March 29 National Days

March 29 is the 88th day of the year (89th in leap years), with 277 days remaining. As spring settles in, this date highlights 12 national and international observances.

From honoring Vietnam War veterans and spotlighting child protection efforts in Texas to celebrating the beauty of music, baking, and even mermaids—March 29 offers a meaningful and imaginative mix of causes and celebrations.

National Days on March 29th — March 29th National Days

Here’s a closer look at the national and international days observed on March 29.

National and International Days on March 29

Earth Hour* (Last Saturday in March) is a global event that invites individuals, communities, and businesses to switch off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. as a symbolic act of environmental awareness. Started in 2007 by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour has grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment. It emphasizes the importance of energy conservation and climate action, reminding people everywhere that even small actions can contribute to a healthier planet.

Mermaid Day explores the enduring fascination with mermaids in mythology, history, and pop culture. These legendary half-human, half-fish beings appear in folklore across the globe—from ancient Assyrian myths to Greek sirens and Scandinavian sea spirits. Though no scientific evidence supports their existence, historical figures like Christopher Columbus and Blackbeard reported encounters, adding to the mystique. Today, mermaids continue to capture the imagination, symbolizing the mysteries of the ocean and the power of storytelling across cultures.

National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day honors a dessert known for its delicate texture and bright, citrusy flavor. First created by Henry Baker in 1927, chiffon cake was a baking innovation that blended the moistness of butter cake with the lightness of angel food cake by using whipped egg whites and vegetable oil. In 1947, Baker sold the closely guarded recipe to General Mills, which helped popularize it across the country. Lemon chiffon cake, in particular, became a seasonal favorite, offering a refreshing and airy option perfect for spring gatherings.

National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day honors the dedication and passion of small business owners across the country. These family-run operations are vital to local economies and often offer personalized service and community ties that larger corporations can’t match. Established by Rick and Margie Segel to recognize the success of Rick’s parents’ clothing shop, the day serves as a reminder of the hard work and commitment behind every independent shop.

National Nevada Day marks the anniversary of Nevada’s admission to the Union on October 31, 1864, during the Civil War. Known as the “Battle Born State,” Nevada joined with fewer than the required 60,000 residents, driven by its strategic importance and rich silver deposits. It later became known for railroads, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, and its wide-open deserts. Today, Nevada is celebrated for its unique blend of natural beauty, mining history, and vibrant urban centers.

National Pita Day recognizes one of the world’s oldest breads, tracing back to ancient Middle Eastern cultures. Archaeological evidence suggests that prehistoric flatbreads resembling pita were made by the Natufian people over 12,000 years ago. Modern pita, known for its pocket formed during baking, is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The day, first spotted on social media in 2021, celebrates pita’s versatility and global popularity as a healthy and tasty bread option.

National Pita Day

National Smoke and Mirrors Day highlights the fascinating world of illusions and the importance of thinking critically. The phrase “smoke and mirrors” comes from classic magic tricks where performers used visual effects to deceive the eye. While the term originally celebrated stagecraft, it has since become a metaphor for misleading tactics in everyday situations. Observed as an unofficial holiday, the day honors the creativity of illusionists while encouraging awareness of how appearances can be deceiving—both on stage and in real life.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day honors the service and sacrifice of those who served during the Vietnam War. On March 29, 1973, U.S. combat troops officially withdrew from South Vietnam, marking the end of direct American military involvement. The observance was signed into law in 2017 to recognize the veterans who often returned home without the respect they deserved. It serves as a long-overdue thank you to those who answered the call to serve during a divisive and challenging conflict.

Niagara Falls Runs Dry Day marks the unusual event of March 29, 1848, when the powerful flow of Niagara Falls came to a complete stop. An ice jam at the mouth of the Niagara River blocked the water, halting the falls for over 30 hours. During that time, curious locals ventured onto the dry riverbed, uncovering relics and debris from earlier eras, including remnants from past battles. Though rare and temporary, this event stands as a striking example of nature’s unpredictability and the delicate balance within natural systems.

Payday It Forward is observed annually to encourage acts of kindness toward young Black men and boys. Named in memory of Paylor “Payday” James Daniels, the day serves as a call to confront racial bias and restore dignity through everyday gestures of respect and support. It promotes awareness of systemic discrimination and aims to create positive change by urging communities to treat young Black individuals with fairness, humanity, and compassion.

Texas Loves the Children Day is a state-recognized observance focused on raising awareness about child abuse prevention. Created in 2003 by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the day emphasizes support for survivors and encourages proactive steps to protect children. It also underscores the important role that both professionals and community members play in identifying signs of abuse and fostering safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive.

World Piano Day* (29 March in normal years and 28 March in leap years) falls on the 88th day of the year—symbolizing the 88 keys of a standard piano. Initiated by German composer Nils Frahm in 2015, this celebration brings together pianists, composers, technicians, and enthusiasts through concerts, masterclasses, and tributes around the world. The day honors the piano’s role in music history and encourages new generations to appreciate its expressive potential and timeless beauty.