BBeiraLife
DIGITAL ALMANAC · EUROPE/LISBON

Historical events for
Sunday, 22 March 2026

1599
Birth

Anthony van Dyck

Anthony van Dyck (born March 22, 1599, and died December 9, 1641) was a brilliant Flemish Baroque painter. A disciple of Rubens, his unique style of elegance and refinement consecrated him as the principal painter to the court of Charles I, revolutionizing English aristocratic portraiture.

9/12/1641
1873
Birth

Augusto Gil

Augusto Gil (born March 22, 1873, and died February 26, 1929) was a prominent Portuguese poet of the transition to modernism. His poetry, marked by a simple and nostalgic lyricism, was immortalized in national literature with iconic works such as "Balada da Neve".

26/2/1929
1881
Birth

Hans Wilsdorf

Hans Wilsdorf (born March 22, 1881, and died July 6, 1960) was a visionary German businessman naturalized British. Founder of the iconic Rolex and Tudor brands, his relentless pursuit of precision and technical innovation shaped the very essence of world haute horlogerie.

6/7/1960
1923
Birth

Marcel Marceau

Marcel Marceau (born March 22, 1923, and died September 22, 2007) was the most legendary mime artist of the 20th century. Creator of the unforgettable clown "Bip", his masterful "art of silence" moved audiences worldwide, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers.

22/9/2007
1943
Birth

Keith Relf

Keith Relf (born March 22, 1943, and died May 14, 1976) was a charismatic British musician and vocalist. As a founding member of the iconic The Yardbirds, his distinctive voice and harmonica prowess were crucial elements in the establishment of blues-rock in the 1960s.

14/5/1976
1948
Birth

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber (b. 1948) is one of the most prolific and acclaimed musical theater composers in history. Graced with multiple awards, his creative genius brought to life timeless shows of enormous global success, such as "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Cats".

1957
Birth

François-Paul Journe

François-Paul Journe (b. 1957) is a genius French watchmaker and founder of the luxury manufacture F.P. Journe. His unparalleled mastery in creating high-precision mechanical watches combined with a timeless aesthetic has consecrated him as one of the most important and awarded masters of contemporary haute horlogerie.

1962
Birth

Steve Dillon

Steve Dillon (born March 22, 1962, and died October 22, 2016) was a notable British comic book illustrator. World-acclaimed for co-creating the visceral series "Preacher", his expressive style focused on human complexity deeply marked the industry.

22/10/2016
1972
Birth

José Manuel Albares

José Manuel Albares (b. 1972) is a distinguished career diplomat and Spanish politician. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he has firmly led Spain's international projection and its strategic diplomacy, both within the European Union and on the global stage.

1976
Birth

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon (b. 1976) is a renowned American actress and producer. An Oscar winner, she consolidated her industry influence by starring in and co-producing "The Morning Show", portraying Bradley Jackson, an ambitious journalist challenging the status quo.

1312
History

Extinction of the Knights Templar

On March 22, 1312, Pope Clement V issued the papal bull "Vox in excelso", decreeing the official and definitive dissolution of the Order of the Knights Templar. This papal decision sealed the fate of the once-powerful Christian military order, culminating a long process of persecution orchestrated by the King of France.

1933
History

Opening of the Dachau Concentration Camp

On March 22, 1933, a few weeks after Hitler's rise to power, the Dachau Concentration Camp opened. Being the first official camp established in Nazi Germany, it served as a ruthless model and training center for the SS regime's system of terror and extermination.

1963
History

Release of The Beatles' album "Please Please Me"

On March 22, 1963, The Beatles released their debut studio album, "Please Please Me", in the UK. Recorded almost entirely in a single day, the record quickly fueled "Beatlemania" and established the Liverpool quartet as the driving force of British pop music.

1968
History

Start of the Nanterre occupations (Prelude to May 68)

On March 22, 1968, the occupation of the administrative building of the University of Nanterre (Paris) by a group of students gave rise to the "March 22 Movement". This act of contestation was the prelude and the spark that triggered the massive strikes and social unrest that would define the historic May 68.

1993
History

World Water Day

Established by the United Nations and celebrated annually since 1993, this day warns of the vital importance of fresh water and advocates for the sustainable management of this finite resource. The date serves as a global platform to drive action in combating the global water scarcity and pollution crisis.

2003
History

Last match at the old Estádio da Luz

On March 22, 2003, Sport Lisboa e Benfica played their final official match at the old and mythical Estádio da Luz, beating Santa Clara 1-0. The closing of the original "Cathedral", once the largest sports venue in Europe, ended a glorious chapter of nearly fifty years before the construction of the new arena.

History

Day of Saint Deogratias

Liturgical celebration of Saint Deogratias (died March 22, 457), Bishop of Carthage. His pastoral courage and unsurpassed dedication were immortalized when he sold the sacred vessels of the Church to ransom and shelter thousands of Christian captives brought from Rome by the Vandal invaders.

22/3/457
2026
Sport

Liga Portugal: FC Porto vs SC Braga

On March 22, 2026, FC Porto faces SC Braga at the Estádio do Dragão. This strong clash of the 27th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic assumes paramount importance in the fight for the top of the league table.

2026
Sport

MotoGP: Brazilian Grand Prix

On March 22, 2026, the highly anticipated main race of the Brazilian Grand Prix takes place. Hosted at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna track in Goiânia, the race marks the fervent return of the premier class of motorcycle racing to South American soil.

2026
Sport

Liga Portugal: Sporting CP vs FC Alverca

On March 22, 2026, Sporting CP faces FC Alverca in a match for the 27th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic, a decisive clash for the aspirations of both teams in the main national football competition.

@Joao-LG

Que medo

22/03/2026
2026
Sport

Liga Portugal: Vitória SC vs SL Benfica

On March 22, 2026, Vitória SC hosts SL Benfica in Guimarães, in a highly anticipated match for the 27th round of the Liga Portugal Betclic. The classic clash promises high intensity in the final stretch of the championship.