October is the tenth month of the year in the Julian and

Gregorian calendar The Gregorian calendar is the calendar used in most parts of the world. It was introduced in October 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a modification of, and replacement for, the Julian calendar. The principal change was to space leap years dif ...

s and the sixth of seven months to have a length of 31 days. The eighth month in the old calendar of Romulus , October retained its name (from

Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power of the ...

and

Greek Greek may refer to: Greece Anything of, from, or related to Greece, a country in Southern Europe: *Greeks, an ethnic group. *Greek language, a branch of the Indo-European language family. **Proto-Greek language, the assumed last common ancestor ...

''ôctō'' meaning "eight") after January and February were inserted into the calendar that had originally been created by the Romans. In

Ancient Rome In modern historiography, ancient Rome refers to Roman civilisation from the founding of the city of Rome in the 8th century BC to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD. It encompasses the Roman Kingdom (753–509 BC ...

, one of three Mundus patet would take place on October 5, Meditrinalia October 11,

Augustalia The Augustalia, also known as the ''Ludi Augustales'' ("Augustan Games"), was a festival celebrated October 12 in honor of Augustus, the first Roman emperor. It was established in conjunction with an altar to Fortuna Redux to mark the return of Au ...

on October 12,

October Horse In Religion in ancient Rome, ancient Roman religion, the October Horse (Latin ''Equus October'') was an animal sacrifice to Mars (mythology), Mars carried out on October 15, coinciding with the end of the Roman agriculture, agricultural and mili ...

on October 15, and

Armilustrium In ancient Roman religion, the Armilustrium was a festival in honor of Mars, the god of war, celebrated on October 19.H.H. Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'' (Cornell University Press, 1981), p. 195. On this day the weapo ...

on October 19. These dates do not correspond to the modern Gregorian calendar. Among the Anglo-Saxons, it was known as

Winterfylleth Winterfylleth (Ƿinterfylleþ) was the Anglo-Saxon or Old English name for the month of October. It marked and celebrated the beginning of winter. The name of the month was recorded by Bede thus: See also * Anglo-Saxon * Germanic calendar * ...

(Ƿinterfylleþ), because at this full moon, winter was supposed to begin. October is commonly associated with the season of

spring Spring(s) may refer to: Common uses * Spring (season) Spring, also known as springtime, is one of the four temperate seasons, succeeding winter and preceding summer. There are various technical definitions of spring, but local usage of ...

in parts of the Southern Hemisphere, and autumn in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, where it is the seasonal equivalent to

April April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian and Julian calendars. It is the first of four months to have a length of 30 days, and the second of five months to have a length of less than 31 days. April is commonly associated with ...

in the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa.

October symbols

October's birthstones are the

tourmaline Tourmaline ( ) is a crystalline silicate mineral group in which boron is compounded with elements such as aluminium, iron, magnesium, sodium, lithium, or potassium. Tourmaline is a gemstone and can be found in a wide variety of colors. The te ...

and

opal Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica (SiO2·''n''H2O); its water content may range from 3 to 21% by weight, but is usually between 6 and 10%. Due to its amorphous property, it is classified as a mineraloid, unlike crystalline form ...

. *Its birth flower is the calendula. *The

zodiac The zodiac is a belt-shaped region of the sky that extends approximately 8° north or south (as measured in celestial latitude) of the ecliptic, the apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere over the course of the year. The pat ...

signs for this month are

Libra Libra generally refers to: * Libra (constellation), a constellation * Libra (astrology), an astrological sign based on the star constellation Libra may also refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''Libra'' (novel), a 1988 novel by Don DeLillo Musi ...

(until October 22) and Scorpio (from October 23 onwards).. Signs in UT/GMT for 1950–2030. *The French word octobre is shortened to 8bre.

October observances

''This list does not necessarily imply either official status or general observance.'' Beata Vergine Maria, Madonna del Rosario

Non-Gregorian observances: dates

(All Baha'i, Islamic, and Jewish observances begin at the sundown prior to the date listed, and end at sundown of the date in question unless otherwise noted.) * List of observances set by the Bahá'í calendar * List of observances set by the Chinese calendar *

List of observances set by the Hebrew calendar All observances begin at sunset the day prior to the Gregorian date listed unless otherwise noted, and end on nightfall of the date in question, which is defined as the appearance of three stars in the sky. On leap years (which occur every 2– ...

List of observances set by the Islamic calendar All Islamic observances begin at the sundown prior to the date listed, and end at sundown of the date in question unless otherwise noted. Holidays for 1441 (2019-2020) {, class="wikitable" !width=20%, Date on Islamic Calendar !width=20%, Gre ...

List of observances set by the Solar Hijri calendar Dates in this table are determined by when the March Equinox falls. It will fall on March 20 from 2018-2023. {, class="wikitable" , - style="background:#efefef;" ! Holiday date !!Holiday name !! Description !!March equinox on March 19 !!March Eq ...

