BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Maha Montessori - ECPv6.15.13//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Maha Montessori
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://mahamontessori.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Maha Montessori
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Los_Angeles
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20250309T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20251102T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20260308T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20261101T090000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0800
TZOFFSETTO:-0700
TZNAME:PDT
DTSTART:20270314T100000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
TZOFFSETTO:-0800
TZNAME:PST
DTSTART:20271107T090000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260917
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T034943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T034943Z
UID:6665-1789603200-1789689599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
DESCRIPTION:Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17 commemorates the formation and signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17\, 1787. It is dedicated to all US citizens. \nIs Constitution Day and Citizenship Day a Public Holiday?\nConstitution Day and Citizenship Day 2024 is a state holiday in Arizona and an observance in 50 states. \nWhat Do People Do?\nThe United States president may issue each year a proclamation calling on government officials within the nation to display the country’s flag on government buildings on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day\, as well as inviting the people to observe this event in schools\, churches\, or other suitable places\, with appropriate ceremonies. \nVarious civil and educational authorities and individuals throughout the United States observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day through a range of events and activities each year. For example\, the Center for Civic Education provides lesson topics on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day for students at different levels. The US Department of Education provides various resources on the event as the department is responsible for implementing Constitution Day legislated mandates. Among these is the requirement for educational institutions that receive federal funds to hold an educational program on the United States Constitution on September 17 each year. \nPublic Life\nMany people observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day\, which is not a federal public holiday\, in the United States. \nBackground\nOn Constitution Day and Citizenship Day\, an event which falls during Constitution Week\, many people in the United States recognize the anniversary of the nation’s constitution and the efforts and responsibilities of all citizens. With regard to the nation’s constitution\, in the summer of 1787 delegates convened in Philadelphia to create “a more perfect union” and to craft the country’s constitution. They worked to develop a framework that would provide balance and freedom\, taking into account federal and state interests\, as well as individual human rights. The delegates signed the Constitution of the United States on September 17 that year. By June 21\, 1788\, the constitution was effective\, having been approved by nine of the 13 states. \nWith regard to recognizing citizens\, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst advocated a day to celebrate US Citizenship in 1939. In 1940 the Congress created “I Am an American Day” to be celebrated in the third Sunday in May. On February 29\, 1952\, President Harry Truman signed into law “Citizenship Day”. It was established to replace I am an American Day. On August 2\, 1956\, the Congress requested that the president proclaim the week beginning September 17 and ending September 23 of each year as “Constitution Week”. One more change was made to the event when a federal law enacted in December 2004 designated September 17 as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day”. \nWhen Constitution Day falls on a Saturday\, Sunday or on another holiday\, the day must be held on a weekday during the preceding or following week. This was the case in 2005\, when Constitution Day was generally observed on Friday\, September 16\, and 2006 when the holiday was observed on Monday\, September 18. \nIn Arizona\, the holidays is called Constitution Commemoration Day. It is a state holiday observed on September 17 when September 17 is a Sunday. When September 17 falls on any other weekday\, the holiday is observed on the previous Sunday. \nSymbols\nPositive images of United States citizens of all backgrounds have been used to promote the “Citizenship” element of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. The colors (red\, white and blue) of the United States flag\, as well as images of the flag\, have also been used in artwork for promotional material for the day. Painted images of the constitution’s founders are also used to illustrate the importance of the meaning behind the day and the words “We the People”\, which are written in the constitution\, have been highlighted in promotional material to symbolize unity and cooperation within the nation.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/constitution-day-and-citizenship-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/istock-1297641167-AiQUOu.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260918
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260919
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043743Z
UID:6841-1789689600-1789775999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:National POW/MIA Recognition Day
DESCRIPTION:The United States’ National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war (POW) and those who are missing in action (MIA)\, as well as their families. \nIs National POW/MIA Recognition Day a Public Holiday?\nNational POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany Americans across the United States pause to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war (POW)\, as well as those who are missing in action (MIA)\, and their families. All military installations fly the National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag\, which symbolizes the nation’s remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving in conflicts and those who remain missing. \nVeteran rallies take place in many states\, such as Wisconsin\, in the United States on National POW/MIA Recognition Day. United States flags and POW/MIA flags are flown on this day and joint prayers are made for POWs and those missing in action. National POW/MIA Recognition Day posters are also displayed at college or university campuses and public buildings to promote the day. Remembrance ceremonies and other events to observe the day are also held in places such as the Pentagon\, war memorials and museums. \nPublic Life\nNational POW/MIA Recognition Day is not a federal public holiday in the United States but it is a national observance. \nBackground\nThere are 1\,741 American personnel listed by the Defense Department’s POW/MIA Office as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War\, as of April 2009. The number of United States personnel accounted for since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 841. About 90 percent of the 1\,741 people still missing were lost in Vietnam or areas of Laos and Cambodia under Vietnam’s wartime control\, according to the National League of Families website (cited in the United States Army website). \nThe United States Congress passed a resolution authorizing National POW/MIA Recognition Day to be observed on July 18\, 1979. It was observed on the same date in 1980 and was held on July 17 in 1981 and 1982. It was then observed on April 9 in 1983 and July 20 in 1984. The event was observed on July 19 in 1985\, and then from 1986 onwards the date moved to the third Friday of September. The United States president each year proclaims National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Many states in the USA also proclaim POW/MIA Recognition Day together with the national effort. \nSymbols\nThe National League of Families’ POW/MIA flag symbolizes the United States’ resolve to never forget POWs or those who served their country in conflicts and are still missing. Newt Heisley designed the flag. The flag’s design features a silhouette of a young man\, which is based on Mr Heisley’s son\, who was medically discharged from the military. As Mr Heisley looked at his returning son’s gaunt features\, he imagined what life was for those behind barbed wire fences on foreign shores. He then sketched the profile of his son as the new flag’s design was created in his mind. \nThe flag features a white disk bearing in black silhouette a man’s bust\, a watch tower with a guard on patrol\, and a strand of barbed wire. White letters “POW” and “MIA”\, with a white five-pointed star in between\, are typed above the disk. Below the disk is a black and white wreath above the motto “You Are Not Forgotten” written in white\, capital letters. \nThe flag can also be displayed on Armed Forces Day\, Memorial Day\, Flag Day\, Independence Day and Veterans Day.  The flag can be displayed at the Capitol\, the White House\, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial\, national cemeteries\, various government buildings\, and major military installations.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/national-pow-mia-recognition-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/pow-mia-day-ZzgP8o.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260921
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260922
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043942Z
UID:6914-1789948800-1790035199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Yom Kippur
DESCRIPTION:The Jewish Day of Atonement is marked by reflection\, fasting\, and solemn prayers for forgiveness. \nIs Yom Kippur a Public Holiday?\nWhile Yom Kippur is not a public holiday in the United States\, many Jewish-run organizations are closed on this day. \nWhen Is Yom Kippur?\nThe Day of Atonement (or Repentance) is observed on the tenth day of the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar\, which usually falls between mid-September and mid-October in the Gregorian calendar. \nIt marks the end of the ten-day period known as the High Holy Days\, (also referred to as Yamim Noraim or Days of Awe) that begin with the Jewish New Year\, Rosh Hashanna. \nA Time To Right Wrongs\nYom Kippur is considered the ideal time in the Jewish calendar to repent and start the new year cleansed of sin. \nThe traditional belief is that God writes one´s fate into the Book of Life on the Jewish New Year and worshipers have the ten day period between that day\, known as Rosh Hashana\, and Yom Kippur to atone for sins and pray for forgiveness. \nAt the end of Yom Kippur\, it is said that God seals the Book of Life and one’s fate is set for the coming year. \nFasting\, Self-Denial\, and Charity\nIn the Book of Leviticus\, the Torah (Jewish Bible) states that Yom Kippur should be a day of “self-denial.” Many Jews honor that principle by fasting on the holiday to cleanse the spirit and build empathy for those who suffer from hunger. \nSome religious Jews take the self-denial principle further\, refraining from bathing\, using cosmetics\, wearing leather shoes\, and having sexual relations on Yom Kippur. \nAnother act of repentance is making donations to charity in the week before the holy day. Kapparot is an ancient giving tradition followed by some Orthodox Jews that involves swinging a bag of coins or even a live chicken overhead while praying\, then donating those items to the poor. \nBagels and Boundaries\nAfter the final Yom Kippur service\, hungry worshippers often gather for a break-fast meal. In the United States\, bagels with lax (smoked salmon)\, blintzes (crepes with filling)\, and sweet kugel (noodle pudding) are particular favorites for the occasion. \nSome Jewish Americans can find themselves caught in a conflict between their jobs and the sacred status of Yom Kippur. In 1965\, the great baseball player Sandy Koufax refused to pitch in a World Series game because it fell on the holiday. His replacement that day failed miserably and told the manager after the game: “I bet you wish I was Jewish too.” \nFive Prayer Services\nOrdinary days for religious Jews include three prayer services\, but Yom Kippur is celebrated with five\, and some ceremonies feature confessions of sins. \nOn the first night\, the ancient prayer Kol Nidre is recited. Much of the next day is usually spent at the synagogue with special ceremonies including Yizkor\, a remembrance of loved ones who have passed on. \nAt dusk\, services conclude with the Ne ila (closing) prayer and the ritual blowing of a hollow ram´s horn to mark the time when the Gates of Prayer will be closed. \nFrom the Time of Moses\nYom Kippur´s biblical roots stretch all the way back to the time of Moses. The narrative says that after wandering in the desert for years following their flight from Egypt\, the tribes of Israel famously strayed from monotheism and started worshiping a golden calf while Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. \nThe Torah says that Moses smashed the stone tablets in anger when he returned and discovered the religious betrayal. So he climbed back to the top of the peak to ask for divine forgiveness for the people\, finally returning with a new set of commandments on the day that is now marked as Yom Kippur.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/yom-kippur-2/
