International awareness days and key dates
Awareness days, weeks and months, with bank holidays and the big commercial dates. Pick a country and the types you need, then subscribe in your own calendar.
Running all month
- ADHD Awareness Month 1 to 31 October 2026
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month 1 to 31 October 2026
- Movember 1 to 30 November 2026
- Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 1 to 30 November 2026
- Veganuary 1 to 31 January 2027
- Ramadan 8 February to 9 March 2027
- Lent 10 February to 27 March 2027
- Myeloma Action Month 1 to 31 March 2027
October 2026
-
Monday 19 October 2026
-
Navratri
Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival in autumn honouring the goddess Durga, famous for Garba and Dandiya dancing.
-
Navratri
-
Tuesday 20 October 2026
-
Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is the Hindu festival on the day after Navratri celebrating the victory of good over evil.
-
World Osteoporosis Day
A global day on 20 October that raises awareness of osteoporosis, bone health and the prevention of fractures.
-
Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
-
Thursday 22 October 2026
-
International Stammering Awareness Day
An international day on 22 October to raise awareness of stammering, also called stuttering, and the people who stammer.
-
International Stammering Awareness Day
-
Friday 23 October 2026
-
International Day of the Snow Leopard
The International Day of the Snow Leopard on 23 October raises awareness of threats to the snow leopard and the need to protect it.
-
International Day of the Snow Leopard
-
Saturday 24 October 2026
-
Disarmament Week
Disarmament Week, 24 to 30 October, raises public awareness of disarmament and its role in peace and protecting civilians.
-
Global Media and Information Literacy Week
Global Media and Information Literacy Week, 24 to 31 October, helps people find, judge and share information responsibly.
-
United Nations Day
United Nations Day on 24 October marks the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force in 1945.
-
World Development Information Day
World Development Information Day on 24 October draws attention to development problems and the need for international cooperation.
-
World Polio Day
World Polio Day on 24 October each year marks progress towards ending polio and raises funds for vaccination.
-
Disarmament Week
-
Monday 26 October 2026
-
Intersex Awareness Day
Held on 26 October, Intersex Awareness Day raises awareness of intersex people and calls for an end to unnecessary medical interventions without consent.
-
Intersex Awareness Day
-
Tuesday 27 October 2026
-
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October highlights the urgent need to preserve film, sound and video records.
-
World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
-
Wednesday 28 October 2026
-
International Animation Day
International Animation Day on 28 October celebrates animated film, marking the first public projection of moving images by Emile Reynaud in Paris in 1892.
-
International Animation Day
-
Thursday 29 October 2026
-
International Day of Care and Support
The International Day of Care and Support on 29 October recognises the value of care work and calls for investment in care systems.
-
World Psoriasis Day
A global day on 29 October that raises awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and challenges stigma around them.
-
World Stroke Day
A global day on 29 October to raise awareness of stroke, its warning signs and how it can be prevented.
-
International Day of Care and Support
-
Saturday 31 October 2026
-
World Cities Day
World Cities Day on 31 October draws attention to urbanisation and how to make cities sustainable and good places to live.
-
World Cities Day
November 2026
-
Sunday 1 November 2026
-
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day on 1 November is a Christian festival honouring all saints, known and unknown.
-
Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)
The Day of the Dead on 1 and 2 November is a Mexican tradition honouring loved ones who have died, with altars and marigolds.
-
World Vegan Day
World Vegan Day on 1 November celebrates veganism and the founding of The Vegan Society, and opens World Vegan Month.
-
All Saints' Day
-
Monday 2 November 2026
-
All Souls' Day
All Souls' Day on 2 November is when many Christians remember and pray for those who have died.
-
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
On 2 November the UN condemns attacks on journalists and urges states to bring those responsible to justice.
-
International Stress Awareness Week
A week in early November that raises awareness of stress and wellbeing, especially at work. The 2026 week runs 2 to 6 November.