Month-long observances

Black History Month Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently ...

in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland, continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotlan ...

*In

Catholic Church The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with 1.3 billion baptized Catholics worldwide . It is among the world's oldest and largest international institutions, and has played a ...

tradition, October is the Month of the Holy Rosary. *

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), also referred to in the United States as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awaren ...

* Health Literacy Month * International Walk to School Month * Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month *

Rett Syndrome Rett syndrome (RTT) is a genetic disorder that typically becomes apparent after 6–18 months of age and almost exclusively in females. Symptoms include impairments in language and coordination, and repetitive movements. Those affected often h ...

Awareness Month * World Blindness Awareness Month * World Menopause Month * Vegetarian Awareness Month

United States

The last two to three weeks in October (and, occasionally, the first week of November) are normally the only time of the year during which all of the "Big Four" major professional sports leagues in the U.S. and Canada schedule games; the

National Basketball Association The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. The league is composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada) and is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United St ...

begins its preseason and about two weeks later starts the regular season, the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; french: Ligue nationale de hockey—LNH, ) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprising 32 teams—25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. It is considered to be the top ranked professional ...

is about one month into its regular season, the

National Football League The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is one of the ...

is about halfway through its regular season, and

Major League Baseball Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization and the oldest major professional sports league in the world. MLB is composed of 30 total teams, divided equally between the National League (NL) and the American League (AL), ...

is in its postseason with the

League Championship Series The League Championship Series (LCS) is the semifinal round of postseason play in Major League Baseball which has been conducted since 1969. In 1981, and since 1995, the two annual series have matched up the winners of the Division Series, an ...

and

World Series The World Series is the annual championship series of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States and Canada, contested since 1903 between the champion teams of the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The winner of the World ...

. Prior to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...

in 2020, which necessitated changes to the sporting calendar and led to the four leagues' schedules coinciding earlier and more frequently than normal, there were 19 occasions in which all four leagues played games on the same day (an occurrence popularly termed a sports equinox), with the most recent of these taking place on October 27, 2019. Additionally, the

Canadian Football League The Canadian Football League (CFL; french: Ligue canadienne de football—LCF) is a professional sports league in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football. The league consists of nine teams, each located in a ci ...

is typically nearing the end of its regular season during this period, while Major League Soccer is beginning the

MLS Cup Playoffs The MLS Cup Playoffs is the annual postseason elimination tournament of Major League Soccer. The final match of the tournament is the MLS Cup, the league's championship game. Under the current format adopted for the 2019 season, 14 teams quali ...

. *American Archives Month *National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month * National Arts & Humanities Month *National Bullying Prevention Month * National Cyber Security Awareness Month * National Domestic Violence Awareness Month *

Filipino American History Month Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated in the United States during the month of October. In 1991, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) board of trustees proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month to ...

* Italian-American Heritage and Culture Month *

Polish American Heritage Month Polish American Heritage Month is an annual event celebrated in October by Polish American communities. It was first celebrated in 1981 after organization by Michael Blichasz, President of the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia. Origin ...

* National Work and Family Month

= United States, Health-related

= * American Pharmacist Month *Celebrating All of October Dwarfism/Little People/Short Stature/Skeletal Dysplasia Awareness *Dwarfism/Little People Awareness Month *Eczema Awareness Month * National

Dental Hygiene Oral hygiene is the practice of keeping one's mouth clean and free of disease and other problems (e.g. bad breath) by regular brushing of the teeth (dental hygiene) and cleaning between the teeth. It is important that oral hygiene be carried out ...

Month * National Healthy Lung Month * National Infertility Awareness Month * Liver Awareness Month * National

Lupus Erythematosus Lupus erythematosus is a collection of autoimmune diseases in which the human immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks healthy tissues. Symptoms of these diseases can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, kidneys, blo ...

Awareness Month * National Physical Therapy Month * National

Spina Bifida Spina bifida (Latin for 'split spine'; SB) is a birth defect in which there is incomplete closing of the spine and the membranes around the spinal cord during early development in pregnancy. There are three main types: spina bifida occulta, men ...

Awareness Month *

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden unexplained death of a child of less than one year of age. Diagnosis requires that the death remain unexplained even after a thorough autopsy and detailed death scene investigation. SIDS usuall ...

Awareness Month (United States)

= United States, Culinary

= * National Pizza Month * National Popcorn Poppin’ Month * National Pork Month * National Seafood Month

Movable observances, 2022 dates

Oktoberfest celebrations The Oktoberfest is a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Germany during late September and early October. It is attended by six million people each year and has inspired numerous similar events using the name ''Oktoberfest'' in Germany ...

(varies globally based on area) *

Astronomy Day Astronomy Day is an annual event in the United States and later in other countries, intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. History This event was start ...

