Cultural and Awareness Days

Date Event Description Changes
1/1/2023 New Years Day Celebrating the first day of the New Year in the Gregorian calendar. With most countries now using the Gregorian calendar as their de facto calendar, New Year's Day is probably the most celebrated public holiday, often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the New Year starts in each time zone. No
1/1/2023 Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is a celebration held in the United States and in other nations of the African diaspora in the Americas and lasts a week. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving. No
1/4/2023 World Braille Day World Braille Day. World Braille Day is annually celebrated on January 4, the birthday of Braille inventor, Louis Braille. The day recognizes the contributions of Louis Braille in helping blind and visually impaired people to read and write. No
1/16/2023 Martin Luther King Day Martin Luther King Jr. grew to become one of the greatest Social Activists the world has ever known. This day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King's birthday, January 15. Yes
1/22/2023 Lunar New Year Lunar New Year is the beginning of a year whose months are coordinated by the cycles of the moon. The whole year may account to a purely lunar calendar or a lunisolar calendar. Yes
1/25/2023 Robbie Burns Day Burns Night is annually celebrated in Scotland on or around January 25. It commemorates the life of the bard (poet) Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns' contribution to Scottish culture. His best known work is Auld Lang Syne. No
1/26/2023 Vasant Panchami Vasant Panchami, also spelled Basant Panchami, is celebrated by people in various ways depending on the region, Vasant is a festival that marks the arrival of spring. The people of the Panjab wear yellow clothes and eat yellow rice to emulate the yellow mustard (sarson) flower fields, or play by flying kites. The Vasant Panchami also marks the start of preparation for Holika and Holi, which occurs forty days later. This date is observed by Panjabis, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia(Bali). Yes
1/26/2023 Republic Day of India Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act as the governing document of India. This is the Indian Independence Day. No
1/27/2023 International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust Holocaust survivors and various leaders make their voices heard on the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. Many of them speak publicly about the Holocaust or their experiences around the event, its aftermath and why the world should never forget what happened in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. Many statements emphasize the need for future generations to learn about and remember the Holocaust and for everyone to work towards preventing genocide. No
2/1/2023 National Freedom Day National Freedom Day is a United States observance on February 1 honoring the signing by Abraham Lincoln of a joint House and Senate resolution that later became the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. No
2/1/2023 White Cane Week This important week of raising public awareness of the challenges facing Canadians living with vision loss is marked by events, varying in communities, but all focus on demonstrating the abilities – not disabilities – of people living with vision loss. It is the first full week in February every year. Yes
2/2/2023 Groundhog Day Groundhog Day in Canada focuses on the concept of a groundhog coming out of its home in mid-winter to “predict” if spring is on its way in the northern hemisphere. No
2/5/2023 Lantern Festival The Lantern Festival or the Spring Lantern Festival is a Chinese festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar. Usually falling in February or early March on the Gregorian calendar, it marks the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. Yes
2/6/2023 International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls. No
2/12/2023 Sexual and Reproductive Health Day Sexual and Reproductive Health Day (Canadian Awareness Day): Sexual and Reproductive Health Day is celebrated globally, on or around Valentine's Day, February 14, encouraging people to consider the importance of sexual and reproductive health. Yes
2/20/2023 Louis Riel Day The day is known as Louis Riel Day, a name suggested by Manitoba school students, in honour of Louis Riel, the Métis leader who led the fight to maintain Indigenous rights. Yes
2/20/2023 Family Day In parts of Canada, Family Day is a statutory holiday occurring on a Monday in February. It is observed on the third Monday of February. Yes
2/21/2023 International Mother Language Day International Mother Language Day promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The date represents the day in 1952 when students demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital of what is now Bangladesh. No
2/27/2023 Eating Disorder Week Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW) is celebrated across Canada every year. This week shines the spotlight on eating disorders and reduces some of the misunderstanding and stigma attached to these deadly diseases. Yes
