March 23 National Days

March 23 is the 82nd day of the year, with 283 days remaining until the year’s end. This day brings together 13 national and international celebrations, covering scientific achievements, adorable animals and delicious foods.

Whether you’re fascinated by meteorology, eager to enjoy a tasty tamale, or simply want to give your puppy an extra cuddle, today offers a little something for everyone.

National and International Days on March 23

Black Marriage Day* (Fourth Sunday in March): Created in 2003 by Nisa Muhammad of the Wedded Bliss Foundation, the day promotes positive relationships among Black couples and families while dispelling stereotypes. Events like vow renewals, workshops, and community gatherings aim to uplift love and build lasting partnerships that strengthen families and communities.

Cuddly Kitten Day: Your furry felines deserve all the love in the world, and that’s exactly what Cuddly Kitten Day delivers. This day is all about celebrating the joy and comfort that kittens bring into our lives. With an estimated 90 million domesticated cats in the U.S. and 220 million worldwide, cats are among the most cherished pets. They provide companionship, reduce stress, and are even known to have healing purrs that may aid in relaxation and lower blood pressure. Whether you have a playful kitten or a full-grown cat that still enjoys cuddles, today is the perfect excuse to spoil them with love.

🐾 Similar day: International Cat Day.

For more dogs, cats, and pets national days, visit the dedicated pages or use the search feature on our website to find exactly what you’re looking for!

Atheist Day: This day acknowledges those who do not believe in a deity or higher power. The term ‘atheism‘ first emerged in medieval Europe over 400 years ago, originally used to describe individuals who rejected religious beliefs. In today’s world, where more than 4,000 religions exist, this day highlights a different perspective—one that finds awe and wonder in science, human reason, and the vast universe itself. While atheism is often debated, this observance fosters dialogue about secularism and the importance of freedom of thought in an increasingly diverse society.

World Bear Day: First established in 1992, World Bear Day celebrates these magnificent creatures while raising awareness about their conservation. Bears exist across most continents except Australia and Antarctica, with six out of eight species classified as threatened or endangered. Human expansion, deforestation, and climate change continue to reduce their habitats, making conservation efforts critical. This day encourages people to learn about different bear species, their ecological importance, and what can be done to protect them. It’s also a time to appreciate their intelligence, problem-solving skills, and essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Similar day: February 27—International Polar Bear Day.

National Chia Day: Chia seeds may be tiny, but they pack a nutritional punch. National Chia Day honors this superfood, revered by the Aztecs and Maya for its healing properties and high energy content. Chia seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and antioxidants, making them a favorite addition to smoothies, yogurts, and baked goods. Founded by Mamma Chia in 2016, this day recognizes the seed’s popularity in modern diets and encourages people to explore its health benefits.

National Chip and Dip Day: Few combinations are as iconic as chips and dip. Whether it’s guacamole, salsa, hummus, or classic sour cream and onion, this pairing has been a staple at gatherings for generations. The concept of dipping food dates back centuries, with early versions of hummus-like recipes appearing as far back as the 13th century.

Just a few days earlier, on March 14, we celebrate National Potato Chip Day, making today the perfect excuse to grab your favorite dip and snack away.

National Melba Toast Day: Named after Dame Nellie Melba, a renowned Australian opera singer, Melba Toast is a dry, crispy, thinly sliced toast that pairs well with soups, salads, and spreads. French chef Auguste Escoffier created this light toast, as well as Peach Melba (that has its own national day on January 13th), in her honor. Beyond its culinary uses, Melba toast also serves as a teething snack for infants and a nutritious option for those seeking a low-calorie alternative to traditional bread.

National Puppy Day: Few things bring more joy than a playful, affectionate puppy. National Puppy Day, founded in 2006 by Colleen Paige, celebrates these adorable companions while advocating for adoption and responsible pet ownership. Millions of puppies are in shelters awaiting loving homes, and this observance encourages people to consider adoption instead of purchasing from breeders or pet stores. Puppies require care, training, and attention, and this day reminds us of the commitment involved in giving them a safe and happy life.

🐶 Similar observances include: National Dog Day (August 26) and National Cat Day (October 29).

National Tamale Day: The tamale is a traditional Mesoamerican dish dating back to 8000–5000 B.C., originally used as portable food for hunters and warriors. Made from masa (corn dough) and filled with meats, vegetables, or cheeses, tamales are wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed to perfection. Richard Lambert, owner of Tamales-To-Go, founded National Tamale Day in 2015, selecting March 23 because it was a less competitive date for celebrating this traditional dish.

Ravenclaw Pride Day: Each Hogwarts house has its own pride day, and today it’s time to celebrate Ravenclaw, the house of wit, wisdom, and creativity. Fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books recognize this day by embracing the house’s values and showing off their blue and silver attire.

OK Day: The most widely used word in the world, OK (or okay) gets its own day on March 23. First recognized in 2011 by Allan Metcalf, OK Day celebrates this incredibly versatile word, which has transcended languages and cultures worldwide. Whether spoken in English, French, Korean, or countless other languages, ‘OK’ is a universally understood term that has stood the test of time.

Not to be confused with R U OK? Day* (Second Thursday in September), which focuses on mental health awareness.

National Near Miss Day: On March 23, 1989, Earth narrowly avoided a catastrophic event when asteroid 4581 Asclepius passed within 500,000 miles of our planet. Had it collided, the impact would have released energy equivalent to a 600-megaton atomic bomb, causing mass devastation. Scientists only discovered the asteroid nine days after its closest approach, emphasizing the importance of ongoing space monitoring. National Near Miss Day serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by near-Earth objects and the need for continued advancements in asteroid detection and planetary defense.

World Meteorological Day: Established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1961, this day highlights the significance of meteorology and its impact on daily life. Meteorology, the study of the atmosphere, has evolved tremendously over the centuries, from ancient weather predictions based on astrology to modern satellite imaging and computer modeling. World Meteorological Day recognizes the role of weather forecasting in disaster preparedness, agriculture, transportation, and climate change monitoring.

⛅️ Similar observance: National Weatherperson’s Day (February 5).

March 23 offers 13 unique celebrations, ranging from scientific achievements and historical moments to delicious foodsand adorable animals. Whether you’re indulging in tamales, learning about meteorology, or simply spending time with your pets, today presents the perfect opportunity to appreciate life’s many joys.

Which of these observances will you be celebrating today? 😊

National Days in March

March 1 | March 2 | March 3 | March 4 | March 5 | March 6 | March 7 | March 8 | March 9 | March 10 | March 11 | March 12 | March 13 | March 14 | March 15 | March 16 | March 17 | March 18 | March 19 | March 20 | March 21 | March 22 | March 23 | March 24 | March 25 | March 26 | March 27 | March 28 | March 29 | March 30 | March 31