23 fun facts for March, 25

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
March 25th is a day of significant events worldwide, from the founding of Venice in 421 to the birth of poet Dante Alighieri and the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. Whether it's celebrating International Waffle Day or paying tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien, this day is filled with fascinating history and memorable moments.
23 Fun facts
  1. On March 25, 421, Venice, Italy was founded. According to a legend, the city was established precisely at noon when the first Venetian church, the Church of St. James, was consecrated.
  2. March 25th is International Waffle Day, originating in Sweden. The day actually coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary she would be the mother of Jesus.
  3. In 1306, Robert the Bruce of Scotland was crowned King of Scots. This significant historical event followed the killing of John Comyn by Bruce, leading to his coronation at Scone Abbey.
  4. The Old-New Synagogue, Europe's oldest active synagogue, was completed in Prague, Czech Republic, on March 25, 1270. It is still in active use today, and houses the legendary Golem of Prague.
  5. New York City's first public ice cream shop, the Parisian-style Delmonico's, opened its doors on March 25, 1827. This exclusive and luxurious restaurant was also home to America's first à la carte menu.
  6. In 1584, Sir Walter Raleigh was granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I, allowing him to establish an English colony in North America. Raleigh's settlement later became the "Lost Colony" of Roanoke.
  7. March 25, 1871 marks the birthdate of Aleister Crowley, a famous occultist, ceremonial magician, and writer. Crowley founded the religion of Thelema and wrote several texts on magic and mysticism, becoming a prominent figure in the occult world.
  8. On this day in 1811, British writer and poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was expelled from the University of Oxford for publishing a pamphlet on atheism. Shelley went on to become one of the major English Romantic poets.
  9. In 1807, the Slave Trade Act was passed, abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire. This landmark legislation led by campaigner William Wilberforce marked a significant step in the global abolition of slavery.
  10. March 25 is Dante Day in Italy. This national day celebrates the life and works of legendary Italian poet Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy, and is observed with readings, exhibitions, and events.
  11. The Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (Rio Treaty) was signed on March 25, 1948, in Rio de Janeiro. This treaty aimed at establishing a mutual defence system among the nations of the Americas.
  12. The much-loved board game Monopoly was officially published on March 25, 1935, by Parker Brothers. The iconic game has since become a worldwide phenomenon with various adaptations and editions.
  13. On this day in 1965, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. led the historic Selma to Montgomery march, culminating in a rally at the Alabama State Capitol to demand voting rights for African Americans.
  14. In 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire occurred in New York City, killing 146 garment workers. The tragedy led to significant improvements in workplace safety standards and labor laws in the United States.
  15. March 25 is celebrated as Tolkien Reading Day across the globe. Fans of the beloved author J.R.R. Tolkien gather to read and discuss his works, paying tribute to his literary legacy.
  16. The Dutch airline KLM, the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name, was founded on March 25, 1919. It is now part of the Air France-KLM group.
  17. In 1655, Christiaan Huygens discovered Saturn's largest moon, Titan. This significant astronomical discovery furthered our understanding of the universe and expanded our knowledge of Saturn's planetary system.
  18. On March 25, 1910, Washington State's first mental health institution, Western State Hospital, opened its doors. It marked a significant step in promoting mental health awareness and providing care for those in need.
  19. In 1894, Belgian inventor and industrialist Jacobus Spijker founded Spijker, an automobile company that later became Spyker. The company went on to produce some of the world's first four-wheel-drive vehicles.
  20. On this day in 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC). This marked a major milestone in European integration and laid the groundwork for the European Union.
  21. In 1903, the groundbreaking aviation milestone of engine-powered flight was achieved by the Wright brothers with their invention of the Wright Flyer, the first successful engine-powered airplane.
  22. March 25, 1961, marks the day when acclaimed Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev defected from the Soviet Union to the West. Nureyev went on to become an international dance icon and a symbol of artistic freedom.
  23. The historical amusement park Merriweather's Pleasure Gardens opened in London's Whitechapel district on March 25, 1763. The park featured musical concerts, fountains, and picturesque gardens, establishing it as a popular entertainment venue.