CATEGORIES:Jewish
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/R-Ow3NyE.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260922
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260923
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043842Z
UID:6879-1790035200-1790121599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:September Equinox
DESCRIPTION:There are two equinoxes every year: one in March and one in September. In September\, the Sun crosses the equator from north to south. \nSun Crosses Celestial Equator\nThe September equinox is the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator—an imaginary line in the sky above Earth’s equator—from north to south. This happens on September 22\, 23\, or 24 in most years. \nWhy Does the Sun Move North and South?\nDuring the course of a year\, the subsolar point—the spot on the Earth’s surface directly beneath the Sun—slowly moves along a north-south axis. Having reached its northernmost point at the June solstice\, it starts moving southward until it crosses the equator on the day of the September equinox. The December solstice marks the southernmost point of its journey. \nThe subsolar point moves north and south during the year because the Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.4° in relation to the ecliptic\, an imaginary plane created by Earth’s path around the Sun. In June\, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun\, and the subsolar point is north of the equator. As the Earth travels toward the opposite side of its orbit\, which it reaches in December\, the Southern Hemisphere gradually receives more sunlight\, and the subsolar point travels south. \nWhy Is It Called “Equinox?”\nOn the days of the equinoxes\, the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the Sun’s rays\, meaning that all regions on Earth receive about the same number of hours of sunlight. In other words\, night and day are\, in principle\, the same length all over the world. This is the reason it’s called an “equinox\,” derived from Latin\, meaning “equal night.” \nHowever\, this is literal translation not entirely true. In reality\, equinox days don’t have exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of dark. \nThe Equinoxes and the Seasons\nThe March and September equinoxes mark the beginning of the spring and autumn seasons on Earth\, according to one definition. The equinox in September is the start of fall in the Northern Hemisphere and the beginning of spring south of the equator. \nWhy Does the Date Vary?\nThe date of the equinoxes and solstices varies because a year in our calendar does not exactly match the length of the tropical year—the time it takes the Earth to complete an orbit around the Sun. \nToday’s Gregorian calendar has 365 days in a common year and 366 days in a leap year. However\, our planet takes about 365.242199 days to orbit the Sun. This means that the timing of the equinoxes and solstices slowly drifts apart from the Gregorian calendar\, and the solstice happens about 6 hours later each year. Eventually\, the accumulated lag becomes so large that it falls on the following date. \nTo realign the calendar with the tropical year\, a leap day is introduced (nearly) every four years. When this happens\, the equinox and solstice dates shift back to the earlier date again. \nOther factors influencing the timing of the equinoxes and solstices include variations in the length of a tropical year and in the orbital and daily rotational motion of the Earth\, such as the “wobble” in the Earth’s axis (precession).
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/september-equinox-2/
CATEGORIES:Season
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/march-equinox-dark-y7iex2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260926
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260927
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043627Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043627Z
UID:6790-1790380800-1790467199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:First Day of Sukkot
DESCRIPTION:Known as the Feast of Tabernacles\, Sukkot recalls the biblical story of the Jewish people´s years of wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. \nIs Sukkot a Public Holiday?\nWhile this is not a public holiday in the United States\, some Jewish-run organizations are closed during Sukkot. \nWhen Is Sukkot?\nSukkot is observed for seven days starting on the fifteenth day of the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar\, which falls in September or October in the Gregorian calendar. \nA Sukkah to Recall Wandering\nAlso known as the Feast of the Booths\, this holiday recalls an important story of suffering from the book of Exodus. For forty years\, the Israelites wandered in the desert after fleeing from Egypt\, taking shelter in temporary dwellings before finding a homeland in Canaan. \nTo recall that time of trial\, Jewish families usually construct a sukkah\, or primitive shelter\, out of palm branches\, bamboo\, pine\, and other wood to host guests for meals. \nThanksgiving\nThese simple structures are also meant to represent the huts used by farmers to shelter from the Sun in the fields\, so the celebration is also thought of as a form of harvest festival. The timing of Sukkot matches the end of the harvest season in Israel. \nOpen Sky\nSukkot shelters and rituals have some unique features with symbolic meanings in Judaism. For example\, all sukkah must have holes in the roof to be able to view the sky\, or God’s heaven\, as a reminder that the divine is the only true form of security. \nThe Four Species\nEach day of the festival features a waving ceremony with the Four Species—four plants mentioned in the Torah as being connected to Sukkot. They are: \n\nPalm (lulav)\nWillow (aravah)\nMyrtle (hadass)\nCitron or citrus fruit (etrog)\n\nReligious Jews tie together bundles of branches of these species\, and wave them while reciting prayers (except on Shabbat\, or the sabbath) during the holiday. \nWhile there are no particular foods associated with Sukkot\, stuffed dumplings known as kreplach and fresh fruits and vegetables are often served to guests in the sukkah. \nBeating the Willows\nAt the end of the holiday\, a special ritual takes place at the synagogue. The Torah\, or holy scriptures\, are taken from the ark and worshippers circle the temple seven times while praying. The service concludes with a blessing and a traditional beating of a willow branch on the earth to call for rainfall and a good harvest. \nJewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel\nIn the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances\, with the exception of Yom Kippur\, which lasts only one day worldwide\, and Rosh Hashana\, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora. \nThis custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon. \nThe beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin\, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published\, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time\, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for two days to make sure the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/first-day-of-sukkot-2/
CATEGORIES:Jewish
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/sukkot-DlIbNh.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260927
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260928
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043640Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043640Z
UID:6798-1790467200-1790553599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Gold Star Mother's Day
DESCRIPTION:Gold Star Mother’s Day is observed in the United States on the last Sunday of September each year. It is a day for people to recognize and honor those who have lost a son or daughter while serving the United States Armed Forces. \nIs Gold Star Mother’s Day a Public Holiday?\nGold Star Mother’s Day is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, September 29\, 2024 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nWhat Do People Do?\nEach year on Gold Star Mother’s Day the United States president calls on all Americans to display the nation’s flag and hold appropriate meetings to publicly express their love\, sorrow\, and reverence towards Gold Star Mothers and their families. Government buildings are also required to display the flag. \nAmerican Gold Star Mothers\, Inc. is an organization of mothers whose sons or daughters served and died while serving their nation in times of war or conflict. It organizes major events that take place on or around Gold Star Mother’s Day each year. Previous activities included a Gold Star flower wreath laying service\, as well as an afternoon tour of President Lincoln’s cottage in Washington DC. \nThe last Sunday in September is also Parents of Fallen Military Sons and Daughters Day in New Jersey. This day is a tribute to all parents whose children died as a result of their service with the United States Armed Forces. It commemorates the contributions\, commitments and sacrifices made by those parents individually and through the American Gold Star Mothers\, Inc. \nPublic Life\nGold Star Mother’s Day is not a designated public holiday in the United States so public life is not affected. \nBackground\nThe name the Gold Star Mothers was derived from the custom of military families who put a service flag near their front window. The flag featured a star for each family member serving in their country – living members were denoted in blue but gold stars honored family members who were killed while in duty. In 1918 President Woodrow Wilson approved the wearing of black arm bands bearing a gilt star by those who had a family member who died in the military service to the United States. This distinguished them from the blue stars\, representing a family member presently serving in the armed forces. \nAmerican Gold Star Mothers\, Inc. was incorporated in 1929\, obtaining a federal charter from the US Congress. It began with 25 mothers living in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the nation. On June 23\, 1936\, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day\, a holiday that has been observed each year by a presidential proclamation. \nSymbols\nA gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the line of duty while serving the United States Armed Forces.  It may be seen on a service flag or in the form of a pin\, which is worn by Gold Star mothers. The pin is not limited to mothers and it is awarded by the US Department of Defense.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/gold-star-mothers-day/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/gold-star-mothers-day-6eBEBp.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261002
