2018 Calendar – Cultural and Religious Dates
Date Event Index Notes
1-Jan-18 New Year's Day Festival
1-Jan-18 Liberation Day Cuba
1-Jan-18 Independence Day Haiti
1-Jan-18 National Day Sudan
St Basil was one of the greatest leaders and thinkers of the Orthodox Christian church. In Orthodox 1-Jan-18 Feast of St Basil many Greek homes, a special cake is baked on the eve of St Basil's Day with a gold or Christian silver coin hidden inside.
Myanmar 4-Jan-18 Independence Day (Burma)
Birth of Guru Gobindh On this day people of Sikh faith honour the birth of the founder of the Khalsa who lived 5-Jan-18 Sikh Singh, 10th Guru from 1666 - 1708 (Khalsa refers to the collective body of all baptised Sikhs).
6-Jan-18 Epiphany Christian Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ.
Armenian Armenian Christmas 6-Jan-18 Orthodox The Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on this day. Day Christian
The Holy Nativity Feast Orthodox 7-Jan-18 Eastern Orthodox Churches that use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on this day. (Nativity of Christ) Christian
Coptic 19-Jan-18 Coptic Epiphany Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ. Orthodox
Schützenfest, Adelaide Schützenfest is a festival celebrating German culture and featuring competitive shooting, 19-Jan-18 Festival (to 20 January) music, dancing, food and drink. Australia’s first Schützenfest was held in Adelaide in 1865.
Observed in over 80 countries, the aim of World Religion Day is to foster interfaith 21-Jan-18 World Religion Day Interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasising the common elements underlying all religions.
On this night, Scots everywhere honour Robert Burns, poet, balladeer and for many, 25-Jan-18 Burns Night Festival Scotland's favourite son. Burns Night is a night for all Scots to celebrate their heritage.
On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what's great about Australia and being Australian. Australia Day celebrations are held in communities across the 26-Jan-18 Australia Day Australia country. Order of Australia awards are announced on Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday each year.
26-Jan-18 Republic Day India
31-Jan-18 National Day Nauru
Independence 4-Feb-18 Sri Lanka Commemoration Day
6-Feb-18 Waitangi Day New Zealand
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Date Event Index Notes
7-Feb-18 Independence Day Grenada
Lonsdale Street 10-Feb-18 Festival, Melbourne (to Festival This popular festival takes over Lonsdale Street to celebrate all things Greek. 11 February)
Victory of the Islamic 11-Feb-18 Iran Revolution in Iran
This event marks the anniversary of the Apology to Australia’s Indigenous peoples in the House of Representatives on 13 February 2008 by former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, apologising for past laws, policies and practices that have impacted on Australia’s First Nations Peoples, particularly members of the Stolen Generations. The motion was 13-Feb-18 National Apology Day Australia supported by the Opposition and passed through both houses of Parliament; Brendan Nelson (former Leader of the Opposition) gave a formal response. Many members of the Stolen Generations were present in the Chamber to hear the Apology and thousands more filled the Great Hall of Parliament House and flowed out onto the lawns to watch it on big screens. The Apology was broadcast across Australia.
13-Feb-18 Shrove Tuesday Christian Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent. Pancakes are traditionally eaten on this day.
Ash Wednesday - Lent Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar, 14-Feb-18 Christian begins traditionally a time of fasting and reflection. It begins with Ash Wednesday.
15-Feb-18 Parinirvana Day Buddhist This day is an observance of the death of the Buddha (Mahayana tradition).
15-Feb-18 National Day Serbia
Vietnamese people celebrate Tet with family reunions, special foods and gifts. This Tet (Vietnamese Lunar 15-Feb-18 Festival festival is also an opportunity for Vietnamese Australians to share their cultural heritage New Year) with the wider Australian community.
Tibetan New Year Losar is an occasion to dispel the obstacles and negativities of the old year and is marked 16-Feb-18 Buddhist (Losar) with activities that symbolise purification.
16-Feb-18 Independence Day Lithuania
Chinese New Year The Year of the Dog is eleventh in the Chinese zodiac. The Dog represents loyalty and 16-Feb-18 Festival (Year of the Dog) sincerity.
