March 16 National Days

March 16 is the 75th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 290 days until the end of the year (291 in leap years). On this day, 11 national and international celebrations take place, focusing on health, history, science, human rights, and appreciation for both people and animals.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on March 16!

National and International Days on March 16

National Everything You Do Is Right Day: This lighthearted holiday comes right after National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day on March 15th and serves as a way to boost morale. After a day of questioning decisions, March 16th is all about feeling good about everything you do. It’s a fun reminder to approach life with confidence and a positive attitude.

National Vaccination Day: Observed annually on March 16, this day highlights the importance of vaccines in public health. It commemorates the first oral polio vaccine administered in India in 1995 as part of the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme. Vaccines have played a crucial role in eradicating or controlling diseases like polio, measles, and smallpox. National Vaccination Day serves as a reminder of the power of immunization in preventing outbreaks and protecting communities.

National Lips Appreciation Day: Founded by Thomas and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays, this day is dedicated to appreciating and caring for lips. Since lips lack sweat and oil glands, they require extra attention to prevent dryness and sun damage. The day also celebrates the unique aspects of lips, from their role in communication to their significance in attraction and beauty.

Black Press Day: Established by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in 1990, Black Press Day honors the legacy of Black-owned newspapers. It commemorates the founding of Freedom’s Journal in 1827, the first Black-owned newspaper in the United States. These publications have played a crucial role in advocating for civil rights, providing a voice to underrepresented communities, and shaping public discourse.

National Artichoke Day / National Artichoke Hearts Day: This day highlights artichoke’s culinary and health benefits. Artichokes are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, making them a great addition to various dishes. Whether steamed, grilled, or marinated, artichoke hearts are a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine.

National Curl Crush Day: Founded by Carol’s Daughter in 2021, this day encourages people to embrace and celebrate their natural curls. It promotes self-love and appreciation for diverse hair textures while raising awareness about proper hair care and the beauty of natural curls.

National Freedom of Information Day: Observed annually during Sunshine Week, this day coincides with the birthday of President James Madison, a strong advocate for government transparency. Freedom of Information laws ensure that citizens have the right to access public records and hold institutions accountable. The day highlights the importance of open governance and public access to information.

Driving Instructor Day: Recognizing the dedication of driving instructors, this day marks the anniversary of the first-ever driving test in the UK on March 16, 1935. Driving instructors play a critical role in road safety by teaching new drivers the skills necessary to navigate roads responsibly. The observance acknowledges their patience, expertise, and contribution to making roads safer.

Robert Goddard Day: Honoring Robert H. Goddard, the father of modern rocketry, this day commemorates the March 16, 1926, launch of the first liquid-fueled rocket. Goddard’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for space exploration. His innovations proved that rockets could function in a vacuum, paving the way for space missions and technological advancements in aerospace engineering.

National Panda Day: This day celebrates the giant panda, a beloved and endangered species native to China. Conservation efforts have helped increase the wild panda population, but habitat loss remains a significant concern. National Panda Day raises awareness about these efforts and highlights the importance of protecting wildlife and biodiversity.

No Selfies Day: A response to the growing selfie culture, this day encourages people to take a break from self-portraits and social media validation. Studies show that excessive focus on selfies can affect self-esteem and body image. No Selfies Day serves as a reminder to engage with the world beyond digital screens and appreciate moments without the need for photographic proof.

These 11 national and international observances on March 16 offer a mix of educational, historical, and lighthearted themes. From recognizing the impact of vaccines and press freedom to celebrating natural beauty and scientific achievements, this day provides opportunities for learning, reflection, and appreciation.

Which of these observances will you be celebrating today?