3/1/2023 Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) (also known as Self-Harm Awareness Day) is a grassroots annual global awareness event / campaign on March 1, where on this day, and in the weeks leading up to it and after, some people choose to be more open about their own self-harm, and awareness organizations make special efforts to raise awareness about self-harm and self-injury. No
3/8/2023 International Women's Day International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities. No
3/21/2023 Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a program of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and decided that every year, a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination would begin on March 21 Yes
3/25/2023 International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade Every year on 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today. No
3/20/2023 International Francophone Day International Francophonie Day (French: Journée Internationale de la Francophonie) is observed within the International Organization of La Francophonie's 77 member states every March 20 to celebrate the French language and Francophone culture. No
3/24/2023 International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims The purpose of the Day is to: Honour the memory of victims of gross and systematic human rights violations and promote the importance of the right to truth and justice No
4/1/2023 April Fools Day April Fools' Day (sometimes called All Fools' Day) is an annual celebration in some European and Western countries commemorated on April 1 by playing practical jokes and spreading hoaxes. The jokes and their victims are called April fools. No
4/2/2023 World Autism Awareness Day World Autism Awareness Day aims to increase people's awareness about people, especially children, with autism. The day often features educational events for teachers, health care workers and parents, as well as exhibitions showcasing work created by children with autism. No
4/6/2023 National Tartan Day Tartan Day is a North American celebration of Scottish heritage on April 6, the date on which the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. It originated in Canada in the mid-1980s. No
4/7/2023 World Health Day World Health Day is an annual event on April 7 to draw attention to particular priorities in global health No
4/9/2023 Vimy Ridge Day Vimy Ridge Day is a day to commemorate the deaths and casualties of members of the Canadian Corps during the First World War Battle of Vimy Ridge. The holiday has been observed annually on 9 April since 2003. It is a non-statutory observance. No
4/14/2023 Day of Silence GLSEN’s Day of Silence, on April 12th 2019, is a student-led national event where folks take a vow of silence to highlight the silencing and erasure of LGBTQ people at school. Yes
5/4/2023 National Day of Prayer (United States Celebration): The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 and is meant to brings people together and build bridges between opposing persons during this time. Yes
5/14/2023 Mother’s Day Many Canadians celebrate Mother’s Day by showing their appreciation for mothers or mother figures. The Mother’s Day date in Canada is on the second Sunday of May each year. Yes
5/21/2023 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development The day provides us with an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to advance the four goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions adopted on 20 October 2005 No
5/22/2023 Victoria Day Victoria Day, also known as May Two-Four, May Long, and May Long Weekend, is a Canadian holiday on the Monday preceding May 25. Yes
6/1/2023 Global Day of Parents The Global Day of Parents is observed on the 1st of June every year. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship. No
6/5/2023 World Environment Day World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. WED is the opportunity for everyone to realize the responsibility to care for the Earth and to become agents of change. No
6/24/2023 St. Jean Baptiste Day Saint Jean Baptiste Day, held annually on June 24, is the feast day of St John the Baptist, a Jewish preacher who baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. It is a day of celebration in Quebec and other areas of French Canada. Saint Jean Baptiste Day is also known as "la Saint-Jean", "St John the Baptist Day", "Fête nationale du Québec" and "Quebec's National Holiday". No
6/12/2023 World Day Against Child Labour The International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it No
6/15/2023 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day World Elder Abuse Awareness Day represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to Trinity Sunday some of our older generations. Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community. No
6/18/2023 Father’s Day Many Canadians observe Father’s Day on the third Sunday of June. It is a day for people to show their appreciation for fathers and father figures. Father figures may include stepfathers, fathers-in-law, guardians (e.g. foster parents), and family friends. Yes
6/19/2023 Juneteeth An African-American holiday that commemorates the June 19, 1865, announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America. No
6/19/2023 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict aims to raise awareness of the need to put an end to conflict-related sexual violence, to honour the victims and survivors of sexual violence around the world and to pay tribute to all those who have courageously devoted their lives to and lost their lives in standing up for the eradication of these crimes. No
