LUU Cultural Calendar Archive
Welcome to our LUU Cultural Calendar Archive, which includes key international and national events alongside LUU staff events and dates which have happened over the previous months.
April 2023
Sunday 2 April
World Autism Awareness Day
The UN General Assembly declared this day to highlight the need to help improve the quality of life of those with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of society.
Find out more: World Autism Awareness Day
Wednesday 5 April - Thursday 13 April
Passover (Pesach)
A major Jewish spring festival, celebrating freedom and family. The Passover story is of Moses and The Ten Plagues, you can read a summary here - The Passover Story in a Nutshell.
If you want to find out more visit - Everything you need to know about Passover.
Sunday 9 April
Easter Sunday
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
Tuesday 11 April
World Parkinson's Day
#StartAConversation Every April, the Parkinson's Foundation engages the global Parkinson's community to support Parkinson's Awareness Month.
Find out more: World Parkinson's Day
Thursday 13th April - Satuday 15th April
Songkran
Songkran is an annual Thai festival. Events during the festival include water throwing, the ritual bathing of Buddha images, processions and performances. The final day of Songkran marks Thai new years day.
Find out more: Songkran
Friday 21 April - Saturday 22 April
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. The religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
Saturday 22 April
Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
Find out more: Earth Day
Saturday 22 April
Stephen Lawrence Day
The Stephen Lawrence Trust wants young people to have a strong voice in building a fairer and more inclusive society. The aim of the day is for events to take place that inspire young people about what they can achieve in their own lives.
Visit: Stephen Lawrence Day
Tuesday 25 April - Monday 1 May
MS Awareness Week
MS is unpredictable and different for everybody. Symptoms can come and go and change over time, and it’s difficult to know how your condition might progress. MS Awareness Week helps to raise awareness of the uncertainty of MS.
May 2023
Monday 1 May - Sunday 7 May
Deaf Awareness Week
This year's Deaf Awareness Week theme is “Access to Communication''. The aim of this year's Deaf Awareness Week is to promote greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the deaf community in accessing communication.
Monday 8 May
Coronation Bank Holiday
LUU will be closed on Monday 8 May to honour the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Monday 15 May- Sunday 21 May
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to come together to focus on mental health, tackling stigma and helping people understand and prioritise their and others' mental health.
Wednesday 17 May
Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia
Founded in 2004, this aims to raise awareness of violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people to drive positive change.
Thursday 25 May - Saturday 27 May
Shavuot
Shavuot is a Jewish celebration known as the "Feast of Weeks". It takes place seven weeks after Passover and commemorates the spring harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Find out more: Shavuot
June 2023
Thursday 8 June
World Oceans Day
On World Ocean Day, people around our blue planet celebrate and honour our one shared ocean, that connects us all.
Find out more: World Ocean Day
Wednesday 14 June
Remembering Grenfell Tower
Today marks five years since the fire which destroyed Grenfell Tower, taking the lives of 72 people.
Sunday 18 June
Fathers Day
Father's Day is a holiday of honouring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society.
Tuesday 20 June
World Refugee Day
This day celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
Find out more: UNHCR
Tuesday 20 June
Puri Rath Yatra
This unique festival in India marks the annual chariot procession of three Hindu Gods: Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra. The Gods are taken out of their temples to meet their devotees.
Find out more: Puri Rath Yatra
Thursday 22 June
Windrush Day
It's been 74 years since the Empire Windrush ship docked at the port of Tilbury bringing the first of the Windrush Generation to the UK. This day celebrates the people of the Windrush Generation and their descendants in the UK.
Watch: Windrush Generation
Thursday 22 June
Dragon Boat Festival
A celebration of a Chinese poet named Qu Yuan for his patriotism and contributions to poetry. His remorse for the violence in China's capital led him to disappear into the Mi Lo River where today, partakers in the festival race boats and eat rice dumplings.
Find out more here.
Monday 26 June - Saturday 1 July
Hajj
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims.
