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August 13, 2026 Holiday:

International Left-Handers Day

International Left-Handers Day is a celebration of the unique characteristics and talents of left-handed individuals. This special day aims to raise awareness about the challenges and advantages that come with being left-handed in a predominantly right-handed world. Traditionally, left-handers and their supporters come together to share their experiences, showcase their skills, and have fun with left-handed-themed games and activities. It's a joyous occasion that promotes acceptance, inclusivity, and pride in being different.

Learn more about International Left-Handers Day
Holidays on August 13, 2026:

National Prosecco Day

National Prosecco Day, August 13, 2026: Join wine enthusiasts in toasting the crisp, fruity flavors and effervescent charm of Prosecco, paired with Italian-inspired delights. more >>

National Filet Mignon Day

National Filet Mignon Day, 8/13/2026: Indulge in tender beef, rich flavors, and velvety textures on this luxurious culinary day. more >>
Birthdays on August 13:

Alfred Hitchcock

Died in 1980, aged 80

Master of suspense, renowned for crafting iconic thrillers that blended psychological complexity with cinematic innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.

Fidel Castro

Died in 2016, aged 90

The Cuban revolutionary who led the country from 1959 to 2008, implementing socialist policies and defying US opposition, becoming an iconic figure in modern history.

Janet Yellen

79 Years Old

The 78th United States Secretary of the Treasury, a renowned economist, and the first woman to hold the position, known for shaping the country's economic policies and responding t...

Koji Kondo

64 Years Old

Legendary video game composer and sound director behind iconic Nintendo franchises like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, crafting unforgettable melodies that evoke nostalgia an...

Ben Hogan

Died in 1997, aged 84

Legendary golfer and sportscaster who dominated the sport with 68 professional wins, including nine major championships, and inspired generations with his remarkable comeback from ...

James Morrison

41 Years Old

Soulful voice and acoustic guitar-driven pop-rock sound, blending heartfelt ballads with upbeat anthems, creating a distinctive and emotive musical style.

Lennon Stella

26 Years Old

Sister of Maisy Stella and part of the duo Lennon & Maisy, she's a singer-songwriter and actress known for her roles in TV shows like Nashville and her soulful, country-pop sound.

Bert Lahr

Died in 1967, aged 72

A comedic actor and dancer, best known for his iconic role as the Cowardly Lion in the classic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz".

Dan Fogelberg

Died in 2007, aged 56

A soft-rock legend, known for heartfelt ballads and acoustic-driven storytelling, crafting hits like "Longer" and "Leader of the Band".

Sebastian Stan

43 Years Old

A talented actor who has brought iconic characters to life in Marvel's Cinematic Universe, including Bucky Barnes and the Winter Soldier. He's also known for his roles in TV shows ...

Debi Mazar

61 Years Old

An actress known for her edgy, outspoken characters in TV shows like "Entourage" and "Younger," often playing a sassy, stylish best friend or confidante.

Kathleen Battle

77 Years Old

Renowned for her pure, agile voice and impressive vocal range, this soprano is celebrated for her iconic performances in operas like Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" and Verdi's "...