: October 1 * World Cerebral Palsy Day: October 6 * World College Radio Day: October 7 * Earth Science Week: October 9–15 *See also

Movable Western Christian observances {{Use mdy dates, date=July 2017 This is a list of movable observances within Western Christianity. It includes secular observances which are calculated by religious observances. ''This list does not necessarily imply either official status nor gen ...

*See also

Movable Eastern Christian observances This is a chronological list of moveable Eastern Christian observances. Most of these are calculated by the date of Pascha. It includes secular observances which are calculated by religious observances. ''This list does not necessarily imply eithe ...

October 2

Excessivism Excessivism is an art movement. In 2015 American artist and curator Kaloust Guedel introduced it to the world with an exhibition titled ''Excessivist Initiative''. The review of the exhibition written by art critic and curator Shana Nys Dambrot ...

(

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...

)

First Sunday: October 2

Daylight saving time Daylight saving time (DST), also referred to as daylight savings time or simply daylight time (United States, Canada, and Australia), and summer time (United Kingdom, European Union, and others), is the practice of advancing clocks (typicall ...

begins ( Australia) *

Father's Day Father's Day is a holiday of honoring fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on 19 March as Saint Joseph's Day since the Middle Ages. In the Unite ...

(

Luxembourg Luxembourg ( ; lb, Lëtzebuerg ; french: link=no, Luxembourg; german: link=no, Luxemburg), officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, ; french: link=no, Grand-Duché de Luxembourg ; german: link=no, Großherzogtum Luxemburg is a small lan ...

) * Grandparents Day (

Queensland ) , nickname = Sunshine State , image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , establishe ...

, Australia,

) *

Teachers' Day Teachers' Day is a special day for the appreciation of teachers, and may include celebrations to honor them for their special contributions in a particular field area, or the community tone in education. This is the primary reason why countries ce ...

(

Belarus Belarus,, , ; alternatively and formerly known as Byelorussia (from Russian ). officially the Republic of Belarus,; rus, Республика Беларусь, Respublika Belarus. is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by ...

, Latvia,

Ukraine Ukraine ( uk, Україна, Ukraïna, ) is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which it borders to the east and northeast. Ukraine covers approximately . Prior to the ongoing Russian inv ...

)

First Full Week: October 2–8

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a yearly hot air balloon festival that takes place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event occurring in the first full week of October, and has o ...

(

) *

Mental Illness Awareness Week Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) was established in the U.S. in 1990 recognition of efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. It takes place every year during the first ful ...

(

)

First Monday: October 3

Child Health Day Child Health Day () is a United States Federal Observance Day observed on the first Monday in October. History According to 36 U.S.C. § 105, on Child Health Day the president invites "all agencies and organizations interested in child welfare t ...

(

) *

Children's Day Children's Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honor of children, whose date of observance varies by country. In 1925, International Children's Day was first proclaimed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare. Sin ...

(

Chile Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a country in the western part of South America. It is the southernmost country in the world, and the closest to Antarctica, occupying a long and narrow strip of land between the Andes to the east a ...

Singapore Singapore (), officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. It lies about one degree of latitude () north of the equator, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bor ...

) * Labour Day (

Australian Capital Territory The Australian Capital Territory (commonly abbreviated as ACT), known as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until 1938, is a landlocked federal territory of Australia containing the national capital Canberra and some surrounding townships. I ...

New South Wales ) , nickname = , image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates: , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , es ...

South Australia South Australia (commonly abbreviated as SA) is a state in the southern central part of Australia. It covers some of the most arid parts of the country. With a total land area of , it is the fourth-largest of Australia's states and territories ...

, Australia) *

Peat Cutting Monday Peat Cutting Monday or Peat Cutting Day is a public holiday in the Falkland Islands that is celebrated on the first Monday in October every year. Traditionally, Peat Cutting Day was the time of year when Falkland Islanders went out to cut cubes o ...

(

Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands (; es, Islas Malvinas, link=no ) is an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf. The principal islands are about east of South America's southern Patagonian coast and about from Cape Dubouze ...

) *

Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on various dates in the United States, Canada, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Liberia, and unofficially in countries like Brazil and Philippines. It is also observed in the Netherlander town of Leiden ...

( Saint Lucia) * World Architecture Day *

World Habitat Day World Habitat Day is marked on the first Monday of October each year, and is recognized by the United Nations to reflect on the state of towns and cities, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. The day is also intended to remind the wor ...

First Tuesday: October 4

National Night Out National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event in the United States, held the first Tuesday of August (Texas celebrates on the first Tuesday in October). History The event has been held annually since 1984, and is sponsored by th ...

(

Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to ...

and

Texas Texas (, ; Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2020, it is the second-largest U.S. state by ...

)

First Wednesday: October 5

(

)

First Thursday: October 6

National Poetry Day National Poetry Day is a British campaign to promote poetry, including public performances. National Poetry Day was founded in 1994 by William Sieghart. It takes place annually in the UK on the first Thursday in October. Since its inception, it ...

