March marks a significant turning point in the UK calendar. It is the month where we finally say goodbye to the short, dark days of winter and welcome the first signs of spring. For many, this transition brings a sense of renewal and optimism.
However, March 2026 is not just about the changing weather. It is a busy month packed with important national days, cultural observances, and global celebrations. From recognising patron saints in Wales and Cornwall to celebrating mothers and literature across the nation, there is a lot to keep track of.
Whether you are a parent planning school costumes, a business organising marketing campaigns, or simply someone looking to stay organised, knowing these dates can help you prepare. This guide covers the essential UK national and global holidays occurring in March 2026, so you can plan your month with confidence.
UK National and Regional Observances in March 2026
March is a month of strong national identity within the UK. Several nations and regions celebrate their patron saints or unique cultural heritage during these weeks.
St David’s Day (1 March)
The month begins with St David’s Day, the national day of Wales. St David is the patron saint of Wales, and this day is a celebration of Welsh culture and history. While it is not a bank holiday, it is widely celebrated. You will often see people wearing daffodils or leeks, the national emblems of Wales. In towns and cities like Cardiff, parades and concerts are common, showcasing traditional Welsh music and language.
St Piran’s Day (5 March)
Just a few days later, Cornwall celebrates its patron saint, St Piran. St Piran’s Day is a vibrant celebration of Cornish identity. Communities across the county organise parades, often featuring the distinctive black and white St Piran’s flag. It is a day for enjoying Cornish pasties and celebrating the unique history of this region.
Commonwealth Day (9 March)
Commonwealth Day is observed on the second Monday of March. It is an opportunity to recognise the connection between the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. In the UK, this is often marked by a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey. You will also see the Union Flag flown alongside Commonwealth flags on public buildings. Schools may use this day to teach students about global cooperation and history.
Mothering Sunday (15 March)
In 2026, Mothering Sunday falls on 15 March. It is important to note that this date is different from Mother’s Day in the US and many other countries. In the UK, the date changes every year because it is linked to the Christian calendar, falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Traditionally, this was a day when people returned to their “mother church”. Today, it is primarily a family occasion to thank mothers and maternal figures. Families often celebrate with cards, flowers, and Sunday lunches.
St Patrick’s Day (17 March)
St Patrick’s Day celebrates the patron saint of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, this is a designated bank holiday, meaning many businesses and schools are closed. While it is not a public holiday in England, Scotland, or Wales, it is still widely celebrated.
The day has both religious and cultural significance. You will see people wearing green, and many pubs and venues host events with Irish music and dancing. It is a day of festivity that transcends borders within the UK.
Global and International Awareness Days
March also hosts several international days that are embraced by the UK. these days connect us to global conversations about culture, equality, and the environment.
World Wildlife Day (3 March)
This day focuses on the protection of our planet’s wild animals and plants. In the UK, environmental organisations and schools often use World Wildlife Day to educate people about local biodiversity and conservation efforts. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility to the natural world.
World Book Day (5 March)
In the UK and Ireland, World Book Day is a major event, particularly for families and schools. It usually takes place on the first Thursday of March. Its main aim is to encourage reading for pleasure among children.
If you have school-aged children, you will likely know this day well. Children often dress up as their favourite book characters, and schools distribute book tokens that can be swapped for free books at local bookshops. It is a fun, energetic celebration of literacy.
International Women’s Day (8 March)
Held annually on 8 March, this is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. In the UK, it is marked by events, talks, and networking opportunities. It is also a day for highlighting ongoing discussions about gender equality and women’s rights.
World Poetry Day (21 March)
World Poetry Day celebrates linguistic expression and the power of poetry. In the UK, libraries, schools, and arts organisations often host readings or workshops. It is a day to appreciate the UK’s rich literary history and discover new voices in poetry.
World Theatre Day (27 March)
The UK has a world-renowned theatre scene, making this day particularly relevant. Theatres across the country may host special performances or backstage tours to celebrate the value of theatre arts. It acknowledges the hard work of actors, writers, and production teams who bring stories to life on stage.
Seasonal and Nature-Based Events
Beyond specific holidays, March 2026 is defined by the arrival of spring.