National Multicultural The National Multicultural Festival features local, national and international music, dance, 16-Feb-18 Festival - Canberra (to Festival food and creative arts. 18 February)
17-Feb-18 Independence Day Kosovo
Greek Festival of The Greek Festival of Sydney, one of Australia's largest and longest running annual 17-Feb-18 Sydney (to 18 Festival cultural events, is a celebration of Greek-Australian lifestyle, culture and heritage. February)
18-Feb-18 National Day Gambia
International Mother The United Nations' (UN) International Mother Language Day annually celebrates 21-Feb-18 Festival Language Day language diversity and variety worldwide on February 21.
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Date Event Index Notes
22-Feb-18 National Day Saint Lucia
Brunei 23-Feb-18 National Day Darussalam
23-Feb-18 National Day Guyana
24-Feb-18 Independence Day Estonia
Pako Festa is a celebration of cultural diversity and attracts thousands of people to enjoy 24-Feb-18 Pako Festa, Geelong Festival food, folk dancing, art exhibitions, films, craft, activities for children and the Pako Parade.
25-Feb-18 National Day Kuwait
Dominican 27-Feb-18 Independence Day Republic
Purim - begins at Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from sunset on 28 February 28-Feb-18 Jewish extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther and her uncle and and ends at sunset on 1 adviser, Mordechai. March
St David is the patron saint of Wales. St David's Day has been a national day of 1-Mar-18 St David's Day Wales celebration for Welsh people since the 18th century, featuring parades, festivities and singing.
Holi is a boisterous festival with people smearing each other with coloured water and 2-Mar-18 Holi Hindu bright powders. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi also commemorates some key figures in Hindu mythology.
3-Mar-18 National Day Bulgaria
6-Mar-18 Independence Day Ghana
12-Mar-18 National Day Mauritius
Every year people are encouraged to hold their own event on National Close the Gap Day to raise awareness about the 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non- National Close the Gap Indigenous 15-Mar-18 Indigenous Australians. Since 2006, the Close the Gap campaign has achieved an Day Australians enormous amount with community support. More than 150,000 people took part in 1298 separate National Close the Gap Day events across Australia in 2014.
Five Holy Days of Banja is the purest day of the year for Mandaeans. On the Five Holy Days of Pronia, the 16-Mar-18 Pronia (Banja) (to 20 Mandaean Haii Rabbe Ghadmayee created the Angels and the Universe. March)
This day is Ireland's National Day. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and brought 17-Mar-18 St Patrick's Day Ireland Christianity to Ireland in the early days of the faith.
Geelong Highland Features pipe bands, Scottish culture, livestock, merchandise, music, dancing and haggis 18-Mar-18 Festival Gathering hurling.
20-Mar-18 Anniversary of the Tunisia Independence of the
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Date Event Index Notes
Republic of Tunisia
Norouz means ‘new day’ in Persian and is a traditional festival of spring that has been Norouz (various celebrated for more than 3000 years. The ancient celebration of Nowruz is shared by 21-Mar-18 Iran, Kurd spellings) New Year many peoples from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and others in the Black Sea basin, the Balkans, the Caucasus and western, central and southern Asia.
Naw-Ruz - begins at This is the Baha’i New Year, marking the first day in the Baha’i calendar. Work is 21-Mar-18 Baha'i sunset on 20 March suspended on this day.
21-Mar-18 Independence Day Namibia
Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the 21-Mar-18 Harmony Day Australia benefits of cultural diversity. Schools, community groups and organisations across
Australia host Harmony Day events. http://www.harmony.gov.au
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “all human beings are born free International Day for the and equal in dignity and rights”. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial 21-Mar-18 Elimination of Racial United Nations Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this Discrimination ideal.
23-Mar-18 National Day Pakistan
25-Mar-18 Independence Day Greece
This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, 25-Mar-18 Ramanavami Hindu ‘The Ramayana’. The day involves the telling of stories and attending temples.
25-Mar-18 Palm Sunday Christian The final Sunday before Easter Sunday, marks the beginning of (Christian) Holy Week.
26-Mar-18 Independence Day Bangladesh
Maundy Thursday (Holy Holy Thursday is the day that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples, four 29-Mar-18 Christian Thursday) days after his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
Passover is the first and most significant of the Jewish pilgrim festivals (i.e. festivals which Pesach/Passover - since ancient times have been celebrated by Jews in Israel making a pilgrimage to begins at sunset on 30 Jerusalem and praying at the site of the Holy Temple). It celebrates the redemption by 30-Mar-18 Jewish March and ends at God of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, and marks the birth of our nation. Work sunset on 7 April is not permitted on the first two and last two days. Many Jews refrain from work during the whole festival.
