From fall football to trick-or-treat ... October in Pittsburgh brings all sorts of annual celebrations and traditions! We love this month because it's a time of transition into the fall season with festival and fairs and spooky Halloween events.
But that's not all that's happening this month! From Breast Cancer Awareness Month to Mental Illness Awareness Week, there are lots of important observances taking place in October, along with fun holidays to celebrate, like Diwali and Make a Difference Day.
Here are 10 events and holidays our Macaroni KID families will be marking this month:
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1. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 250,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Each of the women and men diagnosed has their own story. Read one mom's story here. Oct. 1-31
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2. Homemade Cookie Day
Kick-off October by making cookies with your kids on Homemade Cookie Day. Check out this fun fall recipe for Caramel Apple Cookies. Yum! Oct. 1
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3. Mental Illness Awareness Week
One in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the National Association of Mental Illness. Now, if you need help or know someone in need, you can reach out immediately for help. You can dial “988” to reach trained crisis counselors anywhere in the United States if you need help in a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis anywhere in the United States. Learn more about 988 here. Oct. 6-12
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4. Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to talk about fire safety with our families, and also to ensure our home and children are prepared in the case of an emergency. Check out these 10 National Fire Prevention Association fire safety tips for families. Oct. 6-12
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5. International Day of the Girl Child
This year's theme, "Our time is now — our rights, our future," brings attention to the existing burdens on girls around the world, looking ahead at a decade investing in the future of girls' leadership and potential. Oct. 11
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6. Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the “Day of Atonement” during which Jews around the world reflect on their sins from the past year and ask for forgiveness. The focus of the Yom Kippur holiday? Introspection and connecting to your religion. To do that, they fast from sundown the night before to sundown the night of Yom Kippur. This noodle kugel is one family's traditional way to break the fast once the holiday is concluded. Oct. 11-12
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7. Indigenous Peoples' Day
Did you know many US states and the District of Columbia, along with more than 195 cities across the United States, now observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of, or in addition to, Columbus Day? It's a way to acknowledge and honor the people native to our lands. Find out the Native American tribes that called your area home on this map.
Oct. 14
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8. Make a Difference Day
The fourth Saturday in October is devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. Find a project you and the kids can volunteer for and make a difference today! Oct. 26
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9. Diwali
Diwali is the most significant holiday in Indian culture. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the Indian new year. It traditionally spans over 5 days, but many families will gather on day three, as that is when the major festivities take place. Sharing food and sweets is an integral aspect of Diwali. Here are two amazing recipes for Indian dishes from Sarina Shah Grady, a Macaroni KID reader. Oct. 31 - Nov. 1
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10. Halloween
One of the most anticipated holidays of the year for many kids! Dressing up in fun costumes, fun treats, and candy... what's not to love? Be sure to check the Macaroni KID event calendar and our Halloween Tricks & Treats Guide to find all of the great local Halloween activities and events happening today! Oct. 31
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