Multicultural Calendar
April Significant Observances
Sikh Heritage Month - April 1 |
In 2013, April was proclaimed Sikh Heritage Month in Ontario. During this month important social, economic and political contributions from Sikh communities to Canada are recognized. April is also a time to celebrate and share the art, heritage and culture from Sikh communities. Learn more about Sikh Heritage Month. |
World Autism Day - April 2 |
April 2 is recognized as World Autism Awareness Day by the United Nations to raise awareness and champion inclusion of individuals who live with autism spectrum disorder and to support ongoing research to find ways to improve wellness and inclusion. Learn more about World Autism Awareness Day. |
Laylat Al-Qadr - April 5 |
Laylat Al-Qadr is observed on April 5, during the holiest month for Muslims, Ramadan. It is recognized as the night when the Quran—the sacred religious text of Islam— was passed down from heaven. Learn more about Laylat Al-Qadr. |
World Health Day - April 7 |
Every year on April 7 we recognize World Health Day. This years’ theme is “My health, my right,” to champion the rights of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health services, education and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination . Learn more about World Health Day. |
Eid al-Fitr - April 9 |
Taking place on April 9 ending at sundown of April 10, Eid al-Fitr commemorates the end of Ramadan, a holy and sacred month of fasting. This holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide by gathering with loved ones, breaking the fast, offering special prayers and charity. Learn more about Eid al-Fitr. |
International Day of Pink - April 10 |
The second Wednesday of April is recognized as the International Day of Pink. On April 10, we are encouraged to wear pink in solidarity and allyship with 2SLGBTQI+ communities; to show our commitment to stand up against bullying and to promote acceptance, equity and a barrier-free society. Learn more about International Day of Pink. |
Lao New Year - April 13 to 16 |
Lao New Year is celebrated from April 13 to 16. This holiday is the most important festival in Laos and includes attending monasteries, engaging in chants, participating in ceremonies, wearing traditional clothes, music, dancing and making offerings for good luck in the coming year. Learn more about Lao New Year. |
Vaisakhi - April 13 |
Vaisakhi takes place on April 13 and marks the start of a new year for Hindu and Sikh communities. This holiday commemorates the spring harvest festival. Celebrations include practicing rituals, wearing traditional clothing, cooking cultural foods, attending community fairs, raising flags, singing and dancing. Learn more about Vaisakhi. |
Tamil New Year - April 14 |
Tamil New Year is observed on April 14. Celebrations include dressing up in cultural wear, meeting loved ones and exchanging gifts. Learn more about Tamil New Year. |
National American Sign Language Day - April 15 |
On April 15, we recognize American Sign Language Day. It is widely used to communicate and is expressed through movements of the hands and face. American Sign Language is the primary language of Deaf communities, hard of hearing and non-verbal individuals. Learn more about National American Sign Language Day. |
Chinese Language Day - April 20 |
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization— UNESCO first created Chinese Language Day in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. April 20 was selected to pay tribute to Cangjie, a figure from ancient China said to have invented Chinese characters. Today, more than a billion people worldwide speak one of the many Chinese dialects. Learn more about Chinese Language Day. |
International Mother Earth Day - April 22 |
Annually on April 22, we celebrate International Mother Earth Day. This day was designated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the many challenges our environment is facing. This day promotes ways that we can shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. We can also discover new ways of reducing our carbon footprint like carpooling, donating gently used clothing, recycling and composting. Learn more about World Mother Earth Day. |
National Day of Mourning - April 28 |
April 28 is recognized as the National Day of Mourning in Canada to honour all who have suffered a workplace death, injury or illness, and to show support to friends, families and colleagues whose lives have been affected by these devastating occurrences. By sharing these stories, we renew our commitment to making workplaces healthy and safe to prevent these fatal accidents from happening again. Learn more about National Day of Mourning. |
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