(UK, Ireland)

First Friday: October 7

(

) *

Lee National Denim Day Lee National Denim Day is a fundraiser created by Lee Jeans to support the women's cancer programs of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. Every year, people are asked to donate the money they would spend on a pair of jeans to support breast ...

(

) *

World Smile Day Harvey Ross Ball (July 10, 1921 – April 12, 2001) was an American commercial artist. He is recognized as the designer of a popular smiley graphic picture, which became an enduring and notable international icon. He never applied for a tradem ...

Second Saturday: October 8

* International Migratory Bird Day (

Mexico Mexico (Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatema ...

, Central and

South America South America is a continent entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere at the northern tip of the continent. It can also be described as the sout ...

, and the Caribbean) * Home Movie Day (

International observance Lists of holidays by various categorizations. Religious holidays Abrahamic holidays (Middle Eastern) Jewish holidays * Chag HaMatzot (Feast of Unleavened Bread – 7 days of consumption of matzo with wine and avoidance of leavened food ...

) * National Tree Planting Day (

Mongolia Mongolia; Mongolian script: , , ; lit. "Mongol Nation" or "State of Mongolia" () is a landlocked country in East Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. It covers an area of , with a population of just 3.3 million, ...

)

Second Sunday: October 9

National Grandparents Day Grandparents' Day or National Grandparents' Day is a secular holiday celebrated in various countries; it is celebrated to show the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. It occurs on various days of the year, either as one holiday or someti ...

(

Germany Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwe ...

Hong Kong Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hong Kong SAR or HKSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta i ...

)

Week of October 9: October 9–15

Fire Prevention Week National Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada, during the week (from Sunday to Saturday) in which October 9 falls. In the United States, the first Presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Week was made in 1925 by Pre ...

(

Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...

) ** Fire Service Recognition Day (

), last day of Fire Prevention Week: October 10

Week of October 10: October 9–15

* Fiji Week ( Fiji)

Second Monday: October 10

Columbus Day Columbus Day is a national holiday in many countries of the Americas and elsewhere, and a federal holiday in the United States, which officially celebrates the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. ...

(

) **

Indigenous Peoples' Day Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday in the United States that celebrates and honors indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It is celebrated across the United States on the second Monday in October, and is an ...

(Parts of the United States) **

Native American Day Native American Day is a holiday observed in several states in celebration of Native American culture. In California and Nevada, the holiday is designated on the fourth Friday of September, whereas in South Dakota and Wisconsin, it falls on the ...

(

South Dakota South Dakota (; Sioux: , ) is a U.S. state in the North Central region of the United States. It is also part of the Great Plains. South Dakota is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes, who comprise a large porti ...

) *

Fraternal Day Fraternal Day is a legal holiday in the state of Alabama in the United States. It is celebrated annually on the second Monday in October on the same day as Columbus Day and American Indian Heritage Day. Fraternal Day was originally celebrated in ...

(

Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = "Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County , LargestMetro = Greater Birmingham , area_total_km2 = 135,765 ...

) *

Health and Sports Day , formerly , is a public holiday in Japan held annually on the second Monday in October. It commemorates the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo, and exists to promote sports and an active lifestyle. History and current practice T ...

( Japan) *

Mother's Day Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on different days in many parts of the world, most commonly in th ...

(

Malawi Malawi (; or aláwi Tumbuka: ''Malaŵi''), officially the Republic of Malawi, is a landlocked country in Southeastern Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the west, Tanzania to the north and northeas ...

) * Norfolk Island Agricultural Show Day ( Norfolk Island) *

Thanksgiving (Canada) Thanksgiving (french: Action de grâce) or Thanksgiving Day (french: Jour de l'Action de grâce), is an annual Canadian holiday and harvest festival, held on the second Monday in October, which celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the ...

* National Day ( Republic of China)

Second Tuesday: October 11

* Ada Lovelace Day

Second Wednesday: October 12

* Policy Statement of Belgian Parliament (

Belgium Belgium, ; french: Belgique ; german: Belgien officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a country in Northwestern Europe. The country is bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, France to th ...

)

Wednesday of second full week in October: October 12

* National Fossil Day (

)

Second Thursday: October 13

World Sight Day World Sight Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of October, is a global event meant to draw attention on blindness and vision impairment. It was originally initiated by the SightFirstCampaign of Lions Club International Foundation in 2 ...

Second Friday: October 14

Arbor Day Arbor Day (or Arbour in some countries) is a secular day of observance in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees. Today, many countries observe such a holiday. Though usually observed in the spring, the date varies, dependi ...

(

Namibia Namibia (, ), officially the Republic of Namibia, is a country in Southern Africa. Its western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Zambia and Angola to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and ea ...

) * World Egg Day

Third Saturday: October 15

* Sweetest Day (

)

Third Sunday: October 16

Teacher's Day Teachers' Day is a special day for the appreciation of teachers, and may include celebrations to honor them for their special contributions in a particular field area, or the community tone in education. This is the primary reason why countries c ...

