If Thursday being the first day of spring was not enough to make you happy, it's also the 2nd Annual International Day of Happiness.
Grammy-winning producer and singer Pharrell has partnered with the United Nations Foundation to celebrate the day of smiles and laughter.
“The pursuit of happiness lies at the core of human endeavors. People around the world aspire to lead happy and fulfilling lives free from fear and want...," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a release on the foundation's website.
A new video featuring Pharrell's infectious song "Happy" will be spotlighted each hour on 24hoursofhappiness.com.
Residents in D.C. and Maryland got into the spirit ahead of the International Day of Happiness, posting their own "Happy"-themed videos on YouTube recently. Check out a few of the best below.
We Are From Washington, D.C.
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Anacostia-based production company Ward 8 Studios put together this compilation of D.C. residents showing off their never-ending happiness. The video features many recognizable D.C. landmarks, from the Washington Monument to the Anacostia River. Stay tuned through the end for a special cameo from one of the National Zoo’s star attractions.
Happy (Howard University)
Howard University decided that the world needed to know just how happy it is, and thus this video was born. Students, faculty, staff and willing D.C. participants all pitched in to create this testament to Howard’s happiness.
Happy (ONE.org Version)
To help with their goal to end poverty and disease, D.C.-based advocacy group ONE danced its way from its office on I Street to the White House. What better way to get the government’s attention than with an outpouring of unbridled happiness?
We Are Happy in Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore wasn’t willing to let D.C. have all the fun, so they had to make a "Happy" video of their own. Watch these Baltimorons in all their happy glory.
Chad R. Presents: Pharrell Williams HAPPY Music Video
Washington Talent Agency offshoot So Fresh Entertainment decided that a little bad weather wouldn’t stop them from letting everyone know just how happy they truly are. This one stands out for some pretty incredible dance moves.
