Here’s a little trivia: the first Labor Day was celebrated in New York on September 5, 1882. Created by the labor movement, Labor Day is dedicated to the achievements of American workers. It is observed annually the first Monday of September.

Ramadan
September 1st

The ninth month on the Islamic calendar and a “month of blessing. Muslims worldwide practice sawm—fasting—the entire month. The usual practice is to have a pre-fast meal called “suhoor” before dawn. During daytime no food or drink can be consumed by believers. At sunset a post-fast meal—iftar—is consumed. Ramadan is special to Muslims because verses to the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

Ganesh Chaturthi
September 3rd

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of the deity Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. During the festivities statues of Ganesha are ceremonially immersed in rivers and lakes.

Day of Remembrance
(9/11)
September 11th 

This day commemorates the events of September 11, 2001 when terrorists attacked the World Trade Centers and Pentagon.  On this day over 2,500 individuals lost their lives. This year marks the sixth anniversary of the attacks.

Día de la Independencia
September 16th

Viva Mexico! On this date in 1810 Father Miguel Hidalgo rallied the citizens of Mexico to usurp rule from the Spanish; thus, beginning the Mexican war of Independence. Mexico ultimately claimed its independence in 1821. Today, celebrations begin at 11PM on every September 15th. At that time the current Mexican president rings the historic bell Hidalgo used to rally Mexicans against the Spanish in the 19th century.

Mabon
September 22nd

Mabon is a Neopagan holiday observed on the Autumn Equinox. At this time day and night are at equal duration. It is the second of three Pagan harvest festivals.

Navratri
September 29th

A nine day Indian festival dedicated to Shakti or “Divine Mother”.  Navratri is the longest Hindu festival and occurs in the month of Ashwin (late September-early October). Celebrations differ from region to region. For example, in the Punjab region devotees fast and the festival is linked with the autumn harvest. In Tamil Nadu, women adorned their houses with dolls.

Eid-ul-Fitr
(“Festival of Breaking the Fast”)
September 30th

Eid-ul-Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan. On this joyous day Muslims thank Allah for granting them self-control during the fasting period. The date coincides with the sighting of the new moon.

Rosh Hashanah
September 30th - October 1st

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It means “Head of the Year” and is observed for two days. Traditionally the shofar—ram’s horn—is sounded and represents the call for repentance. Another observance is eating apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet year. Rosh Hashanah is also the first day of the “Ten Days of Repentance”.

Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th – October 15th

National Hispanic Heritage Month was initially “National Hispanic Heritage Week” to include the dates September 15th and September 16th. These days were chosen because five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—claimed their independence on the 15th. Mexico achieved independence on the 16th and Chile on the 18th. Now, the celebration has been expanded to a whole month to honor and recognize the contributions and diversity Hispanics bring to the U.S.