March 29: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On March 29, 1139, Pope Innocent II officially blessed the Knights Templar, transforming a humble order of warrior monks into one of history's most powerful forces.
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).
About March 29
March 29 has a habit of shifting the course of nations. In 1461, Edward of York crushed Queen Margaret's forces at the Battle of Towton, claiming the English throne as Edward IV and pausing the bloody Wars of the Roses. Fast forward to 1867, and Queen Victoria granted Royal Assent to the British North America Act, laying the legislative groundwork for Canada's birth as a dominion. Exactly 150 years later, the legacy of nation-building continued when the Suez Canal finally reopened after the colossal container ship Ever Given was freed from its banks.
This date also delivered extraordinary firsts in exploration and culture. NASA's Mariner 10 became the first spacecraft to streak past Mercury in 1974, while on the very same day in China, farmers digging a well stumbled upon the breathtaking Terracotta Army. Decades later, in 2014, England and Wales celebrated their first legal same-sex marriages—a landmark moment for equality.
March 29 is also the birthday of remarkable creative talents, from Monty Python's Eric Idle to composer Vangelis and actress Lucy Lawless. With Aries energy blazing through the day, it's no wonder this date brims with bold, trailblazing spirit.
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 this airy, citrusy classic dessert first popularized in the 1920s.
- Piano Day — Tinkle the ivories today, whether you're a maestro or just enjoy plunking out a childhood tune.
- National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day — Skip the big chains and shop locally to support the family-run shops that anchor your community.
- Education and Sharing Day — Mentor a young person or share a valuable skill today—passing on knowledge is always worth celebrating.
- Knights of Columbus Founder's Day
- Neighbour Day
- Palm Sunday
- Smoke and Mirrors Day
- Texas Love the Children Day
On This Day in History
- 1139 — Pope Innocent II issued the bull Omne datum optimum, officially endorsing the Knights Templar and approving their governing Rule.
- 1461 — Edward of York defeated Queen Margaret at the Battle of Towton, claiming the English throne as Edward IV and pausing the Wars of the Roses.
- 1549 — Salvador, Bahia, was founded, serving as the very first capital of colonial Brazil.
- 1806 — Construction was authorized for the Cumberland Road, the first federally funded highway in the United States.
- 1867 — Queen Victoria granted Royal Assent to the British North America Act, paving the way for Canada's confederation on July 1.
- 1871 — Queen Victoria officially opened London's Royal Albert Hall, creating an enduring venue for the arts and sciences.
- 1973 — The final United States combat soldiers departed South Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War's conclusion.
- 1974 — NASA's Mariner 10 achieved the first-ever flyby of the planet Mercury, marking a milestone in planetary exploration.
- 1974 — Farmers in Shaanxi province, China, accidentally discovered the magnificent Terracotta Army buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
- 2014 — The first legal same-sex marriages were performed in England and Wales, a landmark achievement for LGBTQ+ rights.
- 2017 — Prime Minister Theresa May formally triggered Article 50, officially starting the United Kingdom's process of leaving the EU.
- 2021 — The massive container ship Ever Given was finally dislodged from the Suez Canal, reopening one of the world's busiest trade routes.
Famous Birthdays on March 29
- 1790 — John Tyler, The tenth President of the United States, who unexpectedly assumed the presidency after William Henry Harrison's death.
- 1867 — Cy Young, Legendary baseball pitcher whose unmatched 511 career wins inspired the prestigious Cy Young Award.
- 1869 — Edwin Lutyens, Renowned British architect who designed New Delhi's grand governmental layout and numerous country houses.
- 1918 — Sam Walton, American businessman who founded Walmart and Sam's Club, revolutionizing global retail commerce.
- 1918 — Pearl Bailey, Beloved American actress and jazz singer who charmed audiences on Broadway and in Hollywood.
- 1943 — Eric Idle, English comedian, actor, and writer who shaped absurdist humor as a core member of Monty Python.
- 1943 — Vangelis, Greek keyboardist and composer famous for his sweeping, Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire film score.
- 1964 — Elle Macpherson, Australian model and actress known as "The Body" who dominated global fashion runways and magazines.
- 1968 — Lucy Lawless, New Zealand actress who became a pop culture icon playing the fearless title hero in Xena: Warrior Princess.