(

Brazil Brazil ( pt, Brasil; ), officially the Federative Republic of Brazil (Portuguese: ), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At and with over 217 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area ...

) *

(

Argentina Argentina (), officially the Argentine Republic ( es, link=no, República Argentina), is a country in the southern half of South America. Argentina covers an area of , making it the second-largest country in South America after Brazil, th ...

)

Third Monday: October 17

Heroes' Day Heroes' Day or National Heroes' Day may refer to a number of commemorations of national heroes in different countries and territories. It is often held on the birthday of a national hero or heroine, or the anniversary of their great deeds that ...

(

Jamaica Jamaica (; ) is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola). Jamaica lies about south of Cuba, and west of His ...

) *

(

) * Nanomonestotse ( Native American communities) *

Boss's Day Boss's Day (also written Bosses Day or Boss' Day) is generally observed on or around October 16th in the United States. It has been pitched as a day for employees to thank their bosses for being kind and fair throughout the year, but some have opp ...

(United States, Canada, Lithuania and Romania)

Third Thursday: October 20

* International Credit Union Day

Fourth Saturday: October 22

(

Malaysia Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...

) *

Make a Difference Day ''USA Weekend'' was an American weekend newspaper magazine owned by the Gannett Company. Structured as a sister publication to Gannett's flagship newspaper ''USA Today'' and distributed in the Sunday editions of participating local newspapers, ...

(

)

Week of Fourth Wednesday: October 23–29

* Children's Week ( Australia)

Fourth Monday: October 24

* Labour Day (

New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...

)

Fourth Wednesday: October 26

( Australia)

Last Friday: October 28

* National Bandanna Day ( Australia) * Nevada Day (

Nevada Nevada ( ; ) is a state in the Western region of the United States. It is bordered by Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the southeast, and Utah to the east. Nevada is the 7th-most extensive, ...

) (though the state was actually admitted on October 31, 1864) *

( Australia) (If the last Friday is on October 31, this holiday is moved to November 7)

Last Sunday: October 30

* European Summer Time ends * Grandparents Day (

, Australia) *

Székely Autonomy Day The Székely Autonomy Day ( hu, Székely Autonómia Napja; ro, Ziua Autonomiei Ținutului Secuiesc) is a day celebrated by the Székely ( Hungarian) minority of Romania. It is celebrated every last Sunday of October. On it, candles, torches a ...

(

Romania Romania ( ; ro, România ) is a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. It borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Moldova to the east, and ...

)

Last Monday: October 31

* October Holiday (

Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...

)

Fixed observances

Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry octobre

October 1 Events Pre-1600 * 331 BC – Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Gaugamela. * 366 – Pope Damasus I is consecrated. * 959 – Edgar the Peaceful becomes king of all England, in succession to Eadw ...

** Armed Forces Day (South Korea) **

( El Salvador, Guatemala, Sri Lanka) ** Day of Prosecutors (

Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (, ; az, Azərbaycan ), officially the Republic of Azerbaijan, , also sometimes officially called the Azerbaijan Republic is a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is a part of t ...

) **Continuance of German-American Heritage Months, which runs from September 15 – October 15 (

) **Continuance of

National Hispanic Heritage Month National Hispanic Heritage Month (Spanish: ''Mes nacional de la herencia hispana'') is annually celebrated from September 15 to October 15 in the United States for recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, cul ...

which runs from September 15 – October 15 (

), ** Ground Forces Day (

Russia Russia (, , ), or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world, with its internationally recognised territory covering , and encompassing one-eig ...

) **

Independence Day (Cyprus) The Independence Day of Cyprus is a national holiday observed by The Republic of Cyprus on 1 October every year. The day celebrates the independence of Cyprus from British rule on 16 August 1960, which was guaranteed by Greece, Turkey and the Uni ...

Independence Day (Nigeria) Independence Day is an official national holiday in Nigeria, celebrated on the 1st of October. It marks Nigeria's proclamation of independence from British rule on 1 October 1960. History Background In 1914, the Southern Nigeria Protector ...

Independence Day (Palau) This is a list of Public holiday, holidays in Palau. List References

Palauan culture, Holidays Lists of public holidays by country, Palau {{Palau-stub ...

** Independence Day (Tuvalu) ** International Coffee Day **

International Day of Older Persons The International Day of Older People is observed on October 1 each year. On December 14, 1990 the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish October 1 as the International Day of Older People as recorded in Resolution 45/106. The ho ...

** International Music Day **

Lincolnshire Day {{Use British English, date=September 2013 Lincolnshire Day is celebrated every year on 1 October and marks the anniversary of the Lincolnshire Rising, a revolt by Catholics against the establishment of the Church of England by Henry VIII in 15 ...

