Recognized Celebrations and Observances
In line with Saanich's Diversity Statement and the commitment outlined in the Council's Strategic Plan (2023-2027), the District strives to reflect and respect the diverse and vibrant communities it serves by supporting a variety of observances, celebrations and events. Our goal is to foster inter-generational and inter-cultural interest and participation to create a more inclusive and connected community.
Saanich recognizes these events and observances through a range of acknowledgements, which may include:
- Acknowledgement via the Saanich website, social media accounts or email newsletters
- Supporting community-led/run initiatives and events
- Decorations and information displays at Saanich recreation centres and community facilities
- Public speaking engagements or the reading of proclamations
- Lighting of the Municipal Hall or Craigflower Bridge in a themed colour
As Saanich is a fast-growing community, there may be additional observances that are not reflected in the list of celebrations and observances below. Many events or observances are acknowledged within Saanich recreation centres and other community facilities.
You can view the Saanich Community Events Calendar by clicking on the links below. Event listings and details will be added as soon as information becomes available.
2025 Celebrations | Date |
January Events Calendar | |
Lohri (Punjab Harvest Festival) | January 18 |
February Events Calendar | |
Welcome Day | February 17 |
Iftar | During Ramadan |
Community Eid | Saturday after Ramadan |
June Events Calendar | |
Pride Month Proclamation | June 3 |
Saanich Pride in the Park | June 14 |
World Refugee Day Picnic | TBD |
Uptown Multicultural Festival | June 28 |
July Events Calendar | |
Hispanic Community Picnic | Early July |
Filipino Community Picnic | Mid-July |
Indigenous Music Festival | End of July |
August Events Calendar | |
Metis Community Picnic | Mid-August |
Community Mela (Punjabi) | August |
September Events Calendar | |
Navratri (Hindi) | Early September |
Autumn Lantern Festival | September 21 |
South Island Pow Wow | September 30 |
October Events Calendar | |
Islamic History Month Celebration | October |
Diwali (India) | October/November |
December Events Calendar | |
Métis Community Celebration | December |
2025 Observances | Date |
Lunar New Year | January 29 to February 17 |
Black History Month | February |
Ramadan | February 28 to March 27 |
Nowruz (Persian New Year) | March 21 |
Pohala Boishakh (Bengali New Year) | April 14 |
National Day of Awareness for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S)/Red Dress Day | May 5 |
Moose Hide Day | May 15 |
Pride Month | June |
World Refugee Day | June 20 |
National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21 |
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day | September 30 |
Islamic History Month | October |
Diwali (India Festival of Lights) | October 31 |
Hanukkah | December 14 to December 22 |