Equalities and diversity calendar - September 2012
8 International Literacy Day
On International Literacy Day each year, UNESCO reminds the international community of the status of literacy and adult learning globally.
11 Ethiopian New Year's Day
11 September is both Ethiopian New Year's Day and the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. The day is called 'Enkutatash' meaning the "gift of jewels." The history of Ethiopia is remembered, and its importance acknowledged through Biblical passages and prayer.
16 International Day for the preservation of the ozone layer
On 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the international day for the preservation of the ozone layer, commemorating the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer was signed.
17-18 Rosh Hashanah – Jewish
This is a two day festival celebrating the Jewish New Year.
19 Ganesh Chaturthi – Hindu
This festival marks the presence of Lord Ganesha on earth for all his devotees. All household worships an idol of Ganesha during this period.
19 International Talk Like a Pirate Day - Pastafarian
The International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) is a parodic holiday held on this date annually.
21 International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace occurs annually on 21 September. It is dedicated to peace, or specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. It is a observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples.
21 World Alzheimer's Day
This day focuses on the importance of getting a diagnosis and encouraging medical professionals to recognise the signs of the disease in order for people to receive the treatment they need.
26 Yom Kippur - Jewish
Yom Kippur, the most sacred and solemn day of the Jewish year brings the Days of repentance to a close. On Yom Kippur, God makes the final decision on what the next year will be like for each person.
26 European Day of Languages
The European day of languages (EDL), a council of Europe initiative is held annually on 26 September to celebrate language and cultural diversity. The day was first celebrated in 2001, the European year of the languages and involves more people every year.
30 World Heart Day
World Heart Day was created to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world's leading cause of death, claiming 17.2 million lives each year. Together with its members, the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80 per cent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled.
30-7 Sukkot - Jewish
Sukkot commemorates the years that the Jews spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, or the Feast of Booths.