ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZAA
1
----
2
Pima Community College cherishes the diversity of our community and, in addition to equal opportunity and educational access for all, we respect and are inclusive of all beliefs, values, abilities, personal experiences and preferences, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, and worldviews. We believe our differences are our strength and a source of innovation, excellence, and competitiveness. We understand that the “community” in the community college of the 21st Century extends beyond local political boundaries, thus we aspire to build a community of responsible global citizens. We believe that the ultimate objective of diversity is the achievement of equality and social justice. Furthermore, social justice has no borders and is an essential right of the human race. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offeres this resource as a tool to enhance mutual understanding among groups, promote inclusive communities, educate and increase awareness of and respect of religious obligations and ethnic and cultural festivities that may affect students, employees and the community.
3
Religious Observations
4
The calendar includes significant religious observances of the major faiths represented in the United States. It can be used when planning school exam schedules and activities, workplace festivities and community events. Note that Bahá’í, Jewish and Islamic holidays begin at sundown the previous day and end at sundown on the date listed.
5
National and International Holidays
6
The calendar notes U.S. holidays that are either legal holidays or observed in various states and communities throughout the country. Important national and international observances that may be commemorated in the U.S. are also included.
7
Calendar System
8
The dates of secular holidays are based on the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used for civil dating purposes. Many religions and cultures follow various traditional calendar systems that are often based on the phases of the moon with occasional adjustments for the solar cycle. Therefore, specific Gregorian calendar dates for these observances will differ from year to year. In addition, calculation of specific dates may vary by geographical location and according to different sects within a religion.
9
Date (2024)End Date (If Applicable)Name
Religious Affiliation
Religion (If Applicable)FastingUS Federal HolidayDescription
10
JANUARY
11
1-JanNew Year's DayNoNoYesFirst day of the year, College closed on Jan 2 in observance of the holiday.
12
4-JanWorld Braille DayNoNoNoWorld Braille Day, celebrated since 2019, is observed to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of communication in the full realization of the human rights for blind and partially sighted people.
13
6-JanDia De los Reyes Magos
Epiphany		YesCatholic
Christian		NoNoCelebrates the manifestation of Jesus as Christ. The Western Church associates Epiphany with the journey of the Magi to the infant Jesus Christ, and the Eastern Orthodox Church associates Theophany with the baptism of Jesus Christ by John. This holiday also represents the day the Three Wise Men—Los Tres Reyes Magos, gave gifts to Jesus Christ, and the day closes the Christmas festivities. It's also the day the people of Mexico exchange gifts!
14
6-JanLittle Christmas/Christmas-Greek OrthodoxYesArmenian Church
Orthodox
Christian		NoNoThe day Armenian Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Before the Roman empire adopted Christianity, this was the original day all Christians observed the birth of Jesus.
15
7-JanChristmasYesEastern ChristianNoCommemorating the birth of Jesus, most Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas 13 days later than other Christian churches based on their use of the Julian rather than the Gregorian version of the Western calendar.
16
13-JanKorean American DayNoNoNoKorean American Day honors and highlights friends of Korean descent who have made immeasurable contributions as small business owners, military service members, faith leaders, doctors, artists, and elected officials for over a century. Ever since the first immigration wave happened way back in 1903.
17
14-Jan17-JanPongalYesHinduNoNoPongal is considered to be one of the major festivals of South India and it is mainly celvreated in Tamil Nadu.
18
15-JanMakar SankrantiYesHinduNoNoSeason celebration makring turning of the sun twoard the north.
19
15-JanMartin Luthern King Jr. DayNoNoYesThis day was established to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, and to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.
20
15-Jan19-JanNo Name-Calling WeekNoNoNoAnnual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling and bullying of all kinds.
21
25-JanTu B'ShvatYesJewishNoNew Year's Day for Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Now a day enviromental awareness and action, such as tree planting.
22
24-JanInternational Day of EducationNoNoNoThe United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education, in celebration of the role of education for peace and development.
23
25-JanThaipusamYesHinduSomeNoThaipusam is a day of prayers and penance. Dedicated to Lord Subramaniam, also known as Lord Murugan,8 a major South Indian god,9 the deity of youth, power and virtue, this festival is a time for repentance for devotees with celebrations carried out mainly at the temple.
24
27-JanInternational Holocaust Rememberance DayNoNoNoAnnual day of commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust coinciding with the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp in 1945.
