Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with GiGi’s Playhouse!

March 21 is a special day, World Down Syndrome Day! We celebrate on 3/21 to represent the three copies of the 21st chromosome. One of our favorite traditions is wearing fun, mismatched socks because chromosomes resemble socks. Believe it or not, socks get people talking! On Friday, March 21, choose some socks that are going to get noticed! They might be mismatched socks or your boldest and most colorful socks. The idea is to start a conversation, so when people ask you about your socks, you can tell them, “I’m wearing them to raise awareness of Down syndrome.” Then, you can tell them everything you want them to know about Down syndrome. This year, we are incredibly grateful to Folgers for sponsoring sock donations throughout our community to help raise awareness and support our mission.

Community Proclamations

We are honored that St. Bernard Parish issued a World Down Syndrome Day Proclamation on March 18, 2025. Jefferson Parish followed on March 19, 2025 and recognized the FAB FOUR—Laney, Olivia, Matthew & Matthew. These proclamations highlight the importance of inclusion and awareness for individuals with Down syndrome.

A Day Full of Celebration!

9:00 AM – United Nations WDSD Proclamation Viewing & Light Breakfast

Join us in the kitchen room at GiGi’s Playhouse to watch the United Nations World Down Syndrome Day Proclamation on TV. We will have light breakfast snacks as we start the day with this global moment of recognition. Click HERE to register and watch from home.

10:30 AM – Musical Story Time with Lory Lewis

Edgar’s mom and our Board Vice President, Lory Lewis, will lead us in a special Musical Story Time to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day! We’ll sing along to classic nursery rhymes, read engaging books featuring characters with Down syndrome, and enjoy a creative coloring or craft activity.

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch at The Ruby Slipper on Veterans

GiGi’s Playhouse will be closed from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM so we can attend The Ruby Slipper’s celebration of World Down Syndrome Day! Each table will receive a free order of French Toast Bites with the purchase of an entrée. We appreciate their support of GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans and the Down Syndrome Association of Greater New Orleans (DSAGNO).

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Karaoke at the Playhouse

Get ready to sing your heart out at our Karaoke Party! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just love to belt out a tune, this will be a rockin’ good time for all!

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Sock Fashion Show & Line Dancing

In partnership with DSAGNO and sponsored by Folgers, we are thrilled to host a Sock Fashion Show and Line Dancing event! Strut your stuff on the runway in your most fabulous mismatched socks, then hit the dance floor for some fun line dancing. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss! Shout out to our friends at the American Legion Post 350, Metairie for letting us take over their dance floor.

Click HERE to check out the Playhouse calendar.

Auction for Original Artwork

We are excited to share our auction page, where you can view and bid on original artwork created by individuals with Down syndrome! All proceeds will be evenly split between DSAGNO and GiGi’s Playhouse New Orleans. Check out all available items by clicking on “Auction” at the top of the page next to “Overview.” Be sure to share and spread the word! View the auction here: Auction Page.

WDSU News Feature

We are thrilled that our Board Member and Self-Advocate, Craig Blackburn, along with Torrie Farley (DSAGNO) made an appearance on WDSU News to talk about World Down Syndrome Day! Check out their interview here: Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day in Greater New Orleans.

Light Up the World for WDSD

To close out the day, be sure to check out the Superdome and the CCC Bridge as they shine in blue and yellow for World Down Syndrome Day. This global initiative lights up landmarks from the Empire State Building in New York City to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in solidarity with the Down syndrome community. You can explore more illuminated landmarks here: Light Up the World.

We are so excited to celebrate with our community, raise awareness, and spread joy. Join us in making this World Down Syndrome Day one to remember!