-
All Souls' Day
-
Thursday 5 November 2026
-
World Tsunami Awareness Day
World Tsunami Awareness Day on 5 November promotes understanding of tsunami risks and the steps that save lives.
-
World Tsunami Awareness Day
-
Friday 6 November 2026
-
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
On 6 November the UN highlights the often overlooked damage that war and armed conflict do to the environment.
-
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
-
Sunday 8 November 2026
-
Bandi Chhor Divas
Bandi Chhor Divas is the Sikh festival of freedom, held on the same day as Diwali, falling on 8 November 2026.
-
Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in October or November, the biggest date in the Hindu year.
-
International Day of Radiology
A global day on 8 November, the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays, recognising medical imaging.
-
Bandi Chhor Divas
-
Monday 9 November 2026
-
International Week of Science and Peace
The International Week of Science and Peace, held in the week of 11 November, promotes links between science, cooperation and peace.
-
International Week of Science and Peace
-
Tuesday 10 November 2026
-
Hindu New Year (Annakut)
Hindu New Year, the day after Diwali in the Gujarati calendar, is marked with Annakut, a vast offering of food in temples.
-
NET Cancer Day
A global day on 10 November that raises awareness of neuroendocrine cancers and the need for earlier diagnosis.
-
World Science Day for Peace and Development
World Science Day for Peace and Development on 10 November highlights the role of science in society and in building sustainable futures.
-
Hindu New Year (Annakut)
-
Wednesday 11 November 2026
-
Singles' Day (11.11)
Singles' Day on 11 November is a major online shopping event, led by Alibaba's 11.11 festival in China.
-
Singles' Day (11.11)
-
Thursday 12 November 2026
-
World Pneumonia Day
Held on 12 November, World Pneumonia Day raises awareness of pneumonia, a leading infectious cause of death, and calls for better prevention and treatment.
-
World Pneumonia Day
-
Friday 13 November 2026
-
Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a four day Hindu festival honouring the Sun God, held six days after Diwali, from 13 to 16 November 2026.
-
Trans Awareness Week
A week from 13 to 19 November raising awareness of trans people and the issues they face, leading into Trans Day of Remembrance.
-
World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day on 13 November encourages people everywhere to carry out acts of kindness in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
-
Chhath Puja
-
Saturday 14 November 2026
-
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day on 14 November raises awareness of diabetes and how type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
-
World Diabetes Day
-
Sunday 15 November 2026
-
International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime
On 15 November the UN raises awareness of the threats posed by organised crime that crosses borders and the need to tackle it together.
-
International Fraud Awareness Week
A global week in November that promotes fraud prevention and awareness, held from 15 to 21 November in 2026.
-
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on the third Sunday of November, remembers people killed and injured on the roads.
-
World Prematurity Day
A global day on 15 November that raises awareness of preterm birth and the needs of babies born too early and their families.
-
International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime
-
Monday 16 November 2026
-
Global Entrepreneurship Week
A worldwide week of events in mid November that encourages people to start and grow businesses, held from 16 to 22 November in 2026.
-
International Day for Tolerance
The International Day for Tolerance on 16 November promotes respect for the world's diverse cultures and action against intolerance.
-
International Day of the Mediterranean Diet
The International Day of the Mediterranean Diet on 16 November celebrates a healthy way of eating that is also recognised as living cultural heritage.
-
Global Entrepreneurship Week
-
Wednesday 18 November 2026
-
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week
World AMR Awareness Week, 18 to 24 November, raises awareness of drug-resistant infections and encourages careful use of antibiotics and other medicines.
-
World COPD Day
A global day in November that raises awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2026 it falls on Wednesday 18 November.
-
World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence
On 18 November the UN raises awareness of child sexual abuse, supports survivors and calls for prevention and accountability.
-
World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week
-
Thursday 19 November 2026
-
International Men's Day
International Men's Day on 19 November each year focuses on men's health and wellbeing and the positive contributions men make.
-
World Pancreatic Cancer Day
A global day in November, on 19 November in 2026, that asks people to learn the warning signs of pancreatic cancer.