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043713Z
UID:6821-1790899200-1790985599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Last Day of Sukkot (Hoshana Rabbah)
DESCRIPTION:Considered the end of the “Days of Judgment\,” Hoshana Rabbah marks the completion of Sukkot and features a special ceremony with willow branches. \nIs Hoshana Rabbah a Public Holiday?\nWhile this is not a public holiday in the United States\, some Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date. \nWhen Is Hoshana Rabbah?\nHoshana Rabbah is celebrated on the 21st day of the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar\, which usually falls in October in the Gregorian calendar. \nStriking of the Willows\nDuring Hoshana Rabbah services\, the Torah scrolls are taken out of the Ark and held above the temple´s bimah or Torah reading table. The congregation then makes a procession of seven circuits around the bimah while reciting special Hoshaanot prayers. \nTraditionally\, each worshiper holds a lulav and etrog\, or bundle of branches from date palm\, myrtle\, willow\, and citron trees during this procession. \nAt the conclusion of the circuits\, a bundle of five willow branches is beaten on the earth five times to symbolize the elimination of sin and as a prayer for good rainfall and bountiful crops in the coming year. \nAfterward\, a festive meal is often served in a sukkah\, an outdoor shelter specially built for the Sukkot holiday. Bread and honey are often served\, along with triangular kreplach dumplings filled with ground beef or chicken. \nA Final Chance to Change Fate\nHoshana Rabbah is thought of as the end of a period known as the Days of Judgment that begins on Rosh Hashanah\, continues through Yom Kippur\, and ends on the last day of Sukkot. \nSome ancient scholars held that divine judgment for the coming year is decided on Yom Kippur\, but not delivered until the day of Hoshana Rabbah. So the belief is that there is still a chance to influence the final verdict on one’s fate up until this time. \nJews often greet each other with a special blessing on this holiday using the Aramaic “pitka tava\,” or Yiddish “a guten kvitel\,” both translating as a hope that the divine verdict will be positive. \nThere are some small variations in traditions for Hoshana Rabbah. Sephardic Jewish communities include prayers for forgiveness known as selichot before services\, and some congregations include shofar or ram´s horn soundings with the processions. \nJewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel\nIn the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances\, with the exception of Yom Kippur\, which lasts only one day worldwide\, and Rosh Hashana\, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora. \nThis custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon. \nThe beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin\, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published\, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time\, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for two days to make sure the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/last-day-of-sukkot-hoshana-rabbah/
CATEGORIES:Jewish
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/istock-1180287199-HXd26x.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043844Z
UID:6882-1790985600-1791071999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Shmini Atzeret
DESCRIPTION:Often thought of as the eighth day of Sukkot\, Shemini Atzeret is considered a time for Jewish people to renew their connection with divinity. \nIs Shemini Atzeret a Public Holiday?\nWhile this is not a public holiday in the United States\, many Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date. \nWhen Is Shemini Atzeret?\nShemi Atzeret is celebrated on the twenty-second day of the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar\, which usually falls between late September and early October in the Gregorian calendar. It is immediately followed by Simchat Torah. \nTo Tarry with the Divine\nOn the first night after the holiday of Sukkot\, the opening blessing Shehecheyanu is recited\, signaling the start of Shemini Atzeret\, which is both a new holiday and one that is connected to Sukkot. \nDrawn from the Hebrew words for “eighth” (Shemini) and “assembly” (Atzeret)\, the name of this holiday is also related to the idea of atzor\, “a pause or tarry.” Many scholars of Judaism believe this to be a time for people to pause or tarry and spend more time with God after the seven days of Sukkot celebrations during the previous week. \nSome rabbinic teachers explain the nature of this holiday with a parable of a king who calls in his sons to stay with him for some days. When the time comes for them to leave\, he asks them to stay on for yet another day\, since it is so difficult for him to part from them. Some see a metaphor in this for the relationship between God and the Jewish people. \nA Just Rain\nOne feature of Shemini Atzeret is the prayer for rain and a good harvest that is traditionally recited as a reading from the torah scrolls on this date. Some scholars believe this tradition is related to the idea that Shimini Atzeret comes shortly after the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur\, so worshippers are asking for the gift of rain at a time when they are cleansed of sin. \nIn Talmudic literature\, there is a concept that rain is metaphorical for God’s justice and this benevolence is meted out on the basis of worthiness. With this in mind\, Seimini Atzeret is seen as the best time to pray for rain. \nJewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel\nIn the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances\, with the exception of Yom Kippur\, which lasts only one day worldwide\, and Rosh Hashana\, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora. \nThis custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon. \nThe beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin\, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published\, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time\, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for two days to make sure the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/shmini-atzeret-2/
CATEGORIES:Jewish
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/istock-172354272-CLBCac.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261005
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T035059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035059Z
UID:6673-1791072000-1791158399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Feast of St Francis of Assisi
DESCRIPTION:Many churches in the United States celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4 each year. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis\, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be “blessed”. \nIs Feast of St Francis of Assisi a Public Holiday?\nFeast of St Francis of Assisi is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nMany children in the USA bring their pets to the church to be blessed on St Francis’ feast day because of his love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. St Francis is the patron saint of animals so many churches offer animal blessing services\, usually held on or around October 4. The services may include a verbal blessing and holy water and are usually held at a place where different animals can gather. \nBlessings may occur indoors or outdoors. Pets may include dogs\, cats\, fish and birds. Some people choose to bring photos of their pets if it is difficult for their pets to attend the blessing. Pet blessings occur in states such as (but not exclusive to): \n\nAlabama.\nCalifornia.\nColorado.\nConnecticut.\nFlorida.\nMaryland.\nNew Mexico.\nNorth Carolina.\nOklahoma.\nTennessee.\nTexas.\nUtah.\nVirginia.\nWashington.\n\nSome churches ask people to bring animal food or blankets to be donated to a local animal shelter around this time of the year. This event is not exclusive to Catholic churches\, as some Anglican churches also have animal blessing services on the Feast of St Francis of Assisi. The Feast of St Francis of Assisi gives many educators\, caregivers and animal rights organizations an opportunity to teach children about endangered or abused animals and what can be done to help save these animals. \nPublic Life\nThe Feast of St Francis of Assisi is not a federal public holiday in the USA. \nBackground\nSt Francis\, who founded the Catholic Church’s Franciscan order\, lived in Italy during the late 12th and 13th centuries. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor and his willingness to minister to the lepers. He is remembered for his love for animals and nature.  St Francis died at Portiuncula\, Italy on October 4\, 1226. \nPope Gregory IX pronounced St Francis a saint in 1228. The pope also laid the foundation stone for the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi\, Italy. The church\, also known as Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi\, is a UNESCO world heritage site. \nSymbols\nSymbols associated with St Francis of Assisi are: \n\nBirds and animals.\nA bag of gold and rich raiment at St Francis’ (of Assisi) feet.\nA winged crucifix with five rays.\nStigmata.\nA crown of thorns.\nA lighted lamp.\nA fiery chariot.\nAnimals such as birds\, deer\, and a wolf.\nFire.\nA skull.\n\nSome of these symbols are seen around the time of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/feast-of-st-francis-of-assisi-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bpwdx5s24wq51-q5VeLJ.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261005
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043856Z
UID:6886-1791072000-1791158399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Simchat Torah
DESCRIPTION:Immediately following Shemini Atzeret\, Simchat Torah (Rejoicing of the Torah) celebrates the start of a new year of scripture readings. \nIs Simchat Torah a Public Holiday?\nWhile Simchat Torah is not a public holiday in the United States\, many Jewish-run organizations are closed on this date. \nWhen Is Simchat Torah?\nSimchat Torah is celebrated on the twenty-third day of the month of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar\, which usually falls between late September and early October in the Gregorian calendar. \nRejoicing with the Torah\nJewish study of the scriptures\, or Torah\, is structured as a yearly cycle. This holiday marks the end of the past year´s cycle of Torah readings and the start of a new one. In general\, Simchat Torah is considered a part of the Shemini Atzeret holiday\, which follows Sukkot in the Jewish calendar. \nDuring Simchat Torah services\, the ark containing the holy scriptures is opened and the Torah scrolls are taken out to be carried around the sanctuary seven times in circuits known as hakafot. The worshipers dance and sing in celebration as the scrolls are borne around the synagogue. \nIn more religious communities\, this joyous communion with the Torah can continue for hours\, and the celebration can spill out into the surrounding neighborhood. \nTraditionally\, the crowd of worshippers sing out with Torah poems\, biblical chants\, praises of God\, and prayers to re-establish the Temple in Jerusalem. Children are often given sweets to eat and flags to wave as part of the festivities. \nAliyah\nOn the day of Simchat Torah\, worshippers are invited to come to the altar (bimah) to read a segment from the Torah and recite a special prayer. This practice is called aliyah. \nChildren are often called up to a special Simchat Torah aliyah called Kol HaNe’arim. For this rite\, a prayer shawl\, or tallit\, is often spread over the heads of the children\, and Jacob’s blessing is read: “May the angel who redeemed me from all harm bless the youths\, and may they be called by my name and the name of my fathers\, Abraham and Isaac\, and may they multiply abundantly like fish\, in the midst of the land.” \nJewish Holidays Last Longer Outside of Israel\nIn the Jewish diaspora—Jewish communities outside of Israel—an extra day is usually added to religious observances\, with the exception of Yom Kippur\, which lasts only one day worldwide\, and Rosh Hashana\, which is celebrated over two days in both Israel and the diaspora. \nThis custom has its roots in ancient times when the beginning of the months in the Jewish calendar still relied on the sighting of the crescent Moon following a New Moon. \nThe beginning of a new month was determined by the Sanhedrin\, the supreme court of ancient Israel in Jerusalem. Once the date was published\, messengers were dispatched to spread the news among Jews living abroad. Since this process took some time\, it was decreed that Jews outside of ancient Israel were to observe every holiday for two days to make sure the rules and customs applicable to each holiday were observed on the proper date. This rule is still observed today.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/simchat-torah-2/