(

) **

National Day of the People's Republic of China National Day ( zh, s=国庆节, t=, p=guóqìng jié, l=national celebration day, links=yes), officially the National Day of the People's Republic of China (), is a public holiday in China celebrated annually on 1 October as the national da ...

(

People's Republic of China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, slightly ahead of India. China spans the equivalent of five time zones and ...

) ** Pancasila Sanctity Day (

Indonesia Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands, including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guine ...

) **

Teacher's Day (Uzbekistan) Public holidays in Uzbekistan: Fixed date Variable date *End of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr *70 days later Eid al-Adha References Uzbekistani culture Uzbekistan Uzbekistan (, ; uz, Ozbekiston, italic=yes / , ; russian: Узбекист ...

** Unification Day (Cameroon) ** World Vegetarian Day *

October 2 Events Pre-1600 * 829 – Theophilos succeeds his father Michael II as Byzantine Emperor. * 939 – Battle of Andernach: Otto I, Holy Roman Emperor, crushes a rebellion against his rule, by a coalition of Eberhard of Franconia and ...

** Batik Day (

) ** Feast of the Guardian Angels ***

(

Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical ...

) **

Gandhi Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (; ; 2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948), popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist Quote: "... marks Gandhi as a hybrid cosmopolitan figure who transformed ... anti- ...

's birthday-related observances: ***

Gandhi Jayanti Gandhi Jayanti is an event celebrated in India to mark the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. It is celebrated annually on 2 October, and is one of the three national holidays of India. The UN General Assembly announced on 15 June 2007 that it adop ...

(

India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...

) *** International Day of Non-Violence ***

World Day for Farmed Animals Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) is an international nonprofit organization working to promote a vegan lifestyle and animal rights through public education and grass roots outreach.

** Independence Day (Guinea) *

October 3 Events Pre-1600 * 2457 BC – Gaecheonjeol, Hwanung (환웅) purportedly descended from heaven. South Korea's National Foundation Day. * 52 BC – Gallic Wars: Vercingetorix, leader of the Gauls, surrenders to the Romans under Juliu ...

Gaecheonjeol Gaecheonjeol () is a public holiday in South and North Korea on 3 October. Also known by the English name National Foundation Day, this holiday celebrates the legendary formation of the first Korean state of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. This date has ...

(

South Korea South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea. Its western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eas ...

) **

German Unity Day German Unity Day (german: Tag der Deutschen Einheit) is the National Day of Germany, celebrated on 3 October as a public holiday. It commemorates German reunification in 1990 when the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) joined the Federal ...

(

) ** National Day (Iraq) **

Morazán Day Public holidays in Honduras are centered on Christianity and the commemoration of events in Honduran history. Each celebration is very important to many families across this country. They are often celebrated with extended family members, and frien ...

( Honduras) *

October 4 Events Pre-1600 *AD 23 – Rebels sack the Chinese capital Chang'an during a peasant rebellion. *1209 – Otto IV is crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Innocent III. *1302 – The Byzantine–Venetian War comes t ...

** Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi **

Cinnamon Roll Day Cinnamon Roll Day or Cinnamon Bun Day ( sv, Kanelbullens dag, fi, Korvapuustipäivä) falls on 4 October each year. It is an annual theme day created for marketing purposes in Sweden and Finland that was instituted in 1999 by Kaeth Gardestedt. At ...

( Sweden) ** Day of Peace and Reconciliation (

Mozambique Mozambique (), officially the Republic of Mozambique ( pt, Moçambique or , ; ny, Mozambiki; sw, Msumbiji; ts, Muzambhiki), is a country located in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi ...

) ** Independence Day (Lesotho) ** World Animal Day **The beginning of

World Space Week , website = https://indiaspaceweek.org World Space Week (WSW) is an annual holiday observed from October 4 to 10 in over 95 nations throughout the world. World Space Week is officially defined as "an international celebration of science and tech ...

(October 4–10) *

October 5 Events Pre-1600 * 610 – Heraclius arrives at Constantinople, kills Byzantine Emperor Phocas, and becomes emperor. * 816 – King Louis the Pious is crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by the Pope. * 869 – The Fourth Coun ...

Armed Forces Day Many nations around the world observe some kind of Armed Forces Day to honor their military forces. This day is not to be confused with Veterans Day or Memorial Day. Africa Egypt In Egypt, Armed Forces Day is celebrated on 6 October, ...

(

) ** Constitution Day (Vanuatu) **

Engineer's Day Engineer's Day is observed in several countries on various dates of the year. On 25 November 2019, based on a proposal by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), UNESCO The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultura ...

( Bolivia) **

International Day of No Prostitution International Day of No Prostitution (IDNP) is an awareness day celebrated to oppose the practice of sex work. First observed in 2002, the event takes place annually on the 5th of October. History The IDNP was first observed in 2002; during its ...