-
World Philosophy Day
World Philosophy Day, on the third Thursday of November, celebrates philosophical thinking and open, reasoned debate.
-
World Toilet Day
World Toilet Day on 19 November raises awareness of the billions of people who still lack safe sanitation.
-
International Men's Day
-
Friday 20 November 2026
-
Africa Industrialization Day
Africa Industrialization Day on 20 November builds international support for industrial development across Africa.
-
Transgender Day of Remembrance
A day on 20 November remembering trans people whose lives were lost to anti-trans violence.
-
World Children's Day
World Children's Day on 20 November is UNICEF's day of action for children's rights, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
-
Africa Industrialization Day
-
Saturday 21 November 2026
-
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
A day on the Saturday before US Thanksgiving when people bereaved by suicide gather for support. The 2026 day is 21 November.
-
World Television Day
World Television Day on 21 November recognises the influence of television in drawing attention to global issues.
-
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
-
Sunday 22 November 2026
-
Christ the King
Christ the King is the Christian festival on the Sunday before Advent, closing the church year; it falls on 22 November 2026.
-
Christ the King
-
Tuesday 24 November 2026
-
Guru Nanak Gurpurab
Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, on the full moon of Kartik in November.
-
World Conjoined Twins Day
World Conjoined Twins Day on 24 November raises awareness of conjoined twins and promotes their wellbeing and inclusion.
-
Guru Nanak Gurpurab
-
Wednesday 25 November 2026
-
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
An international campaign running from 25 November to 10 December calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
-
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
On 25 November the UN calls for an end to violence against women and girls and launches 16 days of activism.
-
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
-
Thursday 26 November 2026
-
World Sustainable Transport Day
World Sustainable Transport Day on 26 November promotes safe, affordable, accessible and clean transport for everyone.
-
World Sustainable Transport Day
-
Friday 27 November 2026
-
International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage
On 27 November the UN calls for an end to child, early and forced marriage.
-
International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage
-
Sunday 29 November 2026
-
Advent Sunday
Advent Sunday is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and begins the Christian season of Advent and the church year.
-
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
On 29 November the UN expresses solidarity with the Palestinian people.
-
Advent Sunday
-
Monday 30 November 2026
-
Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
On 30 November the UN and OPCW honour the victims of chemical warfare and renew the commitment to eliminate chemical weapons.
-
Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
December 2026
-
Tuesday 1 December 2026
-
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving and encourages people around the world to give time, money or skills to good causes.
-
GivingTuesday (UK)
A global day of giving on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, encouraging people to donate, volunteer or help others, on 1 December 2026.
-
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day on 1 December highlights the work to end HIV and AIDS and remembers those who have died.
-
Giving Tuesday
-
Wednesday 2 December 2026
-
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2 December focuses on ending modern slavery, including trafficking and forced labour.
-
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
-
Thursday 3 December 2026
-
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
A United Nations day on 3 December promoting the rights and wellbeing of disabled people.
-
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
-
Friday 4 December 2026
-
International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
On 4 December the UN raises awareness of the harm caused by unilateral coercive measures that do not comply with international law.
-
International Day of Banks
The International Day of Banks on 4 December recognises the role of development banks and banking systems in financing sustainable development.
-
International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
-
Saturday 5 December 2026
-
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish festival of lights in December, marked by lighting one more candle each night.
-
International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day on 5 December thanks volunteers and promotes volunteering for peace and sustainable development.
-
World Soil Day
World Soil Day on 5 December raises awareness of healthy soil and its role in food security and nature.
-
Hanukkah
-
Monday 7 December 2026
-
International Civil Aviation Day
International Civil Aviation Day on 7 December highlights the importance of air travel to economic and social development.
-
International Civil Aviation Day
-
Tuesday 8 December 2026
-
Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day on 8 December marks the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, kept mainly in Japanese and Zen Buddhist traditions as Rohatsu.
