Multicultural Calendar

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May 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.

Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month. During this month, we celebrate the many vibrant languages, ethnicities, and religious traditions that Asian-Canadians bring to our communities. Asian Heritage Month also provides us with an opportunity to learn more about the history, influence and positive impacts of Canadians of Asian descent. Learn more about Asian Heritage Month.
Jewish Heritage Month
Every May, we recognize the many contributions of Jewish communities to the fabric of Canadian society. By learning about Jewish culture and traditions, we can showcase and celebrate the many impacts of Jewish-Canadians across the country. Learn more about Jewish Heritage Month.
Vesak or Buddha Purnima - May 1
Vesak or Buddha’s Birthday is observed by East and Southeast Asians all over the world. The exact date is based on the Asian lunar calendar and varies by region. This holiday commemorates Buddha’s birth and enlightenment. It’s celebrated uniquely from country to country. Learn more about Vesak.
Mental Health Week - May 4 to 10
The Canadian Mental Health Association designated May 4 to 10 as Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s theme is, “Come Together Canada”, which focuses on finding small, everyday actions of connection, while recognizing the role we all play in supporting mental health through connection.. Learn more about Mental Health Week.
Red Dress Day - May 5
Red Dress Day, also referred to as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous, Women, Girls and Two Spirit People, takes place annually on May 5. This day brings awareness to the harm and violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse communities. By displaying red dresses, we honour and recognize communities impacted by this crisis. Learn more from Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Cinco de Mayo - May 5
Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is celebrated each year to commemorate the victory of the Mexican Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This holiday has evolved to include commemorations of Mexican culture, heritage, and resilience. Learn more about Cinco de Mayo.
National Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism - May 10
May 10 is recognized as National Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism. As violence and discrimination against Asian-Canadians is on the rise, this day reminds us to reflect on the historical injustices and to continue calling out racism, xenophobia and misinformation. Let’s do our part to stop Asian hate. Learn more about addressing anti-Asian racism in Durham.
Mother's Day - May 10
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and mother figures who have impacted us personally and contributed to the growth and success of their communities.
Ascension Day - May 14
Christians all over the world recognize May 14 as Ascension Day to mark Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. This holiday is observed by attending church services, participating in processions, and listening to hymns. Learn more about Ascension Day.
International Day of Families - May 15
May 15 is the International Day of Families. On this day, we raise awareness of all the challenges that families face and encourage the development of family-oriented policies and programs. Learn more about the International Day of Families.
Global Accessibility Awareness Day - May 15
Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is recognized every third Thursday in May to celebrate and promote digital accessibility and inclusion worldwide. GAAD inspires discussions, learning and further innovation for a more accessible world. Learn more about accessibility at Durham Region.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia - May 17
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. On this day, we draw attention to the alarming violence and harm faced by people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Learn more about International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
Victoria Day - May 19
Victoria Day is observed on the Monday before the 25th of May each year to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria. Canadians embrace this holiday as it also generally marks the transition to warmer weather.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development - May 21
Every year on May 21, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated. This day highlights the richness of the world’s cultures and the importance of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development. Learn more about World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
Shavuot - May 21
Shavuot is a major Jewish holiday. It was originally a harvest festival, and now also commemorates the giving of the Law (the Torah).Learn more about Shavuot.
African Liberation Day - May 25
African Liberation Day is a celebration of independence and African identity taking place on May 25. On this day people of African decent across the continent and world reflect on the harms caused by colonialism. It is also time to focus on continuing efforts to decolonize and rebuild a sense of African unity. Learn more about African Liberation Day.
Day of Arafah - May 25
On the Day of Arafah, millions of Muslims will travel to Mecca for the sacred pilgrimage. This holy day is also observed through prayer and by donating to charity. Learn more about Day of Arafah.
Eid al Adha - May 26
May 26 or 27 marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world. The actual date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. This is one of Islam’s most important holidays, usually lasting three-to-four days and including prayer, spending time with family and participating in charitable activities. Learn more about Eid al-Adha.
World MS Day - May 30
World MS (Multiple sclerosis) Day is May 30. This day presents an opportunity to celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future. We are encouraged to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with those affected by MS. Learn more about World MS Day.
National AccessAbility Week - May 31 to June 6
National AccessAbility Week takes place from May 31 to June 6. This week presents an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and highlight the work being done to remove barriers in our communities. We are encouraged to continue efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces. Learn more about National AccessAbility Week.