6/20/2023 World Refugee Day Raises awareness about the plight of refugees and displaced persons. In a world where violence forces hundreds of families to flee each day, the UN Refugee Agency believes now is the time to show world leaders that the global public stands with refugees. No
6/21/2023 National Indigenous Peoples Day Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day, formerly called National Aboriginal Day, is annually held on June 21 to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding achievements of the nation’s Aboriginal peoples. There are three Aboriginal groups in Canada – the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. No
6/23/2023 United Nations Public Service Day The UN Public Service Day intends to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector. No
6/26/2023 Discovery Day Discovery Day is celebrated in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador on the nearest Monday to June 24. It is also known as Cabot 500 Day and remembers Giovanni Caboto’s (also known as John Cabot) discovery of the province’s island portion Yes
7/1/2023 Canada Day On July 1, 1867, Canada became a self-governing dominion of Great Britain and a federation of four provinces: Nova Scotia; New Brunswick; Ontario; and Quebec. The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. Since 1983, July 1 has been officially known as Canada Day. No
7/1/2023 Memorial Day Memorial Day is observed together with Canada Day in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador on July 1 each year. Memorial Day commemorates the brave efforts of the province’s veterans, particularly those who participated in World War I. No
7/4/2023 Independence Day United States Cultural Celebration Day No
7/9/2023 Nunavut Day Nunavut Day, which is annually celebrated on July 9, commemorates passing of two Nunavut acts. The Canadian Parliament passed the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act and the Nunavut Act on July 9, 1993. Nunavut officially split from the Northwest Territories and became a Canadian territory on April 1, 1999. No
7/18/2023 Nelson Mandela International Day Every year on 18 July — the day Nelson Mandela was born — the UN joins a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa. No
7/30/2023 International Day of Friendship The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. No
8/1/2023 Emancipation Day Emancipation Day is observed in many former European colonies in the Caribbean and areas of the United States on various dates to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people of African descent. Abolitionists and others who struggled against slavery, including those who arrived in Ontario by the underground railroad, have celebrated August 1 as Emancipation Day in the past. Yes
8/2/2023 The Royal St. John’s Regatta The first Wednesday of August is Regatta Day, a local holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, also known as “The Largest Garden Party in the World”. Yes
8/7/2023 Civic Holiday The first Monday of August is a holiday for people in many parts of Canada. It is a statutory holiday in some provinces and territories but in others it has another legal status. It is often called the "August Holiday", "Civic Holiday", "Provincial Day" or other local names, such as Terry Fox Day in Manitoba. Yes
8/9/2023 International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9 every year. It aims to ensure a coherent approach to achieving the ends of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including through improved support to Member States and indigenous peoples. No
8/18/2023 Gold Cup Parade The Gold Cup Parade is a feature event for Old Home Week, which celebrates the joys of the summer season in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. The parade is on the third Friday of August and attracts thousands of people. Yes
8/19/2023 World Humanitarian Day World Humanitarian Day honours those who have lost their lives in humanitarian service and those who continue to bring assistance and relief to millions. The Day also seeks to draw attention to humanitarian needs worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in meeting these needs. No
8/21/2023 Discovery Day Yukon’s Discovery Day is celebrated in territory of Yukon, Canada, on the third Monday of August. Also Klondike Gold Discovery Day, it commemorates the anniversary of the discovery of gold in Yukon. It differs from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Discovery Day, also known as Cabot 500 Day. Yes
9/4/2023 Labour Day A celebration of the achievement of workers in Canada and in the United States. Its original purpose was to provide workers with the opportunity to fight for better working conditions and or pay. Yes
9/5/2023 International Day of Charity A day commemorating the efforts made to alleviate poverty across the globe and remembering Mother Teresa of who devoted her life to charity. No
9/8/2023 International Literacy Day A day of awareness on the importance of literacy to people all over the world. Literacy is crucial for individual growth and functioning of human society. No