CATEGORIES:Jewish
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/istock-1192358016-C0rk5U.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261005
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261006
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040427Z
UID:6764-1791158400-1791244799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Child Health Day
DESCRIPTION:Child Health Day in the United States raises people’s awareness of how they can protect and develop children’s health. This event is annually celebrated on the first Monday of October. \nIs Child Health Day a Public Holiday?\nAlthough Child Health Day is not a public holiday\, businesses and schools may be closed because it falls on the same date as Frances Xavier Cabrini Day in 2024\, which is a public holiday in Colorado. \nWhat Do People Do?\nAs part of the annual presidential proclamation for the day\, all agencies and organizations interested in child welfare are invited to unite on Child Health Day to observe exercises to stimulate or increase people’s awareness of the need for a year-round program to protect and develop children’s health in the United States. \nHealth professionals and health organizations across the United States take part in this day through various activities and events. For example\, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) takes on an active role in providing educational resources for parents\, children and schools about issues such as healthy choices\, fitness\, and child obesity prevention. The HRSA also calls for every surgeon general across the nation to make a pledge towards providing a healthy future for children. \nThe Maternal and Child Health Library also actively participates in Child Health Day through activities that focus on healthy eating and physical activity for children and their parents or parental figures. The library provides information on nutrition for children and adolescents\, the importance of physical activity\, and nutrition for pregnant women. \nPublic Life\nAlthough Child Health Day is a national observance in the United States\, it is not a public holiday. \nBackground\nCalvin Coolidge was the first president to issue a proclamation for Child Health Day in 1928 and it was annually observed on May 1 until it was observed on the first Monday of October from 1960 onwards. The concept of this event was supported by organizations such as the American Child Health Association\, the American Federation of Labor and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in the early 20th century. \nAccording to the HRSA\, about one in six children between 2 and 19 in the United States is overweight. This is a risk factor for serious health consequences including asthma\, diabetes and heart disease. Child Health Day helps spark or increase people’s awareness of ways to minimize or alleviate health problems that children may face. The day focuses on a range of child health issues such as prenatal care\, adolescent health\, the impact of daycare on a child’s development\, preventing injuries\, healthy eating and lifestyle choices\, and immunization. \nSymbols\nImages of health and active children are used in promotional materials such as posters\, stickers and information kits for Child Health Day. \nDisclaimer: There may be other websites informing that Child Health Day in the United States was called to be designated for the first Monday of October since the late 1928. However\, newspaper archives and other historical information show that the date was in fact observed on May 1 until 1960. Regardless\, readers use this site at their own risk and the site takes no responsibility for possible errors in this article.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/child-health-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/child-health-day-illustration-vl2v0-acPjlz.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261006
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261007
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T035114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035114Z
UID:6691-1791244800-1791331199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:German American Day
DESCRIPTION:Why are we celebrating German American Day? What’s this all about?\n\nDid you know that German Americans are the largest ethnic group in the United States? \nAlmost 44 million people self-report to have ancestors who immigrated from a German-speaking country. That’s almost one-third of the total global population with German ancestry. \nVery few of the German states had colonies in the new world. In the 1670s\, the first significant groups of German immigrants arrived in the British colonies\, settling primarily in Pennsylvania\, New York and Virginia. \nThe first German came to Virginia in May of 1607; his name was Dr. Johannes Fleischer the Younger\, a botanist and physician. Although he died in August of 1608 having contracted one of the many diseases that decimated the fledgling colony\, he had managed to recruit fellow Germans to make the treacherous journey across the Atlantic to Virginia. \nThe next group of Germans arrived aboard the vessel Mary and Margaret about 1 October 1608. These Germans were glassmakers and carpenters. In 1620\, German mineral specialists and saw-millwrights followed\, to work and settle in the Virginia colony. \nHowever\, Germans lived in the New World even earlier than that: America’s oldest city\, Saint Augustine in Florida\, then a Spanish colony\, was home to a small group of German-speaking residents as early as the 1570s. \n\n\n \nOn Oct. 6\, we celebrate our German-American heritage by commemorating the date in 1683\, when 13 families from the German town of Krefeld landed in Philadelphia. These families subsequently founded Germantown\, Pennsylvania\, the first German settlement in the original 13 colonies. \nLibrary of Congress\nThey were led by Franz Daniel Pastorius\, a native of Sommerhausen in the German Duchy of Franconia\, and a lawyer by training. Earlier in 1683\, a group of Mennonites\, Pietists\, and Quakers in Frankfurt\, including Abraham op den Graeff\, a cousin of William Penn\, had approached Pastorius about acting as their agent to purchase land in Pennsylvania for a settlement. In Philadelphia\, Pastorius then negotiated the purchase of 15\,000 acres (61 km²) from William Penn\, the proprietor of the colony\, and laid out the settlement of Germantown\, where he himself would live until his death in 1720. \nAs one of Germantown’s leading citizens\, Pastorius served in many public offices. He was the first mayor and also was a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1687 and 1691. \nGermantown was absorbed into Philadelphia in 1854. Germantown has played a significant role in American history; it was the birthplace of the American antislavery movement\, the site of a Revolutionary War battle\, the temporary residence of George Washington\, the location of the first bank of the United States\, and the residence of many notable politicians\, scholars\, artists\, and social activists. \nMany German-Americans commemorated their heritage with  local versions of German-American Day in the 19th century. It is believed that the first “German Day” was celebrated in Philadelphia in 1883\, on the 200th anniversary of the settlement of Germantown to acknowledge the importance of German influence in the area. Later\, other surrounding communities held their own “German Day” celebrations. Sadly\, World War 1 brought an end to “German Day”\, and much of the pride people had in their culture was tucked away for nearly 60 years. The holiday was revived in 1983\, when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed October 6th as German-American Day to celebrate and honor the 300th anniversary of German American immigration and culture to the United States. \nMr. Helmut Krüger\, a native of Germany and our 2019 Distinguished German-American of the Year\, who was then the president of GAHF\, played a vital role in establishing German-American Day\, and also worked with President Reagan to pass a bill for the development of a German-American Friendship Garden. \nOn Aug. 6\, 1987\, Congress approved Resolution 108\, designating Oct. 6\, 1987\, as German-American Day\, and it became public law on Aug. 18.  A proclamation was  issued on October 2\, 1987\, by President Reagan in a formal ceremony in the White House Rose Garden\, at which time the President called on Americans to observe the Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/german-american-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/images-1-O24grS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261009
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261010
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T035326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035326Z
UID:6705-1791504000-1791590399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Leif Erikson Day
DESCRIPTION:Leif Erikson Day honors a viking explorer known as Leif Erikson. He is believed to be the first recorded Nordic person to have visited North America. It is believed that he visited places such as Baffin Island and Labrador around 1000 CE. \nIs Leif Erikson Day a Public Holiday?\nLeif Erikson Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nThe president of the United States issues a proclamation about the holiday. Many US presidents have\, in the past\, publicly praised the spirit of exploration and discovery\, as well the contributions of people with a Nordic background and their culture. \nPublic Life\nLeif Erikson Day is an observance and not a federal public holiday in the United States. Public transit systems run on their regular schedules. \nBackground\nLeif Erikson was born of Norwegian descent around 970 CE in Iceland. It is thought that his father and grandfather were outlaws and explorers around Scandinavia and Greenland. His father founded two settlements in Greenland. Leif had two brothers and one sister. He married a woman named Thorgunna and they had one son\, called Thorkell Leifsson. \nLeif Erikson went to Norway to work for King Olaf I of Norway. During his stay\, he converted to Christianity. When he returned to Island\, he bought a boat and\, in 1003\, set out to explore the land west of Greenland that had been discovered by Bjarni Herjolfsson\, and older explorer. The land that he had discovered was actually Newfoundland\, which is now part of Canada. The ‘Saga of the Greenlanders’ tells of his adventures. \nIt is thought that he visited Baffin Island and Labrador and settled on the Northern part of the island of Newfoundland\, now all part of Canada. There are speculations that Leif Erikson or later explorers may have traveled into the area that is now Minnesota in the United States. Some controversial archaeological finds\, such as the Kensington Runestone and the Maine Penny\, support this theory\, but it is not considered proven. \nOctober 9 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the day that the ship Restauration arrived in New York from Stavanger\, Norway on October 9\, 1825. This was the start of organized immigration from Scandinavia to the USA. The date is not associated with an event in Leif Erikson’s life.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/leif-erikson-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/leif-erikson-J1S7xb.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261011
