Multicultural Calendar

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October Significant Observances

NOTE: The Multicultural Calendars are educational and informational resources only. They are not intended to be, nor should be relied upon as an authority on significant days of observance or to guide accommodation decisions. If you require information and advice about the accommodation of religious, cultural and significant observances, please consult the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.

While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of these dates, the actual day of observance may vary.

We rely on the expertise of our community and faith groups to assist in making our list as accurate and representative as possible. Please send any feedback, updates or corrections to diversity@durham.ca.

Canadian Islamic History Month
October is Canadian Islamic History Month. This month presents an opportunity to explore and celebrate the profound contributions of Muslim communities to Canadian society. Learn more about Canadian Islamic History Month.
Latin American Heritage Month
October is Latin American Heritage Month. During this month, we recognize the many contributions of Latin American communities to the social, economic and political fabric of Canadian society. Learn more about Latin American Heritage Month.
2SLGBTQI+ History Month
In October, we recognize 2SLGBTQI+ History Month. During this month, we celebrate the history and achievements of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It is also an opportunity to recommit to creating an inclusive region where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Learn more about 2SLGBTQI+ History Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place in October. During this month, we recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic communities to Canadian society. Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.
Women's History Month
Women's History Month takes place in October. During this month, we celebrate all achievements of women and girls throughout history. It also presents an opportunity to recognize the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous women, women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, as well as newcomer, racialized and migrant women. Learn more about Women’s History Month.
Disability Employment Awareness Month
October mark Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), a time to highlight the importance of inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities. It's a chance to spark conversations about equitable employment and to work together toward more inclusive hiring practices. Learn more about DEAM.
International Day of Non-Violence - October 2
The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2 of each year. It is an opportunity to promote peace, acceptance, understanding and the use of non-violence principles. Learn more about the International Day of Non-Violence.
Yom Kippur - October 1-2
Yom Kippur will be observed by Jewish communities all over the world starting on the evening of October 1, morning of October 2. This holy time includes fasting and prayer. Learn more about Yom Kippur.
Navratri - September 22 - October 2
Navrati is a Hindu festival celebrating the goddess, Devi. It is celebrated around the world in many different ways and spans over nine nights. This holiday coincides with Durga Puja, a Hindu festival celebrating goddess Durga and the victory of good over evil. Learn more about Navratri.
World Teachers' Day - October 5
World Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on October 5. it is an opportunity to recognize the impact of teachers across the world. Learn more about World Teachers’ Day.
Mid-Autumn Festival - October 6
The Mid-Autumn Festival – also called Moon Festival—is a celebration that marks of the end of the autumn harvest, and occurs during the middle of autumn, when the moon is at its fullest. This festival is celebrated in China and in many countries in East and Southeast Asia. Communities observe this festival by gathering for dinners, lighting paper lanterns and eating mooncakes. Learn more about Mid-Autumn Festival.
World Mental Health Day - October 10
October 10 is World Mental Health Day. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Learn more about World Mental Health Day.
World Homeless Day - October 10
October 10 is World Homeless Day, which aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to alleviate suffering and prevent death. Learn more about World Homeless Day.
International Day of the Girl Child - October 11
Each year on October 11, we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, seeing girls for who they truly are, listening to and amplify their voices and recognizing their limitless potential. Learn more about International Day of the Girl Child.
Coming Out Day - October 11
October 11 is National Coming Out Day. Coming out is a deeply personal process of socially acknowledging one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It provides individuals with the space and opportunity to define their identities and on their own terms and with their own agency. Learn more about National Coming Out Day.
Thanksgiving - October 13
Each year, we celebrate by gathering with loved ones and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal together. This is also a time for celebrating Autumn Harvest and giving thanks to our lands and waters for the nourishment they provide us all. For many Indigenous communities, this holiday is a painful reminder of the history and legacy of colonialism, including the loss of land and culture. Take a moment to reflect on how we can continue to advance truth and reconciliation.
International Pronouns Day - October 15
International Pronouns Day is recognized on the third Wednesday in October. This day seeks to make respecting, sharing and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Using the wrong pronouns to refer to people is harmful and demeaning, and particularly affects transgender, gender diverse and non-binary communities. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people's multiple, intersecting identities. Learn more about International Pronouns Day.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - October 17
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is recognized annually to promote awareness and understanding of the realities that some are facing. It provides us with an opportunity to stand in solidarity with people living in poverty and renew commitments to create a just economy focused on protecting human and environmental well-being. Learn more about the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Persons Day - October 18
October 18 is Persons Day. On this day in 1929, the highest court in Canada decided to include a women in the legal definition of "person". While this marked a significant milestone in gender equity, not all women were included in this definition. Learn more about Persons Day.
Diwali - October 20
This year, Diwali, or the festival of lights, begins on October 20. This holiday is celebrated all over the world by gathering with loved ones and watching fireworks. Learn more about Diwali.

