Heritage Months and Significant Days

Academic Year 2024/2025

WSU Vancouver recognizes heritage months and significant days throughout the year to celebrate, reflect, learn, advocate and affirm the rich histories, lived experiences, contributions and resilience of fellow human beings, communities and groups to every aspect of the U.S. and world fabric in the face of historical and systemic exclusion.

Heritage months and significant days are essential to building a community of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging where all students, staff and faculty thrive. WSU Vancouver honors heritage months and significant days specifically and uplifts the significance of lived experiences and cultural heritages every day.

January

January 1 New Year's Day New Year’s Day, the first day of the year according to the modern Gregorian calendar, is celebrated in most Western countries.
January 4 World Braille Day Observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication; celebrated on the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille.
January 5 Twelfth Night A festival celebrated by some branches of Christianity that marks the coming of the Epiphany.
January 6 Epiphany or Dia de los Reyes A holiday observed by Eastern and Western Christians that recognizes the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus 12 days after his birth.
January 6 Armenian Orthodox Christmas Recognized on this day by Armenian Orthodox Christians, who celebrate the birth of Jesus on Epiphany.
January 7 Christmas Recognized on this day by Eastern Orthodox Christians, who celebrate Christmas 13 days later than other Christian churches because they follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar.
January 13 Lohri-Maghi An annual festival celebrated by Sikhs commemorating the memory of 40 Sikh martyrs.
January 14 Makar Sankranti A major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of India.
January 18 Bodhi Day The Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.
January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day WSU Vancouver recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday marking King’s birthday. Since 1983, the King holiday has been observed on the third Monday of January each year. The earliest Monday for this holiday is Jan. 15 (King's birthday) and the latest is Jan. 21. King is widely regarded as America's pre-eminent advocate of nonviolence and one of the greatest social justice leaders in world history. King’s, “I Have a Dream” speech, Nobel Peace Prize lecture and “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” are among the most revered orations and writings in the English language. His accomplishments are now taught to children in the U.S. of all races, and his teachings are studied by scholars and students worldwide.

To learn more, click to the full statement, found here

January 20 Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji The 10th guru of the Sikhs who initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa (the pure ones) and who is known as the Father of the Khalsa.
January 21 National Day of Racial Healing Each year, the WSU Office of the Provost and the MLK System Committee brings together community members from across the Washington State University and celebrates the ways we carry on Dr. King's spirit through our work. The theme for this year's events is "Keep on Pushing: Building Bridges to Sustainability." This theme embodies our collective commitment to sustainability—not only in environmental terms but as a comprehensive social objective that ensures we meet the needs of the present while empowering future generations to meet theirs. Central to this theme is the concept of building bridges. By fostering connections across diverse groups and encouraging open dialogue, we aim to inspire positive action. Working together is essential for meaningful progress, and this belief is foundational to this week's programming, during the spring semester and beyond.

You may view the list of events here.

January 26 Republic Day of India Celebrates the date on which the constitution of India came into effect in 1950, marking the transition from the British Monarchy as nominal head of the Indian Dominion to a fully sovereign republic in the Commonwealth of Nations.
January 29 Lunar New Year Year of the Dragon; one of the most sacred holidays in China. Celebrated in east and southeast Asian countries and features unique interpretations, zodiacs, and traditions across cultures.

