Official celebrations and observances

Learn about International Holocaust Remembrance Day

In 2005, the U.N. General Assembly designated January 27 – the anniversary of the liberation of the largest Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau where over 6,000,000 innocents were systematically murdered – as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD). January 2024 marked the 79th anniversary of liberation in 1945.

The U.N. resolution that created IHRD rejects denial of the Holocaust and condemns discrimination and violence based on religion or ethnicity. IHRD is officially observed by the United Nations countries including Canada, Italy, and Germany, as well as many cities such as Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal.

Canada offers refuge and new hope to immigrants, refugees, and survivors, some of whom have escaped more recent genocides – and it is a place where people can learn from each other and share cultures.

Antisemitism is on the rise around the world, in Canada, and in Vancouver. Hatred has flourished in the digital age. It is more important than ever that the lessons learned and horrors of the Holocaust remain present in the public consciousness so they are never repeated.

As we reflect upon that dark period in history and remember the atrocities perpetrated during the Holocaust, Vancouver has the opportunity to join with the Jewish community and all of our citizens, and Canadians from all walks of life in demonstrating our commitment to stand against antisemitism, hate, and genocide.

To commemorate this day and to create greater public understanding and awareness of this horrific period in history between 1933-1945, the City of Vancouver proclaims January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Learn about Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia

On January 29, 2017, a white gunman entered the Islamic Cultural Centre mosque in Quebec City and opened fire on dozens of Muslim worshippers. By the time the shooting had ended, six people had been tragically killed and 19 more were injured.

Muslim communities across Canada were, and continue to be, affected by this and other acts of hate, racism, white supremacy, and islamophobia - including the anti-Islam rally planned for August 19, 2017, outside Vancouver City Hall.

To commemorate this day, the City of Vancouver, and the cities of Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Hamilton, and Windsor have all designated January 29 as a Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia. Many municipalities across Canada also commemorate the events of January 29 with their Muslim community partners, and there is a nation-wide campaign External website, opens in new tab for the federal government External website, opens in new tab to recognize the day nationally.

Lunar New Year is a traditional holiday celebrated by the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean communities.

The holiday runs from the last day of the last month of the lunar calendar until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first month, making it the longest holiday in the lunar calendar. Windows and doors of homes and offices are often decorated with red colour paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of "good fortune" or "happiness," "wealth," and "longevity."

Other activities include lighting firecrackers and giving money in red paper envelopes.

View the Lunar New Year proclamation PDF file (2 MB)

Black History Month is an opportunity to share the history, contributions, and culture of Black Canadians.

Here in BC, there is a significant Black history going back to Canada’s colonial origins. In 1858, nearly 800 free Black people left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island.

Around 1900, the Black community from Vancouver Island moved to the Lower Mainland and settled in Vancouver's Strathcona neighbourhood, also known as Hogan's Alley. 

Hogan's Alley pioneers

Though faced with intense discrimination, these pioneers enriched the political, religious, and economic life of the colony. Many from that initial group have contributed notably to BC life:

• Mifflin Gibbs became a prominent politician.
• Charles and Nancy Alexander initiated the Shady Creek Methodist Church.
• John Deas established a salmon cannery on land in Delta that is now Deas Island.
• Barbara Howard, aged 17, was the first black female athlete to represent Canada in international competition at the British Empire Games in Australia. She was the first visible minority hired by the Vancouver School Board and taught physical education at Strathcona School.
• Jimi Hendrix lived with his grandmother Nora Hendrix in Vancouver after being discharged from the US army. In 1968, Jimi Hendrix played at the Pacific Coliseum.

Hogan's Alley ran between Union and Prior streets from the alley east of Main Street to Jackson Street. From the 1920s to the 1960s, Hogan’s Alley became a thriving Black community and cultural hub. 

In 1967, the decision to expand the highway system through Vancouver resulted in the expropriation of land and buildings in this area to make way for the construction of the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts, resulting in the loss of homes and businesses. The Black community was uprooted from this area and an identifiable Black neighbourhood has not re-emerged in Vancouver. 

For more information about the history of Vancouver’s Black Community and work the community is doing with the City of Vancouver, visit:

• Hogan's Alley External website, opens in new tab
• Hogan's Alley Society External website, opens in new tab
• Black Strathcona External website, opens in new tab
• BC Black History Awareness Society External website, opens in new tab

Black History Month was recognized by the Government of Canada in the House of Commons in 1995. The motion was introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to parliament. Vancouver City Council passed a motion in 2011, designating Black History Month one of its official celebrations. Every February, we celebrate the history, contributions, and culture of Black Canadians.