-
Bodhi Day
-
Wednesday 9 December 2026
-
International Anti-Corruption Day
International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December raises awareness of corruption and the UN convention that fights it.
-
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
On 9 December the UN honours the victims of genocide and raises awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in prevention.
-
International Anti-Corruption Day
-
Thursday 10 December 2026
-
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day on 10 December marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948.
-
Human Rights Day
-
Friday 11 December 2026
-
International Mountain Day
International Mountain Day on 11 December brings mountain issues, such as melting glaciers, to the attention of politicians and the public.
-
International Mountain Day
-
Saturday 12 December 2026
-
International Day of Neutrality
The International Day of Neutrality on 12 December promotes neutral policies as a tool for preventive diplomacy.
-
International Universal Health Coverage Day
Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December calls for strong health systems that give everyone access to care without financial hardship.
-
International Day of Neutrality
-
Monday 14 December 2026
-
International Day against Colonialism in All its Forms and Manifestations
On 14 December the UN calls for an end to colonialism in all its forms and supports the right of peoples to self-determination.
-
International Day against Colonialism in All its Forms and Manifestations
-
Tuesday 15 December 2026
-
World Turkic Language Family Day
World Turkic Language Family Day on 15 December celebrates the shared languages and cultural roots of Turkic-speaking peoples.
-
World Turkic Language Family Day
-
Friday 18 December 2026
-
Arabic Language Day
Arabic Language Day at the UN on 18 December celebrates Arabic, one of the UN's six official languages.
-
International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day on 18 December raises awareness of the challenges of migration and calls for safer and fairer systems.
-
Arabic Language Day
-
Saturday 19 December 2026
-
International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons
On 19 December the UN recognises the women who search for missing persons.
-
International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons
-
Sunday 20 December 2026
-
International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day on 20 December celebrates unity in diversity and the importance of solidarity.
-
International Human Solidarity Day
-
Monday 21 December 2026
-
World Basketball Day
World Basketball Day on 21 December celebrates basketball and its power to bring people together.
-
World Meditation Day
World Meditation Day on 21 December raises awareness of meditation and its benefits for physical and mental health.
-
World Basketball Day
-
Thursday 24 December 2026
-
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve on 24 December is the evening before Christmas Day, when many churches hold carol, Christingle and Midnight Mass services.
-
International Anti-Cybercrime Day
International Anti-Cybercrime Day on 24 December raises awareness of cybercrime and the UN convention to combat it.
-
Christmas Eve
-
Friday 25 December 2026
-
Christmas Day
The Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, held on 25 December and one of the biggest dates of the year for families and retailers.
-
Christmas Day
-
Sunday 27 December 2026
-
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on 27 December promotes education and planning to prevent and respond to epidemics.
-
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
-
Thursday 31 December 2026
-
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve on 31 December is the last day of the year, marked with parties and midnight fireworks such as the London display.
-
New Year's Eve
January 2027
-
Monday 4 January 2027
-
World Braille Day
World Braille Day on 4 January highlights braille as an essential means of communication for blind and partially sighted people.
-
World Braille Day
-
Wednesday 6 January 2027
-
Epiphany
Epiphany on 6 January is the Christian feast marking the visit of the Magi and the revealing of Jesus to the wider world.
-
Epiphany
-
Thursday 14 January 2027
-
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu harvest festival in mid-January marking the sun's move into Capricorn, known as Uttarayan in Gujarat.
-
Makar Sankranti
-
Friday 15 January 2027
-
Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab
Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab marks the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru, falling on 15 January 2027 in the SGPC calendar.
-
Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab
-
Saturday 23 January 2027
-
Tu BiShvat
Tu BiShvat, on 15 Shevat in the Jewish calendar, is the new year for trees, often marked by eating fruit and planting trees.
-
Tu BiShvat
-
Sunday 24 January 2027
-
International Day of Education
The International Day of Education on 24 January celebrates the role of education in peace, development and fairer societies.
