Acknowledging holidays and celebrations in March

In March, we acknowledge Holi, St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph’s Day and Eid al-Fitr. Read more about each holiday/celebration below, written by members of our Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee.

Holi

Holi, one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu culture, is marked by joy and enthusiasm around the world. Known as “the festival of colours,” it celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Individuals take part in the tradition of painting each other in coloured powders, dancing, singing and sharing festive foods.

Rooted in Hinduism, Holi is derived from the legend of Prahlad and the demoness Holika. It’s a time for forgiveness, letting go of past grievances and fostering peace and harmony. The festival also symbolizes renewal, marking the end of winter and the beginning of new beginnings, as it celebrates the victory of light, love and good fortune over darkness.

St. Patrick’s Day

Celebrated annually on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day originally honoured St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, with religious feasts and services. Born in the late 4th century, St. Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he later returned to the country to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death, St. Patrick had established monasteries, churches and schools across Ireland. One of the most famous legends surrounding him is that he drove the snakes out of Ireland.

Although rooted in religion, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a largely secular holiday, especially in North America, where immigrants transformed it into a celebration of all things Irish. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Boston in 1737, and in 1962, Chicago began the now-iconic tradition of dyeing its river green for the occasion.

Today, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, particularly in North America and Australia, bring together people of all backgrounds. Those who celebrate typically wear green, participate in parades and indulge in traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and Irish soda bread.

St. Joseph’s Day

St. Joseph’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Joseph, is celebrated annually on March 19. Saint Joseph holds great significance for Christians as the husband of Mary and the stepfather of Jesus. The day is observed with particular importance in Poland and Canada, and it is also recognized as Father’s Day in Italy and Spain. In Switzerland, it is a public holiday.

In Canada, St. Joseph’s Day is especially celebrated in areas with large Italian communities. Traditionally, people wear red and gather for a special meal featuring “lucky” foods. Since the day falls during Lent, the meal typically includes fish instead of meat.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr holds deep significance in Islam. It is centred on gratitude, renewal and community connection. The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual growth that brings Muslims closer to Allah (God) and fosters self-discipline. Eid is a time to express thanks for the strength gained during Ramadan and the blessings of the year.

The celebration brings Muslims together for prayer, feasting and acts of charity, underscoring the importance of giving to the less fortunate, family and community. Islam’s emphasis on thankfulness and forgiveness encourages a fulfilling life, promotes conflict resolution and helps build resilience and harmony among people.