March 20 National Days

March 20 is the 79th day of the year (80th in leap years). 286 days remain until the end of the year. The spring equinox usually occurs around this date in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the shift from winter to spring. Around the world, this day brings a mix of cultural, environmental, and food-related celebrations.

Today, we recognize 34 national and international observances, covering everything from happiness and storytelling to frogs, flour, and ravioli! Whether you’re interested in history, science, nature, or food, there’s something to celebrate.

Here are all the national days observed on March 20.

Absolutely Incredible Kid Day* (Third Thursday in March): encourages adults to tell kids how absolutely incredible they are. A simple compliment can boost a child’s confidence, but writing it down makes it even more meaningful. In 1996, Camp Fire launched Absolutely Incredible Kid Day to inspire adults and organizations to participate in a letter-writing campaign that reminds kids just how special they are. Each year, this initiative fosters encouragement and self-esteem in young people across the country.

Alien Abduction Day / Extraterrestrial Abduction Day: playfully explores stories of alien encounters and the fascination surrounding extraterrestrial life. The origins of this observance remain unclear, but its popularity grew after a 2008 festival in Toronto dedicated to the theme of alien abduction. Fans of UFOs and science fiction celebrate by discussing famous abduction stories, watching alien-themed movies, and engaging in discussions about the possibilities of life beyond Earth.

👽 Other related observances include World Contact Day on March 15th and Alien Day on April 26th (4/26).

Astrology Day* (Date varies, usually March 20 or 21): marks the beginning of the astrological year, aligning with the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. The Association for Astrological Networking (AFAN) launched World Astrology Day in 1993 to celebrate astrology and its role in human history.

🔮 Explore AstroMango.com for more astrology-related insights! If you’re just starting, grab my Astrology Cheat Sheet—a bestseller on Etsy since 2021—to help you learn the basics! ✨

Bibliomania Day: highlights the fine line between a love for books and the obsessive urge to collect them. While bibliophilia refers to a deep appreciation of books, bibliomania is a compulsive disorder where collecting books disrupts daily life. The day commemorates the most infamous case of bibliomania—Stephen Blumberg’s book heist. Between the 1970s and 1990, Blumberg stole over 23,600 rare books from libraries and museums across 45 states and two Canadian provinces, amassing a collection worth $5.3 million before his arrest on March 20, 1990.

📚 Discover the ultimate list of bookish national days and months and celebrate your love for reading all year round!

Bock Beer Day: celebrates one of Germany’s oldest beer styles, known for its rich maltiness and strength. Originating in the 14th-century town of Einbeck, Bock beer became popular in Bavaria, where the pronunciation “Einbeck” evolved into “ein Bock” (meaning “a billy goat“). The beer is often associated with religious festivals, as Bavarian monks relied on it during Lenten fasting for sustenance. Today, Bock Beer Day is observed by beer enthusiasts who enjoy traditional Maibock, Doppelbock, and Eisbock varieties.

🍹 Curious about more alcohol-related national days? Check out this comprehensive list and celebrate your favorite drinks all year long! 🥂🍸🍺✨

Companies That Care Day* (Third Thursday in March): This day celebrates businesses that prioritize employee well-being and community engagement. Companies that foster professional growth, support their employees, and give back to society are recognized for their role in creating a sustainable and positive work environment. Many businesses observe this day by launching employee appreciation programs, community service initiatives, and workplace wellness events.

French Language Day / Francophonie Day: celebrates the influence of the French language in culture, history, and international affairs. Spoken by 275 million people across five continents, French evolved from Latin between the 5th and 8th centuries. In 2010, the United Nations established six language days to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. March 20 was chosen for French Language Day to honor the anniversary of the International Organization of La Francophonie, founded in 1970.

The six days recognized include:

• French Language Day on March 20
• Chinese Language Day on April 20
• English Language Day on April 23
• Russian Language Day on June 6
• Spanish Language Day on October 12
• Arabic Language Day on December 18
• International Mother Language Day on February 21
• International Translation Day on September 30

Great American Meat Out Day: encourages people to try a meat-free diet for a day. FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) launched the event in 1985 to promote plant-based lifestyles and raise awareness about the environmental, ethical, and health concerns of meat consumption. Inspired by the Great American Smokeout* (Third Thursday of November), which encourages people to quit smoking, Meat Out Day challenges participants to explore vegetarian and vegan meals. Over time, it has become one of the world’s largest grassroots campaigns advocating for animal welfare and sustainable food choices.

🥗 Discover the complete list of national days and months dedicated to vegans and vegetarians, and celebrate plant-based living all year round! 🌱✨

Great British Spring Clean* (March 21 – April 6, 2025): The UK’s largest mass-action environmental campaign. Keep Britain Tidy, an environmental charity founded in 1954, launched the event in 1989 to combat litter and pollution across the UK. Since then, millions of volunteers have taken part in litter-picking efforts.

