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Get ready to celebrate!
Electives is excited to provide your organization with the necessary resources to honor the holidays that are important to your diverse workforce, helping you create an inclusive, high-performance culture. March is packed with meaningful holidays, and we’ve compiled a list of them below. Let's make this month one to remember!
This blog post was updated on April 30, 2025, and now features dates for March 2026.
Month-long celebrations in March
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
March is an opportunity to recognize the positive contributions people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) make in society every day. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month also serves to raise awareness about the challenges facing those with IDD, to foster understanding and to encourage inclusivity.
Gender Equality Month
Gender Equality Month aims to raise awareness against gender bias in society. It’s also a month dedicated to celebrating the social, academic, political and cultural contributions of women.
(Here are some ways to celebrate.)
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month commemorates the vital role women have played in American history. From science to politics, March gives us a chance to reflect on the trailblazing women who led the way for change.
Irish-American Heritage Month
First celebrated in 1991, Irish-American Heritage Month honors the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the U.S.
Additional March holidays
March 1
Zero Discrimination Day
Zero Discrimination Day is helping to create a global movement to end all forms of discrimination. It’s a day to celebrate the right of every human to live a full and productive life with dignity, free from discrimination.
International Women of Color Day
International Women of Color Day brings intentional recognition to honor women of color and recognizes those working for justice, equality, reparations and a sustainable world ending the discrimination that women of color/indigenous women have endured.
March 3
Purim*
The joyful Jewish holiday of Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman's plot to destroy them, as recorded in the Megillah (book of Esther). Purim is all about joy, costumes and community, with traditions including reading the Megillah, giving to the poor, sending food gifts and enjoying a festive feast.
To greet someone on Purim, say "Chag Purim Sameach" in Hebrew or "Ah Freilichen Purim" in Yiddish, both wishing them a happy Purim.
March 4
Women's Equal Pay Day
According to the National Committee on Pay Equity, the date of Women’s Equal Pay Day “symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.” On average, women 83 cents for every dollar earned by a man in the U.S. For women of color, this gap widens significantly to 55-63% of what men in the U.S. earn.
Holi*
This Hindu festival celebrates spring, love and new life. Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. It also celebrates the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad.
March 6
Employee Appreciation Day
The first Friday of March is Employee Appreciation Day. While this should by no means be limited to one day a year, Employee Appreciation Day is an opportunity to intentionally show your team that you appreciate them.
Global Day of Unplugging
Is your phone glued to your hand at all times? Do hear your Slack or Teams notifications going off, even when you’re not near your computer? Could be time to take a step back and do a short digital detox. The Global Day of Unplugging is a 24-hour period to intentionally spend time disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with yourself and others. Encourage your team to take time away from their email, phones, laptops (and AI agents!) today to be truly present.
March 8
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, cultural, political and economic achievements of women. The 2024 theme is DigitALL — an opportunity to explore how technology and education can help empower women and girls worldwide.
March 8
Daylight Savings Time
Sadly, the Sunshine Protection Act has yet to pass. This means many Americans will lose an hour of sleep at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 8. Not every state observes the time change, but there’s a chance many of your team members may still be groggy come Monday.
March 12
National Working Moms Day
National Working Moms Day honors all the incredible moms balancing their careers and family roles, from teachers and doctors to cashiers and homemakers. Inspired by the Working Moms of Milwaukee organization, this day recognizes their tireless efforts and the many hats they wear.
March 13
Smart and Sexy Day
Smart and Sexy Day is an initiative to empower women by highlighting the importance of intelligence and confidence in personal and professional success.
March 14
Pi Day
Pi Day marks the numerical date 3/14, matching the first three digits of π (3.14). This day was especially memorable in 2015 when the date corresponded with π up to five digits: 3.1415. It's also the birthday of Albert Einstein, adding an extra layer of celebration for math and science enthusiasts.
In the workplace, celebrate Pi Day by hosting a pie-eating contest, sharing fun facts about π, or organizing a math-themed trivia game. Don’t forget to wish your colleagues a "Happy Pi Day!"
Genius Day
Celebrated on Albert Einstein’s birthday, Genius Day honors the geniuses in our lives. While not everyone may be a genius, the right AI training can empower your employees to reach new heights. With AI, their potential knows no boundaries.
March 16
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)
Laylatul Qadr is a significant night for Muslims, observed on an odd night during the last ten days of Ramadan. In 2026, it is expected to fall on March 16th. Known as the ‘Night of Decree’ or ‘Night of Power,’ it commemorates when Prophet Muhammad received the first verses of the Quran, and is considered one of the holiest nights of the year, with prayers on this night being especially meritorious.
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the foremost patron saint of Ireland and the culture of the Irish in general. Parades, festivals and céilithe mark the day. In the U.S., you’ll often see people wearing green or sporting shamrocks.
March 20
Eid al-Fitr*
The first of two canonical festivals of Islam, Eid al-Fitr is the “Festival of Breaking Fast,” marking the end of Ramadan. This holiday is a time to get together with friends, give gifts, wear new clothes and visit the resting places of dead relatives.
To greet someone on Eid, common Eid blessings are: “Eid Mubarak,” (pronounced 'Eed Mu-ba-rack', which means “Have a blessed Eid”) or “Blessed Eid” and “Happy Eid”.
International Day of Happiness
In 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution which recognized happiness as a “fundamental human goal” and called for “a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.” Then, in 2012, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution decreeing March 20 as the International Day of Happiness. Since then, many organizations and nonprofits use this day to recognize that progress includes increasing human happiness and wellbeing, not just stimulating economies.
March 21
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is celebrated on March 21st, a date chosen to symbolize the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. Officially observed by the United Nations since 2012, this global awareness day advocates for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with Down syndrome.
To mark WDSD, you can raise awareness by sharing educational materials, hosting discussions or organizing events to celebrate the contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.
National Single Parent Day
National Single Parent Day honors the contributions and challenges of single parents. Over time, the causes of single parenting have shifted from accidents and epidemics in ancient times to divorce and single-parent adoptions in modern times. Today, single-parent households are increasingly common, with studies showing a significant rise from 10% in 1980 to 30% in 2008.
(Go here to learn more about discussing modern family dynamics in the workplace.)
March 29
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is celebrated by Christians on the Sunday before Easter, marking Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It kicks off Holy Week with the blessing and procession of palms in many churches. The palms are often taken home by the congregation as a sacred symbol and reminder of the day's significance.
March 31
International Transgender Day of Visibility
International Transgender Day of Visibility raises awareness about transgender people, their lives and their contributions to society. It also brings attention to the discrimination, poverty and violence the transgender community faces every day. In fact, more than one in four transgender people report having lost a job due to transphobia and bias.
*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.
Looking for more holiday calendars? Click the month you want to see:
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December | Full-Year Overview | Downloadable Calendar
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