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February 17, 2026 Holiday:

Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, is a festive holiday celebrated with great enthusiasm and indulgence! This joyous occasion is all about letting loose and having a blast before the somber period of Lent begins. Traditionally, people mark this day by indulging in sweet treats, particularly pancakes and pastries, to use up rich ingredients like sugar, eggs, and butter before the 40-day fasting period. Parades, masquerade balls, and vibrant street parties are also an integral part of the celebrations, featuring colorful costumes, lively music, and an infectious atmosphere of revelry. As the last hurrah before a period of restraint, Shrove Tuesday is a time to come together with friends and family, feast, and make merry!

Learn more about Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras
Holidays on February 17, 2026:

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, February 17, 2026: Indulge in vibrant parades, music, and food before the Lenten fast, with colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and lively marching bands. more >>

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, 2/17/2026: Join the vibrant festivities as families and friends come together to exchange gifts, feast, and welcome good luck and prosperity. more >>

Carnival / Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day

Indulge in sweet treats and merriment on Carnival, Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, a festive holiday marking the end of rich foods before a period of fasting. more >>

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year, February 17, 2026: Mark the beginning of a new year with vibrant traditions, cultural heritage, and joyful reunions. more >>

Random Acts of Kindness Day

Random Acts of Kindness Day, 2/17/2026: Spread joy and compassion with selfless acts, big or small, and discover the profound impact of kindness. more >>

International Pancake Day

International Pancake Day, February 17, 2026: Indulge in fluffy pancakes, sweet treats, and festive fun with friends and family. more >>

P?czki Day

Indulge in sweet Polish tradition on P?czki Day, February 17, 2026, as families gather to enjoy deep-fried pastry treats filled with jam or cream. more >>

National Cafe au Lait Day

National Cafe au Lait Day, 2/17/2026: Indulge in rich, creamy coffee and discover the art of brewing the perfect cup. more >>

My Way Day

My Way Day, 2/17/2026: Learn if this holiday is real and what it's all about. more >>
Birthdays on February 17:

Paris Hilton

44 Years Old

A celebrity socialite and heiress who built a global brand on her lavish lifestyle, scandals, and reality TV shows. She's a household name synonymous with glamour and excess.

Ed Sheeran

34 Years Old

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for heartfelt, acoustic-driven pop ballads and chart-topping hits like "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud".

Jim Brown

Died in 2023, aged 87

Legendary running back and actor who dominated the NFL in the 1950s and 60s, then transitioned to a successful film career, starring in movies like "The Dirty Dozen" and "Any Given...

Billie Joe Armstrong

53 Years Old

Lead vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band Green Day, known for catchy, rebellious songs and energetic live performances.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

44 Years Old

Talented triple threat in Hollywood, starring in blockbuster films like Inception and Looper, while also producing and directing innovative projects. Known for his versatility and ...

Michael Bay

60 Years Old

Directed high-octane, visually stunning blockbusters like Transformers and Bad Boys, known for explosive action sequences and dramatic camera work.

Larry the Cable Guy

62 Years Old

A comedian and voice actor known for his blue-collar humor and iconic characters, including Mater from the Disney-Pixar Cars franchise.

Taylor Hawkins

Died in 2022, aged 50

Lead vocalist and drummer of the Foo Fighters, known for his powerful vocals and dynamic drumming style, blending rock and pop sensibilities.

Thomas J. Watson

Died in 1956, aged 82

Pioneering IBM CEO who transformed the company into a global technology giant, revolutionizing the computer industry with innovative products and business strategies.

Barry Humphries

91 Years Old

A renowned comedian, actor, and author, best known for creating the iconic character Dame Edna Everage, a satirical housewife from Australia. He's celebrated for his clever wit and...

Richard Karn

69 Years Old

He's a beloved actor and game show host, best known for his iconic role as Al Borland on the popular sitcom "Home Improvement" and hosting several game shows, including "Family Feu...

Ruth Rendell

Died in 2015, aged 85

A renowned crime writer, penning intricate psychological thrillers that probed the darker aspects of human nature, crafting complex characters and plots that kept readers enthralle...