Australian Sikh Games, The annual Sikh Games provide an opportunity for Australia's Sikh communities to unite 30-Mar-18 Carnival Sydney (to 1 April) through sporting and social activities.
This is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. 30-Mar-18 Good Friday Christian Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
Also known as Sangha Day, this day celebrates the community of followers of the 31-Mar-18 Magha Puja Buddhist teachings of Buddha (Theravada tradition).
This day is a Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of Lord Rama. 31-Mar-18 Hanuman Jayanti Hindu Devotion and selfless work are encouraged.
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Date Event Index Notes
Kha b-Nisan - Assyrian 1-Apr-18 Assyrian Assyrians celebrate this day as their national festival. New Year
On the Sunday before the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha and at the beginning of the Palm Sunday Orthodox 1-Apr-18 Orthodox Holy Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of its most joyous feasts of the (Orthodox) Christian year.
Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death 1-Apr-18 Easter Sunday Christian by crucifixion. It is the most significant event of the Christian calendar.
In addition to its religious significance, Easter in Australia is enjoyed as a four-day holiday 2-Apr-18 Easter Monday Australia weekend starting on Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday. This long weekend is an opportunity to take a holiday or get together with family and friends.
Gold Coast The 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will be hosted by the Gold Coast, 4-Apr-18 Commonwealth Games Queensland. More than 6600 athletes and officials from 70 Commonwealth nations and (to 15 April) territories will take part in 11 days of competition.
4-Apr-18 Independence Day Senegal
Orthodox 6-Apr-18 Holy Friday (Orthodox) On Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. Christian
Brigadoon. The Brigadoon in 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the highland gathering in Bundanoon. 7-Apr-18 Bundanoon Highland Festival With 20 pipe bands, highland games, the tartan warriors, dancers, stalls and clan Gathering representatives, this is the largest event of its kind in Australia.
Holy Saturday Orthodox On Holy Saturday the Orthodox Church commemorates the burial of Christ and his 7-Apr-18 (Orthodox) Christian descent into Hades.
Pascha (Easter Orthodox Many Orthodox Christians in Australia celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter 8-Apr-18 Sunday) Christian Sunday, also known as Pascha.
Yom Hashoah V’Hagevurah literally the “Day of (Remembrance of) the Holocaust and the This day remembers the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. It is 11-Apr-18 Jewish Heroism” Holocaust observed by many people of Jewish and other faiths. Memorial Day - begins at sunset on 11 April and ends at sunset on 12 April
Songkran, the Thai New Year and Water Festival, is one of Thailand's oldest and favourite Songkran - Thai New 13-Apr-18 Festival festivals. Thai communities across Australia celebrate this festival with food, crafts and Year (to 15 April) entertainment.
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival which marks the beginning 14-Apr-18 Baisakhi or Vaisakhi Sikh of a new solar year and harvest season. Baisakhi also marks the founding of the Khalsa in the 17th century, which is the collective body of all baptised Sikhs.
Pohela Boishakh 14-Apr-18 Bengal Marks the first day of the Bangla Calendar (Bengali New Year)
16-Apr-18 Queen's Birthday Denmark
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Date Event Index Notes
Syrian Arab 17-Apr-18 National Day Republic
18-Apr-18 National Day Zimbabwe
Yom Ha'Atzmaut Independe 19-Apr-18 Israel nce Day - begins at sundown on 18 April
First Day of Ridvan - This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that 21-Apr-18 begins at sunset on 20 Baha'i he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the April festival.
St George is the patron saint of England. St George, a prominent military saint, is one of 23-Apr-18 St George's Day England the most venerated saints in the Anglican church.
Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important dates of national commemoration. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand 25-Apr-18 Anzac Day Australia forces during the First World War (1914-18), at Gallipoli. Dawn services at war memorials honour the sacrifice of those who died in war. Marches and reunions are held during the day.
26-Apr-18 Union Day Tanzania
Official Birthday of His 27-Apr-18 Majesty, King Wilem- Netherlands Alexander
27-Apr-18 Independence Day Sierra Leone
27-Apr-18 Freedom Day South Africa
27-Apr-18 Togolais National Day Togo
Ninth Day of Ridvan - This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that 29-Apr-18 begins at sunset on 28 Baha'i he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the April festival.
30-Apr-18 Theravada New Year Buddhist New Year Buddhist festival.
Marshall 1-May-18 National Day Islands
Twelfth Day of Ridvan - This Baha'i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha'u'llah declared that 2-May-18 begins at sunset on 1 Baha'i he was God's messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the May festival.
