Days Until March 21st
About March 21st
March 21st is one of 365 days on the calendar — and like every date, it has its own mix of facts, observances, and history. March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, officially declared by the United Nations in 2011. The date (3/21) symbolizes the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome. The countdown below shows how many days remain until the next March 21st, with notes on what the date is known for, the traditions associated with it, and notable events that have happened on this day.
📚 Interesting Facts
March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day, officially declared by the United Nations in 2011. The date (3/21) symbolizes the triplication of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome
This date marks the first day of spring (Vernal Equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere, when day and night are nearly equal in length
Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most influential composers in Western classical music history, was born on March 21st
The date is celebrated as Nowruz (Persian New Year) by over 300 million people worldwide across Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East
March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, established by the UN in 1966 to commemorate the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre
🎊 Traditions & Celebrations
World Poetry Day: Established by UNESCO in 1999 to promote reading, writing, publishing, and teaching poetry worldwide
International Day of Forests: Recognized by the UN in 2012 to raise awareness about forests and trees for current and future generations
Nowruz celebrations include traditional festivities, special foods, family gatherings, and rituals marking the Persian New Year
Lots of Socks campaign: People wear brightly colored or mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day as conversation starters about Down syndrome
Namibia celebrates Independence Day on March 21st, marking its independence from South African rule in 1990
📜 Historical Events on This Day
The Sharpeville Massacre occurred in South Africa, where police opened fire on protesters against apartheid, killing 69 people and becoming a turning point in the fight against racial segregation
Scottish explorer Henry Morton Stanley began his famous expedition to find David Livingstone, eventually uttering the famous words 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?'
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey sent the world's first tweet saying 'just setting up my twttr,' forever changing how we communicate
Namibia gained independence from South African rule, becoming one of the last African countries to achieve full independence
The United Nations officially recognized March 21 as International Nowruz Day
The UN General Assembly established International Day of Forests on March 21st
The United Nations established International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21st
The United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day
Johann Sebastian Bach was born, who would become one of the greatest composers in music history
Forrest Mars, Sr. was born, who would go on to create M&M's and Mars bar candy
Why Count Down to March 21st?
Whether you're planning ahead, celebrating a tradition, or marking a personal milestone, tracking the countdown to March 21st helps you prepare and build anticipation. Use CountDay.org to:
- Never miss important dates and plan accordingly
- Build excitement as the day approaches
- Share the countdown with friends and family
- Set reminders and prepare for celebrations
- Track multiple countdowns in one convenient place