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Are you eagerly anticipating the February holidays?
February is chock-full of fantastic holidays, and we've got you covered with an awesome list of festivities that will bring joy, excitement, awareness and understanding to your workplace. So, get ready to create connections across your team while creating an inclusive, high-performance culture.
This blog post was updated on May 28, 2024 and now features dates for February 2025.
Month-long celebrations in February
Black History Month
Observed in February, Black History Month is a symbolic celebration that pays special tribute to the important role of Black history in pursuit of racial justice and equality. It is a time of acknowledgment, reflection and inspiration.
American Heart Month
American Heart Month brings awareness to Heart Disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Every February, the AHA and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier.
Additional February DEI holidays
(Go here for ideas for promoting DEI at work.)
February 1
National Freedom Day
National Freedom Day commemorates the day Congress adopted a joint resolution leading to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution outlawing slavery in the United States. While the Amendment itself was ratified in December of 1865, it was passed by Congress and signed by President Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865.
February 2
Groundhog Day
Praying for an early spring? You’re probably not alone. We can’t tell you if Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow or not this year, but we can help you keep your team from getting stuck in a Groundhog Day cycle.
February 4
Rosa Parks Day (CA & MO)
In California and Missouri, Rosa Parks Day is a holiday honoring civil rights leader Rosa Parks on her birthday. Other states observe this holiday on the day she was arrested (December 1) or on the first Monday after her birthday.
February 7
Working Naked Day
Working Naked Day, observed annually on the first Friday in February, offers a humorous and light-hearted opportunity for people who work from home to recognize the freedoms and advantages of their work environment, including the option to dress (or not) as they please.
National Wear Red Day
An offshoot of American Heart Month, National Wear Red Day brings awareness and action to end heart disease and stroke in women.
February 9
Superbowl
Superbowl Sunday presents some unique opportunities for team building and creating connections. It also means some of your employees may be a bit sluggish (or even upset) Monday morning.
February 10
International Epilepsy Day
Epilepsy impacts almost every part of someone’s life. The stigmas surrounding the disease can discourage people from seeking treatment and can impact social inclusion. This year’s International Epilepsy Day focuses on reducing the stigma that people living with epilepsy often face on a daily basis through conversations, education and dispelling myths.
February 11
International Day of Women & Girls in Science
There has been a significant gender gap throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. In 2016, the U.N. General Assembly declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science to help engage, recognize and promote the achievements of women in STEM fields.
Safer Internet Day
Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of online issues and current trends from cyberbullying to digital identity.
February 13*
Tu Bishvat/Tu B'Shevat
This Jewish holiday is also known as “New Year of the Trees” – an ecological awareness holiday when trees are planted. It’s a time to remind ourselves of our duty to care for the world around us.
February 13
Galentine’s Day
Traditionally this time of year leaves many focused on their relationship status (or lack thereof). In a season focused on romantic love, Galentine’s Day takes a day to recognize the importance of friendship. Whether single, coupled or somewhere in between, Galentine’s Day focuses on strengthening the important relationships in our lives.
February 14
Valentine’s Day
Did you know Valentine’s Day originally had nothing to do with love? February 14 was originally declared St. Valentine’s Day at the end of the 5th century. It wasn’t until 1375 that Geofrey Chaucer first recorded St. Valentine’s day as a romantic celebration.
Lailatul Barat
Lailatul Barat is an important night in the Islamic calendar, celebrated between the 14th and 15th of Shaban. It's a night of forgiveness, where many Muslims spend the night in prayer and reflection, asking Allah for blessings and mercy. Traditions vary across countries, but the core focus is on worship and seeking forgiveness.
Wondering what you can say in greeting during this holiday? "May we be forgiven and May we be forgiving."
February 15
Parinirvana Day
Observed primarily by Mahayana Buddhists, Parinirvana Day commemorates the death of the historical Buddha and his entry into complete Nirvana. This is a day to contemplate the Buddha’s teachings.
International Childhood Cancer Day
International Childhood Cancer Day is a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to express support for children and adolescents with cancer, survivors and their families.
February 17
Random Acts of Kindness Day
Random Acts of Kindness Day is rooted in the belief that everyone can connect through kindness, creating a common language of kindness between schools, work and home.
Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present. Fun fact: it never falls on the actual birthday of any American president. Presidents’ Day is always observed on the 3rd Monday of February.
February 20
World Day of Social Justice
World Day of Social Justice recognizes the need to promote social justice, tackling issues like poverty, exclusion, unemployment, gender inequality, social protections and human rights. This holiday focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for everyone through social protection, employment and fundamental rights.
February 26
Maha Shivratri
This Hindu festival celebrates Lord Shiva and signifies several important events, like the night Lord Shiva as Nataraja (the Lord of the Dance) first performed the Dance of Bliss.
February 28
Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day is a global movement raising awareness on rare diseases, working toward social equity in social opportunity, healthcare and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. Rare Disease Day is patient-led, but everyone, including families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, industry representatives and the general public, can participate in raising awareness and taking action.
*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.
Looking for more holiday calendars? Click the month you want to see:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Full-Year Overview | Downloadable Calendar
Say goodbye to boring training.
Celebrate all the February holidays that matter to your team in a fun, engaging and interactive way. From live daily classes to deep-dive programs, Electives makes it easy and affordable for you to offer your employees the best learning opportunities.
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