March 31: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for March 31

• Zodiac sign: Aries
• Day of year: 90

About March 31

The world has changed significantly on this day throughout the centuries. In 1889, the skyline of Paris was forever altered when the Eiffel Tower officially opened to the public. This architectural marvel stood as a testament to industrial progress, much like the technological leap seen in 1951 when the UNIVAC I computer was delivered to the United States Census Bureau, signaling the beginning of the modern computing era.

Beyond the steel and silicon, March 31 carries deep cultural and social weight. It is a day recognized for celebrating the resilience of farmworkers through Cesar Chavez Day and a time for visibility as International Transgender Day of Visibility. Whether through the lens of scientific advancement or social justice, this date serves as a recurring milestone for human progress and identity.

Holidays & Observances on March 31

• Cesar Chavez Day (California, Washington (state))
• Christian feast day Abdas of Susa
• Christian feast day Acathius of Melitene (Eastern Orthodox Church)
• Christian feast day Anesius and companions
• Christian feast day Benjamin
• Christian feast day Balbina
• Christian feast day John Donne (Anglican Communion, Lutheran)
• Christian feast day Natalia Tułasiewicz

Fun & National Days on March 31

• Eiffel Tower Day — Channel your inner Parisian and admire a beautiful architectural photo today!
• International Taco Day — Celebrate with a delicious plate of your favorite tacos!
• Dance Marathon Day — Put on some music and keep moving to celebrate this high-energy day.
• National Bunsen Burner Day — Get your inner scientist excited about the wonders of chemistry!
• Farmworkers Day
• Holy Tuesday
• International Transgender Day of Visibility
• National "She's Funny That Way" Day
• National Après Day
• National Clams on the Half Shell Day

On This Day in History

• 1492 — The Edict of Expulsion was signed by Ferdinand II and Isabella I, forcing the Jewish population of Spain to convert or leave.
• 1521 — Ferdinand Magellan and a small crew landed at Limasawa to conduct the first Catholic mass within the Philippines.
• 1761 — A massive earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.5 struck the Iberian Peninsula, devastating the region.
• 1814 — Following the surrender of Napoleon's army, the Sixth Coalition successfully occupied the city of Paris.
• 1854 — The Convention of Kanagawa was signed, allowing the United States to begin trading with the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan.
• 1889 — The world witnessed the official opening of the Eiffel Tower, a landmark that would become a global icon.
• 1918 — The United States implemented daylight saving time for the very first time in its history.
• 1931 — A devastating earthquake struck Managua, Nicaragua, resulting in the deaths of approximately 2,000 people.
• 1945 — Allied forces captured the first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft, a Messerschmitt Me 262A-1, from a defecting pilot.
• 1951 — The first UNIVAC I computer was delivered to the United States Census Bureau, ushering in the digital revolution.
• 1959 — The 14th Dalai Lama traveled across the border to find political asylum in India.
• 1966 — The Soviet Union achieved a space milestone by launching Luna 10, the first probe to orbit the Moon.

Famous Birthdays on March 31

• 1596 — René Descartes, The brilliant French philosopher and mathematician who shaped modern rationalism.
• 1685 — Johann Sebastian Bach, The legendary German composer who mastered the complexities of Baroque music.
• 1732 — Joseph Haydn, The influential Austrian composer known as a foundational figure of the Classical era.
• 1914 — Octavio Paz, The celebrated Mexican poet and diplomat who was awarded the Nobel Prize.
• 1955 — Angus Young, The high-energy Scottish-Australian guitarist who defined the sound of rock legends.
• 1971 — Ewan McGregor, The acclaimed Scottish actor recognized for his iconic roles in major film franchises.