July Observances
July 4: Independence Day (also known as the Fourth of July), is a US federal holiday that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The original 13 American colonies declared independence from Britain and established themselves as a new nation known as the United States of America.
July 14: International Non-Binary People’s Day, is aimed at raising awareness and organizing around the issues faced by non-binary people around the world while celebrating their contributions.
July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day, was launched on July 18, 2009, in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday via unanimous decision of the U.N. General Assembly. It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices: “It is in your hands now.” It is more than a celebration of Mandela’s life and legacy; it is a global movement to honor his life’s work and to change the world for the better.
July 19-20 (sundown to sundown): Eid al-Adha, is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim (also known as Abraham) to follow Allah’s (God’s) command to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. Muslims around the world observe this event.
July 24: Asalha Puja, or Dharma Day, is a celebration of Buddha’s first teachings.
July 24: Pioneer Day is observed by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to commemorate the arrival in 1847 of the first Latter-day Saint pioneers in Salt Lake Valley.
July 26: Disability Independence Day celebrates the anniversary of the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
July 30: International Day of Friendship, was proclaimed in 2011 by the U.N. General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.