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261012
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043757Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043757Z
UID:6849-1791676800-1791763199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Navratri
DESCRIPTION:Navratri is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. \nIt’s celebrated all over the world\, typically falling between September and October during the month of Ashvin\, and lasts for nine days. \nNav means nine and Ratri means nights \nPeople come together during Navratri to celebrate Durga\, the mother goddess who carries lots of weapons in her arms. \nDurga is best known for killing an evil demon in a battle which lasted nine days and nights and that is why the festival lasts for nine days and nights as well! \nEach day is represented by a different colour which symbolises one of her distinct characteristics or traits. Many Hindus wear a different coloured traditional outfit each day to reflect this. \nThe festival ends with what’s known as Dussehra\, which is the celebration of good over evil. \nWhat’s the story behind Navratri?\nNavratri is a time when Hindus celebrate the goddess Durga for killing the demon\, Mahishasura. \nA more powerful God\, Lord Brahma\, had blessed Mahishasura with the gift of immortality because of his dedication to him\, which meant he could never die. \nHowever\, this gift did come with one condition – the only person who would be able to defeat Mahishasura would be a woman. \nMahishasura didn’t think any women would be strong enough to kill him and was happy with the deal. \nOver the years\, Mahishasura and his men became a powerful force attacking people on Earth and no gods were able to defeat him. \nFinally Lord Brahma\, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva – the three most powerful Hindu gods – decided to come together and create the goddess Durga\, a powerful woman whose job would be to destroy Mahishasura. \nThe gods equipped the new goddess Durga with lots of weapons before she went into battle with Mahishasura. \nDurga fought the demon for 10 days\, and it proved quite difficult as he kept changing his form to confuse the goddess. However\, when he finally turned into a buffalo\, Durga was able to defeat him. \nHow is Navratri celebrated?\n\n\nHow the festival is celebrated varies depending on where people live but during Navratri some families choose to fast\, only having milk\, water\, fruit and nuts during the day\, followed by a full meal after sunset. \nSome people only have water and a simple meal at night. \nThe celebrations also involve lots of dancing!
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/navratri-2/
CATEGORIES:Hindu
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/120892916_gettyimages-526751222.jpg-0Rt8pF.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261012
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261013
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040428Z
UID:6766-1791763200-1791849599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Columbus Day
DESCRIPTION:Columbus Day\, which is on the second Monday of October\, celebrates Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas on October 12\, 1492. This is an important date in many Italian-American communities; it is controversial in some Native American communities. \nIs Columbus Day a Public Holiday?\nColumbus Day 2024 is a state holiday in 22 states\, a state legal holiday in Tennessee\, and a federal holiday in 28 states. \nObserve Columbus Day\nSome Americans celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of their country with church services and other activities. In some towns and cities\, special church services\, parades and large events are held. Many celebrations happen in the Italian-American community. The celebrations in New York and San Francisco are particularly noteworthy. In Hawaii Columbus Day is celebrated as Discoverers’ Day\, but it is not a state holiday. \nMany states now celebrate Native Americans’ Day/Indigenous People’s Day instead of Columbus Day. \nWhat’s Open or Closed?\nColumbus day is a public holiday in many parts of the United states\, but is not a day off in some states. Some government offices are closed because Columbus Day is still a federal government holiday. \nIn Tennesse\, Columbus Day is a legal holiday according to the Tenn. Code Ann. § 15-1-101 (2019)\, but the Governor can substitute the day after Thanksgiving for Columbus Day for the purpose of closing state offices. When this occurs\, state employees do not get a day off on the second Monday of October. Instead\, they get the Friday after the fourth Thursday of November as a holiday. \nMany businesses and shops are open in states that don’t have Columbus Day as a public holiday. Schools are not required to close but check with your school district or school calendar on Columbus Day school holiday closures. The same goes for post offices – check with your local post office. \nLong Weekend\nSince Columbus Day falls on Monday\, it is one of the public holidays in the United States that always create a long weekend. \nAbout Columbus Day\nChristopher Columbus is often portrayed as the first European to sail to the Americas. He is sometimes portrayed as the discoverer of the New World. However\, this is controversial on many counts. There is evidence that the first Europeans to sail across the Atlantic were Viking explorers from Scandinavia. In addition\, the land was already populated by indigenous peoples\, who had ‘discovered’ the Americas thousands of years before. \nColumbus Day originated as a celebration of Italian-American heritage\, due to the explorer´s origins in Italy. The holiday was first held in San Francisco in 1869. The first state-wide celebration took place in Colorado in 1907. Thirty years later\, Columbus Day become a holiday across the United States. Since 1971\, it has been celebrated on the second Monday in October. The date on which Columbus arrived in the Americas is also celebrated as the Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) in Latin America and some Latino communities in the USA. However\, it is a controversial holiday in some countries and has been re-named in others. \nColumbus Day celebrations are controversial in some American communities because the settlement of Europeans in the Americas led to the deaths of a large proportion of the native people. Some have argued that this settlement was a direct result of Columbus’ actions. It has also been argued that Columbus should not be honored for discovering North America\, as he only went as far as some islands in the Caribbean and never set foot on mainland America. \nNote: timeanddate.com states the facts and issues associated with this observance but does not disclose its opinion on the matter.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/columbus-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Columbus-Day-Graphics-68865562-1-scaled-u2wo4Y.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261012
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261013
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043645Z
UID:6805-1791763200-1791849599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Indigenous People's Day
DESCRIPTION:Is Indigenous People’s Day a Public Holiday?\nIndigenous People’s Day 2024 is a state observance in 30 states and a state holiday in 3 states and 1 federal district. \nWhere Is Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebrated?\nAs of 2023\, some 29 states do not celebrate Columbus Day and have renamed it or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples Day. Some states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day via proclamation\, while others treat it as an official holiday. \nAmong the states where the holiday is observed or honored are Alaska\, Minnesota\, Vermont\, Iowa\, North Carolina\, California\, Louisiana\, Maine\, Michigan\, New Mexico\, Wisconsin\, Virginia\, Oregon\, Texas\, as well as South Dakota\, which celebrates Native Americans’ Day\, Hawaii\, which celebrates Discoverers’ Day\, and Alabama\, which celebrates American Indian Heritage Day. Washington\, D.C. also recognizes the holiday. \nPresident Biden became the first U.S. president to issue a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021\, writing\, “Today\, we recognize Indigenous peoples’ resilience and strength as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.” \nWhy Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?\nActivists have long argued that holidays\, statues and other memorials to Columbus sanitize his actions—which include the enslavement of Native Americans—while giving him credit for “discovering” a place where communities had lived for thousands of years. \n“Columbus Day is not just a holiday\, it represents the violent history of colonization in the Western hemisphere\,” says Leo Killsback\, a professor of American Indian Studies at Arizona State University. \nColumbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937\, in part because of efforts by Roman Catholic Italian Americans. During the late 19th and early 20th century\, members of the stigmatized ethnic and religious group successfully campaigned to establish a Columbus Day in order to place Catholic Italians\, like Christopher Columbus\, into American history. In doing so\, they edged out people of Anglo-Saxon descent who wanted a federal holiday honoring Leif Erikson as the first European to reach the Americas. \nBut decades later\, the question of which European got here “first” is beside the point. “Indigenous Peoples’ Day represents a much more honest and fair representation of American values\,” writes Killsback\, who is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation of southeastern Montana. \n\n 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/indigenous-peoples-day-3/
CATEGORIES:School Closed,State Holiday
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/indigenous-peoples-day-gettyimages-1047890134-3ftCDz.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261013
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261014
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T035525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035525Z
UID:6713-1791849600-1791935999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Navy Birthday
DESCRIPTION:The Navy Birthday is on October 13 and celebrates the establishment of the US Navy in 1775. \nIs Navy Birthday a Public Holiday?\nNavy Birthday is not a public holiday. It falls on Sunday\, October 13\, 2024 and most businesses follow regular Sunday opening hours in United States. \nOn October 13\, 1775\, the United States Navy was established. The day is celebrated as the birthdate of the American Navy. \nNaval Celebration\nThe day is mainly celebrated by personnel\, veterans\, or other people related to the navy. Usually\, it is marked with a Navy Birthday Ball with a formal dinner\, birthday cake\, and entertainment. \nPirate Problem\nThe United States Navy originated over 240 years ago as the Continental Navy. The then Continental Congress authorized 2 armed vessels to search for ships supplying the British army with weapons and ammunition during the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783). \nWhen the war ended\, the Continental Navy was dismantled\, but pirate threats to American merchant shipping led President George Washington to establish the Naval Act of 1794\, creating a permanent standing US Navy. \nUS Navy Today\nThe United States Navy is the naval warfare branch of the US Armed Forces. It has more than 300\,000 personnel on active duty and around 100\,000 personnel in the Navy Reserve.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/navy-birthday-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/navy-birthday-us-IsnfKu.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261015
