Martyrdom of the Báb Culture/religion: Bahá’í Date: July 9 Over the course of six years, the Báb attracted many followers. This was concerning to the clergy and government, so they imprisoned and tortured him. In 1850, the new prime minister ordered the Báb to be executed by firing squad. The night before the execution, a follower named Anis threw himself at the feet … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – July 5-11, 2021
LGBTQ Pride Month Culture/religion: National observance Date: June LGBTQ Pride Month is celebrated annually in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. In June 1969, patron and supporters of the Stonewall Inn staged an uprising to resist police harassment and persecution of members of the LGBTQ community. This was the beginning of a … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – June 7-13, 2021
Vesak Festival Culture/religion: Buddhist Date: May 26 Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is one of the most important of the Theravada Buddhist festivals, which commemorates three milestones in the life of Gautama Buddha: his birth, his enlightenment and his death. Vesak is recognized on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month (May). The observance of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – May 24-30, 2021
Shavuot Culture/religion: Judaism Date: May 17-18 Shavuot is a two-day holiday celebrating the completion of the seven-week Omer counting period between Passover and Shavuot. The Torah was given by God to the Jewish people on Shavuot, and every year on the holiday the acceptance of God’s gift is renewed. In observance of Shavuot, candles are lit on the first and … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – May 17-23, 2021
Ridvan Festival Culture/religion: Bahá’í Date: April 20-May 1 Ridvan is a 12-day festival, celebrated as the most holy festival in the Bahai’ faith. The festival marks the anniversary of the days Bahá’u’lláh spent along the River Tigris in Baghdad. During those twelve days, in a garden he called “Ridvan,” meaning “paradise,” Bahá’u’lláh announced that he was God’s … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – April 19-25, 2021