August 21: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
In 1791, a secret Vodou ceremony in Saint-Domingue ignited the Haitian Revolution, forever altering the course of human history and the fight against slavery.
Quick Facts for August 21
- Zodiac sign: Leo
- Day of year: 233
About August 21
August 21 serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the volatile shifts of history. While the day is marked in the Philippines by the remembrance of Ninoy Aquino, it also commemorates the dawn of the Haitian Revolution, sparked by a transformative religious gathering led by Dutty Boukman. This moment of resistance set a precedent for liberation that echoed across the Atlantic.
Beyond these monumental shifts, the day has witnessed moments of high drama and cultural upheaval. In 1911, the world was stunned when the Mona Lisa was spirited away from the Louvre, and later, in 1959, the American map was forever changed when President Eisenhower signed the order admitting Hawaii as the 50th state. Whether through the lens of political revolution or the shifting of global borders, August 21 remains a cornerstone of historical change.
Holidays & Observances on August 21
- Ninoy Aquino Day (Philippines)
- Youth Day (Morocco)
- World Senior Citizen's Day
Fun & National Days on August 21
- National Spumoni Day — Celebrate with a delicious scoop of this colorful, layered Italian ice cream treat.
- National Sweet Tea Day — Pour yourself a tall, refreshing glass of chilled, sugary iced tea today.
- National Kool-Aid Day — Embrace your inner child with a bright, fruity glass of classic Kool-Aid.
- National Brazilian Blowout Day
- National Men's Grooming Day
- National Senior Citizens Day
- Poet's Day
On This Day in History
- 1192 — Minamoto no Yoritomo rose to power as the de facto ruler of Japan, assuming the title of Sei-i Taishōgun.
- 1415 — Portuguese forces, commanded by Henry the Navigator, achieved a significant victory during the Conquest of Ceuta.
- 1680 — During the Pueblo Revolt, indigenous Pueblo people successfully seized control of Santa Fe from Spanish settlers.
- 1770 — Captain James Cook officially claimed the eastern coast of Australia for Great Britain, designating it New South Wales.
- 1791 — A pivotal Vodou ceremony led by Dutty Boukman signaled the start of the massive uprising known as the Haitian Revolution.
- 1831 — Nat Turner orchestrated a violent rebellion involving enslaved and free Black individuals in Virginia's Southampton County.
- 1879 — The village of Knock in Ireland became a famous Catholic pilgrimage destination following reports of a Virgin Mary apparition.
- 1911 — The world's most famous painting, the Mona Lisa, was stolen from the Louvre by an employee named Vincenzo Peruggia.
- 1944 — In a key move during World War II, Polish and Canadian military units successfully captured the French town of Falaise.
- 1959 — President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the executive order that officially welcomed Hawaii as the 50th United States state.
- 1986 — A catastrophic release of carbon dioxide from Lake Nyos in Cameroon resulted in the deaths of up to 1,800 people.
- 2000 — Golfer Tiger Woods secured his 82nd PGA Championship, becoming the first player in over decades to win three majors annually.
Famous Birthdays on August 21
- 1165 — Philip II of France, A significant medieval monarch who shaped the future of the French kingdom.
- 1765 — William IV, The monarch who reigned as the King of the United Kingdom.
- 1904 — Count Basie, A legendary American jazz pianist, composer, and influential bandleader.
- 1936 — Wilt Chamberlain, An iconic basketball legend known for his unparalleled dominance on the court.
- 1938 — Kenny Rogers, A celebrated American singer and songwriter with massive crossover success.
- 1973 — Sergey Brin, The visionary computer scientist who co-founded the global search giant Google.
- 1986 — Usain Bolt, The world-renowned Jamaican sprinter who redefined the limits of human speed.