When is World Down Syndrome Day?
World Down Syndrome Day 2027 is on Sunday
Sunday, March 21, 2027
March 21 every year. That's in 168 days.
until World Down Syndrome Day begins, in your time zone
World Down Syndrome Day raises awareness of Down syndrome and promotes the rights, inclusion and well-being of people who have it. Its date, the 21st day of the third month, stands for the three copies of chromosome 21 behind the condition.
About World Down Syndrome Day
Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition caused by an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. It affects learning and development in different ways for each person, and people with Down syndrome go to school, work, form relationships and take part in community life. The day emphasizes equal opportunities, inclusive education and work, and the right of people with Down syndrome to have a say in decisions that affect them.
The day was first observed in 2006 in many countries, and Down Syndrome Association Singapore hosted its website from 2006 to 2010 on behalf of Down Syndrome International. Down Syndrome International and the Brazilian Federation of Associations of Down Syndrome then campaigned for UN recognition, and the resulting resolution was co-sponsored by 78 member states.
On December 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 66/149, designating March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day to be observed every year beginning in 2012. Down Syndrome International now holds a yearly World Down Syndrome Day conference at the United Nations and promotes the Lots of Socks campaign, which invites people to wear bright, long, patterned or mismatched socks to get conversations started.
Sources: United Nations: World Down Syndrome Day, Down Syndrome International: About World Down Syndrome Day. How we check dates.
How to mark World Down Syndrome Day
- Wear bright or mismatched socks on March 21 and explain why if someone asks.
- Read or watch interviews with self-advocates who have Down syndrome to learn from them directly.
- Ask your school or employer how it makes classrooms, activities and hiring inclusive.
- Volunteer with or donate to a local Down syndrome association.
- Share accurate information about Down syndrome from Down Syndrome International or a national Down syndrome association.
World Down Syndrome Day dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, March 21, 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, March 21, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, March 21, 2027 |
| 2028 | Tuesday, March 21, 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, March 21, 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, March 21, 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, March 21, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is World Down Syndrome Day 2027?
World Down Syndrome Day 2027 is on Sunday, March 21, 2027. It falls on March 21 every year. In 2028, it is on Tuesday, March 21, 2028.
Why is World Down Syndrome Day on March 21?
Written as 21/3, the date stands for the three copies of chromosome 21 that people with Down syndrome have.
Why do people wear odd socks on World Down Syndrome Day?
Down Syndrome International's Lots of Socks campaign asks people to wear colorful, mismatched or extra socks. The unusual socks get people asking questions, which opens a conversation about Down syndrome.
Is World Down Syndrome Day a public holiday?
No. World Down Syndrome Day is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.