CULTURAL CALENDAR
Celebrating the cultural holidays of international students is a way to bless them with a “home away from home” experience. The attached resources teach you how to celebrate in ways that grow your friendships and create opportunities to communicate the Gospel.
Calendars
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Tue
17
Ramadan
February 17, 2026 - March 19, 2026
Ramadan, observed from February 17 to March 19, 2026, is the Islamic month of fasting, when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Each day’s fast is broken at sunset with an iftar (fast-breaking) meal, often shared with family and friends. Ramadan offers a wonderful opportunity to invite a Muslim student to join […]
Sun
15
Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power / Decree)
Considered the holiest night in Ramadan; prayers multiplied.
Thu
19
Fri
20
Nowruz
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, marks the beginning of spring—a time of new life and fresh beginnings. It is a major celebration for Iranians as well as many Central Asian and Turkic peoples. Read more for ideas on how to engage with students during this festive season.
Sun
05
Easter
Easter is the most significant day in the Christian calendar, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Around the world, it is a time of hope, renewal, and joy—often marked by church gatherings, family meals, and cultural traditions like Easter eggs or spring festivals. Easter also offers a natural opportunity to discuss the holiday’s meaning with […]
Sun
05
Qingming Festival
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is an important Chinese holiday centered on honoring ancestors and deceased relatives. Families visit grave sites to clean and clear away brush, offering food, fruit, wine, and symbolic paper money as acts of remembrance and respect. In 2026, Qingming falls on April 5, which, in a remarkable […]
Tue
26
Wed
27
Tue
16
Fri
19
Dragon Boat Festival
The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. The holiday commemorates an ancient poet and national hero. In addition to the exciting dragon boat races, people make and eat zongzi—pyramid-shaped sticky rice dumplings wrapped in leaves.
Thu
25
Tue
25
Fri
25
Mid Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular harvest celebration that is an important time for family and friends to gather. Learn more about the holiday and how you can celebrate with your students here.
Sun
08
Diwali Festival
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a ‘festival of lights’ celebrated especially by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. This festival is spread over three to four days and is one of the most anticipated times of celebration. Learn more about how to connect with friend through Diwali here.
Sat
16
Wed
03
Sun
16
Thu
03
Tue
16
Sat
03
Wed
16
Sun
03
Thu
16
Mon
03
Contact Us
For more information on celebrating these holidays, please reach out to our networks.
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