Every year on March 8, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements.  A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world, ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities, and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

The City celebrates this day by highlighting issues of importance to local women, and by highlighting the important roles women in our communities play. See how we're recognizing International Women's Day this year.

In 2022, Council passed a motion to add Ramadan to the City’s list of official celebrations and observances. Ramadan is a significant month-long religious observance for Muslims around the world. It is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of charity.

View the Ramadan proclamation PDF file (440 KB)

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from food and drink. The fast is seen as a way to purify the body and mind, to focus on spiritual reflection and to empathize with those less fortunate.

In addition to fasting, Muslims spend more time in prayer and spiritual reflection during Ramadan. Muslims also engage in acts of charity, giving to the poor, and helping those in need. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a day of feasting, family gatherings, and exchanging gifts.

In 2019, Mayor and Council passed a motion to add Nowruz to our list of official celebrations and observances.

View the Nowruz proclamation PDF file (436 KB)

Nowruz means the “New Day” in Farsi and marks the beginning of spring and the arrival of the New Year. Originating in the Iranian Plateau, it is a holiday celebrated by people in more than 15 countries from Kashgar in China, to Albania, from Uzbekistan to Zanzibar and marks the New Year in Iran and Afghanistan. Additionally, it is celebrated by Kurdish people, Parsis of India, and people of Islamic, Baháʼí, Zoroastrian, and other faiths and is included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

At the exact moment of the spring equinox (March 20, or 21), families gather around the “Haft Sin”, “Haft Seen” or “Haft Mewa” table in anticipation of starting the new year.

Nowruz promotes the values of peace and solidarity, reconciliation and neighborliness, diversity, and friendship among people. Nowruz is a time of transformation, and a reminder that every new day is a chance for a fresh start.

In 1966, the United Nations declared March 21 “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.” This day marks when 69 anti-apartheid protesters were killed by police in Sharpeville, South Africa, on March 21, 1960.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed in cities around the world, including Vancouver, which is home to Indigenous, Black, Asian, and other racialized communities.

Read the proclamation PDF file (476 KB)

Learn what we're doing to address anti-racism and cultural redress

Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. This day is a time of great joy and celebration for Muslims around the world. It is a time to express gratitude for the blessings received during the month of fasting. 

View the Eid al-Fitr proclamation PDF file (812 KB)

The celebration of Eid al-Fitr typically begins with the sighting of the new moon. On the day of Eid, Muslims wake up early in the morning and perform a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid. After the prayer, people exchange greetings and hugs, and children often receive gifts or money from their elders. It is also common to give to charity on this day, as a way to share the blessings of the month of Ramadan with those in need. Throughout the day, families and friends gather together to enjoy festive meals, exchange gifts, and spread happiness and love.

On May 23, 1914, 376 British Subjects from India of Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu origin arrived in Vancouver Harbour aboard the Guru Nanak Jahaz (Komagata Maru) seeking to enter Canada.

On July 23, 1914, the Guru Nanak Jahaz was forced to leave as a result of a discriminatory act by the Government of Canada, excluding immigrants from India, without allowing the passengers to disembark. Upon their return to India, they were met with a deadly encounter with police and troops near Kolkata. 20 passengers were killed, some escaped, and many were imprisoned. 

On June 9, 2020, Vancouver City Council passed a motion to formally apologize for the previous Council's injustices and their cruel effects on individuals and families impacted by the Guru Nanak Jahaz tragedy. It was also declared that May 23 shall be known as "Guru Nanak Jahaz Remembrance Day" in Vancouver.

Learn more about the Guru Nanak Jahaz tragedy

Italian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honour the history, culture, and contributions of Italian Canadians to the city of Vancouver. It involves a month-long series of events presented by various partners, including Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre, the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver, the Italian Day Festival Society, the Commercial Drive Business Society, and other esteemed partners.  

From the early pioneers to today's diverse community, we honour Italian Canadians resilience and cultural legacy throughout the month of June. Italian Day on the Drive on Sunday, June 9, presented by the Italian Day Festival Society, is the largest event during Italian Heritage Month. Delivered as an embracing and vibrant 14 block street festival, this year’s theme–Storia–means history or story in Italian. The significance is that history creates memories, generating emotional connections with the ability to transcend generations via storytelling, keeping traditions and important values alive, while bridging the past with the present. Join us for a day of famiglia (family), food, wine, music, and activities celebrating the rich history, traditions, and invaluable contributions of Italian Canadians who have left an indelible mark on our vibrant city.

