May 21
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Afro-Colombian Day(Colombia)
Afro-Colombian Day in Colombia celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of Afro-Colombian communities on May 21.
Christianfeast day:
Arcangelo Tadini, BlessedAdílio DaronchandManuel Gómez González, BlessedFranz Jägerstätter, Earliest day on whichCorpus Christican fall, while June 24 is the latest; held on Thursday afterTrinity Sunday(often locally moved to Sunday). (Roman Catholic Church), Emperor Constantine I, Eugène de Mazenod, Helena of Constantinople, also known as "Feast of the Holy Great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen,Equal-to-the-Apostles." (Eastern Orthodox Church,Anglican Communion), John Elliot(Episcopal Church), Saints of the Cristero War, includingChristopher Magallanes, May 21 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
May 21 is observed as a Christian feast day with multiple commemorations, including saints and liturgical celebrations across Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Episcopal traditions.
Circassian Day of Mourning(Circassians)
Circassian Day of Mourning on May 21 commemorates the tragic exile and suffering of the Circassian people in 1864.
Day of Patriots and Military(Hungary)
Hungary's Day of Patriots and Military on May 21 honors the service and sacrifice of the nation's defenders.
Independence Day, celebrates theMontenegrin independence referendumin 2006, celebrated until the next day. (Montenegro)
Montenegro's Independence Day on May 21 celebrates the 2006 referendum that restored the country's sovereignty.
International Tea Day(International)
International Tea Day on May 21 promotes the global significance of tea and the livelihoods of tea producers.
Navy Day(Chile)
Chile's Navy Day on May 21 commemorates the Battle of Iquique and honors the country's naval forces.
Saint Helena Day, celebrates the discovery ofSaint Helenain 1502. (Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha)
Saint Helena Day on May 21 celebrates the discovery of Saint Helena Island by Portuguese navigator João da Nova in 1502.
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development(International)
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on May 21 promotes intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
Events
Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximian appoint Galerius as Caesar to Diocletian, beginning the period of four rulers known as the Tetrarchy.
In 293, Roman Emperors Diocletian and Maximian appoint Galerius as Caesar, inaugurating the Tetrarchy and dividing imperial authority among four rulers.
Syracuse, Sicily, is captured by the Muslim Aghlabids after a nine-month siege.
After a nine-month siege in 878, the Muslim Aghlabids successfully capture the key port city of Syracuse in Sicily, marking a significant shift in Mediterranean power.
Pope John VIII gives blessings to Branimir of Croatia and to the Croatian people, considered to be international recognition of the Croatian state.
In 879, Pope John VIII recognizes the Croatian state by bestowing his blessing upon Duke Branimir and the Croatian people.
Sixteen-year-old Otto III is crowned Holy Roman Emperor.
At age sixteen in 996, Otto III is crowned Holy Roman Emperor, signaling the rise of one of the medieval empire's most visionary rulers.
Dušan's Code, the constitution of the Serbian Empire, is enacted by Dušan the Mighty.
In 1349, Emperor Dušan the Mighty enacts Dušan's Code, the comprehensive constitution that governed the Serbian Empire at its zenith.
Henry III of Castile sends Ruy González de Clavijo as ambassador to Timur to discuss the possibility of an alliance between Timur and Castile against the Ottoman Empire.
In 1403, King Henry III of Castile dispatches Ruy González de Clavijo to Timur’s court, seeking a possible alliance against the Ottoman Empire.
Queen Mary I grants a royal charter to Derby School, as a grammar school for boys in Derby, England.
In 1554, Queen Mary I issues a royal charter establishing Derby School, one of England's grammar schools dedicated to educating boys in Derby.
In the Concert of The Hague, the Dutch Republic, the Commonwealth of England and the Kingdom of France set out their views on how the Second Northern War should end.
In 1659, the Dutch Republic, Commonwealth of England, and Kingdom of France convene at The Hague to outline terms for ending the Second Northern War.
The Battle of Long Sault concludes after five days in which French colonial militia, with their Huron and Algonquin allies, are defeated by the Iroquois Confederacy.
After a five-day engagement, the Iroquois Confederacy defeats French colonial militia and their Huron and Algonquin allies at the Battle of Long Sault in 1660.
Births
Albrecht Dürer
German Renaissance artist renowned for his engravings, paintings, and significant contributions to artistic theory.
Al-Hattab
Prominent Islamic jurist renowned for his influential commentary on Maliki fiqh.
King of Spain whose reign oversaw the height of the Spanish Empire and staunch Catholic rule.
Eleonore of Austria
Archduchess of Austria who became Queen of Poland and a patron of Baroque culture.
(O.S.) Alexander Pope
Leading English poet of the early 18th century, known for his satirical verse and translations.
Alfred Moore
American lawyer who served as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in the early Republic.
William Babington
Irish-born English physician and mineralogist who pioneered studies in medical chemistry and mineral classification.
Joseph Fouché
Influential French statesman who served as Minister of Police during the French Revolution and Napoleonic era.
Lucien Bonaparte
Brother of Napoleon Bonaparte who played roles as a military commander and French political leader.
Deaths
Sun Quan
Sun Quan (182–252) was the founding emperor of Eastern Wu during China’s Three Kingdoms period.
Feng Dao
Feng Dao (882–954) was a powerful Chinese prince and chancellor during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.
Louis V
Louis V (circa 966–987) was the last Carolingian king of West Francia, ruling briefly before the dynasty’s fall.
Richeza of Poland
Richeza of Poland (1013–1075) was a Polish princess who became queen consort of Hungary through her marriage to King Béla I.
Wang Anshi
Wang Anshi (1021–1086) was a Chinese statesman, economist, and poet who served as chancellor during the Song dynasty.
Olaf the Black
Olaf the Black (died 1237) was a Norse-Gaelic ruler of the Isle of Man and the Hebrides.
Conrad IV
Conrad IV (1228–1254) was King of Germany and Sicily, the only legitimate son of Emperor Frederick II.
Anna of Celje
Anna of Celje (1386–1416) was queen consort of Poland as the second wife of King Władysław II Jagiełło.
Henry VI
Henry VI (1421–1471) was King of England whose turbulent reign saw the loss of English territories in France and the Wars of the Roses.