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March 17, 2026 Holiday:

St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day is a joyous celebration that honors the patron saint of Ireland, commemorating his life and legacy. This festive holiday is marked by vibrant parades, lively music, and an abundance of green attire, as people come together to showcase their Irish heritage. According to tradition, it's believed that wearing green will bring good luck, while shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are also revered symbols of the day. Families and friends gather to share traditional Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, and raise a glass of Guinness to toast the occasion. As the day unfolds, the atmosphere is filled with warmth, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for Irish culture.

Learn more about St. Patrick's Day
Holidays on March 17, 2026:
Birthdays on March 17:

Bobby Jones

Died in 1971, aged 69

A legendary golfer who founded the Masters Tournament and is celebrated for his incredible career, including 13 major championships. He's also a skilled lawyer who practiced in Atl...

Nat King Cole

Died in 1965, aged 45

A legendary singer, pianist, and TV host who charmed audiences with his smooth, velvety voice and effortless style, leaving a lasting mark on the music industry.

Rudolf Nureyev

Died in 1993, aged 54

A renowned Russian-French dancer and choreographer who revolutionized ballet with his powerful stage presence and iconic performances, particularly in productions like "Swan Lake" ...

Katie Ledecky

27 Years Old

American swimmer who has won numerous Olympic and World Championship gold medals, holding multiple world records in freestyle events. Dominant force in women's swimming for over a ...

Stormy Daniels

45 Years Old

An adult film actress who gained international attention for her alleged affair with a prominent political figure, sparking a media frenzy and legal battles.

Rob Kardashian

37 Years Old

Reality TV star and entrepreneur, known for appearing on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and launching a sock line, Arthur George.

John Boyega

32 Years Old

A talented actor and producer who has brought iconic characters to life in blockbuster franchises like Star Wars, showcasing his versatility and charisma on screen.

Alexander McQueen

Died in 2010, aged 40

A provocative and avant-garde fashion designer who founded a luxury brand, renowned for theatrical runway shows and edgy, intricate designs that blended fashion and art.

Grimes

36 Years Old

A talented multi-hyphenate creating eclectic, genre-bending music and striking visuals that blend technology and art. Known for pushing boundaries and defying conventions in the mu...

Nicky Jam

43 Years Old

A reggaeton pioneer, known for blending Latin rhythms with hip-hop beats, creating a unique sound that resonates globally.

William Gibson

76 Years Old

Pioneering science fiction author and screenwriter, credited with popularizing the concept of "cyberpunk" and exploring the intersection of technology and humanity in works like "N...

Hozier

34 Years Old

Soulful blues-rock vocalist and songwriter behind hits like "Take Me to Church" and "Jackie and Wilson", known for his raw, emotive voice and poignant lyrics.

Events from History on March 17:
82 years ago
As the Nazi's sinister plans unfolded, the first group of Jews from the Lvov Ghetto were brutally forced onto train cars, unaware of the horrific fate that awaited them at the Belzec death camp in eastern Poland. The sound of cattle cars screeching to a halt marked the beginning of a dark chapter in human history, as the first victims of the camp's gas chambers were led to their deaths, forever changing the course of humanity.
32 years ago
In a remarkable display of democracy, a clear majority of white South Africans voted to ditch the toxic apartheid system, marking a significant step towards a more equal society. F.W. de Klerk, the reform-minded President, had been steadily dismantling the segregationist laws, and this referendum was the final nail in apartheid's coffin. With an overwhelming 68.7% 'yes' vote, the writing was on the wall – it was time for change. As the results rolled in, hopes were high for a brighter future, one where all South Africans, regardless of skin color, could live with dignity and respect.
163 years ago
The revolutionary winds of change swept through the Italian peninsula as Victor Emmanuel II, the King of Sardinia, was proclaimed the first King of a unified Italy! This monumental moment marked the culmination of the Risorgimento, a decades-long struggle for independence and unity. With the brilliant Camillo di Cavour as his prime minister, Emmanuel II's bold vision for a unified Italy finally came to fruition.
55 years ago
In a breakthrough for women in politics, Golda Meir, a veteran Israeli politician, made history by becoming the first female Prime Minister of Israel. Meir, a pioneer in her own right, had already served as Foreign Minister and was known for her strong leadership skills. With her appointment, she shattered the glass ceiling, paving the way for future generations of women in politics. Her tenure would be marked by significant events, including the War of Attrition and secret peace talks with Jordan.
Five European nations, still reeling from the devastation of World War II, came together to forge a historic alliance. Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom signed the Treaty of Brussels, a groundbreaking agreement that would lay the foundation for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This monumental pact demonstrated their commitment to collective defense and economic cooperation, sending a strong signal to the Soviet Union and marking a significant step towards a more united and secure Europe.
219 years ago
Napoleon becomes King of Italy (Milan, Kingdom of Italy) 1805
Napoleon Bonaparte, the mastermind of European politics, pulled off another coup! He transformed the Italian Republic, where he was President, into the Kingdom of Italy, crowning himself King of Italy. This power play marked a significant milestone in Napoleon's quest for European domination. With Italy under his belt, Napoleon's empire was growing stronger, and his ambition, unstoppable!
Notable Deaths on March 17:
2023Lance Reddick American actor who charmed audiences with his versatility and range
1965Amos Alonzo Stagg American football trailblazer and innovative coach
2021John Magufuli Tanzanian leader who fought for development and human rights
2002Sylvester "Pat" Weaver Innovative broadcaster and producer
1993Helen Hayes American actress who won hearts with her timeless performances
2007John Backus Trailblazing computer scientist and mathematician
1974Louis Kahn Innovative architect known for designing iconic buildings
1956Fred Allen American comedian, actor, and author who entertained generations
2014Rachel Lambert Mellon Philanthropist, gardener, and art collector who supported prominent institutions
1947Mike Incredible wyandotte chicken known for its remarkable recovery after decapitation
2010Sid Fleischman American author who wrote children's books and screenplays
2002Rosetta LeNoire Award-winning actress and producer
2006Oleg Cassini Fashion visionary and designer
2012Shenouda III Coptic Orthodox patriarch and leader
1990Capucine French model and actress who captivated audiences with her charisma
1957Ramon Magsaysay Filipino statesman who brought democratic reforms
2006Ray Meyer Legendary basketball coach and player
1956Irène Joliot-Curie French physicist and chemist who pioneered nuclear physics
2011Michael Gough English actor with a long career in film and television
2010Alex Chilton American singer-songwriter and musician who blended folk, rock, and pop genres