2018

Select a month:

January

Date Event Description Notes
01 Jan 18 New Year’s Day Festival  
01 Jan 18 Liberation Day Cuba  
01 Jan 18 Independence Day Haiti  
01 Jan 18 National Day Sudan  
01 Jan 18 Feast of St Basil Feast of St Basil St Basil was one of the greatest leaders and thinkers of the Orthodox Christian church. In many Greek homes, a special cake is baked on the eve of St Basil’s Day with a gold or silver coin hidden inside.
04 Jan 18 Independence Day Myanmar (Burma)  
05 Jan 18 Birth of Guru Gobindh Singh, 10th Guru Sikh On this day people of Sikh faith honour the birth of the founder of the Khalsa who lived from 1666 – 1708 (Khalsa refers to the collective body of all baptised Sikhs).
06 Jan 18 Epiphany Christian Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ.
06 Jan 18 Armenian Christmas Day Armenian Orthodox Christian The Armenian Church celebrates Christmas on this day.
07 Jan 18 The Holy Nativity Feast (Nativity of Christ) Orthodox Christian Eastern Orthodox Churches that use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on this day.
19 Jan 18 Coptic Epiphany Coptic Orthodox Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ.
19 Jan 18 Schützenfest, Adelaide (to 20 January) Festival Schützenfest is a festival celebrating German culture and featuring competitive shooting, music, dancing, food and drink. Australia’s first Schützenfest was held in Adelaide in 1865.
21 Jan 18 World Religion Day Interfaith Observed in over 80 countries, the aim of World Religion Day is to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasising the common elements underlying all religions.
25 Jan 18 Burns Night Festival On this night, Scots everywhere honour Robert Burns, poet, balladeer and for many, Scotland’s favourite son. Burns Night is a night for all Scots to celebrate their heritage.
26 Jan 18 Australia Day Australia 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 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  

February

Date Event Description Notes
04 Feb 18 Independence Commemoration Day Sri Lanka  
06 Feb 18 Waitangi Day New Zealand  
07 Feb 18 Independence Day Grenada  
10 Feb 18 Lonsdale Street Festival, Melbourne (to 11 February) Festival This popular festival takes over Lonsdale Street to celebrate all things Greek.
11 Feb 18 Victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran Iran  
13 Feb 18 National Apology Day Australia 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 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.
14 Feb 18 Ash Wednesday – Lent begins Christian Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar, 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  
15 Feb 18 Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) Festival Vietnamese people celebrate Tet with family reunions, special foods and gifts. This festival is also an opportunity for Vietnamese Australians to share their cultural heritage with the wider Australian community.
16 Feb 18 Tibetan New Year (Losar) Buddhist Losar is an occasion to dispel the obstacles and negativities of the old year and is marked with activities that symbolise purification.
16 Feb 18 Independence Day Lithuania  
16 Feb 18 Chinese New Year (Year of the Dog) Festival The Year of the Dog is eleventh in the Chinese zodiac. The Dog represents loyalty and sincerity.
16 Feb 18 National Multicultural Festival – Canberra (to 18 February) Festival The National Multicultural Festival features local, national and international music, dance, food and creative arts.
17 Feb 18 Independence Day Kosovo  
17 Feb 18 Greek Festival of Sydney (to 18 February) Festival The Greek Festival of Sydney, one of Australia’s largest and longest running annual cultural events, is a celebration of Greek-Australian lifestyle, culture and heritage.
18 Feb 18 National Day Gambia  
21 Feb 18 International Mother Language Day Festival The United Nations’ (UN) International Mother Language Day annually celebrates language diversity and variety worldwide on February 21.
22 Feb 18 National Day Saint Lucia  
23 Feb 18 National Day Brunei Darussalam  
23 Feb 18 National Day Guyana  
24 Feb 18 Independence Day Estonia  
24 Feb 18 Pako Festa, Geelong Festival Pako Festa is a celebration of cultural diversity and attracts thousands of people to enjoy food, folk dancing, art exhibitions, films, craft, activities for children and the Pako Parade.
25 Feb 18 National Day Kuwait  
27 Feb 18 Independence Day Dominican Republic  
28 Feb 18 Purim – begins at sunset on 28 February and ends at sunset on 1 March Jewish Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther and her uncle and adviser, Mordechai.

