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February 12, 2026 Holiday:

Lincoln's Birthday

Lincoln's Birthday is a celebration honoring the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. This holiday is a tribute to Lincoln's commitment to preserving the Union and ending slavery, as well as his strong leadership during a tumultuous period in American history. Traditionally, Lincoln's Birthday is marked by patriotic events, reenactments, and educational activities that highlight Lincoln's values and accomplishments. Many schools and communities also observe the holiday by hosting readings of the Gettysburg Address and other notable Lincoln speeches. Overall, Lincoln's Birthday is a meaningful occasion that encourages Americans to reflect on the principles of freedom, equality, and unity that Lincoln embodied.

Learn more about Lincoln's Birthday
Holidays on February 12, 2026:

NAACP Day

NAACP Day, 2/12/2026: Discover the truth behind this non-existent holiday and explore related civil rights and African American heritage holidays. more >>

Hug Day

Hug Day, 2/12/2026: Spread love, comfort, and joy by embracing physical touch and emotional connection. more >>

Fat Thursday

Indulge in sweet treats and rich foods on Fat Thursday, a joyful holiday in Eastern Europe, before the 40-day Lenten fast. (156 characters) more >>

National Freedom to Marry Day

National Freedom to Marry Day, 2/12/2026: Recognize the importance of marriage equality and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ individuals to have their relationships respected. more >>

Paul Bunyan Day

Paul Bunyan Day on 2/12/2026 honors the legendary lumberjack, exploring his myths and legends. more >>

International Darwin Day

International Darwin Day, 2/12/2026: Honor Charles Darwin's groundbreaking contributions to evolutionary biology and promote critical thinking, scientific literacy, and evidence-based knowledge. more >>

Giving Hearts Day

Join Giving Hearts Day on 2/12/2026 as people come together to make a positive impact, donating, volunteering, and spreading kindness to address social issues and improve lives. more >>

National Plum Pudding Day

National Plum Pudding Day, February 12, 2026. Indulge in a rich, fruity dessert, served with sweet sauce or brandy butter, and relish the cozy atmosphere and nostalgic charm. more >>

Red Hand Day

Red Hand Day, 2/12/2026: Join the global protest against child soldiers, marking hands with a red handprint to raise awareness and advocate for their rights and protection. more >>
Birthdays on February 12:

Abraham Lincoln

Died in 1865, aged 56

Led the United States through its Civil War and ultimately abolished slavery, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.

Bill Russell

Died in 2022, aged 88

Legendary basketball player and coach who won an unprecedented 11 championships in his 13-year career, including an unmatched eight in a row. He's a symbol of excellence and domina...

Ray Kurzweil

78 Years Old

Pioneering inventor and futurist who developed groundbreaking technologies like text-to-speech synthesis and predicts exponential growth of artificial intelligence, revolutionizing...

Christina Ricci

46 Years Old

Award-winning actress and producer known for her iconic roles in films like "The Addams Family" and "Sleepy Hollow", as well as her versatility in playing complex characters.

Michael McDonald

74 Years Old

Soulful voice and iconic keyboardist behind hits like "What a Fool Believes" and "Minute by Minute", blending rock, soul, and R&B to create a distinctive sound.

Arsenio Hall

70 Years Old

Host of a popular late-night talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, known for his charismatic personality and iconic high-top haircut. He was a platform for various celebrities and musi...

Brett Kavanaugh

61 Years Old

An Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, known for his conservative views and controversial nomination process. He plays a crucial role in shaping the countr...

Gucci Mane

46 Years Old

A trap music pioneer, known for his raw, autobiographical lyrics and prolific output, helping to popularize the hip-hop subgenre.

Judy Blume

88 Years Old

A beloved author of children's and young adult books, known for tackling tough topics like puberty, identity, and relationships in relatable and accessible ways. Her books have bee...

Josh Brolin

58 Years Old

A talented actor with a wide range of film roles, from villainous characters to heroic leads, starring in popular movies like Avengers and Deadpool.

Charles Darwin

Died in 1882, aged 73

Developed the theory of evolution through natural selection, revolutionizing our understanding of life on Earth. This groundbreaking idea transformed the fields of biology, ecology...

Ray Manzarek

Died in 2013, aged 74

The co-founder and keyboardist of The Doors, known for his poetic lyrics and haunting organ riffs that defined the band's dark, moody sound. He was also a producer and collaborator...

