February 21: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels changed the course of political history with the publication of The Communist Manifesto.
Quick Facts for February 21
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Day of year: 52
About February 21
February 21 is a profound day for cultural identity and global recognition. As the United Nations celebrates International Mother Language Day, the date serves as a reminder of the importance of linguistic heritage, a sentiment echoed by Bangladesh’s Language Movement Day. From the festive atmosphere of the Musikahan Festival in the Philippines to the spiritual celebrations of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo in Bhutan, the day is a tapestry of diverse traditions.
History has also marked this date with massive shifts in power and innovation. Whether it was the rise of the Romanov dynasty in Russia or the dawn of the locomotive age, February 21 has frequently acted as a catalyst for progress. Even in the realm of modern media, the day saw the birth of icons ranging from legendary actors like Alan Rickman to influential thinkers like John Rawls.
Holidays & Observances on February 21
- Armed Forces Day (South Africa)
- Birthday of King Harald V (Norway)
- Father Lini Day (Vanuatu)
- Language Movement Day (Bangladesh)
- International Mother Language Day (UNESCO)
- The first day of the Birth Anniversary of Fifth Druk Gyalpo, celebrated until February 23. (Bhutan)
- The first day of the Musikahan Festival, celebrated until February 27. (Tagum City, Philippines)
Fun & National Days on February 21
- World Pangolin Day — Celebrate these unique scaled mammals by learning how to protect them from extinction.
- World Whale Day — Take a moment to appreciate the majesty of these giants of the deep blue sea.
- National Sticky Bun Day — Indulge in a sweet, gooey treat to satisfy your breakfast cravings.
- Card Reading Day — Have some fun exploring the mysteries of your future through a deck of cards.
- National Boiled Peanuts Day
- National Grain-Free Day
- Red Sock Day
- Single Tasking Day
- World Kombucha Day
On This Day in History
- 1613 — Mikhail I was chosen by a national assembly to become Tsar, launching the long-standing Romanov dynasty in Russia.
- 1804 — The world witnessed a milestone in transportation when the first self-propelled steam engine locomotive ran in Wales.
- 1828 — The Cherokee Phoenix debuted, marking the first time a periodical utilized the syllabary created by Sequoyah.
- 1848 — A seismic shift in political theory occurred when Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx released The Communist Manifesto.
- 1878 — Communication was revolutionized in New Haven, Connecticut, when the very first telephone directory was released to the public.
- 1885 — The iconic Washington Monument was officially dedicated to the nation in a grand ceremony.
- 1916 — One of the most grueling chapters of World War I commenced with the start of the Battle of Verdun.
- 1925 — The landscape of American journalism changed forever with the publication of the inaugural issue of The New Yorker.
- 1947 — Edwin Land revolutionized photography by demonstrating the very first instant camera technology to scientists in New York.
- 1948 — The world of professional stock car racing officially began with the incorporation of NASCAR.
- 1972 — In a major diplomatic breakthrough, President Richard Nixon traveled to China to begin normalizing relations.
- 1995 — Adventurer Steve Fossett achieved a historic feat by completing the first solo balloon flight across the Pacific Ocean.
Famous Birthdays on February 21
- 1875 — Jeanne Calment, The French woman recognized as the oldest person to ever live.
- 1893 — Andrés Segovia, A world-renowned Spanish guitarist who elevated the instrument's prestige.
- 1924 — Robert Mugabe, The influential and controversial long-time political leader of Zimbabwe.
- 1933 — Nina Simone, A legendary American singer and pianist known for her powerful soulful music.
- 1940 — John Lewis, A prominent American civil rights leader and dedicated political activist.
- 1946 — Alan Rickman, An iconic British actor celebrated for his commanding presence and diverse roles.
- 1979 — Jordan Peele, A celebrated American director and comedian known for modern cinematic mastery.