October 12

Holidays & Observances

Christianfeast day:

BlessedLouis Brisson, Edith CavellandElizabeth Fry(Church of England), Fiacc, Our Lady of the Pillar(Fiestas del Pilar), Our Lady of Aparecida, Radim Gaudentius(Czech Republic), Seraphin of Montegranaro, Wilfrid of Ripon, Carlo Acutis, October 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A collection of Christian feast days observed on October 12, honoring saints and blessed individuals across various Christian traditions.
On October 12, Christians in different denominations commemorate a range of feast days. The Roman Catholic Church honors Blessed Louis Brisson, Edith Cavell, Elizabeth Fry, and other saints. The Anglican Communion observes these figures along with Fiacc and Our Lady of the Pillar during Fiestas del Pilar. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the day marks memorials for Wilfrid of Ripon, Radim Gaudentius, and Seraphin of Montegranaro. The diverse liturgical commemorations reflect the rich tapestry of Christian hagiography and devotion.
feast day Blessed Louis Brisson Edith Cavell Elizabeth Fry Church of England Fiacc Our Lady of the Pillar Fiestas del Pilar Our Lady of Aparecida Radim Gaudentius Seraphin of Montegranaro Wilfrid of Ripon Carlo Acutis October 12 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Children's Day(Brazil)

Children's Day in Brazil honors the well-being and happiness of children with gifts, family outings, and community activities.
Celebrated annually on October 12, Children's Day in Brazil coincides with the date of Brazil's patroness, Our Lady of Aparecida. Families and schools organize special events, games, and parties to celebrate childhood. Retailers often promote gift-giving with discounts on toys and children's products. The holiday emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights and education. Across the country, parks and public spaces host free attractions and performances for young audiences.
Children's Day Brazil

Discovery of America byColumbus-related observances (see alsoOctober 8):

Columbus Day (Honduras), Día de la HispanidadorFiesta Nacional de España, alsoArmed Forces Day(Spain), Día de la Raza(El Salvador,Uruguay), Día de la Resistencia Indígena, "Day of Indigenous Resistance" (Venezuela), Día de las Américas(Belize), Día de las Culturas, "Day of the Cultures" (Costa Rica), Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural, "Day of respect for cultural diversity" (Argentina)

Various countries observe October 12 to commemorate Columbus’s landing in the Americas, celebrating heritage, culture, and history.
October 12 marks the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World in 1492, leading to diverse national observances. Spain celebrates Fiesta Nacional de España and Armed Forces Day with parades and ceremonies. Many Latin American countries recognize Día de la Raza, Día de las Culturas, or Día de la Resistencia Indígena to honor indigenous heritage and cultural diversity. Honduras observes Columbus Day while Belize marks Día de las Américas as a symbol of Pan-American unity. The range of names and traditions reflects evolving perspectives on history, colonization, and cultural identity.
Columbus October 8 Columbus Day (Honduras) Día de la Hispanidad Fiesta Nacional de España Armed Forces Day Día de la Raza El Salvador Uruguay Día de la Resistencia Indígena Venezuela Día de las Américas Belize Día de las Culturas Costa Rica Día del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural Argentina

Discovery Day(The Bahamas)

Discovery Day in The Bahamas commemorates Christopher Columbus's first landing in the islands in 1492 with cultural events and celebrations.
Originally observed on October 12, Discovery Day honors Columbus's arrival on an island believed to be San Salvador. Although the date has shifted to the first Monday of October, the historical significance remains tied to his initial voyage. Bahamian communities host parades, traditional music performances, and educational programs about the nation's early encounters with Europeans. Festivals often include storytelling, art exhibits, and nautical reenactments. The holiday offers a moment to reflect on the Bahamas' rich heritage and its role in global exploration.
Discovery Day The Bahamas

Feast for LifeofAleister Crowley, celebrated as "Crowleymas" (Thelema)

Crowleymas celebrates the birthday of occultist Aleister Crowley with rituals and gatherings among practitioners of Thelema.
Observed by followers of Thelema on October 12, Crowleymas marks the birth of Aleister Crowley in 1875. Celebrants hold ceremonies incorporating Crowley's writings, ceremonial magick, and Thelemic principles of 'Do what thou wilt.' Private study groups and online forums share reflections and perform libations in his honor. Events range from formal lodge gatherings to informal readings of The Book of the Law. Crowleymas fosters community among adepts and invites newcomers to explore Crowley's influence on modern occultism.
Feast for Life Aleister Crowley Thelema