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261016
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T035826Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035826Z
UID:6738-1792022400-1792108799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:White Cane Safety Day
DESCRIPTION:White Cane Safety Day celebrates blind and visually impaired people’s achievements in the United States on October 15 every year. It also reminds people about the how the white cane is an important tool in helping the blind and the visually impaired live with greater independence. \nIs White Cane Safety Day a Public Holiday?\nWhite Cane Safety Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nThe United States president may issue each year a proclamation calling on people in the United States to observe White Cane Safety Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Communities across the nation re-affirm their commitment to improve access to basic services for blind and visually impaired people. \nOrganizations\, such as Lions Clubs International and the National Federation of the Blind\, organize promotional activities involving the public as part of a goal to help to increase awareness of the use of the white cane and the laws that govern its use. Activities such as visual displays\, walks\, meetings\, public service announcements\, and the distribution of t-shirts reminding people about the day are all part of the day’s activities. White Cane Safety Day also reminds people that motor vehicles and pedestrians should yield the right of way to blind or visually impaired people using canes. \nPublic Life\nAlthough White Cane Safety Day is a national observance in the United States\, it is not a federal public holiday. \nBackground\nMany blind and visually impaired people\, including famous musicians and writers\, have made major positive contributions in the United States. Many have also used a white cane to help them succeed at educational institutions\, work environments\, and their homes. The first of the state laws regarding the right of blind people to travel independently with the white cane was passed in 1930. It granted blind pedestrians protection and the right-of-way while carrying a white cane. \nIn 1963\, the National Federation of the Blind called upon the governors from every state to proclaim October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day. At the time\, only a few people achieved enough independence to travel alone on busy highways. The United States Congress\, by joint resolution approved on October 6\, 1964\, designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day. By 1978\, the number of visually impaired people who achieved a lot of independence through the white cane had greatly increased. Promotions on the benefits of the white cane proved to be successful and they are still continuing. \nSymbols\nThe white cane can be perceived by many as a symbol of blindness or visual impairment. White canes are recognized for providing the visually impaired with greater mobility\, allowing them to participate more within their communities. Blind and visually impaired people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries\, but it was not until after World War I that the white cane was properly introduced. In modern times\, there are different varieties of this tool\, each serving slightly varied needs.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/white-cane-safety-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/white-cane-day-s43kTP.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261016
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261017
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T034719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T034719Z
UID:6647-1792108800-1792195199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Boss's Day
DESCRIPTION:Boss’s Day\, also known as National Boss Day or Bosses Day\, is a time for many workers to appreciate their employers. It is annually observed in the United States on October 16\, or the nearest working day. \nIs Boss’s Day a Public Holiday?\nBoss’s Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nBoss’s Day is dedicated to all employers and provides a prospect of improving the liaison between employers and their staff. Many workers dedicate this day to their supervisors for various reasons\, such as supporting staff with their jobs and careers. This observance also gives employees a chance to recognize those in supervisory positions. \nSome people give their bosses cards\, gift certificates\, or flowers on Boss’s Day. This observance is becoming increasingly popular in various workplaces. It has received both praise and controversy. \nPublic Life\nBoss’s Day\, which is on October 16\, is an observance and it is not a nationwide public holiday in the United States. If it falls on a weekend\, then it is celebrated on the working day closest to it. \nBackground\nThe concept of National Boss Day began in 1958 when Patricia Bays Haroski\, then an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield\, Illinois\, registered the holiday with the United States Chamber of Commerce. She designated October 16 as the special day because it was her father’s birthday. Haroski’s purpose was to designate a day to show appreciation for her boss and other bosses. She also hoped to improve the relationship between employees and supervisors. \nFour years later in 1962\, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed Haroski’s registration and officially proclaimed the day. The event’s popularity is growing outside the United States and is now also observed in countries such as Australia\, India\, and South Africa. \nNote: The dates below show when National Boss Day was first officially proclaimed in 1962\, although the concept for this observance began in 1958.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/bosss-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Empuls-Blog-Cover-Images-14-FGeg66.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261020
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261021
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040827Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040827Z
UID:6778-1792454400-1792540799@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Dussehra
DESCRIPTION:Dussehra (also known as Vijaya Dashami) is a prominent Hindu festival observed on the tenth day of Navaratri. It commemorates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana\, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The festivities commonly include the ritualistic burning of effigies representing Ravana\, reminding people of the need to conquer their internal enemies\, such as vices\, and embrace virtues in their lives. Dussehra holds a profound spiritual significance\, inspiring devotees to seek righteousness and dispel negativity from their hearts\, thus fostering a path of virtue and inner transformation. \n 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/dussehra-2/
CATEGORIES:Hindu
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/dussehra-holidays-AtUQAO.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261031
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261101
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T035125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035125Z
UID:6695-1793404800-1793491199@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Halloween
DESCRIPTION:Many Americans celebrate Halloween on October 31. Celebrations include costume parties and trick-or-treating. \nIs Halloween a Public Holiday?\nHalloween is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nHalloween is usually celebrated amongst family\, friends and\, sometimes\, co-workers. However\, some areas hold large community events. Parties and other events may be planned on October 31 or in the weekends before and after this date. Adults may celebrate by watching horror films\, holding costume parties or creating haunted houses or graveyards. \nMany children dress up in fancy costumes and visit other homes in the neighborhood. At each house\, they demand sweets\, snacks or a small gift. If they do not get this\, they threaten to do some harm to the inhabitants of the house. This is known as playing ‘trick-or-treat’ and is supposed to happen in a friendly spirit\, with no nasty or mean tricks being carried out. However\, if your children take part\, it is important to accompany them and to check their ‘treats’ to make sure they are safe to eat or play with. \nSome families carve lanterns with ‘scary’ faces out of pumpkins or other vegetables or decorate their homes and gardens in Halloween style. These were traditionally intended to ward off evil spirits. If you are at home on Halloween\, it is a good idea to have a bowl of small presents or sweets to offer to anyone who knocks on your door. This will help you to please the little spirits in your neighborhood! \nOne cause that ties with Halloween is collecting donations for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). As children trick-or-treat on Halloween night\, some of them might carry small cardboard boxes with the UNICEF logo on them and collect coins instead of the usual candy. The money collected is then given to UNICEF and used to help needy children worldwide. \nPublic Life\nHalloween is not an official holiday. Government offices and businesses are open as usual and public transit services run on regular schedules. If you drive around in late afternoon or evening\, it is important to keep a careful lookout for children who are unaccustomed to being out on the street after dark. If they are wearing dark costumes or masks\, they may be less easy to see than normal. They may also be excited and dart out unexpectedly from between vehicles or behind bushes. \nBackground\nHalloween originated as a pagan festival in parts of Northern Europe\, particularly around what is now the United Kingdom. Many European cultural traditions hold that Halloween is a time when magic is most potent and spirits can make contact with the physical world. In Christian times\, it became a celebration of the evening before All Saints’ Day. Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought the holiday to the United States. \nThe commercialization of Halloween started in the 1900s\, when postcards and die-cut paper decorations were produced. Halloween costumes started to appear in stores in the 1930s and the custom of ‘trick-or-treat’ appeared in the 1950s. The types of products available in Halloween style increased with time. Now Halloween is a very profitable holiday for the manufacturers of costumes\, yard decorations and candy. In recent years\, debate over the apporpriateness of costumes representing ethnic groups has arisen. \nSymbols\nThere are various symbols associated with Halloween. These include the spooks\, ghosts and walking skeletons that represent the contact between the spiritual and physical world and between the living and the dead. Human figures that are often represented on Halloween are witches and wizards\, who are seen to have the power to contact the spirit world. Bats\, black cats and spiders are often connected with this holiday. These animals are associated with the night and darkness and often accompany witches and wizards. \nThere are also a range of objects associated with Halloween. These include blood\, fire\, gravestones\, pumpkins\, bones and skulls. They all have connections with death\, the spirit world or protecting property from evil spirits. Many of these objects are now available in stores as decorations for the Halloween season. \n 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/halloween-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/new-2023-Nuix1K.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261102