25
FEBRUARY
26
1-FebNational Freedom DayNoNoNoNoCommemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in 1865.
27
1-Feb29-FebBlack History MonthNoNoNoCelebrates Black History and African American culture in the United States.
28
2-FebGroundhog DayNoNoNoGroundhog Day is a popular North American tradition observed in the United States and Canada on February 2 of every year starting in the 16th century.
29
10-FebLunar New YearLargely noConfucianism Buddhism TaoismNoNoAlso known as the Spring Festival, an important festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.
30
13-FebShrove TuesdayYesWestern ChristianA day of penitence as well as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Also known as Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday and Carnival Day as this day is observed in many ways worldwide
31
14-FebValentine's DayNoNoNoCelebrates the idea of romantic love.
32
14-FebAsh WednesdayYesWestern ChristianThe first day of Lent for Western Christian churches, a 40-day period of spiritual preparation for Easter, not counting Sundays.
33
15-FebParinirvana Day/Nirvana DayYesBuddhismNoNoCelebrates the day when the historical Buddha achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body. Sometimes celebrated on February 8.
34
19-FebWashington's Birthday/ Presidents DayNoNoYesHonors all past presidents of the United States of America.
35
20-FebWorld Day of Social JusticeU.N. day to recognize efforts to achieve fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
36
24-FebMagha PujaYesBuddhistNoNoAlso known as Sangha Day, it commemorates the spontaneous assembly of 1,250 disciples, completely enlightened monks, in the historical Buddha's presence.
37
25-FebMid-Sha'ban/Shab-e-BaratYesIslamNoNoBoth Sunni and Shia Muslims recognize this night to be as the Night of Forgiveness. Muslims observe Mid-Sha'ban as a night of worship and salvation. Scholars like Imam Shafii, Imam Nawawi, Imam Ghazzali, and Imam Suyuti have declared praying acceptable on the night of mid-Shaban.
38
26-Feb29-FebAyyam-I-Ha or Intercalary DaysBahá’íYesNoA period of clecration devoted to charity, gift-giving and festiviites prior to the annual period of fasting
39
29-Feb19-MarNineteen Day FastYesBahá’íYesNoBaha'is between 15 and 70 years of age do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset and set aside time for prayer and meditation.
40
MARCH
41
1-Mar31-MarIrish-American Heritage MonthNoNoNoCelebrates the contributions of Irish Americans in our nation's history
42
1-Mar31-MarNational Women's History MonthNoNoNoHonors women as significant agents of historical change.
43
8-MarInternational Women's DayNoNoNoCelebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women worldwide.
44
8-MarMaha ShivaratriHinduAlso called Shiva Ratri, the Great Night of Shiva, is a festival in reverence of the god Shiva. The festival is celebrated at the 13th night or 14th day of the waning moon in the Hindu calendar (month of February or March of the English calendar).
45
10-Mar9-AprRamadanYesIslamicYesNoObserved by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad.
46
10-MarDaylight Saving TimeNoNoNoMarks the start of Daylight Saving Time for most of the United States. But unlike almost everywhere else, Arizona doesn't observe Daylight Saving Time and hasn't done so for about the last 40 years.
47
12-MarNational Equal Pay DayNoNoNo“Equal Pay Day was originated by the National Committee on Pay Equity (NCPE) in 1996 as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men's and women's wages. (It was originally called ‘National Pay Inequity Awareness Day’ and changed to Equal Pay Day in 1998.)
48
17-MarSaint Patrick's DayYesCatholic
Christian		NoNoFeast day of the patron saint of Ireland. In the U.S., a secular version is celebrated by people of all faiths through appreciation of all things Irish.
49
18-MarClean MondayNoEastern Orthodox ChristianNoNoThe beginning of Great Lent for Eastern Orthodox Christian churches, which starts 40 days before Pascha, counting Sundays.
50
19-MarVernal EquinoxNoNoNoMarks the first day of the season of spring. The sun shines nearly equally on both hemispheres when it’s spring in the Northern Hemisphere and simultaneously fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
51
20-MarNOWRÚZ (Also known as NAW-RÚZ)YesZoroastrian (Bahá’í)NoNoCelebrates the first day of Spring and the Iranian New Year, which occurs on the vernal equinox, on or near March 21. Also celebrated as New Year’s Day in Baha’i tradition. (This date may vary based on region or sect.)
