One of the key concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion is to provide awareness to employees about the celebrations of other cultures. By using our DEI calendar, you will have access to a large list of national and DEI holidays that focus on diverse groups, cultures, and religions.
To help you keep track of monthly DEI initiatives, download our diversity, equity, and inclusion calendar for 2025. Please note that this list is not inclusive of all holidays, cultural celebrations, or religious events, but rather a starting place to help increase your awareness.
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January 2025
Month-long Observances
Poverty Awareness in America Month: Calls attention to the growth of poverty in America
Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Sets out to end modern-day slavery and human trafficking
National Mentoring Month: Celebrates individuals who help people achieve their dreams
January 1: New Year’s Day
Celebrates the beginning of the new year
January 4: World Braille Day
Celebrates the importance of Braille for the visually impaired
January 7: Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Christmas
Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ according to the Julian calendar
January 13: Korean American Day
Celebrates the heritage of Koreans living in the United States
January 14: Mahayana New Year
Celebrates the Buddhist New Year
January 19: World Religion Day
Celebrates all religions throughout the world
January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Honors the US civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his contribution to equality
January 24: International Day of Education
Promotes the awareness of the right to education for all people
January 27: International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust
Remembers the victims of the Holocaust
January 29: Chinese New Year (Year of the Snake)
A 15-day Chinese festival that begins with the first new moon of the new year
February 2025
Month-long Observances
Black History Month: Commemorates African-American history in the US
Human Relations Month: Aims to strengthen relationships between all people
February 1: National Freedom Day
Commemorates the abolishment of slavery in the United States
February 1: Imbolc
Celebrates the beginning of spring in the Pagan and Wiccan religions
February 3-7: World Interfaith Harmony Week
Promotes harmony for all regardless of faith
February 4: World Cancer Day
Raises awareness for cancer prevention, detection, and treatment
February 4: Rosa Parks Day
US holiday in honor of civil rights leader, Rosa Parks
February 14: Valentine’s Day
A commercial celebration of romance and love that originated as a Christian feast honoring a martyr named Valentine
February 17: Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
Honors the birth of George Washington, the first US president
February 20: World Day of Social Justice
Raises awareness of poverty, social exclusion, and inequality
February 21: International Mother Language Day
Celebrates the role of languages in promoting inclusion
February 26: Maha Shivaratri
A Hindu festival celebrating Lord Shiva
February 28: Ramadan begins
A holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for those of Muslim faith
March 2025
Month-long Observances
National Women’s History Month: Highlights the contributions of women throughout history
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Raises awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities
Irish American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Irish-Americans to American history
Greek American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Greek-Americans to American history
Ethnic Equality Month: Recognizes the similarities and differences between people, and promotes equality
Gender Equality Month: Recognizes the achievements of women, femmes, transgender, and non-binary people
March 5: Ash Wednesday
Beginning of Lent, a season for fasting and prayer
March 5: Equal Pay Day
Promotes awareness of equal pay between men and women
March 7: Global Day of Unplugging
Promotes work-life balance and mental well-being by encouraging a day of digital detox and mindfulness activities
March 8: International Women’s Day
Celebrates the achievements of women and calls for gender equality
March 14: Holi
Hindu festival of colors, celebrating the beginning of spring
March 14: Hola Mohalla
A Sikh festival featuring martial arts and poetry
March 17: Saint Patrick’s Day
Serves as a tribute to Ireland and one of its patron saints, St Patrick
March 17-23: Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Promotes awareness and understanding of people with neurodiverse disorders
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day
Promotes awareness and understanding of people with Down syndrome
March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Global fight against racism that promotes social justice
March 25: Eid al-Fitr
A Muslim festival marking the end of the fast of Ramadan
April 2025
Month-long Observances
Celebrate Diversity Month: Recognizes diversity throughout the world
Arab American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Arab-Americans in American history
Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month: Raises awareness to promote acceptance and celebrate those with autism
National Deaf History Month: Raises awareness to promote acceptance and celebrate those with hearing loss
National Volunteer Month: Recognizes volunteers and encourages volunteerism worldwide
Earth Month: Honors the planet by celebrating progress in environmental protection and reflecting on how to address the climate crisis