March

Date Event Description Notes
01 Mar 18 St David’s Day Wales St David is the patron saint of Wales. St David’s Day has been a national day of celebration for Welsh people since the 18th century, featuring parades, festivities and singing.
02 Mar 18 Holi Hindu Holi is a boisterous festival with people smearing each other with coloured water and bright powders. Originally a festival to celebrate good harvests and fertility of the land, Holi also commemorates some key figures in Hindu mythology.
03 Mar 18 National Day Bulgaria  
06 Mar 18 Independence Day Ghana  
12 Mar 18 National Day Mauritius  
15 Mar 18 National Close the Gap Day Indigenous Australians 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-Indigenous Australians. Since 2006, the Close the Gap campaign has achieved an 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.
16 Mar 18 Five Holy Days of Pronia (Banja) (to 20 March) Mandaean Banja is the purest day of the year for Mandaeans. On the Five Holy Days of Pronia, the Haii Rabbe Ghadmayee created the Angels and the Universe.
17 Mar 18 St Patrick’s Day Ireland This day is Ireland’s National Day. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and brought Christianity to Ireland in the early days of the faith.
17 Mar 18 Cultural Diversity Week, Victoria (to 25 March) Festival Cultural Diversity Week features a program of festivals and events highlighting Victoria’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
18 Mar 18 Geelong Highland Gathering Festival Features pipe bands, Scottish culture, livestock, merchandise, music, dancing and haggis hurling.
20 Mar 18 Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Tunisia Tunisia  
21 Mar 18 Norouz (various spellings) New Year Iran, Kurd Norouz means ‘new day’ in Persian and is a traditional festival of spring that has been celebrated for more than 3000 years. The ancient celebration of Nowruz is shared by many peoples from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and others in the Black Sea basin, the Balkans, the Caucasus and western, central and southern Asia.
21 Mar 18 Naw-Ruz – begins at sunset on 20 March Baha’i This is the Baha’i New Year, marking the first day in the Baha’i calendar. Work is suspended on this day.
21 Mar 18 Independence Day Namibia  
21 Mar 18 Harmony Day Australia Harmony Day celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity. Schools, community groups and organisations across Australia host Harmony Day events. http://www.harmony.gov.au
21 Mar 18 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination United Nations The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us of our collective responsibility for promoting and protecting this ideal.
23 Mar 18 National Day Pakistan  
25 Mar 18 Independence Day Greece  
25 Mar 18 Ramanavami Hindu This Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, hero of the religious epic poem, ‘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  
29 Mar 18 Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) Christian Holy Thursday is the day that Christ celebrated the Last Supper with his disciples, four days after his entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
30 Mar 18 Pesach/Passover – begins at sunset on 30 March and ends at sunset on 7 April Jewish Passover is the first and most significant of the Jewish pilgrim festivals (i.e. festivals which since ancient times have been celebrated by Jews in Israel making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and praying at the site of the Holy Temple).  It celebrates the redemption by God of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt, and marks the birth of our nation.  Work is not permitted on the first two and last two days. Many Jews refrain from work during the whole festival.
30 Mar 18 Australian Sikh Games, Sydney (to 1 April) Carnival The annual Sikh Games provide an opportunity for Australia’s Sikh communities to unite through sporting and social activities.
30 Mar 18 Good Friday Christian This is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.
31 Mar 18 Magha Puja Buddhist Also known as Sangha Day, this day celebrates the community of followers of the teachings of Buddha (Theravada tradition).
31 Mar 18 Hanuman Jayanti Hindu This day is a Hindu celebration of Hanuman who was an embodiment of Lord Rama. Devotion and selfless work are encouraged.