Asian Heritage Month

May is Asian Heritage Month. During this month, we celebrate the many vibrant languages, ethnicities, and religious traditions that Asian-Canadians bring to our communities. Asian Heritage Month also provides us with an opportunity to learn more about the history, influence and positive impacts of Canadians of Asian descent. Learn more about Asian Heritage Month.

Jewish Heritage Month

Every May, we recognize the many contributions of Jewish communities to the fabric of Canadian society. By learning about Jewish culture and traditions, we can showcase and celebrate the many impacts of Jewish-Canadians across the country. Learn more about Jewish Heritage Month.

Vesak or Buddha Purnima - May 1

Vesak or Buddha’s Birthday is observed by East and Southeast Asians all over the world. The exact date is based on the Asian lunar calendar and varies by region. This holiday commemorates Buddha’s birth and enlightenment. It’s celebrated uniquely from country to country. Learn more about Vesak.

Mental Health Week - May 4 to 10

The Canadian Mental Health Association designated May 4 to 10 as Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s theme is, “Come Together Canada”, which focuses on finding small, everyday actions of connection, while recognizing the role we all play in supporting mental health through connection.. Learn more about Mental Health Week.

Red Dress Day - May 5

Red Dress Day, also referred to as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous, Women, Girls and Two Spirit People, takes place annually on May 5. This day brings awareness to the harm and violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse communities. By displaying red dresses, we honour and recognize communities impacted by this crisis. Learn more from Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Cinco de Mayo - May 5

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is celebrated each year to commemorate the victory of the Mexican Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This holiday has evolved to include commemorations of Mexican culture, heritage, and resilience. Learn more about Cinco de Mayo.

National Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism - May 10

May 10 is recognized as National Day of Action Against Anti-Asian Racism. As violence and discrimination against Asian-Canadians is on the rise, this day reminds us to reflect on the historical injustices and to continue calling out racism, xenophobia and misinformation. Let’s do our part to stop Asian hate. Learn more about addressing anti-Asian racism in Durham.

Mother's Day - May 10

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and mother figures who have impacted us personally and contributed to the growth and success of their communities.

Ascension Day - May 14

Christians all over the world recognize May 14 as Ascension Day to mark Jesus Christ’s ascension into heaven. This holiday is observed by attending church services, participating in processions, and listening to hymns. Learn more about Ascension Day.

International Day of Families - May 15

May 15 is the International Day of Families. On this day, we raise awareness of all the challenges that families face and encourage the development of family-oriented policies and programs. Learn more about the International Day of Families.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day - May 15

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) is recognized every third Thursday in May to celebrate and promote digital accessibility and inclusion worldwide. GAAD inspires discussions, learning and further innovation for a more accessible world. Learn more about accessibility at Durham Region.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia - May 17

May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. On this day, we draw attention to the alarming violence and harm faced by people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Learn more about International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Victoria Day - May 19

Victoria Day is observed on the Monday before the 25th of May each year to celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria. Canadians embrace this holiday as it also generally marks the transition to warmer weather.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development - May 21

Every year on May 21, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is celebrated. This day highlights the richness of the world’s cultures and the importance of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development. Learn more about World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

Shavuot - May 21

Shavuot is a major Jewish holiday. It was originally a harvest festival, and now also commemorates the giving of the Law (the Torah).Learn more about Shavuot.

African Liberation Day - May 25

African Liberation Day is a celebration of independence and African identity taking place on May 25. On this day people of African decent across the continent and world reflect on the harms caused by colonialism. It is also time to focus on continuing efforts to decolonize and rebuild a sense of African unity. Learn more about African Liberation Day.

Day of Arafah - May 25

On the Day of Arafah, millions of Muslims will travel to Mecca for the sacred pilgrimage. This holy day is also observed through prayer and by donating to charity. Learn more about Day of Arafah.

Eid al Adha - May 26

May 26 or 27 marks the beginning of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world. The actual date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

This is one of Islam’s most important holidays, usually lasting three-to-four days and including prayer, spending time with family and participating in charitable activities. Learn more about Eid al-Adha.

World MS Day - May 30

World MS (Multiple sclerosis) Day is May 30. This day presents an opportunity to celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future. We are encouraged to share stories, raise awareness and campaign with those affected by MS. Learn more about World MS Day.

National AccessAbility Week - May 31 to June 6

National AccessAbility Week takes place from May 31 to June 6. This week presents an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities and highlight the work being done to remove barriers in our communities. We are encouraged to continue efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion for all in our communities and workplaces. Learn more about National AccessAbility Week.