March 29: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
In 1974, archaeologists in China stumbled upon one of history's greatest treasures: the legendary Terracotta Army.
Daylight Saving Time Begins
Today in the European Union and many other European countries, clocks are set forward by 1 hour. This marks the beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST).
Quick Facts for March 29
- Zodiac sign: Aries
- Day of year: 88
About March 29
March 29 serves as a profound bridge between the ancient world and the frontiers of modern science. While the day is marked by the discovery of China's magnificent Terracotta Army in 1974, it also commemorates the technological leaps of the space age, such as NASA's Mariner 10 probe completing its first flight by Mercury in 1974. These moments remind us of humanity's enduring quest to uncover the past and conquer the unknown.
Beyond scientific milestones, the date carries deep historical weight across the globe. It is a day of remembrance in Madagascar for the 1947 uprising against colonial rule and a time for honoring service in the United States on National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Whether through the lens of political shifts or cultural celebrations like Piano Day, March 29 offers a rich tapestry of human experience.
Holidays & Observances on March 29
- Boganda Day (Central African Republic)
- Commemoration of the 1947 Rebellion (Madagascar)
- National Vietnam War Veterans Day (United States)
- Day of the Young Combatant (Chile)
- Youth Day (Taiwan)
Fun & National Days on March 29
- National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day — Treat yourself to a slice of light, citrusy cake today!
- Piano Day — Sit down and let your fingers dance across the ivory keys.
- Smoke and Mirrors Day — Celebrate the art of illusion and magical trickery.
- Education and Sharing Day
- Knights of Columbus Founder's Day
- National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
- Neighbour Day
- Palm Sunday
- Texas Love the Children Day
On This Day in History
- 1139 — Pope Innocent II officially sanctioned the Knights Templar and gave his endorsement to their religious rule.
- 1461 — Edward of York triumphed at the Battle of Towton, defeating Queen Margaret and seizing the English throne.
- 1549 — The city of Salvador, Bahia, was established, serving as the inaugural capital of Brazil.
- 1632 — Under the Treaty of Saint-Germain, control of Quebec was handed back to the French from the English.
- 1806 — Authorities approved the construction of the Cumberland Road, the first federal highway in the United States.
- 1867 — Queen Victoria gave her formal approval to the British North America Act, paving the way for Canada.
- 1871 — Queen Victoria presided over the grand opening ceremony of the iconic Royal Albert Hall.
- 1927 — The Sunbeam 1000hp vehicle achieved a new land speed record at Daytona Beach, Florida.
- 1968 — Massive crowds gathered in Moscow to attend the funeral services for cosmic pioneer Yuri Gagarin.
- 1974 — NASA's Mariner 10 mission successfully conducted the first flyby of the planet Mercury.
- 1974 — In Shaanxi province, China, explorers made the monumental discovery of the Terracotta Army.
- 2004 — A significant group of nations, including Bulgaria and Romania, officially joined the NATO alliance.
Famous Birthdays on March 29
- 1790 — John Tyler, The tenth President of the United States and a prominent American lawyer.
- 1867 — Cy Young, A legendary American baseball pitcher and manager of great renown.
- 1918 — Sam Walton, The influential American businessman who established the retail giant Walmart.
- 1918 — Pearl Bailey, An iconic American singer and actress with a massive stage presence.
- 1943 — Eric Idle, The celebrated English comedian, writer, and actor known for his musical comedy.
- 1943 — Vangelis, The highly acclaimed Greek composer and electronic music pioneer.