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February 25, 2026 Holiday:

Advent Begins

Advent Begins is a significant holiday in the Christian calendar that marks the start of the Advent season. It's a time of preparation and anticipation, as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. During this period, many families and churches observe various traditions, such as lighting candles on an Advent wreath, reading daily devotions, and engaging in acts of kindness and charity. The season is often marked by a sense of hope, joy, and expectation, as believers reflect on the significance of Christ's coming and look forward to his return. Through its rich traditions and symbolism, Advent Begins invites people to slow down, reflect, and rediscover the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Learn more about Advent Begins
Holidays on February 25, 2026:
Birthdays on February 25:

George Harrison

Died in 2001, aged 58

Lead guitarist of the Beatles, successful solo artist, and innovative film producer, known for his iconic songs and philanthropic efforts.

Chelsea Handler

51 Years Old

A comedian, actress, author, and TV host known for her sarcastic humor, outspoken personality, and popular late-night talk shows. She's a household name in the entertainment indust...

Sean Astin

55 Years Old

Actor, director, and producer best known for iconic roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Goonies, bringing beloved characters to life on screen.

Bob Schieffer

89 Years Old

A renowned journalist and TV interviewer, known for his in-depth reporting and insightful interviews on CBS News, particularly on Face the Nation.

Rashida Jones

50 Years Old

Star of TV shows like "Parks and Recreation" and "The Office", and writer/producer of films like "Celeste and Jesse Forever" and "Claws", known for her witty humor and relatable ch...

Birgit Fischer

64 Years Old

A dominant force in Olympic kayaking, winning eight gold medals and four silver medals across six Olympic Games, setting multiple world records.

Carrot Top

61 Years Old

A zany prop comic known for his wacky inventions and over-the-top stage antics, entertaining audiences with his unique blend of humor and creativity.

Jameela Jamil

40 Years Old

A British actress and TV host, known for her outspoken advocacy on body positivity, feminism, and mental health, as well as her roles in popular TV shows like "The Good Place".

Paul O'Neill

Died in 2017, aged 54

A five-tool player and iconic Yankees outfielder turned broadcaster, known for his clutch hitting and charismatic commentary.

Téa Leoni

60 Years Old

Star of popular TV shows and films, including Jurassic Park III and The Family Man, known for her charming on-screen presence and versatility as a comedic and dramatic actress.

Enrico Caruso

Died in 1921, aged 48

The most popular operatic tenor of the early 20th century and the first great recording star, known for his powerful and emotive voice that captivated audiences worldwide through h...

Karen Grassle

84 Years Old

Star of the popular 1970s-80s TV series "Little House on the Prairie," playing Caroline Ingalls, the loving mother of the Ingalls family. She brought warmth and kindness to the rol...

Events from History on February 25:
70 years ago
In a bold move that would shake the foundations of Soviet politics, Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet leader, stood before a closed session of the 20th Communist Party Congress and delivered a scathing critique of his predecessor, Joseph Stalin. In his bombshell speech, "On the Cult of Personality and Its Consequences," Khrushchev ripped apart the myths surrounding Stalin's reign, exposing the brutal realities of his regime and condemning the cult-like worship that had surrounded the former leader. With this speech, Khrushchev aimed to distance himself and the communist party from Stalin's atrocities, paving the way for a new era of Soviet politics.
156 years ago
Hiram Rhodes Revels, a former slaves' minister, makes history as the first African American to take a seat in the United States Senate! The Republican from Mississippi, who fought for the Union Army during the Civil War, is sworn into office, marking a major milestone in the struggle for racial equality. This monumental moment paves the way for future generations of African American lawmakers.
40 years ago
Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines' strongman leader, had ruled with an iron fist for two decades, but his grip on power was about to slip. As protests erupted across the capital city of Manila, Marcos realized his time was up and fled the country, leaving behind a trail of corruption and human rights abuses. In his place, Corazon Aquino, the widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno Aquino, emerged as the unlikely hero of the People Power Revolution. Sworn in as the country's first female president, Aquino vowed to restore democracy and end the Marcos era of cronyism and oppression. The world watched in awe as the Filipino people asserted their power, paving the way for a new era of hope and reform.
In a clever power play, Adolf Hitler's stateless status, which had lasted for seven long years, finally comes to an end when fellow Nazi Dietrich Klagges appoints him as a Brunswick state official. This strategic move grants Hitler the German citizenship he desperately needs to run for the highest office in the land. With his newfound citizenship, Hitler is now eligible to throw his hat into the ring and compete against incumbent Paul von Hindenburg in the 1932 presidential election, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that will shape the course of history.
35 years ago
As the Iron Curtain continued to rust, the once-formidable Warsaw Pact, a symbol of Soviet dominance, breathed its last breath in a Budapest meeting room. The pact, forged in 1955, had bound eight Eastern European nations under the Soviet Union's grip. But on this day, the remaining members – Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and the Soviet Union – gathered to officially disband the military alliance, marking a triumph for democracy and freedom in the region. With the Cold War's embers dying out, this move signaled the end of an era, and the beginning of a new, uncertain chapter in international relations.
78 years ago
Klement Gottwald, a cunning communist leader, orchestrated a masterful coup, outmaneuvering his opponents and securing a Communist Party takeover in Prague, marking the end of the Third Czechoslovak Republic. As the Iron Curtain tightened its grip on Eastern Europe, Gottwald's party asserted dominance, nationalizing industries, suppressing opposition, and cementing Soviet-influenced rule. The once-vibrant democracy crumbled, and Czechoslovakia succumbed to communist ideology, forever altering the fate of its people.
Notable Deaths on February 25:
2017Bill Paxton American actor and filmmaker who brought diverse characters to life on screen.
1983Tennessee Williams Master playwright, weaving stories that captured the complexities of the human condition.
1975Elijah Muhammad Inspirational leader, guiding his followers and spreading hope.
2022Farrah Forke Pioneering actress who brought depth to her roles on-screen
1996Haing S. Ngor Physician and author who survived the Khmer Rouge and advocated for Cambodian healthcare.
2023Gordon Pinsent Versatile actor and director with a wide range of credits
1934John McGraw American baseball legend who left a lasting impact
2015Harve Bennett American screenwriter and producer who created iconic TV shows and movies.
1899Paul Reuter Pioneering German-English journalist and businessman who founded the iconic news agency Reuters
2001Don Bradman Australian cricket legend who holds the record for the highest career batting average in first-class cricket.
2005Peter Benenson English lawyer who founded Amnesty International and fought for human rights.
1957Bugs Moran American mob boss who rose to notoriety in the underworld
2015Eugenie Clark American biologist and ichthyologist who studied and protected marine life, especially sharks.
1964Grace Metalious Innovative novelist, chronicling the struggles and triumphs of the human condition.
2022Shirley Hughes Innovative illustrator and author of beloved children's books
1914John Tenniel Distinguished English illustrator who brought iconic characters to life
1723Christopher Wren English architect who designed St. Paul's Cathedral and other iconic London landmarks
2015Ariel Camacho Mexican musician and singer-songwriter who brought together traditional and modern music styles.
1980Robert Hayden Poetic wordsmith, capturing the essence of the human experience through verse.
1999Glenn T. Seaborg American chemist and Nobel laureate who made significant contributions to the field of nuclear chemistry.