March 17, 2025 by Olivia Howe (‘26)
This week, people around the world have recognized and celebrated a wide range of vibrant holidays, each one unique and reflective of historical, religious, and cultural occasions. So far, March has seen diverse celebrations, from honoring the achievements of women to preparing for multiple cultural traditions. Read on to find out this week’s highlights!
Preparations are being made this week around the world for St. Patrick’s Day, an iconic holiday that celebrates Irish culture and traditions. Observed on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day brings people together through parades, Celtic music events, and Irish cuisine. This holiday was originally used in the 5th century as a religious feasting day to honor the patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, but it transformed into a globally recognized holiday in the 18th and 19th centuries through the flow of Irish immigration into the United States. From America to Australia, large cities are hosting televised parades with floats and performances, all wearing green, gold, or white colors. Boston, populated by a large Irish demographic, is really spirited in the month of march for this holiday. Their annual parade will be March 16th, according to USA today. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, brings out their country’s history through massive crowds of energetic people, parades, and popular Irish foods like Shepherd’s Pie or alcoholic beverages. Be sure to wear green on the 17th!
One of the key celebrations this week (and so far this month) is Women’s History Month. Celebrated during the month of March in the US and other countries, this month is dedicated to paying respect for all the important achievements women have made through history. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” as stated by the National Women’s History Alliance, highlights the contributions women have made in education and leadership. Communities, schools, and museums around the world are hosting events for this theme that bring up political, artistic, and scientific milestones. Several panels and organizations have already held educational assemblies and discussions that speak of women such as Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman, with a focus of improving gender
equality and motivating women to push for the greater good. In our community, be on the lookout for events such as the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s virtual program titled “Sarah Smiley: From Mohawk to Saratoga” on March 27, which commemorates the life of Sarah Smiley and her contributions to national literature. See (Celebrating Women, This Month and Always) for more on Women’s History Month.
photo source: colorpowdersupply.com
These aren’t the only holidays the world is preparing for this week. India
is preparing for the festival of Holi. Also known as the Festival of Colors, people light bonfires to celebrate the victory of good over evil and throw powdered colors at each other to recognize the arrival of Spring.
Purim, a Jewish festival, was also celebrated this week. This holiday honors the preservation of Jewish people in ancient Persia. During the festival, people give to the poor, wear celebratory costumes, read the Megillah (the story of Esther), sing, and feast on foods like Kreplach (meat-filled dumplings) or hamantaschen, an iconic cookie shaped in a triangle.
All these celebrations and recognitions this week all bring out opportunities to enjoy different cultures and historic events. Whether it’s achievements or religion that we celebrate, they remind all of us to come together and look forward to the future. You can celebrate too!