3-May-18 National Day Poland
Australian Celtic This festival is a celebration of Celtic culture including dancing, music, singing, massed 3-May-18 Festival, Glen Innes Festival pipe bands, strongman events, Celtic foods and children’s programs. NSW (to 6 May)
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Date Event Index Notes
European 9-May-18 Europe Day Union
This day observes the departure of Jesus from earth after his resurrection. It is perhaps 10-May-18 Ascension of Christ Christian the earliest observed celebration in Christianity.
Yom Marks the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. Special prayers are read in 11-May-18 Yerushalayim/Jerusale Jewish synagogues, and communal celebrations take place m Day
14-May-18 National Day Paraguay
Ramadan - begins at sunset 15 May (the date Ramadan is the most auspicious month on the Islamic calendar, being the month in which 16-May-18 specified is an estimate Islamic the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan due to the lunar Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset. calendar)
17-May-18 Constitution Day Norway
Forty days after the Resurrection, while blessing his disciples, Christ ascended into Orthodox 17-May-18 Ascension of Jesus heaven, taking his place at the right of his Father. The Ascension of Jesus is one of the Christian Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church.
Shavuot - begins at Shavuot is a Jewish celebration of Moses's descent from Mount Sinai with the Ten sunset on 19 May and 19-May-18 Jewish Commandments. It is the second of the Jewish pilgrim festivals. Some Jews refrain from ends at sunset on 21 work on Shavuot. May
Paniyiri is Brisbane’s well known celebration of Greek culture and heritage, held annually Paniyiri Greek Festival, 19-May-18 Festival at Musgrave Park. Visitors enjoy delicacies from the different islands and regions of Brisbane (to 20 May) Greece, together with music and dance.
This date marks the birthday of John the Baptist (also known as Yahya Yohana to 20-May-18 Dehwa Daymaneh Mandaean Mandaeans).
20-May-18 National Day Cameroon
Restoration of 20-May-18 Timor-Leste Independence
Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and is regarded by some Christians as the 20-May-18 Pentecost Christian birthday of the Christian church.
World Day for Cultural 21-May-18 Diversity for Dialogue United Nations and Development
22-May-18 Unification Day Yemen This date commemorates the unification of North Yemen and South Yemen
Declaration of the Báb - This date marks the anniversary of the Báb's announcement of his mission in 1844. The 24-May-18 begins at sunset on 23 Baha'i Báb is a prophet and forerunner of the Baha'i faith. Work is suspended on this day. May
24-May-18 Independence Day Eritrea
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Date Event Index Notes
25-May-18 Independence Day Jordan
25-May-18 National Day Argentina
25-May-18 Africa Day Africa Union
26-May-18 National Day Georgia
National Sorry Day is a significant day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly for Stolen Generations survivors. The idea of holding a ‘Sorry Day’ was first mentioned as one of the 54 recommendations of the Bringing them home report, which was tabled in Parliament on 26 May 1997. This report was the result of a two year Indigenous 26-May-18 National Sorry Day National Inquiry into the forcible removal of Indigenous children from their families, Australians communities and cultural identity. On 26 May 1998 the first ‘Sorry Day’ was held in Sydney, it is now commemorated across Australia, with many thousands of people participating in memorials and commemorative events, in honour of the Stolen Generations
National Reconciliation Week is an ideal time for everyone to join the reconciliation conversation and reflect on shared histories, contributions and achievements. It is held annually from 27 May to 3 June and is a time to celebrate and build on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. Preceded by National Sorry Day on 26 May, National Reconciliation Week is framed by National Reconciliation two key events in Australia’s history, which provide strong symbols for reconciliation: 27-May-18 Australia Week (to 3 June) - 27 May 1967 – the referendum that saw more than 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Australian Government power to make laws for Indigenous people and recognise them in the census. - 3 June 1992 – the Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision, which recognised that Indigenous people have a special relationship with the land. This paved the way for land rights known as native title.
Orthodox 27-May-18 Pentecost The Coptic Church has a major feast on this day. Christian
28-May-18 National Day Ethiopia
28-May-18 National Day Nepal
28-May-18 National Day Azerbaijan
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. The date varies by Vesak Day or Buddha 29-May-18 Buddhist region and tradition. Some Countries celebrate Vesak Day 1 or 2 days either side of this Day date .
