April Month Long Observances
- Arab American Heritage Month
- Autism Awareness Month
- Deaf History Month
- Genocide Awareness Month
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- Sikh Heritage Month
- Scottish-American Heritage Month
- World Autism Month
April 1 – 9: Jewish Passover
Jewish Passover is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites' escape from slavery in ancient Egypt. It’s based on the Bible story in Exodus, where God freed the Israelites through Moses and sent plagues on Egypt, with the last plague “passing over” their homes. Passover usually lasts seven or eight days, depending on tradition, and begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan at sunset.
A special meal called the Seder is held on the first night (or first two nights), where families read from the Haggadah – a book that tells the story of the Exodus. Symbolic foods are eaten like matzah (flat bread made without yeast), which reminds Jews of how the Israelites left Egypt in such a hurry and didn’t have time to let their bread rise. Other items on the Seder plate represent parts of the story, such as bitter herbs for the bitterness of slavery. Passover is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebrating freedom.
April 2 – International Autism Acceptance Day/World Autism Awareness Day
This day promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of individuals on the autism spectrum. It focuses on recognizing their unique strengths and contributions in various fields, including education, the arts, technology, and advocacy. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting autistic individuals and encouraging society to create more inclusive environments that support and celebrate neurodiversity.
April 2 – The Memorial of Jesus’ Death
Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate the death of Jesus Christ. It is considered the most important event on their religious calendar and is held once a year, typically on Nisan 14 of the Jewish calendar. The date corresponds to the night of the original Passover and the night Jesus shared a special meal with his disciples.
At this event, called the Memorial, there's a ceremony conducted that explains the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, followed by the passing of flat bread with no yeast and red wine, which symbolize Jesus' body and blood. Only a small number of people eat the bread and drink the wine. Most people simply watch and reflect quietly.
Everyone is welcome to attend, no matter their background. It’s a serious and respectful event that honors Jesus and the role he plays in God’s plan.
April 3 – Good Friday or Holy Friday
Good Friday is a day when members of many Christian denominations, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Oriental Orthodox and Reformed traditions, remember the day Jesus Christ was crucified and died. It takes place on the Friday before Easter and is one of the most meaningful days for Christians. According to the Bible, Jesus was arrested, put on trial, and nailed to a cross, where he died to take away the sins of others.
Many Christians spend the day with quiet reflection, prayer, or fasting focusing on Jesus' suffering and the meaning of his death. Churches often hold special services that include Bible readings, hymns, and moments of silence. In some places, people participate in walks or dramatizations that show what happened to Jesus on that day. Holy Friday is a time to remember Jesus’ love and sacrifice, and the hope of forgiveness and redemption through him.
April 5 – Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is a central Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the Bible. It marks the culmination of Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, and Good Friday. Easter is considered the most joyful and important day in the Christian faith, symbolizing hope, new life, and the victory of life over death and sin. Many Christians celebrate by attending church services or Mass, often followed by family gatherings and festive meals. Over time, various cultural traditions have also become part of the celebration, such as the Easter bunny and egg hunts, which have both religious and pre-Christian (pagan) roots.
April 7 – National Day of Action
Each year, on the first Tuesday of April, the National Day of Action occurs to raise awareness of sexual assault and violence prevention. This day is nationally recognized in the United States and is part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Its goal is to educate the public to stop sexual violence before it happens. Since 2004, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center has promoted this day as part of efforts to end sexual violence.
Teal the official color of SAAM, was adopted by sexual violence coalitions across the country in 2000. The color symbolizes healing, trust, and devotion and represents the coming together of genders to support survivors. The teal ribbon serves as a symbol of awareness and prevention.
You can make a difference by wearing teal with your friends and loved ones on April 1st to spread awareness and support those who have faced sexual violence.
April 9 – International Day of Pink
This is an annual event celebrated on the second Wednesday of April and stands against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, and transphobia while promoting kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. This day was created after a group of students in Canada witnessed another student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt. Participants are encouraged to wear pink to show support for LGBTQ+ rights and to advocate for a more inclusive, respectful, and safer society.
April 10 – LGBTQIA+ Day of Silence
The Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies around the world take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in schools. Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, the event has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April, participants remain silent throughout the school day, spreading awareness by sharing their experiences with written notes.
