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Movable Celebration (definition): A movable celebration is a secular or non-secular celebration that occurs on a different date each year.

The term "movable celebration" is used in this calendar instead of the more widely known term "movable feast." Movable feast, while technically correct, has roots in Christianity. Thus "movable celebration" is substituted to support a more culturally inclusive calendar.

If you notice any missing events or celebrations, please email DiversityandInclusion@NJHealth.org with the relevant information, and we will gladly add it.

January Celebration Days 

January 1st	New Years Day and Emancipation Proclamation President Lincoln declared all individuals held in slavery free on January 1st, 1863.
January 4th	Louis Braille’s birthday A French educator who created a reading and writing system known as “braille” for the visually impaired.
January 6th	Feast of the Epiphany This Christian feast day celebrates the star leading the three wise men to baby Jesus closing the Christmas season
January 14th (or 15th if it's a leap year)	Makar Sankranti Hindu festival dedicated to the god of the sun, Surya
January- Third Monday	Martin Luther King Day Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
January 27th	International Holocaust Remembrance Day An internation memorial day on the 27 January that commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. murder of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities between 1933 and 1945 by Nazi Germany. The 27th of January was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945.
January/February- Movable Celebration	Chinese New Year- Lunar New Year The festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. The first day of Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February.
January/February- Movable Celebration	Tu BeShevat A Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is also called Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot, literally "New Year of the Trees."

February Celebration Dates

February 1st	Black History Month February was chosen to celebrate African American History because it holds the birthdays of two men who helped eliminate slavery: Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln.
February 2nd	Groundhog Day A North American tradition observed in the United States and Canada starting in the 16th century. If a groundhog emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, winter will continue for six more weeks. If it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early.
February 3rd	National Women Physicians Day This celebration marks the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1849.
February 4th	World Cancer Day An international day marked on 4 February to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
February 11th	International Day of Women and Girls in Science The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields.
February 11th	Tammy Baldwin’s Birthday The birthday of the first openly LGBTQIA+ woman elected to both houses of Congress.
February 14th	Frederick Douglass’ birthday (observed): Frederick Douglass was a formerly enslaved man who became a prominent activist, author and public speaker. He became a leader in the abolitionist movement, which sought to end the practice of slavery, before and during the Civil War
February 14th	Valentine's Day It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine and through later folk traditions, has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.
February 15th	Nirvana Day An annual festival that remembers the death of the Buddha after reaching nirvana; also called Parinirvana.
February 15th	Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday A leader of the women’s suffrage movement,she advocated for abolition, temperance, labor rights, and equal pay for equal work.
February- Third Monday	President's Day or Washington's Birthday A federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is  celebrated to honor all those who served as presidents of the United States, and to honor George Washington.
February 21st	International Mother Language Day International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion.
February/March- Movable Celebration	Festival of Ayyam-i-Ha This multi-day Baha’i festival highlights charity, hospitality, gift-giving, and preparation of fasting before the New Year.
February/March- Movable Celebration (on a Wednesday)	Ash Wednesday The first day of Lent, occurring six and a half weeks before Easter (between February 4 and March 11, depending on the date of Easter). It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting.

March Celebration Days

March 1st	Women's History Month This month honors the role that women like Dorothea Dix, Susan B. Anthony, Jane Cooke Wright, Mary Tape, and so many others have played in American history.
March 8th	International Women's Day A day highlighting the political, social, cultural, and economic achievements of women.
March 8th	Holi Hindu holiday that celebrates the winter harvest and onset of spring.
March 10th	Harriet Tubman’s birthday (observed) American abolitionist who is well-known for her key role in the Underground Railroad.
March 17th	St. Patrick’s Day A feast day of a Catholic saint who inspires cultural and religious celebrations around the world.
March 20th	Benito Juarez Day  A Mexican national holiday celebrating Mexico’s former president and national hero.
March 21st	International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Adopted by the UN on October 26th, 1960, this celebration signifies the struggle to end the policy of apartheid in South Africa, calling to action the international community and asking everyone to redouble their efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
March 22 to April 21	Ramadan The start of Islam’s sacred month — during this time Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from dawn until dusk
March 24th	World Tuberculosis Day This annual event commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacillus that causes tuberculosis (TB).
March 30th	National Doctors Day It is a holiday that honors physicians for the work they do for their patients, the communities they work in, and society as a whole.

April Celebration Days

April 1st	Earth Month It’s a time to raise environmental awareness and create consciousness around the issues that affect mother nature during this time of crisis.
April 1st	Arab American Heritage Month A month-long celebration of Arab American heritage and culture. This month also pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans to American society, art, culture, and more.
April 2nd	World Autism Awareness Day A celebration devoted to sharing stories and providing opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, fostering worldwide support.
April 3rd	Jane Goodall's Birthday Paving the way for women scientists everywhere, ethologist and conservationist Jane Goodall redefined what it means to be human. Her work with the wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, set the standard for how behavioral studies are conducted.
April 5th to April 13th	Passover Passover is a major Jewish festival that celebrates the freeing of the Israeli slaves.
April 9th	Easter  Easter is the most important Christian holiday of the year. This day celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.
April 14th (or the second Friday of April)	Day of Silence A day of action to spread awareness about the effects of the bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students. In the United States, students take a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBTQ students.
April 22nd	Earth Day Earth Day is a day observed by more than 192 nations. It honors the environmental movement that protects the Earth for future generations.  Celebrate Earth Week at National Jewish Health by checking out the offerings and activities provided by our SMART committee.
April 25th	World Malaria Day World Malaria Day is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. It was instituted by WHO Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007.
April 28th (or the last Friday in April)	Arbor Day Arbor Day is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees.
April 29th (or the last Saturday in April)	Independent Bookstore Day This national one-day celebration is held the last Saturday in April and celebrates independent bookstores across the country. Take the time to visit a local, independent bookstore close to you, or check out one of our favorites- West Side Book

