LGBT, Hispanic Events, Religious Observances, Business Holidays and More
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October is full of holidays and events that reflect the diverse, global environment in which we work. There are public holidays in virtually every part of the world, including many major religious holidays that affect work schedules and other business-related planning.
This is a partial list. For a complete list of upcoming diversity events, please refer to our online diversity calendar.
LGBT: Coming Out Day
In the United States, October 11 is National Coming Out Day. It has included marches on Washington of up to 600,000 people to protest anti-gay discrimination and demand a stronger federal government response to the AIDS crisis. To foster more tolerance and respect at your organization, please browse our LGBT training videos.
Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples; Hispanic Events
There are a number of notable Hispanic holidays in October. Columbus Day is celebrated in the United States on October 10, 2016. However, a growing movement seeks to reinvent the holiday as Indigenous Peoples Day. The movement started in Seattle, Minneapolis and Albuquerque, and spreading to counties and school districts.
Elsewhere in the Americans, in Argentina and many other Latin American counties, October 12 commemorates Día de la Raza.
In Brazil on Oct. 9, people celebrate Círio de Nazaré, which draws nearly two million pilgrims from around the country to join the procession winding through the city of Belém. On October 30, Mexico honors the birthday of Francisco Madero, who in 1911 established democracy in Mexico after deposing dictator Porfirio Diaz.
Hinduism
Hindus will celebrate Dussehra (Durga Puja) on October 11, which means “the tenth day” and is celebrated at the culmination of the “nine nights” festival of Asuj Navratras. Celebrated with feasting and rejoicing, it commemorates Rama’s victory over Ravana and honors the goddess Durga.
On Oct. 19, Hindus celebrate Karva Chauth when married Hindu women fast and pray for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their husbands. These online diversity training help instill awareness and respect for religious diversity.
National Business Closures
In October worldwide, nearly two dozen countries will celebrate independence and republic days. In many cases, business will shut down and people won’t be working. But it’s an opportunity to reach out to business contacts and employees to support their celebrations.
If you have Asian employees – or your organization does business with Asia – there are many October holidays. The People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong celebrate National Day on October 1. The Republic of China also celebrates Double Tenth Day October 10, commemorating the outbreak that led to the nations’ foundation.
In South Korea, Hangul Day commemorates the creation of the Korean alphabet on October 3, followed by National Foundation Day on October 13. In Japan, Health and Sports Day is celebrated on October 10.
Thanksgiving – in October?
The United States celebrates one of its largest holidays, Thanksgiving, in November. In Canada, however, that same holiday will be celebrated on October 10.
For a complete list of upcoming diversity events, please refer to our online diversity calendar.