** Republic Day (Portugal) ** Teachers' Day (Pakistan) ** Teachers' Day (Russia) **

World Teachers' Day World Teachers' Day is an international day held annually on 5 October to celebrate the work of teachers. Established in 1994, it commemorates the signing of recommendation by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Edu ...

October 6 Events Pre-1600 * 105 BC – Cimbrian War: Defeat at the Battle of Arausio accelerates the Marian reforms of the Roman army of the mid-Republic. * 69 BC – Third Mithridatic War: The military of the Roman Republic subdue Armenia. *A ...

** Day of Commemoration and National Mourning (

Turkmenistan Turkmenistan ( or ; tk, Türkmenistan / Түркменистан, ) is a country located in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north, east and northeast, Afghanistan to the southeast, Iran to the sout ...

) ** Dukla Pass Victims Day (

Slovakia Slovakia (; sk, Slovensko ), officially the Slovak Republic ( sk, Slovenská republika, links=no ), is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the s ...

) ** German-American Day (

) ** Memorial Day for the Martyrs of Arad (

Hungary Hungary ( hu, Magyarország ) is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning of the Pannonian Basin, Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia to the ...

) ** National Noodle Day (

) **

( Sri Lanka) **

Yom Kippur War The Yom Kippur War, also known as the Ramadan War, the October War, the 1973 Arab–Israeli War, or the Fourth Arab–Israeli War, was an armed conflict fought from October 6 to 25, 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by E ...

commemorations: ***Armed Forces Day (Egypt) ***Tishreen Liberation Day (Syria) *October 7 **Our Lady of the Rosary **List of awareness days#October, International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day **

(Laos) *October 8 **Indian Air Force, Air Force Day (

) **Arbor Day#Namibia, Arbor Day (

) **National Independence Day (Croatia) **Peruvian Navy, Navy Day (Peru) *October 9 **Hangul Day (South Korea) **Independence Day (Uganda) **Independence of Guayaquil (Ecuador) **Leif Erikson Day (United States, Iceland and Norway) **National Day of Commemorating the Holocaust (Romania) **Takayama Autumn Festival (Takayama, Gifu, Takayama, Japan) **World Post Day **Valencian Community Day (Spain) *October 10 **

(Poland) **Capital Liberation Day (Vietnam) **Double Ten Day (Taiwan) **Fiji Day (Fiji) **Finnish Literature Day (Finland) **Independence Day (Cuba) **Party Foundation Day (North Korea) **World Mental Health Day *October 11 **General Pulaski Memorial Day (United States) **International Day of the Girl Child **Newspaper Carrier Day, International Newspaper Carrier Day **National Coming Out Day (multinational, including United States, United Kingdom and Switzerland among others) **Old Michaelmas Day (Celts, Celtic) **Revolution Day (Republic of Macedonia) *October 12 **

(

) **Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, Columbus-related observances (''see also October 8''): ***Columbus Day (Honduras) ***Día de la Hispanidad or Fiesta Nacional de España, also Armed Forces Day (Spain) ***Día de la Raza ( El Salvador, Uruguay) ***Día de la Resistencia Indígena, "Day of Indigenous Resistance" (Venezuela) ***Día de las Américas (Belize) ***Día de las Culturas, "Day of the Cultures" (Costa Rica) ***Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural, "Day of respect for cultural diversity" (

) **Discovery Day (The Bahamas, Colombia) **Feast for Life of Aleister Crowley, celebrated as "Crowleymas" (Thelema) **Fiesta Nacional de España (Spain) **Freethought Day **Independence Day (Equatorial Guinea), celebrates the independence of Equatorial Guinea from Spain in 1968. **UN Spanish Language Day (United Nations) *October 13 **Public holidays in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Railway Day (

) **Doi taikomatsuri October 13–15 (Shikokuchūō, Ehime, Japan) **International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction **National Police Day (Thailand) **Public holidays in Poland, Paramedics' Day (Poland) **Rwagasore Day (Burundi) *October 14 **World Standards Day *October 15 **Europa Donna, Breast Health Day (Europe) **Public holidays in Tunisia, Evacuation Day (Tunisia) **Global Handwashing Day **Public holidays in Cambodia, King Father's Commemoration Day (Cambodia) **National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (United States) **Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (United States and Canada) **Spirit Day (

) **

(Brazil) **White Cane Safety Day (United States) *October 16 **World Food Day **Pope John Paul II Day (Poland) **World Anaesthesia Day *October 17 **Dessalines Day (Haiti) **International Day for the Eradication of Poverty **Loyalty Day (Argentina) *October 18 **Alaska Day (Alaska, United States) **Independence Day (Azerbaijan) **Necktie Day (Croatia) **Persons Day (Canada) **International Menopause Society#Resources and publications, World Menopause Day *October 19 ** Niue Constitution Act, Constitution Day (Niue) ** Mother Teresa Day (Albania) ** World Toilet Day *October 20 **Arbor Day#Czech Republic, Arbor Day (Czech Republic) **Heroes' Day (Kenya) **Revolution Day (Guatemala) **Vietnamese Women's Day (Vietnam) **World Osteoporosis Day **World Statistics Day *October 21 **Apple Day (United Kingdom) **Public holidays in Honduras, Armed Forces Day (Honduras) **Public holidays in Egypt, Egyptian Naval Day (Egypt) **Central Reserve Police Force, Indian Police Commemoration Day (India) **International Day of the Nacho **National Nurses' Day (Thailand) **Ndadaye Day (Burundi) **Overseas Chinese Day (Taiwan) **Trafalgar Day (the British Empire in the 19th and early 20th century) *October 22 **Gustav Fechner, Fechner Day (

