May 2026 - Intercultural calendar

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

1 May: Labour Day (public holiday) - international

International day in honour of working people.

6 May: St. George's Day (Orthodox) - Christianity

A spring festival, dating back to pre-Christian spring festivals, also celebrated by Muslim Roma in the Balkans. In Austria, St. George's Festival (Djurdjevdan) is mostly celebrated by Serbian Orthodox migrants (e.g. Roma). Saint George is the patron saint of the Roma. It is also a festival in Orthodox churches, which follow the Julian calendar.

10 May: Mother's Day - international

Day in honour of mothers. The origins of celebrating motherhood (deities) can be traced back to ancient times. In the early 20th century, a day in honour of mothers and motherhood was established in Europe. In Austria, the initiative to celebrate Mother’s Day stems from the women’s movement. It is customary to give presents to mothers flowers and organise activities together such as going to the cinema or theatre or on day trips (e.g.).

12 May: Vesakh - Buddhism

This day commemorates the birth, the Enlightenment under a pipal tree at Bodh Gaya and the passing of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. Even Buddha's death is regarded as a joyful event as it stands for the attainment of Nirvana. Customs include sending greeting cards, light and flag festivals, pilgrimage and mass releases of caged birds. In 1999, the Day of Vesak was recognised by the United Nations as an international holiday. The date can vary depending on the region.

14 May: Ascension Day (Catholic, Protestant, public holiday) - Christianity

Celebration commemorating the Ascension of Christ into heaven and the mission into the world. It is often a typical day for First Communions. An old, now rare custom is the re-enactment of the Ascension with a wooden figure of Jesus. Meals on this day usually include poultry.

17 May: International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia - international

The day has been celebrated since 2005. Reference is made to people who are discriminated, persecuted or punished because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Among other things, this day is about strengthening the commitment to respect, protect and implement human rights and thus take a stance against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

21 May: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development – international

The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was first declared at the 31st General Assembly following UNESCO’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration of Cultural Diversity. It raises awareness of the importance of protecting and promoting cultural diversity. Based on human rights, it highlights the richness of the world’s cultures and traditions and celebrates the creative potential of the world’s diverse cultures.

21 May: Ascension Day (Orthodox) – Christianity

Ascension Day celebrates Christ’s return to heaven. It is customary to prepare lamb for a festive meal. Another custom for men is to not shave on that day and also to not sleep during the day as this would mean bad luck.

22 to 23 May: Shavuot - Judaism

The Feast of Weeks is held in commemoration of the revelation of the Law on Mount Sinai, God's most important gift to His people: the Torah, the document establishing the covenant between God and His people.

24 May: Pentecost Sunday (Catholic, Protestant) - Christianity

Pentecost celebrates the day when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples in the forms of tongues of fire and rushing wind. Pentecost is also regarded as the "birthday of the church". It is customary to move furniture around during the night from Sunday to Monday as a kind of defence spell.

25 May: White Monday or Pentecost Monday (Catholic, Protestant, public holiday) - Christianity

There are many old customs such as dancing (e.g. dancing around the Maypole) or putting up specially decorated Pentecost trees or Maypoles. Many of the traditions date back to spring festivals of pre-Christian times.

27 to 30 May: Festival of Sacrifice (Turkish: Kurban Bayrami, Arabic: Eid ul Adha) - Islam

This most important feast of Islam symbolises devotion to God and trust in His mercy. This festival is marked by a story in the Quran (which is paralleled in the Old Testament): God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael (that is Isaac in the Old Testament) in obedience to God's word. In the last moment God intercedes by replacing a ram for the child. In commemoration, Muslims eat a sheep or donate its equivalent value in cash to charity. Depending on the national calendar tradition, the date of the festival may vary by one day.

31 May: Pentecost Sunday (Orthodox) – Christianity

This day commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. It is also known as the "birthday of the church". Traditionally, churches are decorated with greenery and flowers.