About National Religious Freedom Day
On January 16th 1786, the legislature of Virginia adopted a religious freedom statute that protected Virginians against any requirement to attend or support any church and against discrimination. This statute, which had been drafted by Thomas Jefferson and introduced by James Madison, later was the model for the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
Religious Freedom Day has been officially proclaimed on January 16th in an annual statement by the President of the United States since 1993.
Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day, and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in homes, schools, and places of worship."
Find out moreSimilar Observances
Orthodox Easter 🥚
Easter is the most significant religious holiday for the world's roughly 300 million Orthodox Christians. In the bible, it is the day when Mary Magdalene found that an empty tomb in the cave in which Jesus has been placed after his crucifixion.
Read More
Read More
Ascension ✝️
This day observes the departure of Jesus from earth after his resurrection. It is perhaps the earliest observed celebration in Christianity.
Read More
Read More
Pentecost Sunday
Celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter
Read More
Read More
Eid Al Adha 🕋
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice is the most important feast in the Muslim calendar. It celebrates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael in submission to Allah's command, before he was stopped by Allah.
Read More
Read More
Other Observances on January 16th 2027
National Quinoa Day
Celebrate National Quinoa Day with health-conscious foodies and discover the rich history and versatility of this superfood on January 16th.
Read More
Read More