Double Ninth Festival, China
The Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival. It is a day to pay respects to ancestors, climb mountains, and participate in outdoor activities as the number nine is considered auspicious in Chinese culture, symbolizing strong yang energy and protection against misfortune.
Día de la Raza/Day of the Race
October 12 is traditionally celebrated throughout the Americas as the day Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492. The day is celebrated in English-speaking countries as Columbus Day or Native American Day. In Spanish-speaking countries and communities, it is known as Día de la Raza, the Day of the Race. It is celebrated in Argentina, Chile, Costa…
Dussehra
Dussehra is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. This Indian holiday takes place on the 10th day of the seventh month according to the Hindu calendar.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, United States
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a U.S. state holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October. This celebration coincides with the observance of Columbus Day. It is a day to pay tribute to the native indigenous people who lived and thrived before the arrival of Columbus.
Canadian Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated on the second Monday of October every year. Canadians give thanks for a good harvest. Also known as Thanksgiving Day in English or Jour de l’action de grâce in French Canadian.
Sukkot
Sukkot is a week-long Jewish harvest festival that is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur. In 2024, Sukkot begins at sunset on October 16 and ends at nightfall on October 23.
World Food Day
World Food Day celebrates the founding of the U.N. Food & Agriculture Organization and is a day of action dedicated to tackling global hunger. Read more.
Oxi Day
Oxi Day, the “Day of No,” is an important part of Greek history that is celebrated each year on October 28th. It marks the day when General Metaxas said "no" (oxi) to an ultimatum given by Mussolini during World War II.
Halloween
Halloween is a holiday celebrated in many countries on October 31 each year. The tradition dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Read about some Halloween traditions from around the world.
World Cities Day
The United Nations designated October 31 as World Cities Day. The focus is to create awareness of the role of urbanization in global sustainable development and social inclusion.