-
International Day of Education
-
Monday 25 January 2027
-
Burns Night
An evening on 25 January celebrating Scotland's national poet Robert Burns with suppers, haggis and readings of his work.
-
Burns Night
-
Tuesday 26 January 2027
-
Australia Day
Australia Day on 26 January is Australia's national day, with events at home and among Australians abroad.
-
International Day of Clean Energy
The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January calls for a fair and inclusive move away from fossil fuels towards clean energy.
-
Australia Day
-
Wednesday 27 January 2027
-
Holocaust Memorial Day
A day on 27 January to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the victims of Nazi persecution and later genocides.
-
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
On 27 January the UN remembers the victims of the Holocaust, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945.
-
Holocaust Memorial Day
-
Thursday 28 January 2027
-
International Day of Peaceful Coexistence
The International Day of Peaceful Coexistence on 28 January promotes tolerance, respect for diversity and peace through education and dialogue.
-
International Day of Peaceful Coexistence
-
Saturday 30 January 2027
-
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day
A global day on 30 January that calls for action to end neglected tropical diseases, which affect more than a billion people.
-
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day
-
Sunday 31 January 2027
-
World Leprosy Day
An international day on the last Sunday of January that raises awareness of leprosy and the stigma faced by people affected by it.
-
World Leprosy Day
February 2027
-
Monday 1 February 2027
-
World Interfaith Harmony Week
World Interfaith Harmony Week runs from 1 to 7 February and promotes understanding and goodwill between people of all faiths and none.
-
World Interfaith Harmony Week
-
Tuesday 2 February 2027
-
Candlemas
Candlemas on 2 February, also called the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, closes the Christmas and Epiphany season in many churches.
-
World Wetlands Day
World Wetlands Day on 2 February raises awareness of wetlands, which support a large share of the world's wildlife and are vanishing fast.
-
Candlemas
-
Thursday 4 February 2027
-
International Day of Human Fraternity
The International Day of Human Fraternity on 4 February promotes dialogue and tolerance between people of different religions and cultures.
-
World Cancer Day
A global day on 4 February that encourages people and governments to act on cancer prevention, detection and treatment.
-
International Day of Human Fraternity
-
Saturday 6 February 2027
-
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
On 6 February the UN calls for an end to female genital mutilation, a human rights violation affecting millions of girls and women.
-
Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year)
Lunar New Year, also called Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, falls between late January and mid-February.
-
International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
-
Monday 8 February 2027
-
International Epilepsy Day
A global day on the second Monday of February to raise awareness of epilepsy and the needs of people who live with it.
-
International Epilepsy Day
-
Tuesday 9 February 2027
-
Safer Internet Day
A day each February promoting safe and positive use of technology for children and young people, held on 10 February 2026 and 9 February 2027.
-
Safer Internet Day
-
Wednesday 10 February 2027
-
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Christian year, falling 46 days before Easter Sunday.
-
International Day of the Arabian Leopard
The International Day of the Arabian Leopard on 10 February raises awareness of a critically endangered big cat native to the Arabian Peninsula.
-
World Pulses Day
World Pulses Day on 10 February celebrates beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas and their role in healthy diets and sustainable farming.
-
Ash Wednesday
-
Thursday 11 February 2027
-
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On 11 February the UN promotes full and equal access to science for women and girls, who remain under-represented in research.
-
Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival in late January or February that welcomes spring and honours Saraswati, goddess of learning.
-
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
-
Friday 12 February 2027
-
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism
On 12 February the UN raises awareness of violent extremism that can lead to terrorism and the need for international cooperation to prevent it.
-
International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism
-
Saturday 13 February 2027
-
World Radio Day
World Radio Day on 13 February celebrates radio as the world's most widely used medium and its reach into remote communities.
-
World Radio Day
-
Sunday 14 February 2027
-
Valentine's Day
A day for cards, flowers and gifts between partners, held on 14 February.
-
Valentine's Day
-
Monday 15 February 2027
-
International Childhood Cancer Day
Held on 15 February each year to raise awareness of cancer in children and teenagers and the support they and their families need.