Read: What is Hajj?
Wednesday 28 June -Sunday 2 July
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is the second and the larger of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah's command.
Read: What is Eid al-Adha?
July 2023
Saturday 1 July
International Reggae Day
A day to celebrate the history of Reggae music, the culture and people of the Caribbean.
Find out more here.
Sunday 3 July
Dharma Day
Dharma Day is celebrated in Theravada countries on the full moon day of July. It marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching. It is usually celebrated with readings from the Buddhist scriptures, and is an opportunity to reflect deeply on their content.
Watch: What is Dharma?
Tuesday 4 July
Independence Day (USA)
It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of the USA's independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the country.
Friday 14 July
International Non-Binary People's Day
This day is aimed at raising awareness and organising around the issues faced by non-binary people around the world.
Tuesday 18 July
Mandela Day
An annual international day to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela on his birthday. The day is characterised taking action and inspiring change in your local community.
Find out more: Mandela Day
Tuesday 18 July - Thursday 17 August
South Asian Heritage Month
It seeks to raise the profile of British South Asian heritage and history in the UK through education, arts, culture and commemoration, with the goal of helping people to better understand the diversity of present-day Britain and improve social cohesion across the country.
Find out more here.
Thursday 27 July - Friday 28 July
The Day of Ashura
This marks the death anniversary of Hussain ibn Ali, a revolutionary leader who was killed for taking a dignified stand for moral and social justice and against oppression.
Sunday 30 July
International Day of Friendship
The International Day of Friendship celebrates the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
August 2023
Thursday 17 August
Marcus Garvey Day
Today commemorates Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born Black political activist, publisher, and journalist.
Garvey popularized, and is credited for, the phrase “Black Is Beautiful”, giving his followers and supporters a sense of hope and power.
Watch: Marcus Garvey
Saturday 19 August
World Humanitarian Day
Each year, this day focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.
Find out more: World Humanitarian Day
Saturday 26 August
National Dog Day
The day celebrates all dogs and seeks to encourage people to adopt more dogs instead of buying them from pet shops. The day was founded by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle expert Collen Paige.
Click here for more information (and dogs).
Monday 28 August
Remembering Chadwick Boseman
On this day in 2020, Chadwick Boseman passed away from Cancer. Chadwick played The Black Panther in a movie that is historically known for having a majority black cast - a rarity in Hollywood Movies.
Watch Marvels Tribute to Chadwick.
Wednesday 30 August
Ghost Festival
The Ghost Festival is a traditional Taoist and Buddhist festival that’s held in several different East Asian countries. This is a holiday on which people believe that the gates of hell open up and the dead are allowed to walk among the living in search of food.
September 2023
Friday 15 September - Sunday 17 September
Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashana is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days and marks the new year on the Hebrew calendar. This festival has many traditions including special foods, blowing shofar or ram’s horn and special services in synagogues.
Watch: What is Rosh Hashanah?
Thursday 21 September
International Day of Peace
Last years theme for this day was "End racism, build peace". Check out this page to read more about it.
Saturday 23 September
Bi Visibility Day
Marked each year since 1999, Bi Visibility Day raises bi awareness and challenges bisexual & biromantic erasure.
Sunday 24 September - Monday 25 September
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and Samaritanism.
Thursday 28 September
World Maritime Day
“MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on” has been chosen as the IMO World Maritime Theme for 2023.
Friday 29 September
Moon Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is the second most important festival in China after Chinese New Year. Chinese people celebrate it by gathering for dinners, worshiping the moon, lighting paper lanterns, eating mooncakes, etc.
Find out more here.
October 2023
Sunday 1 October - Tuesday 31 October
Black History Month
Black History Month is both a time to celebrate and a time to learn about and understand Black history and culture. This year's theme is Black Resistance. To find out more click here.
Tuesday 10 October - Monday 16 October
OCD Awareness Week
OCD Awareness Week aims to raise understanding and awareness of what OCD is, and how it affects people.
Visit: OCD Action
Tuesday 10 October
World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
Sunday 15 October - Tuesday 24 October
Navratri
Navaratri is a biannual and one of the most revered Hindu festivals observed in the honour of goddess Mahadevi. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra and again in the month of Sharada.
Wednesday 18 October
Pumpkin Painting with People
To get into the autumnal spirit, the People Team are hosting a pumpkin painting session. From 11:30am - 12:30pm, pop along to Yellow Room on Level 2 to paint your own pumpkin that you can take home with you.
Please write your name on the sign-up form so we can ensure that there are enough pumpkins for everyone.
Wednesday 18 October
World Menopause Day
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
Friday 27 October
National Mentoring Day
The purpose of this day is to educate, connect, support, and celebrate mentors and mentoring initiatives across the world. Working together through collaboration and connections to support everyone.
Find out more by heading to the National Mentoring Day website.
Tuesday 31 October
Halloween
Halloween is on the eve of the Christian festival All Saints Day, but many Halloween traditions originate from the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain. Nowadays traditions include trick-or-treating, wearing scary costumes, and carving pumpkins.
Find out more: Halloween Origins, Meanings & Traditions
November 2023
Sunday 5 November
LUU Women's Collective Book Club
Open to members and allies, the Book Club is an opportunity to gather together and discuss the bimonthly chosen book. The chosen book for this bimonthly is Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami.
To find out more, head over to the Women's Collective Intranet Page.
Sunday 5 November
Bonfire Night
"Remember, remember, the fifth of November" - sound familiar?
Read: History of Bonfire Night
Sunday 12 November
Diwali
Diwali is well known for its beautiful firework displays but this 5 day celebration includes family feasts, dressing up in finest clothes, decorating homes and worship.
Sunday 12 November
Remembrance Sunday
A day to remember the lost lives of war.
A two minute silence will be held at 11am.
Monday 13 November
World Kindness Day
A global recognition of the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself and to the world.
Here's some ideas if you want to think of something new - Kindness Ideas.
Thursday 16 November - Saturday 16 December
UK Disability History Month
The aim of DHM is to celebrate lives as Disabled People now and in the past, challenge Disabilism and achieve equality.
Visit: DHM
Sunday 19 November
International Men's Day
A day to celebrate positive role models, and also raise awareness of men's mental health and wellbeing.
Visit internationalmensday.com to find out more.
Monday 20 November
Trans Day of Remembrance
A day to honour and remember the trans and gender-diverse people who have been murdered over the past 12 months.
To find out more visit tdor.tgeu.org/
Wednesday 22 November
Winter Festival: Festive Bauble Painting
On Wednesday 22 November, from 1pm-3pm, come over to our cosy Winter Tent for a Festive Bauble Painting session.
Friday 24 November
Winter Festival: Festive Crafts
On Friday 24 November, from 1pm-3pm, wind down in our cosy Winter Tent with a festive craft drop-in session.
Wednesday 29 November
Winter Stained Glass Drop-In
On Wednesday 29 November in the Martin Luther King office, there will be a Paper Stained Glass Drop-In Activity.
Get into the festive spirit and pop along to the activity anytime from 9:30am-4:30pm to create your own stained glass decoration, that will then be placed in one of the LUU Office Windows!
December 2023
Friday 1 December
World AIDS Day
It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Monday 4 December
All Staff Network Social
On Monday 4 December, the Staff Networks are holding a Staff Networks Social!
Starting at 5pm, head on down to Old Bar for board games, a Network quiz, and a casual get together. Whether you’re part of the Networks, interested in knowing more about them, or an ally- everyone is invited!
Wednesday 6 December
Winter Festival: Tea Making
On Wednesday 6 December, from 1pm-3pm, come over to our cosy Winter Tent for a Festive Tea Making session.
Thursday 7 December - Friday 15 December
Hanukkah
An eight day Jewish festival of lights, celebrated with the nightly lighting of the menorah. You can find out more about the festival here - Jewish Holidays Chanukah
The Menorah outside the Refectory will be lit on Thursday 7th December at 6pm. Come along if you would like.
