Multicultural Calendar

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March Significant Observances

NOTE: The Multicultural Calendars are educational and informational resources only. They are not intended to be, nor should be relied upon as an authority on significant days of observance or to guide accommodation decisions. If you require information and advice about the accommodation of religious, cultural and significant observances, please consult the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.

While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of these dates, the actual day of observance may vary.

We rely on the expertise of our community and faith groups to assist in making our list as accurate and representative as possible. Please send any feedback, updates or corrections to diversity@durham.ca.

Ramadan - February 28 to March 29
February 28 is the beginning of Ramadan. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the sighting of the crescent moon during the evening of March 1. Muslim communities will commemorate this Holy Month through fasting and prayer. Learn more about Ramadan.
Zero Discrimination Day - March 1
Zero Discrimination day is March 1. This day is a call to action to protect everyone’s health and protect their rights. There is an urgent need to remove laws that harm people’s rights and bring in laws that uphold the rights of every person. On this 10th Anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day, we celebrate and uphold everyone’s rights. Zero Discrimination Day is observed each year on 1 March \| UNAIDS.
World Day of Prayer - March 1
World Day of Prayer takes place on the first Friday in March annually. It is a worldwide day of celebration involving many cultures, traditions and communities in more than 170 countries. Learn more about World Day of Prayer.
Black Mental Health Week - March 3 to March 9
This week (March 3 to 9) is recognized as Black Mental Health Week, this week provides an opportunity to cultivate greater awareness of the impacts of anti-Black racism on Black communities, families and individuals.
Black Mental Health Day - March 3
The first Monday of March is recognized annually as Black Mental Health Day. This observance draws attention to the adverse effects and trauma of anti-Black racism on the physical and mental well-being of Black individuals and communities. By acknowledging the existence of anti-Black racism and the many barriers that Black communities continue to face, we can work together to address inequities to create sustainable solutions. Learn more about Black Mental Health Day.
Ash Wednesday - March 5
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day that marks the beginning of Lent. On this solemn day, observers seek forgiveness and focus on repentance through fasting, sacrifice and prayer. Learn more about Ash Wednesday.
International Women's Day - March 8
International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 annually. On this day, we are encouraged to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of all women, and advocate for gender equality on a global scale. This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion encourages us to forge a more inclusive world where women feel a sense of belonging and empowerment. Learn more about International Women’s Day.
Holi - March 13
Holi, also called the Festival of Colours, is a Hindu celebration commemorating the arrival of spring. This two-day festival includes bright colours, making traditional foods and sweets, and spending time with loved ones. Learn more about Holi.
St. Patrick's Day - March 17
St. Patrick’s Day originally started as a Christian feast day on March 17 celebrating the life of St. Patrick. Today, this holiday is widely recognized as a celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Learn more about St. Patrick’s Day.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week - March 17 to March 23
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how individuals who are neurodivergent are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities and organizations with the opportunity to recognise their diverse talents. The celebration also helps to create a more neuroinclusive culture that highlight different learning and thinking styles and empower everyone to reach their potential.
French Language Day - March 20
On March 20, we are encouraged to celebrate the richness of the French language—one of Canada’s two official languages. French-speaking communities in Durham Region are diverse and vibrant and connect us to Francophone communities all over the world. Learn more about French Language Day.
International Nowruz Day - March 21
On March 21, many communities will celebrate Nowruz to signify the beginning of a new year and the start of Spring. This holiday is generally celebrated with prayer and gathering with loved ones to share a meal. Many communities recognize this holiday through unique cultural traditions. Learn more about International Nowruz Day.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. This day recognizes the killing of 69 peaceful protesters by police in Sharpeville, South Africa at a demonstration against apartheid laws in 1960. In many countries, apartheid laws have since been abolished, yet there are many individuals, communities and societies still suffering from the injustice and stigma of systemic and structural racism. On this day we are encouraged to renew our efforts to eradicate racial hatred and discrimination and strengthen efforts to support and protect racialized communities. Learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
World Down Syndrome Day - March 21
World Down Syndrome Day takes place on March 21 every year. Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome instead of two, which is why World Down Syndrome Day takes place on the 21st day of the third month. The goal of this day is to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better. Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day.
Purple Day - March 26
Purple Day is a grassroots initiative to increase awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26, we are encouraged to wear purple, learn more about the neurological effects of epilepsy and to actively dispel myths about this disease. Learn more about Purple Day.
Eid-Al Fitr - March 30
Taking place on March 30 depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid al-Fitr commemorates the end of Ramadan, a holy and sacred month of fasting. This holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide by gathering with loved ones, breaking the fast, offering special prayers and charity. Learn more about Eid al-Fitr.
World Bipolar Day - March 30
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that dramatically affects moods and could result in episodes of depression, mood swings and emotional distress. Symptoms range from minor to severe—and can affect one’s day-to-day life drastically. On this day, we are encouraged to raise awareness of this condition and share resources and information regarding mental health. Learn more about World Bipolar Day.
International Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31
International Transgender Day of Visibility is recognized on March 31 to raise awareness of the challenges that trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming communities face. This day is also dedicated to advocating for justice and equitable opportunities for trans communities. Learn more about International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Ramadan - February 28 to March 29

February 28 is the beginning of Ramadan. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the sighting of the crescent moon during the evening of March 1. Muslim communities will commemorate this Holy Month through fasting and prayer. Learn more about Ramadan.

