On This Day - November 21st
We’re officially in the last ten days of November, and boy, is there a lot to cover! But let’s start with today, November 21st, and why it is such an important date. If it’s your birthday today, many happy returns – we’re here to share some historic events and famous birthdays with you. There’s also a few special events taking place around the world that you might want to take note of!
On this day
The Maccabean Revolt took place
In 164 BC, the Maccabean Revolt took place. During the revolt, Judas Maccabaeus took back Jerusalem and rededicated the Second Temple.
Prince Edward became King.
In 1272, Prince Edward became King of England. This was following his father, King Henry III of England’s death on November 16. He became known as Edward I of England, and ruled the country until 1307, when he was succeeded by Edward II.
The Battle of Garibpur took place.
In 1971, the Battle of Garibpur took place. The Mukti Bahini, Bengali guerrillas, helped the Indian troops defeat Pakistan’s army.
Robert Mugabe resigned.
In 2017, after having spent 37 years in power, Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe resigned. His resignation was read out to the public in Zimbabwe’s parliaments during the impeachment proceedings.
The first balloon flight took place!
In 1783, the first manned free balloon flight took place in a Montgolfier balloon. The men on board were Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and Marquis d’Arlandes.
Special Days Falling on November 21st
If you would like to join in some of the festivities today, you will be glad to know that there are plenty to go around! Here are some of the biggest celebrations taking place around the world today.
World Television Day
Across the world, November 21st is World Television Day! The day was created by the United Nations General Assembly back in 1996. It is dedicated to honoring the impact of television and its importance in the modern world. It is not only a tool that entertains but also one that educates and even helps us to communicate.
Hello Day
For people all over the world, November 21st is also Hello Day. The day is meant to show us the importance of communication and preserving peace. Hello is such an important word that opens the line for dialogue between friends, strangers, and people separated by cultures and frontiers. Whether it’s Bonjour, good day, hola, or otherwise – today is a great day to say hello to someone, whether it’s been a long time or if it’s meeting somebody new.
World Fisheries Day
Finally, November 21st is also World Fisheries Day. Today highlights the vital importance of sustainable fishing in the hopes of helping to maintain and preserve healthy ocean ecosystems across the planet! Fishing has been a major issue for maintaining ecosystems over decades – and while millions still depend on fishing as part of their daily diets, there are ways in which fishing practices can become more green and sustainable.
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This page was last modified on November 20, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
In 1969, the US Army announced it would be charging Lt. William Calley with premeditated murder. Calley was charged with massacring people across the village of My Lai, Vietnam, in March 1968. Lt. Calley was ordered to stand trial by court-martial, eventually convicted of the murders and sentenced to life in prison. However, his sentence was later commuted. He had only to serve three years of house arrest, a decision made by President Richard Nixon.
Famous Birthdays on November 21st
Carlo Innocenzo Fragoni, Italian poet, born 1692
Voltaire, French writer, philosopher, and playwright, born 1694
Michael Strahan, American football player and daytime TV host, born 1971
Rain Phoenix, American singer and actress, born 1972
Stromile Swift, American basketball player, born 1979
If you were born on November 21st…
…you’re a Scorpio! You’re determined, creative, and passionate. You’re someone people turn to in times of crisis, and who’s always willing to stand up for what they believe in. If you’re passionate about it, people are going to know about it – and that’s despite the fact you are rather mysterious!
Head over to our Scorpio facts page to learn more!
