The DEIA Communications team sends out monthly emails about upcoming diversity awareness events recognized either nationally or internationally due to their cultural, historical, or religious significance. See below for several diversity dates to be aware of in the month of March.
Month-Long Observances
Note that Women's History Month is covered under the Additional Awareness Events this Month section below.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the month of March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 1987. The term developmental disabilities covers a wide range of disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about including people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. It also creates awareness of the stigmas and barriers that the disability community still faces.
Greek-American Heritage Month
March is Greek-American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the core components of Greek culture and ideals. Also known as Hellenic History Month, the celebration coincides with National Greek Independence Day on March 25. For generations of Greek-Americans, preserving the culture, religion, and language of Greece are focal points in their lives. Each year throughout the month of March, organizations across the U.S. celebrate Greek-Americans’ rich heritage and positive contributions to society, highlighting their deep commitment to philanthropy, their pursuit of excellence and innovation, and their strong family bonds and attachment to the Greek Orthodox church.
Irish-American Heritage Month
Irish-American Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Irish-Americans to American history. Much of that history is rooted in Massachusetts, and Middlesex County has the fourth-largest population of Irish-Americans in the nation according to the 2019 American Community Survey from the U.S. Census. Congress established March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1991, choosing March to coincide with St. Patrick’s Day. The President of the United States has issued a proclamation on Irish-American Heritage Month every year since 1991.
Week and Day Observances
Note that International Women's Day, the Springtime Celebrations (Holi, Nowruz, and and Shunbun No Hi) and International Transgender Day of Visibility are covered under the Additional Awareness Events this Month section below.
Mardi Gras
Tuesday, March 1
The tradition of Mardi Gras celebrations can be dated back to thousands of years ago to pagan rituals of spring and fertility. The arrival of Christianity in Rome influenced religious leaders to incorporate the popular traditions of Mardi Gras into the new faith, resulting in the excess and debauchery of the season becoming a prelude to Lent. Traditionally celebrated on “Fat Tuesday,” in many areas like New Orleans, the Mardi Gras celebrations have evolved into a week-long festival.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 2
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holy day of prayer and fasting that marks the start of Lent. Ash Wednesday is traditionally observed by Western Christians. Ashes are ceremonially placed on the heads of Christians on Ash Wednesday, either sprinkled over their heads or, in English-speaking countries, usually marked on their foreheads as a cross.
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week
Sunday, March 13 through Saturday, March 19
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week is dedicated to raising awareness, sharing stories, and inspiring motivation to make change for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). More than 2.3 million people, worldwide, have been diagnosed with MS. MS damages the central nervous system and interferes with nerve signals between the brain and the spinal cord as well as other parts of the body. Individuals living with MS experience physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychological challenges. Research is continuing in search of a cure for MS and awareness is making a difference in changing the lives of so many individuals impacted by the disease. For more information, resources, and ways to get involved, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website.
Purim
Wednesday, March 16 through Thursday, March 17
Purim is the Jewish holiday in which Jews commemorate being saved from persecution in the ancient Persian empire. Purim is celebrated by dressing up in costume, giving gifts and charity, drinking, and eating. Purim does not fall on the same date each year as it's based on the Hebrew calendar. This year, Purim begins on the evening of March 16 and concludes at sundown on March 17.
Saint Patrick’s Day
Thursday, March 17
Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held annually on March 17. Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who is credited with introducing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century, St. Patrick’s Day has also evolved into a secular celebration of Irish heritage and culture. The people of Ireland have observed St. Patrick’s Day for more than 1000 years.
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Friday, March 25
In 2007, the UN designated March 25th as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade. This annual observance offers the opportunity to honor and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. It is also a time to raise awareness about the dangers of racism, prejudice, and slavery that have happened and continue all over the world. The transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced migration in history, and undeniably one of the most inhumane. The extensive exodus of Africans spread to many areas of the world over a 400-year period and had never occurred before in recorded human history. To learn more, visit the United Nations’ Remember Slavery page.
Additional Awareness Events this Month
The DEIA Communications team will send out email campaigns around the following awareness events this month:
- Women's History Month, International Women's Day, and Equal Pay Day
- Springtime Cultural Celebrations: Holi (Friday, March 18); Nowruz (Sunday, March 20); and Shunbun No Hi (Monday, March 21).
- International Transgender Day of Visibility – Thursday, March 31
Questions?
Please contact the DEIA Communications team with any questions or feedback.