-
International Childhood Cancer Day
-
Wednesday 17 February 2027
-
Global Tourism Resilience Day
Global Tourism Resilience Day on 17 February encourages countries to prepare tourism to withstand and recover from shocks and emergencies.
-
Global Tourism Resilience Day
-
Saturday 20 February 2027
-
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the lunar new year and closes the new year celebrations.
-
World Day of Social Justice
The World Day of Social Justice on 20 February promotes fairness, decent work and social protection within and between countries.
-
World Pangolin Day
Held on the third Saturday in February, World Pangolin Day raises awareness of pangolins, which are threatened by trafficking for their scales and meat.
-
Lantern Festival
-
Sunday 21 February 2027
-
International Mother Language Day
International Mother Language Day on 21 February promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and learning in the language people know best.
-
International Mother Language Day
-
Monday 22 February 2027
-
World Encephalitis Day
A global awareness day on 22 February about encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, and the need for faster diagnosis and support.
-
World Encephalitis Day
-
Saturday 27 February 2027
-
International Polar Bear Day
Held on 27 February, International Polar Bear Day raises awareness of polar bears and the threat that Arctic sea ice loss poses to them.
-
Pokemon Day
Pokemon Day on 27 February marks the anniversary of the first Pokemon games, with announcements, store events and online broadcasts for fans.
-
International Polar Bear Day
-
Sunday 28 February 2027
-
Rare Disease Day
A global day on the last day of February that raises awareness of rare diseases and the people living with them.
-
Rare Disease Day
March 2027
-
Monday 1 March 2027
-
Self-injury Awareness Day
A day on 1 March each year that raises awareness of self-harm, challenges stigma and encourages people to seek support.
-
World Seagrass Day
World Seagrass Day on 1 March raises awareness of seagrass meadows, which shelter fish, protect coastlines and are being lost each year.
-
Zero Discrimination Day
Zero Discrimination Day on 1 March, led by UNAIDS, celebrates everyone's right to live a full life with dignity, free from discrimination.
-
Self-injury Awareness Day
-
Wednesday 3 March 2027
-
World Hearing Day
A World Health Organization day on 3 March that raises awareness of how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promotes ear and hearing care.
-
World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day on 3 March celebrates wild plants and animals and highlights the need to tackle wildlife crime and species loss.
-
World Hearing Day
-
Thursday 4 March 2027
-
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on 4 March highlights the role of engineers in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
-
World Obesity Day
A global day of action on 4 March that aims to improve understanding, prevention and treatment of obesity.
-
World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development
-
Friday 5 March 2027
-
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
On 5 March the UN raises public awareness of disarmament and non-proliferation, especially among young people.
-
International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness
-
Saturday 6 March 2027
-
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is the great night of Shiva, a Hindu festival in February or March marked by fasting and night-long worship.
-
Maha Shivaratri
-
Monday 8 March 2027
-
Commonwealth Day
Commonwealth Day, on the second Monday in March, celebrates the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth.
-
International Women's Day
A global day on 8 March celebrating women's achievements and pushing for gender equality.
-
Commonwealth Day
-
Tuesday 9 March 2027
-
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is the Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, family meals and gifts.
-
Eid al-Fitr
-
Wednesday 10 March 2027
-
International Day of Women Judges
The International Day of Women Judges on 10 March promotes the full and equal participation of women at every level of the judiciary.
-
MAR10 Day
MAR10 Day on 10 March is Nintendo's yearly celebration of Mario, chosen because the date written as Mar 10 looks like the character's name.
-
International Day of Women Judges
-
Thursday 11 March 2027
-
World Kidney Day
A global day on the second Thursday of March that raises awareness of kidney health and the prevention of kidney disease.
-
World Kidney Day
-
Sunday 14 March 2027
-
International Day of Mathematics
The International Day of Mathematics on 14 March, Pi Day, celebrates the role of mathematics in everyday life and in science.
