Commemoration Day for the Victims of Communist Genocide(Latvia)
A national day in Latvia honoring those who suffered under Soviet-era repressions and mass deportations.
Observed on March 25th, this solemn day pays tribute to the victims of Soviet-era atrocities between 1940 and 1953, when thousands of Latvians were deported to labor camps or executed. Official ceremonies are held at memorials and former camp sites, with dignitaries laying wreaths and delivering speeches. Educational programs and exhibitions recount personal stories of deportees and their families. Survivors and descendants gather in remembrance services to share memories and uphold the commitment to never forget. The observance underscores Latvia’s resilience, dedication to human rights, and the importance of historical memory.
Commemoration Day for the Victims of Communist Genocide
Latvia
Freedom Day (Belarus)
A commemorative day marking the 1918 declaration of independence by the Belarusian People's Republic.
Freedom Day is observed on March 25th to honor the Belarusian People's Republic’s declaration of independence in 1918, asserting freedom after centuries of foreign rule. Although not officially recognized by the current government, opposition groups and diaspora communities commemorate the day with rallies, cultural events, and memorial services. Participants lay wreaths at monuments and recite historical declarations, recalling aspirations for democracy. Academic seminars and exhibitions explore the nation’s struggle for self-determination, while civic leaders speak on contemporary challenges to freedom. The observance fosters national identity and underscores ongoing efforts toward political reform and human rights.
Freedom Day (Belarus)
Independence Day, celebrates the start ofGreek War of Independencefrom theOttoman Empire, in 1821. (Greece)
A national holiday in Greece commemorating the start of the 1821 uprising against Ottoman rule.
On March 25th, Greeks celebrate Independence Day with patriotic parades, church services, and the display of the national flag. The date coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, symbolizing the birth of a new Hellenic state. Military and student processions feature traditional costumes, marching bands, and folk dances. Speeches by political leaders honor the freedom fighters who struggled for liberation. Families and communities gather for festive meals, often including bakaliaros skordalia (fried cod with garlic sauce) and other traditional dishes. The day embodies Greece’s enduring spirit of resilience, pride, and national unity.
Independence Day
Greek War of Independence
Ottoman Empire
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade(international)
A United Nations observance honoring the memory of millions who suffered and died during the transatlantic slave trade.
Established by the UN General Assembly, this day on March 25th commemorates the uprising aboard the Amistad in 1839, symbolizing resistance against slavery. It serves as a reminder of the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade and the ongoing fight against racism and injustice. Ceremonies, educational programs, and art exhibitions are held worldwide to raise awareness about the legacy of slavery. Descendants of survivors, historians, and activists share testimonies and research on the trade’s cultural, social, and economic impacts. The observance promotes reconciliation, healing, and global solidarity in tackling modern forms of exploitation. It underscores the importance of historical memory in preventing future human rights abuses.
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
New Year's Day(Lady Day) in England, Wales, Ireland, andsome ofthefuture United States and Canadafrom1155through1751, until theCalendar (New Style) Act 1750moved it to1 Januaryandadopted the Gregorian calendar. (The year 1751 began on 25 March; the year1752began on1 January.)
It was also New Years Day in Scotland until (and including) 25 March 1599; 1600 in Scotland began in 1 January – seeCalendar (New Style) Act 1750#Scotland., Some other European countries also celebrated 25 March as New Years Day until the late Medieval period – seeNew Year#Historical European new year dates.
Historically, 25 March served as New Year’s Day (Lady Day) in medieval and early modern Europe before calendar reforms.
Known as Lady Day for the Feast of the Annunciation, 25 March marked the start of the civil and legal year in England, Wales, Ireland, and British colonies from 1155 until 1751. Under the Julian calendar, this date signaled the end of Lent and the renewal of administrative and fiscal cycles. The Calendar (New Style) Act 1750 shifted New Year’s Day to 1 January and adopted the Gregorian calendar, with England and its colonies making the change in 1752. Scotland had already moved its civil year to 1 January in 1600 while retaining Lady Day as a quarter day until 1886. Other European regions also used various dates for New Year’s celebrations prior to standardization. The legacy of Lady Day remains in legal traditions and historical leases referencing quarter days.
New Year's Day
Lady Day
some of
future United States and Canada
1155
1751
Calendar (New Style) Act 1750
1 January
adopted the Gregorian calendar
1752
1 January
Calendar (New Style) Act 1750#Scotland
New Year#Historical European new year dates
Quarter day(first of four) in Ireland and England.
One of the four traditional quarter days marking divisions of the financial and legal year in Ireland and England.
Quarter days originated in medieval times as four fixed dates—Lady Day (25 March), Midsummer (24 June), Michaelmas (29 September), and Christmas (25 December)—used for settling rents, hiring servants, and convening courts. Lady Day aligned with the Feast of the Annunciation and defined the start of the English and Irish legal year. On these days, tenants paid rents and laborers negotiated annual contracts. Although quarter days lost legal force in the 20th century, they remain in historical records, literary works, and traditional lease agreements. The system reflects the intertwining of ecclesiastical calendars with civic governance and agrarian life.
Quarter day
It was also New Years Day in Scotland until (and including) 25 March 1599; 1600 in Scotland began in 1 January – seeCalendar (New Style) Act 1750#Scotland.
Prior to 1600, Scotland celebrated New Year's Day on March 25, known as Lady Day under the old Julian calendar.
Before the transition to January 1, the Scottish new year began on March 25 (Lady Day).
This medieval convention was rooted in Christian tradition, celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation.
Under the Julian calendar, 25 March marked the start of legal and fiscal years in Scotland.
In 1600, Scotland adopted January 1 as the official start of the new year, predating similar changes in England.
The Calendar (New Style) Act 1750 later standardized the Gregorian calendar across Great Britain.
This realignment helped synchronize civil dates with much of continental Europe.
Lady Day remains an intriguing historical marker for calendar reform enthusiasts.
Calendar (New Style) Act 1750#Scotland
Some other European countries also celebrated 25 March as New Years Day until the late Medieval period – seeNew Year#Historical European new year dates.
During the late Middle Ages, several European regions marked the new year on March 25 instead of January 1.
In parts of medieval Europe, 25 March (Lady Day) was widely recognized as the beginning of the new year.
This practice was linked to Christian symbolism, honoring the Feast of the Annunciation.
Under the Julian calendar, fiscal, legal, and agricultural cycles often aligned with Lady Day.
Over time, the shift to January 1 became more common, culminating in Europe's gradual adoption of the Gregorian calendar.
These calendar reforms helped unify trade, governance, and record-keeping across regions.
Today, historians study March 25 new year celebrations to understand medieval society and ecclesiastical influence.
New Year#Historical European new year dates