Winter Days of Significance Calendar

DateDay/Month of SignificanceDefinition
JanuaryTamil Heritage MonthJanuary is Tamil Heritage Month, this month is an opportunity to learn about the many contributions that Tamil Canadians have made to the social, economic and cultural fabric of Canada.
January 1New Year’s DayThe first day of the year of the modern Gregorian calendar.
January 4World Braille DayWorld Braille Day, observed annually since 2019, aims to raise awareness about the significance of Braille as a vital communication tool, promoting the full realization of human rights for individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
January 4National Ribbon Skirt DayNational Ribbon Skirt Day honors the ribbon skirt, a traditional garment worn by Indigenous women. The day was created in response to an incident involving Isabella Kulak, an Indigenous girl from Saskatchewan who was shamed for wearing her ribbon skirt to school.
January 7Orthodox ChristmasOrthodox Christmas, observed on January 7th according to the Julian calendar, is a period for prayer and reflection. Celebrations vary by region and culture, often featuring a festive meal, gift exchanges, and time spent with loved ones.
January 14Makar SankrantiMakar Sankranti is a Hindu observance and festival that marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius to Capricorn. The day is celebrated in a variety of ways that may include colourful decorations, kite flying, fairs, and feasts.
January 21Lincoln Alexander DayLincoln Alexander was the first Black Canadian to serve as a Member of Parliament, Cabinet minister, and Lieutenant Governor. This day celebrates his important contributions to Canada as a human rights advocate.
January 24World Day for African and Afrodescendant CultureWorld Day for African and Afrodescendant Culture is observed annually on January 24th. The day celebrates the many vibrant cultures of the African continent and African Diasporas around the world and promotes respect for cultural diversity.
January 27International Holocaust Remembrance DayDesignated by the United Nations (UN), this day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and commemorates the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism.
January 29National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against IslamophobiaA day commemorating the Islamophobic attack that took place at the Grand Mosque in Quebec City, which took the lives of six people and seriously injured 19 others. The Government of Canada established this commemorative day in 2021 to honour the victims and express solidarity with the survivors of this tragedy.
FebruaryBlack History MonthBlack History Month in Canada is observed every February as a time to recognize, honour, and celebrate the legacy, achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities-past and present. It is also an important opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing realities of anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in Canada and to support continued efforts toward equity, justice, and inclusion.
February 1World Hijab DayFebruary 1st is World Hijab Day, promoting understanding and celebrating women who wear the hijab. It highlights the challenges faced by visibly Muslim women, such as discrimination and hate crimes, and encourages creating inclusive environments.
February 11International Day of Women and Girls in ScienceA day designated for the dismantling of gender stereotypes – specifically to end institutional and systemic gender imbalances in science.
February 14Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2Spirit PeopleFeb 14th honours the lost lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2 spirit peoples. This began in 1992 as the Women's Memorial March, to raise awareness of and encourage action to end violence against Indigenous women. It continues to be marked by vigils and walks.
February 15Nirvana DayNirvana Day is a Buddhist holiday that acknowledges the Buddha reaching nirvana upon the death of his physical body. The day is often observed through meditation and visits to temples and monasteries.
February 15Maha ShivaratriObserved annually, Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival in honour of the deity Shiva. The day often is observed at night and has an introspective focus, fasting, meditation on Shiva, self-study, and social harmony.
February 17Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse)The Lunar New Year in 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, which symbolizes energy, passion, and ambition. Celebrations may include family gatherings, dancing and firework displays.
February 17-March 19 (TBD)RamadanRamadan is a holy month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During the month, Muslims will fast from sunrise to sunset, breaking their fast during an evening meal known as iftar. The dates are often confirmed via sightings of the new moon.
February 18-February 20LosarCelebrated between the 28th of February and 2nd of March, Losar, also known as the Tibetan New Year, is acknowledged through a variety of rituals and customs that are rooted in Buddhist ideas and beliefs.
3rd Monday of FebruaryFamily DayCivic holiday in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick, which celebrates the importance of family.
February 21International Mother Language DayFeb 21st is International Mother Language Day. This day promotes the preservation and protection of languages, raises awareness of multilingualism, and celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity
February 22National Human Trafficking Awareness DayNational Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed in Canada on February 22 annually to raise awareness about the realities of human trafficking and to promote action to prevent and end it. The day is an opportunity to recognize the experiences of survivours, educate the public, and highlight the ongoing efforts of communities, advocates and service providers.