April 2: World Autism Awareness Day
Promotes understanding and acceptance of people with autism
April 7: World Health Day
Raises awareness for global health
April 9: Day of Valor
A national observance in the Philippines that commemorates the fall of Bataan to Japanese troops
April 13-20: Passover
Celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery
April 14: Vaisakhi
Sikh New Year celebrating the spring harvest
April 18: Good Friday
A Christian holy day observing the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary
April 19: Holy Saturday
A public holiday in the Philippines that commemorates the death of Jesus Christ and the day he lay in the tomb
April 20: Easter
Celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
April 22: Earth Day
Encourages global environmental protection and sustainability
May 2025
Month-long Observances
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the US
Jewish American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Jewish Americans to American culture
Haitian Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Haitian-Americans to American culture
Indian Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Indian-Americans to American culture
Mental Health Awareness Month: Increases awareness of the vital role mental health plays in overall health
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month: Raises awareness about communication disorders and hearing health
Older Americans Month: Celebrates the accomplishments of the elderly
May 1: National Day of Prayer
Annual day of prayer and meditation in the United States
May 5: National Day for Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Raises awareness for the violence against Indigenous women and children
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
Celebrates Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862
May 11: Mother’s Day
Honors the mother of a family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society
May 12: Vesak (Buddha Day)
Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha
May 15: Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Promotes accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
Raises awareness for the discrimination against LBGTQ+ individuals
May 17: Armed Forces Day
Honors the men and women who serve in the US armed forces
May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity
Promotes cultural diversity as an essential part of development and global dialogue
May 26: Memorial Day
Honors the men and women who died while serving in the US military
May 28: Ascension of Baha’u’llah
Commemorates the passing of the founder of the Baha’i faith
June 2025
Month-long Observances
LGBTQIA+ Pride Month: Commemorates the contributions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+ culture and community
National Caribbean American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of National Caribbean American culture in America
Black Music Month: Recognizes the contributions of African-American musicians to American culture
June 5: World Environment Day
Promotes global efforts to protect our environment
June 6: Eid al-Adha
Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son
June 12: Loving Day
Celebrates the anniversary of the US Supreme Court decision striking down laws formerly banning interracial marriage
June 12: Philippines’ Independence Day
Celebrates the independence of the Philippines
June 12-13: Shavuot
Jewish celebration commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai
June 18: International Day of Countering Hate Speech
Promotes efforts to combat hate speech worldwide
June 19: Juneteenth
Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the US
June 28: Pride Day
A day to recognize and support the LGBTQIA+ community
July 2025
Month-long Observances
Disability Pride Month: Honors the disabled community and the Americans with Disabilities Act
French American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of French Americans to American culture
BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month: Raises awareness for mental health among Black, Indigenous, and people of color
South Asian Heritage Month (July 18-August 17): Recognizes the contributions of South Asian Americans to American culture
July 4: Independence Day (4th of July)
Celebrates the independence of the United States
July 9: Martyrdom of the Bab
Commemorates the execution of the Baha’i co-founder
July 14: Bastille Day
Celebrates the independence of France
July 14: International Non-Binary People’s Day
Raises awareness of non-binary gender identities
July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day
Promotes global peace by honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela
July 24: Pioneer Day
Commemorates the arrival of the first Mormon pioneers in Utah
July 26: National Disability Independence Day
Commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law in 1990
July 30: International Day of Friendship
Recognizes the role of friendship in promoting peace and understanding between peoples and cultures
August 2025
Month-long Observances
Intersectionality Awareness Month: Recognizes how different identities intersect and overlap
National Civility Month: Promotes treating others with kindness and respect
August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People
Celebrates the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples worldwide
August 19: World Humanitarian Day
Honors humanitarian workers and raises awareness for those affected by crises
August 21: Ninoy Aquino Day
Commemorates the life and legacy of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr.