Hufflepuff Pride Day: celebrates Hufflepuff House from the Harry Potter series. Launched through the Pottermore website, this day recognizes the loyalty, kindness, and hard work that define Hufflepuffs. The house is symbolized by a badger, yellow and black colors, and its cozy common room near the Hogwarts kitchens. Fans show their Hufflepuff pride by wearing house colors, sharing their favorite Hufflepuff characters (like Cedric Diggory and Nymphadora Tonks), and celebrating the values of friendship and perseverance.

🧙‍♂️✨ Explore the complete list of Harry Potter-themed national days and celebrate the magic all year long! ⚡📖🏰

International Day of Happiness: emphasizes the importance of happiness and well-being as global priorities. For too long, economic growth has been the primary measure of progress, but happiness plays an equally vital role in human development. In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly recognized happiness as a fundamental human goal. In 2012, the UN established March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, with the first official observance held in 2013. Since then, people worldwide participate in activities that spread joy, gratitude, and kindness.

National Close the Gap Day 🇦🇺* (Third Thursday in March): advocates for health equity among Australia’s Indigenous communities. Launched in 2007, the initiative raises awareness about the health disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Life expectancy in these Indigenous communities is 10 to 17 years lower, highlighting the urgent need for better healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Events across Australia encourage action toward closing this gap and improving well-being for Indigenous populations.

National Dogs in Yellow Day: raises awareness about anxious or reactive dogs who need space from other animals and people. Founded in 2022 by Sarah Jones, the campaign encourages dog owners to dress their dogs in yellow to signal caution. Inspired by her dog Bella, who developed anxiety after an attack, Jones wanted a visible way to educate the public about giving space to nervous dogs. The movement aligns with My Anxious Dog, a brand promoting safe interactions for fearful or reactive pets.

🐶 Explore all dog-themed national days dedicated to our pawsome friends and their owners! Celebrate your furry companion all year long! 🐾🎉✨

National Farm Rescuer Day* (Third Thursday in March): recognizes volunteers who help farmers in crisis due to illness, injury, or natural disasters. Farm Rescue, a nonprofit founded in 2005 by Bill Gross, has assisted nearly 1,200 farm families across the Midwest and Great Plains. Volunteers step in to plant crops, harvest fields, and provide crucial support when farmers are unable to work. In 2017, the organization established National Farm Rescuer Day to acknowledge the dedication of these helpers and inspire more people to support struggling farm communities.

National Jump Out Day: This energetic day encourages people to jump for fun and fitness! Inspired by a 2012 internet discussion imagining the effects of a global jump, the idea evolved into an annual celebration by 2015. Schools, fitness groups, and communities mark the day with jumping challenges, workouts, and playful competitions, reminding everyone that movement boosts health and happiness.

National Kiss Your Fiancé Day: reminds engaged couples to pause and celebrate their love amid wedding planning stress. A simple kiss can strengthen intimacy, reduce stress, and bring joy. The day encourages couples to take a break from logistics and enjoy a moment of connection before saying “I do.”

National Macaron Day: celebrates the delicate, colorful French macaron—a sandwich cookie made from meringue, almond flour, and buttercream or ganache. Chef François Payard established National Macaron Day in New York City in 2010 to offer free macarons while donating a portion of sales to charity. Since then, bakeries worldwide have embraced the event, making it a sweet way to spread happiness.

National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: brings together Indigenous communities across the U.S. to promote HIV/AIDS education, testing, and prevention. Established in 2007 by the National Native Capacity Building Assistance Network, the day addresses health disparities affecting American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations. Events across the country provide resources and encourage HIV testing and awareness.

National Proposal Day* (Vernal and Autumnal Equinoxes): gives couples a special occasion to take the next step in their relationship. Celebrated on both the spring and fall equinoxes, when day and night are of equal length, the day symbolizes balance and harmony—key elements of a strong marriage. Created by John Michael O’Loughlin, the observance encourages those who have been waiting for the right moment to propose to their loved one.

National Ravioli Day: honors one of Italy’s most beloved pasta dishes. Ravioli consists of two layers of egg pasta filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, then served in broth or sauce. The earliest recorded ravioli recipes date back to 14th-century Italy, and the dish became widespread across Europe. Today, homemade and store-bought ravioli remain a favorite comfort food, with endless varieties and creative fillings.

🍝 Curious about more pasta and noodle-related national days and months? Explore the full list and celebrate your favorite dishes all year long! 🎉🍜✨

National Snowman Burning Day: marks the symbolic end of winter and welcomes the arrival of spring. Inspired by the German “Rose Sunday Festival,” this tradition began in 1971 at Lake Superior State University (LSSU). The event involves burning a straw snowman effigy, representing the transition from cold, snowy days to warmer, sunnier weather. Today, similar celebrations take place in various parts of the world to embrace seasonal change.

