Barnum and Bailey Day
Barnum and Bailey Day celebrates the legendary circus showmen P.T. Barnum and James A. Bailey, whose combined efforts created “The Greatest Show on Earth.” It’s typically associated with the anniversary of their famous circuses merging on April 10, 1881, although some sources tie celebrations to different dates connected to Barnum’s life (like his birthday, July 5, 1810). The day honors the spirit of wonder, innovation, and showmanship that Barnum and Bailey brought to entertainment, helping to popularize the traveling circus in America and beyond. Their shows combined acrobats, exotic animals, clowns, and grand spectacles in ways that had never been seen before.
Hot Tub Day
Hot Tub Day is a lighthearted celebration dedicated to relaxing and enjoying the soothing comfort of a hot tub. It’s typically recognized on March 28 each year. The day is about more than just soaking — it’s about taking a break, relieving stress, and appreciating the health benefits that warm, bubbling water can offer.
Something on a Stick Day
Something on a Stick Day is a playful food-themed holiday celebrated every year on March 28 — the same day as Hot Tub Day, interestingly enough. Basically, if you can skewer it, dip it, or serve it handheld on a stick, it fits the spirit of the day. It’s a fun opportunity to get creative with meals or snacks and maybe even host a little “food-on-a-stick” party.
Here’s a look at some interesting events that happened on March 28 throughout history:
Historical Events:
1930 — Cities in India renamed: Major cities like Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta (now Kolkata) were officially renamed as part of India’s effort to shed colonial British names.
1939 — Spanish Civil War ends: Madrid fell to the forces of Francisco Franco, marking the end of the Spanish Civil War. Franco would rule Spain as a dictator until his death in 1975.
1942 — World War II: The Raid on St. Nazaire: British forces launched a daring attack on the heavily defended dry dock in German-occupied France, destroying it and dealing a major blow to the German navy.
1979 — Three Mile Island nuclear accident: The worst accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history occurred at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, causing widespread public concern about nuclear safety (though no deaths or injuries were directly attributed to the accident).
1936 — First flight of the Supermarine Spitfire: This British fighter plane, which would become legendary during World War II, made its first test flight.
Notable Birthdays
Maxim Gorky (1868–1936) — Influential Russian and Soviet writer, a key figure in socialist realism and an early supporter of the Bolsheviks.
Dirk Bogarde (1921–1999) — English actor, novelist, and screenwriter, famous for films like The Servant and Death in Venice.
Dianne Wiest (1948– ) — American actress, winner of two Academy Awards (Hannah and Her Sisters, Bullets Over Broadway).
Dirk Nowitzki (1978– ) — German former professional basketball player, considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, primarily with the Dallas Mavericks.
Maxim Roy (1972– ) — Canadian actress, known for her role in TV series like 19-2 and Shadowhunters.
Lady Gaga (1986– ) — American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her flamboyant style and hits like Bad Romance, Shallow, and Born This Way.
Notable Deaths:
Virginia Woolf (1941) — British modernist author and feminist icon, known for novels like Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and Orlando. She died by suicide, struggling with mental health issues.
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1969) — 34th President of the United States (1953–1961) and Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II. He helped lead the Allied victory in Europe.
Marc Chagall (1985) — Russian-French artist of Belarusian Jewish origin, famous for his colorful, dreamlike paintings blending folk culture, fantasy, and religious symbolism.
Jim Thorpe (1953) — Legendary Native American athlete, widely considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports (Olympic gold medalist, professional football, baseball, and basketball player).
Mariah Carey’s career was rumored to be over around 2001 on March 28 after a tough period — but she bounced back. (This is more of a “pop culture near-death” than an actual death, but some people reference it humorously.)
