(50) Holidays in March 2020

Zero Discrimination Day, Sunday March 1

This day aims to celebrate individuality, inclusion and human rights while promoting tolerance, compassion and peace. The United Nations and other global organizations promote everyone’s right to live a full life with dignity regardless of age, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnicity, skin color, height, weight, profession, education, and beliefs.

Texas Independence Day, Monday March 2

Texas Independence Day commemorates their Independence from Mexico on March 2, 1836. Sixty delegates from all over Texas signed the declaration. The Texas Declaration of Independence was announced at a conference on Washington-on-the-Brazos. The fight between the Republic of Texas and Mexican Army last for more than one month. Texas remained an independent country for almost 10 years until US Congress admitted Texas into the Union in 1845.

Read Across America Day, Monday March 2

This day is organized by the National Education Association. The organization created the observance in 1997 with the objective of motivating American children to read. According to the National Education Association, children who spend more time reading do better in school.

World Wildlife Day, Tuesday March 3

This day seeks to celebrate the world’s plants and animals while raising awareness of issues that impact wildlife. Wildlife refers to all undomesticated native plants and animals of a region. The day also serves to highlight issues such as urbanization, poaching, pollution, destruction of wildlife habitat, and the ways that humans can contribute to conservation efforts.

Ghana Independence Day, Friday March 6

This day celebrates the country’s independence from the United Kingdom. In 1957, Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah declared independence.

Employee Appreciation Day, Friday March 6

This day aims to raise the recognition of all employees around the United States. Businesses and organizations are encouraged to plan events and celebrations as a way to show recognition to the employee’s performance.

National Oreo Day, Friday March 6

This day celebrates one of the most famous cookies in the United States. The Oreo Cookie was first developed by the National Biscuit Company, which is today known as Nabisco. In 1912, these famous cookies were produced in a factory in Manhattan, New York. Oreo is the world’s best-selling cookie!

National Cereal Day, Saturday March 7

The official website confirms that Cereal has been around since the Civil War. But it was not until 1939, that the cereal that we know today was first introduced. Sweeteners and sugar were added to the old version, and the texture became much easier to chew and swallow. 80 years later, almost 50% of the American population begin their day with a bowl of cereal.

Daylight Saving Time Begins, Sunday March 8, 2020

Daylight Savings time had begun in an effort to help save energy and provide workers with more hours of serviceable daylight during the long summer days. Daylight Savings Time was first introduced in the U.S. in 1918. However, it was not until 1966, when the Uniform Act was passed, that all states had to either observe DST or pass a state law to abstain.

International Women’s Day, Sunday March 8

This celebration recognizes women’s achievements throughout the world. Its purpose is to promote women’s equality, encourage support for repressed women and promote appreciation toward women everywhere. Many organizations, including the United Nations, use this day to also celebrate extraordinary achievements of ordinary women. International Women’s Day was initially promoted by the Socialist Party of America. In 1909, it designated this day in remembrance of a major strike by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union. The holiday is now recognized internationally and is an Official National Holiday for many countries, including: China, Russia and Ukraine. It is observed annually on March 8th.

Purim Starts, Monday March 9

Purim (Hebrew: פּוּרִים) is a Jewish Holiday which commemorates Jewish people being saved from extermination in Persia.

National Napping Day, Monday March 9

This observance was created to raise awareness of the health benefits of taking a nap. Even short 20 minutes of sleep during the day can significantly increase your energy for the rest of the day. The unofficial holiday was created in 1999 by William Anthony, a professor at Boston University. National Napping Day occurs yearly on the Monday after Daylight Savings Time begins.

Holi (Hindu Festival), Tuesday March 10

Holi is the ancient Hindu Festival of Love and also known as the Festival of Colors. The origins of Holi lie in ancient Hindu traditions where Holi was celebrated to mark the arrival of spring.

Mario Day, Tuesday March 10

Mario Day celebrates and honors the success of the famous Nintendo character, Mario. Mr. Shigeru Miyamoto was the creator of Mario. The character’s first appearance was on a Donkey Kong arcade game, in 1981. The success was immediate, over 60,000 machines were sold at the time. After that, Mario replaced Donkey Kong as the symbol of Nintendo and consequently became the success that it is today. Mario’s success is celebrated every year on March 10th, a reference to the character’s name (Mar10 Day).

World Kidney Day, Thursday March 12

This day seeks to raise awareness of the importance of kidneys to overall human health and inform the world about ways to prevent kidney disease. World Kidney Day is part of the World Health Organization’s health-related celebrations. It is observed on the second Thursday in March each year.

World Sleep Day, Friday March 13

This day seeks to draw awareness to the importance of sleep and promote scientific research on sleep. Sleep deprivation has been shown to increase incidences of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity. The World Association of Sleep Medicine and World Sleep Federation are credited with the origin of this observance.

