All February: Black History Month 

Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States and Canada in February, to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. The month-long celebration originated in 1926 as "Negro History Week" by historian Carter G. Woodson, and was expanded to a month-long observance in 1976. The goal of Black History Month is to educate the public about the rich history and cultural heritage of African Americans, and to recognize their vital role in shaping the world as we know it today. 

There are several events and activities that take place in Orange County, California during Black History Month: 

• Annual Black History Parade and Cultural Faire 
• African American Heritage Tour of historic sites 
• Art exhibitions featuring African American artists 
• Performances of African American music and dance 
• Film screenings and discussions on African American history and culture 
• Community events and workshops on African American history and heritage. 

Check with local community centers, museums, and cultural organizations for specific events and their dates. 

February 10: Lunar New Year
The lunar new year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is a major holiday in many East Asian countries, including China, Korea, and Vietnam. It is based on the lunar calendar, which means that the date of the holiday changes from year to year. The lunar new year typically falls between January 21st and February 20th. The lunar new year is a time of celebration and renewal, and it is typically marked with feasting, gift-giving, and the performance of traditional rituals. It is a time for families to come together and to honor their ancestors, and it is also an opportunity to start the new year with good fortune and blessings. In many countries, the lunar new year is a public holiday, and people have time off work and school to celebrate with their families. The celebrations can last for several days or even weeks, depending on the country and the local customs. The lunar new year is an important cultural tradition that is celebrated by millions of people around the world. 

February 11: Tammy Baldwin’s Birthday (first openly LGBT woman elected to both houses of Congress) 

Tammy Baldwin is an American politician who was born on February 11, 1962. She is a member of the Democratic Party and currently serves as the junior United States senator from Wisconsin. Baldwin was the first openly gay person to be elected to the U.S. Congress, and she became the first openly gay person to be elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012. Prior to serving in the Senate, Baldwin was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district. Throughout her career, Baldwin has been a strong advocate for progressive policies on issues such as healthcare, civil rights, and the environment. 

February 14: Frederick Douglass’ Birthday 

Frederick Douglass was an American abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman who was born into slavery on February 14, 1818. He escaped slavery in 1838 and became a leading voice in the anti-slavery movement, using his own experiences as a slave to raise awareness about the injustices of the institution. He delivered powerful speeches and wrote several influential works, including his autobiography "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave." Douglass was also a political activist and served in various government positions, including as an adviser to President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. In honor of his contributions to American history, Douglass' birthday is celebrated as Frederick Douglass Day in many states and cities in the US. 

February 13 and February 14: Fat Tuesday & Ash Wednesday 

 Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festive holiday celebrated by many people, especially in Catholic countries and communities, on the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It is associated with feasting, partying, and indulging in rich foods before the start of the Lenten fast. Mardi Gras is most famous for its colorful parades, lively music, and unique traditions in cities such as New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The exact customs and traditions surrounding Mardi Gras vary by location and culture, but it is generally considered a time for celebration and revelry before the somber period of Lent. 

Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday that marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection leading up to Easter. On Ash Wednesday, participants attend Mass and have ashes placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross as a symbol of repentance and mortality. The ashes come from the burning of last year's Palm Sunday palm fronds, which symbolize Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The ashes serve as a reminder of the need to turn away from sin and be reconciled with God. Ash Wednesday is a significant day of observance in many Christian denominations, including Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Methodism. 

 February 15: Nirvana Day 

 Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana Day, is a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the death of the Buddha and his attainment of Nirvana, or ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The holiday is observed by many different schools of Buddhism, including Theravada and Mahayana, and it is typically celebrated in February or March. During Nirvana Day celebrations, Buddhists gather for religious services, offer prayers and make offerings to the Buddha, and engage in acts of generosity and compassion. The holiday is considered an opportunity to reflect on the Buddha's teachings and to deepen one's own spiritual practice. 

February 15: Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday 

Susan B. Anthony was a prominent American civil rights leader who fought for women's suffrage and equal rights in the 19th century. She was born in 1820 and died in 1906. She co-founded the National Women's Suffrage Association and was also a member of the American Anti-Slavery Society. In 1872, she was arrested for voting in the presidential election, which was illegal for women at the time. Her activism and trial helped bring national attention to the women's suffrage movement. 

All June: Pride Month
June is Pride Month — a time when the LGBTQIA+ community comes together to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. These riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by the LGBTQ+ community against police raids and discrimination. They marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and are often considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.  

