Cultural & International

Thursday, May 1, 2025

- All Day
Twelfth Day of Ridván (Baha'i)

Pronounced "Rezván," this annual Baha’i festival commemorates the 12 days when Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, publicly proclaimed His mission as God’s messenger for this age. Elections for Baha’i institutions often occur during this period. Begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. Bahá'í students or employees observing the Twelft
- Religious/Cultural
- All Day
Beltane (Wicca)

Beltane is the time of the marriage and union of the Goddess as Mother Earth and the God of the Greenwood. It is an ancient fertility festival marking the beginning of the planting cycle. The festival was to ensure a good growing season and a bountiful harvest. Beltane is light-hearted, joyful, and full of passion that fuels life, joy, and fertility.
- Religious/Cultural
- 1:00 - 4:00 pm
- 1208 W Nevada St, Urbana, IL
Snack & Study
- Social/Informal Event

- 1:30 - 3:30 pm
- (1) Orange Room, Main Library, 1408 W Gregory Dr, Champaign, IL 61820 & (2) Grainger Engineering Library Information Center 1301 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana IL 61801
Finals Week Snack for Success
- Health/Fitness

- 1:30 - 2:30 pm
- Room 200, International Studies Building (910 S. Fifth, Champaign)
First Steps Workshop (In Person)
- Informational
- 4:00 - 7:00 pm
- 1212 W. Nevada Street, Urbana, IL 61801
Family Reunion BBQ
- Festival/Celebration
- 5:15 - 6:15 pm
- 2000 S Lincoln Ave Urbana, IL 61802
Japanese Tea Ceremony

Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan and is at the very heart of Japan House. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) that benefits both the host and the guest through mutual respect, non-verbal communication, and a calmness, or sense of peace, away from everyday life.
- Ceremony/Service

- All Day
Vesak (Buddhism)

Vesak is the birthday of the Buddha and the most important festival in Buddhism. On the first full moon day in May, Buddhists all over the world celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
- Religious/Cultural

- 7:00 - 9:00 pm
- Activities & Recreation Center
Black Congratulatory
- Ceremony/Service

- All Day
Declaration of the Báb (Baha'i)

This Holy Day commemorates May 23, 1844, when the Báb, the herald of the Baha’i Faith, announced in Shiraz that He was the Herald of a new Messenger of God. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended and children are exempted from attending school. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
- Religious/Cultural

- All Day
Declaration of the Báb (Baha'i)

This Holy Day commemorates May 23, 1844, when the Báb, the herald of the Baha’i Faith, announced in Shiraz that He was the Herald of a new Messenger of God. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended and children are exempted from attending school. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
- Religious/Cultural
- 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Express Advising Fridays for Students!
- Other

- All Day
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha'i)

Baha’is observe the anniversary of the death in exile of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended and children are exempted from attending school. Begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
- Religious/Cultural
- 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Express Advising Tuesdays for Students!
- Other

- All Day
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha'i)

Baha’is observe the anniversary of the death in exile of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. It is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended and children are exempted from attending school. Begins at sunset of the first day and ends at sunset of the last day. Some students or employees may request schedule adjustments in order to observe.
- Religious/Cultural
- 5:15 - 6:15 pm
- 2000 S Lincoln Ave Urbana, IL 61802
Japanese Tea Ceremony

Chado, or the Way of Tea, is one of the most ancient and revered arts of Japan and is at the very heart of Japan House. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and serving matcha (powdered green tea) that benefits both the host and the guest through mutual respect, non-verbal communication, and a calmness, or sense of peace, away from everyday life.
- Ceremony/Service

- All Day
Ascension Day (Christianity, Episcopalianism)

The 40th day of Easter and remembers the departure of Christ from Earth into the presence of God. It is a day of solemn observation in the Episcopal Church.
- Religious/Cultural
- All Day
Eastern Orthodox Ascension Day (Orthodox Christianity)

The Christian holiday of Ascension Day, also known as the Feast of the Ascension, celebrates when Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after Pascha (Easter). It is celebrated by Roman Catholic, Episcopal and Lutheran churches. Ascension Day is observed on a Thursday.
- Religious/Cultural