9/9/2023 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day A day to raise global awareness about the hazards of consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The month and date were chosen as a reminder that during the ninth month of pregnancy, a woman should refrain from alcohol consumption, although no amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy is encouraged. No
9/10/2023 World Suicide Prevention Day A day to promote global action to combat suicide. The goal of this day is to raise awareness that suicide is preventable, improve education about suicide, spread information about suicide awareness, and decrease stigmatization regarding suicide. No
9/12/2023 United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation A celebration of the New Year also known as “Enkutatash”, which translates to “gift of jewels”. This date marks the end of “rainy season” and traditionally, the return of the Queen of Sheba to Ethiopia. The Ethiopian calendar is based on the Coptic calendar, which has twelve months plus five epagomenal days. No
9/15/2023 International Day of Democracy A day to review the state of democracy around the world and raise public awareness of democratic principles. No
9/16/2023 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer This day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1994 and is a day of raising awareness on the importance of protecting human health and the environment. No
9/17/2023 Terry Fox Run A day to commemorate Terry Fox, a man who ran across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research after he lost his right leg to cancer. His legacy still lives on to this day as a run in his name takes place annually across Canada. Yes
9/21/2023 International Day of Peace An annual celebration to acknowledge the efforts made by those who have worked diligently to end conflict and promote peace. No
9/23/2023 September Equinox There are two equinoxes every year, one in September and one in March. This occurs when the sun shines precisely on the equator and night and day are almost equal in length. Yes
9/23/2023 Celebrate Bisexuality Day or Bi Visibility Day A celebration promoting the rights, culture, history, and norms of bisexual people globally. It is a day aimed at bringing awareness to the public of the challenges faced by the bisexuality community from being discriminated against and marginalized. No
9/26/2023 International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons This day was established in 2013 and aims to educate the public about the advantages of eradicating nuclear weapons as well as celebrate the world’s commitment to disarmament. No
9/29/2023 Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival A week-long festival that occurs during the full moon on the fifteenth day of the eighth month in the Chinese calendar. It is celebrated by ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese peoples and celebrations have spread throughout Asia. The purpose of this celebration is to give thanks for the harvest and to offer up prayers for longevity and good fortune surrounded by family and friends. Yes
10/1/2023 International Day of Older Persons A celebration to acknowledge the contributions made by seniors and older persons while educating on matters such as adequate healthcare and ways to be more inclusive of older persons in the labour force. No
10/2/2023 International Day of Non-Violence A global awareness day to promote non-violence through education. This day also marks the birthday of Indian leader Mahtma Gandhi, one who promoted peaceful resolutions using non-violent means. No
10/2/2023 World Habitat Day A global day of recognition to the state of human settlements and people’s right to adequate shelter. One of the most significant parts of the day is awarding the “Habitat Scroll of Honour” as it is considered the world’s most prestigious human settlements award that highlights the leadership of those who have contributed to this cause. Yes
10/5/2023 World Teachers’ Day A global day of recognition for teachers and the contributions that they have made to society. No
10/9/2023 World Post Day A day marking the anniversary of the Universal Postal Union’s establishment in 1874. The union’s goal was to construct and manage the free flow of international mail globally. No
10/9/2023 Thanksgiving A national public holiday where people give thanks for good harvest and fortunes of the past year. Typically, on this day, family and friends gather to prepare a special feast, which usually includes turkey and food made from seasonal produce such as pumpkin. Yes
10/10/2023 World Mental Health Day An annual awareness day of mental health issues globally and acknowledges the efforts made in support of mental health. This day is crucial to encourage open discussions on mental health illnesses and invest in prevention and treatment services, as there is a lack in funding sources. No
10/11/2023 International Day of the Girl Child An annual United Nations’ (UN) observance day advocating for girls’ rights while examining gender bias that continues to exist between girls and boys. No
10/11/2023 National Coming Out Day An annual celebration recognizing the 1987 march on Washington for gay and lesbian equality and is acknowledged by LGBTQ+ persons who use this day to come out. On this day, people around the world raise awareness of civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community. No