As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBTQIA+ people have had in the world. 

Pride Month serves as a reminder of the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights and the ongoing struggle for equality. It is a time to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and support the LGBTQ+ community in their journey towards acceptance and equal rights. 

All June: Caribbean American Heritage Month
Caribbean American Heritage Month is an annual observance held in the United States during the month of June. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Caribbean Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. 

The Caribbean American community in the United States is diverse and consists of people with roots in various countries and territories in the Caribbean, including but not limited to Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, and many others. 

The observance of Caribbean American Heritage Month aims to promote awareness and appreciation of the Caribbean American community's rich heritage, history, and contributions. It provides an opportunity to highlight the influence of Caribbean Americans in various fields, such as art, literature, music, sports, politics, business, and science. 

All June: Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month 
June is dedicated as Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month by Alzheimer's Association Orange County Chapter. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Throughout the month, the Alzheimer’s Association asks people around the world to wear Purple and use their brains to fight Alzheimer's disease.   

June 2: Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 
The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, also known as the Snyder Act, was a law passed by the United States Congress on June 2, 1924. It granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. Prior to the passage of this act, Native Americans were not automatically considered U.S. citizens, despite being born within the country's borders. 

The Indian Citizenship Act was introduced by Representative Homer P. Snyder of New York and aimed to address the issue of Native Americans' citizenship rights. The act states: 

"That all noncitizen Indians born within the territorial limits of the United States be, and they are hereby, declared to be citizens of the United States: Provided, That the granting of such citizenship shall not in any manner impair or otherwise affect the right of any Indian to tribal or other property." 

The act effectively extended citizenship to approximately 125,000 Native Americans who were previously excluded from the rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship. It was an important step towards recognizing the equal status of Native Americans within the United States. 

June 6: D-Day
On June 6, 1944, 156,000 American, British, and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of the heavily fortified coast of France's Normandy region. The invasion was one of the largest military assaults in history and required extensive planning. The invasion resulted in the Allied liberation of Western Europe from Nazi Germany control. By late August 1944, all of northern France was liberated, and shortly after, the Allies defeated the German army. The D-Day landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe. 

June 12: Loving Day
Loving Day is celebrated on June 12th each year and commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision in the case of Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage in the United States. The case involved Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who were married in 1958 in Washington, D.C., but faced legal challenges when they returned to their home state of Virginia, where interracial marriage was illegal at the time.

The Supreme Court's decision in Loving v. Virginia declared that laws prohibiting interracial marriage were unconstitutional, as they violated the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. The ruling effectively legalized interracial marriage throughout the United States.

Loving Day celebrates the Lovings' courage and the landmark decision that paved the way for marriage equality and the recognition of love and relationships regardless of race. It serves as a reminder of the importance of love, equality, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.

June 14 to June 19: The Hajj
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a religious duty that every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim is expected to perform at least once in their lifetime. Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and culminates with the celebration of Eid al-Adha. 

The pilgrimage to Mecca is considered a deeply significant event for Muslims, as it commemorates the actions of the Prophet Muhammad and the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian traditions) and his family. It is believed that Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the location where the Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam, is situated.

June 14: Flag Day
In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated June 14. This day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United states in 1977. The United States approved the design for its first national flag, which was designed as thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, and thirteen white stars in a blue field.  

—Did you know there is a box at Northwood Community Park where you can bring American flags that are torn and tattered? It was established in 2015 by Gianluca Allesina of Irvine Boy Scout Troop 616 for his Eagle Scout Service Project. Flags dropped off at the retirement box will be properly disposed of. You can find the box next to the entrance to the Community Center on the side of the building facing the playground.

June 16: Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah (God). 

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts for four days. 

Eid al-Adha is a significant occasion in the Islamic calendar, representing devotion, faith, and sacrifice. It encourages Muslims to reflect on the values of selflessness, obedience, and compassion. The celebration of Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of the importance of devotion to Allah and caring for others in the community. 

June 19: Juneteenth
Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, and is the oldest known annual observance commemorating the abolishment of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth became a celebration of freedom and achievement, gathering family and communities with food, entertainment, spiritual and religious ceremonies, and cultural storytelling. Today, Juneteenth takes on a symbol of pride in African American experiences and ancestral roots that is recognized annually across the country. 

June 20: World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is an international day organized every year on June 20 by the United Nations. It is designed to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world. The day was first established in June 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees not only survive, but also thrive. 