Meteorological Spring
For weather forecasters and statisticians, spring begins on 1 March. This “meteorological spring” helps make keeping records easier. You might notice the weather becoming milder, although March in the UK can still be unpredictable.
Spring Equinox (20 March)
The astronomical start of spring occurs on the Spring Equinox. In 2026, this falls on 20 March. This is the moment when day and night are of approximately equal length. Historically and culturally, this represents balance and renewal. As the days get longer after this point, it signals the true start of the growing season.
Religious and Traditional Observances
Faith and tradition play a role in the rhythm of March.
Lady Day (25 March)
Lady Day, or the Feast of the Annunciation, commemorates the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. Historically, this was the first day of the new year in England until 1752. Today, it is still a “quarter day” in the UK legal calendar, traditionally used for paying rent and hiring servants, though now it is mostly a religious observance.
Lent
Throughout most of March 2026, the Christian observance of Lent will be taking place. This is a period of reflection and fasting leading up to Easter. You may notice people giving up certain foods or habits during this time. It influences traditional foods, such as the consumption of fish on Fridays or hot cross buns appearing in shops.
Quick-Glance Calendar: March 2026
Use this table to quickly check the key dates for the month.
|
Date |
Observance |
Scope |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 Mar |
St David’s Day |
Wales |
National day; daffodils and leeks. |
|
3 Mar |
World Wildlife Day |
Global |
Focus on nature and conservation. |
|
5 Mar |
St Piran’s Day |
Cornwall |
Cornish heritage celebration. |
|
5 Mar |
World Book Day |
UK & Ireland |
School dressing up; focus on reading. |
|
8 Mar |
International Women’s Day |
Global |
Celebrating women’s achievements. |
|
9 Mar |
Commonwealth Day |
Commonwealth |
2nd Monday in March. |
|
15 Mar |
Mothering Sunday |
UK |
4th Sunday of Lent. Family day. |
|
17 Mar |
St Patrick’s Day |
N. Ireland / Global |
Public holiday in Northern Ireland. |
|
20 Mar |
Spring Equinox |
Global |
Astronomical start of spring. |
|
21 Mar |
World Poetry Day |
Global |
celebration of literature. |
|
25 Mar |
Lady Day |
UK / Religious |
Feast of the Annunciation. |
|
27 Mar |
World Theatre Day |
Global |
Arts and culture focus. |
Who Will Find These Dates Useful?
Knowing what is happening in March 2026 is helpful for many different people.
- Parents and Schools: You can prepare for World Book Day costumes and Mothering Sunday activities without the last-minute rush.
- Businesses and Marketers: These dates provide opportunities to connect with customers. For example, a bakery might focus on St David’s Day or Mothering Sunday.
- Content Creators: Planning your social media content around International Women’s Day or St Patrick’s Day ensures your posts are relevant and timely.
- Community Organisers: If you run local events, knowing these dates helps you avoid clashes or plan themed gatherings that bring people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St David’s Day a bank holiday in Wales?
No, St David’s Day (1 March) is not currently a bank holiday in Wales, although there are ongoing campaigns to make it one. Schools and businesses usually remain open, but celebrations take place throughout the day.
Why is Mother’s Day on a different date in the UK compared to the US?
In the UK, “Mothering Sunday” is connected to the church calendar and falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In the US, “Mother’s Day” was established separately in the 20th century and always falls on the second Sunday in May.
Does the date of the Spring Equinox change?
Yes, slightly. The Spring Equinox usually falls on 20 March or 21 March. In 2026, it lands on 20 March. This fluctuation happens because our calendar year does not perfectly match the time it takes the Earth to orbit the Sun.
Is St Patrick’s Day a public holiday in England?
No. St Patrick’s Day is only a public bank holiday in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. In England, Scotland, and Wales, it is a normal working day, though many people still celebrate it in the evening.
Making the Most of March
March 2026 offers a rich variety of cultural, social, and seasonal events. It is a time when communities come together, whether to celebrate national identity, support a global cause, or simply enjoy the longer days.
By planning ahead, you can participate in these moments meaningfully. Whether you are sending a card for Mothering Sunday, reading a story for World Book Day, or wearing a daffodil for St David’s Day, engaging with these dates helps us feel more connected to the people and traditions around us.