March observances

The first celebration of Women's Day took place on February 28, 1909 in New York City - The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in the International Women's Year 1975

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women's Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the economic, political, and social achievements of women globally.

The Lenten Basket - with lower prices of goods consumed during the period of Lent - will be available from Wednesday, March 13 until May 4, according to the ministerial decision signed on Tuesday by Development Minister Kostas Skrekas.

The Lenten Basket with lower prices of goods consumed during the period of Lent - will be available from Wednesday,  March 13 until May 4, according to the ministerial decision signed on Tuesday by Development Minister Kostas Skrekas.

The tradition of exchanging amulets in white and red for health dates back thousands of years and is popular in several neighboring to Bulgaria countries. In all countries with this tradition, the arrival of spring is celebrated, and wishes for health, luck, and fertility are exchanged.

On March 1, Bulgarians celebrate Baba Marta - one of the most beloved Bulgarian traditions, preserved to this day. We associate the holiday with the symbolic beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. On this day, everyone presents their loved ones with martenitsi - special ornaments made of white and red yarn. They are a symbol of health, luck and strength during the year.

Embracing the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria, Bulgarians in Chicago marked the sixth consecutive year of the international "Martenitsa" project on February 25th.

The US Embassy in Athens and its consular section, the US Consulate General in Thessaloniki, and all US government offices in Greece will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.

Labor Day is a US federal holiday to honor and recognize the American labor movement.

Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou will attend the midnight Anastasi (Resurrection) Mass on Holy Saturday at the Athens Cathedral tonight, her office said.

On Sunday (Easter Sunday), she will visit the Presidential Guard. 

Worshipers carry the Epitaph in the sea, while others light flares, during the Holy Friday celebrations of Orthodox Easter at the Tolo beach, eastern Peloponnese, in Greece, on April 14, 2023. Orthodox Easter is celebrated this year on April 16. [Vangelis Bougiotis/EPA]