-
World Glaucoma Week
A global week in March encouraging regular eye checks to catch glaucoma early, held 8 to 14 March in 2026.
-
International Day of Mathematics
-
Monday 15 March 2027
-
Brain Awareness Week
A global campaign held in the third week of March to raise public interest in brain science, running 15 to 21 March in 2027.
-
International Day to Combat Islamophobia
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March promotes tolerance, respect for religious diversity and dialogue against anti-Muslim hatred.
-
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
A week in March that encourages schools, universities and workplaces to recognise the strengths of neurodivergent people, held 15 to 19 March in 2027.
-
Nutrition and Hydration Week
An international week each March focused on good food and drink in health and social care settings.
-
Brain Awareness Week
-
Wednesday 17 March 2027
-
St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day on 17 March is Ireland's national day, celebrated with parades and green landmarks around the world.
-
St Patrick's Day
-
Thursday 18 March 2027
-
Global Recycling Day
An international day on 18 March that promotes recycled materials as a valuable resource rather than waste.
-
Global Recycling Day
-
Friday 19 March 2027
-
World Sleep Day
A global day in March, held on the Friday before the spring equinox, that highlights the importance of healthy sleep.
-
World Sleep Day
-
Saturday 20 March 2027
-
Earth Hour
A global lights-off hour at 8.30pm local time on a Saturday in late March, held on 28 March 2026 and 20 March 2027.
-
French Language Day
French Language Day at the UN on 20 March celebrates the history, culture and use of French, one of the UN's six official languages.
-
International Day of Happiness
The International Day of Happiness on 20 March recognises happiness and wellbeing as basic human goals that public policy should support.
-
World Oral Health Day
A global day on 20 March promoting good oral health for people of all ages.
-
Earth Hour
-
Sunday 21 March 2027
-
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
On 21 March the UN calls for action against racism, marking the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa.
-
International Day of Forests
The International Day of Forests on 21 March celebrates forests of every kind and encourages events such as tree planting.
-
International Day of Nowruz
The International Day of Nowruz on 21 March marks the Persian new year, celebrated at the spring equinox by many communities worldwide.
-
International Day of Nowruz
The International Day of Nowruz on 21 March marks the spring new year festival celebrated by millions across many countries.
-
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, when Christians remember Jesus entering Jerusalem and Holy Week begins.
-
Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination
From 21 to 27 March the UN encourages a week of solidarity with people fighting racism and racial discrimination.
-
World Day for Glaciers
The World Day for Glaciers on 21 March raises awareness of glaciers, snow and ice and their vital role in the world's water supply.
-
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March raises awareness of Down syndrome and promotes the inclusion of people who have it.
-
World Poetry Day
World Poetry Day on 21 March honours poets, promotes reading and writing poetry and supports linguistic diversity.
-
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
-
Monday 22 March 2027
-
World Water Day
World Water Day on 22 March focuses attention on fresh water and the billions of people still without safe water and sanitation.
-
World Water Day
-
Tuesday 23 March 2027
-
Holi
Holi is the Hindu festival of colours in March, celebrating spring and the victory of good over evil.
-
Purim
Purim is a joyful one-day Jewish festival in late winter or early spring, celebrating the story of Esther.
-
World Meteorological Day
World Meteorological Day on 23 March highlights the work of weather, climate and water services in keeping people safe.
-
Holi
-
Wednesday 24 March 2027
-
International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
On 24 March the UN honours victims of gross human rights violations and promotes the right to truth and justice.
-
World Tuberculosis Day
World TB Day on 24 March raises awareness of tuberculosis and calls for stronger action to end one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases.
-
International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
-
Thursday 25 March 2027
-
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
On 25 March the UN remembers the millions of people enslaved through the transatlantic slave trade and calls for action against racism.
-
International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members
On 25 March the UN stands with detained and missing UN staff, peacekeepers, aid workers and journalists, and calls for their protection.