Ascension of This day marks the death of the founder of the Baha'i faith, Bahá'u'lláh, in 1892. Work is 29-May-18 Bahá'u'lláh - begins at Baha'i suspended on this day. sunset on 28 May
Samoa achieved independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962. However, 1-Jun-18 Independence Day Samoa Independence Day is celebrated annually on 1 June.
Foundation of the 2-Jun-18 Italy Republic
Indigenous 3-Jun-18 Mabo Day The Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision on 3 June 1992, which recognised Australians that Indigenous people have a special relationship with the land. This paved the way for land rights known as native title. Mabo Day is held 3 June to celebrate the life of Eddie
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Date Event Index Notes
Koiki Mabo.
6-Jun-18 National Day Sweden
National Celtic Festival, This annual festival celebrates Celtic music and culture. Each of the Celtic lands is 8-Jun-18 Portarlington, Vic (to 11 Festival represented – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. June)
Greek Glenti, Darwin (to The Greek Glenti Festival has developed into the largest ethnic celebration in the Northern 9-Jun-18 Festival 10 June) Territory.
Portugal Day, Camões Day and Day of 10-Jun-18 Portugal Portuguese Communities
Queen’s Birthday (all Celebrating the King or Queen of Australia's birthday in Australia dates back to 1788, 11-Jun-18 states except WA and Australia when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday. Order of Australia award recipients are QLD) announced on Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday.
12-Jun-18 Independence Day Philippines
Russian 12-Jun-18 National Day Federation
Eid al Fitr - end of Ramadan (the date The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, ends with the festival of Eid al Fitr. A celebratory 15-Jun-18 specified is an estimate Islamic meal breaks the fast and at this time charity and good deeds have special significance. due to the lunar Eid is also a time of forgiveness and making amends. calendar).
Martyrdom (Shahidi) of On this day Sikhs remember those who have suffered for the faith. The day is observed by 16-Jun-18 Sikh Guru Arjan Dev Sahib reading the Guru Granth Sahib.
17-Jun-18 National Day Iceland
Since early 1945, more than seven million people have come to Australia as new settlers, Refugee Week (to 23 17-Jun-18 Australia including around 800 000 people under humanitarian programs, initially as displaced June) persons and more recently as refugees.
18-Jun-18 National Day Seychelles
20-Jun-18 World Refugee Day United Nations
National Day and 23-Jun-18 Official Birthday of HRH Luxembourg the Grand Duke
25-Jun-18 Independence Day Mozambique
25-Jun-18 National Day Croatia Commemorates independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
25-Jun-18 National Day Slovenia Commemorates independence from Yugoslavia in 1991
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Date Event Index Notes
26-Jun-18 National Day Madagascar
27-Jun-18 Independence Day Djibouti
Congo, 30-Jun-18 Independence Day Democratic Republic
1-Jul-18 National Day Burundi
1-Jul-18 National Day Somalia
1-Jul-18 Canada Day Canada
The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders, wherever they may be, Coming of the Light on 1 July each year. It commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on 1-Jul-18 Festival Festival Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late nineteenth century.
Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage that commemorates the repeal of an 1-Jul-18 Tartan Day Festival English law in 1782 that had banned the wearing of tartan.
3-Jul-18 National Day Belarus
United States of 4-Jul-18 Independence Day America
5-Jul-18 Liberation Day Rwanda
5-Jul-18 National Day Cape Verde
5-Jul-18 National Day Venezuela
6-Jul-18 National Day Comoros
6-Jul-18 National Day Malawi
Solomon 7-Jul-18 National Day Islands
NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields. Its origins can be traced to the emergence of Aboriginal groups in the 1920s which sought to National NAIDOC Week increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous 8-Jul-18 Australia (to 15 July) Australians. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Activities take place across the nation during NAIDOC Week in the first full week of July. All Australians are encouraged to participate. This year’s NAIDOC theme is ‘Songlines: the living narrative of our nation’.
9-Jul-18 Independence Day South Sudan
The Báb was executed in 1850. He was a prophet and forerunner of the Baha'i faith. Work 10-Jul-18 Baha'i Martyrdom of the Báb - is suspended on this day. begins at sunset on 9
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Date Event Index Notes
July
10-Jul-18 Independence Day Bahamas
Anniversary of 11-Jul-18 Mongolian People's Mongolia Revolution
12-Jul-18 National Day Kiribati
São Tomé and 12-Jul-18 National Day Príncipe
13-Jul-18 National Day Montenegro
14-Jul-18 Bastille Day France
19-Jul-18 Kahshuzahly Mandaean On this date, Mandaeans mark new year's eve, also known as the eve of Dehva Rabba.