April

Date Event Description Notes
01 Apr 18 Kha b-Nisan – Assyrian New Year Assyrian Assyrians celebrate this day as their national festival.
01 Apr 18 Palm Sunday (Orthodox) Orthodox Christian On the Sunday before the Feast of Great and Holy Pascha and at the beginning of the Orthodox Holy Week, the Orthodox Church celebrates one of its most joyous feasts of the year.
01 Apr 18 Easter Sunday Christian Easter commemorates the resurrection (return to life) of Jesus Christ following his death by crucifixion. It is the most significant event of the Christian calendar.
02 Apr 18 Easter Monday Australia In addition to its religious significance, Easter in Australia is enjoyed as a four-day holiday 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.
04 Apr 18 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games (to 15 April)   The 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) will be hosted by the Gold Coast, Queensland. More than 6600 athletes and officials from 70 Commonwealth nations and territories will take part in 11 days of competition.
04 Apr 18 Independence Day Senegal  
06 Apr 18 Holy Friday (Orthodox) Orthodox Christian On Holy Friday the Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross.
07 Apr 18 Brigadoon. The Bundanoon Highland Gathering Festival Brigadoon in 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the highland gathering in Bundanoon. With 20 pipe bands, highland games, the tartan warriors, dancers, stalls and clan representatives, this is the largest event of its kind in Australia.
07 Apr 18 Holy Saturday (Orthodox) Orthodox Christian On Holy Saturday the Orthodox Church commemorates the burial of Christ and his descent into Hades.
08 Apr 18 Pascha (Easter Sunday) Orthodox Christian Many Orthodox Christians in Australia celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, also known as Pascha.
11 Apr 18 Yom Hashoah V’Hagevurah literally the “Day of (Remembrance of) the Holocaust and the Heroism” Holocaust Memorial Day – begins at sunset on 11 April and ends at sunset on 12 April Jewish This day remembers the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. It is observed by many people of Jewish and other faiths.
13 Apr 18 Songkran – Thai New Year (to 15 April) Festival Songkran, the Thai New Year and Water Festival, is one of Thailand’s oldest and favourite festivals. Thai communities across Australia celebrate this festival with food, crafts and entertainment.
14 Apr 18 Baisakhi or Vaisakhi Sikh Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival which marks the beginning 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.
14 Apr 18 Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) Bengal Marks the first day of the Bangla Calendar
16 Apr 18 Queen’s Birthday Denmark  
17 Apr 18 National Day Syrian Arab Republic  
18 Apr 18 National Day Zimbabwe  
19 Apr 18 Yom Ha’Atzmaut  Independence Day – begins at sundown on 18  April Israel  
21 Apr 18 First Day of Ridvan – begins at sunset on 20 April Baha’i This Baha’i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha’u’llah declared that he was God’s messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the festival.
23 Apr 18 St George’s Day England St George is the patron saint of England. St George, a prominent military saint, is one of the most venerated saints in the Anglican church.
25 Apr 18 Anzac Day Australia 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 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  
27 Apr 18 Official Birthday of His Majesty, King Wilem-Alexander Netherlands  
27 Apr 18 Independence Day Sierra Leone  
27 Apr 18 Freedom Day South Africa  
27 Apr 18 Togolais National Day Togo  
29 Apr 18 Ninth Day of Ridvan – begins at sunset on 28 April Baha’i This Baha’i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha’u’llah declared that he was God’s messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the festival.
30 Apr 18 Theravada New Year Buddhist New Year Buddhist festival.

May

Date Event Description Notes
01 Jan 70 Unification Day Yemen This date commemorates the unification of North Yemen and South Yemen
01 May 18 National Day Marshall Islands  
02 May 18 Twelfth Day of Ridvan – begins at sunset on 1 May Baha’i This Baha’i commemoration is of the 12 day period in 1863 when Baha’u’llah declared that he was God’s messenger for this age. Work is suspended on days 1, 9 and 12 of the festival.
03 May 18 National Day Poland  
03 May 18 Australian Celtic Festival, Glen Innes NSW (to 6 May) Festival This festival is a celebration of Celtic culture including dancing, music, singing, massed pipe bands, strongman events, Celtic foods and children’s programs.
09 May 18 Europe Day European Union  
10 May 18 Ascension of Christ Christian This day observes the departure of Jesus from earth after his resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity.
11 May 18 Yom Yerushalayim/Jerusalem Day Jewish Marks the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. Special prayers are read in synagogues, and communal celebrations take place
14 May 18 National Day Paraguay  
16 May 18 Ramadan – begins at sunset 15 May (the date specified is an estimate due to the lunar calendar) Islamic Ramadan is the most auspicious month on the Islamic calendar, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.
17 May 18 Constitution Day Norway  
17 May 18 Ascension of Jesus Orthodox Christian Forty days after the Resurrection, while blessing his disciples, Christ ascended into heaven, taking his place at the right of his Father. The Ascension of Jesus is one of the Great Feasts of the Orthodox Church.
19 May 18 Shavuot – begins at sunset on 19 May and ends at sunset on 21 May Jewish Shavuot is a Jewish celebration of Moses’s descent from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments. It is the second of the Jewish pilgrim festivals. Some Jews refrain from work on Shavuot.
19 May 18 Paniyiri Greek Festival, Brisbane (to 20 May) Festival Paniyiri is Brisbane’s well known celebration of Greek culture and heritage, held annually at Musgrave Park. Visitors enjoy delicacies from the different islands and regions of Greece, together with music and dance.
20 May 18 Dehwa Daymaneh Mandaean This date marks the birthday of John the Baptist (also known as Yahya Yohana to Mandaeans).
20 May 18 National Day Cameroon  
20 May 18 Restoration of Independence Timor-Leste  
20 May 18 Pentecost Christian Pentecost celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit and is regarded by some Christians as the birthday of the Christian church.
21 May 18 World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development United Nations  
24 May 18 Declaration of the Báb – begins at sunset on 23 May Baha’i This date marks the anniversary of the Báb’s announcement of his mission in 1844. The Báb is a prophet and forerunner of the Baha’i faith. Work is suspended on this day.
24 May 18 Independence Day Eritrea  
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  
26 May 18 National Sorry Day Indigenous Australians 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 National Inquiry into the forcible removal of Indigenous children from their families, 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
27 May 18 National Reconciliation Week (to 3 June) Australia 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 two key events in Australia’s history, which provide strong symbols for reconciliation: – 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.
27 May 18 Pentecost Orthodox Christian The Coptic Church has a major feast on this day.
28 May 18 National Day Ethiopia  
28 May 18 National Day Nepal  
28 May 18 National Day Azerbaijan  
29 May 18 Vesak Day or Buddha Day Buddhist Commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. The date varies by region and tradition. Some Countries celebrate Vesak Day 1 or 2 days either side of this date .
29 May 18 Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh – begins at sunset on 28 May Baha’i This day marks the death of the founder of the Baha’i faith, Bahá’u’lláh, in 1892. Work is suspended on this day.

June

Date Event Description Notes
01 Jan 70 Martyrdom (Shahidi) of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Sikh On this day Sikhs remember those who have suffered for the faith. The day is observed by reading the Guru Granth Sahib.
01 Jan 70 National Day Seychelles  
01 Jun 18 Independence Day Samoa Samoa achieved independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962. However, Independence Day is celebrated annually on 1 June.
02 Jun 18 Foundation of the Republic Italy  
03 Jun 18 Mabo Day Indigenous Australians The Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision on 3 June 1992, which recognised 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 Koiki Mabo.
06 Jun 18 National Day Sweden  
09 Jun 18 Greek Glenti, Darwin (to 10 June) Festival The Greek Glenti Festival has developed into the largest ethnic celebration in the Northern Territory.
10 Jun 18 Portugal Day, Camões Day and Day of Portuguese Communities Portugal  
11 Jun 18 Queen’s Birthday (all states except WA and QLD) Australia Celebrating the King or Queen of Australia’s birthday in Australia dates back to 1788, when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday. Order of Australia award recipients are announced on Australia Day and the Queen’s Birthday.
12 Jun 18 Independence Day Philippines  
12 Jun 18 National Day Russian Federation  
15 Jun 18 Eid al Fitr – end of Ramadan (the date specified is an estimate due to the lunar calendar). Islamic The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, ends with the festival of Eid al Fitr. A celebratory meal breaks the fast and at this time charity and good deeds have special significance. Eid is also a time of forgiveness and making amends.
17 Jun 18 National Day Iceland  
17 Jun 18 Refugee Week (to 23 June) Australia Since early 1945, more than seven million people have come to Australia as new settlers, including around 800 000 people under humanitarian programs, initially as displaced persons and more recently as refugees.
18 Jun 18 National Celtic Festival, Portarlington, Vic (to 11 June) Festival This annual festival celebrates Celtic music and culture. Each of the Celtic lands is represented – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.
20 Jun 18 World Refugee Day United Nations  
23 Jun 18 National Day and Official Birthday of HRH the Grand Duke Luxembourg  
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
26 Jun 18 National Day Madagascar  
27 Jun 18 Independence Day Djibouti  
30 Jun 18 Independence Day Congo, Democratic Republic  