Zero Discrimination Day - March 1

Zero Discrimination day is March 1. This day is a call to action to protect everyone’s health and protect their rights. There is an urgent need to remove laws that harm people’s rights and bring in laws that uphold the rights of every person. On this 10th Anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day, we celebrate and uphold everyone’s rights. Zero Discrimination Day is observed each year on 1 March | UNAIDS.

World Day of Prayer - March 1

World Day of Prayer takes place on the first Friday in March annually. It is a worldwide day of celebration involving many cultures, traditions and communities in more than 170 countries. Learn more about World Day of Prayer.

Black Mental Health Week - March 3 to March 9

This week (March 3 to 9) is recognized as Black Mental Health Week, this week provides an opportunity to cultivate greater awareness of the impacts of anti-Black racism on Black communities, families and individuals.

Black Mental Health Day - March 3

The first Monday of March is recognized annually as Black Mental Health Day. This observance draws attention to the adverse effects and trauma of anti-Black racism on the physical and mental well-being of Black individuals and communities. By acknowledging the existence of anti-Black racism and the many barriers that Black communities continue to face, we can work together to address inequities to create sustainable solutions. Learn more about Black Mental Health Day.

Ash Wednesday - March 5

Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day that marks the beginning of Lent. On this solemn day, observers seek forgiveness and focus on repentance through fasting, sacrifice and prayer. Learn more about Ash Wednesday.

International Women's Day - March 8

International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 annually. On this day, we are encouraged to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of all women, and advocate for gender equality on a global scale. This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion encourages us to forge a more inclusive world where women feel a sense of belonging and empowerment. Learn more about International Women’s Day.

Holi - March 13

Holi, also called the Festival of Colours, is a Hindu celebration commemorating the arrival of spring. This two-day festival includes bright colours, making traditional foods and sweets, and spending time with loved ones. Learn more about Holi.

St. Patrick's Day - March 17

St. Patrick’s Day originally started as a Christian feast day on March 17 celebrating the life of St. Patrick. Today, this holiday is widely recognized as a celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Learn more about St. Patrick’s Day.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week - March 17 to March 23

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how individuals who are neurodivergent are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities and organizations with the opportunity to recognise their diverse talents. The celebration also helps to create a more neuroinclusive culture that highlight different learning and thinking styles and empower everyone to reach their potential.

French Language Day - March 20

On March 20, we are encouraged to celebrate the richness of the French language—one of Canada’s two official languages. French-speaking communities in Durham Region are diverse and vibrant and connect us to Francophone communities all over the world. Learn more about French Language Day.

International Nowruz Day - March 21

On March 21, many communities will celebrate Nowruz to signify the beginning of a new year and the start of Spring. This holiday is generally celebrated with prayer and gathering with loved ones to share a meal. Many communities recognize this holiday through unique cultural traditions. Learn more about International Nowruz Day.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. This day recognizes the killing of 69 peaceful protesters by police in Sharpeville, South Africa at a demonstration against apartheid laws in 1960. In many countries, apartheid laws have since been abolished, yet there are many individuals, communities and societies still suffering from the injustice and stigma of systemic and structural racism. On this day we are encouraged to renew our efforts to eradicate racial hatred and discrimination and strengthen efforts to support and protect racialized communities. Learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

World Down Syndrome Day - March 21

World Down Syndrome Day takes place on March 21 every year. Down syndrome is a genetic condition where a person has three copies of the 21st chromosome instead of two, which is why World Down Syndrome Day takes place on the 21st day of the third month. The goal of this day is to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better. Learn more about World Down Syndrome Day.

Purple Day - March 26

Purple Day is a grassroots initiative to increase awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26, we are encouraged to wear purple, learn more about the neurological effects of epilepsy and to actively dispel myths about this disease. Learn more about Purple Day.

Eid-Al Fitr - March 30

Taking place on March 30 depending on the sighting of the moon, Eid al-Fitr commemorates the end of Ramadan, a holy and sacred month of fasting. This holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide by gathering with loved ones, breaking the fast, offering special prayers and charity. Learn more about Eid al-Fitr.

World Bipolar Day - March 30

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that dramatically affects moods and could result in episodes of depression, mood swings and emotional distress. Symptoms range from minor to severe—and can affect one’s day-to-day life drastically. On this day, we are encouraged to raise awareness of this condition and share resources and information regarding mental health. Learn more about World Bipolar Day.

International Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31

International Transgender Day of Visibility is recognized on March 31 to raise awareness of the challenges that trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming communities face. This day is also dedicated to advocating for justice and equitable opportunities for trans communities. Learn more about International Transgender Day of Visibility.