National Spray Tanning Day* (Third Thursday in March): This day promotes safe, sunless tanning as a healthier alternative to UV exposure. Spray tanning provides a streak-free, customizable glow without the risks of sun damage. Sunless, Inc., the company behind Mystic Tan, Norvell, and VersaSpa, founded the day in 2022 to raise awareness of professional and at-home self-tanning options.

Oranges and Lemons Day 🇬🇧* (Third Thursday in March): is rooted in London’s historic St. Clement Danes Church and the famous nursery rhyme of the same name. The bells of St. Clement Danes, along with other London churches, inspired the lyrics “Oranges and lemons / Say the bells of St. Clements”. In 1919, Reverend William Pennington-Bickford restored the church’s bells, reviving the connection between the nursery rhyme and the church’s history.

Spring Equinox* (Usually March 20 or 21): marks the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumnin the Southern Hemisphere. On this day, the sun crosses the celestial equator, resulting in equal daylight and darkness worldwide. Many cultures and ancient civilizations, including the Maya, Persians, and Druids, celebrated the equinox as a time of renewal and rebirth. Today, the event is observed with festivals, rituals, and nature appreciation activities.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day: pays tribute to Fred Rogers, the beloved host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Born on March 20, 1928, Rogers dedicated his life to teaching kindness, acceptance, and emotional well-being to children. His PBS show, which aired from 1968 to 2001, continues to inspire generations. On this day, people honor Rogers’ legacy by engaging in acts of kindness, community service, and wearing a red sweater—his signature look.

🏡 A related holiday, National Good Neighbor Day, is on September 28th and is another great day to spread kindness in your neighborhood.

World Behavior Analysis Day: highlights the science of behavior analysis, which studies how biological, environmental, and social factors influence human behavior. The field plays a crucial role in education, mental health, autism therapy, and substance abuse treatment. March 20 was chosen to honor B.F. Skinner, the pioneer of modern behavior analysis, who was born on this day in 1904.

World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People: promotes the importance of theater arts in child development. Led by the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ), the event encourages theater performances, workshops, and storytelling sessions worldwide. The initiative, launched in 2001, carries the slogan “Take a child to the theater today” to emphasize the transformative power of live performance in shaping young minds.

World Flour Day: celebrates the global significance of flour as a staple ingredient in many cuisines. Humans have been grinding grains into flour for over 30,000 years, using it to make bread, pasta, pastries, and countless other foods. The Flour World Museum in Germany founded World Flour Day in 2019 to honor the role of farmers, millers, and bakers in feeding the world.

World Frog Day: raises awareness about the declining population of frogs and other amphibians. Amphibians, which have existed for over 250 million years, are now among the most threatened species due to habitat loss, climate change, and disease. Established in 2014, this day calls for conservation efforts to protect frogs, which play a vital role in maintaining ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as indicators of environmental health.

World Head Injury Awareness Day: brings attention to the prevention and treatment of head injuries, which range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The day stresses the importance of helmets, seat belts, and workplace safety measures in reducing accidents. It also supports individuals recovering from brain injuries, helping them reintegrate into daily life.

World Oral Health Day: promotes oral hygiene and dental care worldwide. Launched in 2007 by the FDI World Dental Federation, the event moved to March 20 in 2013 to highlight two key oral health goals: seniors should have at least 20 natural teeth for a healthy life, and children should develop all 20 primary teeth. The day encourages regular dental checkups, proper brushing habits, and reducing sugar intake to prevent oral diseases.

🦷 National Dental Care Month, observed in May, serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. 😁✨

World Rewilding Day: emphasizes restoring natural ecosystems by reintroducing species and reducing human impact on nature. Founded in 2021 by the Global Rewilding Alliance (GRA), this observance coincides with the spring and autumn equinoxes, symbolizing balance between humans and nature. Each year, a different theme focuses on biodiversity, climate resilience, and ecological restoration.

World Sparrow Day: calls attention to the declining population of house sparrows due to urbanization, pollution, and habitat destruction. The Nature Forever Society of India, founded by Mohammed Dilawar, launched the day in 2010 with support from the Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France). The event encourages bird conservation efforts, such as installing birdhouses, planting native plants, and reducing pesticide use.

World Storytelling Day: celebrates the art of oral storytelling, a tradition as old as human civilization. The event began in Sweden in 1991 as “All Storytellers’ Day” and expanded globally in 2003. Today, storytelling festivals, performances, and workshops take place worldwide, highlighting the power of stories to educate, entertain, and connect generations.

With so many diverse celebrations on March 20, there’s plenty of inspiration to make the most of the day. Whether you’re writing a letter to an incredible kid, learning about rewilding, or enjoying a plate of ravioli, today is filled with meaningful and fun ways to engage.

Which of these observances will you be celebrating today? 😊