Events from History on August 13:
84 years ago
Major General Eugene Reybold authorizes the Manhattan Project (Washington, D.C., USA) 1942
Major General Eugene Reybold, the Chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, gives the green light for the construction of top-secret facilities to develop atomic bombs, marking the official beginning of the Manhattan Project, a research and development project that would change the course of history.
65 years ago
East Germany seals off West Berlin with the Berlin Wall (Berlin Wall, Berlin, Germany) 1961
In a desperate bid to stem the flow of refugees, communist East Germany, under the watchful eye of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, slammed shut the border with West Berlin, a capitalist oasis nestled deep in Soviet-occupied territory. Overnight, soldiers and police cordoned off the 96-mile perimeter, unleashing a frenzy of barbed wire, concrete, and guard towers. The Berlin Wall, a potent symbol of the Cold War's frosty grip, had begun to take shape, cutting off West Berliners from their eastern brethren and cementing the city's infamous divide.
505 years ago
Cortés' forces conquer Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan (Tenochtitlan, Mexico City, Mexico) 1521
Hernán Cortés, the cunning Spanish conquistador, outmaneuvered and outgunned the Aztecs, culminating in the fall of their majestic capital, Tenochtitlan. Cuauhtémoc, the brave but doomed Tlatoani, was captured, and with him, the very heart of the Aztec empire. The siege had been lengthy and brutal, but Cortés' superior tactics and firepower ultimately won out. As the dust settled, the once-mighty Aztec capital lay in ruins, its people subjugated, and its treasures plundered. The consequences of this conquest would reverberate for centuries to come.
234 years ago
King Louis XVI arrested and declared enemy of the people (Paris, France) 1792
The tide of the French Revolution was turning, and King Louis XVI was about to find himself on the wrong side of history. In a bold move, the National Tribunal, fueled by the fervor of the revolution, formally arrested the King and declared him an enemy of the people. This dramatic turn of events marked a significant shift in the balance of power, as the monarchy's grip on France began to slip. The King, once the embodiment of absolute power, was now at the mercy of the people he had once ruled.
158 years ago
Devastating Arica Earthquake and Tsunami of 1868 (Arica, Peru) 1868
A massive earthquake rocked southern Peru, unleashing a destructive force that would be felt across the Pacific. On August 13, 1868, a monster quake, measuring 8.5-9.0 in magnitude, struck with a ferocity that would kill over 25,000 people and trigger a devastating tsunami that would travel as far as Hawaii and New Zealand. The quake's extreme intensity, rated XI on the Mercalli scale, reduced cities to rubble, burying people under the debris. The subsequent tsunami crashed onto the shores, sweeping away everything in its path. This dual disaster would become one of the deadliest in history, leaving a trail of destruction that would take years to recover from.
89 years ago
Japanese forces attack Shanghai, sparking brutal urban combat (Shanghai, China) 1937
Japanese forces, eager to capture the strategic city of Shanghai, launch a surprise attack on August 13, 1937, marking the beginning of the brutal Battle of Shanghai. The city, a vital trade hub and symbolic prize, was fiercely defended by Chinese nationalist forces under the command of General Zhang Zhizhong. As Japanese troops poured in, the battle raged on for three months, reducing the city to rubble and claiming countless lives. This pivotal conflict would become a defining moment in the Second Sino-Japanese War, foreshadowing the devastating consequences of Japan's aggressive expansion.
Notable Deaths on August 13:
2004Julia Child Julia Child, beloved American chef, author, and television personality who introduced French cuisine to the United States
1995Mickey Mantle Mickey Mantle, legendary baseball player known for his impressive power hitting and charismatic personality
1946H. G. Wells English author, historian, and critic who wrote influential works of non-fiction and fiction.
2006Tony Jay Versatile English actor bringing characters to life on stage and screen
1991James Roosevelt Noted military leader and statesman
2007Phil Rizzuto Veteran American baseball player and sportscaster who shared his passion for the game with generations
1910Florence Nightingale English nurse and theologian who pioneered the field of nursing and made significant contributions to social reform.
2016Kenny Baker British actor and musician known for his small stature
2012Helen Gurley Brown Brown's pioneering journalism and writing advocacy empowered women's voices.
2010Lance Cade American wrestling icon known for his fierce in-ring performances and charismatic charm
2010Edwin Newman Award-winning American journalist and author who chronicled the human experience with depth and nuance
1912Jules Massenet French composer who wrote iconic operas and was a leading figure in the world of classical music.
1826René Laennec French physician and inventor who created the stethoscope, revolutionizing the field of medicine.
2021Nanci Griffith American singer-songwriter known for her folk music
1863Eugène Delacroix French painter and lithographer who created iconic works of art and was a leading figure in the art world.
2000Nazia Hassan Nazia Hassan, Pakistani pop star who rose to fame as the "Queen of Pop" in South Asia
1986Helen Mack Sultry actress and silver screen siren
1998Rafael Robles Rafael Robles, Dominican-American baseball player who excelled in the minor leagues before a career-ending injury
1971W. O. Bentley Groundbreaking English engineer and entrepreneur
2014Eduardo Campos Campos' visionary leadership and commitment to science and technology spearheaded national progress.