In 2018, Council passed a motion designating Italian Heritage Month to be recognized in the list of official celebrations and observances. In addition to the celebrations, Italian Heritage Month is also a time to remember the hardships faced by Italian Canadians who struggled to immigrate to Vancouver, build their lives and businesses, and contribute to our city.

Join us in celebrating their cultural legacy and resilience throughout the month as we embrace the unity and diversity that makes Vancouver so special.

Events

• Italian Day Festival Society’s summer events External website, opens in new tab
• Italian Cultural Centre of Vancouver External website, opens in new tab

Eid al-Adha is a Muslim celebration with links to Islamic history and the shared histories of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity through their common Abrahamic heritage. It is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice which often takes the form of service and selfless giving. The festival marks the completion of the Hajj, which is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. 

The celebration of Eid is an important opportunity to share the traditions and faith of the Muslim community including generosity, compassion, and caring for others. The festival of Eid al-Adha sends a powerful message that communities are stronger when we focus on the shared values that unite us. 

Over 1.4 billion Muslims around the world, including 7 million in North America and 100,000 in BC celebrate the festival of Eid al-Adha.

Read the proclamation PDF file (836 KB)

World Refugee Day is celebrated annually on June 20 to honour the courage, strength, and determination of refugees worldwide. It is a day to recognize the contributions of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and undocumented persons in our local communities.

Every minute, 20 people worldwide leave everything behind to escape war, persecution, terror, food insecurity, climate catastrophe, and other forms of injustice, in search of safe refuge. Worldwide, one in 77 people are currently fleeing their home.

The City of Vancouver has adopted an inclusive Vision and Value Statement that states "Vancouver is a city where immigrants and refugees have the best opportunities to become an integral part of social, economic and cultural fabric of civic life."

Read the proclamation PDF file (864 KB)

Learn more about World Refugee Day – Canada External website, opens in new tab.

Learn more about National Indigenous Peoples Day

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. The Governor General of Canada proclaimed June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day in 1996 as a celebratory occasion where Indigenous peoples share their rich, diverse cultures, stories, songs, traditional games, dances, and spirit. This is a time for us all to come together, reflect on and celebrate the unique heritage, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples.

Every year in the Downtown Eastside, Carnegie Community Centre hosts a celebration for National Indigenous Peoples Day. Part of that celebration includes artwork by a local artist that is worn on t-shirts and printed on a flag flown at Vancouver City Hall on June 21. Below is the artwork of the flags designed by the artists, as well as their biographies, over the last 4 years.

2024 artwork

The artwork for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2024, Grandmother Moon, was created by Melaney Gleeson-Lyall (Point), who is a spiritual being embodied as a strong Indigenous woman living between 2 worlds and 2 cultures.

She is an artist, author, and designer, and a descendant of the Musqueam, Snaw'naw'as, and Lyackson Nations, of the Coast Salish peoples of the Pacific Northwest. As a Sixties Scoop survivor, Melaney is reclaiming her culture and heritage. She lives on the unceded land of her ancestors, at Musqueam, also known as Vancouver, BC.

Artist's statement

“Grandmother Moon represents my late sister, Kat Norris. Kat was an Indigenous matriarch who was an advocate for those living on the margins and an Indigenous activist. She was a respected Coast Salish elder who shared teachings, story, and truth telling with the community of the DTES, East Van, and across the city of Vancouver.  

The face of the moon represents Kat who will always be watching over us and the wolves represent the family and community whose lives she touched near and far. The border is my Salish Eye representing the teachings and legacy of our ancestors.” 

2023 artwork 

The artwork for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023 is created by Candace Rose Thomas, who is a proud member of the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation and a part of the Coast Salish community of artists. Candy also holds a deep connection to the Downtown Eastside community.

In 2017, she embarked on a recovery journey, which received tremendous support from the Downtown Eastside Connections Clinic. This experience has played a crucial role in her healing process. She takes great pride in her heritage and artistic abilities. Through her involvement in the səlilwətaɬ community, Candy maintains a strong connection with her ancestors, whom she believes guide her on the path to maintaining good health and happiness. 