10/13/2023 International Day for Disaster Reduction An annual United Nations’ (UN) observance day promoting a global culture of natural disaster risk reduction and encouraging people and governments to participate in building more resilient communities and nations. No
10/15/2023 International Day of Rural Women An annual United Nations’ (UN) celebration that acknowledges and builds awareness on the important role of rural women in improving agricultural and rural development globally. No
10/16/2023 World Food Day An annual celebration to commemorate the founding of the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). No
10/24/2023 United Nations’ Day A global day of observance celebrating the founding of the world organization in 1945 and the work that it does. The United Nations (UN) is a world organization founded in 1945 consisting of 193 Member States and many specialized agencies. No
10/24/2023 World Development Information Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) day with the purpose of creating global awareness on developmental issues and how to solve them through international cooperation. No
10/26/2023 Intersex Awareness Day An annual global observance day to raise awareness of intersex and to examine human rights issues faced by intersex people. Intersex people are born with sex characteristics that do not meet medical and or social norms for female and male bodies. No
10/31/2023 Hallowe’en It is common for young children to dress up in costumes and go door to door collecting candy or ”trick-or-treating” on this night. No
11/2/2023 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists An annual United Nations’ (UN) day of awareness regarding violence against journalists. This date was chosen to commemorate a brutal attack on two French journalists in 2013. No
11/5/2023 World Tsunami Awareness Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) day promoting a worldwide culture of tsunami awareness. The objective of this day is to engage in approaches to risk reduction. No
11/6/2023 International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict An annual United Nations’ (UN) day with the objective of educating people around the world on the damaging effects that war and armed conflicts have on the environment. On this day, preventative measures are discussed for how to limit environmental destruction. No
11/8/2023 National Indigenous Veterans Day An annual memorial day to observe and pay special tribute to Canadian Indigenous Persons who primarily served in the First and Second World War and the Korean War. The indigenous population was the largest ethnic group in Canada to serve in these wars and the skills, bravery, and sacrifices that they brought to the military should be recognized. No
11/10/2023 World Science Day for Peace and Development An annual day of awareness to express the benefits of science globally. On this day, people engage in various activities including classroom discussions on how science and technology affect daily life, science museum visits, and scientific presentations on careers in science. No
11/11/2023 Remembrance Day An annual day of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives in all armed conflicts. People wear artificial poppies on their clothes to symbolize the memory of those who passed and many communities hold official ceremonies. No
11/14/2023 World Diabetes Day An annual global awareness day aimed to educate people on diabetes, how it can be prevented, its complications, and how to care for people that have the condition. No
11/16/2023 International Day for Tolerance An annual United Nations’ (UN) awareness day with the purpose of educating people on the importance of tolerance worldwide. No
11/16/2023 World Philosophy Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) day of observance to recognize philosophical reflections around the globe. The objective of this day is to encourage open discussions and share thoughts to stimulate public debate or discussion on issues faced by societies. Yes
11/19/2023 World Toilet Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) day of observance to recognize the need for adequate sanitation in order to improve people’s health and lives. World Toilet Day is promoted to make the global community aware of the need for proper sanitation. No
11/19/2023 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims An annual remembrance day for victims who were injured or killed from road crashes and for those who must cope with the injury or loss of their loved ones. Yes
11/20/2023 Transgender Day of Remembrance An annual observance day that commemorates the lives of those that were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. This has become an important tradition to the Transgender community. The objective of this day of remembrance is to educate people on these injustice acts and encourage people to participate in vigils and events organized on this day. No
November 20th, 2023 Africa Industrialization Day An annual day of observance, that stimulates the international community’s commitment to the industrialization of Africa. The objective of this day is to raise global awareness on the importance of industrializing Africa. No
11/20/2023 Universal Children’s Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) day of global observance aimed to promote children’s welfare worldwide. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works hard on this day to improve the welfare of children No
