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February 21, 2026 Holiday:

Advent Begins

Advent Begins is a significant holiday in the Christian calendar that marks the start of the Advent season. It's a time of preparation and anticipation, as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. During this period, many families and churches observe various traditions, such as lighting candles on an Advent wreath, reading daily devotions, and engaging in acts of kindness and charity. The season is often marked by a sense of hope, joy, and expectation, as believers reflect on the significance of Christ's coming and look forward to his return. Through its rich traditions and symbolism, Advent Begins invites people to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Learn more about Advent Begins
Holidays on February 21, 2026:

International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day, 2/21/2026, honors linguistic and cultural heritage, promoting diversity and understanding among people from different backgrounds. more >>

National Sticky Bun Day

National Sticky Bun Day, 2/21/2026: Indulge in the sweet, gooey pastry's buttery goodness and tempting aroma. more >>

World Whale Day

Join the global celebration of World Whale Day on 2/21/2026, honoring majestic creatures, promoting conservation, and inspiring action for their protection. more >>

World Pangolin Day

Join the global effort to protect pangolins and their habitats on World Pangolin Day, February 21, 2026, and learn how you can make a difference in the fight against extinction. more >>

Card Reading Day

Dive into the mystical realm of tarot cards and uncover hidden truths about yourself and your loved ones on this special day. From romance to career guidance, tap into the ancient wisdom of card reading to gain a deeper understanding of life's myster... more >>

World Kombucha Day

Join kombucha enthusiasts worldwide on 2/21/2026 for World Kombucha Day, a day of sharing recipes, learning from others, and appreciating the unique flavor and potential health benefits of this fermented tea drink. more >>

National Grain-Free Day

Ditch the carbs and indulge in the delicious world of grain-free goodies! This day is all about embracing a diet that's free from grains, and exploring the amazing recipes and alternatives that can be enjoyed instead. From cauliflower rice to almond ... more >>

Red Sock Day

Discover the truth behind Red Sock Day on 2/21/2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

Single Tasking Day

In today's multitasking world, it's easy to get bogged down in numerous tasks at once. But what if you could focus on just one thing at a time? That's the beauty of single tasking, where you give your undivided attention to a single activity, leading... more >>
Birthdays on February 21:

Alan Rickman

Died in 2016, aged 69

A renowned actor and director, best known for his iconic villainous roles in blockbuster films, particularly as Hans Gruber in Die Hard and Severus Snape in the Harry Potter series...

Kelsey Grammer

71 Years Old

Star of iconic sitcoms, including Frasier, and voice of beloved animated characters, like Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons.

Sophie Turner

30 Years Old

Star of Game of Thrones and X-Men film series, known for her iconic roles as Sansa Stark and Jean Grey.

Jordan Peele

47 Years Old

A multi-talented creative force behind thought-provoking films and TV shows that blend horror, comedy, and social commentary, known for critically acclaimed projects like Get Out a...

Nina Simone

Died in 2003, aged 70

A soulful, genre-bending vocalist and pianist who blended jazz, blues, and classical music to create powerful, emotionally charged performances. Known for her unique, raspy voice a...

William Petersen

73 Years Old

Star of the hit TV show "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and a prolific producer, known for his iconic character Gil Grissom.

Rue McClanahan

Died in 2010, aged 76

A beloved actress who brought laughter and joy to millions through her iconic roles in TV sitcoms, particularly as Blanche Devereux in The Golden Girls.

Elliot Page

39 Years Old

A talented actor who has starred in numerous films, including the iconic blockbuster "Juno," and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Anthony Daniels

80 Years Old

A legendary actor and producer, best known for his iconic role as C-3PO in the Star Wars franchise, bringing the fussy protocol droid to life.

Michael McIntyre

50 Years Old

A popular comedian, actor, and TV presenter, known for his witty humor and energetic performances on shows like Britain's Got Talent and his own comedy specials.

David Geffen

83 Years Old

Co-founder of DreamWorks and Geffen Records, a legendary entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, revolutionizing the music and film industries with innovative business models a...

W. H. Auden

Died in 1973, aged 66

A renowned poet, playwright, and composer who explored themes of love, morality, and social justice through his works, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century literature.

