Multicultural Calendar

Home Regional Government Diversity, Equity and InclusionMulticultural Calendar

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.
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.
Mental Health Week - May 5 to 11
The Canadian Mental Health Association designated May 5 to 11 as Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s theme is Unmasking Mental Health, to encourage everyone to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. Learn more about Mental Health Week.
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 11
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and motherly figures that have impacted us personally and contributed to the growth and success of their communities.
Vesak or Buddha Purnima - May 12
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.
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 or 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 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 how essential intercultural dialogue is for achieving peace and sustainable development. Learn more about World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
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 and focus on the continued efforts to decolonize and continue rebuilding a sense of African unity. Learn more about African Liberation Day.
National AccessAbility Week - May 25 to 31
National AccessAbility Week takes place from May 25 to May 31. 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.
Ascension Day - May 29
Christians all over the world recognize May 29 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.
World MS Day - May 30
World MS 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.

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.

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.

Mental Health Week - May 5 to 11

The Canadian Mental Health Association designated May 5 to 11 as Mental Health Week in Canada. This year’s theme is Unmasking Mental Health, to encourage everyone to look beyond the surface and see the whole person. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper connections and the mental health benefits that come with it. Learn more about Mental Health Week.

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 11

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

Vesak or Buddha Purnima - May 12

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.

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 or 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 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 how essential intercultural dialogue is for achieving peace and sustainable development. Learn more about World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development.

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 and focus on the continued efforts to decolonize and continue rebuilding a sense of African unity. Learn more about African Liberation Day.

National AccessAbility Week - May 25 to 31

National AccessAbility Week takes place from May 25 to May 31. 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.

Ascension Day - May 29

Christians all over the world recognize May 29 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.

World MS Day - May 30

World MS 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.