52
21-MarInternational Day of the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationNoNoNoCall to action to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination worldwide.
53
24-MarPurimYesJewishNoNoThe “Feast of Lots” marks the saving of the Jewish people of ancient Persia from extermination.
54
24-MarPalm SundayYesCatholic
Christian		NoNoObserved the Sunday before Easter to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
55
25-MarHoliYesHinduNoNoA spring festival in India and Nepal dedicated to the god of pleasure, also known as the festival of colours or the festival of sharing love.
56
26-MarKhordad SalYesZoroastrianNoNoThe Zoroastrian celebration of the birth of Zoroaster, the founder of the Zoroastrianism religion. The holiday is specifically celebrated in India and Iran, immediately following the Persian new year, Nowrúz.
57
26-MarHola MohallaSikhAn annual event which is a martial arts parade historically coinciding with Holi, the Hindu festival of colors. Celebrations related to Holla Mohalla may be held in various locations over several weekends preceding the actual date of the holiday.
58
26-Mar27-MarNuzual Al-QuranYesMuslimYesNoa Muslim festival to remember the day when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recieved his first revelation of Islam’s sacred book, the holy Quran.
59
28-MarHoly ThursdayYesEastern Orthodox ChristianAlso known as Maundy Thursday, it is celebrated on the Thursday before Pascha commemorating the Last Supper, at which Jesus Christ and the Apostles were together for the last time before the Crucifixion.
60
29-MarGood FridayYesWestern Christian/CatholicYesNoCommemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the Friday before Easter. Known as Holy Friday in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
61
30-MarHoly SaturdayYesCatholic
Christian		NoNomarks the time when Jesus Christ was buried in the tomb, fulfilling the prophecy of his death and resurrection. It is a time of preparation and reflection, as Christians anticipate the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
62
31-MarEasterYesWestern Christian/CatholicKnown as Pascha in Eastern Christianity, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
63
31-MarCezar Chavez DayNoNoNoHonors Mexican American farm worker, labor leader and activist Cesar Chavez (1927–1993) who was a nationally respected voice for social justice.
64
APRIL
65
1-Apr30-AprArab American Heritage MonthNoArabNoNoCelebrates the Arab American heritage and culture and pays tribute to the contributions of Arab Americans and Arabic-speaking Americans.
66
1-Apr30-AprGenocide Awareness MonthNoNoNoA month that marks important anniversaries for past and contemporary genocides. Throughout the month, individuals, communities and organizations join together to remember and honor victims and survivors of mass atrocities.
67
1-Apr30-AprNational Poetry MonthNoNoNoIntroduced in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets as a way to increase awareness and appreciation of poetry in the United States.
68
1-AprEaster MondayYesCatholic
Christian		NoNois the Christian (public) holiday after Easter Sunday, which is the day when Jesus Christ emerged from the tomb after his crucifixion. Also known as Bright Monday, Renewal Monday, Wet Monday, and the Dyngus Day, there are different and interesting traditions surrounding the Monday that comes immediately after Easter Day.
69
5-AprLailat Al-QadrYesIslamicNoNoCommemorates the night that the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is known as the “Night of Power.” Often set on the 27th day of Ramadan, Sunnis may observe it on the 21st, 23rd, 25th or 29th and Shīʿite (Shiite) observe it on the 19th, 21st or 23rd day of Ramadan.
70
9-AprUgadiYesHinduNoNoUgadi is a festival that marks the beginning of ta new year in the Hidu lunar claendar. The word "Ugadi" is dervied from the Sanskrit words "yuga and "adi," which mean "age" and beginning" respectively. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and evotion oby the poeple in the southern states of India.
71
10-AprEid Al-FitrYesIslamicYesNoThe “Feast of the Breaking of the Fast” marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting from dawn until dusk.
72
17-AprRama NavamiYesHinduNoNoCelebrates the birthday of Rama, king of ancient India, hero of the epic Ramayana, and seventh incarnation of Vishnu.
73
20-Apr1-MayFestival of RidvanYesBahá’íNoNoAnnual festival commemorating the 12 days when Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith, resided in a garden called Ridván (Paradise) and publicly proclaimed his mission as God’s messenger for this age. The first (April 21), ninth (April 29), and twelfth (May 2) days are celebrated as holy days when Baha’is suspend work.
