We live in a multicultural and inclusive society, and it's worth us taking time to recognise the things that are important to the people around us.
So, in the UK, one thing we can do is acknowledge the significant dates that our colleagues and friends might celebrate or reflect upon. But what are these dates? Well, we've got a list of a few that might come up for you. It's not comprehensive, though, and we should always be respectful when someone mentions a day that's important to them.
How many of these events celebrated or acknowledged in the UK are you aware of?
Lunar New Year late January/early February
Often recognised as Chinese New Year, but the Lunar New Year is also celebrated by other Asian countries with their own rituals. It is typically celebrated from the first new moon of the lunar calendar to the first full moon 15 days later.
Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January
Holocaust Memorial Day is marked each year on the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, and is designated as a day for sombre reflection on all the victims of the Holocaust. It is also the day to remember all those killed in the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
LGBT+ History Month February
To encourage and celebrate honesty and openness about being LGBT+.
International Womens Day ¬ 8 March
A 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.
Ramadan March/April
The month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from before sunrise to sunset, begins following the sighting of the moon over Mecca and lasts for 30 days. At the end of the 30 days, there is a celebration, called Eid al-Fitr. The timetables differ between different sects.
Autism Awareness Day 2 April World
To highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
Earth Day 22 April
To raise awareness and highlight the importance of environmental issues to help take care of the planet.
Deaf Awareness Week 7-13 May
Deaf Awareness Week aims to raise visibility for deaf people, and the things that the non-deaf community can do to help.
Diabetes Week 12-18 June
4.3 million people in the UK live with diabetes. So, Diabetes Week celebrates the resilience of these individuals.
Windrush Day 22 June
To celebrate British Caribbean communities and acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions the Windrush generation have made to British society.
Yom Kippur Sep 24-Sep 25 2023
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and considered the holiest day in Judaism, typically observed with fasting and prayer in alignment with the theme of repentance.
Black History Month October
To celebrate and raise awareness of Black history and culture through a range of events, including food festivals, music workshops and educational talks.
World Blindness Awareness Month October
To raise awareness for the struggles that face the blind community, and to encourage non-blind people to learn how to ease these struggles.
World Mental Health Day 10 October
To raise awareness of mental health issues around the world.
World Menopause Day 18 October 2023
To raise awareness of the menopause and the support available to improve wellbeing.
Diwali 12 November 2023
Diwali (or Deepavali) is a lunar five-day Festival of Lights for Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities, celebrated with displays of lanterns, candles and fireworks, as well as music, food and dancing.
UK Disability History Month 16 November to 16 December
An annual event to focus on the history of the struggle for equality and human rights by people with disabilities.
World AIDS Day 1 December
Though progressions in medicine made HIV a manageable disease, the AIDS epidemic killed approximately 40 million people. AIDS has historically affected the gay community in the UK, and many members of the African community particularly South Africa are affected by it, too.
Hanukkah or Chanukah 7-15 December 2023
An eight-day festival of lights celebrated by the Jewish community through food and the coming together of close family and friends.
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