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Days of Awareness
Durham College is committed to cultivating a campus where all members of the DC community feel a sense of inclusion and belonging. Through the recognition of days of awareness, we seek to bring visibility to the contributions, cultural and religious beliefs and practices as well as challenges faced by equity-deserving groups, in a way that increases our collective knowledge about each other.
These dates should be treated as an education and information resource only. If you require information and advice about the accommodation of creed, cultural and significant observances, please consult Ontario Human Rights Commission Creed-based Accommodations and the Request Family Status and Creed-based Accommodations.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of these dates; however, the actual day of observance may vary.
This is our community calendar; we rely on the expertise of all members of the DC community to assist in making our list as accurate and representative as possible. Please send any feedback, updates or corrections to equity@durhamcollege.ca.
Upcoming Events › Days of Awareness
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Ramadan
- 5:00 PM — 11:30 PM
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is celebrated across the globe as the month during which Muhammad received the initial revelations of the Quran, their holy book. During Ramadan, Muslims fast, abstaining from food, drinking and immoral acts, from dawn until dusk. They also engage in prayer, reading the Quran and display different acts of mandatory charity known as Zakat, as outlined by Allah. Ramadan usually lasts 29 or 30 days, which vary year to year.…
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Holi
- 12:00 AM — 11:30 PM
Holi, known as the “Festival of Colours,” is celebrated by many Hindu communities across Canada and the globe in grand fashion, and was given special recognition by the Canadian government in 2017. The Holi festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and celebrates Lord Krishna, who is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Holi also celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of the spring season. During Holi celebrations, people light bonfires, fellowship together, eat traditional foods and splash…
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Eid al-Fitr
- 12:00 AM — 11:30 PM
Eid is the Arabic word for “festival” or “feast,” but is also commonly used to mean celebration. Eid al-Fitr, the feast of breaking the fast, is one of two major Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims around the world. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan each year and is determined by the sighting of the new moon. Eid al Fitr is a three-day period which Muslims observe in many ways, such as through prayers, sharing gifts, engaging in worship and…
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Passover
- 6:00 PM — 11:30 PM
Passover is an important eight-day religious holiday to Judaism. Beginning at sunset on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and ending on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at nightfall, Passover celebrates the redemption of the Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt (the "Exodus"). It is commemorated by eating matzo (unleavened bread), avoiding chametz (leavened products), and by participating in Seders (festive ritual dinner gatherings), on the first two nights of the holiday. Passover is celebrated by spending time with family, friends and…
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Good Friday
Observed by Christians around the world, Good Friday is a day of mourning, reflection and prayer about the death of Jesus Christ. A fundamental tenet of Christianity, Good Friday occurs two days before Easter Sunday. Good Friday is oftentimes observed to be a more important religious holiday than Christmas, since it is the ultimate proof that Jesus is the son of God. On Good Friday, some Christians may attend church services, partake in partial fasts, or enjoy the traditional treat,…
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Easter Sunday
Observed by Christians around the world, Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his death by crucifixion on Good Friday, as described in the Christian Bible. His resurrection marks the triumph of good over evil, sin and death and is the event which proves that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead. Christians worldwide celebrate Easter Sunday by attending church services; spending time with family, friends and loved ones, such as…
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Asian Heritage Month
- 12:00 AM — 11:30 PM
In-person Oshawa Campus, 2000 Simcoe St. N.
Oshawa, Ontario CanadaAsian Heritage Month has been celebrated by Asian-Canadians since the 1990s. It was in 2001, that the Canadian Senate, adopted a motion to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada and in 2002, Asian Heritage Month was officially celebrated. Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more the bountiful history, culture and stories of Asian communities across Canada and to celebrate their many achievements and contributions. Durham College (DC) is committed to providing an…
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Emancipation Day
August 1st is celebrated as Emancipation Day across Canada. Emancipation marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire. The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 ended enslavement across the British Empire, in certain places in the Caribbean, South America and Canada. On March 24th, 2021, the House of Commons unanimously voted to officially designate August 1st as Emancipation Day. Emancipation Day is an opportunity for Canadians to learn about…
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