Dance Marathon Day
Dance Marathon Day is observed annually on March 31 to celebrate the enduring tradition of dance marathons—events that combine physical endurance, community spirit, and philanthropy. Dance marathons originated in the early 1920s as endurance competitions where couples danced for extended periods, often aiming to outlast others for prizes. The phenomenon gained popularity after dance instructor Alma Cummings danced continuously for 27 hours in 1923, inspiring similar events across the United States. During the Great Depression, these contests became more somber, with unemployed individuals participating in hopes of securing food, shelter, and potential cash rewards. Due to concerns over exploitation and health risks, many communities eventually banned these marathons. In the 1970s, dance marathons experienced a revival with a philanthropic focus. Northwestern University held its first dance marathon in 1975 to raise funds for charitable causes, inspiring similar events nationwide. Today, dance marathons are organized primarily to support charitable organizations, particularly children’s hospitals.
Crayola Crayon Day
National Crayon Day is celebrated annually on March 31, honoring the colorful history and creative joy that crayons bring to people of all ages. Crayons have been used for artistic expression for centuries, with wax-based coloring tools dating back to ancient times. The modern crayon, however, was revolutionized in 1903 when Binney & Smith introduced the first box of Crayola crayons. This initial set featured eight colors: black, brown, orange, violet, blue, green, red, and yellow. The name “Crayola” was coined by Alice Binney, combining the French word craie (chalk) with oleaginous (oily). Over the years, Crayola has expanded its palette, introducing new colors and retiring others. Notably, the color Dandelion was retired in 2017 to make room for new additions.
Eiffel Tower Day
Eiffel Tower Day is celebrated annually on March 31 to commemorate the completion and dedication of the Eiffel Tower in 1889. This iconic Parisian landmark, designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel, was officially inaugurated on this day during a ceremony attended by Eiffel himself and other dignitaries. Constructed as the centerpiece for the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in Paris, the Eiffel Tower was built to mark the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The construction began on January 26, 1887, and remarkably, the tower was completed in just over two years, officially finishing on March 31, 1889. Standing at 1,063 feet (324 meters), the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world at the time of its completion, a title it held until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York City in 1930.
Here’s a clear, detailed overview of important events that happened on March 31 throughout history:
Major Historical Events
1492 – The Alhambra Decree is issued.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain order the expulsion of practicing Jews from Spain.
1774 – The British Parliament passes the Boston Port Act.
This law closed the port of Boston until damages from the Boston Tea Party were paid, intensifying tensions that led to the American Revolution.
1854 – The Treaty of Kanagawa is signed.
Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy signs a treaty with Japan, opening two Japanese ports to American trade for the first time in over 200 years.
1889 – The Eiffel Tower is officially opened.
Gustave Eiffel himself raises the French flag atop the newly completed tower in Paris.
1930 – The cities of Constantinople and Angora are officially renamed.
Constantinople becomes Istanbul, and Angora becomes Ankara, reflecting the modern identity of Turkey.
1966 – The Soviet Union launches Luna 10.
It becomes the first spacecraft to orbit the Moon.
1968 – U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announces he will not seek re-election.
His surprise announcement came during a television address about the Vietnam War.
1991 – The Warsaw Pact is officially dissolved.
The Cold War military alliance of Eastern Bloc countries comes to an end.
Famous Birthdays
René Descartes (1596) – French philosopher and mathematician, known for “I think, therefore I am.”
Joseph Haydn (1732) – Influential Austrian composer, often called the “Father of the Symphony.”
César Chávez (1927) – American labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers.
Shirley Jones (1934) – American actress and singer, star of Oklahoma! and The Partridge Family.
Al Gore (1948) – Former U.S. Vice President and environmental activist.
Ewan McGregor (1971) – Scottish actor known for roles in Trainspotting and Star Wars.
Notable Deaths
Isaac Newton (1727) – English mathematician, astronomer, and physicist, famous for formulating the laws of motion and gravity.
Charlotte Brontë (1855) – English novelist and author of Jane Eyre.
Jesse Owens (1980) – American track and field athlete who famously won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (1995) – American Tejano music singer, tragically murdered at the age of 23.
