We publish a monthly calendar listing the main commemorative dates of various religions and cultures, as well as important dates related to strengthening human rights and diversity. If you have comments or suggestions for dates to add to the calendar, please contact glen.gower@ottawa.ca.
Month-long observances:
- Hindu Heritage Month
- Albanian Heritage Month
- Lebanese Heritage Month
All Saints Day (November 1) – Christian
Many Roman Catholics and other Christians around the world observe All Saints Day, which honours all saints believed to have reached heaven. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost.
All Souls’ Day (November 2) – Christian
All Souls’ Day is dedicated to prayers and almsgiving for the dead, with the intent of helping souls in purgatory. Western churches mark it on November 2, while many Eastern churches observe it before Lent and on the day before Pentecost.
Treaties Recognition Week (November 2-8) – Ontario
Treaties Recognition Week raises awareness of Treaty rights and relationships in Ontario. Created in 2016, it encourages learning and dialogue to support reconciliation between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous peoples.
Dia de los Muertos (November 1-2) – Mexican
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colourful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons).
Dev Diwali or Dev Deepawali (November 5) – Hindu
It’s a sacred Hindu festival marking Lord Shiva’s victory over the demon Tripurasura. Observed mainly in Varanasi, the ghats of the Ganges are lit with thousands of diyas, creating a stunning display of devotion and light. Every year, Dev Deepawali falls on a full-moon night of the Hindu month of Kartika.
Guru Nanak Jayanti (November 5) – Sikhism
One of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism, Guru Nanak Jayanti—celebrated on November 5, 2025 —commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. Marked by prayers, processions, and acts of community service, the day invites Sikhs worldwide to reflect on his teachings of equality, compassion, and devotion to one God.
International Inuit Day (November 7) – Indigenous
Established in 2006 by the Inuit Circumpolar Council—which represents more than 180,000 Inuit from Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Chukotka—International Inuit Day celebrates Inuit culture, languages, and contributions worldwide, while also drawing attention to the challenges Inuit communities continue to face and affirming their resilience, leadership, and enduring cultural strength.
Indigenous Veterans Day (November 8) – Indigenous
A day to honour the service and sacrifice of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada’s military. First observed in 1993, it gradually spread across Canada. It is a day to remember their vital contributions to peace, freedom, and security, while acknowledging the unique challenges they faced during and after their service.
International Day Against Antisemitism (November 9)
This date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the start of the mass pogroms in Europe, known as Kristallnacht. Kristallnacht became a turning point in the history of Jews and marked the official beginning of the Holocaust.
Remembrance Day (November 11) – Canadian
Remembrance Day is observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to honour the sacrifices of all who served in Canada’s military during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, Afghanistan, peacekeeping missions, and other conflicts. It is commemorated in Canada and many Commonwealth nations, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe and Asia. This milestone commemorates Canada’s significant role in the conflict, during which the country lost 44,000 military personnel between 1939 and 1945.
Rock Your Mocs (November 15) – Indigenous
Rock Your Mocs, founded in 2011, is a global event during Native American Heritage Month in which Indigenous people wear moccasins and share photos online to celebrate cultural pride and identity.
Louis Riel Day (November 16) – Canadian
Every November 16, on the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution in 1885 by the Government of Canada, Métis people and Canadians across the country commemorate his life and legacy. More than a day of remembrance, Louis Riel Day is a celebration of his enduring impact—his leadership in defending Métis rights, culture, and language, and his pivotal role in the creation of the province of Manitoba. His vision continues to inspire Indigenous rights movements and shape Canada’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation.
International Day of Tolerance (November 16) – UN
The International Day for Tolerance, proclaimed by the UN in 1996, is observed each year on November 16. It builds on UNESCO’s 1995 Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, which defines tolerance as respect and appreciation of cultural diversity and human rights. The day promotes education and dialogue to counter intolerance and strengthen peaceful coexistence worldwide.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20) – Canadian
A day to honour and memorialize transgender people whose lives have been lost to anti‑transgender violence, while raising awareness of the discrimination the community continues to face and affirming the importance of equality, safety, and resilience.
World Children’s Day (November 20) – UN
World Children’s Day, established in 1954, is observed every November 20 to promote children’s rights and welfare worldwide. The date marks the UN’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, making it a global call to build a better future for every child.
Holodomor Memorial Day (November 22) – Canadian
Holodomor Memorial Day is commemorated each year to remember the millions of Ukrainians who were starved to death in Ukraine in 1932 and 1933 during the Holodomor Famine Genocide.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (November 24) – Sikhism
The Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji will be observed on November 24, honouring his sacrifice to protect religious freedom. Sikhs commemorate this day with prayers and remembrance of his courage and commitment to justice and faith.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25) – UN
Designated by the UN, this is a day to raise awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to multiple forms of violence. Women’s rights activists have observed 25 November as a day against gender-based violence since 1981.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (November 25 – December 10) – UN Women
16 Days of Activism Against Gender‑based Violence is an annual international campaign that began in 1991. It runs from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) to Human Rights Day (December 10), calling for action to end gender‑based violence and renewing our commitment to support women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.
Day of the Covenant (November 25) – Baha’i
Commemorating Bahá’u’lláh’s appointment of His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as the authorized interpreter of His teachings and the one to lead the Bahá’í community after His passing. It’s a joyful occasion that affirms unity and offers guidance.
Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (November 27) – Baha’i
Marks the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh’s son and appointed successor, honoured for his life of service and leadership in the Bahá’í Faith.
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29) – United Nations
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People marks the anniversary of the 1947 UN resolution on the partition of Palestine. Established in 1977, the day reaffirms support for the rights of the Palestinian people. The day is also known as Solidarity Day.
First Day of Advent (November 30) – Christian
Many Christians in Canada celebrate the beginning of the Advent season on the first Sunday of Advent. It marks the start of the Christian year in Western Christianity. Its length varies from 22 to 28 days, starting on the Sunday nearest St Andrew’s Day and encompassing the next three Sundays, ending on Christmas Day.