Events from History on February 17:
18 years ago
Kosovo declares independence from Serbia, sparking controversy (Pristina, Kosovo, XK, 10000) 2008
Fatih Ahmeti's Albanian coffee shop in Pristina, Kosovo, was buzzing with excitement as the news spread like wildfire: Kosovo had finally declared independence from Serbia! On February 17, 2008, the Kosovo Assembly, led by Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, adopted the Declaration of Independence, marking a historic milestone in the region's tumultuous history. The move sparked controversy, with Serbia refusing to recognize Kosovo's sovereignty, and the international community divided on the issue. As the debate raged on, Kosovars celebrated their hard-won freedom, while Serbia mourned the loss of its former province.
62 years ago
Supreme Court ensures equal congressional districts' population (Washington D.C., USA) 1964
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Wesberry v. Sanders marked a significant milestone in American democracy. In this pivotal case, the Court decreed that congressional districts must have roughly equal populations, ensuring each citizen's vote carries equal weight. This verdict effectively ended the practice of gerrymandering, where politicians manipulated district boundaries to sway electoral outcomes. The ruling has had a lasting impact on the country's political landscape, fostering fairer representation and more accurate reflection of the people's will.
225 years ago
Jefferson and Burr's Electoral College Tie Broken (United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 20515, USA) 1801
In the most dramatic presidential election in U.S. history, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr found themselves deadlocked in a tie in the Electoral College, with 73 electoral votes each! The nation held its breath as the United States House of Representatives convened to resolve the crisis. After 36 ballots and ruthless politicking, Jefferson emerged victorious, securing the presidency, while Burr was relegated to vice president. This Constitutional crisis led to the 12th Amendment, ensuring that such a debacle would never again threaten the nation's stability.
77 years ago
Chaim Weizmann becomes Israel's first President (Jerusalem, Israel) 1949
In the midst of post-war reconstruction, a charismatic leader steps into the spotlight, marking a new era for a young nation. Chaim Weizmann, a renowned chemist and statesman, begins his term as the first President of Israel, symbolizing the dawn of a new era for the Jewish people. Weizmann's presidency solidifies Israel's sovereignty, paving the way for the country's rapid growth and development. This momentous occasion cements Weizmann's legacy as one of Israel's founding fathers.
15 years ago
Libyan protests erupt against Muammar Gaddafi's regime (Benghazi, Libya, LY, 6230) 2011
Muammar Gaddafi's grip on Libya was about to get a whole lot shakier. Protests erupt in Benghazi, sparked by the arrest of a human rights activist, and soon spread like wildfire across the country. Demanding an end to Gaddafi's 42-year rule, Libyans from all walks of life take to the streets, braving brutal crackdowns and massacre. As the world watches, the once-unshakeable regime begins to crumble.
121 years ago
Grand Duke Sergei assassinated in Moscow Kremlin (Moscow Kremlin, Moscow, Russia) 1905
Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia, the uncle of Tsar Nicholas II, was living on borrowed time. As the iron-fisted governor of Moscow, he'd earned a reputation for brutal suppression of dissent. But on this fateful day, Socialist Revolutionary Ivan Kalyayev had the last word, hurling a nitroglycerin bomb into the Grand Duke's carriage, sending shards of glass and metal flying everywhere. The once-feared Sergei lay lifeless, a victim of the very revolutionary fervor he'd sought to quash. His assassination would be the catalyst for a year of unrest, marking the beginning of the end of the Romanov dynasty.
Notable Deaths on February 17:
2021Rush Limbaugh Entertained millions with his charismatic talk show, shared insightful commentary
1673Molière French literary giant who wrote numerous plays and novels
2014Bob Casale Innovative musician and producer
1982Thelonious Monk Jazz legend, renowned for his innovative piano playing and iconic compositions
1909Geronimo Apache warrior and tribal leader who resisted Mexican and American colonization
2016Tony Phillips Legendary baseball player, excelled in the sport with exceptional skill and dedication
2006Ray Barretto A talented American drummer and musician
1986Jiddu Krishnamurti Visionary philosopher and author, sharing life-changing insights and wisdom
2013Mindy McCready Talented American singer-songwriter
2012Michael Davis A talented American singer-songwriter and musician
1989Lefty Gomez A legendary American baseball player
1979William Gargan Veteran actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows
1982Lee Strasberg Influential acting coach and director, shaping the careers of many Hollywood stars
1919Wilfrid Laurier Canadian statesman who served as Prime Minister and advocated for Canadian independence
1962Joseph Kearns Respected character actor on stage and screen, recognized for his versatile performances
1961Nita Naldi Prominent actress in American silent films, known for her beauty and charm
2003Steve Bechler A young American baseball player and rising star
1994Randy Shilts A renowned American journalist and author
1966Hans Hofmann Innovative painter and artist, credited with exploring new techniques and styles
1934Albert I of Belgium Belgian monarch who reigned during World War I and prioritized social welfare