20-Jul-18 National Day Colombia
Accession of King 21-Jul-18 Belgium Leopold I (1831)
Anniversary of 23-Jul-18 Egypt Revolution of 23 July
26-Jul-18 National Day Liberia
26-Jul-18 National Day Maldives
Asalha Puja (Dhamma) This Buddhist date commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his 27-Jul-18 Buddhist Day enlightenment.
28-Jul-18 Independence Day Peru
H.M. King Maha 28-Jul-18 Vajiralongkorn's Thailand Birthday
30-Jul-18 Independence Day Vanuatu
30-Jul-18 Throne Day Morocco
1-Aug-18 National Day Benin
Foundation of the Swiss 1-Aug-18 Switzerland Confederation
Foundation of the Swiss 1-Aug-18 Confederation
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National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) is a celebration of Indigenous National Aboriginal & children and is held on 4 August each year. NAICD was first observed by the Secretariat 4-Aug-18 Torres Strait Islander Australia of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988. Each year SNAICC Children’s Day produces and sends out resources to help celebrations for NAICD.
4-Aug-18 Constitution Day Cook Islands
6-Aug-18 National Day Jamaica
6-Aug-18 Independence Day Bolivia
7-Aug-18 National Day Côte d’Ivoire
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed International Day of the on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous 9-Aug-18 World’s Indigenous Australia population. This event also recognises the achievements and contributions that People Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
9-Aug-18 National Day Singapore
10-Aug-18 National Day Ecuador
11-Aug-18 National Day Chad
Dormition of the Orthodox 15-Aug-18 This day commemorates the death and burial of the Virgin Mary. Theotokos Christian
Feast of the 15-Aug-18 Assumption of the Catholic The Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation. Blessed Virgin Mary
15-Aug-18 National Day India
15-Aug-18 National Day Liechtenstein
Republic of the 15-Aug-18 Independence Day Congo
Proclamation of 17-Aug-18 Indonesia Independence
17-Aug-18 National Day Gabon
19-Aug-18 Independence Day Afghanistan
Day of the Foundation 20-Aug-18 of the State of Hungary Hungary and St Stephen's Day
Eid al Adha (the date specified is an estimate The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the ordeal of Ibrahim (Abraham) who was asked to 21-Aug-18 Islamic due to the lunar sacrifice his only son to prove his faith to Allah (God). calendar)
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24-Aug-18 National Day Ukraine
25-Aug-18 Independence Day Uruguay
Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between 26-Aug-18 Raksha Bandhan Hindu brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on the wrist of her brother.
27-Aug-18 National Day Moldova
31-Aug-18 National Day Kyrgyzstan
31-Aug-18 National Day Malaysia
Trinidad and 31-Aug-18 National Day Tobago
Inauguration (Gurgadi) 1-Sep-18 Sikh This day commemorates the eternal installation of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. of Guru Granth Sahib
1-Sep-18 Constitution Day Slovakia
1-Sep-18 National Day Uzbekistan
2-Sep-18 National Day Vietnam
This festival is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the 3-Sep-18 Krishna Janmashtami Hindu birth of Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity, more than 5000 years ago.
National Foundation 3-Sep-18 San Marino Day
6-Sep-18 National Day Swaziland
7-Sep-18 Independence Day Brazil
8-Sep-18 National Day Andorra
Macedonia, The former 8-Sep-18 Independence Day Yugoslav Republic of
Rosh Hashanah/Jewish Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, commemorates the creation of the world. New Year - begins A synagogue ritual is the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet. Apples are dipped 9-Sep-18 sunset on 9 September Jewish in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year that lies ahead. Work is not permitted. Most to sunset on 11 Jews will cease work at around midday on 9 September. September
Korea, Democratic 9-Sep-18 National Day People's Republic of
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Date Event Index Notes
9-Sep-18 National Day Tajikistan
Nayrouz - Coptic New Coptic The Copts have been celebrating New Year for over 1700 years and the Coptic Orthodox 11-Sep-18 Year Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
Al Hijra/Muharram - New Year (the date Muharram is the first month of the year on the Islamic Calendar and marks the New Year 11-Sep-18 specified is an estimate Islamic for Muslims. due to the lunar calendar)
This popular festival culminates with a clay statue of the Hindu elephant god Ganesh 13-Sep-18 Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu being immersed in water to remove the misfortunes of mankind as the statue dissolves.