) **Caps lock#International Caps Lock Day, International Caps Lock Day **International Stuttering Awareness Day **Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto, Japan) **Public holidays in Indonesia, National Santri Day (

) **Wombat Day ( Australia) *October 23 **Armed Forces Day#Brazil, Aviator's Day (Brazil) **Chulalongkorn Day (Thailand) **Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle (Republic of Macedonia) **Liberation Day (Libya) **Mole Day (

) **National Day (Hungary) **Public holidays in Cambodia, Paris Peace Agreement Day (Cambodia) *October 24 **Azad Kashmir Day (Pakistan) **Public holidays in Russia#List of other public holidays, commemorative and professional days, Day of Special Forces of the Armed Forces (Russia) **Food Day (United States) **Independence Day (Zambia) **Suez Day (Egypt) **United Nations Day (

) **World Development Information Day **World Polio Day *October 25 **Armed Forces Day (Romania) **Constitution Day (Lithuania) **Public holidays in Russia, Customs Officer's Day (Russia) **National Day, Day of the Basque Country (Basque Country (autonomous community), Basque Country) **Retrocession Day (Taiwan) **Sovereignty Day (Slovenia) **Thanksgiving Day (Grenada) **The Hallowing of Nestorius (Nestorian Christianity) *October 26 **Accession Day (Jammu and Kashmir) **Angam Day (Public holidays in Nauru, Nauru) **Armed Forces Day (Benin) **Intersex Awareness Day (

) **Culture of Austria#Public holidays, National Day (Austria) *October 27 **Black cat#Adoption and Black Cat Day, Black Cat Appreciation Day (

) **Černová massacre, Černová Tragedy Day (

) **Flag Day (Greece) **Independence Day (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) **Independence Day (Turkmenistan) **Navy Day (United States) (unofficial, official date is October 13) **World Day for Audiovisual Heritage *October 28 **Day of the Establishment of an Independent Czecho-Slovak State (Czech Republic and Slovakia) **International Animation Day **Ohi Day (Greece, Cyprus) **1891 Mino–Owari earthquake, Prefectural Earthquake Disaster Prevention Day (Gifu Prefecture, Japan) **Youth Pledge Day (Indonesia) *October 29 **Coronation Day (Cambodia) **Cyrus the Great Day (Iran) **National Cat Day (United States) **Republic Day (Turkey) **World Stroke Day *October 30 **Anniversary of the Declaration of the Slovak Nation (Slovakia) **Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Political Repressions (former Soviet republics, except Ukraine) **Public holidays in Indonesia, Indonesian Banknote Day (Indonesia) **International Orthopaedic Nurses Day **Mischief Night (United States and Canada) ***Beggars Night (certain regions of the United States) ***Devil's Night (Michigan, United States) **Thevar Jayanthi (Thevar, Thevar community, India) *October 31 **Start of Allhallowtide October 31 – November 6 **The first day of the Day of the Dead, celebrated until November 2 (

) **Día de la Canción Criolla (Peru) **Eve of Winter, the eve of the first day of winter in the Northern hemisphere: ***Allantide (Cornwall,

) ***Halloween (Halloween around the world, English-speaking countries, also in other locations) ***Hop-tu-Naa (Isle of Man,

) ***Samhain in the Northern Hemisphere, Beltane in the Southern Hemisphere; begins on sunset of October 31 (Gaelic calendar, Gaels, Welsh people and Neopagan Wheel of the Year) **Scouts' Day#Founders.27 Days, Girl Scouts Founders Day (

) **King Father's Birthday (Cambodia) **Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, National Unity Day (

) **Reformation Day (Slovenia, parts of Germany, Chile, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Evangelical Churches and Lutheranism, Lutheran Churches) **Saci day (

) **World Savings Day **List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union, Statehood Day

, United States

Miscellaneous

*Eric Whitacre composed a piece based on this month, titled October (Concert Band), ''October''. *Neil Gaiman wrote a story personifying the month, titled "October in the Chair", for his 2006 collection ''Fragile Things''. *Ray Bradbury published a collection of short stories titled ''The October Country'' in 1955. * The song ''October doth before us go'' celebrates the progression of spring (from the perspective of the Southern Hemisphere).

External links

{{Authority control October, Months, *10