Previous Day Next Day

April 18, 2025 Holiday:

Good Friday

Good Friday is a significant religious holiday observed by Christians around the world to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It's a day of solemn reflection, marked by somberness and reverence, as believers remember the sacrifices made by Jesus for humanity's redemption. In many churches, special services and processions are held, featuring prayers, hymns, and readings from the Bible. Some people also observe a period of fasting or abstinence from certain activities as a sign of respect and devotion. Despite its somber tone, Good Friday is also a time for Christians to look forward to the promise of eternal life and the joy of Easter Sunday, which follows shortly after.

Learn more about Good Friday
Holidays on April 18, 2025:

Arbor Day

Join us on Arbor Day, April 18, 2025, as we highlight the importance of trees in our lives, learn about their benefits, and make a positive impact on our environment. more >>

Orthodox Good Friday

Orthodox Good Friday, 4/18/2025: Mourn the sacrifice of Jesus Christ with somber services, processions, and acts of charity. more >>

National Animal Crackers Day

National Animal Crackers Day, 4/18/2025. Indulge in the nostalgic joy of animal crackers, a beloved snack that brings people together. more >>

Pinata Day

Breaking open a treasure trove of treats and toys, this joyful celebration is all about the thrill of the surprise inside! From candy to trinkets, the suspense builds until the big reveal, creating unforgettable memories for kids and adults alike. more >>

State Holiday

State Holiday on 4/18/2025: Uncovering the Mystery more >>

National Exercise Day

National Exercise Day, 4/18/2025, prioritize physical activity, healthy living, and personal wellness with group workouts, free classes, and tips for a balanced lifestyle. more >>

Adult Autism Awareness Day

Adult Autism Awareness Day, 4/18/2025: Learn about autism, dispel myths, and promote understanding and acceptance of autistic adults. more >>

International Amateur Radio Day

International Amateur Radio Day, 4/18/2025, a global gathering of enthusiasts sharing passion, skills, and stories through radio waves. more >>

National Velociraptor Awareness Day

National Velociraptor Awareness Day - Learn fascinating facts about these extinct dinosaurs on 4/18/2025. more >>
Birthdays on April 18:

Conan O'Brien

62 Years Old

Host of late-night talk shows, creating humorous commentary on current events and pop culture, while also showcasing his witty interviewing style.

David Tennant

54 Years Old

A talented Scottish actor, best known for his iconic roles in British television, particularly as the tenth Doctor in the BBC sci-fi series "Doctor Who".

Rick Moranis

72 Years Old

A talented comedic actor, singer, and screenwriter who starred in iconic 80s and 90s films like Ghostbusters and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, bringing laughter and joy to many.

America Ferrera

41 Years Old

Star of Ugly Betty and Superstore, known for her relatable on-screen presence and advocacy for women's rights and diversity in media.

James Woods

78 Years Old

A veteran actor and producer with a prolific career spanning over 60 years, known for his intense performances in films like "Vampires" and "Ghosts of Mississippi".

Kourtney Kardashian

46 Years Old

Reality TV star and social media influencer known for her dramatic personal life and beauty ventures.

Miguel Cabrera

42 Years Old

A dominant force in baseball, known for his impressive hitting and power, earning him numerous awards and accolades. Regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history.

Jeff Dunham

63 Years Old

A renowned ventriloquist and comedian, known for his hilarious characters, including Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Walter, and Peanut, entertaining audiences worldwide with his unique...

Edgar Wright

51 Years Old

Acclaimed director of genre-bending comedies and action films, known for his visually stunning and quirky storytelling style, often blending humor and pop culture references.

Eric McCormack

62 Years Old

Star of the popular TV show "Will & Grace," playing the titular character Will Truman, earning multiple Emmy nominations and wins. Known for his witty humor and charming on-screen ...

Leopold Stokowski

Died in 1977, aged 95

A renowned conductor who revolutionized the art of orchestral performance with his innovative techniques and charismatic stage presence, leading iconic ensembles like the Philadelp...

Joseph L. Goldstein

85 Years Old

A Nobel Prize-winning biochemist and geneticist who discovered the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor, leading to a deeper understanding of cholesterol metabolism and its role ...

