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February 18, 2026 Holiday:

Ramadan Starts

Ramadan Starts, a sacred holiday in the Islamic faith, marks the beginning of a month-long period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. During this time, Muslims around the world abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset, a practice known as sawm, to develop self-control, empathy for those in need, and a stronger connection to Allah. As the sun sets, families and friends gather to break their fast with iftar, a meal often featuring traditional dishes and sweet treats. The evenings are filled with prayer, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity, as Muslims strive to purify their hearts and minds. Through Ramadan, believers seek to renew their faith, foster a sense of community, and cultivate compassion and kindness towards all.

Learn more about Ramadan Starts
Holidays on February 18, 2026:

Carnival / Ash Wednesday

Carnival, a vibrant holiday, marks the final hurrah before Lent, with colorful costumes, parades, and feasting. more >>

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday, 2/18/2026: A day of reflection, repentance, and renewal, marked by the imposition of ashes and a 40-day journey of self-examination and spiritual growth. more >>

The Start of Ramadan

The Start of Ramadan, 2/18/2026: Discover the significance of the Islamic holiday marking the beginning of a sacred period of fasting, reflection, and spiritual growth. more >>

National Drink Wine Day

National Drink Wine Day, 2/18/2026: Join wine enthusiasts in appreciating rich flavors, aromas, and sharing love for wine. more >>

Lunar New Year Holiday (Day 2)

Lunar New Year Holiday (Day 2) - 2/18/2026: Join family and friends for feasting, gift-giving, and merrymaking as you pay respects to elders and pray for good fortune. more >>

Eat Ice Cream For Breakfast Day

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, 2/18/2026, indulge in your favorite frozen treats, break free from breakfast norms, and share the sweet experience with family and friends. more >>

National Battery Day

National Battery Day, 2/18/2026, discover the power of batteries and learn how they impact our daily lives. more >>

Pluto Day

Discover the fascinating world of Pluto on Pluto Day, February 18th, 2026, and explore its unique features, space exploration, and the wonders of our solar system. more >>

Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day

Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day, 2/18/2026: Unconventional holiday traditions and the story behind this unique day. more >>
Birthdays on February 18:

John Travolta

72 Years Old

A legendary actor, singer, and producer who starred in iconic films like "Saturday Night Fever" and "Pulp Fiction," earning him a permanent place in pop culture history.

Dr. Dre

61 Years Old

A legendary rapper, producer, and entrepreneur who revolutionized hip-hop with his unique sound and founded Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics. He's a hip-hop icon and s...

Vanna White

69 Years Old

Long-running hostess of Wheel of Fortune, famous for revealing letters and wearing dazzling gowns.

Molly Ringwald

58 Years Old

Iconic 80s teen movie star, known for her relatable and quirky characters in coming-of-age films like "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles".

John Hughes

Died in 2009, aged 59

A mastermind behind iconic 80s teen movies, crafting relatable stories that resonated with generations of adolescents, leaving an indelible mark on the coming-of-age genre.

Toni Morrison

Died in 2019, aged 88

A celebrated author and editor, renowned for crafting powerful, poignant novels that explore the African American experience, particularly the lives of black women, and the horrors...

Yoko Ono

93 Years Old

A pioneering multimedia artist and musician who blurred the lines between art, music, and activism, creating thought-provoking and often controversial works that challenged societa...

Gary Neville

51 Years Old

Former Manchester United and England right-back, renowned for his tenacious defending and insightful punditry.

Jillian Michaels

52 Years Old

A fitness guru and TV star who motivates millions to get in shape and live healthier lifestyles through her workout programs and reality shows.

George Kennedy

Died in 2016, aged 91

Academy Award-winning actor renowned for his rugged, authoritative presence in iconic films like "Cool Hand Luke" and "Airport." He brought depth and nuance to tough-guy roles.

J-Hope

32 Years Old

A South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, and record producer who is a member of the global K-pop phenomenon BTS, known for energetic performances and chart-topping hits. H...

Roberto Baggio

59 Years Old

Italian football legend and Ballon d'Or winner, known for his exceptional dribbling skills, vision, and goalscoring ability, leading Italy to the 1994 World Cup final.