2022 artwork 

The artwork for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022 was created by Sam McKay, a Nisga’a artist, and long-time Downtown Eastside resident. Sam was born in the village of Laxgalta'ap formally known as Greenville Nass River British Columbia. He feels that his responsibility is to carry on the legacy that was freely given to him. He also believes that learning is a gift from the Creator and that it is not complete until it is passed on. That is the teaching from his grandfather and his goal is to pass on his learnings.

2021 artwork

The artwork for National Indigenous Peoples Day 2021 was created by Skundaal, a Haida artist and master carver who also goes by Bernie Williams (Gul-Giit-Jaad; Golden Spruce Woman). She is of St’langng Jaanas/Laanas clan in Haida Gwaii. As a long-time Downtown Eastside resident, she is a passionate advocate against the discrimination, abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and exploitation against Aboriginal and 2SLGBTQ+ women and girls.

Mark your calendars for Pride Week and the Vancouver Pride Festival, taking place from July 26 to August 4 this year.

The Pride Parade, which happens on the last Sunday of the festival in downtown Vancouver, attracts over 300,000 attendees and is one of the largest Pride parades in Canada.

Pride Week

Each year, the Mayor proclaims the last week of July as "Pride Week." This year, we are proud to host the Vancouver Pride Week proclamation, flag-raising, and launch event on July 29 and to open our city and our hearts through a line-up of events that recognize the diversity and unique contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to our city. This Pride Week launch event will also feature the Mayor's Proclamation PDF file (484 KB).

Watch the celebration online on Monday, July 29 External website, opens in new tab

Learn more about Pride Week in Vancouver

Vancouver is home to the second-largest South Asian community in Canada, and Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is a unifying event in many communities across South Asia and the South Asian diaspora. For all, it is a time of renewed spirit and the triumph of good over evil. Diwali is celebrated with family and the community through joyous music, dance, crafts, stories, and delectable sweets.

Bandi Chhor Divas holds deep significance for Sikh communities worldwide. Celebrated in alignment with Diwali, this day commemorates the liberation and release of the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and the 52 kings from being held as prisoners. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji represents freedom, justice, and compassion.

To express their happiness during Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas, people:

• Light clay lamps called diyas, and set off firecrackers
• Display colourful floor mosaics or rangoli
• Share food and sweets with families and loved ones

2024 Marks the 100th consecutive year of the Vancouver Remembrance Day Ceremony at Victory Square.

• Review the 2024 program PDF file (915 KB)

The ceremony began in 1924 and reflects respect and remembrance of sacrifices in the service of our country – past and present. 

The service is organized by the Vancouver Remembrance Day Committee, a civic volunteer group with a mandate to organize and conduct the November 11 ceremony on behalf of our citizens. Vancouver is the only city in Canada with a civic volunteer committee supported by the City. The committee has developed a proud tradition of consultation and input from veterans and related groups, numerous service and civic organizations, including city departments, the military, and RCMP. 

The ceremony attracts Vancouver citizens to Victory Square, rain or shine, and also attracts hundreds of thousands of television viewers across the country. This solemn ceremony includes the "Last Post", the "Lament", the fly-past, the change of the guard, the wreath-laying, the parade of veterans, military units, cadets, police, brass bands, pipes and drums, and is befitting for the many tearful private moments of remembrance.

Every year over 15,000 participants and citizens attend the ceremony.

Join us on December 3 as we unite with cities worldwide to honour the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This global event serves as a platform to deepen our understanding of disability issues, advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, and champion their full inclusion in all facets of society.

Since its inception by the United Nations in 1992, this commemoration continues to spotlight the transformative impact of integrating individuals with disabilities into every aspect of life – be it political, social, economic, or cultural.

In recognition of its significance, we officially designated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as an annual event in 2006.

Review the proclamation PDF file (281 KB)

Accessibility

Your experiences with accessibility barriers are crucial in our efforts to identify and eliminate them.

• Learn more about the Accessibility Strategy
• Share your experiences with accessibility barriers

The official celebration and observance of Christmas is one of the City’s earliest recognized occasions. The observance of Christmas around the world varies by country. The day of Christmas, and in some cases the day before (Christmas Eve) and the day after (Boxing Day), are recognized by many national governments and cultures worldwide, including in areas where Christianity is a minority religion.

In some non-Christian areas, periods of former colonial rule introduced the celebration (example: Hong Kong); in others, Christian minorities or foreign cultural influences have led populations to observe the holiday.

Christmas celebrations around the world can vary markedly in form, reflecting differing cultural and national traditions. Among countries with a strong Christian tradition, a variety of Christmas celebrations have developed that incorporate regional and local cultures.