March 18: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
In 1965, humanity took a giant leap into the void when cosmonaut Alexei Leonov became the very first person to step out of a spacecraft and walk in space.
Quick Facts for March 18
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Day of year: 77
About March 18
March 18 serves as a profound marker of human transition, both in the heavens and on Earth. While Alexei Leonov was making history by drifting through the vacuum of space in 1965, other nations were navigating the tides of sovereignty and peace. In 1962, the Évian Accords were signed, effectively bringing a close to the long and arduous Algerian War of Independence.
The day also holds deep cultural and political significance across the globe. From the nationalistic celebrations of Flag Day in Aruba to the remembrance of those lost in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey, the date invites reflection. Whether it is honoring teachers in Syria or marking the historic oil expropriation in Mexico, the calendar of March 18 is a tapestry of struggle, achievement, and identity.
Holidays & Observances on March 18
- Anniversary of the Oil Expropriation (Mexico)
- Flag Day (Aruba)
- Gallipoli Memorial Day (Turkey)
- Men's and Soldiers' Day (Mongolia)
- Ordnance Factories' Day (India)
- Sheelah's Day (Ireland, Canada, Australia)
- Teacher's Day (Syria)
Fun & National Days on March 18
- Awkward Moments Day — Embrace your most cringeworthy memories with a laugh today!
- Forgive Mom and Dad Day — Let go of old family grudges and share a kind word.
- National Sloppy Joe Day — Celebrate with a messy, delicious sandwich filled with meat and sauce.
- National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day — Indulge in a sweet, textured treat to satisfy your cravings.
- Goddess of Fertility Day
- National Biodiesel Day
- Supreme Sacrifice Day
- Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action
On This Day in History
- 37 — The Roman Senate invalidated the will of Tiberius, leading to the rise of Caligula as the next emperor.
- 1229 — During the Sixth Crusade, Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, officially declared himself the King of Jerusalem.
- 1314 — The Knights Templar saw their final Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, executed by being burned at the stake.
- 1571 — The city of Valletta was officially designated as the capital of Malta.
- 1766 — A major victory for the American Revolution occurred when the British Parliament decided to repeal the Stamp Act.
- 1865 — The Confederate States of America reached its final legislative moment as their Congress adjourned for the last time.
- 1899 — William Henry Pickering discovered Phoebe, the first satellite of Saturn to be identified through the use of photography.
- 1915 — During the Great War, a British and French naval attempt at the Dardanelles resulted in three battleships being sunk.
- 1925 — A devastating tornado swept through the American Midwest, claiming nearly 700 lives across three different states.
- 1938 — Mexico asserted control over its energy resources by expropriating all foreign-owned oil facilities to create Pemex.
- 1940 — Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini met at the Brenner Pass to solidify an alliance against the United Kingdom and France.
- 1965 — Alexei Leonov achieved a milestone for space exploration by conducting the first extravehicular activity in history.
Famous Birthdays on March 18
- 1495 — Mary Tudor, The former Queen of France who lived during the 16th century.
- 1634 — Madame de La Fayette, An influential French writer known for her literary contributions.
- 1844 — Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, A celebrated Russian composer and esteemed academician.
- 1858 — Rudolf Diesel, The visionary German engineer who invented the engine that bears his name.
- 1869 — Neville Chamberlain, The British statesman who served as Prime Minister during a critical era.
- 1970 — Queen Latifah, An iconic American entertainer, rapper, and successful producer.
- 1979 — Adam Levine, The famous American singer and frontman of the band Maroon 5.