March 8 National Days

March 8 is the 67th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 298 days until the end of the year (299 in leap years). On this day, 10 national and international celebrations focus on women’s achievements, history, culture, food, and technology.

From recognizing women’s rights and contributions to celebrating classic video games, genealogy, and even fanny packs, this day offers a diverse range of observances.

Let’s take a look at the national and international days celebrated on March 8!

National and International Days on March 8

International Women’s Day: This global observance highlights the social, economic, and political achievements of women while also raising awareness of gender equality. Originating in the early 1900s, the day grew out of labor movements and women’s suffrage efforts. The United Nations officially recognized it in 1975, and today, it is celebrated worldwide with events, campaigns, and calls to action for gender parity.

National Peanut Cluster Day: This day is dedicated to the delicious combination of melted chocolate and crunchy peanuts. Peanut clusters, made with just a few simple ingredients, have been a favorite homemade treat for decades. Their mix of sweet and salty flavors makes them a popular dessert or snack, often enjoyed during the holiday season and as a quick-to-make edible gift.

National Proofreading Day: Encouraging better writing and attention to detail, this day serves as a reminder to carefully review written work. Whether for school, business, or personal communication, proofreading helps eliminate errors and improve clarity. The day was created by Judy Beaver in honor of her mother, who enjoyed correcting mistakes and valued the importance of precise language.

National Oregon Day: Recognizing Oregon, the 33rd U.S. state, this day celebrates its geographic diversity, history, and natural beauty. Known as the Beaver State, Oregon boasts volcanoes, forests, and rugged coastlines. It is also a prime location for mushroom foraging, drawing nature lovers to its beautiful landscapes.

National Retro Video Game Day: This day honors the golden age of video gaming and the influence of early console games. The date was chosen to commemorate Ralph Baer, the “Father of Video Games,” who was born on March 8, 1922. His contributions led to the first home gaming console, the Magnavox Odyssey, in 1972. This day brings together gamers of all ages to appreciate classic games that laid the foundation for modern video gaming.

World Information Architecture Day* (First or second Saturday in March): Created by the Information Architecture Institute in 2012, this day highlights the importance of organizing digital information for accessibility and ease of use. It brings together professionals in design, technology, and information management to discuss ways to improve user experience and create more navigable digital spaces. Events worldwide focus on making technology simpler and more efficient for users.

National Urban Ballroom Dancing Day* (Second Saturday in March): This day celebrates urban ballroom dancing, a fusion of traditional ballroom styles with modern influences from African American and Latin cultures. It originated in cities like Detroit and Chicago, where unique dance styles like Detroit Ballroom and Chicago Steppin’ gained popularity. Established in the early 2000s, this day encourages people to learn, appreciate, and participate in this rich cultural dance tradition.

International Fanny Pack Day* (Second Saturday in March): This fun and charitable day was founded in 2007 by Nick Yates of Portland, Oregon after a humorous encounter with a homeless man. While wearing a fanny pack, Yates offered food to someone in need, which sparked the idea of connecting the fanny pack with giving back. Today, the event promotes hunger awareness and food donations, proving that even a quirky accessory can inspire kindness.

National Genealogy Day* (Second Saturday in March): Established in 2013 in Limerick, Ireland, this day encourages people to explore their family history. It started as a local church initiative to share historical marriage and baptism records, helping attendees trace their ancestry. Now, it serves as a reminder to connect with family roots and appreciate the past.

Be Nasty Day: This lighthearted holiday encourages people to break free from excessive politeness and stand up for their beliefs. While originally meant as a fun, tongue-in-cheek celebration, it took on a new meaning in 2016 when it became associated with women’s rights activism. Inspired by a political moment in which Hillary Clinton was called a “nasty woman,” the phrase was reclaimed as a rallying cry for those pushing for change and standing their ground.

These 10 national and international days observed on March 8 highlight women’s achievements, cultural history, classic gaming, and even quirky traditions. Whether you honor women’s progress, enjoy nostalgic video games, research your family tree, or wear a fanny pack for a good cause, this day offers a variety of ways to engage and celebrate!

Which of these observances will you be celebrating today?