June 21: National Aboriginal Day
National Aboriginal Day is a day recognizing and celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous peoples of Canada. The day also celebrates the distinct cultures and unique traditions of these native communities. Festivities celebrating the day are held all throughout Canada every year on June 21. 

June 27: Helen Keller Day
Helen Adams Keller was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer. Born in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, she lost her sight and her hearing after a bout of illness at the age of 19 months. Helen Keller day is recognized on June 27 to commemorate her birthday and honor her successes overcoming blindness and deafness while paving the way for others to do the same.

August 7: Purple Heart Day:
Purple Heart Day is a day for Americans to remember and honor the men and women who bravely represented their county and were wounded or killed while serving. These people are decorated with a Purple Heart, given by the President. This day is a chance to reflect on the bravery of those who have fought for the U.S. and to ensure their courage is never forgotten.

August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples:
The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed August 9 each year to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population. This event also recognizes the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection. Learn more about the day here. 

August 15: National Liberation Day of Korea/Victory Over Japan Day:
This day commemorates the liberation of Korea from Japanese rule in 1945. While Korea has been an independent nation for centuries, it had been invaded multiple times, the last being the period of Japanese rule. The day the United States and Allied powers helped liberate Korea from 35 years of Japanese rule became known as Victory Over Japan Day. It took three years after Korea became independent in 1945 for the nation to establish the Republic of Korea. Many countries celebrate Victory Over Japan Day on August 15; however, America celebrates this day in September when the Japanese formally signed a declaration of surrender. 

August 15: Indian Independence Day:
Indian Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 each year and commemorates the day when India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947. The struggle for independence was a long and arduous one, marked by various movements, protests, and efforts led by freedom fighters and prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, and many others. 

On August 15, 1947, India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the Indian national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, signaling the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of a new chapter in Indian history as an independent nation. 

Independence Day is a national holiday in India, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor across the country. The day's festivities typically include flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, cultural events, and various programs that showcase India's rich cultural diversity and achievements. People also wear the tricolor (saffron, white, and green) of the Indian flag and participate in various activities to express their love and pride for their country. 

August 15: Feast of the Assumption:
The Feast of the Assumption, also known as the Assumption of Mary or the Dormition of the Theotokos, is a Christian feast day that commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into Heaven (body and soul) at the end of her earthly life.  

The feast is celebrated by various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and some Anglican and Lutheran churches. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, which means that Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on this day. 

August 16: Parsi New Year:
Parsi New Year is celebrated August 16 annually in India. This is a regional holiday in India, which marks the beginning of a new year according to the ‘Shahenshahi’ calendar. 

Families all over the region get together and visit their holy fire temples to offer prayers. Traditional Parsi cuisines such as farcha, jardaloo chicken, and berry pulav are prepared. Many Parsi’s start afresh on this day; they clean their houses, wash their clothes, make donations, and exchange presents. 

August 19: World Humanitarian Day
This day is dedicated to recognizing humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. It aims to raise awareness about humanitarian assistance worldwide and the need for international cooperation to support people in crisis.

August 19: Raksha Bandhan:
Raksha Bandhan, commonly known as Rakhi, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India and some other parts of South Asia. It is a day to honor the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. "Raksha" means protection, and "Bandhan" means bond, so the festival symbolizes the promise of protection made by brothers to their sisters. 

Rakhi is typically observed on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan, which usually falls in August. On this day, sisters tie a decorative thread called "Rakhi" around their brothers' wrists as a symbol of their love, affection, and prayers for their well-being. In return, brothers give gifts or money to their sisters as a token of their love and vow to protect them from any harm. 

August 21: Senior Citizens Day:
On August 21, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. To recognize Senior Citizens Day, spend time with the senior citizens you know. Let them know they are appreciated and loved. It may also be a good day to volunteer at a retirement home or share your smile with those who may not otherwise get a visitor today. 

August 24: Marlee Matlin's Birthday:
Marlee Matlin is the only hearing-impaired actor to win the Oscar for Best Actor or Best Actress. This is a big win for people with disabilities and demonstrates the power of representation. 

Here are some ways you can be inclusive of deaf culture: 

• Speak directly to people instead of their interpreter. 
• Look directly into the camera when speaking. 
• Make sure that only one person speaks at a time. 
• Take meeting minutes and have them distributed.

August 26: Women's Equality Day:
Women’s Equality Day is celebrated to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. 

