Spring's arrival brings a familiar sense of hope. It also brings some important holidays for people of all backgrounds. Below are just a few holidays, observances and commemorations to help you celebrate equity, varying diversity dimensions, and inclusion in April. Share your celebration with us on social media by using #IamEDI. We welcome additions to our list -- please email us at edi@untsystem.edu.
Passover (Jewish) -- March 27 - April 4
Passover, Hebrew Pesaḥ or Pesach, in Judaism, is a holiday commemorating the Hebrews’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the forces of destruction, or the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites, when the Lord “smote the land of Egypt” on the eve of the Exodus.
Arab American Heritage Month -- April 1-30
Celebrates the heritage and culture of Arab Americans, as well as honoring contributions from Arab Americans, such as activist Linda Sarsour and Congresswoman Rashia Tlaib.
World Autism Awareness Day -- April 2
Established by the United Nations in 2007, World Autism Day was created to raise awareness of the developmental disorder around the globe.
Easter (Christian) -- April 4
Easter is a festival and holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It's one of the two most important holy days in Christianity. It is a joyous holiday filled with many symbols and traditions.
Visakha Puja (Buddhist) -- April 8
Also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, Visakha Puja marks the birth, spiritual awakening and death (nirvana) of the historical Buddha and is a holiday for both celebration and reflection.
Yom HaShoah (Jewish) -- April 9
"Holocaust Remembrance Day" memorializes the heroic martyrdom of six million Jews who perished in the Nazi Holocaust.
Ramadan (Muslim) -- April 12-May11
Observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad.
Vaisakhi (Hindu, Sikh) -- April 13
For Hindus, Vaisakhi marks the traditional solar new year. It also celebrates the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated).
Earth Day -- April 22
Earth Day promotes world peace and sustainability of the planet. Events are held globally to show support of environmental protection of the Earth.
Day of Silence -- April 23
Students take a day-long vow of silence to symbolically represent the silencing of LGBTQ students and their straight allies due to bias and harassment.
Gathering of Nations -- April 23-24
The Gathering of Nations is considered North America's biggest "pow wow" for more than 500 Native American tribes. Each year, these tribes meet to celebrate their traditions and cultures.
International Jazz Day -- April 30
Legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock (along with the UN) helped create International Jazz Day in 2011. (It's the perfect time to check out music by some of UNT's alumni and student ensembles.)