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T034726Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T034726Z
UID:6655-1793491200-1793577599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:All Saints' Day
DESCRIPTION:Many Catholic churches in the United States celebrate All Saints’ Day to honor all the saints\, particularly those who do not have their own special feast day\, on November 1. \nIs All Saints’ Day a Public Holiday?\nAll Saints’ Day is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \nWhat Do People Do?\nAll Saints’ Day is also known as All Hallows Tide\, All-Hallomas\, or All Hallows’ Day\, and it’s celebrated in many areas of the United States\, especially where there are large Roman Catholic populations. \nIn New Orleans\, for example\, people gather in local cemeteries and decorate the graves with flowers. The descendants of French Canadian settlers around St Martinsville\, Louisiana\, observe this day in the traditional French manner by laying wreaths and bouquets and lighting candles on even the most obscure graves. \nAll Saints’ Day\, which is celebrated globally\, is closely tied with All Souls’ Day\, which was first instituted at the monastery in Cluny\, France in 993 CE and quickly spread among Christians. Some eastern churches in the United States celebrated All Saints’ Day on the first Sunday after Pentecost. \nDay After Halloween\nAll Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are also closely linked with Halloween\, which is a shortened for the name “All Hallows’ Eve”. \nIn the United Methodist Church\, All Saints’ Day is observed on the first Sunday in November to remember deceased members of the local church congregation. A candle is lit as each person’s name is called out\, followed by a prayer offered for each soul. \nMany Latin American communities in the United States hold celebrations around November 1 and 2\, linking with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (November 2). These celebrations are part of the Day of the Dead\, also known as Día de los Muertos. \nPublic Life\nAll Saints’ Day is not a federal public holiday in the United States. \nBackground\nAccording to some sources\, the idea for All Saints’ Day goes back to the fourth century when the Greek Christians kept a festival on the first Sunday after Pentecost (in late May or early June) in honor of all martyrs and saints. Other sources say that a commemoration of “All Martyrs” began to be celebrated as early as 270 CE\, but no specific month or date is recorded. \nPope Gregory IV made All Saints’ Day an authorized holiday in 837 CE. It is speculated that the chosen date for the event\, November 1\, may have been an attempt to supplant pagan festivals that occurred around the same time. \nSymbols\nSymbols commonly associated with All Saints’ Day are: \n\nA sheaf of wheat.\nRayed Manus Dei (hand of God).\nThe crown.\nSymbols / images of saints.\n\nThe liturgical color is white on All Saints’ Day.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/all-saints-day-2/
CATEGORIES:Christian
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/All-Saints-xBZVbD.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261102
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T035112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035112Z
UID:6687-1793491200-1793577599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:First Day of Native American Heritage Month
DESCRIPTION:Is First Day of Native American Heritage Month a Public Holiday?\n\n\nThe first day of Native American Heritage Month is November 1st. President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution in 1990 to designate the month of November as National American Indian Heritage Month. The month honors the cultural\, historical\, educational\, and societal contributions of Native Americans\, Alaska Natives\, Native Hawaiians\, and affiliated Island communities. It also celebrates their traditions\, languages\, and stories\, and honors veterans who have served the nation.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCongress chose November because it’s a time of celebration and giving thanks that generally follows the end of the traditional harvest season. The month also honors Indigenous peoples who have suffered at the hands of the U.S. government.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBefore the month-long celebration\, there was a week-long celebration called American Indian Week in 1986\, which took place from November 23–30. The first American Indian Day was celebrated in New York in May 1916\, after Red Fox James\, a member of the Blackfeet Nation\, rode across the country on horseback to get 24 state governments to approve the day.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHere are some ways to celebrate Native American Heritage Month: Participate in Native American cultural events\, Explore Native American cuisine\, Read Native American literature\, Listen to Native American podcasts\, and Recognize what Native land you are on.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/first-day-of-native-american-heritage-month/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/native-american-heritage-month2-cPXKLd.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261101
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261102
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040626Z
UID:6771-1793491200-1793577599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Daylight Saving Time Ends
DESCRIPTION:Also called Fall Back and Winter Time. \nMost of the United States observes daylight saving time (DST)\, the practice of setting the clock forward by one hour when there is longer daylight during the day\, so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. Exceptions include Arizona (except for the Navajo\, who do observe daylight saving time in the Navajo Nation)\, Hawaii\, and the territories of American Samoa\, Guam\, the Northern Mariana Islands\, Puerto Rico\, and the United States Virgin Islands. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a uniform set of rules for states opting to observe daylight saving time. \nIn the U.S.\, daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November\, with the time changes taking place at 2:00 a.m. local time. With a mnemonic word play referring to seasons\, clocks “spring forward\, fall back”—that is\, in springtime the clocks are moved forward from 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. and in fall they are moved back from 2:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Daylight saving time lasts for a total of 34 weeks (238 days) every year\, about 65% of the entire year.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/daylight-saving-time-ends-2/
CATEGORIES:Clock Change
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/5U4EPOE24NBLDHWROCXBDMPVEM-37dHYW.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261103
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261104
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040832Z
UID:6786-1793664000-1793750399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Election Day (General Election)
DESCRIPTION:Election Day in the United States of America is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. It can fall on or between November 2 and November 8. It is the day when popular ballots are held to select public officials. These include national\, state\, and local government representatives at all levels up to the president. \nIs Election Day a Public Holiday?\nElection Day 2024 is a state holiday in 12 states and an observance in 39 states. \nWhat Do People Do?\nOn Election Day\, citizens of the United States of America can vote by popular ballot for candidates for public offices at local\, state\, and national levels. In even-numbered years\, federal elections are held\, while in years divisible by four\, presidential elections are held. Elections for local and state officials may be held in odd- or even-numbered years\, depending on local and state laws. \nThe way in which people vote depends on the state in which they live. In Oregon\, all votes are cast by post and all votes have to be received at a given time on Election Day. In the state of Washington\, nearly all people vote by post and the envelopes containing the voting papers have to be postmarked with the date of Election Day. In other states\, people vote at voting stations\, where long queues can form. \nPublic Life\nElection Day is not a federal holiday\, but it is a yearly or biennial holiday in some states (see table below article)\, including: \n\nDelaware\nHawaii\nIllinois\nIndiana\nMichigan\nMontana\nWest Virginia\n\nEmployees in some states have the legal right to have time off work to vote\, and in some cases\, without losing any pay. \nBackground\nIn 1792\, a law was passed allowing each of the states to conduct presidential elections at any point in the 34 days before the first Wednesday in December. This was the date when the meetings of the Electors of the U.S. president and vice-president\, known as the Electoral Colleges\, were held in each state. A date in November or early December was preferable because the harvest would have been finished\, but the most severe winter storms would not have begun. \nAs long distance communication improved and became quicker with the advent of trains and telegraphs\, allowing each state to conduct its elections at any point in a period of more than a month became outdated. The results of the elections that were announced earliest could influence the outcomes of elections held later in the permitted period. \nIn 1845\, the United States Congress chose a single date for all national elections in all states. The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November was chosen so that there would never be more than 34 days between Election Day and the first Wednesday in December. Election Day is held on a Tuesday so that voters will not have to vote or travel on Sunday. This was an important consideration at the time when the laws were written and is still so in some Christian communities in the United States. \nOn Inauguration Day\, which is on January 20 every four years\, the president and vice-president of the United States of America are sworn in and take office. \nIn 2008\, Barack Obama became the first African-American to be elected as president of the United States\, 45 years after Martin Luther King Jr’s speech about equal opportunities.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/election-day-general-election-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/black-man-voting-SgM0rL.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261108
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261109
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040630Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040630Z
UID:6776-1794096000-1794182399@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Diwali/Deepavali
DESCRIPTION:Diwali is also known as Deepavali\, Dipavali\, Dewali\, Deepawali\, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in October or November each year. Diwali celebrations can last for about five days. \nIs Diwali/Deepavali a Public Holiday?\nDiwali/Deepavali is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours. \n\n\n\nLearn about India’s biggest holiday of the year. \n\nDiwali\, or Dipawali\, is India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. This festival is as important to Hindus as the Christmas holiday is to Christians.\n\n\nOver the centuries\, Diwali has become a national festival that’s also enjoyed by non-Hindu communities. For instance\, in Jainism\, Diwali marks the nirvana\, or spiritual awakening\, of Lord Mahavira on October 15\, 527 B.C.; in Sikhism\, it honors the day that Guru Hargobind Ji\, the Sixth Sikh Guru\, was freed from imprisonment. Buddhists in India celebrate Diwali as well. 