15-Sep-18 Independence Day Costa Rica
15-Sep-18 Independence Day El Salvador
15-Sep-18 Independence Day Guatemala
15-Sep-18 Independence Day Honduras
15-Sep-18 Independence Day Nicaragua
Proclamation of 16-Sep-18 Mexico Independence
Papua New 16-Sep-18 Independence Day Guinea
Citizenship ceremonies are held across Australia to welcome people into the Australian Australian Citizenship community. Citizenship is the bond which unites all Australians and becoming an 17-Sep-18 Australia Day Australian citizen is a step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country.
www.citizenship.gov.au/
18-Sep-18 National Day Chile
Yom Kippur - begins at sunset on 18 This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with fasting and repentance. Many Jews 18-Sep-18 September and ends at Jewish will refrain from work and attend synagogue services. Work is not permitted. Most Jews sunset on 19 will cease work at around midday on 18 September. September
Saint Kitts and 19-Sep-18 Independence Day Nevis
Ashura - begins at sunset on 20 September and ends at sunset on 21 Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark, the exodus of Moses from Egypt and the 20-Sep-18 Islamic September (the date martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson. specified is an estimate due to the lunar calendar)
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Date Event Index Notes
21-Sep-18 National Day Armenia
21-Sep-18 National Day Belize
21-Sep-18 Independence Day Malta
Oktoberfest (to 7 22-Sep-18 Festival October)
Proclamation of 22-Sep-18 Mali Independence
Succot (Tabernacles) - Succot is the third of the 3 pilgrim festivals. It commemorates the faith and trust in God of begins at sunset on 23 the people of Israel when they lived precariously in temporary dwellings during their 40 23-Sep-18 September and ends at Jewish year sojourn in the desert after leaving Egypt. It is also a thanksgiving for the harvest, sunset on 30 celebrated with three of the plant species and one type of fruit which are native to the land September of Israel. Work is not permitted on the first two days.
23-Sep-18 National Day Saudi Arabia
24-Sep-18 Independence Day Guinea-Bissau
Celebrating the King or Queen of Australia's birthday in Australia dates back to 1788, 24-Sep-18 Queen's Birthday (WA) Australia when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East Asian celebration of abundance and Mid-Autumn (Moon) 24-Sep-18 Festival togetherness, dating back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the moon Festival cake.
Shemini Atzeret - begins at sunset on 30 30-Sep-18 Jewish Shemini Atzeret is the extension of Succot to an eighth day. September and ends at sunset at 1 October
30-Sep-18 National Day Botswana
1-Oct-18 National Day China
1-Oct-18 National Day Cyprus
1-Oct-18 Independence Day Tuvalu
1-Oct-18 National Day Nigeria
1-Oct-18 National Day Palau
Celebrating the King or Queen of Australia's birthday in Australia dates back to 1788, 1-Oct-18 Queen's Birthday (QLD) Australia when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday.
Simchat Torah - begins Simchat Torah is a joyous event. The annual cycle of weekly Torah readings is completed at sunset on 1 October 1-Oct-18 Jewish at this time, which marks a period of great celebration. Special attention is given to and ends at sunset on 2 children, who join the celebrations with flags and singing. October
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Date Event Index Notes
1-Oct-18 Independence Day Guinea
National Foundation Korea, Republic 3-Oct-18 Day of
3-Oct-18 Day of German Unity Germany
4-Oct-18 Independence Day Lesotho
9-Oct-18 Independence Day Uganda
10-Oct-18 National Day Fiji
Equatorial 12-Oct-18 Independence Day Guinea
12-Oct-18 National Day Spain
This Hindu festival marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival of Dasera concludes 19-Oct-18 Vijay Dashami (Dasera) Hindu the festival of Navaratri, which extends over a number of days.
19-Oct-18 National Day Niue
24-Oct-18 Independence Day Zambia
26-Oct-18 National Day Austria
St Vincent and 27-Oct-18 National Day the Grenadines
27-Oct-18 National Day Turkmenistan
28-Oct-18 National Day Czech Republic
29-Oct-18 National Day Turkey
This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are men and women 1-Nov-18 All Saints' Day Christian recognised for lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.
