Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states. This day marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War (1914-18). Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11 am in memory of the millions who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

The United Nations’ annual International Day for Tolerance fosters mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.

St Andrew's Day is celebrated annually in Scotland on 30 November to commemorate St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland since 1320. He is also the patron saint of Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. The day is usually celebrated with traditional recitations, cuisine, dancing and singing.

SWIG Bunbury Diwali 2024-Festival of Lights is a colourful celebration of Diwali with our multicultural population of Western Australia. The 13th edition of the Diwali event is hosted by South West Indian Group Inc (SWIG). We have a colourful mix of performances from classical Indian dances to Bollywood fusion dances, Gharba, Bhangra and Fire Dancers to entertain the attendees of all ages. The nominal ticket price includes entry and Indian Vegetarian Buffet Dinner catered by Spice Journey, at the end of the entertainment program.

SWIG Bunbury Diwali 2024 -Festival of Lights is a family friendly, Alcohol and Smoke Free Family Event. 

We look forward to welcoming you all at our Diwali 2024 event. Please book well in advance to reserve your seats of choice.

Christians celebrate Advent by lighting advent candles, displaying wreaths and hosting special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to Earth of Jesus Christ.

In Thailand, National Day is celebrated on 5 December, the birth anniversary of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The day is also considered Thai Father’s Day and World Soil Day.

On this day in 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of another faith. This was a significant event in Sikh history that profoundly impacted the future direction of Sikhism.

Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus and is celebrated by many in Australia regardless of religious affiliation. Christmas lights and trees are displayed, carols are sung, and individuals come together to exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends.

This date commemorates the arrival of a new year following the Gregorian calendar. New Year’s Eve is a time for communities, families and friends to celebrate the year past and the year to come.

New Year’s Day is the first day of the Gregorian calendar and is often celebrated with fireworks and parades. In Bunbury many people spend the day at our natural waterways and on the beach, picnicking and spending time with family and friends.

St Basil is considered one of the great leaders and thinkers of the Orthodox Christian Church. In many Greek homes, a special cake is baked on the eve of St Basil’s Day with a gold or silver coin hidden inside. Similar traditions exist for Western Christian Churches.

Epiphany commemorates the manifestation of God in human form as Jesus Christ.

Some Christian traditions, including the Armenian Church, celebrate Christmas on this day.

Orthodox Churches that use the Julian Calendar celebrate Christmas on this day, with some traditions observing a week-long period of holidays from 1 January.

Buddhist New Year depends on the country of origin or ethnic background of the community. In Mahayana Buddhist countries, the New Year starts on the first full moon day in January.

Thai Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka. It is observed at the start of the month Thai according to the Tamil solar calendar. It is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya.

Sikh communities celebrate the birthday of the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh (born in 1666).

Bodhi Day commemorates the day Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. It generally falls on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the lunisolar calendar. Mahayana Buddhists in China, Korea and Vietnam celebrate Lunar Bodhi day on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. In Japan, Bodhi Day follows the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated on 8 December every year.

Observed in over 80 countries, World Religion Day aims to foster interfaith understanding and harmony by emphasising the common elements underlying all religions.

Burns Night is annually celebrated in Scotland and commemorates the life of the poet Robert Burns (born on 25 January 1759). The day also celebrates Burns' contribution to Scottish culture.

Australia Day provides an opportunity for all Australians to reflect, respect and celebrate. It is about acknowledging the contribution every Australian makes to our diverse nation. From our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been here for more than 65,000 years, to those who have lived here for generations, and those who have come in the waves of migration as new citizens.

Holocaust Remembrance Day is a memorial for the six million Jews killed by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. Many people of Jewish and other faiths observe this day. It was designated by a United Nations General Assembly resolution on 1 November 2005. Many countries have instituted their own Holocaust Memorial Days, such as the UK's Holocaust Memorial Day (27 January), while others, such as Israel's Yom HaShoah, are observed at other times of the year.

Known in South Korea as Seollal, Lunar New Year typically lasts three days (the day before and after the New Year). Centred on charye—paying respect to elders—the new year is a time to remember a shared heritage and look forward to the future.

Tet is considered the first day of Vietnam’s spring, a time marked by new beginnings. The Vietnamese community celebrates Tet with many customs, ancestor worship, family gatherings, special foods and gift exchanges. 2025 is the year of the Snake

For Chinese communities across the world, the Lunar New Year is one of the most important holidays of the year. It is celebrated through a range of traditional customs, including ancestor worship, family gatherings, special foods and gift exchanges.

