February 2026 - Intercultural calendar

The calendar provides an overview of public holidays, traditional and religious holidays and international commemoration days without intending to be exhaustive.

2 February: Candlemas/Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Catholic) - Christianity

Celebrates an early episode in the life of Jesus when Mary and Joseph took the Infant Jesus to the Temple 40 days after his birth.

2 February: Tu Bishvat - Judaism

The name is derived from the Hebrew date of the holiday, which occurs on the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Shevat. It is also called the "New Year of the Trees". The day is marked by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land such as grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.

10 to 12 February: Hizir/Holiday (on the third day) (Alevi) - Islam

Hizir is honoured with a three-day fast in mid-February called Hizir Orucu (Hizir Fast). Many Alevi fast during this time to honour Hizir, a holy figure who they believe saves those who are in distress. Alevi call on him for help and rescue.

17 February: Chinese New Year - traditional

The beginning of the year of the Fire Horse on the traditional Chinese calendar. The festival is celebrated with fireworks and lion and dragon dances.

18 February: Beginning of Ramadan - Islam

The revelation of the Quran began in Ramadan, which gives this month a special place in Islam. During the month of Ramadan Muslims fast daily from sunrise to sunset. This fulfils one of the religious commandments. All physically mature and healthy Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. No smoking or marital relations are allowed. The Night of Power, or Laylat al Qadr, is described in the Quran as being "better than a thousand months" and is usually spent in prayer. The exact date is uncertain but usually falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan (traditionally the 27th night). Depending on different traditions, the actual beginning and end of Ramadan may vary by one day.

18 February: Ash Wednesday (Catholic, Protestant) - Christianity

The 40-day season of Lent starts for Catholics when carnival has ended. Ashes are marked on worshippers as a sign of perishableness and penitence.

21 February: International Mother Language Day – international

International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by UNESCO to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Each year, some of the world’s approximately 6,700 documented languages disappear. Linguistic diversity and multilingualism promote dialogue and peace between the people. Today, about 250 languages are spoken in Austria