Maybe with the exception of Caesar, a couple billion Christians, and some Irish and other beer lovers, everyone will agree that March is pretty much uneventful around the world compared to the past few months. Click on any event below to learn more about it.
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8 March – International Women’s Day – Worldwide
The earliest Women’s Day observance was held on February 28, 1909, in New York. Today, the IWD celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievement of women. But progress has been unequal across the globe. Make a Pledge For Parity. - 13 March – Daylight Savings – United States
The Uniform Time Act was signed into law in 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson, the idea being to save energy by taking advantage of the daylight hours. Many countries around the world are adopting this practice, although on different dates. -
14 March – Commonwealth Day – Worldwide
Held on the second Monday in March, the Commonwealth Day is the celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations marked by a multi-faith service in Westminster Abbey, and normally attended by Queen Elizabeth II who delivers an address broadcast throughout the world. This year’s theme celebrates the diversity of the Commonwealth, which is made up of more than two billion people. -
15 March – Ides of March – Historical
The Romans did not number days of a month sequentially from the first through the last day. Instead, they counted back from three fixed points of the month: the Nones, the Ides, and the Kalends. The Ides of March became notorious with the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. -
17 March – Saint Patrick’s Day – Worldwide
Although only a legal holiday in Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated throughout the world with the prominent display of the color green, numerous parades, and heavy (green) beer drinking. -
21 March – Benito Juárez’s Birthday – Mexico
Benito Juarez’ Birthday is celebrated every year in Mexico on this date and is a national holiday. Benito was one of the most respected leaders of Mexico, a liberalist and a reformist. His birthday is celebrated for his contribution towards establishing the foundation for modern Mexico. -
23 March – Ta’anit Ester – Jews
The Fast of Esther (Ta’anit Ester) is a Jewish fast from dawn until dusk on Purim eve. Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman who was planning to kill all the Jews. The Fast is observed on the 13th day of the Hebrew month of Adar. -
25 March – Good Friday – Christians
Good Friday is a Christian religious holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is a public holiday in countries such as the US, the UK, Australia, the Philippines, etc. See Easter Monday below. -
27 March – Easter – Christians Worldwide
Even more important to Christians than Christmas, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial after his crucifixion (see Good Friday above). It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. In many countries, children receive chocolate eggs or bunnies. -
28 March – Easter Monday – Christians
Although the Friday before Easter is a holiday in some countries, this is the Monday after Easter which is celebrated in others, such as in France, Poland, Germany, etc. So don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from a European contact on that Monday.