74
23-Apr30-AprPassover/PesachYesJewishNoNoThe eight-day “Feast of Unleavened Bread” celebrates Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
75
24-AprArmenian Martyrs' DayNoNoNoMemorializes the genocide of approximately 1.5 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923 in Turkey.
76
22-AprEarth DayNoNoNoThis global event raises awareness of the importance of protecting our planet and its natural resources. In addition, it encourages people to engage in conserving the environment.
77
24-AprTheravada New YearYesBuddhistNoNoIn Theravada countries the New Year is celebrated on the first full moon day in April.
78
MAY
79
1-May31-MayAsian Pacific American Hertiage Month (also known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month)NoAsian American & Pacific IslanderNoNoRecognizes the contributions and celebrates the culture of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.
80
1-May31-MayJewish American Heritage MonthNoJewsNoNoRecognizes the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievements of American Jews.
81
1-MayInternational Worker's Day/May DayNoNoNoAlso known as May Day, it celebrates the social and economic achievements of workers worldwide. The day commemorates the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, in which police and protesters clashed following a workers’ strike for an eight-hour work day.
82
3-MayWorld Press Freedom DayNoNoNoServes as an occasion to inform the public of violations of the right to freedom of expression and as a reminder that many journalists brave death or jail to bring people their daily news.
83
5-MayNational day of Awareness Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2 Spirited People (MMIWG2S)NoIndigenious/Native AmericanNoNoA day to raise awareness for the widespread anger and sadness in First Nation communities because of the missing and murdered women and children in their communities. A red hand over the mouth has become the symbol of a growing movement toward awareness, accountability, and advocacy. The red hand represents the silence of the media, law enforcement and government agencies on this issue, as well as the oppression and subjugation of Native women throughout history. Join Native Communities on May 5th by wearing red and raising awareness in the call for #NoMoreStolenSisters.
84
5-MayCinco de MayoNoNoNoIn 1862 Mexican forces defeated French occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla.
85
5-MayPaschaYesEastern Orthodox ChristianNoNoKnown as Easter in Western Christianity, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
86
5-May6-MayYom HashoahYesJewishNoNo“Holocaust Remembrance Day” memorializes the heroic martyrdom of six million Jews who perished in the Nazi Holocaust.
87
9-MayAscension DayYesChristian/Eastern Orthodox ChristianNoNoAlso known as Holy Ascension, celebrated 40 days after Pascha, it commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into Heaven.
88
12-MayMother's DayNoNoNoChildren of all ages show appreciation for their mothers and mother figures.
89
19-MayPentecostYesWestern ChristianNoNoAlso known as Whitsunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and women followers of Jesus Christ. Marks the birth of the Christian Church.
90
21-MayWorld Day for Cultural DiversityNoNoNoRecognizes cultural diversity as a source of innovation, exchange and creativity, as well as the obligation to create a more peaceful and equitable society based on mutual respect.
91
23-MayVisakha PujaYesBuddhistNoNoIt is the major Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.
92
23-MayVesakYesBuddhistNoNoVesak marks the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. The occasion provides the chance for us all to reflect on his teachings and renew our commitment to universal values such as compassion, tolerance, and human dignity.
93
23-MayDelaration of the BábYesBahá’íNoNoCommemoration of May 23, 1844, when the Báb, the prophet-herald of the Bahá’í Faith, announced in Shíráz, Persia, that he was the herald of a new messenger of God.
94
26-MayLag B’OmerYesJewishNoNoCelebrates the end of a divine-sent plague and/or Roman occupation during Rabbi Akiva’s lifetime (died c. 135 CE).
95
26-MayTrinity SundayYesCatholic ChristianNoNoA Holy Day in the Christian calendar. It is also known as the Feast of the Holy Trinity. It is a joyous celebration where Christians come together to honor the Holy Trinity. This day is an opportunity for Christians to worship and to thank the Holy Trinity for all they have done.
96
27-MayMemorial DayNoNoYesA federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces.
97
JUNE
98
1-Jun30-JunPride MonthNoNoCommemorates the anniversary of the June 28, 1969 Stonewall riot in New York City, the incident that initiated the modern gay rights movement in the United States.
99
1-Jun30-JunNational Immigrant Hertiage MonthNoLearn more about the history of our Nation’s diverse and varied immigrant communities and to observe this month with appropriate programming and activities that remind us of the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
100
5-JunWorld Environment Day (WED)NoNoNoThe United Nations’ most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.