Pi Day, Saturday March 14

Pi Day celebrates the mathematical constant π (pi), 3.141592653… Pi is the ratio between the circumference and diameter of a circle. Pi is a constant, therefore it will be the same for circles of all sizes. Pi is a special number due to its infinite and patternless nature, meaning that the digits after the decimal point never repeat themselves in a specific pattern.
Pi Day celebrations originated in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium when Larry Shaw, a physicist at the Exploratorium, organized the first Pi Day. It was held on March14th (3/14), given that the first digits of Pi are 3.14. Celebrations at the Exploratorium included taking young museum visitors on a parade to the Pi Shrine, which is a round brass plaque fixed on the floor of the museum and serving fruit pies to visitors. Since then, Pi Day celebrations have spread both nationally and globally.

World Consumer Rights Day, Sunday March 15

This day is celebrated throughout the world as a reminder for countries to observe and enforce consumer rights and needs. This World Consumer Rights Day (15 March 2020) takes the theme of the Sustainable Consumer. Organizations around the world are joining together to call for global changes to avert environmental breakdown. The consumer movement will highlight the lifestyle changes consumers can make to play their part, and what governments and businesses need to do to make sustainability the easy choice for consumers.

Saint Patrick’s Day, Tuesday March 17

St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish pride and heritage. Saint Patrick was a British-born priest and former slave who is known for converting the Irish to Christianity and chasing the snakes out of the country. He died on March 17, in the year 461 and was mostly forgotten. As time passed, stories grew around St. Patrick and centuries later he was honored with the title of Patron Saint of Ireland. This holiday is celebrated around the globe with shamrocks, leprechauns and lots of green.

Start of Spring (Spring Equinox), Thursday March 19

Spring traditionally marks the end of winter and the beginning of a season that signifies longer days and warmer temperatures. The first day of Spring is also known as the Vernal Equinox. This marks the day that the Sun’s path is directly over the equator. This day also contains equal amount of day time and night time.

St Joseph, Thursday March 19

The feast of St Joseph commemorates Joseph, the husband of the virgin Mary. He is the foster father of Jesus, and the patron saint of fathers, carpenters, laborers, and families.

French Language Day, Friday March 20

French Language Day was introduced by the United Nations in 2010. On that year, the organization also created days for languages as Chinese, English, Spanish, Russian, and Arabic. These are the six official languages used by the United Nations. The goal of the observance is to raise awareness of the history and culture of each of these languages.

International Day of Happiness, Friday March 20

The International Day of Happiness seeks to celebrate and promote world happiness as a fundamental human goal. It recognizes the need for a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth, one that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication, happiness and well-being of all people.

Persian New Year (Nowruz), Friday March 20

Persian New Year is celebrated in honor of spring and the new year. The Persian New Year is called Nowruz, literally, it means “new day”, and it is a celebration of nature’s rebirth that lasts for two weeks. Nowruz starts at the stroke of the vernal equinox, when the sun crosses the equator. Nowruz has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and it is profoundly grounded in the rituals and traditions of the Zoroastrian religion. Nowruz is celebrated in more than one country, India, Iraq, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan celebrate the holiday.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Saturday March 21

This is an observance founded by the United Nations with the objective of abolishing racism and xenophobia. In its recent resolution on eliminating racism, the United Nations General Assembly reiterated that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. The resolution also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.

International Day of Forests, Saturday March 21

The United Nations raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. It underscores the importance of education at all levels in achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation. Healthy forests mean healthy, resilient communities and prosperous economies.

World Down Syndrome Day, Saturday March 21

Individuals with Down syndrome can achieve optimal quality of life through parental care and support, medical guidance, and community based support systems such as inclusive education at all levels. This facilitates their participation in mainstream society and the fulfillment of their personal potential. For World Down Syndrome Day 2020, Down Syndrome International focuses on the theme “We Decide”: all people with Down syndrome should have full participation in decision making about matters relating to, or affecting, their lives.

World Poetry Day, Saturday March 21

This observance is meant to encourage a return to the oral tradition of poetry recitals, to promote the teaching of poetry, to restore a dialogue between poetry and the other arts such as theatre, dance, music and painting, and to support small publishers and create an attractive image of poetry in the media, so that the art of poetry will no longer be considered an outdated form of art, but one which enables society as a whole to regain and assert its identity.

Lailat al Miraj, Sunday March 22

It is generally believed that the event of Mi’raaj (ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to the heavens) took place on the night of the 27th of Rajab.

World Water Day, Sunday March 22

The theme for this day in 2020 is about water and climate change – and how the two are inextricably linked. Adapting to the water effects of climate change will protect health and save lives. The United Nations UN-Water believes that using water more efficiently will reduce greenhouse gases.

