Today@Dal

Each year the Dalhousie Office of Human Rights, Equity & Harassment Prevention (HREHP) develops a mosaic calendar of religious holidays and cultural dates for faculty, staff and students.

See below for a sample of July dates to observe, reflect, celebrate or promote throughout the university community. The complete calendar is available on the website, http://hrehp.dal.ca/Calendar/

June 28-July 28

Ramadan

Ramadan the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, the most spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year is considered the most venerated and blessed. Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time. It is the month in which the prophet of Islam (Mohammed) received the first verse of the Q’uran. The fourth pillar of Islam, which is fasting, is practiced during the month of Ramadan. The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat and sun-scorched ground. Religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month. Daily fasting for all able, adult Muslims during the whole month of Ramadan is prescribed, beginning with the sighting of the new moon. The most holy night during the Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) has more blessing than a thousand months.

July 1

Canada Day

Canada’s National Day is a federal holiday celebrating the day when Canada became a kingdom in its own right in 1867. This is a day celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North America Act, which united Canada as a single country, which was in turn composed of four provinces. Canada Day celebrations take place throughout Canada as well as internationally.

At the Citadel

Parks Canada and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site host the Halifax Regional Municipality’s official celebration of Canada Day. Following the traditional noon gun and the twenty-one gun salute in honour of our nation’s 147th birthday, the official Canada Day cake will be served on the porch of the Cavalier building.  Fun for the whole family.

At Pier 21

This Canada Day, don’t miss the fun-filled activities for the entire family at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. On Tuesday, July 1, celebrate the diversity of our nation at the National Historic Site that welcomed so many newcomers to our country. The Museum will be open to visitors free of charge all day, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Celebrate Canada Day by learning more about our collective history. Explore the Museum’s main exhibition dedicated to the Pier 21 years, during which one million immigrants took their first steps on Canadian soil, right here. Experience the Museum’s Multicultural Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fuelled by live music and diverse multicultural performances, the celebratory atmosphere spills over into engaging activity stations and crafts for all ages. Cake and punch will be served

July 4- 12

2014 TD Halifax Jazz Festival

Tune into live jazz, blues, roots and world music from more than 500 performers over nine nights and eight days. The TD Halifax Jazz Festival is presented by JazzEast. The TD Halifax Jazz Festival, formerly known as the Atlantic Jazz Festival, is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada. Designated a Hallmark Event by the Halifax Regional Municipality, the event spans two weekends (9 nights, 8 days), attracts up to 55,000 visitors, involves 450 volunteers and employs over 350 local musicians.

July 6

Manulife Dragon Boat Festival

Spring has sprung and we're getting ready for the 16th Annual Manulife Dragon Boat Festival on July 6th, 2013 at Lake Banook. Help make a difference in communities across Nova Scotia and support the Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund by registering your corporate team for the 16th Annual Manulife Dragon Boat Festival. No experience is required! Register your team today by clicking here or by email at dragonboat@sportnovascotia.ca

Tisha B’Av (JU)

A Rabbinic fast day that occurs on 9 Av (in July or August). This day is a day of fasting and commemorating the multiple tragedies that have occurred on this day, most notably the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492

July 8

Nisf Sha’ban

The 15th day or middle (Nisf) of the eight month (sha’ban), is the Night of Repentance in preparation for Ramadan. It begins in the evening.

July 9

Martyrdom of Bab (BA)

Persia he was eventually condemned to death by firing squad. He was executed at noon so special prayers are said at this time and people turn to face Haifa, his burial place. The graves, which are a place of pilgrimage for Baha’is, are on Mount Carmel in Israel. On this day, all work must be suspended.

July 10-13

13th Annual Lebanese Festival

Savour a Taste of Lebanon in the Heart of Halifax. Come celebrate the 13th Annual Lebanese Festival in Halifax Proudly Presented by TD Canada Trust. The four day festival will run from July 10th - 13th, 2014. Relax while enjoying Authentic Lebanese Food, Traditional Dance Performances and a Live Lebanese Band. Take in the exhibits and shop for handcrafted work at the Artisan Gift Shop or visit Al-Arz Cafe known for its coffee and baklava. Admission is free. Yalla!  www.LebaneseFestival.ca

July 12

Manulife Dragon Boat Festival

All monies raised by the Manulife Dragon Boat Festival benefit the Nova Scotia Amateur Sport Fund.  The Sport Fund helps increase sport participation by supporting community-based programs throughout Nova Scotia. To date, the Manulife Dragon Boat Festival has raised over $1.37 million for this worthwhile cause.

July 15

Wassana (BU)

Wassana marks the beginning of the three-month ‘Rains Retreat’ for monks and nuns (Theravada/ North America).

July 17-27

Halifax Pride Week

2014 Pride Week is Sunday July 17, 2014 to Sunday July 27, 2014.  The Halifax Pride Parade will be on Saturday July 26, 2014. A weeklong celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered and questioning persons featuring events, music, and a parade on Saturday.

July 22

Asalhka Puja Day (BU)

July 25

Jum’at al-Wada (Islam)

(Farewell Friday) is the last Friday of the month of Ramadan and the Friday immediately preceding Eid al-Fitr. While not considered a festival, Jum’at at-Wada is a special day for many Muslims.
 
July 25-27

The Africa Festival of Arts & Culture

The Africa Festival of Arts and Culture is an annual festival that showcases the unique cultural heritage and artistic works of people of African descent living in Nova Scotia. The festival will be held this year at the Sackville Landing, Lower Water Street. Major events of the festival includes arts, crafts, visual and performing arts of people of African descent, artists participating in the festival are Diasporas from Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrean, Gambia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Togo, Uganda, Somalia, ADAM, Caribbean and African Nova Scotian Community. Artistic work includes arts and craft, drumming, Jazz, hip-hop, gospel music, stand-up comedy, literature, food, and lots more. Notable performers this year includes: Carson Downey, Sanctified Boys, Reeny Smith, Amani (Contemporary Blues Poet), Conquerors for Christ, Free to Move, and various Africa cultural dances. The festival is open to the public free of charge; and our sponsors this year includes Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Canada Heritage, Nova Scotia Communities, Culture and Heritage, CKDU, Labatt, HRM, TD Bank, The Four Point Sheraton, etc. Please come and join us celebrate and showcase our unique cultural heritage. As a forum for the promotion of tourism between African countries and Canada.

July 29

Eid Al-Fitr

Eid Al-Fitr is a holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting which is one of the greatest religious observance in Islam. The holiday celebrates the conclusion of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.

July 30

Oh-harai-taisai (SH)

Oh-harai-taisai is the Shinto Grand Purification Ceremony.’ It is observed twice a year so that people can purify themselves of offenses they have committed during the previous half of the year

Mi’kmaq Festival of St. Anne

The St. Anne’s Mission is where the Mi’kmaq People go to Chapel Island for spiritual well-being, praying and cultural renewal.