February

February 1 - 2 Imbolc A Gaelic traditional festival marking the beginning of spring.
February 1 National Freedom Day Celebrates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished enslavement in the U.S. in 1865.
February 3 Setsubun-Sai The day before the beginning of spring in Japan, celebrated annually as part of the Spring Festival.
February 3 Four Chaplains Day Commemorates the sinking of the U.S. Army transport Dorchester and the heroism of the four chaplains aboard.
February 7 Black History Week Originated by Carter G. Woodson, observed for the first time on this date in 1926. Black History Month is established by 1976 and formally recognized by the Ford administration and every American president since.
February 11 Nelson Mandela's Release Nelson Mandela is released from a South African prison in 1990 after being detained for 27 years as a political prisoner.
February 12 Lantern Festival The first significant feast after Lunar New Year; participants enjoy watching paper lanterns illuminate the sky on the night of the event.
February 14 Frederick Douglass Day Celebrated annually to honor one of the most important abolitionists, writers, orators, and leaders on the day he was reportedly born. Carter G. Woodson established Black History Month in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
February 14 Morehouse College Organized Morehouse College is organized in Augusta, Ga. in 1867 and later moves to Atlanta.
February 17 Presidents Day A federally recognized celebration in the United States that honors the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, as well as those of every U.S. president.
February 21 Assassination of Malcolm X The day El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz (Malcolm X), Black American nationalist, was assassinated.
February 23 Meatfare Sunday Also known as The Sunday of the Last Judgment, traditionally the last day of eating meat before Easter for Orthodox Christians.
February 28 - March 30 Ramadan An Islamic holiday marked by fasting, praise, prayer, and devotion to Islam. Observed from sundown to sundown.

March

March 2 Cheesefare Sunday or Forgiveness Sunday The last Sunday prior to the commencement of Great Lent for Orthodox Christians.
March 5 - April 17 Beginning of Great Lent In the Orthodox Christian faith, the first day of Great Lent is also known as Clean Monday.
March 14 - 16 Hola Mohalla A Sikh festival that takes place on the second day of the lunar month of Chet, a day after the Hindu Spring festival Holi.
March 14 Holi The festival of colors, observed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other countries with large Hindu and Sikh populations. It is celebrated on the full moon (Phalguna Purnima) before the Vernal Equinox based on the Hindu calendar.
March 16 Mississippi Ratifies 13th Amendment Mississippi ratifies the 13th Amendment in 1995, which abolishes enslavement, 130 years after other U.S. states had approved it.
March 20 Nowruz/Norooz Persian New Year, a day of joy, celebration, and renewal, held annually on the spring equinox.
March 20 Ostara A celebration of the spring equinox commemorated by pagans and Wiccans to mark the coming of spring and the fertility of the land.
March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Observed annually to commemorate those who died fighting for democracy and equal human rights during apartheid in South Africa, with the Sharpeville Massacre as the specific reference day for this public holiday.
March 25 International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Enslavement and the Transatlantic Trade A United Nations international observation to honor and remember those who suffered and died due to the brutal slavery system, first observed in 2008. It also aims to raise awareness about racism and prejudice today.
March 27 Laylat al-Qadr The holiest night of the year for Muslims, traditionally celebrated on the 27th day of Ramadan. Known as the Night of Power, it commemorates the night the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
March 29 Hindu New Year Celebrated as the beginning of the new year in Hindu traditions.
March 29 - 30 Eid al-Fitr The first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutuba (sermon), and give Zakat al-Fitr (charity in the form of food).
March 31 International Transgender Day of Visibility Celebrated to bring awareness to transgender people and their identities, and to recognize those who helped fight for transgender rights.

April

April 2 World Autism Awareness Day Created to raise awareness of the developmental disorder around the globe.
April 4 Martin Luther King Jr.'s Assassination The day Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis in 1968.
April 8 Equal Pay Day Observes the gender pay gap for all employees, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. This date reflects how much longer into the year women must work to catch up to the pay of their White male counterparts.
April 11 Day of Silence A day during which students take a vow of silence to protest the silencing of LGBTQ+ students and their allies due to bias and harassment.
April 12 - 20 Passover An eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the emancipation of the Israelites from enslavement in ancient Egypt.
April 13 Palm Sunday A Christian holiday commemorating the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, marking the last Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week.
April 18 Good Friday A day celebrated by Christians to commemorate the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. It is recognized on the Friday before Easter.
April 22 Earth Day Promotes world peace and sustainability of the planet, with global events showing support for environmental protection.
April 24 Armenian Remembrance Day Recognizes the genocide of approximately 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923 in Turkey.