Makha Bucha is celebrated on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and on the full moon day of Tabaung in Myanmar. Theravada Buddhists celebrate by going to temples with offerings of food and other items for the monks or nuns. Often there are solemn candlelight processions.

On 13 February 2008, the Australian Parliament made a formal apology to members of the Stolen Generation.

An annual Buddhist festival that remembers the death of the Buddha when he reached Nirvana at the age of 80. Also known as Parinirvana Day

The United Nations’ International Mother Language Day celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity.

St David is the patron saint of Wales. St David’s Day has been a national celebration for the Welsh community since the 18th century, featuring parades, festivities and singing.

Shrove Tuesday is the English name for what is known in some other countries as Mardi Gras (French for 'Fat Tuesday') or Carnival in Spanish and Portuguese countries, and is the last day before Lent for many Christian communities. Famous celebrations include the Brazilian Carnival in Rio De Janeiro and the New Orleans Mardi Gras. It is observed in many Christian communities through participating in confession and absolution, the ritual burning of the previous year's Holy Week palms, finalizing one's Lenten sacrifice, as well as eating pancakes and other sweets. Also known as Pancake Day

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Christian calendar. Lent involves 40 days of fasting and reflection that concludes with Easter.

Purim commemorates the time when the Jewish people living in the ancient Achaemenid Persian empire were saved from extermination by a courageous young Jewish woman named Esther and her uncle and adviser Mordechai.

This day is Ireland’s National Day. St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and brought Christianity to Ireland in the early days of the faith.

Norouz means ‘new day’ in Farsi and is a traditional festival of spring that has been celebrated for more than 3000 years. The ancient celebration of Norouz is shared by many peoples from Iran, Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually. In 1960 police opened fire at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid pass laws; 69 people were killed, and 180 were injured.

The Islamic month of fasting, Ramadan, ends with the festival of Eid al Fitr. A celebratory meal breaks the fast, and good deeds have special significance during this time. Eid is also a time of forgiveness and making amends.

Assyrians and Chaldeans mark their New Year at the beginning of (Northern hemisphere) spring. It is the most important Assyrian national holiday, and its celebration is one of the many links between ancient and modern Assyrians. During this time, trees and flowers would begin to bloom. As such, the holiday was a symbol of revival—a major theme in ancient Assyrian mythology. Many Assyrians viewed this day each year as the “start of a new life.”

Brigadoon is an annual Scottish Highland themed gathering held in Bundanoon, where visitors witness or partake in Scottish performances and traditional games.

A Vietnamese festival in honour of the Hung Vuong or Hung Kings. It commemorates the contributions of the Hung dynasty, who were the traditional founders of the nation and the first emperors of Vietnam.

In Japan, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated, featuring the display of flowers at temples and the viewing of cherry blossoms throughout the country.

Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu religious festival that celebrates the birth of the Hindu God Hanuman, who is highly venerated throughout India and Nepal.

The final Sunday before Easter Sunday marks the beginning of Christian Holy Week and commemorates the story of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem before his crucifixion.

Theravada New Year is observed three days after the first full moon appears in April every year. The day marks Buddha's birth, death, enlightenment, and the start of the rainy season.

Nepal relies upon more than one calendar so residents enjoy three New Year celebrations, on the Gregorian calendar, Tibetan New Year and Navavarsha. Navavarsha is the first day of Baisakh on the Bikram Sambat calendar.

The beginning of the solar New Year is traditionally celebrated by Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka and India. This festival is known as Puthandu or Puthu-varusham among Tamil and Aluth Avurudda among Sinhalese.

Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is an ancient harvest festival that marks the beginning of a new solar year and harvest season.

As the first day of the Bangla Calendar, people clean and decorate their houses , visit temples and pray for good fortune and prosperity.

Maundy commemorates the washing of the feet and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the Christian New Testament.

Good Friday is a solemn Christian remembrance of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Holy Saturday is a Christian commemoration of the final day of Christ’s death.

Easter is when Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ following his death by crucifixion. It is the most significant event in the Christian calendar.

Easter Monday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion.

St George is the patron saint of England and one of the most venerated saints in the Anglican church.

Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important commemorations. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand (ANZAC) forces during the First World War (1914-18) at Gallipoli.