-
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday falls three days before Easter Sunday and remembers the Last Supper.
-
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
-
Friday 26 March 2027
-
Good Friday (Christian observance)
Good Friday, two days before Easter Sunday, is the day Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus.
-
Purple Day
An international epilepsy awareness day on 26 March, when people wear purple and hold events to support those living with epilepsy.
-
Good Friday (Christian observance)
-
Saturday 27 March 2027
-
World Theatre Day
World Theatre Day on 27 March celebrates theatre worldwide, with an international message written each year by a leading theatre figure.
-
World Theatre Day
-
Sunday 28 March 2027
-
Easter Sunday
The main Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Its date moves each year with the spring full moon.
-
Easter Sunday
-
Tuesday 30 March 2027
-
International Day of Zero Waste
The International Day of Zero Waste on 30 March promotes cutting waste, reusing materials and moving towards a circular economy.
-
World Bipolar Day
An international day on 30 March that raises awareness of bipolar disorder and works to reduce the stigma around it.
-
International Day of Zero Waste
-
Wednesday 31 March 2027
-
International Transgender Day of Visibility
An international day on 31 March celebrating trans people and their contributions.
-
International Transgender Day of Visibility
April 2027
-
Friday 2 April 2027
-
World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April promotes the rights, acceptance and full participation of autistic people.
-
World Autism Awareness Day
-
Sunday 4 April 2027
-
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
On 4 April the UN raises awareness of landmines and explosive remnants of war and supports efforts to clear them.
-
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
-
Monday 5 April 2027
-
International Day of Conscience
The International Day of Conscience on 5 April encourages people to reflect on their actions and build a culture of peace with love and conscience.
-
Qingming Festival
Qingming, or Tomb Sweeping Day, is the Chinese festival in early April when families tend ancestors' graves and remember the dead.
-
International Day of Conscience
-
Tuesday 6 April 2027
-
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
On 6 April the UN celebrates the power of sport to promote social change, community development and peace.
-
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
-
Wednesday 7 April 2027
-
International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
On 7 April the UN remembers the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and reflects on how to prevent such crimes.
-
World Health Day
The World Health Organization's day on 7 April, marking its founding in 1948 and highlighting a global health theme each year.
-
International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda
-
Saturday 10 April 2027
-
Siblings Day
Siblings Day on 10 April celebrates brothers and sisters, and is widely marked on social media.
-
Siblings Day
-
Sunday 11 April 2027
-
World Parkinson's Day
A global awareness day for Parkinson's held on 11 April, the birthday of James Parkinson.
-
World Parkinson's Day
-
Monday 12 April 2027
-
International Day of Human Space Flight
The International Day of Human Space Flight on 12 April marks Yuri Gagarin's 1961 flight, the first by a human in space.
-
International Day of Human Space Flight
-
Wednesday 14 April 2027
-
Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi, usually on 14 April, is the Sikh new year and harvest festival marking the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.
-
World Chagas Disease Day
World Chagas Disease Day on 14 April raises awareness of a neglected tropical disease that can silently damage the heart and gut.
-
Vaisakhi
-
Thursday 15 April 2027
-
International Wellness Day
International Wellness Day promotes affordable, inclusive wellness practices for body and mind. The UN lists it in mid April.
-
Ram Navami
Ram Navami is the Hindu festival in spring celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.
-
International Wellness Day
-
Saturday 17 April 2027
-
World Hemophilia Day
A global day on 17 April that raises awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.
-
World Hemophilia Day
-
Sunday 18 April 2027
-
International Day for Monuments and Sites
The International Day for Monuments and Sites on 18 April, also known as World Heritage Day, raises awareness of cultural heritage and its protection.
-
International Day for Monuments and Sites
-
Monday 19 April 2027
-
Lesbian Visibility Week
A week in April celebrating lesbian, bi and queer women and non-binary people and raising their visibility.
-
Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is the main Jain festival, held in March or April to celebrate the birth of Mahavira.
-
Lesbian Visibility Week