Global Diversity Awareness Month 
Global Diversity Awareness Month pays tribute to the diverse minds and beliefs held by all cultures around the world. We live in a multicultural society and embracing the values of various cultures only strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Open your mind to new views and ideas, appreciate cultural differences, and enjoy a fresh perspective you may have been missing by attending the 22nd annual Irvine Global Village Festival.   

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 
In recognition of the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce, the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2023 is "Advancing Access and Equity." Observed annually in October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.   

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This year the National Breast Cancer Foundation is striving to ensure every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support she deserves.    

National Polish American Heritage Month 
October is National Polish American Heritage Month to commemorate the first Polish settlers — as well as the deaths of General Kazimierz Pułaski and Tadeusz Kościuszko (military leaders who fought in the American Revolution). 

Polish Americans have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, science, literature, arts, sports, and business. Prominent Polish Americans include historical figures like Casimir Pulaski, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, and Ignacy Paderewski, as well as contemporary individuals like filmmaker Agnieszka Holland, journalist Andrea Mitchell, and musician Stanisław Skrowaczewski.

During Polish American Heritage Month, events such as festivals, parades, cultural exhibitions, and educational programs may take place across the United States to highlight and celebrate the Polish American community's heritage. It's a time to showcase the unique customs, cuisine, music, dance, and art that have been brought to America by Polish immigrants and their descendants.

Filipino-American Heritage Month  
Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American group in the nation and the third-largest ethnic group in California, after Latinas/os and African Americans. The celebration of Filipino American History Month in October commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California. In 2009, U.S. Congress recognized October as Filipino American History Month in the United States. Various states, counties, and cities in the U.S. have established proclamations and resolutions declaring observance of Filipino American History Month.    

German-American Heritage Month 
In October 1683 German families began settling in Pennsylvania. Since then, German Americans have contributed greatly to our society. This month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the rich history and heritage of German Americans and their lasting impact on American life. 

German immigrants have made valuable contributions in various fields, including science, technology, arts, and politics. The first proclamation of German-American Heritage Month was issued by Ronald Reagan in October 1987.  

Italian-American Heritage Month  
Italian American Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States during the month of October. This observance is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Italian Americans to American society. Italian immigrants have played a significant role in shaping various aspects of American culture, including food, music, art, literature, and more. 
 
During Italian American Heritage Month, various events and activities are organized across the country to honor the Italian American legacy. These events may include cultural festivals, parades, art exhibitions, lectures, and culinary showcases. It's a time to reflect on the history of Italian immigration to the United States and the enduring impact of Italian culture on American life. 

October 1: International Day of Older Persons 
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on October 1st each year. It is a United Nations-designated day aimed at raising awareness about issues affecting older individuals and celebrating the contributions of older people to society. This day recognizes the importance of addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population worldwide. 

The 2023 theme is: Fulfilling the Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations. Seventy-five years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, a monumental document in the history of human rights. Written by representatives from around the world with different legal, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, it is the first document articulating the fundamental human rights that are meant to be universally protected.   

October 2-4 Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is a significant Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The name "Rosh Hashanah" translates to "Head of the Year" in Hebrew. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal, and it falls on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually corresponds to September or October. 

During Rosh Hashanah, Jewish communities around the world come together for special prayers, synagogue services, and festive meals. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, also known as the High Holy Days or the Days of Awe, which culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During these ten days, Jews seek forgiveness for their sins and reflect on their actions over the past year, aiming to start the new year with a clean slate and a renewed commitment to living a meaningful and righteous life. 

October  3-12: Navrati  
Navratri is a Hindu festival that spans nine nights and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India and by the Indian diaspora around the world. The term "Navratri" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Nav" meaning nine, and "Ratri" meaning night. Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, who represents feminine power and the triumph of good over evil. The festival signifies the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura after a nine-day battle. Each day of Navratri is associated with the worship of different forms of the goddess, and the festival is marked by various rituals, fasting, and cultural performances.  

October 10: World Mental Health Day 
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health around the world and to mobilize efforts to support those experiencing mental health issues. Every year since 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) has organized a global campaign for World Mental Health Day. 

October 11: National Coming Out Day 
National Coming Out Day continues to raise awareness for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, and champion the idea that homophobia thrives in silence. On this day, many people who identify as LGBTQ+ will “come out” to friends or family about their sexuality. It’s also a chance to celebrate the liberation spirit — by waving flags associated with LGBTQ+ groups or donning pins or other items. 

