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.

Zero Discrimination Day - March 1
Zero Discrimination Day is on March 1. This day celebrates everyone’s right to live a full life, free from discrimination, highlighting how people can advocate to change discriminatory laws and promote inclusion, compassion, and peace. On this 10th Anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day, we celebrate and uphold everyone’s rights. Learn more about Zero Discrimination Day.
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 2-8
This week (March 2 to 8) marks Black Mental Health Week, a moment to elevate Black voices and highlight how anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination continue to affect the mental well-being of Black Canadians. Black Mental Health Week.
Black Mental Health Day - March 2
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.
Holi - March 3
Holi, also called the Festival of Colours takes place in 2026 on March 3 or 4, based on the sighting of the moon, and 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.
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.
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 17-23
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing institutions and organizations with the opportunity to recognize the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. Neurodiversity Celebration Week.
Eid Al-Fitr - March 19
Taking place on March 19 or March 20 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 their fast, offering special prayers and charity. Learn more about Eid al-Fitr.
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, vibrant and connect us to Francophone communities all over the world. Learn more about French Language Day.
Nowruz / Persian New Year - March 20
On March 20, 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 is recognized globally as a day of awareness, understanding, advocacy and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome. The date 3/21 signifies the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes the condition. 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.
World Bipolar Day - March 30
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that dramatically affects moods and can 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 the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Zero Discrimination Day - March 1

Zero Discrimination Day is on March 1. This day celebrates everyone’s right to live a full life, free from discrimination, highlighting how people can advocate to change discriminatory laws and promote inclusion, compassion, and peace. On this 10th Anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day, we celebrate and uphold everyone’s rights. Learn more about Zero Discrimination Day.

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 2-8

This week (March 2 to 8) marks Black Mental Health Week, a moment to elevate Black voices and highlight how anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination continue to affect the mental well-being of Black Canadians. Black Mental Health Week.

Black Mental Health Day - March 2

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.

Holi - March 3

Holi, also called the Festival of Colours takes place in 2026 on March 3 or 4, based on the sighting of the moon, and 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.

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.

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 17-23

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing institutions and organizations with the opportunity to recognize the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual. Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

Eid Al-Fitr - March 19

Taking place on March 19 or March 20 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 their fast, offering special prayers and charity. Learn more about Eid al-Fitr.

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, vibrant and connect us to Francophone communities all over the world. Learn more about French Language Day.

Nowruz / Persian New Year - March 20

On March 20, 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 is recognized globally as a day of awareness, understanding, advocacy and inclusion for people with Down Syndrome. The date 3/21 signifies the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes the condition. 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.

World Bipolar Day - March 30

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that dramatically affects moods and can 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 the International Transgender Day of Visibility.