Events from History on April 18:
504 years ago
Martin Luther refuses to recant at Diet of Worms (Diet of Worms, Worms, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) 1521
In the German Imperial Assembly, a bold and unyielding Martin Luther faces the stern gaze of his accusers, flatly refusing to renounce his radical ideas despite the looming threat of excommunication. With Emperor Charles V and the Catholic Church's top brass breathing down his neck, Luther stands firm, his conscience tied to the scripture, refusing to budge. This pivotal moment marks a defiant stand for religious freedom and the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation.
76 years ago
Republic of Ireland gains independence from Commonwealth (Republic of Ireland) 1949
Republic of Ireland officially severed ties with the British Commonwealth, declaring itself a republic! This monumental moment marked the culmination of Ireland's struggle for independence, led by Irish patriots like Éamon de Valera and Seán MacBride. The Republic of Ireland Act, signed into law on this day, formally established Ireland as a sovereign state, breaking free from the shackles of British rule. As the Irish tricolor waved proudly, the Emerald Isle embarked on a new era of self-governance, leaving behind centuries of colonial domination. This revolutionary step paved the way for Ireland to forge its own path, culturally, economically, and politically.
119 years ago
San Francisco's Devastating Earthquake of 1906 (San Francisco, California, USA) 1906
The city of San Francisco was bustling with excitement as the morning sun rose over the Golden Gate Bridge, but little did its residents know, their world was about to be turned upside down. At 5:12 am, a massive 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck the city, its powerful tremors toppling buildings, sparking raging fires, and sending chaos and panic through the streets. The earthquake, which would become one of the worst natural disasters in American history, would claim the lives of over 3,000 people, leaving countless more without homes or hope. As the city burned, firefighters struggled to contain the blaze, but it was too late - San Francisco was gone, lost to the fury of the earthquake and flames.
83 years ago
Doolittle's daring raid on Japanese cities (Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagoya, Japan) 1942
Lieutenant Colonel James H. Doolittle's bold plan to avenge Pearl Harbor was set in motion as 16 B-25 bombers, each loaded with four 500-pound bombs, took off from the USS Hornet aircraft carrier. Flying low, the planes evaded Japanese radar, delivering surprise payloads on Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagoya. The attack, though resulting in moderate damage, sent a strong psychological message: the enemy was no longer immune to attack. As the crew members bailed out or crash-landed, they were either captured, executed, or escaped into China.
71 years ago
Nasser Seizes Power in Egypt, Ends Constitutional Monarchy (Egypt) 1954
Gamal Abdel Nasser, a charismatic and ambitious young officer, orchestrated a bloodless coup, ousting King Farouk I from power and marking the end of the constitutional monarchy in Egypt. Nasser, who had been secretly building his power base within the army, capitalized on the King's unpopularity and the country's post-war nationalism. With the support of the Revolutionary Command Council, Nasser took control, paving the way for a new era of Arab nationalism and socialism.
250 years ago
British Troops March on Lexington and Concord Warned by Paul Revere (Lexington, Massachusetts, USA) 1775
Paul Revere, the legendary patriot, sprang into action as British warships sailed into Boston Harbor. With a mere 700 British troops approaching, Revere and other brave riders galloped through the night, warning sleepy colonial villages that the redcoats were coming. Church bells clanged, drums beat, and militiamen scrambled to defend their homes against the march towards Lexington and Concord. The midnight ride ignited a powder keg of patriotism, marking the first shots of the American Revolution.
Notable Deaths on April 18:
1955Albert Einstein German-born physicist who developed the theory of relativity
2012Dick Clark American entrepreneur who entertained and energized generations through music and television
2024Dickey Betts Legendary American guitarist and singer-songwriter
2024Mandisa Gospel singer celebrated for soulful voice
1636Julius Caesar English judge who served as Lord Chancellor of Great Britain
1945Ernie Pyle American journalist and soldier who covered World War II
1974Marcel Pagnol Renowned playwright, author, and director who brought French culture to the world
1945John Ambrose Fleming British engineer and physicist who invented the vacuum tube
2014Sanford Jay Frank American screenwriter and producer who brought stories to life on the big screen
1995Arturo Frondizi Argentina's 32nd President and advocate for democratic reforms
1964Ben Hecht American screenwriter, director, and producer who worked in Hollywood's Golden Age
2024Crandell Addington American poker player inducted into the Hall of Fame
1936Ottorino Respighi Italian composer and conductor known for his orchestral works
1943Isoroku Yamamoto Japanese admiral responsible for leading the attack on Pearl Harbor
1587John Foxe English historian who wrote the influential book "Actes and Monuments"
2004Kamisese Mara Fiji's 2nd President who championed country's independence and development
1958Maurice Gamelin Belgian-French general who led French forces during World War II
1873Justus von Liebig German chemist who transformed our understanding of the elements
2008Germaine Tillion Pioneering French ethnologist who bridged cultures and explored human societies
1947Jozef Tiso Slovak priest and politician who served as President of Slovakia