Last Wednesday in FebruaryPink Shirt Day CanadaPink Shirt Day in Canada; the day promotes kindness and inclusion and raises awareness around bullying prevention.
MarchIrish Heritage MonthMarch is Irish Heritage Month-providing the opportunity to learn more about the history and contributions of the Irish community to Canada.
March 2-3PurimPurim is a Jewish holiday, that commemorates the miraculous events told in the Book of Esther. The holiday is preceded with a day of fasting and is often acknowledged through charitable acts and the exchanging of gifts.
March 3Magha PujaMagha Puja, or Sangha Day, is a Buddhist celebration that honors the assembly of 1,250 enlightened monks with the Buddha. The event is often marked by candlelit processions, meditation, and the offering of alms to monks.
March 4HoliHoli, also known as the festival of colours, is a Hindu festival. Some associate the festival with a celebration of the eternal love of the deities Radha and Krishna and others with the legend of Hiranyakashipu.
March 8International Women’s DayA global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality
March 15International Day to Combat IslamophobiaThe International Day to Combat Islamophobia, is a day for communities to unite against discrimination and hatred. Together, we can challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and create communities of respect and inclusion for all.
March 19-March 20 Eid-Al-FitrMarking the end of Ramadan, Eid-Al-Fitr is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the month that follows Ramadan in the Muslim calendar. Observances may include prayer, visits with family and friends and giving gifts.
March 19-March 27Navratri / NavaratriA Hindu festival of nine nights in worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, celebrated with various traditions and rituals in honour of a different form of the goddess each night.
March 20-March 27Two-Spirit Awareness Week and Two Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ Celebration and Awareness Day (Mar 20)Advocated by the Two-Spirit community and created in partnership with the Two-Spirit Program at the CBRC, this annual event will recognize and celebrate the diverse sexualities and gender expressions that exist within Indigenous communities
March 21NowruzNowruz, is a festival celebrating the start of the new year on the Persian calendar. How the festival is celebrated varies widely given its rich history and wide geographical spread, but may include feasts and cultural celebrations.
March 21International Day for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationThe International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination serves as a call to action to work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism, and hate in our communities.
March 21World Down Syndrome DayObserved annually, World Down Syndrome Day brings awareness to and advocates for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down Syndrome.
March 26Rama NavamiRama Navami, festival in Hinduism that celebrates the birthday of the god Rama, hero of the Ramayana and seventh avatar of the god Vishnu. Rama Navami (“ninth of Rama”) occurs on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar
March 31National Indigenous Languages DayNational Indigenous Languages Day honours Indigenous efforts to reclaim, revitalize, and preserve their languages, recognizing the dedication of language champions, Elders, youth, and allies who inspire hope and emphasize the importance of Indigenous languages.
March 31International Transgender Day of VisibilityEach year on March 31, the world observes Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of trans people, while also drawing attention to the disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence the community faces compared to cisgender (non-transgender) people.
AprilSikh Heritage MonthEstablished in 2013, Sikh Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of the Sikh community to Canada, including their arts, culture, and heritage.
April 1-April 9PassoverPassover is a Jewish holiday commemorating the Jewish people's liberation from slavery. The holiday often begins by gathering with family for a meal called the seder, where participants eat, pray, sing, and share stories.
April 2World Autism Awareness DayWorld Autism Awareness Day creates opportunities to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism and celebrates their contributions.
April 3Good FridayA Christian holiday to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
April 5EasterThis is one of the holiest days in the Christian (Western) calendar. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from death, three days after his crucifixion.
April 6Easter MondayEaster Monday commemorates the meeting of the women at Jesus' tomb with an angel who assured them that Jesus had been resurrected from death. It is observed as a holiday in some countries.
April 13-April 15SongkranIn Thailand, Songkran marks the start of the new year. Occurring in mid-April following the harvest, Songkran observances may include connecting with family and friends, games, music, and feasting.
2nd Wedneday in AprilInternational Day of PinkInternational Day of Pink Day is recognized globally as a day to stand in solidarity and allyship with 2SLGBTQIA+ communities against homophobic hate and violence.
April 14VaisakhiVaisakhi (Baisakhi) is a Sikh festival that began as a harvest celebration in Punjab. It marks the creation of the Khalsa order, promoting justice and equality.
April 14Nepali New YearThe Nepali New Year, also known as "Naya Barsha," is celebrated on the first day of Baisakh in the Nepali calendar, which typically falls in mid-April. This day marks the beginning of the Bikram Sambat calendar year and is a significant national holiday.

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