Holidays & Observances for November 16 | calendar.web-standard.org

Christianfeast day:

Africus, Agnes of Assisi, Edmund of Abingdon, Elfric of Abingdon, Eucherius of Lyon, Gertrude the Great(Roman Catholic Church), Giuseppe Moscati, Gobrain, Hugh of Lincoln, Margaret of Scotland, Matthew the Evangelist(Eastern Christianity), Othmar, Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, Roch Gonzalez, Juan de Castillo, and Alonso Rodriguez,SJ, November 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A Christian feast day honoring a diverse group of saints in Western and Eastern traditions.

On November 16th, Christian churches commemorate saints such as Africus, Agnes of Assisi, Edmund of Abingdon, and many others whose lives exemplified faith and charity. In the Roman Catholic tradition, this day highlights figures like Gertrude the Great and Margaret of Scotland, while Eastern Orthodox communities remember Matthew the Evangelist and Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn. Special liturgies, prayers, and devotional readings are held in churches worldwide. This observance underscores the interconnected histories of Western and Eastern Christianity and invites reflection on the virtues embodied by these saints. Faithful believers use the occasion to seek inspiration and guidance from the enduring legacies of these spiritual exemplars.

feast day Africus Agnes of Assisi Edmund of Abingdon Elfric of Abingdon Eucherius of Lyon Gertrude the Great Roman Catholic Church Giuseppe Moscati Gobrain Hugh of Lincoln Margaret of Scotland Matthew the Evangelist Eastern Christianity Othmar Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn Roch Gonzalez, Juan de Castillo, and Alonso Rodriguez SJ November 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Day of Declaration of Sovereignty(Estonia)

Estonia's national holiday marking the 1988 declaration of sovereignty from the Soviet Union.

The Day of Declaration of Sovereignty is celebrated annually in Estonia on November 16th to honor the historic 1988 proclamation asserting the nation's right to self-governance. It was a pivotal step in the path toward full independence, signaling Estonia's commitment to political autonomy and democratic principles. Festivities include flag-raising ceremonies, cultural performances, and educational events highlighting Estonia's journey to sovereignty. Citizens reflect on the resilience and unity that fueled the Singing Revolution and restored national identity. The holiday fosters pride in Estonian heritage and reminds people of the importance of preserving their hard-won freedoms.

Day of Declaration of Sovereignty Estonia

Earliest day on whichDay of Repentance and Prayercan fall, while November 22 is the latest; celebrated 11 days beforeAdvent Sunday(Lutheran,Reformed (Calvinist)andUnitedProtestant churches,Saxony,Bavaria), and its related observance:

Volkstrauertag(Germany)

A Protestant church observance of repentance and prayer, often linked with Germany’s national day of mourning.

Observed on the Tuesday eleven days before the first Sunday of Advent in various Lutheran, Reformed, and United Protestant churches, the Day of Repentance and Prayer invites congregations to reflect on personal and communal sin through special services of confession and prayer. In Germany, this date is connected to Volkstrauertag, the national Day of Mourning for fallen soldiers and victims of oppression, marked by solemn ceremonies and wreath-laying at memorials. The movable feast emphasizes themes of humility, mourning, and hope, bridging church tradition with national remembrance. In regions like Saxony and Bavaria, church bells toll and choirs perform dirges, while sermons focus on repentance and reconciliation. The observance unites spiritual repentance with public commemoration, offering a moment of collective reflection before the Advent season.

Day of Repentance and Prayer Advent Sunday Lutheran Reformed (Calvinist) United Saxony Bavaria Volkstrauertag

Icelandic Language DayorDagur íslenskrar tungu(Iceland)

A celebration of the Icelandic language and its literary heritage held annually in Iceland.

Icelandic Language Day, observed on November 16th, honors the unique linguistic and cultural heritage of Iceland. It marks the birthday of Jónas Hallgrímsson, a prominent 19th-century poet and linguist whose work helped shape modern Icelandic. Festivities include readings of classic and contemporary Icelandic literature, poetry recitals, and linguistic workshops aimed at fostering appreciation for the language’s rich history. Schools and libraries host events to encourage the use of Icelandic in digital media and everyday communication. The day reinforces national identity and pride in preserving one of the world’s oldest living languages.

Icelandic Language Day Iceland

International Day for Tolerance(United Nations)

A UN observance promoting tolerance and mutual respect among cultures and peoples worldwide.

Established by UNESCO in 1995 and recognized by the United Nations, the International Day for Tolerance is held on November 16th to foster dialogue and understanding across diverse communities. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, emphasizing education, open-mindedness, and cultural exchange as tools against discrimination. Events include art exhibitions, school programs, forums, and media campaigns to highlight the importance of tolerance in peaceful coexistence. Governments, NGOs, and citizens are encouraged to organize activities that challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance of differences. The observance serves as a reminder that tolerance is a foundation for human rights, sustainable development, and social harmony.

International Day for Tolerance United Nations

Statia DayinSint Eustatius(Caribbean Netherlands)

A public holiday celebrating the heritage and culture of the island of Sint Eustatius.

Statia Day is observed annually on November 16th in Sint Eustatius to celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy. The holiday features parades, music and dance performances, and culinary festivals that showcase Afro-Caribbean traditions. Local artisans present crafts and artwork that reflect the island’s maritime past and community life. Educational exhibits and storytelling sessions are held to pass down Statian history to younger generations. The festivities foster a strong sense of local identity and pride among residents and visitors alike.

Statia Day Sint Eustatius Caribbean Netherlands

Intergenerational Fairness Day(International day of action for rights of younger and future generations)

An international observance advocating rights and justice for current and future generations.

Intergenerational Fairness Day, held on November 16th, is dedicated to promoting the rights, needs, and well-being of younger and future generations. It raises awareness about the long-term impacts of policy decisions on environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic security. Campaigns, workshops, and public talks are organized by NGOs and community groups worldwide to discuss topics such as climate change, debt burdens, and resource allocation. The observance encourages decision-makers to consider the legacy left to tomorrow’s citizens and empowers youth to engage in dialogue about their future. By highlighting intergenerational solidarity, the day seeks to build fairer societies that respect both present and coming generations.

Intergenerational Fairness Day

Africus

Agnes of Assisi

Edmund of Abingdon

Elfric of Abingdon

Saint Elfric of Abingdon was the Archbishop of Canterbury in the late 10th century, noted for his scholarship and pastoral leadership. His feast day is observed on November 16.

Saint Elfric served as abbot of Abingdon before becoming Archbishop of Canterbury around the year 995. He was renowned for his learning in both theology and monastic practice, contributing to the reform of English monasteries. Elfric corresponded extensively with other church leaders and was respected for his gentle guidance and pastoral care. His writings and letters remain valuable sources for understanding the English Church at the turn of the first millennium. The feast of Saint Elfric commemorates his dedication to education, ecclesiastical reform, and the spiritual welfare of his flock.

Elfric of Abingdon

Eucherius of Lyon

Saint Eucherius of Lyon was a 5th-century bishop and theologian known for his ascetic life and scholarly works. His feast day falls on November 16.

Eucherius became Bishop of Lyon around 449 AD and was celebrated for his deep commitment to monastic ideals and theological reflection. He authored several treatises, including letters and meditations on spiritual life, which influenced Western monasticism. Born into a wealthy Gallo-Roman family, he renounced worldly comforts to embrace ascetic practices. Eucherius maintained correspondence with prominent church figures and promoted the spiritual formation of clergy and laity alike. The feast of Saint Eucherius honors his legacy as a model of devotion, scholarship, and pastoral care.

Eucherius of Lyon