International Women's Day, observed on March 8, celebrates women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It is a public holiday in many post-Soviet states and recognized globally as a day of awareness.
First observed in 1909 in the US by the Socialist Party of America. Adopted internationally at the 1910 International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. The UN began commemorating it in 1975. The day became associated with feminist movements globally.
Giving flowers (especially mimosa in Italy, yellow tulips and chrysanthemums in Russia) to women — mothers, partners, colleagues, friends. In Italy, men give yellow mimosa flowers — La Festa della Donna. Events highlighting gender equality.
In Italy, mimosa cake (named after the flower).
"Happy International Women's Day" · "С 8 марта" · "Festa della Donna".
Public holiday in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Vietnam, Italy (informal), Cuba, and others. In Italy, restaurants offer women's-only group bookings.
Future dates for moving holidays (Easter, Eid, Lunar New Year, Diwali, etc.) are computed and approximate; the actual public-holiday date in some countries is fixed by official decree closer to the date.
This holiday is also publicly observed in: