JANUARY EVENTS CALENDAR Epiphany (6th) Epiphany celebrates the visit of the wise men to the infant Jesus. Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (14th) Eid Milad ul- Nabi celebrates the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad's birth. Some Muslims mark it with fasting or prayers. Makar Sankranti (14th) Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar and celebrates the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere. Martin Luther King Day (20th) Martin Luther King Day marks the birthday of the American Civil Rights Leader and is a federal holiday in the USA. Burns Night (25th) Burns Night is a celebration of the life of the poet Robert Burns. It is marked in Scotland with the reading of Burn's poems and the eating of haggis. Indian Republic Day (26th) Republic Day commemorates the date on which the Constitution of India came into force. Chinese New Year (31st) Chinese New Year, also known as the spring festival, is the most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. 2013
FEBRUARY EVENTS CALENDAR National Storytelling Week (1st to 8th) National Storytelling Week is about sharing stories, parables, fables and legends with others St Brigid's Day (1st) St Brigid's Day is traditionally recognised in Ireland as the first day of spring Rugby Six Nations (1st February to 15th March) The Six Nations is an annual Rugby competition involving England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy National Storytelling Week (1st to 8th) National Storytelling Week is about sharing stories, parables, fables and legends with others. World Cancer Day (4th) World Cancer Day is marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. Unicef Day for Change (7th) Day for Change is a chance for your school to learn about what life is like for children around the world and raise money for disadvantaged children with Unicef. Winter Olympic (7th to 23rd) The Winter Olympic Games take place every 4 years and are a global celebration of Winter Sports. In 2014 they will be held in Russia. Valentine's Day (14th) Valentine's Day is the traditional day on which people express their love for each other.
MARCH EVENTS CALENDAR St. David's Day (1st) St David's Day is celebrated in Wales and by Welsh people throughout the world on 1st March. Shrove Tuesday (4th) Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent starts: the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It's a day of penitence, to clean the soul, and a day of celebration as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Ash Wednesday (5th) Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting. World Book Day (6th) World Book Day is a celebration of authors, illustrators, books and (Most importantly) it's a celebration of reading. National SingUp Day (14th) The biggest singing day of the year. Schools across the country organise singing events. St. Patrick's Day (17th) Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Mother s Day (30th) Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Today it is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home- made cards to their mothers.
APRIL EVENTS CALENDAR April Fool's Day (1st) A day when people play practical jokes and hoaxes on each other. World Autism Day (2nd) Every year, autism organisations around the world celebrate the day with unique fundraising and awareness- raising events. World Health Day (7 TH ) is celebrated on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of World Health Organisation in 1948. London marathon (13th) The London Marathon has been taking place since 1981. Thousands of runners take part in the event each year and many thousands more come along to watch and support them. First Day of Passover (14th) Passover is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish year. At this time Jewish people remember how the children of Israel left slavery behind them when they were led out of Egypt by Moses over 3000 years ago. Easter Sunday (20th) Easter Sunday is the culmination of Holy Week. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. St. George's Day (23rd) St George's Day is celebrated by the several nations, kingdoms, countries, and cities of which Saint George is the patron saint.
MAY EVENTS CALENDAR World Red Cross Red Crescent Day (8th) World Red Cross Day celebrates the work of those who volunteer with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). International Museum Day (18th) International Museum Day has been organised worldwide on or around May 18 since 1977. This day is an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. Walk to School Week (19th to 23rd) Walk to School Week forms part of the Great British Walking Challenge! Use this event to encourage everyone to walk to school. International day of families (15 th ) The International Day of Families, annually held on May 15, celebrates the importance of families and the work started during the International Year of Families World turtle day (23 rd ) The 12th World Turtle Day is an annual event sponsored by American Tortoise Rescue. The day is organized to bring attention to turtles and tortoises around the world that are facing numerous challenges to their survival
JUNE EVENTS CALENDAR World Oceans Day (8th) On World Oceans Day people around the planet celebrate and honour the body of water which links us all, for what it provides humans and what it represents. The FIFA World Cup is a football tournament held every four years. In 2014 it will be hosted by Brazil. Father s Day (15) Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Many countries celebrate it on the third Sunday of June Bike Week (14th to 22nd) Bike Week is the UK's biggest mass participation cycling event. Many cycling events take place across the UK. Wimbledon (23rd June to 6th July) Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It has been held in London since 1877 and is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. Ramadan (start) (29th) Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and a time when Muslims across the world will fast during the hours of daylight.
JULY EVENTS CALENDAR Independence Day (4th) Independence Day is celebrated across the United States as the anniversary of the 4th of July 1776. On this day the USA declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. World population day (11 th ) The United Nations' (UN) World Population Day is annually observed on July 11 to reaffirm the human right to plan for a family. It encourages activities, events and information to help make this right a reality throughout the world. Bastille Day (14th) The French National Day, commemorating the storming of the Bastille Prison in 1789 World snake day (16 th ) World Snake Day is celebrated by wildlife enthusiasts with great passion. Tributes sometimes even make the national news. Given human society s age- old fascination with these beautiful but misunderstood creatures, a day to celebrate them seems only fair. International Day of Friendship (30th) International Day of Friendship is a day for celebrating friendship and encouraging solidarity and reconciliation.
AUGUST EVENTS CALENDAR International Youth Day (12 th ) Is an awareness day designated by the United Nations. The purpose of the day is to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The first IYD was observed on 12 August, 2000. International Lefthanders Day (13 th ) It was first observed on the 13th of August, in the year 1976. As the name suggests, it is meant to promote awareness of the inconveniences faced by left- handers in a predominantly right- handed in the world. World Mosquito Day (20th) World Mosquito Day on 20th August first came into being in 1897 when British doctor Sir Ronald Ross made the historic link that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. Notting Hill Carnival (25-26 th August) Notting Hill carnival is on the 24 th and 25 th of August. Starting in 1966, it is a much loved festival for adults and children and Notting hill residence. Eid- Ul- Fitr (28th) The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah for His help with their month- long act of self- control.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR International Literacy Day (8th) International Literacy Day has been celebrated on 8th September since 1966. Its aim is to highlight the importance of Literacy to individuals, communities and societies. International chocolate day (13 th ) While most of us don t need a special day to indulge in the rich creamy glory that is chocolate, International Chocolate Day gives us just one more reason to consume this delectable confection in copious quantities. Jeans for Genes Day (19th) Jeans for Genes Day raises money for Genetic Disorders UK and aims to change the world for children with genetic disorders. Talk Like a Pirate Day (19th) Talking like a pirate is fun! Spend the day talking like a pirate with your class could you take part in some pirate themed lessons on September 19th each year? World gratitude day (21 st ) World Gratitude Day falls on September 21 and was started in 1977 by the United Nations Meditation Group. It s a time to celebrate your existence, passions, local hero s, relatives, friends and all the little things that bring joy into your everyday existence. What do you value? Who do you appreciate? How do you express your gratitude to others? European Day of Languages (26th) The European Day of Languages aims to show people across Europe how important languages are, and what fun can be had learning them.
OCTOBER EVENTS CALENDAR Black History Month (1st to 31st) Black History Month aims to promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage and to disseminate information on positive black contributions to British society Walk to School Month (1st to 31st) October is International Walk to School Month and over 40 countries will be encouraging children to ditch the school run! The Big Draw (1st October to 2nd November) The Big Draw is a campaign for drawing with one aim: to get everyone drawing! Why? Drawing helps us to think, invent and communicate regardless of age and ability. World Animal Day (4th) World Animal Day was started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. World Space Week (4th to 10th) This is the largest space event in the world and is the ideal time for teachers to use space in the classroom to excite students about learning. World Teachers' Day (5th) World Teachers' Day is celebrated annually on 5 October. The event celebrates teachers worldwide. Halloween (31st) Halloween is an annual holiday observed on October 31, which commonly includes activities such as trick- or- treating, attending costume parties and carving jack- o'- lanterns.
NOVEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR Bonfire Night (5th) The Gunpowder Plot took place in November 1605, when some Catholics plotted to blow up King James I and the English Parliament. Remembrance Day (11th) Remembrance is the time when people wear a poppy in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for us during wars. The Armistice, signalling the end of World War One, was signed on 11th November 1918 BBC Children in Need (14th) BBC Children in Need raises money for children in need all over the UK. Pudsey Bear is their much loved mascot. Road Safety Week (17th to 23rd) Road Safety Week is the UK's biggest road safety event, coordinated annually by Brake and involving thousands of schools, organisations and communities each year. Thanksgiving (27 th ) Is a national holiday celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.
DECEMBER EVENTS CALENDAR International Volunteer Day (5 th ) Is an international observance designated by the United Nations since 1985. It offers an opportunity for volunteer organizations and individual volunteers to make visible their contributions - at local, national and international levels Monkey Day (14th) Monkey Day is an annual celebration of all things simian. Hanukkah (16th to 24th) Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights. It dates back to two centuries before the beginning of Christianity. Christmas Eve (24th) Christmas Eve is the evening or entire day before Christmas Day, the widely celebrated annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Day (25th) Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th every year. They celebrate the 'Mass' (church service) for Christ which is why they call it Christmas.