May

May 1 Beltane An ancient Celtic festival celebrated on May Day, signifying the beginning of summer.
May 5 Cinco de Mayo A Mexican holiday commemorating the victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, celebrating Mexican culture and heritage.
May 12 Buddha Day (Vesak or Visakha Puja) A Buddhist festival marking Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death, observed on the full moon in May.
May 15 - 16 Lag BaOmer A Jewish holiday marking the Day of Hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
May 17 International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia A global celebration advocating for sexual orientation and gender diversity.
May 21 World Day for Cultural Diversity A U.N.-designated day to deepen understanding of cultural diversity and promote harmony.
May 25 George Floyd Day of Enlightenment and Remembrance The George Floyd Memorial Center has designated May 25 as the Day of Enlightenment “for our community, the nation, and the world” to turn pain into purpose, hate into hope, and tragedy into triumph in honor of the life and memory of George Floyd.

Today and every day, take a breath for George Floyd and all fellow human beings whose last breaths and lives were taken by state and other targeted forms of violence. Take a breath for equity, justice and accountability. Take a breath for empowerment, healing and humanity. Take a breath for love. We have so much more to do. Honor the power of breath. Appreciate the ripeness of this moment to activate your advocacy for systemic change.  

WSU Vancouver is dedicated to building a community of cultural responsiveness, equity-mindedness, and inclusive excellence where students, staff, faculty, and community partners feel a sense of welcome, belonging and opportunity to thrive. This is reinforced by the strategic priority to promote an…
May 26 Memorial Day A U.S. federal holiday honoring military veterans who died in wars fought by American forces.

June

June 5 - 6 Waqf al Arafa The second day of the Hajj pilgrimage within Islam.
June 13 Thurgood Marshall Appointed to Supreme Court Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
June 14 Flag Day A U.S. holiday celebrating the history and symbolism of the American flag.
June 19 Corpus Christi A Catholic holiday celebrating the presence of the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
June 19 Juneteenth Celebrates the emancipation of enslaved Black people in Texas and Louisiana in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
June 20 Litha A Wiccan and Pagan celebration of the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year.
June 21 National Indigenous Peoples Day A day recognizing Indigenous populations in Canada affected by colonization.
June 29 LGBTQ+ Pride Day U.S. celebration commemorating the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969.

July

July 1 Canada Day A Canadian federal holiday celebrating the enactment of the Constitution Act of 1867, establishing Canada.
July 4 Fourth of July A U.S. federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
July 11 World Population Day A U.N. event raising awareness of global population issues.
July 14 Bastille Day A French federal holiday commemorating the 1789 Storming of the Bastille, a turning point in the French Revolution.
July 23 Haile Selassie I's Birthday Celebrates the birthday of Haile Selassie I, former Emperor of Ethiopia.
July 26 Disability Independence Day Marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.
July 30 International Day of Friendship A U.N. initiative to inspire peace and build bridges between communities through friendship.

August

August 17 Marcus Garvey Day Honors Jamaican-born political activist, orator, and organizer of the Black Nationalist movement in the U.S.
August 23 International Day for the Remembrance of the Enslavement Trade and its Abolition Recognizes the anniversary of the uprising in Santo Domingo that initiated the abolition of enslavement in the Caribbean.
August 26 Women’s Equality Day Certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that gave women the right to vote. Congresswoman Bella Abzug first introduced a proclamation for Women’s Equality Day in 1971. Since that time, every president has published a proclamation recognizing Aug. 26 as Women’s Equality Day.

September

September 2 Labor Day (U.S.) Honors laborers' contributions, observed on the first Monday of September.
September 9 Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) founded Founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1915.
September 11 9/11 Remembrance Remembering the 2001 terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the U.S.
September 12 Ethiopian New Year Celebrated on Sept. 11 or Sept. 12, depending on the leap year.
September 14 - 15 Eid Milad un-Nabi (sundown to sundown) Commemorates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad with parades and charity events.
September 21 - 29 Mabon A Pagan and Wiccan celebration of the autumnal equinox.
September 23 Bisexuality Day Celebrates bisexual communities and raises awareness of challenges faced by bisexual people.
September 23 Native American Day A federal holiday observed in California and Nevada.