October 11-12: Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur also known as the Day of Atonement, is one of the most significant and solemn holidays in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, prayer, reflection, and repentance for Jewish people. It is a time when individuals seek forgiveness for their sins and strive to reconcile with God. Many Jews spend the entire day in synagogue, participating in special Yom Kippur services that include the recitation of prayers, the reading of passages from the Torah, and the sounding of the shofar (a ram's horn).

Fasting is a central aspect of Yom Kippur observance, and it lasts for approximately 25 hours, from sunset to sunset. During this time, individuals abstain from food, drink, and other physical comforts as a symbol of their commitment to self-reflection and spiritual cleansing.

Yom Kippur is preceded by the Ten Days of Repentance, which begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. During this period, Jews are encouraged to reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness from those they may have wronged, and make amends. Yom Kippur is considered the culmination of this period of introspection and reconciliation.

October 14: Indigenous People's Day 
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, on October 10 this year, to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. Although the day was still considered Columbus Day up to 1937, many people began calling it Indigenous Peoples’ Day to celebrate the rich culture and the lives of the Native American people. The day is centered around reflecting on their tribal roots and the tragic stories that hurt but strengthened their communities.   

October 14: Defender of Ukraine Day 
This holiday honors and pays tribute to all those who have fought and continue to fight for the state sovereignty of Ukraine. Originally named Defender of Ukraine Day, in July 2021 the Ukrainian parliament officially changed the name of the holiday to Defenders and Defendresses of Ukraine Day (Den zakhysnykiv i zakhysnyts) to honor the female defenders of Ukraine. In Ukrainian grammar, zakhysnykiv (defender) is a masculine noun.   

October 17: Spirit Day
This day aims to create awareness of the bullying and harassment that the LGBTQ+ community faces. Millions of people worldwide identify as queer, and many more are yet to publicly declare their status. Such a large community of people shouldn’t be alienated or marginalized because of their sexual orientation. Spirit Day observers also wear the color purple to show their support for the L.G.B.T.Q youth and honor the community’s suicide victims. Supporters can celebrate by changing their profile pictures and using the hashtags #SpiritDay and #ChooseKindness in their social media posts.   

Dia de los Muertos
 Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a vibrant and colorful Mexican holiday that celebrates the memory of deceased loved ones. It is a unique blend of indigenous Mesoamerican beliefs and Catholicism, and it typically takes place on November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1st) and All Souls' Day (November 2nd). 

Here are some key aspects of Dia de los Muertos: 

-Altars (Ofrendas): Families create altars in their homes or at the gravesites of their loved ones. These altars are adorned with photographs of the deceased, along with their favorite foods, drinks, and personal belongings. Marigold flowers, known as "cempasúchil," are commonly used to decorate the altars. The idea is to create a welcoming space for the spirits to return and enjoy the offerings. 

-Calaveras: Sugar skulls, or "calaveras de azúcar," are a prominent symbol of Dia de los Muertos. These elaborately decorated skulls, often made from sugar or clay, are used as offerings on the altars or as decorations. They are sometimes personalized with the names of the deceased. 

-Pan de Muerto: "Pan de Muerto," or bread of the dead, is a sweet, round loaf of bread decorated with bone-shaped pieces of dough. It is a traditional food item prepared for the holiday and is often placed on the ofrendas. 

-Candles and Incense: Families light candles and incense on the altars to help guide the spirits of the deceased back to the living world and to provide illumination. 

-Cemeteries: Many families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. It's a time for reflection, storytelling, and prayer. Some cemeteries are transformed into colorful and festive spaces during Dia de los Muertos. 

-Face Paint: People, especially children, often paint their faces to resemble skulls or calacas. This is done as a way to honor and connect with the spirits of the deceased. 

-Marigold Petals: Marigold petals are scattered on paths and sidewalks leading to the ofrendas and cemeteries. It is believed that the vibrant orange and yellow petals help guide the spirits to their offerings. 

-Art and Processions: In some regions of Mexico, there are parades and processions featuring people dressed as skeletons and colorful costumes. These events celebrate life and death and may include music, dance, and art installations. 

Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of life, death, and the enduring connection between the living and the deceased. It is a time for families to come together, remember their loved ones, and celebrate their legacy in a joyous and meaningful way. While the holiday is most closely associated with Mexico, it has also gained popularity and recognition in other parts of the world, and its traditions continue to evolve and adapt in various cultural contexts. 

October 31: Diwali
Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights, with variations celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.