National Puppy Day, Monday March 23

National Puppy Day seeks to celebrate the unconditional love that puppies bring to people’s lives. It is also a day to help save orphaned puppies across the globe and educate people about puppy mills and their many horrors. Puppies are young dogs, and depending on the breed, some remain puppies for longer than others.

World Meteorological Day, Monday March 23

World Meteorological Day takes place every year on 23 March and commemorates the coming into force on 23 March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization. It showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world. The themes chosen for World Meteorological Day reflect topical weather, climate or water-related issues.

International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims, Tuesday March 24

This annual observance pays tribute to the memory of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who was murdered on 24 March 1980. Monsignor Romero was actively engaged in denouncing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador.

National AG (Agriculture) Day, Tuesday March 24

AG Day was organized by the Agriculture Council of America. Ag Day is about recognizing and celebrating the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program encourages every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced, value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy, and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

World Tuberculosis Day,Tuesday March 24

Each year, we commemorate World Tuberculosis (TB) Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease.

Greek Independence Day, Wednesday March 25

This day celebrates the declaration of the beginning of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. On 25 March 1821, Greece revolted against the Ottoman Empire, of which it had been part for nearly 4 centuries. The war lasted until 1829 and required the assistance of Russia, Britain and France.

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Wednesday March 25

This day offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members, Wednesday March 25

This is a United Nations sponsored holiday, in memory of Alec Collett, a UN employee journalist who was abducted by armed men in 1985. His body was found only in 2009 at Lebanon. The observance occurs every year on March 25th, the anniversary of Collett’s abduction.

International Waffle Day, Wednesday March 25

International Waffle Day began as a celebration in Sweden, but it soon spread to many other countries in Europe and other continents as well. Historians believe that versions of Waffles have been around for 8,000 years.

Manatee Appreciation Day, Wednesday March 25

This day raises awareness about manatees. This species is one of the most unusual in the aquatic life. Manatees are also called “sea cows”. They can only be found in waters where the temperature is at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This species can live up to 60 years.

Air Max Day, Thursday March 26

This day celebrates one of Nike’s most famous shoe models, the Air Max. On March 26th of 1987, Nike released the first version of Air Max. 32 years later, Nike named March 26th as Air Max Day to celebrate one of its greatest products.

National Joe Day, Friday March 27

National Joe Day celebrates and honors all the people with the name or nickname “Joe”. According to the Social Security Administration, in 1910, the name Joseph was the 5th most used in the United States.

World Theatre Day, Friday March 27

The World Theatre Day was created by the International Theatre Institute in 1962. The day is celebrated by actors, directors, and everyone else that has theatre in their lives. The observance also aims to increase the awareness of the importance of theater as an art form. World Theatre Day’s official website states that many governments, politicians, and institutions do not value the art of acting on a stage as they should.

Earth Hour Day, Saturday March 28

Earth Hour Day refers to a period where people are encouraged to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour. The event is held annually on a specific day towards the end of March. The first lights-off event began in Sydney, Australia , in 2007.

NAACP Image Awards, Saturday March 28

This is an event organized by the US National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The ceremony celebrates the outstanding performances in television, music, and literature. The NAACP Awards was first held in 1968 and was first televised in 1994 on Fox.

Vietnam War Veterans Day, Sunday March 29

Vietnam War Veterans Day was signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 28th of 2017. He announced every March 29th as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. That date was chosen to honor the day in 1973 when the Military Assistance Command Vietnam was deactivated.

iHeartRadio Music Awards, Sunday March 29

iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrates the most played songs and artists on all iHeartRadio Stations. The event also includes live performances from some of the top musicians in the United States. The awards was first held in 2013, and it occurs annually in the month of March.

National Doctors’ Day, Monday March 30

This day commemorates the nation’s doctors who have dedicated themselves to public service by helping to ensure the good health of US citizens. President George W. Bush designated March 30th as National Doctor’s Day in an effort to celebrate the sacrifices and contributions made by our nation’s doctors.

Cesar Chavez Day, Tuesday March 31

Cesar Chavez Day commemorates the life and achievements of Cesar Chavez. Cesar Estrada Chavez was a Mexican-American farm worker as well as a Civil Rights and Labor Movement activist. Chavez stood and fought for labor rights using nonviolent resistance, such as boycotting and fasting. On August 8, 1994, President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded Cesar Chavez with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Int’l. Transgender Day of Visibility, Tuesday March 31

The International Transgender Day of Visibility aims to raise awareness of the transgender people achievements, its community, and abolish transphobia. The Trans Student Educational Resources website highlights that this observance is not a day for lamentation, the International Transgender Day of Visibility is a day for empowerment and acknowledgement.