Events from History on February 21:
54 years ago
President Nixon's Historic Visit to China (Beijing, China) 1972
Richard Nixon, the first US President to set foot in communist China, stepped off Air Force One in Beijing on a mission to normalize Sino-American relations. The world watched in awe as he shook hands with Premier Zhou Enlai, marking a major diplomatic coup. Over the next eight days, Nixon charmed the Chinese with his signature charm, discussing trade, politics, and ping-pong diplomacy. This unprecedented visit paved the way for a new era of cooperation, surprising allies and adversaries alike.
110 years ago
German army launches massive assault on French stronghold (Verdun, France) 1916
The sounds of war echoed through the French countryside as the German army unleashed a massive assault on the fortified city of Verdun, sparking one of the longest and bloodiest battles in World War I history. On February 21, 1916, German forces, led by General Erich von Falkenhayn, launched a brutal campaign to capture the strategic stronghold, hoping to "bleed France white." The French, determined to hold their ground, fought valiantly, and the battle raged on for 303 days, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives.
178 years ago
Marx and Engels publish The Communist Manifesto (London, UK) 1848
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, two brilliant minds, joined forces to create a revolutionary work that would shake the foundations of modern politics. Published on February 21, 1848, The Communist Manifesto crystallized their radical ideas, igniting a wave of social and economic change across the globe. This 23-page pamphlet boldly declared the inevitability of a proletarian revolution, where the working class would rise up against the capitalist elite, ultimately leading to a classless society. With its provocative language and compelling ideology, The Communist Manifesto sparked intense debates, inspiring generations of thinkers and politicians to question the very fabric of society.
4 years ago
Putin Recognizes Ukrainian Separatist Regions (Donetsk and Luhansk, Ukraine) 2022
Russian President Vladimir Putin took a monumental step, declaring the Luhansk People's Republic and Donetsk People's Republic independent from Ukraine, sending shockwaves globally. Defying international warnings, he ordered troops into the disputed regions, solidifying Russia's grip. The United Nations swiftly condemned the action, escalating the Russo-Ukrainian crisis to a boiling point.
218 years ago
Russian Troops Invade Finland, Starting the Finnish War (Abborfors, Finland) 1808
Russian Emperor Alexander I, seeking to expand his empire, ordered his troops to cross the border into Sweden's eastern Finland without warning, sparking the Finnish War. This brazen move would ultimately cost Sweden the eastern half of its territory, as Finland would become a Grand Duchy of Russia. The war would rage on for two years, ending with the Treaty of Fredrikshamn, which ceded Finland to Russia and reformed the region's governance.
51 years ago
John Mitchell, Haldeman, Ehrlichman sentenced to prison (Washington D.C., USA) 1975
In a stunning conclusion to the Watergate scandal, three high-ranking officials, including former Attorney General John Mitchell and White House aides H. R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, were sentenced to prison for their roles in the cover-up. Mitchell, once the nation's top law enforcement officer, received 2.5 to 8 years, while Haldeman and Ehrlichman received 2.5 to 10 years each. The trio's sentencing marked a triumph for the judiciary, as the Nixon administration's inner circle was held accountable for its actions.
Notable Deaths on February 21:
2018Billy Graham American evangelist who spread the gospel
1965Malcolm X American minister and activist who fought for social justice
2019Peter Tork American musician who harmonized the world
2015Clark Terry American trumpet player who filled the air with jazz
2011Dwayne McDuffie Pioneering storyteller weaving diverse narratives
2019Stanley Donen Film director who brought stories to life
1974Tim Horton Canadian hockey player who founded a popular coffee shop chain
1958Duncan Edwards English footballer who scored many goals on the pitch
1984Mikhail Sholokhov Russian novelist who won the Nobel Prize for his writing
1968Howard Florey Australian scientist who discovered new ways to combat diseases
1513Pope Julius II Renaissance Pope and artist patron
1999Gertrude B. Elion Groundbreaking researcher synthesizing medicinal breakthroughs
1985Louis Hayward South African-American actor who charmed the silver screen
2002John Thaw Respected actor inhabiting diverse characters
1995Robert Bolt English playwright and dramatist crafting provocative theatrical experiences
1967Charles Beaumont American author who wrote haunting stories in the night
2011Bernard Nathanson American obstetrician who pioneered women's reproductive rights
2004John Charles Whimsical conductor orchestrating soccer legends
2008Ben Chapman Audacious entertainer shedding iconic roles
1996Morton Gould Mortgage pioneer innovating classical music and leadership