Events from History on February 18:
16 years ago
WikiLeaks Publishes Classified Documents Leaked by Chelsea Manning (Online (WikiLeaks website)) 2010
In a digital dropbox, a treasure trove of secrets spilled out, exposing the US government's covert operations and igniting a firestorm of controversy. Chelsea Manning, a low-ranking army intelligence analyst, had been quietly amassing classified documents, and WikiLeaks, the notorious whistleblower website, began publishing them. The first batch of hundreds of thousands of confidential files, including sensitive military reports from the Afghanistan war, hit the internet, sending shockwaves through the global community. The repercussions would be far-reaching, sparking heated debates on national security, government transparency, and the ethics of whistleblowing.
165 years ago
Jefferson Davis becomes provisional President of the CSA (Montgomery, Alabama, USA) 1861
In the heart of Montgomery, Alabama, a historic ceremony unfolded as Jefferson Davis, a seasoned politician and veteran, took center stage, raising his right hand to take the oath of office. With dignitaries and onlookers gathered around, Davis became the provisional President of the Confederate States of America, marking a pivotal moment in American history. As the newly formed nation's leader, Davis vowed to protect and defend the sovereignty of the rebel states, amidst the rising tensions with the Union.
111 years ago
German Navy Unleashes Unrestricted Submarine Warfare (waters around Great Britain and Ireland) 1915
In a bold and provocative move, the Imperial German Navy, under the command of Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, takes the gamble of a lifetime by announcing unrestricted submarine warfare in the waters surrounding Great Britain and Ireland. This drastic measure is aimed at crippling Britain's economy by targeting its merchant marine, interrupting vital supplies, and ultimately coercing the nation into submission. As the Great War rages on, Germany's U-boat campaign is about to take a deadly turn, setting the stage for a high-stakes game of cat and mouse on the high seas.
84 years ago
Japanese Invasion of Singapore - Massacre of Chinese Civilians (Singapore) 1942
As Japanese forces solidified their grip on Singapore, they unleashed a brutal campaign of terror on the Chinese population, perceived as sympathetic to the defeated British colonial government. The Imperial Japanese Army, led by Lieutenant General Tomoyuki Yamashita, systematically rounded up and slaughtered thousands of Chinese civilians, intellectuals, and community leaders, accusing them of being "anti-Japanese" elements. The massacre, known as "Sook Ching," was a calculated effort to intimidate and subjugate the local population, instilling fear and submission.
80 years ago
Royal Indian Navy Mutiny Sparks Rebellion Against British Rule (Bombay Harbour, Mumbai, India) 1946
Sailors of the Royal Indian Navy, fueled by nationalist sentiment and frustrated with discriminatory treatment, ignited a mutiny in Bombay harbour. The spark spread like wildfire, engulfing 78 ships, 20 shore establishments, and 20,000 sailors across British India. Led by M.S. Khan and other rebellious leaders, the mutineers demanded better working conditions, equal treatment, and an end to British rule. The British, caught off guard, responded with force, but the uprising forced them to confront the growing tide of Indian nationalism. The mutiny's eventual suppression couldn't extinguish the flames of independence that continued to burn bright, paving the way for India's eventual freedom.
165 years ago
Victor Emmanuel II becomes King of Italy (Turin, Kingdom of Sardinia, Italy) 1861
Victor Emmanuel II, the skilled politician and monarch, has just reached the pinnacle of his ambition - becoming the King of Italy! With Italian unification almost complete, he assumes the title, marking a monumental milestone in Italian history. This powerful move solidifies his position as the leader of a united Italy, ending centuries of fragmentation and foreign domination. As the first king of a unified Italy, Emmanuel II's vision for a strong, independent nation is finally realized, inspiring national pride and hope for a brighter future.
Notable Deaths on February 18:
2001Dale Earnhardt Seven-time NASCAR champion and auto racing legend
1564Michelangelo A renowned Italian artist and sculptor
1546Martin Luther A German theologian and reformer
1902Charles Lewis Tiffany Visionary American businessman who founded the iconic Tiffany Co. and redefined luxury retail
1967J. Robert Oppenheimer Visionary American physicist and academic who pioneered groundbreaking research and shaped the course of scientific understanding
2019Alessandro Mendini Italian designer and architect
1981Jack Northrop Aerospace engineer and entrepreneur
1915Frank James Infamous American outlaw who captured the imagination of the public with his daring escapades
2020Flavio Bucci Italian actor and voice actor
2001Balthus SwissPolish painter and illustrator
1977Andy Devine American stage and screen actor
1455Fra Angelico Lived a life of devotion to God, creating beautiful art for the world to admire
1294Kublai Khan United the vast Mongol Empire, expanding its borders and influence
2014Mavis Gallant CanadianFrench author and playwright
1960Gertrude Vanderbilt Elegant American stage actress who mesmerized audiences with her radiant presence and talent
1379Albert II Guided Mecklenburg through times of peace and prosperity, earning respect
1893Serranus Clinton Hastings Trailblazing American lawyer and politician who paved the way for California's justice system
1695William Phips The first governor of Massachusetts
1535Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa A influential occultist and Renaissance scholar
1982Ngaio Marsh New Zealand literary author