International Day for Tolerance Culture/religion: International observance Date: November 16 In 1996, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 51/95 proclaiming November 16 as International Day for Tolerance. Following this, UNESCO’s member states adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, recognizing that tolerance is a respect and appreciation for the rich … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 15-21, 2021
Kristallnacht Culture/religion: Judaism Date: November 9-10 Kristallnacht (“Crystal Night” or “Night of Broken Glass”) commemorates the violent anti-Jewish demonstrations that broke out across Germany, Austria and the Sudentenland region of Czechoslovakia. For 48 hours, violent mobs destroyed hundreds of synagogues and burned or desecrated Jewish religious … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 8-14, 2021
National Native American Indian Heritage Month Culture/religion: National observance Date: November Native American Heritage Month has evolved from a week-long celebration when president Ronald Reagan proclaimed November 23-30 as “American Indian Week” to a month-long celebration in 1990 when president George H.W. Bush issued a proclamation designating the month of … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – November 1-7, 2021
National Coming Out Day Culture/religion: National observance Date: October 11 National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBT awareness day to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. National Coming Out Day was first celebrated in 1988. The initial idea was rooted in the feminist and gay liberation movements and emphasized the most basic form of activism – … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – October 11-17, 2021
Shemini Atzeret Culture/religion: Judaism Date: September 28 Shemini Atzeret means “eighth day of assembly” and is a Jewish holiday celebrated on the 22nd day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Shemini Atzeret falls directly after the seven-day celebration of Sukkot, making it literally the eighth day, but is considered its own celebration along with Simchat … [Read more...] about Cultural and religious observances – September 27-October 3, 2021