Diwali fireworks are a family event in many parts of India.
This is the first of a series of short monthly posts highlighting some of the most important holidays and cultural events around the world. If you work with people abroad, it’s good to remember that they may be celebrating, either in festivities or in commemoration, and therefore they may not be available to assist you immediately. Click on any event below to learn more about it.
- 1st & 2nd November – All Saints’ Day/All Souls’ Day – Christians worldwide
Closely related, All Saints’ Day is in the honor of all the saints, known and unknown, while All Souls’ Day commemorates the faithful departed, particularly but not exclusively one’s relatives. - 7 November – October Revolution Day– Russia
Shortly after the toppling of the last Tsar, Nicholas II of Russia, in February 1917, Red October or the Bolshevik Revolution was to culminate in what became the USSR. The discrepancy between the months come from the old Julian calendar vs. the new Gregorian one. November 7 is a public holiday in Belarus. - 11 November – Veterans Day – US and Europe
Celebrated on the anniversary date of the end of World War I, Veterans Day celebrates, in many countries around the globe, the service of all veterans. Despite its date, it is not related to any war. Not to be confused with Memorial Day. In France, Belgium, and Poland (Independence Day) in particular, November 11 is a public holiday. - 11 November – Diwali– India
This “festival of lights” is one of the largest and brightest festivals in India, representing the victory of good over evil. Its date varies according to the Hindu Lunisolar calendar. - 15 November – Republic Day – Brazil
Celebrates the military coup d’état which established Brazil as a republic, overthrowing the constitutional monarchy of the Empire of Brazil. It’s worth noting that even though the 15th falls on a Sunday this year, Brazil does not push the holiday to the next business day. - 26 November – Thanksgiving Day – US and Canada
Thanksgiving was first prompted in 1621 by a good harvest. It has evolved into a major national holiday in the US on the fourth Thursday of November, a day when no one works… except on their appetite and cheering for their favorite football team. Many companies (except banks) are closed until Monday. Canada’s celebration is on the second Monday in October. - All month long – Movember – Worldwide
Movember, a portmanteau made out of Moustache and November, encourages men to grow and groom their moustache for 30 days in order to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. Show your friends what you can do!