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Vernal Equinox 2026: Spring Celebrations and Equal Daylight

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The vernal equinox occurs March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. EST, marking spring.
The event yields nearly equal day and night lengths worldwide.
Both poles receive sunlight simultaneously, a rare occurrence.
Celebrations include Vernal Equinox Day in Japan and gatherings at Chichen Itza, Mexico, where shadows form a serpent on El Castillo.
Days lengthen after the equinox toward the June 21, 2026, solstice, the Northern Hemisphere's longest day.

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Story summary

The vernal equinox occurs March 20, 2026, at 10:46 a.m. EST, marking spring.
The event yields nearly equal day and night lengths worldwide.
Both poles receive sunlight simultaneously, a rare occurrence.
Celebrations include Vernal Equinox Day in Japan and gatherings at Chichen Itza, Mexico, where shadows form a serpent on El Castillo.
Days lengthen after the equinox toward the June 21, 2026, solstice, the Northern Hemisphere's longest day.