July

Date Event Description Notes
01 Jul 18 National Day Burundi  
01 Jul 18 National Day Somalia  
01 Jul 18 Canada Day Canada  
01 Jul 18 Coming of the Light Festival Festival The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders, wherever they may be, on 1 July each year. It commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late nineteenth century.
01 Jul 18 Tartan Day Festival Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage that commemorates the repeal of an English law in 1782 that had banned the wearing of tartan.
03 Jul 18 National Day Belarus  
04 Jul 18 Independence Day United States of America  
05 Jul 18 Liberation Day Rwanda  
05 Jul 18 National Day Cape Verde  
05 Jul 18 National Day Venezuela  
06 Jul 18 National Day Comoros  
06 Jul 18 National Day Malawi  
07 Jul 18 National Day Solomon Islands  
08 Jul 18 National NAIDOC Week (to 15 July) Australia 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 increase awareness in the wider community of the status and treatment of Indigenous 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’.
09 Jul 18 Independence Day South Sudan  
10 Jul 18 Martyrdom of the Báb – begins at sunset on 9 July Baha’i The Báb was executed in 1850. He was a prophet and forerunner of the Baha’i faith. Work is suspended on this day.
10 Jul 18 Independence Day Bahamas  
11 Jul 18 Anniversary of Mongolian People’s Revolution Mongolia  
12 Jul 18 National Day Kiribati  
12 Jul 18 National Day São Tomé and 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  
21 Jul 18 Accession of King Leopold I (1831) Belgium  
23 Jul 18 Anniversary of Revolution of 23 July Egypt  
26 Jul 18 National Day Liberia  
26 Jul 18 National Day Maldives  
27 Jul 18 Asalha Puja (Dhamma) Day Buddhist This Buddhist date commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment.
28 Jul 18 Independence Day Peru  
28 Jul 18 H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday Thailand  
30 Jul 18 Independence Day Vanuatu  
30 Jul 18 Throne Day Morocco  

August

Date Event Description Notes
01 Jan 70 Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Christian This day commemorates the death and burial of the Virgin Mary.
01 Aug 18 National Day Benin  
01 Aug 18 Foundation of the Swiss Confederation Switzerland  
01 Aug 18 Foundation of the Swiss Confederation    
04 Aug 18 National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Australia National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) is a celebration of Indigenous children and is held on 4 August each year. NAICD was first observed by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988. Each year SNAICC produces and sends out resources to help celebrations for NAICD.
04 Aug 18 Constitution Day Cook Islands  
06 Aug 18 National Day Jamaica  
06 Aug 18 Independence Day Bolivia  
07 Aug 18 National Day Côte d’Ivoire  
09 Aug 18 International Day of the World’s Indigenous People Australia The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. This event also recognises the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
09 Aug 18 National Day Singapore  
10 Aug 18 National Day Ecuador  
11 Aug 18 National Day Chad  
14 Aug 18 Independence Day Pakistan  
15 Aug 18 Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic The Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation.
15 Aug 18 National Day India  
15 Aug 18 National Day Liechtenstein  
15 Aug 18 Independence Day Republic of the Congo  
17 Aug 18 Proclamation of Independence Indonesia  
17 Aug 18 National Day Gabon  
19 Aug 18 Independence Day Afghanistan  
20 Aug 18 Day of the Foundation of the State of Hungary and St Stephen’s Day Hungary  
21 Aug 18 Eid al Adha (the date specified is an estimate due to the lunar calendar) Islamic The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the ordeal of Ibrahim (Abraham) who was asked to sacrifice his only son to prove his faith to Allah (God)
24 Aug 18 National Day Ukraine  
25 Aug 18 Independence Day Uruguay  
26 Aug 18 Raksha Bandhan Hindu Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between 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  
31 Aug 18 National Day Trinidad and Tobago  

September

Date Event Description Notes
01 Sep 18 Inauguration (Gurgadi) of Guru Granth Sahib Sikh This day commemorates the eternal installation of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib.
01 Sep 18 Constitution Day Slovakia  
01 Sep 18 National Day Uzbekistan  
02 Sep 18 National Day Vietnam  
03 Sep 18 Krishna Janmashtami Hindu This festival is one of the most important events in the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, a Hindu deity, more than 5000 years ago.
03 Sep 18 National Foundation Day San Marino  
06 Sep 18 National Day Swaziland  
07 Sep 18 Independence Day Brazil  
08 Sep 18 National Day Andorra  
08 Sep 18 Independence Day Macedonia, The former Yugoslav Republic of  
09 Sep 18 Rosh Hashanah/Jewish New Year – begins sunset on 9 September to sunset on 11 September Jewish Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, commemorates the creation of the world. A synagogue ritual is the blowing of the Shofar, a ram’s horn trumpet. Apples are dipped in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year that lies ahead. Work is not permitted. Most Jews will cease work at around midday on 9 September.
09 Sep 18 National Day Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of  
09 Sep 18 National Day Tajikistan  
11 Sep 18 Nayrouz – Coptic New Year Coptic Orthodox The Copts have been celebrating New Year for over 1700 years and the Coptic Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.
11 Sep 18 Al Hijra/Muharram – New Year (the date specified is an estimate due to the lunar calendar) Islamic Muharram is the first month of the year on the Islamic Calendar and marks the New Year for Muslims.
13 Sep 18 Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu This popular festival culminates with a clay statue of the Hindu elephant god Ganesh 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  
16 Sep 18 Proclamation of Independence Mexico  
16 Sep 18 Independence Day Papua New Guinea  
17 Sep 18 Australian Citizenship Day Australia Citizenship ceremonies are held across Australia to welcome people into the Australian community. Citizenship is the bond which unites all Australians and becoming an Australian citizen is a step that shows commitment and loyalty to this country. www.citizenship.gov.au/
18 Sep 18 National Day Chile  
18 Sep 18 Yom Kippur – begins at sunset on 18 September and ends at sunset on 19 September Jewish This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with fasting and repentance. Many Jews will refrain from work and attend synagogue services. Work is not permitted. Most Jews will cease work at around midday on 18 September.
19 Sep 18 Independence Day Saint Kitts and Nevis  
20 Sep 18 Ashura – begins at sunset on 20 September and ends at sunset on 21 September  (the date specified is an estimate due to the lunar calendar) Islamic Ashura marks Noah’s departure from the ark, the exodus of Moses from Egypt and the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson.
21 Sep 18 National Day Armenia  
21 Sep 18 National Day Belize  
21 Sep 18 Independence Day Malta  
22 Sep 18 Oktoberfest (to 7 October) Festival  
22 Sep 18 Proclamation of Independence Mali  
23 Sep 18 Succot (Tabernacles) – begins at sunset on 23 September and ends at sunset on 30 September Jewish Succot is the third of the 3 pilgrim festivals. It commemorates the faith and trust in God of the people of Israel when they lived precariously in temporary dwellings during their 40 year sojourn in the desert after leaving Egypt.  It is also a thanksgiving for the harvest, celebrated with three of the plant species and one type of fruit which are native to the land 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  
24 Sep 18 Queen’s Birthday (WA) Australia Celebrating the King or Queen of Australia’s birthday in Australia dates back to 1788, when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday.
24 Sep 18 Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival Festival The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the moon cake.
30 Sep 18 Shemini Atzeret – begins at sunset on 30 September and ends at sunset at 1 October Jewish Shemini Atzeret is the extension of Succot to an eighth day.
30 Sep 18 National Day Botswana  

October

Date Event Description Notes
01 Oct 18 National Day China  
01 Oct 18 National Day Cyprus  
01 Oct 18 Independence Day Tuvalu  
01 Oct 18 National Day Palau  
01 Oct 18 Queen’s Birthday (QLD) Australia Celebrating the King or Queen of Australia’s birthday in Australia dates back to 1788, when Governor Phillip declared a public holiday.
01 Oct 18 Simchat Torah – begins at sunset on 1 October and ends at sunset on 2 October Jewish Simchat Torah is a joyous event. The annual cycle of weekly Torah readings is completed at this time, which marks a period of great celebration. Special attention is given to children, who join the celebrations with flags and singing.
01 Oct 18 Independence Day Guinea  
01 Oct 18 National Day Nigeria  
03 Oct 18 National Foundation Day Korea, Republic of  
03 Oct 18 Day of German Unity Germany  
04 Oct 18 Independence Day Lesotho  
09 Oct 18 Independence Day Uganda  
10 Oct 18 National Day Fiji  
12 Oct 18 Independence Day Equatorial Guinea  
12 Oct 18 National Day Spain  
19 Oct 18 Vijay Dashami (Dasera) Hindu This Hindu festival marks the triumph of good over evil. The festival of Dasera concludes 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  
27 Oct 18 National Day St Vincent and the Grenadines  
27 Oct 18 National Day Turkmenistan  
28 Oct 18 National Day Czech Republic  
29 Oct 18 National Day Turkey  