Friday 8 December
Bodhi Day
A Buddhist celebration commemorating the day that the historical Buddha, formerly Prince Siddhartha Gautama, experienced enlightenment.
Find out more at Learn Religions - Bodhi Day
Friday 8 December
Winter Festival: Festive Crafts
On Friday 8 December, from 1pm-3pm, wind down in our cosy Winter Tent with a festive craft drop-in session.
Saturday 16 December - Sunday 24 December
Las Posadas
Las Posadas, celebrated yearly from December 16-24, is a religious festival traditionally held in Mexico and parts of Latin America.
Watch: Las Posadas
Tuesday 19 December
Winter Staff Conference
We will be celebrating our Shining Star winners and sharing key strategic updates. The focus of the day will allow teams to come together to create their team plans for the year ahead.
We will then finish up the afternoon with some fun activities created by our Social Team and then close the LUU building down at 5pm ready for our Staff Winter Party at the Brudenell Social club.
Tuesday 19 December
Once Upon a Winter Social
From 5pm, there will be the Staff Winter Social at Brudenell Social Club. Arrival will be from 5pm-5:30pm, and you are invited to bring a plus one.
The Social will include a classic Fruity Bingo (with prizes), and there will be a DJ and a Photo Booth. Spud Bro’s will be providing the food!
If you are coming along to the Social, please write your name and info on the sign-up sheet.
Thursday 21 December - Monday 1 January
Yule
Yule is a Pagan celebration otherwise known as Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day of the year and the beginning of longer days ahead.
Monday 25 December
Christmas Day
A Christian celebration celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Visit whychristmas.com/cultures to find out how Christmas is celebrated around the world.
Tuesday 26 December
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.
January 2024
Monday 1 January - Wednesday 31 January
Veganuary
Veganuary is a non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond.
Find out more: Veganuary
Wednesday 10 January
World Hindi Day
Otherwise known as Vishwa Hindi Divas, this day marks the anniversary of first World Hindi Conference which was organized on January 10 ,1975 in Nagpur.
Tuesday 16 January
Martin Luther King Jr Day
A federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Born in 1929, King's actual birthday is January 15.
Wednesday 24 January
LUU Women's Collective Book Club
Open to members and allies, the Book Club is an opportunity to gather together and discuss the bimonthly chosen book. The chosen book for this time is Educated by Tara Westover.
To find out more, head over to the Women's Collective Intranet Page.
Thursday 25 January
Burns Night
Burns Night is widely renowned as a commemoration of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns' birthday. It is celebrated with a feast showcasing the best of traditional Highlands cuisine.
Thursday 25 January
Mahayana New Year
Mahayana Buddhism is the largest sub-division of the Buddhist religion, and they celebrate the new year by honouring Buddha and other deities.
Read more at World Religion News: New Year Traditions
Saturday 27 January
Holocaust Memorial Day
A national commemoration day dedicated to the remembrance of those who suffered in the Holocaust, under Nazi persecution, and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
February 2024
Thursday 1 February - Thursday 29 February
LGBTQ+ History Month
The overall aim of LGBTQ+ History month is to promote equality and diversity for the benefit of the public.
To find out more click here.
Thursday 1 February- Friday 2 February
Imbolc
Imbolc is a Pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice (Yule) and the Spring Equinox (Ostara).
Thursday 1 February
Time To Talk Day
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation.
Make space in your day for a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day.
Find out more: Time To Talk Day 2023
Thursday 1 February
LUU Time To Talk Day
Everyone has mental health, just like we all have physical health.
Drop into the Staff room between 9am-5pm to have a cup of Tea and biscuit with the People team, and learn more about the support available to our staff.
People team members will be available for private conversations if you would prefer not to ask questions in a group environment.
Tuesday 6 February
Lead LUU- Nominations Close
Nominations for our annual Student Executive leadership race close.