Canadian Islamic History Month

October is Canadian Islamic History Month. This month presents an opportunity to explore and celebrate the profound contributions of Muslim communities to Canadian society. Learn more about Canadian Islamic History Month.

Latin American Heritage Month

October is Latin American Heritage Month. During this month, we recognize the many contributions of Latin American communities to the social, economic and political fabric of Canadian society. Learn more about Latin American Heritage Month.

2SLGBTQI+ History Month

In October, we recognize 2SLGBTQI+ History Month. During this month, we celebrate the history and achievements of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. It is also an opportunity to recommit to creating an inclusive region where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Learn more about 2SLGBTQI+ History Month.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place in October. During this month, we recognize the rich contributions of Hispanic communities to Canadian society. Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month.

Women's History Month

Women's History Month takes place in October. During this month, we celebrate all achievements of women and girls throughout history. It also presents an opportunity to recognize the unique perspectives and experiences of Indigenous women, women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities, as well as newcomer, racialized and migrant women. Learn more about Women’s History Month.

Disability Employment Awareness Month

October mark Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), a time to highlight the importance of inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities. It's a chance to spark conversations about equitable employment and to work together toward more inclusive hiring practices. Learn more about DEAM.

International Day of Non-Violence - October 2

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed on October 2 of each year. It is an opportunity to promote peace, acceptance, understanding and the use of non-violence principles. Learn more about the International Day of Non-Violence.

Yom Kippur - October 1-2

Yom Kippur will be observed by Jewish communities all over the world starting on the evening of October 1, morning of October 2. This holy time includes fasting and prayer. Learn more about Yom Kippur.

Navratri - September 22 - October 2

Navrati is a Hindu festival celebrating the goddess, Devi. It is celebrated around the world in many different ways and spans over nine nights. This holiday coincides with Durga Puja, a Hindu festival celebrating goddess Durga and the victory of good over evil. Learn more about Navratri.

World Teachers' Day - October 5

World Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on October 5. it is an opportunity to recognize the impact of teachers across the world. Learn more about World Teachers’ Day.

Mid-Autumn Festival - October 6

The Mid-Autumn Festival – also called Moon Festival—is a celebration that marks of the end of the autumn harvest, and occurs during the middle of autumn, when the moon is at its fullest. This festival is celebrated in China and in many countries in East and Southeast Asia. Communities observe this festival by gathering for dinners, lighting paper lanterns and eating mooncakes. Learn more about Mid-Autumn Festival.

World Mental Health Day - October 10

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. Learn more about World Mental Health Day.

World Homeless Day - October 10

October 10 is World Homeless Day, which aims to raise awareness about the needs of people who currently experience homelessness and promote work in local communities to alleviate suffering and prevent death. Learn more about World Homeless Day.

International Day of the Girl Child - October 11

Each year on October 11, we celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, seeing girls for who they truly are, listening to and amplify their voices and recognizing their limitless potential. Learn more about International Day of the Girl Child.

Coming Out Day - October 11

October 11 is National Coming Out Day. Coming out is a deeply personal process of socially acknowledging one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It provides individuals with the space and opportunity to define their identities and on their own terms and with their own agency. Learn more about National Coming Out Day.

Thanksgiving - October 13

Each year, we celebrate by gathering with loved ones and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal together.

This is also a time for celebrating Autumn Harvest and giving thanks to our lands and waters for the nourishment they provide us all.

For many Indigenous communities, this holiday is a painful reminder of the history and legacy of colonialism, including the loss of land and culture. Take a moment to reflect on how we can continue to advance truth and reconciliation.

International Pronouns Day - October 15

International Pronouns Day is recognized on the third Wednesday in October. This day seeks to make respecting, sharing and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Using the wrong pronouns to refer to people is harmful and demeaning, and particularly affects transgender, gender diverse and non-binary communities. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people's multiple, intersecting identities. Learn more about International Pronouns Day.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - October 17

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is recognized annually to promote awareness and understanding of the realities that some are facing. It provides us with an opportunity to stand in solidarity with people living in poverty and renew commitments to create a just economy focused on protecting human and environmental well-being. Learn more about the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Persons Day - October 18

October 18 is Persons Day. On this day in 1929, the highest court in Canada decided to include a women in the legal definition of "person". While this marked a significant milestone in gender equity, not all women were included in this definition. Learn more about Persons Day.

Diwali - October 20

This year, Diwali, or the festival of lights, begins on October 20. This holiday is celebrated all over the world by gathering with loved ones and watching fireworks. Learn more about Diwali.