National & International Days on March 25, 2026
Below are brief explanations of each observance celebrated on March 25.
American Red Cross Giving Day
American Red Cross Giving Day* (Fourth Wednesday in March) supports the humanitarian work of the American Red Cross through donations, volunteering, and public engagement. First observed in 2015, the day falls during Red Cross Month. The Red Cross responds to roughly 60,000 disasters a year in the United States, from house fires to hurricanes, and runs one of the largest blood supply networks in the country.
Bed-In for Peace Day
Bed-In for Peace Day marks the anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s 1969 protest against the Vietnam War. Instead of a traditional demonstration, the couple invited the press to their room at the Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam, where they spent a week in bed talking about peace. A second bed-in followed at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, where they recorded Give Peace a Chance. The stunt was deliberately absurd, and that was the point. It turned global media attention toward an anti-war message at a time when the world was watching.
Dante Day
Dante Day, known in Italy as Dantedì, honors the poet Dante Alighieri and his masterwork The Divine Comedy. Established by the Italian government in 2020, the day recognizes Dante’s influence on the Italian language, literature, and Western thought. March 25 was chosen because scholars believe it is the date on which The Divine Comedy’s fictional journey begins. Schools, libraries, and cultural institutions mark the occasion with readings, discussions, and exhibitions.
International Data Center Day
International Data Center Day* (Third or Fourth Wednesday in March) draws attention to the facilities behind the internet, cloud computing, and digital services we rely on every day. Organized by 7×24 Exchange International, the day focuses on introducing students and aspiring tech professionals to careers in the data center industry. Many facilities host open house events and outreach programs to give the next generation a look at what keeps the digital world running.
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was established by the United Nations in 2007. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, up to 17 million enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas. The day serves as both a memorial and an educational tool, drawing attention to the lasting consequences of slavery and the ongoing dangers of racism and discrimination. The permanent memorial Ark of Return at UN Headquarters in New York stands in their honor.
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members honors UN personnel who have been detained, gone missing, or lost their lives in the line of duty. The date was chosen in memory of Alec Collett, a former British journalist who was abducted in 1985 while on assignment for the United Nations. His remains were not found until 2009. The day serves as a reminder of the real dangers faced by staff working in conflict zones and unstable regions worldwide.
International Day of the Unborn Child
International Day of the Unborn Child is an observance promoted by pro-life organizations that advocates for the protection of unborn children. Pope John Paul II established the day, choosing March 25 to coincide with the Feast of the Annunciation. Several countries formally recognize it, including Argentina, El Salvador, and the Philippines. The observance continues to be part of broader ethical, religious, and political conversations about reproductive rights.
International Waffle Day
International Waffle Day traces back to a Swedish mix-up. March 25 was traditionally celebrated in Sweden as Varfrudagen (Our Lady’s Day), marking the Feast of the Annunciation. In spoken Swedish, Varfrudagen sounds remarkably like Vaffeldagen (Waffle Day), and over time the religious holiday turned into a day for eating waffles. Swedish waffles are thinner and heart-shaped, typically served with jam, whipped cream, or berries. The tradition has since spread to Norway, Denmark, and beyond.
There are at least two other days dedicated to waffles:
- National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day on March 11
- National Waffle Day on August 24
Manatee Appreciation Day
Manatee Appreciation Day* (Last Wednesday in March) focuses on the conservation of manatees, large herbivorous marine mammals found in warm coastal waters, rivers, and springs. Despite having no natural predators, manatees face serious threats from boat strikes and habitat loss. The day encourages public education around speed zone enforcement in waterways, the protection of warm-water habitats, and efforts to reduce human impact on manatee populations.
Maryland Day
Maryland Day marks the arrival of English settlers at St. Clement’s Island on March 25, 1634. The colonists sailed aboard two ships, The Ark and The Dove, and went on to establish one of the original American colonies. Maryland made it an official state holiday in 1916. The day is observed with educational programs, historical reenactments, and celebrations of the state’s founding.
National Governance Professionals Day
National Governance Professionals Day* (Last Wednesday in March) recognizes the people who keep organizations running with integrity. Launched in 2023 by the Governance Professionals of Canada, the day highlights the work of corporate secretaries, compliance officers, and board advisors who manage risks, navigate regulations, and support sound decision-making behind the scenes.
National Little Red Wagon Day
National Little Red Wagon Day* (Last Wednesday in March) was established by Radio Flyer to mark the company’s 100th anniversary. Since the 1920s, the little red wagon has been a fixture of childhood play and backyard adventures. The day encourages families to step outside, explore, and spend time together.
National Lobster Newburg Day
National Lobster Newburg Day honors a dish with a surprisingly petty origin story. In the late 19th century, sea captain Ben Wenburg shared his lobster recipe with Delmonico’s restaurant in New York, where it was served as Lobster a la Wenburg. After a falling-out between the two, the restaurant simply rearranged the letters and renamed it Lobster Newburg. The dish, made with lobster, butter, cream, egg yolks, sherry, and cayenne pepper, has outlasted the grudge by well over a century.
National Medal of Honor Day
National Medal of Honor Day recognizes the highest military decoration in the United States. Congress established the day in 1990 to mark the anniversary of the first Medals of Honor, presented on March 25, 1863, to six survivors of the Andrews’ Raid during the Civil War. Since then, more than 3,400 service members have received the medal for extraordinary acts of valor in combat.
National OmazingYou Day
National OmazingYou Day encourages people to take their own well-being seriously. Created in 2021 by motivational coach and author Obioma Martin, the day is about recognizing your worth without waiting for permission or validation. It promotes self-care, emotional health, and the habit of treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer others.
Tolkien Reading Day
Tolkien Reading Day invites fans to read and share the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. The Tolkien Society established the day in 2003, choosing March 25 because it is the date of the fall of Sauron in The Lord of the Rings. Each year, the Society announces a theme to guide readings and discussions in schools, libraries, and book clubs around the world.
Whole Day for Whole Grain
Whole Day for Whole Grain* (Last Wednesday of March), formerly known as Whole Grain Sampling Day, encourages people to swap refined grains for whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat. Whole grains retain all three parts of the grain kernel, making them richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than their processed counterparts.
National Days to Explore
School Year
National Days — Academic Year 2025–2026
Year 2026
National Days 2026 — Aesthetic
Year 2026
National Days 2026 — Festive
Year 2026
National Days 2026 — Watercolor
Food Days · 2026
Food Days 2026 — Aesthetic
Food Days · 2026
Food Days 2026 — Festive