May Celebration Days

May 1st	AAPI Heritage Month Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.
May 1st	Mental Health Awareness Month Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The month celebrates a national movement to raise awareness about mental health.
May 1st	Jewish American Heritage Month An annual recognition of Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more.
May 2nd (or the first Tuesday of May)	National Teacher Appreciation Day The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.” Take a moment to stop by Morgridge Academy today to thank our wonderful teachers in person.
May 5th	National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day  A report by the U.S. Department of interior’s Office of Justice Services said, “Statistics show is that approximately 1,500 American Indian and Alaska Native missing persons have been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) throughout the U.S, and approximately 2,700 cases of Murder and Nonnegligent Homicide Offense have been reported to the Federal Government’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. In total, BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) estimates there are 4,200 missing and murdered cases that have gone unsolved.” Murder is the third highest cause of death for women among American Indians and Alaska Natives, yet most of these cases go unsolved and are treated with indifference and inaction. In May 2021, President Joe Biden designated May 5th as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day to recognize American Indian and Alaska Native people who have lost their lives to violence.
May 5th	Cinco de Mayo Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not the celebration of Mexico's independence. Instead, it commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.
May 17th	International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia This day raises awareness for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, and incidents of LGBTQ+ rights violations. May 17th was chosen because it was the date that the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases. Celebrate this day by raising awareness and fostering inclusiveness with this great online LGBT Training
May 19th	Malcolm X's Birthday Malcolm X, the Muslim minister and civil rights activist, was assassinated in 1965. Spend today remembering his famous words, “A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything,” and reflect on how you can incorporate this sentiment into your life.
May 26th	Buddah's Birthday The Buddha was born Siddhartha Gautama. This May diversity celebration is also called Buddha Jayanti. It’s the day of his enlightenment and a celebrated Buddhist festival in most of East Asia and South Asia.
May 29th (or the last Monday of May)	Memorial Day Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Veterans, we thank you for your service!

 

SUMMER CELEBRATION DATES ARE COMING SOON- STAY TUNED!

September Celebration Days

September 5	International Day of Charity Commemorating the death of Mother Teresa and promoting charitable efforts to alleviate human suffering.
September 8	International Literacy Day Reminding the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.
September 11	Enkutatash Ethiopian New  Year
September 15	Hispanic Heritage Month (end Oct 15) Celebrating the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.
September 16	Mexican Independence Day Celebrates Mexico's liberation from Spain in 1810.
September 16	Arba'een Commemorates the martyrdom of Al-Husayn ibn Ali the grandson of Muhammad.
September 21	International Day of Peace The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
September 23	Bi Visibility Day Recognizing and celebrating the bisexual community.
September 26	Navartri This is a biannual Hindu festival honoring the Mother Goddess Durga.
September 26, 27	Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year

October Celebration Days

October 1	Jerry Rescue Day The Jerry Rescue was a public rescue of a fugitive slave who had been arrested during the anti-slavery Liberty Party's state convention in Syracuse, New York.
October 2	International Day of Non-Violence International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness".
October 4	Yom Kippur Known as the Day of Atonement and the holiest day of the year in Judaism.
October 5	Dassera Also called Vijayadashami, in Hinduism is a holiday marking the triumph of Rama over Ravana.
October 7	Mawlid Al-Nabi The birthday of the prophet Muhammad.
October 9	Sukkot Commemorates the wanderings of the Israelites in the desert after the revelation at Mount Sinai.
October 10	Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration and recognition of the area's original inhabitants.
October 11	National Coming Out Day Marks the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights and is the annual celebration of coming out.
October 17	International Day for the Eradication of Poverty The day honoring the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signed in 1948, to honor the victims of extreme poverty, violence and hunger.  Simchat Torah The day celebrating the conclusion of one and the beginning of another annual cycle of readings from the Torah.
October 24	Diwali The festival of lights is the most celebrated festival of India.
October 31	Reformation Day Anniversary of the day Martin Luther is said to have posted his ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany which was later identified by Protestants as the beginning of reformation. Halloween (Eve of All Saints' Day) A day filled with costumes and candy, originating from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

November Celebration Days

November 1	All Saints' Day The day honoring all saints of the church deemed to have attained heaven.
November 4	Bandi-Chhor Divas Prisoner Release Day celebrating the right prevailing over the wrong.
November 8	National STEM/STEAM Day
November 11	Veterans Day Day honoring military veterans.
November 16	International Day for Tolerance
November 19	Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birthday
November 20	Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 23	National Adoption Day
November 24	Thanksgiving
November 25	Day of the Covenant
November 26	Native American Heritage Day
November 28	Advent  Chanukah
November 30	Day to Remember Chemical Warfare Victims

December Celebration Days

December 3	International Day of Disabled Persons
December 10	Human Rights Day
December 12	Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 15	Bill of Rights Day
December 21	Winter Solstice
December 24	Christmas Eve
December 25	Christmas
December 26	Kwanzaa
December 29	Wounded Knee Day

Practicing Inclusivity with DEI Holidays - Resource

There are a lot of different holidays through out the year people may be observing in a variety of ways. One way to practice inclusivity and deliberate community is to integrate holidays and annual observances from a wide range of religious traditions into your calendar. This can help as you plan events, schedules, and projects. The University of Denver has outlined a series of best practices for interfaith scheduling. Check out their tools for transforming your work calendar into an interfaith calendar!