Events from History on February 12:
117 years ago
NAACP founded to end racial segregation and discrimination (New York City, New York, USA) 1909
The trailblazing spirits of W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells, and other prominent figures joined forces to create a powerful alliance against racial injustice. On a chilly winter morning, they gathered to form the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), vowing to challenge the status quo of segregation and discrimination. This fearless coalition of visionaries aimed to empower African Americans, fighting for equal rights, education, and unbridled opportunities. Their courageous stand marked the beginning of a long, arduous journey towards a more equitable society.
524 years ago
Isabella I bans Islam in Crown of Castile, forcing conversions (Crown of Castile) 1502
Queen Isabella I, the fierce and ambitious monarch of Castile, took a drastic step to consolidate her power and spread Christianity. She issued an edict effectively outlawing Islam in her realm, leaving thousands of Muslim subjects with a stark choice: convert to Christianity or face the consequences. Overnight, mosques were converted into churches, and the once-thriving Islamic community was forced to adopt a new faith, marking a profound shift in the region's cultural identity. This pivotal moment in Spanish history would have far-reaching consequences for centuries to come.
114 years ago
The Xuantong Emperor ends China's imperial era. (Beijing, China) 1912
The Xuantong Emperor, only six years old, has just become a footnote in history as he abdicates, marking the end of China's imperial era, a dynasty that lasted over 2,000 years. The once-mighty Qing dynasty crumbles, succumbing to the relentless tide of revolution and modernity. Pu Yi, the child emperor, weeps as he relinquishes the throne, unaware that his family's legacy is about to be reduced to a mere relic of the past. The Republic of China, led by Sun Yat-sen, takes its first breath, marking a new chapter in Chinese history.
209 years ago
Independence forces defeat Spanish troops in Chilean Andes battle (Chacabuco, Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile) 1817
Crossing the treacherous Andes Mountains, an Argentine-Chilean patriotic army, led by the fearless José de San Martín and Bernardo O'Higgins, marched into Chile, determined to liberate the country from Spanish rule. On 2/12/1817, they clashed with Spanish troops at the Battle of Chacabuco, emerging victorious and paving the way for Chile's independence.
337 years ago
James II's flight to France deemed an abdication (England) 1689
The once-mighty James II, England's last Roman Catholic monarch, had fled to France in 1688, leaving behind a power vacuum and a population eager for change. Meanwhile, the Convention Parliament, comprised of esteemed members, convened to discuss the implications of James' hasty departure. After heated debates and passionate arguments, they reached a groundbreaking decision: James II's flight to France constituted an abdication, effectively stripping him of his royal authority. This bold move paved the way for a Glorious Revolution, ushering in a new era of Protestant rule and significantly altering the course of British history.
10 years ago
Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill sign historic Ecumenical Declaration (José Martí International Airport, Havana, Cuba) 2016
In a groundbreaking moment, the leaders of the Catholic and Russian Orthodox Churches, Pope Francis and Patriarch Kirill, put aside nearly a millennium of separation, meeting in Havana, Cuba, to sign a historic Ecumenical Declaration. This extraordinary encounter marked the first time leaders of the two Churches had met since the Great Schism of 1054. The Declaration affirmed their shared values, urging unity and cooperation in promoting Christian values, moral principles, and social justice.
Notable Deaths on February 12:
2000Charles M. Schulz Creator of beloved characters, bringing joy to generations
2022Ivan Reitman Slovak-Canadian actor, director, and producer who brought laughter and drama to screens.
2017Al Jarreau American jazz singer who blended genres and crooned with warmth.
1976Sal Mineo Starred in iconic American films as actor
2015Gary Owens Legendary voice behind the mic, bringing characters to life
2000Tom Landry Coach who led teams to victory with football and heart
2019Gordon Banks English footballer who kicked and scored with precision and skill.
2014Sid Caesar Comedic mastermind who made audiences laugh and think
1942Grant Wood Artist who captured the American spirit through his vivid paintings
1804Immanuel Kant Pioneering philosopher and scholar
2019Lyndon LaRouche American political activist who rallied for social change and progress.
2012David Kelly Venerable actor who brought characters to life on the big screen
1979Jean Renoir Directed influential French New Wave films as director
2011Peter Alexander Singer and entertainer who charmed audiences with his Austrian flair
1984Anna Anderson Claimed to be Russian royal descendant, Anna Anderson
2011Kenneth Mars Comedic genius who brought laughter and tears to the big and small screens
1994Donald Judd Pioneering modern sculptor who blazed trails in minimalist art
1789Ethan Allen Daring frontiersman and rebel leader
1929Lillie Langtry Vocalist-songstress who charmed audiences with her stage presence
2019Pedro Morales Puerto Rican professional wrestler who body-slammed his way to the top.