November 21, 2025: History, Birthdays, and What’s Happening Today

November 21, 2025 at a glance

Some dates are quiet footnotes; others feel like turning pages. November 21, 2025 is the latter—rich with history, memorable events, and noteworthy birthdays. Whether you’re looking up the day’s history, checking famous names, or curious about the zodiac flavor, this snapshot offers a clear, human-friendly tour of what makes the date stand out.

On this day in history

Across centuries, November 21 has delivered ingenuity, diplomacy, and moments that shaped culture and infrastructure. Here are highlights tied to November 21’s timeline:

• 1620 — The Mayflower Compact is signed, setting a framework for self-governance among the Plymouth colonists—an early chapter in democratic practice.
• 1783 — The first free, untethered hot-air balloon flight lifts off in Paris. Pilâtre de Rozier and François d’Arlandes drift for roughly 25 minutes, turning an age-old dream of flight into reality.
• 1877 — Thomas Edison announces the phonograph, a breakthrough that makes recorded sound possible and reshapes entertainment and communication.
• 1964 — The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge opens in New York City, briefly the world’s longest suspension bridge and still an engineering icon.
• 1980 — The MGM Grand fire in Las Vegas prompts major reforms in hotel fire safety standards across the U.S.
• 1995 — The Dayton Peace Agreement is initialed, laying the groundwork to end the Bosnian War and reshaping diplomacy in the Balkans.
• 2013 — Mass demonstrations begin in Ukraine (Euromaidan), setting in motion significant political change.

These moments show how a single calendar square can hold multitudes—innovation, resilience, and lessons for today’s events.

Famous birthdays on November 21

If it’s your birthday, you’re in remarkable company. Creative minds and athletic greats share this late-autumn spotlight:

• Voltaire (1694) — Philosopher and writer celebrated for wit, reason, and advocacy of civil liberties.
• Harold Ramis (1944) — Director, writer, and actor behind comedy classics.
• Goldie Hawn (1945) — Oscar-winning actor with a decades-long career.
• Ken Griffey Jr. (1969) — Baseball Hall of Famer famed for his sweet swing and highlight-reel defense.
• Michael Strahan (1971) — Super Bowl champion turned television personality.
• Björk (1965) — Icelandic artist blending pop, avant-garde, and visual innovation.
• Carly Rae Jepsen (1985) — Pop singer-songwriter with meticulous craft and catchy hooks.
• Jena Malone (1984) — Actor and musician known for eclectic roles.

Zodiac sign and personality notes

November 21 typically falls under Scorpio (ending around November 22). Scorpios are known for depth, focus, and strategic thinking. On the cusp with Sagittarius, some born this day blend Scorpio’s intensity with Sagittarian curiosity—resulting in passionate explorers who ask big questions and see projects through.

Seasonal context

In the Northern Hemisphere, November 21 means late autumn: crisp air, shorter days, and a tilt toward the reflective. Leaves crunch underfoot, warm drinks return, and many communities prepare for year-end gatherings. Skywatchers often catch the tail end of the Leonids’ period around mid-November, and evenings invite stargazing between cloud breaks. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the opposite: late spring brings longer days, blooms, and outdoor festivals.

Observances around the world

Even when it isn’t a single official holiday, November 21 often hosts noteworthy observances that celebrate media, communication, and sustainability:

• World Television Day — A United Nations observance acknowledging TV’s role in information-sharing and cultural exchange.
• World Hello Day — A friendly nudge to greet 10 people, promoting peace through personal communication.
• World Fisheries Day — Spotlighting the importance of healthy fisheries, coastal communities, and marine stewardship.

Local calendars vary, so your community might mark additional events, cultural festivals, or charitable drives on or near this date.

Fun facts and conversation starters

Innovation takes flight

That 1783 balloon trip wasn’t just spectacle; it inaugurated a century-spanning fascination with lighter-than-air travel, influencing exploration and entertainment. It’s a reminder that curiosity often precedes capability—perfect inspiration for projects started on November 21, 2025.

Bridges and bonds

From the Verrazzano’s sweeping span to the diplomatic bridge-building of Dayton, November 21 highlights both physical and social connections. It’s a good day to check in with someone, start a constructive conversation, or simply enjoy a well-built path—literal or metaphorical.

Wrap-up: Why November 21, 2025 matters

Dates are lenses. Through November 21, 2025, we see invention, dialogue, and community—threads that still matter. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, exploring history, or planning new events, today’s mix of milestones and seasonality offers timely motivation to learn, share, and create.