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/diwali-deepavali/
CATEGORIES:Hindu
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/istock-454353339-vmow7u.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261111
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261112
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260104T073850Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T035825Z
UID:6634-1794355200-1794441599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Veterans Day
DESCRIPTION:In the USA\, Veterans Day annually falls on November 11. This day is the anniversary of the signing of the armistice\, which ended the World War I hostilities between the Allied nations and Germany in 1918. Veterans are thanked for their services to the United States on Veterans Day. \nIs Veterans Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nObservance\nVeterans Day is intended to honor and thank all military personnel who served the United States in all wars\, particularly living veterans. It is marked by parades and church services and in many places the American flag is hung at half mast. A period of silence lasting two minutes may be held at 11am. Some schools are closed on Veterans Day\, while others do not close\, but choose to mark the occasion with special assemblies or other activities. \nVeterans Day is officially observed on November 11. However\, if it falls on a week day\, many communities hold their celebrations on the weekend closest to this date. This is to enable more people to attend and participate in the events. Federal Government offices are closed on November 11. If Veterans Day falls on a Saturday\, they are closed on Friday November 10. If Veterans Day falls on a Sunday\, they are closed on Monday November 12. State and local governments\, schools and non-governmental businesses are not required to close and may decide to remain open or closed. Public transit systems may follow a regular or holiday schedule. \nHistory\nOn the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On November 11\, 1919\, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. In 1919\, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory”. There were plans for parades\, public meetings and a brief suspension of business activities at 11am. \nIn 1926\, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the anniversary of the armistice should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving. The Congress also requested that the president should “issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches\, or other suitable places\, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.” \nAn Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code\, Sec. 87a) was approved on May 13\, 1938\, which made November 11 in each year a legal holiday\, known as Armistice Day. This day was originally intended to honor veterans of World War I. A few years later\, World War II required the largest mobilization of service men in the history of the United States and the American forces fought in Korea. In 1954\, the veterans service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans”. Congress approved this change and on June 1\, 1954\, November 11 became a day to honor all American veterans\, where ever and whenever they had served. \nIn 1968 the Uniforms Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) made an attempt to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday of October. The bill took effect in 1971. However\, this caused a lot of confusion as many states disagreed with this decision and continued to hold Veterans Day activities on November 11. In 1975\, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479)\, which stated that Veterans Day would again be observed on November 11 from 1978 onwards. Veterans Day is still observed on November 11.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/__trashed-3/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed,State Holiday
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/american-veteran-q0weB0.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261126
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261127
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T043913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T043913Z
UID:6898-1795651200-1795737599@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Thanksgiving Day
DESCRIPTION:Thanksgiving Day in the United States is a holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. The day after is also known as Black Friday. \nIs Thanksgiving Day a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nFamily Celebration\nThanksgiving Day is a day for people in the US to give thanks for what they have. Families and friends get together for a meal\, which traditionally includes a roast turkey\, stuffing\, potatoes\, vegetables\, cranberry sauce\, gravy\, and pumpkin pie. \nIn some cities and towns\, there are parades during the Thanksgiving weekend. In most areas\, these festivities also mark the opening of the Christmas shopping season. \nLong Weekend in More Than 20 States\nThe Day After Thanksgiving\, also know as Black Friday\, is a holiday in more than 20 states. It’s common to take trips and visit family and friends during the long weekend. \nMany Have the Day Off\nMost government offices\, businesses\, schools\, universities\, colleges\, and other organizations are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Many offices and businesses allow staff to have a long four-day weekend for Thanksgiving\, so these offices and businesses are also closed on the Day after Thanksgiving Day. Public transit systems usually do not operate on their regular timetables. \nThanksgiving Day is one of the busiest periods for travel in the USA. This can cause congestion and overcrowding. Seasonal parades and busy football games can also cause disruption to local traffic. \nHistory and Controversy\nThanksgiving Day has been an annual holiday in the United States since 1863. However\, not everyone sees Thanksgiving Day as a cause for celebration. Some in the US Native American community feel the mythology of the holiday ignores the destruction of indigenous cultures that followed European settlement. \nBeginning in 1970\, a group of Native Americans and their supporters have staged an annual protest for a National Day of Mourning at Plymouth Rock in Plymouth\, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving Day. American Indian Heritage Day is also observed at this time of the year. \nThere are claims that the first Thanksgiving Day was held in the city of El Paso\, Texas\, in 1598. Another early event was held in 1619 in the Virginia Colony. Many people trace the origins of the modern Thanksgiving Day to the harvest celebration the Pilgrims held in Plymouth\, Massachusetts in 1621. However\, their first true thanksgiving was in 1623\, when they gave thanks for rain that ended a drought. These early thanksgivings took the form of a special church service\, rather than a feast. \nIn the second half of the 1600s\, thanksgivings after the harvest became more common and started to become annual events. However\, they were celebrated on different days in different communities and in some places there were more than one thanksgiving each year. George Washington\, the first president of the United States\, proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving Day in 1789.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/thanksgiving-day-3/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/619290edd6722800192460f4-eSEzv3.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261128
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040027Z
UID:6748-1795737600-1795823999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Black Friday
DESCRIPTION:Black Friday is an informal name for the day after Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It is a public holiday in more than 20 states\, and is considered the start of the US Christmas shopping season. \nIs Black Friday a Public Holiday?\nBlack Friday is on the Day After Thanksgiving\, which is a public holiday in more than 20 states. In these states\, businesses may be closed. \nThe same day is also a state holiday in Georgia\, commemorating General Robert E Lee’s birthday. \nSchools and universities all over the United States are closed for the entire Thanksgiving weekend. \nBargain Shopping\nThanksgiving Day is a public holiday all over the US. Even where the day after is not a public holiday\, many take a day off work or use a day from their quota of annual leave on Black Friday. Some people use this to make trips to see family members or friends who live in other areas or to go on vacation. Others use it to start shopping for the Christmas season. \nShopping for Christmas presents is also popular on Black Friday. Many stores have special offers and lower their prices on some goods\, such as toys. \nThe Monday after\, is known as Cyber Monday\, a marketing effort for online retailers equivalent to Black Friday. \nWhat’s Open or Closed?\nPublic transit systems may not run on their normal schedule. Some stores extend their opening hours on Black Friday. There can also be congestion on roads to popular shopping destinations. \nWhy Is It Called Black Friday?\nBlack Friday is one of the busiest shopping days in the USA. There are two popular theories as to why the day after Thanksgiving Day is called Black Friday. One theory is that the wheels of vehicles in heavy traffic on the day after Thanksgiving Day left many black markings on the road surface\, leading to the term Black Friday. \nThe other theory is that the term Black Friday comes from an old way of recording business accounts. Losses were recorded in red ink and profits in black ink. Many businesses\, particularly small businesses\, started making profits before Christmas. Many hoped to start showing a profit\, marked in black ink\, on the day after Thanksgiving Day.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/black-friday-2/
CATEGORIES:Observance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/three-smiling-older-women-with-shopping-bags-pMNUIV.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261127
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261128
DTSTAMP:20260404T043011
CREATED:20260107T040626Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T040626Z
UID:6770-1795737600-1795823999@mahamontessori.com
SUMMARY:Day After Thanksgiving
DESCRIPTION:The Day After Thanksgiving is also known as Black Friday. It is a holiday in more than 20 states. \nIs Day After Thanksgiving a Public Holiday?\nThis is a state public holiday. State government offices are closed. Some schools and businesses may also be closed on this day. \nThe Thanksgiving Weekend\nThanksgiving is on the fourth Thursday in November\, and it is celebrated widely by Americans. Schools and universities are closed for the entire Thanksgiving weekend. It is a time for family celebration on the Thursday\, and many spend the day after — which is also known as Black Friday — bargain shopping. \nThe Friday after Thanksgiving is a state holiday in California\, Delaware\, Florida\, Illinois\, Iowa\, Kansas\, Kentucky\, Louisiana\, Maine\, Michigan\, Minnesota\, Nebraska\, Nevada\, New Hampshire\, North Carolina\, Oklahoma\, Pennsylvania\, South Carolina\, Tennessee\, Texas\, Virginia\, and West Virginia. \nGeorgians Celebrate Robert E. Lee\nIn Georgia\, it is also a state holiday. Georgians have chosen this day to commemorate the birth of Robert E. Lee\, commander of the Confederate army during the American Civil War in the 1860s. HIs birthday is also a holiday in other states\, however on different dates.
URL:https://mahamontessori.com/event/day-after-thanksgiving-3/
CATEGORIES:Federal Holiday,School Closed,State Holiday
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mahamontessori.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/istock-1194525598-ggbcbW.jpg
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR