Explore Our February 2026 Diversity Calendar

The February 2026 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Calendar is here! This is more than a calendar, it is a call to connect, learn, and grow in areas such as cultural and religious holidays, heritage months, and awareness observances. We encourage you to print and display the calendar in communal spaces, share it with the people you support, and keep a copy handy for your own reference.

This month’s image celebrates cultural diversity through vibrant portraits and bold colors, with the word “diversity” front and center. A note reads, “Different Isn’t Bad; It’s Just Not The Same” – a powerful reminder as we honour Black History Month.

Here we also have a vibrant word cloud celebrating the heart of EDIB, including words that reflect the values we carry into 2026: respect, inclusion, culture, and connection. Let this image inspire us to continue building belonging together at Karis!

Download the February Diversity Calendar

In February we celebrate and remember:

• Black History Month: the month of February gives us all the chance to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society. However, it is also a time to reflect on Canada’s painful history and the distinct challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face in their daily lives, such as systemic barriers, racism and discrimination. The theme for this year’s Black History Month is: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”
• World Hijab Day on February 1: Recognizing the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, a day created to foster religious tolerance and understanding by inviting women (non-Hijabi Muslims & non-Muslims) to experience the hijab for one day.
• Thaipusam on February 1: A worldwide Hindu festival celebrated by the Tamil community from India. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance.
• World Interfaith Harmony Week – February 1 to 7: An annual event observed during the first week of February, pointing out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue are important dimensions of a culture of peace. A way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
• World Cancer Day on February 4: An international day to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.
• The Superbowl on Sunday, February 8: The most watched single-day, sports event (last year, over 127.7 million people around the world watched). Some people watch the game, while for others, the ads or the halftime show are the big attractions.
• Valentine’s Day on February 14: Across Canada and in other places around the world, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
• National Flag of Canada Day on February 15: At the stroke of noon on February 15, 1965, Canada’s red and white maple leaf flag was raised for the very first time on Parliament Hill. Our national flag is a symbol that unites Canadians and reflects the common values we take pride in.
• Family Day on February 16: There are no established traditions surrounding Family Day. But, as the name implies, many Canadians take advantage of the three-day weekend in February to spend extra time with loved ones. Road trips, winter sports outings, and extended family gatherings are all popular ways to observe the holiday. Celebrants find ways to overcome the cold and have a warm and cozy Family Day!
• Lunar New Year on February 17: This signifies the first new moon of the lunar calendar. It’s a time rich in traditions and cultural festivities, often featuring family gatherings, special foods, and diverse cultural rituals that differ from country to country, including performances, special decorations, and the giving of good-luck gifts.
• Ash Wednesday on February 18: A holy day of prayer and fasting in many Western Christian denominations. It is preceded by Shrove Tuesday and marks the first day of Lent, the six weeks of penitence before Easter, which is a period of fasting, increased prayer, personal improvement, and participating in charity.
• Ramadan begins on February 18: In Islam, Ramadan is the holy month where Muslims fast during daylight hours. It is a period that aims to cleanse one’s body and soul from impurities and re-focus oneself to the worship of God. An opportunity for devotion, prayer, reflection, charity-giving, self-accountability, and celebration of the mercy and love of Allah.
• World Social Justice Day on February 20: An international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections.
• International Mother Language Day on February 21: A worldwide annual observance to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.
• Anti-Bullying Day (Pink Shirt Day) on February 25: Celebrated every February across Canada to raise awareness about the negative impacts of bullying and to promote anti‐bullying initiatives, particularly in schools. Encourage everyone to practice kindness by wearing pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying.

At Karis Disability Services, we recognize that belonging means uplifting every story. Black history is Canadian history, and this month we reflect on the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Black communities past and present. Let’s keep building a culture where every voice matters!