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March 16, 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 16, 2026:

National No Selfies Day

National No Selfies Day - 3/16/2026: Learn if this holiday is recognized and what it's all about. more >>

Freedom of Information Day

Freedom of Information Day, 3/16/2026: Honoring transparency in governance and the public's right to access government information. more >>

National Panda Day

National Panda Day, 3/16/2026: Learn about giant pandas, their habitats, and conservation efforts to support their preservation. more >>

Driving Instructor Day

Discover the truth about Driving Instructor Day on 3/16/2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? Find out more! more >>

National Wellderly Day

Honoring the golden years, this special day shines a light on the valuable contributions and wisdom of elderly individuals who have shaped our communities and society as a whole. It's a celebration of their lives, experiences, and the impact they've ... more >>

National Curl Crush Day

Embracing the beauty of natural hair textures, this special day is all about flaunting those luscious curls and loving every twist and turn. It's a celebration of self-acceptance, self-love, and the unique charm of curly locks. more >>

Act Happy Day

Discover the truth about Act Happy Day on 3/16/2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? Find out more! more >>

National Artichoke Heart Day

National Artichoke Heart Day, 3/16/2026: Discover the unique flavor and versatility of artichoke hearts in various dishes and recipes. more >>

Black Press Day

Honoring the pioneers of the African American press, this day recognizes the significant contributions of black-owned and operated newspapers and media outlets in promoting social justice, equality, and racial pride. more >>
Birthdays on March 16:

Jerry Lewis

Died in 2017, aged 91

A legendary comedian and actor, best known for his slapstick humor, impressive physical comedy, and iconic films like "The Nutty Professor" and "Martin and Lewis" duo with Dean Mar...

Lauren Graham

59 Years Old

Star of the hit TV show Gilmore Girls, known for her witty banter and relatable characters. She's also a bestselling author and producer, creating content that resonates with audie...

Joel Embiid

32 Years Old

Dominant center in the NBA, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to playoff appearances and earning multiple All-Star selections while showcasing his versatility and dominant playstyle.

Jorge Ramos

68 Years Old

A Mexican-American journalist and author, known for his courageous reporting on immigration and Latin American issues, and his advocacy for social justice.

Nancy Wilson

72 Years Old

A legendary rock icon, known for her powerful vocals and guitar-driven sound, leading the iconic rock band Heart with hits like "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You".

Flavor Flav

67 Years Old

A founding member of the hip-hop group Public Enemy, known for his energetic stage presence and signature clock-wearing style, he's a pioneering figure in rap music.

Alexandra Daddario

40 Years Old

An American actress known for her captivating performances in films like "Percy Jackson" and "Baywatch", bringing characters to life with her charm and beauty.

Bob Ley

71 Years Old

A veteran sports anchor and reporter, known for his in-depth coverage and commentary on various sports events, particularly on ESPN's Outside the Lines.

Alan Tudyk

55 Years Old

Voice actor and comedian behind beloved characters in films like Rogue One, Frozen, and Moana, as well as TV shows like Firefly and Doom Patrol.

Jerome Flynn

63 Years Old

A talented actor and singer, best known for his iconic roles in popular TV shows like Game of Thrones and Ripper Street.

Raymond Vahan Damadian

90 Years Old

The Armenian-American inventor credited with creating the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine, revolutionizing medical diagnostics with non-invasive, high-resolution imaging.

Richard Stallman

73 Years Old

Creator of the GNU operating system and founder of the Free Software Movement, advocating for software freedom and open-source collaboration.