Anniversary of the 1-Nov-18 Algeria Revolution
Antigua and 1-Nov-18 National Day Barbuda
3-Nov-18 Independence Day Dominica
Micronesia, 3-Nov-18 National Day Federated States of
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Date Event Index Notes
3-Nov-18 National Day Panama
Dehwa Honina The Dehwa Honina is a Pure/Holy Day for the Mandaeans. On this day Mandaeans might 4-Nov-18 Mandaean (Prosperity Feast) spend time with family, help the poor and disadvantaged and, if possible, get baptized.
4-Nov-18 National Day Tonga
Australians of Sikh faith celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas (which means ‘The Celebration of Freedom’), Sikhs celebrate the release from prison of the sixth guru, Sri Guru Hargobind 7-Nov-18 Bandi Chhor Divas Sikh Ji, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive by Mughal Emperor Jehangir with him in the Gwalior Fort in 1619.Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, candles and fireworks.
Deepavali (also known Australians of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths celebrate Deepavali (Diwali), or the Festival of Hindu, Sikh, 7-Nov-18 as Diwali) - Festival of Lights. This is a very popular festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light Jain Lights over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
Birth of the Báb - begins Baha'i followers celebrate the birth of the Báb on this day, a prophet and forerunner of 9-Nov-18 at sunset on 8 Baha'i their faith. Work is suspended on this day. November
9-Nov-18 Independence Day Cambodia
Birth of Bahá'u'lláh - On this day people of Baha'i faith refrain from work and celebrate the birth of their faith's 10-Nov-18 begins at sunset on 9 Baha'i founder. November
This day marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914– 11-Nov-18 Remembrance Day Australia 18). We observe one minute's silence at 11am in memory of the millions who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.
11-Nov-18 National Day Angola
"Tolerance does not mean indifference or a grudging acceptance of others. It is a way of International Day for 16-Nov-18 United Nations life based on mutual understanding and respect for others, and on the belief that global Tolerance diversity is to be embraced, not feared." UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Proclamation of 18-Nov-18 Latvia Independence
18-Nov-18 National Day Oman
19-Nov-18 National Day Monaco
22-Nov-18 Independence Day Lebanon
Birth of Guru Nanak Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of the Sikh faith and way of life. Sikhism stresses the 23-Nov-18 Sikh Dev Sahib importance of doing good deeds rather than merely carrying out rituals.
Martyrdom (Shahidi) of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Guru, sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of 24-Nov-18 Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur another faith.
Bosnia and 25-Nov-18 Statehood Day Herzegovina
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Date Event Index Notes
25-Nov-18 Independence Day Suriname
28-Nov-18 National Day Mauritania
28-Nov-18 National Day Albania
St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. His feast day, 30 November, is the national day 30-Nov-18 St Andrew's Day Scotland of Scotland.
30-Nov-18 Independence Day Barbados
Central African 1-Dec-18 National Day Republic
1-Dec-18 National Day Romania
Lao People's 2-Dec-18 National Day Democratic Republic
United Arab 2-Dec-18 National Day Emirates
Chanukah Festival of Lights - begins at Chanukah (Hanukkah) commemorates the recapture and rededication by the Jewish 2-Dec-18 sunset on 2 December Jewish people of the Jerusalem Temple. It lasts for eight days and nights, and each night an and ends at sunset on 9 additional candle is lit. December
Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths and special 2-Dec-18 First Sunday of Advent Christian ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ.
King Bhumbibol 5-Dec-18 Thailand Adulyadej's Birthday
6-Dec-18 Independence Day Finland
11-Dec-18 National Day Burkina Faso
12-Dec-18 Jamhuri Day Kenya
16-Dec-18 National Day Bahrain
16-Dec-18 National Day Kazakhstan
17-Dec-18 National Day Bhutan
18-Dec-18 National Day Niger
18-Dec-18 National Day Qatar
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Date Event Index Notes
23-Dec-18 Emperor's Birthday Japan
24-Dec-18 National Day Libya
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, peace on earth and good will. Christmas lights 25-Dec-18 Christmas Day Christian and trees are displayed, carols sung and children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus and gifts.
New Year's Eve is a time for communities, families and friends to celebrate the year past 31-Dec-18 New Year's Eve Festival and the year to come. Fireworks light up cities and harbours around Australia.
Carnevale Italian This festival is an opportunity for South Australia’s Italian communities to share their TBA Festival Festival, Adelaide traditions with other Australians.
Cultural Diversity Week, Cultural Diversity Week features a program of festivals and events highlighting Victoria's TBA Festival Victoria cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
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