Multicultural Calendar

This day celebrates the creation of animals. It is also a time for the equitable sharing of food.

(Statutory Holiday in Canada) On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act created the Canadian federal government. The BNA proclaimed ‘one Dominion under the name of Canada,’ hence the original title of the holiday, “Dominion Day.’ Dominion Day was officially renamed ‘Canada Day’ by an act of Parliament on October 27, 1982.

Hong Kong was a British colony ruled by a British Governor until it was reunited with China as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on 1 July, 1997.

In 1776, the 13 Colonies signed the declaration of Independence, proclaiming their separation from England and formed the United States of America. It is celebrated with picnics, fireworks, parades and outdoor activities.

NAIDAC stands for “National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee”. A week-long celebration around Australia during the first week in July to focus on the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

(Tibet, Buddhist) His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. Born to a peasant family in northeastern Tibet, he was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama (Mongolian for ‘Ocean of Wisdom’)

Islamic New Year, 1443 AH. The first of Muharram marks the first day of the first month (Muharram) of the Islamic year. Muharram lasts for 29-30 days depending on the moon sighting. It begins at sundown the previous day. The dates vary by a day depending on whether the Saudi Arabia or the North American Calendar is being observed.

Meaning “Seven Evenings” is a Japanese star festival, derived from Obon traditions and the Chinese star festival, Qi Xi. The festival is usually held on July 7, and celebrates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair). The Milky Way, a rivermade from stars that crosses the sky, separates these lovers. They are allowed to meet only once a year. This special day, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

The Báb was executed at the age of 31 by a firing squad in Tabriz in 1850 C.E. The event is observed at noon. Commerce is suspended on this day.

Imamat Day is celebrated every year by Ismailis on the day that the Imamat or religious leader transferred from the past Imam to the present Aga Khan.

The festival lasts for three days where men compete in the Three Manly national sports of archery, wrestling and horse riding.

England’s William III defeated the deposed King of England and Scotland at the Battle of Boyne in Ireland. After the battle, which took place on July 1, 1690, James was forced to flee to France.

7th Month

Commemorates the event that launched the French Revolution. On this date in 1789, the Bastille, which held political prisoners and became a symbol of oppression by the monarchy, was stormed and prisoners freed. In France, the day is called Fête Nationale.

Japanese honour the importance of the sea and its role in Japanese history on this day.

The tenth day of the first Islamic month (Muharram). For Shi’ite Muslims, this day mourns the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Devout Shi’a commemorate this day of sadness with retelling the story of the battle fought in Kerbala.

This day celebrates the anniversary of Luis Munoz-Rivera, a Puerto Rican patriot, poet and journalist.