August 25: National Heroes Day
Marks the anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin, the beginning of the Philippine Revolution
August 26: Women’s Equality Day
Commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote in the United States
August 27: Ganesh Chaturthi
Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha
August 30: Paryushan begins
Jain festival focused on fasting and forgiveness
September 2025
Month-long Observances
Hispanic Heritage Month: Recognizes the history and achievements of Hispanic/Latino Americans
National Guide Dog Month: Raises awareness in support of guide dog schools across the US
Suicide Prevention Month: Raises awareness for those lost to suicide and those suffering from mental illnesses
September 1: Labor Day
Celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers
September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
Raises awareness about suicide prevention
September 11: Patriot Day
Remembers the victims of the September 11 attacks on the United States
September 15: World Afro Day
Celebrates the cultural significance of Afro hair
September 16: Mexican Independence Day
Celebrates the independence of Mexico
September 18: International Equal Pay Day
Promotes the fight for equal pay for equal work
September 20: HeForShe Movement Anniversary
A global solidarity effort to promote gender equality
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages
Celebrates sign languages and their importance for deaf communities
September 27: National Native American Day
A way of honoring those who have been a part of the American tradition even before the US nation came into being
October 2025
Month-long Observances
LGBTQIA+ History Month: Honors the history, culture, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Promotes awareness of and the quest to find a cure for breast cancer
Filipino American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Filipino Americans to American culture
German American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of German Americans to American culture
Italian American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Italian Americans to American culture
Polish American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contributions of Polish Americans to American culture
National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Promotes the right to have access to good jobs for disabled individuals
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Raises awareness about domestic violence and its impact on victims, survivors, families, and the community
Bullying Prevention Month: Raises awareness about bullying and promotes kindness, inclusion, and support
October 1: International Day for Older Persons
Promotes the rights and well-being of older persons worldwide
October 2: International Day of Nonviolence
Commemorates the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi and reaffirms the values to which he dedicated his life: equality, respect, peace, and justice
October 2: Rosh Hashanah
Commemorates the start of the Jewish New Year
October 10: World Inclusion Day
Encourages inclusive practices and environments for all people
October 10: World Mental Health Day
Raises awareness for mental health issues worldwide
October 11: Yom Kippur
Celebrates the holiest day in Judaism, dedicated to atonement and repentance
October 11: National Coming Out Day
Celebrates members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have decided to reveal their true self
October 15: International Pronouns Day
Raises awareness about using and respecting pronouns in the LGBTQIA+ community
October 20: Diwali
Hindu festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness
October 22: International Stuttering Awareness Day
Raises awareness and promotes compassion for people who stutter
October 31: All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween)
Celebrates the evening before All Saints’ Day
November 2025
Month-long Observances
Native American Heritage Month: Recognizes the contribution of Native Americans to American culture
November 1: All Saints’ Day
A day to honor all saints of the church that have attained heaven
November 1-2: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
A Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink, and celebration
November 11: Veterans Day
Honors military veterans who served in the US armed forces
November 13-19: Transgender Awareness Week
Raises awareness and promotes respect for transgender people
November 16: International Day for Tolerance
Encourages respect among various people regardless of culture, language, religion, or ethnicity
November 19: International Men’s Day
Highlights positive male role models and issues facing men globally
November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
Memorializes those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Calls for action to end violence against women and girls
November 27: Thanksgiving Day
A US holiday that celebrates the breaking of bread between settlers and Native Americans
November 28: Native American Heritage Day
Raises awareness to Americans about the historical status of Native American tribal governments
November 30: Bonifacio Day
A national holiday in the Philippines commemorating Andrés Bonifacio, one of the country’s national heroes
December 2025
Month-long Observances
HIV/AIDS Awareness Month: Raises awareness of the impact of the HIV/AIDS viruses on our communities across the world
Universal Human Rights Month: Celebrates the fundamental rights and freedoms that all humans are entitled to
December 1: World AIDS Day
Promotes awareness for those living with AIDS
December 3: International Day for People with Disabilities
Raises awareness and promotes the rights of people with disabilities
December 5: International Volunteer Day
Recognizes volunteers worldwide for all they do
December 10: International Human Rights Day
Commemorates the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
December 14-22: Hanukkah
Jewish festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Jerusalem temple
December 22: Yule
Pagan and Wiccan celebration of the winter solstice and rebirth of the sun
December 25: Christmas
Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ
December 26: Boxing Day
Originated as a day to donate gifts to those in need
December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa
A week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture
December 30: Rizal Day
A Philippine national holiday commemorating the life and works of national hero José Rizal
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Celebrates the evening before the new year
Why DEI Is Important
DEI itself is extremely important for small business owners to attract and retain top talent. When you have a diverse workforce and celebrate those diversities, you appeal to all types of workers. Having a calendar will help you keep track of celebrations and events so you can educate and make your employees aware of the differences in other people.
DEI is also important for employee management because it helps to increase engagement, lead to higher retention, and improve overall culture. It enhances people management skills as well by encouraging communication among employees, showing respect, fostering trust, and supporting team morale.
Not all DEI holidays will be part of your paid time off package, however, they should be recognized in your DEI efforts. Your company announcements are a great place to mention any of the diversity events listed by giving the name, date, and a description of the event and why it’s important. Be sure to include its country of origin or its religious or ethnic affiliation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Every month is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) month. Specifically, you have National Mentoring Month in January, Black History Month in February, Women’s History month in March, Diversity Month in April, Jewish American heritage month in May, Pride month in June, and so on.
A diversity calendar is simply a record of different DEI celebrations throughout the year. It is a way to keep up with holidays and awareness months dedicated to specific groups, cultures, and causes.
Diversity and inclusion events are activities that are used to promote awareness of diversity, respect of different cultures, and understanding of different perspectives. Small businesses can hold events that promote diversity by highlighting cultural differences and educating their employees on different diverse groups.
