September Holidays to Celebrate
September is a month that ushers in a delightful blend of change, celebration, and the start of fall. As the days gradually grow shorter and the weather begins to shift, communities around the world embark on a journey of merriment and reflection through a myriad of holidays that span cultures, religions, and traditions. Amidst the transitions of nature, September offers a diverse tapestry of festivities that bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared joy.
While September is synonymous with the end of summer and the approach of autumn, it is also a time for vibrant celebrations that add a splash of color to the changing landscapes. One such celebration is Labor Day, a hallmark of September in the United States and several other countries. Observed on the first Monday of the month, Labor Day is a tribute to the contributions of workers and the labor movement. It’s a day of relaxation and festivity, where families and friends gather for picnics, barbecues, and parades. The holiday serves as a reminder of the value of hard work and underscores the importance of equitable labor conditions.
The Jewish New Year
As the first leaves begin to paint the trees with hues of red and gold, the Jewish community observes Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This two-day holiday is a time of introspection and spiritual renewal, symbolizing the chance for a fresh start. Families gather for festive meals, featuring symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey to signify a sweet year ahead. The shofar, a ram’s horn, is sounded in synagogues, carrying a call to reflection and a call to mend relationships.
Ganesh Chaturthi
September also marks the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in India. This vibrant festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, spans ten days. Elaborate clay idols of Ganesha are crafted, and homes are adorned with decorations as the community comes together to welcome the deity. The festivities include prayers, processions, and cultural performances, culminating in the immersion of the idols in water bodies, symbolizing Ganesha’s return to his celestial abode.
Mexican Independence Day
A celebration that graces September with its colorful presence is the Mexican Independence Day. Contrary to common misconception, this holiday is not Mexico’s actual day of independence from Spain, but rather a commemoration of the beginning of the struggle for independence. On the night of September 15th, “El Grito de Dolores” echoes through the streets, replicating the cry for freedom made by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810. Fireworks illuminate the sky, and lively parades and festivities take center stage as the country revels in its history and culture.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
September’s festive spirit extends to the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, the holiday honors family reunions and the beauty of the full moon. Mooncakes, delicious pastries with various fillings, are exchanged as symbols of unity and completeness. Lanterns light up the night, creating an enchanting ambiance as people gather to appreciate the moon’s radiance.
Eid al-Adha
For the Islamic world, September brings the revered holiday of Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice.” This festival commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Families gather for prayers, feasting, and the distribution of meat from the sacrificial animals. The emphasis on sharing and giving to those in need reflects the core values of Islam and fosters a sense of community and compassion.
Yom Kippur
As September unfolds, it culminates in the celebration of Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement” in the Jewish faith. Usually occurring ten days after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is a day of fasting, prayer, and deep introspection. It’s a time to seek forgiveness and make amends, both with God and fellow humans. Synagogues hold solemn services, and individuals engage in a profound process of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
National Kids Holidays
Amidst these culturally and spiritually rich observances, September also boasts a collection of fun and lighthearted holidays that bring joy to people of all ages.
The whimsical “International Talk Like a Pirate Day” on September 19th encourages participants to embrace their inner swashbucklers and engage in pirate-themed conversations and activities. This playful day offers a respite from routine and allows individuals to embrace a spirit of adventure and imagination.
“National Teddy Bear Day,” celebrated on September 9th, pays homage to the cherished childhood companions that have provided comfort and solace for generations. From cuddly bedtime companions to treasured keepsakes, teddy bears hold a special place in many hearts. On this day, people celebrate by sharing stories, participating in teddy bear picnics, and even donating teddy bears to children in need.
The unique “International Chocolate Day” on September 13th is a delight for all chocolate enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of dark, milk, or white chocolate, this day offers an opportunity to indulge in the world’s favorite sweet treat. From artisanal truffles to classic chocolate bars, the celebration of chocolate transcends borders and cultures, uniting people with a shared love for this delectable creation.
September also marks the arrival of “National Read a Book Day” on September 6th, a day that encourages individuals to rediscover the joys of reading. Whether it’s a captivating novel, a thought-provoking non-fiction work, or a beloved children’s book, this day celebrates the power of literature to transport us to new worlds, expand our horizons, and ignite our imaginations.
September is a month of diverse celebrations that mirror the evolving season and the rich tapestry of human culture. From Labor Day’s tribute to hard work and community to the spiritual reflections of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and from the colorful exuberance of Mexican Independence Day to the fun and lightheartedness of “Talk Like a Pirate Day” and “National Chocolate Day,”. Through festivities that span continents and belief systems, September brings people together, fostering connections, promoting unity, and reminding us all of the beauty of life’s various traditions and the joy of celebration.
We have gathered a list of September holidays which include national holidays, fun holidays, and more to celebrate in the month of September.
Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Baby Safety Month
- Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Days
- September 1 – National Lazy Mom’s Day
- September 1 – Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
- September 1 – National Food Bank Day
- September 2 – World Beard Day
- September 2 – National Tailgating Day
- September 2 – International Bacon Day
- September 4 – National Macadamia Nut Day
- September 4 – National Wildlife Day
- September 4 – Labor Day (Federal Holidays) Always the first Monday of the month – Looking for fun things to do during Labor Day weekend? Check out our event calendar.
- September 6 – National Read a Book Day
- September 7 – National Salami Day
- September 8 – International Day of Literacy
- September 8 – National Pediatric Hematology
- September 9 – National Teddy Bear Day
- September 10 – National Grandparent’s Day (First Sunday after Labor Day)
- September 11 – 9/11 Remembrance Day
- September 12 – National Day of Encouragement
- September 12 – National Video Games Day
- September 12 – National Ants on a Log Day
- September 12 – National Chocolate Milkshake Day – Grab a milkshake at one of your favorite ice cream shops!
- September 13 – International Chocolate Day
- September 15 – Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
- September 13 – National Peanut Day
- September 15 – September 17 – Rosh Hashanah begins September 15, 2023, at sundown and it concludes at nightfall on September 17, 2023.
- September 15 – National Online Learning Day
- September 16 – Mexican Independence Day
- September 16 – National Play-Doh Day
- September 17 – National Women’s Friendship Day (Third Sunday of the month)
- September 17 – Constitution Day
- September 17 – National Apple Dumpling Day – A fun reason to go apple picking! Pick your apples from the local apple orchard.
- September 18 – National Cheeseburger Day
- September 19 – National Talk Like a Pirate Day
- September 21 – World Gratitude Day
- September 22 – National Girls’ Night
- September 23 – Autumnal Equinox
- September 25 – National Comic Book Day
- September 26 – Johnny Appleseed Day
- September 27 – National Women’s Health Day (Last Wednesday of the month)
- September 28 – National Good Neighbor Day
- September 29 – September’s Full Moon or what some people refer to as the Harvest Moon