Fiesta Nacional de España(Spain)

Spain’s National Day, or Fiesta Nacional de España, celebrates the nation’s cultural unity and patron saint on October 12.
Commemorated each October 12, Spain’s National Day traces its origins to Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas. The day honors Spain’s history, culture, and the monarchy with a grand military parade in Madrid. The annual Cabalgata de la Hispanidad and other regional festivities showcase traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Public buildings and landmarks are decorated with the national flag, and official speeches underscore Spain’s role in global affairs. Citizens across the country engage in cultural exhibitions, family gatherings, and patriotic events.
Fiesta Nacional de España

HafezDay (Iran)1

Hafez Day honors the legacy of the celebrated Persian poet Hafez with poetry readings and cultural events.
Falling on October 12, Hafez Day commemorates the life and work of the 14th-century Sufi poet. Iranians and literary enthusiasts celebrate by reciting verses from the Divan of Hafez in homes, teahouses, and libraries. Cultural centers organize seminars on his mysticism, imagery, and influence on Persian literature. Pilgrims visit his burial place in Shiraz to pay respects and read poetry in the mausoleum. The day highlights Hafez's enduring impact on language, art, and spirituality in Iran and beyond.
Hafez Iran 1

Independence Day (Equatorial Guinea), celebrates the independence ofEquatorial Guineafrom Spain in 1968.

Equatorial Guinea’s Independence Day marks its separation from Spanish colonial rule on October 12, 1968.
On October 12, 1968, Equatorial Guinea declared independence from Spain, ending centuries of colonial administration. Celebrations include official ceremonies at the Presidential Palace in Malabo, military parades, and patriotic speeches. Citizens participate in cultural performances, traditional dances, and concerts featuring local musicians. Schools and government offices display the national flag and host educational events on the country's history. The holiday serves as a reminder of national sovereignty and the ongoing development of Equatorial Guinea.
Independence Day (Equatorial Guinea) Equatorial Guinea

International Day Against DRM

The International Day Against DRM advocates for digital rights by highlighting the drawbacks of restrictive digital locks and copyright measures.
Observed globally on October 12, the International Day Against DRM calls attention to the negative effects of digital rights management on consumer freedoms. Initiated by digital rights activists, the day involves campaigns, protests, and online events opposing proprietary software restrictions. Participants promote open-source alternatives, fair use, and the right to modify and share digital content. Conferences and webinars educate the public about DRM's impact on creativity, accessibility, and innovation. The observance fosters dialogue on balancing intellectual property protection with user rights in the digital age.
International Day Against DRM

BlessedLouis Brisson

The feast day of Blessed Louis Brisson honors the priest who founded the Sisters of Saint Colette, celebrated on October 12.
Blessed Louis Brisson (1817–1908) was a French priest dedicated to educational and missionary work. He founded the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and supported the Sisters of Saint Colette to educate young girls and care for the needy. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988, Brisson’s legacy emphasizes humility, charity, and devotion. On October 12, religious communities celebrate his life with Mass, prayers, and reflections on his teachings. The feast day inspires the faithful to embrace service and compassion in their daily lives.
Blessed Louis Brisson

Edith CavellandElizabeth Fry(Church of England)

Celebrates the lives of Edith Cavell and Elizabeth Fry, honoring their pioneering humanitarian and social justice efforts.
Each year on October 12 the Church of England honors two remarkable heroines, Edith Cavell and Elizabeth Fry. Edith Cavell was a British nurse celebrated for her bravery and humanitarian work during World War I, ultimately executed in 1915 for aiding Allied soldiers. Elizabeth Fry devoted her life to prison reform and social welfare in the early 19th century, earning her the title “Angel of Prisons.” Their joint commemoration reflects ongoing commitments to compassion, justice, and service. In parishes across England, special readings and services mark their legacies. This feast day invites reflection on moral courage, care for the vulnerable, and the enduring impact of individual dedication in shaping society.
Edith Cavell Elizabeth Fry Church of England

Fiacc

Feast day of Saint Fiacc, the 5th-century Irish bishop and missionary.
Saint Fiacc is celebrated on October 12 as the first bishop of Sletty (Liathmore) in Ireland. A disciple of Saint Patrick, he founded churches and promoted Christian education across Ulster. According to tradition, Fiacc was guided by divine signs to choose the site for his ecclesiastical settlement. He is also remembered for his gifts as a poet and scribe, composing early Christian verse. On this day, liturgical services and prayers honor his role in spreading Christianity and fostering religious learning in Ireland.
Fiacc