Muharram Culture/religion: Islamic Date: August 10 Muharram, one of the four sacred months of the year for Muslims, is the first month of the Islamic calendar and marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Muharram means “forbidden” and because it is holy, many Muslims use this as a time of prayer and reflection. Many Muslims consider this a solemn time and do not … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances-August 9-15, 2021
Dragon Boat Festival Culture/religion: Chinese heritage Date: June 14 The Dragon Boat Festival is a public holiday in China that has a several stories of origination. The most common one today is that the Dragon Boat Festival is a holiday commemorating the death of the patriotic poet Qu Yuan. It is said that Qu Yuan drowned himself on the fifth day of the fifth lunar … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – June 14-20, 2021
Cesar Chavez Day Culture/religion: National observance Date: March 31 In 2014, President Obama signed a proclamation recognizing March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day. It was encouraged that this day be used as a day of service to honor Cesar Chavez’s legacy. Cesar was raised as a migrant farm worker, working beside many others for very little money and horrible conditions. … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – March 29-April 4
Lantern Festival Culture/religion: Chinese heritage Date: February 26 Lantern Festival is celebrated in China annually and marks the end of the Chinese New Year. It dates back about 2,000 years and is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The Lantern Festival is on the first full moon night of the Chinese calendar, marking the return of spring and … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – February 22-28, 2021
Lunar New Year Culture/religion: Chinese heritage Date: February 12 With a history of over 3,000 years, Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important celebration for families. Chinese New Year marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is the start of a new year on the lunar calendar and represents the desire … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – February 8-14, 2021