March 3 National Days

March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 303 days until the end of the year (304 in leap years). On this day, 19 national and international celebrations take place, recognizing history, food, sports, wildlife conservation, and acts of kindness.

Whether it’s honoring the national anthem, appreciating cold cuts, spreading happiness, or supporting wildlife conservation, March 3 presents a diverse range of meaningful observances.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days observed on March 3!

National and International Days on March 3

Canadian Bacon Day: This day honors Canadian bacon, which differs from its American counterpart. Unlike the crispy, fatty strips of American bacon, Canadian bacon is made from pork loin, resulting in a leaner, more tender cut. Known as peameal bacon in Canada, it was traditionally rolled in ground yellow peas to extend its shelf life—a method introduced by William Davies, a pioneer in the Canadian pork industry.

International Irish Whiskey Day: The day was established by Stuart McNamara, a whiskey writer and editor, to celebrate the 800 years of tradition, quality, and unique character of Irish whiskey. Today, over 30 distilleries operate across Ireland, producing a variety of single malts, blends, and pot still whiskeys. International Irish Whiskey Day is a time to appreciate this iconic drink, explore different brands, and raise a glass to Ireland’s enduring whiskey tradition.

🥃 A more general celebration, International Whisk(e)y Day, takes place later in the month on March 27th, honoring whiskey lovers around the world! 🎉

National Anthem Day: This day commemorates the adoption of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the United States’ national anthem in 1931. Written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, the lyrics were inspired by the American flag’s resilience during the Battle of Fort McHenry. While other patriotic songs like “Hail Columbia” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” were popular, the U.S. officially declared Key’s song as the national anthem through a congressional resolution signed by President Herbert Hoover.

National Cold Cuts Day: Celebrating sandwich meats, this day acknowledges deli staples like turkey, ham, and salami, as well as more acquired tastes like head cheese and braunschweiger. Cold cuts, also known as lunch meats or deli meats, have been enjoyed for centuries and remain a popular choice for sandwiches and charcuterie boards.

National I Want You to Be Happy Day: A day dedicated to spreading joy and positivity, it encourages people to do something kind for others. Whether through small gestures like compliments or larger acts of generosity, happiness is often contagious. The day serves as a reminder that while we can’t control others’ emotions, we can contribute to their well-being through kindness.

National Mulled Wine Day: Marking the seasonal warmth of spiced wine, this day highlights a drink enjoyed since ancient Rome. Traditionally made with red wine, citrus, honey, and spices like cinnamon and cloves, mulled wine is especially popular in Europe, particularly during the Christmas season. While alcoholic versions are common, non-alcoholic variations exist, making it a cozy beverage for everyone.

🍷 Explore the complete list of wine-related and alcohol-themed national days and celebrate your favorites all year long! 🥂🍸🍺

Soup It Forward Day: Founded by Soup Sisters, this day promotes kindness through soup-sharing. The organization, started in 2009, delivers homemade soup to emergency shelters across North America, serving women and children escaping domestic violence. The initiative highlights the warmth and comfort a simple bowl of soup can bring.

National Read Across America Day / Dr. Seuss Day* (If on weekend, then nearest school day): Initiated by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998, this day promotes literacy and the joy of reading. It coincides with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, a beloved children’s author, and encourages schools, libraries, and families to engage in reading activities. Over time, the celebration has expanded to highlight diverse literature and year-round reading initiatives.

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

World Wildlife Day: Recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this day raises awareness about threatened and endangered species. Each year highlights a different aspect of conservation, from marine life preservation to habitat restoration. The event serves as a reminder of humanity’s role in protecting biodiversity for future generations.

🦁 World Wildlife Day is a global celebration, but did you know there are also National Wildlife Days observed on February 22nd and September 4th? Each of these days highlights the importance of protecting and appreciating wildlife in different ways! 🌍

World Hearing Day: Created by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2007, this day promotes hearing loss prevention and ear care. With over 466 million people worldwide affected by hearing impairment, the campaign focuses on early detection, accessibility to hearing aids, and reducing preventable hearing damage.

Simplify Your Life Day: Founded by professional organizer Carmen Coker in 2011, this day encourages decluttering and reducing stress. Inspired by the minimalist movement of the 1970s, it promotes simplifying possessions, schedules, and commitments to create a more balanced lifestyle.

Cream Bun Day* (Observed mainly in Nordic countries on the Monday before Ash Wednesday): Known as “Semla” in Sweden, “Fastelavnsbolle” in Norway, “Laskiaispulla” in Finland, “Bolludagur” in Iceland and “Vastlakukkel” in Estonia, this sweet, filled bun is traditionally enjoyed in preparation for Lent. Made with cardamom-spiced dough, whipped cream, and almond paste, it remains a popular seasonal treat.

International Tripel Day: Celebrating Belgian Tripel beer, this day honors the strong, golden ale first brewed in the 1930s. Created by monks and secular brewers alike, Tripel beers are known for their high alcohol content, fruity notes, and spicy flavors. March 3 (3/3) was chosen to reflect the beer’s name and brewing style.

National Triplet Day: This observance highlights the experience of triplets and celebrates the unique bond shared by siblings born together. March 3 (3/3) was chosen as a symbolic date to recognize multiples in families and the special joys and challenges of growing up as a triplet.

Global Omega-3 Day: Established in 2010 by Dr. Carol Locke, this day promotes the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. Known for supporting heart health, brain function, and inflammation reduction, Omega-3s are found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. The date 03/03 was chosen to represent the essential EPA and DHA Omega-3s.

National Moscow Mule Day: First celebrated in 2017, this day honors the vodka, ginger beer, and lime cocktail served in a copper mug. Created in the 1940s, the drink’s popularity was driven by John Martin, Jack Morgan, and Sophie Berezinski, who introduced the distinctive copper mugs that remain iconic today. The 3/3 date represents the drink’s three main ingredients.

33 Flavors Day: Inspired by Baskin-Robbins’ “31 Flavors” concept, this day recognizes variety in ice cream flavors. With over 1,300 flavors created since the company’s founding in 1945, this observance encourages people to try new and unique ice cream choices.

🍦 Discover the complete list of ice cream-related national days all gathered on one page for your convenience! 🎉🍨

Caregiver Appreciation Day: This day recognizes the dedication of caregivers who support the elderly, disabled, and those in need. Many caregivers work long hours with little recognition, making this an opportunity to express gratitude for their selfless service.

What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day: Created by Tom and Ruth Roy, this humorous observance imagines a world where pets could use tools. It’s a playful way to appreciate the quirky companionship of cats and dogs while imagining the amusing possibilities if they had thumbs.

🐾 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!

These 19 national and international days observed on March 3 recognize history, wildlife conservation, reading, health, food, and acts of kindness. Whether it’s honoring the U.S. national anthem, enjoying a bowl of soup, raising awareness about hearing health, or celebrating triplets, this day offers a variety of meaningful ways to participate.

Which of these observances will you be celebrating today?