Cultural Celebrations and Observances

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