What are the main events affecting the Americas in March 2026?
Several major scheduled events could influence travel and day-to-day operations during March. Colombia is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on 08 March, while Chile’s presidential inauguration is scheduled for 11 March in Valparaíso. Bolivia’s departmental-level legislative, gubernatorial and municipal elections are scheduled for 22 March. In the US, Super Tuesday primaries will take place during March, with campaign activity and media attention expected to increase around major contests. International Women’s Day activities are also scheduled across several locations on 08 March.
Public holidays and celebrations will add further localized disruption. Mexico will observe Benito Juárez Day on 17 March, while several countries including Paraguay, Honduras, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and Trinidad and Tobago have public or commemorative events during the month.
Where could businesses and travellers face the most disruption?
New York is one of the key locations to monitor because CSW70 is scheduled at United Nations Headquarters from 09–19 March. The event is expected to bring hundreds of member-state delegations, UN agencies, civil-society organisations and media representatives to Midtown Manhattan. Security screening, managed street closures and increased traffic are expected around First Avenue and the Turtle Bay and Murray Hill areas. Businesses located within approximately one kilometre of UN Headquarters may experience access and delivery delays.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will create additional localized congestion. The New York City parade on Fifth Avenue is expected to attract approximately two million spectators and 150,000–250,000 participants. Chicago, Boston, Savannah, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver will also host major events, increasing pedestrian and traffic pressure around parade routes.
What are the business continuity risks around elections and political events?
The March primary season in the US is expected to increase political and policy uncertainty, particularly in states hosting competitive races. The report identifies potential business risks including headline volatility, regulatory signalling, campaign-related disruptions and localized demonstrations. Traffic congestion near polling locations and security perimeters around rallies may also affect public-facing operations.
Companies with government exposure or operations in politically sensitive sectors may need to monitor developments closely. The report specifically identifies energy, healthcare, technology and defence as sectors where policy signalling could have implications. It also recommends monitoring state-level election outcomes and preparing communications strategies for politically sensitive issues.
How could major public events affect daily operations?
Large-scale public events are most likely to create localized rather than region-wide disruption. In New York, businesses should account for delays affecting employee commuting, executive movements, commercial deliveries and ride-hailing services around UN Headquarters.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations could similarly affect road access and pedestrian movement in major cities. Businesses operating near parade routes may experience temporary access restrictions, increased demand for transport and accommodation, and longer journey times. Organisations should also consider flexible scheduling where possible during periods of concentrated activity.
What should organisations do to prepare for March disruptions?
Organisations operating across the Americas should maintain awareness of scheduled elections, public holidays, demonstrations and major public events and assess their proximity to offices, facilities and critical travel routes. Employees travelling to New York during CSW70 should allow additional journey time and consider alternative routes around First Avenue and the FDR Drive corridor.
Businesses with staff or assets near major parade routes should plan alternative access arrangements, allow additional travel buffers and consider remote or flexible working where feasible. Companies exposed to political developments should also monitor regulatory and policy signals throughout the primary season.
Frequently asked questions
What are the major political events scheduled in the Americas in March 2026?
Colombia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for 08 March, Chile’s presidential inauguration for 11 March and Bolivia’s departmental-level elections for 22 March. US Super Tuesday primaries will also take place during March.
When is CSW70 taking place in New York?
The 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women is scheduled at UN Headquarters in New York from 09–19 March 2026. Increased security screening, traffic controls and access delays are expected around the UN complex.
Which cities are expected to experience major St. Patrick’s Day disruptions?
Major celebrations are scheduled in New York, Chicago, Boston, Savannah, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver, among other locations. Large crowds and parade routes may cause localized traffic and pedestrian restrictions.
Download the full forecast now
The MitKat Monthly Risk Forecast – Americas, March 2026 provides the complete event calendar, country-level developments, escalation snapshots and business-relevant risk analysis for the region. Download the full forecast now to brief travel, security and business continuity teams.
Filed under: AmericasThreat Intelligence Special Reports