November

Date Event Description Notes
01 Nov 18 All Saints’ Day Christian This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are men and women recognised for lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.
01 Nov 18 Anniversary of the Revolution Algeria  
01 Nov 18 National Day Antigua and Barbuda  
03 Nov 18 Independence Day Dominica  
03 Nov 18 National Day Micronesia, Federated States of  
03 Nov 18 National Day Panama  
04 Nov 18 Dehwa Honina (Prosperity Feast) Mandaean The Dehwa Honina is a Pure/Holy Day for the Mandaeans. On this day Mandaeans might spend time with family, help the poor and disadvantaged and, if possible, get baptized.
04 Nov 18 National Day Tonga  
07 Nov 18 Bandi Chhor Divas Sikh 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 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.
07 Nov 18 Deepavali (also known as Diwali) – Festival of Lights Hindu, Sikh, Jain Australians of Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths celebrate Deepavali (Diwali), or the Festival of Lights. This is a very popular festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
09 Nov 18 Birth of the Báb – begins at sunset on 8 November Baha’i Baha’i followers celebrate the birth of the Báb on this day, a prophet and forerunner of their faith. Work is suspended on this day.
09 Nov 18 Independence Day Cambodia  
10 Nov 18 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh – begins at sunset on 9 November Baha’i On this day people of Baha’i faith refrain from work and celebrate the birth of their faith’s founder.
11 Nov 18 Remembrance Day Australia This day marks the anniversary of the armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18). 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  
16 Nov 18 International Day for Tolerance United Nations “Tolerance does not mean indifference or a grudging acceptance of others. It is a way of life based on mutual understanding and respect for others, and on the belief that global diversity is to be embraced, not feared.” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
18 Nov 18 Proclamation of Independence Latvia  
18 Nov 18 National Day Oman  
19 Nov 18 National Day Monaco  
22 Nov 18 Independence Day Lebanon  
23 Nov 18 Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Sikh Guru Nanak Dev was the founder of the Sikh faith and way of life. Sikhism stresses the importance of doing good deeds rather than merely carrying out rituals.
24 Nov 18 Martyrdom (Shahidi) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, the 9th Guru, sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of another faith.
25 Nov 18 Statehood Day Bosnia and Herzegovina  
25 Nov 18 Independence Day Suriname  
28 Nov 18 National Day Mauritania  
28 Nov 18 National Day Albania  
30 Nov 18 St Andrew’s Day Scotland St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland. His feast day, 30 November, is the national day of Scotland.
30 Nov 18 Independence Day Barbados  

December

Date Event Description Notes
01 Jan 70 Cultural Diversity Week, Victoria Festival Cultural Diversity Week features a program of festivals and events highlighting Victoria’s cultural, linguistic and religious diversity.
01 Dec 18 National Day Central African Republic  
02 Dec 18 National Day Romania  
02 Dec 18 National Day United Arab Emirates  
02 Dec 18 Chanukah Festival of Lights – begins at sunset on 2 December and ends at sunset on 9 December Jewish Chanukah (Hanukkah) commemorates the recapture and rededication by the Jewish people of the Jerusalem Temple. It lasts for eight days and nights, and each night an additional candle is lit.
02 Dec 18 First Sunday of Advent Christian Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ.
02 Dec 18 National Day Lao People’s Democratic Republic  
05 Dec 18 King Bhumbibol Adulyadej’s Birthday Thailand  
06 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  
23 Dec 18 Emperor’s Birthday Japan  
24 Dec 18 National Day Libya  
25 Dec 18 Christmas Day Christian Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, peace on earth and good will. Christmas lights and trees are displayed, carols sung and children eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus and gifts.
31 Dec 18 New Year’s Eve Festival New Year’s Eve is a time for communities, families and friends to celebrate the year past and the year to come. Fireworks light up cities and harbours around Australia.