Holidays and Special Days Celebrating Immigrants and Refugees

Discover holidays celebrating the contributions and struggles of immigrants and refugees worldwide. These special days commemorate their experiences and promote greater understanding and compassion for displaced persons.

International Migrants Day (December 18)

This day is observed by the United Nations to raise awareness about the contributions and rights of migrants and to promote the protection of their human rights.

World Refugee Day (June 20)

This day is also recognized by the United Nations to honor the courage and resilience of refugees and to raise awareness about their plight.

International Day of Peace (September 21)

This day aims to promote peace and non-violence and to celebrate the diversity of cultures and people around the world, including immigrants and refugees.

Human Rights Day (December 10)

This day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the right of all people to freedom, equality, and dignity, regardless of their nationality, race, or immigration status.

National Migration Week (January)

This week is observed in the United States to raise awareness about the contributions of immigrants to the country and to advocate for fair and just immigration policies.

Refugee Week (June)

This week is observed in the United Kingdom to celebrate the contributions of refugees to society and to raise awareness about their experiences and challenges.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21)

This day aims to promote racial equality and to raise awareness about the negative impact of discrimination on individuals and societies, including immigrants and refugees.

In addition to holidays and special days that recognize the contributions and struggles of immigrants and refugees, there are also a number of Sundays in the church calendar that commemorate their experience. These Sundays and feast days provide opportunities for Christians to reflect on their faith and respond to the needs of immigrants and refugees in their communities and beyond.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

This is an annual observance in the Catholic Church that takes place on the last Sunday of September. It was established by Pope Pius X in 1914 and aims to raise awareness about the plight of migrants and refugees and promote solidarity with them. Each year, the pope issues a message related to the theme of the day.

Refugee Sunday

This is an annual observance in many Protestant churches that takes place on the second Sunday in June. It is a time to pray for refugees, learn about their experiences, and raise awareness about the issues they face.

Immigration Sunday

This is an annual observance in many Protestant churches that takes place on the first Sunday in May. It is a time to reflect on the biblical call to welcome the stranger and advocate for just and compassionate immigration policies.

The Feast of the Holy Family

This is a feast day in the Catholic Church that takes place on the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas. It is a time to celebrate the Holy Family and their journey as refugees fleeing persecution in Egypt.

The Feast of Pentecost

This is a feast day in the Christian calendar that takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and marks the birth of the Christian Church. It is also a time to celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures and the universality of the Gospel message.