Simbang Gabi
Simbang Gabi, directly translating to “Night Mass,” is a Filipino Christmas tradition consisting of a series of nine dawn masses. The practice starts on December 16 and culminates on Christmas Eve, signifying the shared anticipation of Christ’s birth. These masses are a cornerstone of the holiday season, combining religious observance with community celebration. The […]
Las Posadas
Las Posadas, a traditional Mexican celebration, is observed from December 16th to December 24th. This nine-day festival commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to Jesus. Each evening, participants reenact this pilgrimage, symbolizing the struggles faced by the Holy […]
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, also spelled Chanukah or Hannukah, is a Jewish festival that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Syrian-Greeks in 165 BCE. It is often called the Festival of Lights, owing to the central ritual of lighting the menorah, a special candelabrum, over eight nights. Illuminating […]
Winter Solstice/Yule
Winter Solstice, also known in some traditions as Yule, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Occurring in the Northern Hemisphere around December 21st, it’s a time when the sun stands still at its southernmost point, before gradually returning northward. This astronomical phenomenon has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history, […]
International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day, observed annually on December 18th, is a day set aside by the United Nations to recognize the contributions and resilience of migrants worldwide. It’s a day that underscores the importance of protecting the rights of migrant populations, fostering an understanding of their diverse experiences, and celebrating their vital role in global […]
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrated on December 12th, is a significant cultural and religious event, particularly within the Mexican community and among Catholics worldwide. It commemorates the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego, an indigenous Mexican, on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City in 1531. The Virgin Mary, […]
Norman Lear: Impactful Ally or Culturally Insensitive Capitalist?
Reflecting on a TV Titan’s Legacy This week’s hot topic dives into the life and legacy of Norman Lear, a titan in the television industry who recently passed away at 101. Born on July 27, 1922, in New Haven, Connecticut, Lear’s journey wasn’t one of mere glitz and glamour. It was a path carved […]
Recognizing World AIDS Day
Commemorating World AIDS Day: Awareness, Support, and Remembrance Established in 1988 by the World Health Organization and the United Nations, World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st. This day marks a pivotal moment in the global health calendar, dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV […]
Honoring International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Recognizing the Importance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated annually on December 3rd, was established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly. This day is a pivotal moment to acknowledge and promote the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It is an […]
Honoring International Human Rights Day
Honoring Dignity and Rights: Observing International Human Rights Day December 10th is recognized globally as International Human Rights Day, a pivotal occasion to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. It is a day for reflection, education, and advocacy, dedicated to upholding the fundamental rights and freedoms of […]
