March 2024 - Intercultural calendar

The calendar provides an overview of public holidays, traditional and religious holidays and international commemoration days without intending to be exhaustive.

8 March: International Women's Day - international

The "United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace" or "International Women's Day" is celebrated around the world on 8 March.

11 March: Beginning of Ramadan - Islam

The revelation of the Koran began in Ramadan, which gives this month a special place in Islam. During the month of Ramadan Muslims fast daily from sunrise to sunset. This fulfils one of the religious commandments. All physically mature and healthy Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. No smoking or marital relations are allowed. The Night of Power, or Laylat al Qadr, is described in the Qran as being "better than a thousand months" and is usually spent in prayer. The exact date is uncertain but usually falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan (traditionally the 27th night). Depending on different traditions, the actual beginning and end of Ramadan may vary by one day.

21 March: Nouruz/Newroz (literally "New Day") - international

Newroz Day has been an internationally recognised holiday since 2010, when it was proclaimed by the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations (resolution A/RES/64/253). The spring sestival/beginning of spring Newroz has been celebrated for 3,000 years. Today, it is celebrated by over 300 million people worldwide. However, the astronomical beginning of spring in 2024 is on 20 March. At the family festival, eggs and evergreen plants serve as symbols of life, survival and eternity. On this day, Alevi also celebrate the birth of Ali who was born in Mecca around 600 and was a cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.

21 March: Day against Racism - international

In 1967 the United Nations proclaimed the "International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination".

24 March: Memorial of Jesus Christ's Death (Jehovah's Witnesses) - Christianity

Memorial celebrations of Jesus Christ’s Death.

24 March: Palm Sunday (Catholic, Protestant) - Christianity

The first day of Holy Week commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Palm branches (which people waved to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem) or willow catkins are sanctified in the church and distributed to serve as decoration at home.

24 March: Purim - Judaism

On this day a Purim carnival is held and children wear costumes. It commemorates the deliverance of the Persian Jews from the plot of Haman, the vizier of King Xerxes, to exterminate them. Haman wanted to choose the day of the genocide by lot (pur). The Book of Esther is read in the synagogue, and it is customary for children to use a noisy rattle, a Purim grogger, to blot out the name of the evildoer Haman. Today, Purim also commemorates the Holocaust.

25 March: Holi - Hinduism

Holi is a colourful spring festival and commemorates the rescue of Prince Prahlad from a fire pyre where his sister Holi had taken him. A bonfire is lit to signify the burning of Holika and to thank Lord Vishnu for his good deed. Ashes from the bonfire are marked on worshippers as a sign of inner cleansing.

28 March: Holy Thursday / Maundy Thursday (Catholic, Protestant) - Christianity

Christians commemorate the anniversary of the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus at the Last Supper and of the washing of the disciples' feet, which is symbolically re-enacted in many churches as a sign of humbleness.

29 March: Good Friday (Catholic, Protestant) - Christianity

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus, when He sacrificed Himself for man's redemption.

30 March: Holy Saturday (Catholic, Protestant) - Christianity

The night between Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday is the highlight of the Christian Year. The Easter candle and Easter fire are lit before the Easter Vigil is celebrated.

31 March: Easter Sunday (Catholic, Protestant) - Christianity

The most holy of Christian sacred days. The day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus and the victory of life over death. Customs: Easter fire, Easter bunny or Easter eggs.