EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE, OPEN YOUR HEART – February Holidays and Observances
Black History Month
Visit our Black History Month page for events and resources!
Parinirvana Day (or Nirvana Day) – February 15
This annual Buddhist festival remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached the zenith of Nirvana at the age of 80 in 483 BC. Nirvana is believed to be the end of the cycle of death and rebirth.
Vasant Panchami – February 16
This Hindu festival highlights the coming of spring. On this day Hindus worship Saraswati Devi, the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, music, art and culture.
Mardi Gras – February 16
Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is a celebration beginning on or after the Christian feast of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday – February 17
The first day of Lent is derived from the symbolic use of ashes to signify penitence. Ash Wednesday begins the Easter season. It lasts for 40 days (not including Sundays) of a “Lenten” period and ends with Easter. Petitioning and fasting are common during this time, but regardless of your belief system, you can recognize this day by doing a random act of kindness for someone else.
World Day of Justice – February 20
The World Day of Social Justice is an international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender equality, unemployment, human rights and social protections.
Sources