30 March - School Day of Non-violence and Peace (Spain)

 

The School Day of Non-violence and Peace (Día Escolar de la No-violencia y la Paz, DENIP) is an observance celebrated in Spain and other countries on January 30th each year. It was founded in 1964 by Spanish poet and educator Llorenç Vidal Vidal in commemoration of the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who was a pioneer of non-violent resistance and an advocate for peace.

The aim of the School Day of Non-violence and Peace is to promote education in and for harmony, tolerance, solidarity, respect for human rights, non-violence, and peace. Schools and educational institutions across Spain organize various activities and events to raise awareness about these values and to encourage students to become active agents of positive change in their communities and the world.

DENIP serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a culture of peace and non-violence, both within educational settings and society at large. It encourages reflection on the consequences of violence and conflict, as well as the potential of non-violent approaches to resolving conflicts and building a more just and peaceful world.

30 March - Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother birth anniversary

 

March 30 marks the anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon on March 30, 1900, she was the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was one of the most beloved members of the British royal family, known for her warmth, grace, and tireless dedication to her duties.

During World War II, she and King George VI provided invaluable support to the British people, remaining in London during the Blitz and boosting morale through public appearances and radio broadcasts. After her husband's death in 1952, she continued to serve as a prominent member of the royal family, undertaking numerous charitable endeavors and representing the monarchy at home and abroad.

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother remained active well into her later years, maintaining a busy schedule of public engagements and patronages. She passed away on March 30, 2002, at the age of 101, leaving behind a lasting legacy of service and devotion to the British people. Her memory is honored annually, particularly on her birthday, as a reminder of her enduring impact on the nation.

30 March - Vincent van Gogh birth anniversary

 

 
Vincent van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch post-impressionist painter who is considered one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time. He produced approximately 2,100 artworks in just over a decade, which included over 860 oil paintings and more than 1,300 watercolors, drawings, sketches, and prints.

He was born on 29 March 1853 in Groot-Zundert. Van Gogh’s early life was marked by personal struggles and disappointments. He was born in the Netherlands and showed a talent for drawing from a young age but struggled to find direction in his life. He worked as an art dealer and teacher before deciding to become a full-time artist in 1880 at the age of 27. However, his initial efforts were met with little success, and he struggled financially and emotionally.

Van Gogh’s style evolved dramatically throughout his career. He experimented with a range of techniques and styles, incorporating influences from other artists, cultures, and movements. His works are characterized by bold, vibrant colors, strong brushstrokes, and expressive emotions.

Despite his struggles, van Gogh’s reputation as an artist began to grow during his lifetime. However, he suffered from mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and episodes of psychosis. In 1888, he famously cut off his own ear in a fit of madness.

Van Gogh died on 29 July 1890 at the age of 37, by suicide. His art, however, has endured and continues to inspire and influence artists around the world to this day. Some of his most famous works include “The Starry Night,” “Sunflowers,” and “Irises.”

 

Image Source: from Google Doodle
 

30 March - Establishment of National Bank of Greece 1841

 

 

The National Bank of Greece is a global banking and financial services company with its headquarters in Athens, Greece. It is the largest Greek bank by total assets.NBG was founded in 1841 in Athens, by the decree "On the establishment of (a) National Bank" (Official Gazette, no. 6 of March 30, 1841, p.59), according to which the National Bank is a private limited company based in Athens with a capital of 5,000,000 drachmas, divided into 5,000 shares of 1,000 drachmas.It was the first bank in the Modern Greek state’s history.

The bank has over 500 branches in Greece and some in Australia, Egypt and United Kingdom. It owns bank subsidiaries in Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Malta, Romania, Serbia and South Africa. 

30 March - Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss discovered a construction of the heptadecagon in 1976

 

Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss (30 April 1777 – 23 February 1855) was a German mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to many fields in mathematics and science.Sometimes referred to as the Princeps mathematicorum (Latin for 'the foremost of mathematicians')and "the greatest mathematician since antiquity", Gauss had an exceptional influence in many fields of mathematics and science; he is ranked among history's most influential mathematicians.

On 30 March 1796 he discovered a construction of the heptadecagon, advanced modular arithmetic, found the first proof of the quadratic reciprocity law, and dealt with the prime number theorem.
 

29 March - Edwin Lutyens born in 1869

 

 

Edwin Lutyens, born on 29 March 1869, was an English architect known for imaginatively adapting traditional architectural styles to the requirements of his era. He designed many English country houses, war memorials and public buildings.

Lutyens played an instrumental role in designing and building New Delhi, which would later on serve as the seat of the Government of India. In recognition of his contribution, New Delhi is also known as "Lutyens' Delhi". In collaboration with Sir Herbert Baker, he was also the main architect of several monuments in New Delhi such as the India Gate, he also designed Viceroy's House, which is now known as the *Rashtrapati Bhavan. * Many of his works were inspired by Indian architecture. He was elected Master of the Art Workers' Guild in 1933.

 

 

29 March - The Battle of Cape Matapan ended in 1941

 

The Battle of Cape Matapan  was a naval battle during the Second World War between the Allies, represented by the navies of the United Kingdom and Australia, and the Royal Italian navy, from 27 to 29 March 1941. Cape Matapan is on the south-western coast of the Peloponnesian Peninsula of Greece.

After the interception and decryption of Italian signals by the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park (the decrypted intelligence codenamed Ultra),[1] ships of the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, under the command of Royal Navy Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, intercepted and sank or severely damaged several ships of the Italian Regia Marina under Squadron-Vice-Admiral Angelo Iachino. The opening actions of the battle are also known in Italy as the Battle of Gaudo.

29 March - World Marbles Day

 

World Marbles Day is observed every year on Good Friday and this year (2024) it will be held on 29 March

29th March has been designated as World Marbles Day, it sounds like a delightful occasion to celebrate the joy and nostalgia associated with the game of marbles. Marbles have been enjoyed by people of all ages for generations, and dedicating a day to celebrate this timeless game is a wonderful idea.

On World Marbles Day, people can come together to participate in marble games, organize tournaments, share stories and memories about playing marbles, and perhaps introduce the game to new generations. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the simple pleasures of childhood and the enduring appeal of a game that has brought joy to so many people around the world.

Whether it's through friendly competitions, community events, or simply spending time playing marbles with friends and family, World Marbles Day offers a chance to reconnect with this classic game and appreciate its timeless charm.

 

29 March - Good Friday

 

Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday, which varies each year depending on the lunar calendar. Good Friday is part of the Holy Week, which includes other significant events in Christianity such as Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper) and Easter Sunday (the resurrection of Jesus).

For Christians, Good Friday is a solemn and reflective day, marked by fasting, prayer, and attending church services. It is a time to remember and contemplate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian belief, died on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity and to offer salvation to all who believe in him.

Traditionally, Good Friday services may include readings from the Bible recounting the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, prayers of repentance and gratitude, hymns, and the veneration of the cross. Many churches also hold processions or reenactments of the Stations of the Cross, which depict Jesus' journey to the cross.

In addition to its religious significance, Good Friday is observed in various cultural and secular ways around the world. In some places, it is a public holiday with businesses and schools closed. Others may observe it with acts of charity, community service, or participating in cultural traditions and rituals associated with the day.

29 March - Royal Albert Hall opened by Queen Victoria in London 1871

 

On 29 March 1871, Royal Albert Hall opened by Queen Victoria in London.

The Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall on the northern edge of South Kensington, London. One of the UK's most treasured and distinctive buildings, it is held in trust for the nation and managed by a registered charity which receives no government funding.It has a seating capacity of 5,272 people.