The International Festival USA Observance Calendar
Throughout the year there are special days, weeks, and months that focus on celebrating diversity and the contributions of various groups to the fabric of the United States. Below are the corresponding multicultural & diversity events scheduled each year.
While holidays and celebrations may take many forms and may be celebrated to varying degrees, in a country as diverse as the United States, there are recognitions that are as varied as the population. Some are more somber remembrances or sacrifice or tragedy, while others represent achievements, and still others focus on a person, religion or heritage.
Check our celebration calendar
Multicultural Celebrations
January 20
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S BIRTHDAY The birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is celebrated on the third Monday in January.
January 25
LUNAR NEW YEAR, Also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year. *5 Things to know about Chinese New Year
February
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Celebrates Black History and African American culture
March 31
CESAR CHAVEZ DAY
honors the Mexican American farm worker and celebrates the contributions of labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez.
Diversity Events
April
ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
celebrating Arab American heritage, culture and contributions
April 23
Native American GATHERING OF NATIONS where over 500 tribes gather for three days to honor their culture
April 13 – May 13
RAMADAN which is the holiest month of the Muslim year ( Islamic Holidays 2020, 2021, 2022)
May 13
Eid al-Fitr is the “Festival of Breaking the Fast” and is celebrated by Muslims worldwide marking the end of Ramadan.
May
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
recognizes the contributions and culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
May
JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH honors the contributions of American Jews
May
HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH is observed in May as an expansion of The Haitian Flag Day (May 18th). Haitian Heritage Month is a celebration in the United States of Haitian heritage and culture. It was first celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1998.
May 21
UN WORLD DAY FOR CULTURAL DIVERSITY is a day that recognizes cultural diversity as a source of innovation, exchange and creativity.
June 20
WORLD REFUGEE DAY raises awareness about the plight of refugees.
Multicultural Events
August 9
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES celebrating the richness of indigenous cultures as well as recognizing the challenges indigenous peoples face today.
September 15– October 15
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH celebrates the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Diversity Calendar
September 15– October 15
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
celebrates the contributions, heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
September 17
CONSTITUTION DAY AND CITIZENSHIP DAY
commemorating the ratification of the United States Constitution in 1787 and also honors all who have become U.S. citizens.
October
GLOBAL DIVERSITY AWARENESS MONTH
increasing awareness and acceptance of diverse cultures
October 1
NATIONAL DIVERSITY DAY
observed during Global Diversity Awareness Month to celebrate diversity and that despite our differences, no matter what race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, or disability we should learn and embrace different cultures and ideologies present in the country.
October 11
(Native American Day) Celebrates and honors Native American history and culture.
October 11
DIA DE LA RAZA, “Day of the Race”, in Spanish-speaking countries and communities.
October 31 – November 2
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS three day celebration to remember dead relatives and friends.
November
NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN and ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH
honoring the history and culture of Native Americans and indigenous people in the United States. Also known as Native American Heritage Month
December 25
CHRISTMAS
December 26
KWANZAA is a celebration honoring African American heritage