February 2024 - 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.

10 February: Chinese New Year - traditional

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

13 to 15 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.

14 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