Whether you are a student that wants to join the leadership race, or you work with a student that you think would be a great candidate, you can nominate them/yourself by clicking here to fill in a quick form.
Wednesday 7 February
Women's Collective Network- Safe Space
At 2pm in Room 2, the Women's Collective Network are holding a Safe Space.
Taking inspiration from Time to Talk Day, there won't be a particular topic this session, but it'll be based on the question:
“Hey! How’s it going?”
Saturday 10 February
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is the festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar and solar Chinese calendar.
Tuesday 13 February
Shrove Tuesday
Observed in many Christian countries through participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year's Holy Week palms, finalizing one's Lenten sacrifice, as well as eating pancakes and other sweets.
Wednesday 14 February
Valentines Day
Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually.
Thursday 15 February
Nirvana Day
An annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80.
Find out more at learn religion:
Sunday 26 February - Sunday 3 March
Eating Disorders Awareness Week
1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder right now - but behind every one is a network of loved ones struggling too. Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is hosted by BEAT. To find out more click here.
Thursday 29 February
Women’s Collective Network Social
The Women's Collective Network is hosting a Staff Social. Pop musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is coming to Leeds Grand Theatre, and the Network has reserved tickets for staff to come along and watch the "kick-asspirational" stage show.
Ticket reservations are now closed. Staff are welcome to join but will have to purchase the tickets via Leeds Heritage Theatres.
March 2024
Friday 1 March - Sunday 31 March
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Every March we put ovarian cancer in the spotlight and work with our community to raise our voices, raise funds and create change for early diagnosis, research and support.
Find out more here.
Friday 1 March - Sunday 31 March
Endo The Night
Support those affected by endometriosis during awareness month this March by getting together for a night in!
Find out more: Endo The Night
Friday 1 March
Lead LUU- Results Night
After the weeks of campaigning and voting in our annual leadership race- it is time to find out who our next LUU Student Executive's are going to be.
Wednesday 6 March
Women in Leadership
At 1:30pm, in Pyramid Canteen, the Women's Collective Network are hosting a Women in Leadership event. Joined by Amrit Gata-Aura, Siobhan Atkinson, and Rhiannon Roberts, they will be sharing their career journeys. This is open to all staff members.
If you would like to attend, please fill in this quick form.
Friday 8 March
International Women's Day
A worldwide celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements and contributions made by women.
Watch: #HerVoice
Sunday 10 March
Mothers Day
A day to honour mothers and other mother figures, such as grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law.
Sunday 10 March - Tuesday 9 April
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
Friday 15 March
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
Designated by United Nations in 2022, the day aims to foster a culture of tolerance and peace, and highlights the importance of respecting human rights and diversity of religion and beliefs.
Monday 18 March - Sunday 24 March
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
A worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
Find out more here.
Sunday 17 March
St Patricks Day
Celebration of the patron saint of Ireland.
Here is a typically St Patricks Day celebration in Dublin, Ireland.
Monday 18 March - Sunday 24 March
Sign Language Week
A week of events celebrating 'Pride in BSL' and the culture and achievements of the people who use British Sign Language, 'the UK's fourth indigenous language'.
Find out more: Sign Language Week
Wednesday 20 March
International Day of Happiness
This campaign is a global celebration to mark the United Nations International Day of Happiness.
Find out more: International Day of Happiness
Wednesday 20 March
Ostara
Ostara (known as Spring Equinox) is a pagan celebration where the day is an equal balance of day and night. Ostara celebrates new beginnings and spring awakening.
Saturday 23 March - Sunday 24 March
Purim
Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination by the courage of a young Jewish woman called Esther.
Read more: Judaism - Purim
Monday 25 March
Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival that has been celebrated since ancient times. The Holi Festival is celebrated as a way to welcome in spring, and also is seen as a new beginning where people can release all their inhibitions and start fresh.
Watch: Holi
Sunday 31 March
Easter Sunday
Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.