March 21

Holidays & Observances

Arbor Day(Lesotho)

Arbor Day in Lesotho celebrates the planting and care of trees to promote environmental conservation.
Observed annually on March 21, Lesotho's Arbor Day encourages community tree-planting initiatives. Local government agencies and volunteers partner to restore woodlands and urban green spaces. The event raises awareness of forest preservation, soil conservation, and biodiversity. Workshops and educational programs highlight the benefits of trees in protecting water sources and reducing erosion. Arbor Day in Lesotho reflects the nation's commitment to sustainable land management and ecological health.
Arbor Day Lesotho

Arbor Day(Portugal)

Arbor Day in Portugal is dedicated to planting trees and fostering environmental stewardship across the country.
Celebrated each year on March 21, Arbor Day in Portugal marks the start of the planting season. Schools, municipalities, and environmental groups organize ceremonies to plant native tree species. Participants learn about the role of forests in combating climate change and supporting wildlife habitats. The day highlights Portugal's efforts in reforestation and sustainable forestry management. Community-driven campaigns emphasize youth engagement and long-term care for newly planted trees.
Arbor Day Portugal

Christianfeast day:

Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello, Passing of SaintBenedict(Order of Saint Benedict, pre-1970 Calendar), Birillus, Enda of Aran, Nicholas of Flüe, Serapion of Thmuis, Thomas Cranmer(Anglicanism), March 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A collective commemoration of several saints and martyrs recognized by various Christian traditions on March 21.
On March 21, multiple saints are honored across Christian denominations, including Saint Benedict of Nursia and Saint Nicholas of Flüe. Liturgical calendars in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches observe special feast services and readings. Faithful attend Mass, prayer vigils, and community gatherings to reflect on the virtues exemplified by each saint. Pilgrimages to historic shrines and monasteries often accompany the feast day celebrations. These observances offer an opportunity for spiritual renewal and deeper engagement with Christian heritage.
feast day Benedetta Cambiagio Frassinello Benedict Order of Saint Benedict Birillus Enda of Aran Nicholas of Flüe Serapion of Thmuis Thomas Cranmer Anglicanism March 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Early music

International Early Music Day celebrates the performance and appreciation of musical traditions from the medieval to baroque eras.
Observed on March 21, Early Music Day brings together ensembles, scholars, and enthusiasts of pre-classical music. Concerts, masterclasses, and lectures spotlight instruments such as the lute, recorder, and viola da gamba. Historical performance practices are explored through workshops on ornamentation, tuning, and repertoire. Early music festivals and academic institutions collaborate to promote research and audience engagement. This day fosters a deeper understanding of music history and its rich cultural legacy.
Early music

Education Freedom Day

Education Freedom Day promotes open educational resources and the free sharing of knowledge worldwide.
Established by the Digital Freedom Foundation, Education Freedom Day is celebrated on March 21. The event highlights the importance of free and open access to educational materials for learners and educators. Community-driven campaigns include online webinars, resource-sharing platforms, and local meetups. Participants advocate for open licensing, collaborative curricula, and digital inclusion initiatives. Education Freedom Day underscores the transformative power of accessible learning and knowledge equity.
Education Freedom Day

Harmony Day(Australia)

Harmony Day in Australia celebrates cultural diversity and fosters community inclusiveness and respect.
Observed annually on March 21, Harmony Day aligns with the United Nations' International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day promotes the value of multiculturalism through community events, school activities, and public forums. Orange is adopted as the official color, symbolizing social communication and meaningful conversations. Festivities include cultural performances, story-telling sessions, and shared meals featuring global cuisines. Harmony Day highlights Australia’s commitment to embracing diversity and promoting mutual respect among all citizens.
Harmony Day Australia

Human Rights Day(South Africa)

Human Rights Day in South Africa honors those who stood against apartheid and celebrates the nation’s commitment to human rights.
Commemorated on March 21, this public holiday remembers the 1960 Sharpeville massacre where protesters were killed for opposing pass laws. South Africans reflect on the sacrifices made in the struggle for democracy and freedom from apartheid. The day features official ceremonies, educational programs, and exhibitions on human rights history. Legal forums and community workshops examine current challenges and strategies for promoting equality. Human Rights Day reinforces the importance of the constitutional protections and the Bill of Rights.
Human Rights Day South Africa

Independence Day(Namibia)

Namibia’s Independence Day marks the end of colonial rule and the birth of the nation on March 21, 1990.
Celebrated each year on March 21, Independence Day commemorates Namibia’s liberation from South African administration. The first celebration in 1990 followed decades of struggle led by the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO). Official ceremonies include flag-raising, presidential addresses, and military parades in the capital, Windhoek. Cultural performances showcase Namibia’s diverse ethnic heritage through music, dance, and traditional dress. Public festivities foster national unity and reflect on the achievements in governance and development since independence.
Independence Day Namibia

International Colour Day(International)

International Colour Day spotlights the significance of color in art, design, and everyday life.
Established in 2008 by the International Colour Association, this observance falls on March 21 each year. The date coincides with the spring equinox, symbolizing balance and harmony through color. Color experts, artists, and designers host exhibitions, workshops, and talks on color theory and applications. Events explore color psychology, cultural symbolism, and the role of color in communication and technology. International Colour Day encourages creative experimentation and cross-disciplinary collaborations around color.
International Colour Day International

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination(International)

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination promotes global efforts to combat racism and inequality.
Observed on March 21, this United Nations day marks the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa. The UN and civil society organizations host conferences, educational campaigns, and cultural events to raise awareness. Each year adopts a theme addressing contemporary challenges in fighting racial discrimination worldwide. The day underscores the importance of legal frameworks, human rights education, and community action. It serves as a call to strengthen commitments to equality, justice, and diversity in all societies.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination International

International Day of Forests(International), by proclamation of theUnited Nations General Assembly

The International Day of Forests is observed on March 21 to highlight the importance of all types of forests and trees for sustaining the environment and livelihoods.
Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, this day highlights the critical role forests play in supporting biodiversity, climate regulation and human well-being. Forests cover a third of the Earth’s land area and are home to over 80% of terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. Observances include tree-planting campaigns, educational workshops and community-based forestry projects. Annual themes focus on challenges such as deforestation, restoration and the rights of indigenous peoples. The day encourages global cooperation to conserve and sustainably manage all types of forests for future generations.
International Day of Forests International United Nations General Assembly

Mother's Day(most of theArab world)

Mother’s Day is celebrated on March 21 in many Arab countries to honor the role of mothers and motherhood in society.
Originating in Egypt in 1956, the modern Arab Mother’s Day was introduced by journalist Mustafa Amin to highlight maternal contributions and family unity. The date was chosen to coincide with the spring equinox, symbolizing renewal and new life. Celebrations include giving flowers, cards and gifts, as well as family gatherings and special meals. Media outlets broadcast tributes and programs dedicated to the achievements of mothers across the region. Over time, the observance has spread to most Arab nations, fostering cultural appreciation and social solidarity.
Mother's Day Arab world