Cultural Celebrations

FRI

25

AUG

Australian South Sea Islanders National Recognition Day

In 1994, the Commonwealth Government officially recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group. A formal Recognition Statement followed this by the Queensland Government in September 2000.

WED

30

AUG

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on her brother’s wrist.

WED

06

SEP

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a significant Hindu festival commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. Celebrated in late August or early September, devotees engage in various rituals and festivities. The occasion involves fasting, devotional singing, and prayer, with temples adorned and illuminated. The highlight is the midnight hour when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. Devotees enact his life events through plays and dances, and a festive atmosphere prevails. It's a time for spiritual reflection, joyous gatherings, and reverence for Lord Krishna's teachings and divine presence.

TUE

12

SEP

Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)

This public holiday in Ethiopia is celebrated on September 11th unless it is a leap year in the Ethiopian calendar, in which case it is celebrated on September 12th.

Known in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia as Enkutatash, this holiday marks 1 Meskerem, the first day in the Ethiopian calendar.

TUE

12

SEP

Nayrouz (Coptic New Year)

The Nayrouz feast commemorates martyrs and confessors within the Coptic Orthodox Church. The day marks the start of the Coptic new year and its first month.

FRI

15

SEP

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year festival, commemorates the creation of the world. Customs include the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet, and the dipping of apples in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year ahead. Work is not permitted on this day.

SAT

16

SEP

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is the world's largest and most famous beer festival, held annually in Munich, Germany. It typically runs for 16-18 days, starting in late September and ending in the first weekend of October. This celebration of Bavarian culture and tradition is characterized by the consumption of copious amounts of beer, traditional Bavarian food, and lively music and entertainment.

SUN

17

SEP

Australian Citizenship Day

Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and value Australian citizenship, the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share, and to reflect on our role in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.

SUN

24

SEP

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is a day of deep spiritual significance for Jews, focusing on introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. It is a time for self-improvement, reconciliation with others, and a reaffirmation of faith, emphasizing the importance of humility, reflection, and spiritual renewal in the Jewish tradition.

MON

25

SEP

King’s birthday (WA)

Celebrates the King’s birthday in Western Australia. Each year the governor of Western Australia declares the day the State will observe the King's Birthday.

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