Is an important day of celebration for Buddhists around the world. Traditionally celebrated to commemorate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.

The birthday of John the Baptist on the Mandaean calendar

In 2001, UNESCO adopted the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, and leads the celebration, highlighting not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. 89% of all current conflicts in the world occur in countries with low intercultural dialogue which is why strengthening intercultural dialogue must be a priority.

Marks the anniversary of the Báb’s announcement of his mission in 1844. The Báb is a prophet and considered one of the founders of the Baha’i faith.

National Sorry Day acknowledges and raises awareness of the history and continued effect of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from their families, communities and culture.

A Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, according to Christian belief.

Ascension Day is the 40th day of Easter. It occurs 39 days after Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, according to Christian belief.

Guru Arjan Dev was the fifth of ten Sikh Gurus and the first martyr of the Sikh faith. Sikhs remember those who have suffered for the faith.

Duanwu Jie or Double Fifth Festival is one of China’s most prominent traditional festivals, celebrated in Taiwan, Malaysia, regions of Indonesia and Singapore on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Commemorating the death of the Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

The Australian High Court delivered the Mabo decision on 3 June 1992, providing legal recognition that Indigenous people have a special relationship with the land. Celebrating the life of activist Eddie Koiki Mabo.

The Eid al Adha means Feast of Sacrifice and commemorates the ordeal of Ibrahim who was asked to sacrifice his only son to prove his faith to Allah.

A festival where Christians celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter (the name comes from the Greek pentekoste, which means ‘fiftieth’)

Honours refugees and celebrates the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

This is a global event celebrated to promote the practice of yoga and raise awareness about its numerous benefits.

Celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders and commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871.

A celebration of Scottish heritage commemorating the repeal of an English law in 1782 that banned the wearing of tartan.

Or Dhamma Day celebrates the first teaching of the Buddha, commemorating the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) is a celebration of Indigenous children. NAICD was first observed by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988.

The United Nations’ annual International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples encourages people to spread the United Nation’s message on the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous peoples.

Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters and is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on her brother’s wrist.

One of the most important Hindu festivals, this day celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave the vital message of the Bhagwat Gita - the guiding principles for every Hindu.

The Christian feast day of the Assumption of Mary celebrates the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into heaven following her death. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. 

In 1994, the Commonwealth Government officially recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group. A formal Recognition Statement followed this by the Queensland Government in September 2000.

This day commemorates the eternal installation of the Sikh Holy Scripture referred to as Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Sri Granth Sahib Ji. Sikhs regard and respect the Holy Scripture as their living Guru.

The Nayrouz feast commemorates martyrs and confessors within the Coptic Orthodox Church. The day marks the start of the Coptic new year and its first month.

Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash signifies new beginnings and the end of the rainy season. Celebrations include traditional songs, a meal of chicken stew and injera, and gatherings around bonfires.

Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and value Australian citizenship, the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share, and to reflect on our role in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.

Celebrates the King’s birthday in Western Australia. Each year the governor of Western Australia declares the day the State will observe the King's Birthday.

This Hindu festival marks the triumph of good over evil. The celebration of Dussehra concludes the festival of Navaratri, which extends over several days.

This day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. It is marked with a prayer for peace, ceremonies and events throughout India. The United Nations has further declared this day the International Day of Non-Violence in honour of Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa).

Chuseok is a special holiday in Korean culture with roots in celebrating good harvest, family and the importance of the full moon as a symbol of harmony and the hope for good fortune.

Tsukimi is a special holiday in Japanese culture that employs the symbolism of the full moon to celebrate togetherness and hopes for good fortune.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East and South East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, which has different variations depending on the country.

White Sunday is a day when childhood is celebrated in Samoan Christian communities worldwide.

Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains celebrate Deepavali (Diwali) or the Festival of Lights, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Each year the local SWIG (SW Indian Group) hold a celebration so keep an eye on this calendar for more details.

Australians of the Sikh faith celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas (‘The Celebration of Freedom’), the release from prison of the sixth guru Sri Guru Hargobind Ji, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive with him, by Mughal Emperor Jehangir in the Gwalior Fort in 1619. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, candles and fireworks.

Commemorates the rejection by then Greek Prime Minister of the ultimatum made by Axis forces to occupy Greek territory in 1940.

This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are men and women recognised for lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.