Ascension of Baha’u’llah

The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is a holy day in the Bahá’í Faith commemorating the death of Baha’u’llah, the religion’s founder, which occurred on May 29, 1892.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Baha’i

Tradition/Practices: Baha’ís gather in prayer and reflection, often suspending work and school for the day. It is a somber and meditative occasion, with devotional readings and gatherings where all are welcome

A major three-to-four-day Islamic holiday commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Muslim

Tradition/Practices: Eid al-Adha is celebrated by attending morning prayers, performing the sacrifice of an animal (sheep, goat, or cow) to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God, and distributing the meat among family, friends, and the needy. The multi-day festival involves wearing new clothes, visiting loved ones, and sharing festive meals.

A significant Buddhist holiday celebrating the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Buddhist

Tradition/Practices: Buddhas Birthday is celebrated in various ways across different Buddhist cultures. Common traditions include visiting temples, making offerings, and performing rituals like bathing the Buddha. Lantern festivals, parades, and communal meals are also common.

This day celebrates the declaration of Bab as the messenger of God.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Bahai

Tradition/Practices: It is one of nine holy days where work and school are suspended, featuring communal gatherings, prayers, stories of his life, and special programs held two hours after sunset.

Also known as Holy Thursday, celebrated 40 days after Easter/Pascha, it commemorates the ascension of Jesus into Heaven.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Christian

Tradition/Practices: Ascension Day, celebrated 40 days after Easter to mark Jesus ascending into heaven, is primarily observed with special church services, masses, and prayers.

Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Mexican

Tradition/Practices: Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. typically involve parades, mariachi music, folk dancing, and enjoying traditional Mexican food and drinks. It’s a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.

Lag B’Omer is a joyous Jewish holiday, celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer, the 49-day period between Passover and Shavuot.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Jewish

Tradition/Practices: Lag BaOmer is celebrated with bonfires, outdoor activities, and parades, often accompanied by music and dancing. It is also a day of joy, with weddings and haircuts permitted, which are typically restricted during the Omer period. Many people visit the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron, Israel, for celebrations.

A holiday that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha in Theravada, Tibetan Buddhism, and Navayana.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Buddhist

Tradition/Practices: Vesak, a major Buddhist holiday, is celebrated with a variety of religious and cultural practices, including visiting temples, making offerings, and engaging in acts of kindness.

Beltane, also known as May Day, is celebrated on May 1st, marking the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice.

Religious/Ethnic Group: Pagan and Wiccan

Tradition/Practices: Beltane is celebrated through various rituals and festivities that emphasize fertility, spring, and the returning light of summer.