June 23 – African Liberation Day (International) – It has been a day of celebration of the many achievements and victories of African people worldwide and a rededication of their current struggle for freedom, justice and unity. It is marked by parades and rallies in Africa and the U.S.
June 24 – St. Jean Baptiste Day (Canada) – He is the patron saint of French-Canadians in Quebec, Canada. It is a holiday and there are parades, bonfires and fireworks to celebrate his birthday.
June 24 – Dia de San Juan (Puerto Rico) – This day commemorates the island’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. People gather at the beaches in the afternoon. Then at midnight, they jump into the ocean backwards three times to symbolize baptism, immersion and new life. The celebration continues with families gathering to enjoy music, food and dancing.
June 27 – Multiculturalism Day (Canada) – The Government of Canada officially recognized June 27th as Canadian Multiculturalism Day on November 13, 2002. This day acknowledges the contributions that various communities make to Canadian society and to celebrate the country’s richness and diversity.
June 28 – Dragon Boat Festival (China) – This day honours the patriot poet Chu Yuan who drowned himself in the Milo River, south of China in protest of the political injustice in 277 B.C. The villagers raced to the river and jumped into dragon boats but never found him. As they searched, they beat drums to scare off fish and dragons that might attack his mortal remains. It is a holiday celebtrated by boat races in the shape of dragons.
June 28 – Stonewall Rebellion Day (Gay and Lesbian) – This day commemorates the U.S. anniversary of the protest against police harassment in New York City’s Greenwich Village in 1969. The event has been commemorated by a Pride Parade each year in New York City on the last Sunday in June. Events and Pride Parades are held in many metropolitan cities throughout the US and Canada.
Source: www.multiculturalcalendars.com
Part of a posting series on multicultural events for 2009.
Filed under: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
