International Day of Disabled Persons Culture/religion: National observance Date: December 3 Recognized annually on December 3, the annual observance of International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by a United Nations General Assembly resolution. The goal is to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all areas of society and … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – Dec 3-11, 2022
Vesak Festival Culture/religion: Buddhist Date: May 16 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 16-22, 2022
Holy Thursday Culture/religion: Christianity Date: April 14 Holy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion, as well as his institution of the priesthood. Jesus celebrated the dinner as a Passover feast. The Last Supper was the final … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – April 11-17, 2022
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Culture/religion: National observance Date: January 17 The third Monday of each January is dedicated to commemorating the achievements of Martin Luther King, Jr. King advocated the use of nonviolent means to end racial segregation, first coming to national prominence during the bus boycott of African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama in … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – January 17-23, 2022
Bodhi Day Culture/religion: Buddhist Date: December 8 Bodhi Day is one of the most significant events in the Buddhist faith, commemorating Buddha’s enlightenment. Bodhi means “awakening,” or as translated in English, “enlightenment.” As the story goes, the historical Buddha was a prince named Siddhartha Gautama who decided to give up his privileged life to seek … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – December 6-12, 2021