Life at Bio-Rad

Bio-Rad Multicultural Calendar, May 2025

May 1, 2025

At Bio-Rad, we publish a monthly Multicultural Calendar of events that are commonly celebrated in the United States and in other countries in which we operate. Our goal is to feature a variety of events that help bring cultural awareness to various groups' histories, traditions, and accomplishments while also highlighting events important to us both as a company and a community.

Jewish American Heritage Month: All May (US)

Each May, communities and organizations across the nation pay tribute to Jewish American Heritage Month – a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation's history, culture, and society. To learn about well-known Jewish Americans while exploring the significant role Jewish Americans have played in shaping the nation's history and identity, you're invited to view this collection by the Smithsonian. 

La Fête du Muguet (Lily of the Valley) - May 1 (EMEA/France)

Lily of the valley has long been a symbol of spring, but there are several explanations for this French custom and its connections to Labor Day, which is celebrated on May 1 in France.

To learn about the holiday and its origins, click here. 

Labor Day/May Day: May 1 (Brazil) 

Labor Day is held in Brazil each year on May 1 – not just in Brazil, but in many countries worldwide. Also known as May Day in many countries, this holiday is dedicated to honoring workers and labor rights worldwide.

To learn more, click here. 

Cinco de Mayo: May 5 (Mexico)

While it's often celebrated in the United States with large parties, Cinco de Mayo's origins stem from a historic battle that Mexico won over an elite French military force on May 5, 1862. To learn more about the roots of Cinco de Mayo and the "Battle of Puebla," click here. 

Vesak: May 12 (APAC/Southeast Asia/India)

Vesak is a festival of utmost significance in Buddhism, particularly in Theravada Buddhism, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. To learn more, click here. 

Victoria Day: May 19 (Canada) 

In 1845, during the reign of Queen Victoria, May 24, the queen’s birthday, was declared a holiday in Canada. After Victoria’s death in 1901, an act of the Canadian Parliament established Victoria Day as a legal holiday, to be celebrated on May 24 or at a date before or after the 24th when the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday (as it does in 2025). To learn more, click here.