Stonewall riots that occurred in New York City in June of 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBTQ+ people have in the world.

  Caribbean-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Caribbean-Americans in the United States.

• July

• Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Day or National Disability Independence Day - This day commemorates the United States’ 1990 signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act which guarantees equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. 26 Jul.

  French-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Recognizes the significance of French people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.

• August

• International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples - Promotes the rights of the world's indigenous population. This day also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues. 9 Aug.

  World Senior Citizen’s Day - Recognizes and honors the work and community contributions made by older adults across the world. 21 Aug.

  Women’s Equality Day (U.S.) - Commemorates the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution which gave women the right to vote. 26 Aug.

• September

• Labor Day (U.S. and Canada) - A federally observed holiday that honors the American labor movement and celebrates the social and economic achievements of American workers. 4 Sep.

  World Suicide Prevention Day - Exists to raise awareness on the scale of suicide and provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. 10 Sep.

  Patriot Day (U.S.) - A day that remembers those who were injured or killed in the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. 11 Sep.

  International Day of Sign Language - A day to raise awareness of the importance of sign languages and recognize their role in helping provide human rights and equal access to people with hearing disabilities. 23 Sep.

  Bi Visibility Day - A day to foster respect for bi+ individuals and communities. 23 Sep.
  
  Rosh Hashanah - Celebrates the Jewish New Year. 15-17 Sep.

  National Hispanic Heritage Month (U.S.) (begins 15 Sep.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Hispanics and Latin Americans in the United States. 15 Sep.-15 Oct.
  - Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month | Kelly Arruda
  
  Yom Kippur - Known as the Day of Atonement, it marks the end of the Ten Days of Repentance that begins with Rosh Hashanah. 24 Sept.

• October

• International Day of Older Persons: A day created by the United Nations to raise awareness about issues that affect the elderly, such as senescence, elder abuse, and the lack of proper care. 1 Oct.

  World Mental Health Day - A day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy to dismantle the social stigma surrounding the topic. 10 Oct.

  Indigenous Peoples’ Day (U.S.) - A day to commemorate and celebrate the history and culture of indigenous peoples. 9 Oct.
  
  National Coming Out Day (U.S.) - Annual LGBT awareness day. 11 Oct.

  Boss’ Day (U.S.) - A day for employees to thank their bosses for being kind and fair throughout the year. 16 Oct.

  Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness, education and research.

  National Disability Employment Awareness Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the accomplishments of persons with disabilities in the workplace and remembers the commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunities to all employees.

  National Work and Family Month (U.S.) - A month where businesses are asked to promote healthier and more flexible work environments and work-life balances.

  LGBT History Month (U.S. and Canada) - An annual observance of civil rights movements related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history in the United States and Canada.

  German-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of German-Americans in the United States.

  Filipino-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Filipino-Americans in the United States.

  Italian-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Italian-Americans in the United States.

  Polish-American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Polish-Americans in the United States.

• November

• Diwali - A five-day “festival of lights” celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world that coincides with the Hindu New Year. 9 Nov.
  
  Veteran's Day (U.S.) - Countries recall and commemorate the end of hostilities of the First World War and honor those who have served their country. 11 Nov.

  International Day for Tolerance - Declared by UNESCO in 1995 to generate public awareness of the principles of tolerance. 16 Nov.

  International Transgender Day of Remembrance - Honors the transgender individuals who lost their lives in acts of anti-transgender violence. 20 Nov.
  - Transgender Day of Remembrance – GLAAD

  Native American Heritage Day (U.S.) - A holiday held the day after Thanksgiving to celebrate the history and culture of Native Americans in the United States. 25 Nov.

  Hanukkah - A Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem to the service of God in 164 BCE. It is also known as the Festival of Lights.

  Native American Heritage Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the heritage, culture and pays tribute to the contributions of the people who were the original inhabitants, explorers and settlers of the United States.

  National Family Caregivers Month (U.S.) - Celebrates the contribution of volunteer friends and family members who support a loved one with their health or managing a disability.

• December

• International Day of Persons With Disabilities - The observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. 3 Dec.

  Human Rights Day - Commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. 10 Dec.
  - Universal Declaration of Human Rights – United Nations
  - Human Rights Day – Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights
  
  Hanukkah - 8-15 Dec.

  Christmas - Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. 25 Dec.

  Kwanzaa (begins) - The celebration honors African heritage and culminates in a feast and gift-giving. 26 Dec.