11/21/2023 World Television Day An annual United Nations’ observance day that acknowledges the important role that television plays in showing various issues that affect people. The purpose of this day is to highlight the benefits of television and how it promotes cultural diversity, democracy, and the overall role that television plays in social, political, and economic developments. No
11/25/2023 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women An annual United Nations’ (UN) awareness day aimed at educating the public on violent acts against women in countries at all levels of society around the world. No
11/29/2023 International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People An annual United Nations’ (UN) observance day for the Palestinian People. This day acts as a reminder to the international community and governmental officials that this issue is unresolved. No
12/1/2023 World AIDS Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) observance day which aims to bring awareness on issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and honour AIDS victims. A red ribbon symbolizes HIV and AIDS. No
12/2/2023 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery An annual United Nations’ (UN) day of awareness to the horrors of modern slavery. No
12/3/2023 International Day of Disabled Persons An annual United Nations’ (UN) day of awareness to acknowledge the rights of people with disabilities, to empower them, and to highlight issues that affect people with disabilities globally in order to enhance their everyday lives and to ensure that they are treated as equal members of society. This day is crucial for people’s understanding in order to eliminate any form of discrimination towards people with disabilities and to empower those who have disabilities. No
12/5/2023 International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development or International Volunteer Day (IVD) An annual United Nations’ (UN) day to honour the work of volunteers, recognize the importance of volunteering, and provide the opportunity for volunteers to collaborate on projects and campaigns that promote their contributions to economic and social development at local, national and international levels. No
12/5/2023 World Soil Day An annual day of observance to focus on the importance of soil for basic survival, food, and energy and to raise awareness on issues that provoke soil degradation and erosion such as deforestation, poor agricultural practices, and pollution. No
12/7/2023 International Civil Aviation Day An annual day of observance to promote the importance of international civil aviation and to acknowledge the function that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plays in international air transport. No
12/9/2023 International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime or World Genocide Commemoration Day A United Nations’ (UN) annual global day of remembrance for victims of genocide. This day also reaffirms humanity’s responsibility to prevent future genocides. No
12/9/2023 International Anti-Corruption Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) day of observance with the purpose of increasing public awareness on corruption and what can be done to combat it. No
12/10/2023 Human Rights Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) day marking the anniversary of when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted and proclaimed in 1948. The purpose of this day is to make people aware of their rights and to push for the rights of themselves and others no matter where they live in the world. No
12/11/2023 International Mountain Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) awareness day for those who live in mountainous regions and the significance that these regions have in supplying food, water, and recreation. No
12/11/2023 Anniversary of the Statute of Westminster An annual day of observance signifying the statute’s establishment. This day commemorates Canada’s formal recognition of its autonomy from the United Kingdom in 1931 marking the independence of Canada as the nation that it is today. No
12/18/2023 International Migrants Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) celebration acknowledging the efforts, contributions, and rights of migrants globally. No
12/20/2023 International Human Solidarity Day An annual United Nations’ (UN) celebration aimed at increasing global awareness on the significance of solidarity in the commitment toward eliminating poverty. It is believed that through sharing and enhancing a culture of solidarity, eradicating poverty will be achieved. No
12/21/2023 December Solstice In the Northern Hemisphere, this date marks the Winter Solstice, which is the shortest day of the year whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the summer solstice and the longest day of the year. No
12/26/2023 Boxing Day An annual holiday for Canadians. People typically shop on Boxing Day as many stores discount their products after Christmas has ended. No
12/31/2023 New Year's Eve An annual day of reflection over the past year’s events and a time to prepare for the New Year. On this evening, many people attend special New Year’s Eve parties or events to mark the end of one year and the beginning of the next. No