October

October 2 - 4 Rosh Hashanah (sundown to sundown) Jewish New Year marking the creation of the world.
October 7 Nobel Prize for Literature Award to Toni Morrison First African American to win the prize in 1993.
October 8 International Lesbian Day Celebrates lesbian culture and visibility.
October 9 Dasara/Dussehra/Vijayadashami Marks the end of Durga Puja and celebrates the victory of goddess Durga.
October 10 World Mental Health Day Increases public awareness about mental health.
October 11 - 12 Yom Kippur Holiest day in Judaism, focusing on atonement and repentance.
October 11 National Coming Out Day Celebrates coming out for LGBTQ+ individuals.
October 14 Indigenous Peoples Day (2nd Monday) Indigenous Peoples Day was first proposed in 1977 during a United Nations conference on discrimination against indigenous populations in the Americas. Indigenous Peoples Day occurs on the second Monday of October and recognizes that Native people are the first inhabitants of the Americas, including the lands that later became the United States of America. By 1990, movements to formalize Indigenous Peoples or Native American Day gained momentum. The movement continues to expand present day with formalized recognitions across states, cities and organizations throughout the United States, including universities and schools. 

WSU acknowledges that its locations statewide are on the homelands of Native peoples who have lived in this region from time immemorial. WSU has a formal memorandum of understanding to increase access for Native American students, faculty and staff; recognize Native American achievements at the university; and strengthen the relationship between the university and…
October 16 International Pronouns Day Focuses on respecting and educating about pronouns.
October 16 - 23 Sukkot A seven-day Jewish festival giving thanks for the fall harvest.
October 17 Spirit Day Encourages wearing purple in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth targeted by harassment and violence.
October 20 Sikh Holy Day Celebrates spiritual guide Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
October 31 Reformation Day A Protestant religious holiday celebrated alongside Halloween.
October 31 - November 1 Samhain (sundown to sundown) A Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest and beginning of winter.
October 31 Diwali A major festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and some Buddhists.

November

November 5 Election Day (General Election) Election Day in the United States of America is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. It can fall on or between November 2 and November 8. It is the day when popular ballots are held to select public officials. These include national, state, and local government representatives at all levels up to the president.
November 11 Veterans Day Honors U.S. military veterans, coinciding with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.
November 20 Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith as a vigil to honor the memory of Rita Hester, who was murdered in 1998. The vigil commemorated the lives of transgender and gender-variant people since Hester's death and launched the commemoration into an annual U.S. and international observance.

Transgender Day of Remembrance brings attention to discrimination and violence faced by transgender and gender-variant people on a daily basis, including transgender people with Black, Indigenous and People of Color identities, who experience…

November 28 Thanksgiving (U.S.) A national holiday giving thanks for the year's blessings.
November 29 Native American Heritage Day Held annually the Friday after Thanksgiving, encourages people of all backgrounds to observe and honor Native American people and communities through authentic ceremonies and activities. The day was signed into law by George W. Bush in 2008.

December

December 1 Rosa Parks Day Commemorates Rosa Parks' resistance to transportation segregation in 1955.
December 1 World AIDS Day Commemorates those who have died of AIDS and advocates for continued commitment to ending HIV/AIDS.
December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Raises awareness and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
December 8 Pansexual Pride Day Celebrates pansexuality.
December 10 International Human Rights Day Marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948.
December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe A religious holiday in Mexico commemorating the Virgin Mary's appearance in 1531.
December 21 Yule Winter Solstice Celebrated by pagans and Wiccans, representing renewal and new beginnings.
December 25 - January 2 Hanukkah A Jewish festival commemorating the recovery of Jerusalem and rededication of the Second Temple.
December 25 Christmas Day Celebrated by Christians as the birth of Jesus.
December 26 - January 1 Kwanzaa An annual celebration of African American culture and principles, created in 1966.
December 31 New Year's Eve Celebrates the last day of the year with various festivities, including fireworks.