Events from History on March 16:
87 years ago
Hitler seizes Czech territories, establishes German protectorate (Prague Castle, Prague, Czechoslovakia) 1939
In the city of Prague, the streets are eerily quiet as Adolf Hitler, the infamous Nazi leader, stands tall in the majestic Prague Castle, proclaiming Bohemia and Moravia a German protectorate. With this bold move, Hitler annexes the Czech territories, solidifying his grip on Eastern Europe and sending shockwaves throughout the continent. This brazen display of power marks a significant escalation of Nazi aggression, leaving the world wondering what's next.
91 years ago
Hitler defies Treaty of Versailles, reintroduces conscription (Berlin, Germany) 1935
Adolf Hitler, determined to restore Germany's military prowess, boldly defies the Treaty of Versailles by ordering the rearmament of Germany, effectively scrapping the restrictions imposed on the country after World War I. This daring move sees the reintroduction of conscription, marking the birth of the Wehrmacht, a powerful military force that would soon become a dominant force in Europe. With this bold stroke, Hitler sets Germany on a path of militarization, challenging the fragile peace in Europe and foreshadowing the darker days to come.
81 years ago
American forces claim victory on Iwo Jima despite lingering resistance. (Iwo Jima, Japan) 1945
After 36 days of brutal fighting, the United States declared victory on the tiny island of Iwo Jima, but the Japanese weren't going down without a fight. Though the Americans had secured the strategic airbase and most of the island, pockets of Japanese soldiers continued to wage guerrilla warfare from the island's rocky caves and tunnels. The last remnants of the Japanese garrison refused to surrender, and it would take several more weeks to fully eradicate the resistance. This hard-won victory came at a steep price: nearly 7,000 American lives lost and over 20,000 wounded. The iconic image of the American flag rising above Mount Suribachi remains an enduring symbol of perseverance and sacrifice.
58 years ago
American troops slaughter Vietnamese villagers in infamous massacre (My Lai, Sơn Kỳ, Quảng Ngãi Province, South Vietnam) 1968
In the midst of the Vietnam War, the seemingly ordinary village of My Lai became the site of an unprecedented atrocity. On a fateful day, a company of American soldiers, led by Lieutenant William Calley, swept into the village, perpetrating one of the darkest chapters in modern military history. The soldiers, fueled by fear, anger, and confusion, brutally slaughtered over 300 unarmed Vietnamese civilians, mostly women and children, in a rampage that would haunt the conscience of a nation.
12 years ago
Crimea Votes to Secede from Ukraine to Join Russia (Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine) 2014
The clock was ticking as Crimean citizens flocked to the polls to decide their fate, and the result was nothing short of seismic. In a region-long disputing Ukrainian rule, the predominantly Russian-speaking peninsula had had enough, and the referendum's outcome was a resounding "da" to joining the Russian Federation. With international observers largely boycotting the vote, critics cried foul, accusing Moscow of orchestrating the whole affair. Tensions ran high as the world watched, knowing the implications would be far-reaching and potentially explosive.
4 years ago
Airstrike on Mariupol theatre kills hundreds of civilians (Mariupol, Ukraine) 2022
Russian forces unleashed a devastating airstrike on a theatre in Mariupol, Ukraine, where hundreds of civilians, including women and children, had taken shelter from the ongoing siege. The building's roof was marked with the words "Дети" or "children" in large letters, making it clear that it was a refuge for non-combatants. Despite this, the Russian military bombed the site, causing widespread destruction and killing an estimated 300 people, with many more injured. The attack has sparked international outrage and is considered one of the most horrific incidents of the Russo-Ukrainian War.
Notable Deaths on March 16:
2015Jack Haley OUTSTANDING American basketball legend and sportscaster, with a storied career spanning decades
2013Frank Thornton Venerable English actor and entertainer
2019Dick Dale GROOVY American surfrock legend, famous for his thrashing guitar riffs and infectious beats
2008Gary Hart Legendary wrestler and promoter in the world of sports
2008Ivan Dixon Pioneering figure in American television and theater production
2016Frank Sinatra Jr. charismatic American singer and actor, celebrated for his smooth vocals and captivating stage presence
1972Pie Traynor American baseball player with a distinctive playing style
1975T-Bone Walker A legendary musician and rhythm and blues pioneer
1971Thomas E. Dewey American lawyer and politician who served as 47th Governor of New York
1940Selma Lagerlöf Swedish author and academic who won the Nobel Prize in Literature
1903Roy Bean Justice of the peace with a quirky, cowboy-like persona
2014Gary Bettenhausen Skilled American race car driver and motorsports competitor
1991Chris Austin Talented country singer-songwriter with a voice that touched hearts
1971Bebe Daniels American actress starring in various film and stage productions
1485Anne Neville Queen of England and wife of Richard III
2005Dick Radatz Baseball player who pitched his way to success
1994Eric Show American baseball player who played with skill and finesse
1937Austen Chamberlain Statesman and Nobel laureate who shaped British foreign policy
1985Eddie Shore Legendary Canadian-American hockey player known for his rugged style on the ice
2017Lewis Rowland EMINENT American neurologist, known for his groundbreaking research and contributions to the field