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February 26, 2026 Holiday:

Levi Strauss Day

Learn more about Levi Strauss Day
Holidays on February 26, 2026:

Carnival Day

Join the vibrant Carnival Day on 2/26/2026 for a day of fun, feasts, and festivities featuring colorful floats, elaborate costumes, and lively music. more >>

Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Tell a Fairy Tale Day, 2/26/2026: Share beloved stories, create imaginative tales, and experience the magic of fairy tales with friends and family. more >>

National Chili Day

National Chili Day, 2/26/2026: Join chili enthusiasts in sharing recipes, cooking techniques, and indulging in this spicy delight. more >>

National Pistachio Day

National Pistachio Day, 2/26/2026, indulge in pistachio treats, learn health benefits, and join the fun! more >>

National Personal Chef Day

National Personal Chef Day, 2/26/2026: Honor the talented individuals who bring personalized culinary expertise to families and individuals in their own homes. more >>

National Set a Good Example Day

National Set a Good Example Day, 2/26/2026. Inspire kindness, empathy, and respect, creating a ripple effect of positivity. more >>

National Toast Day (UK)

National Toast Day (UK) - 2/26/2026. Discover the joy of toast with sweet and savory treats, creative toppings, and good company. more >>

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, 2/26/2026: Inspire girls to explore engineering, break stereotypes, and spark curiosity through hands-on projects and activities. more >>

Digital Learning Day

Digital Learning Day, 2/26/2026: Explore innovative tech in education, highlighting accessibility, personalized instruction, and student engagement. more >>
Birthdays on February 26:

Johnny Cash

Died in 2003, aged 71

A country music icon known for his deep, baritone voice and repertoire of songs about love, life, and hardship, often incorporating themes of social justice and redemption.

Erykah Badu

55 Years Old

A soulful and eclectic artist who blends R&B, hip-hop, and jazz to create a unique sound, known for her powerful voice and unapologetic lyrics.

Victor Hugo

Died in 1885, aged 83

French author, poet, and playwright behind iconic works like Les Misérables, exploring themes of social justice, morality, and the human condition. His literary masterpieces contin...

Tex Avery

Died in 1980, aged 72

Creator of iconic cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Droopy, known for zany humor and over-the-top animation style.

Jackie Gleason

Died in 1987, aged 71

A legendary comedian and entertainer, best known for his iconic TV show "The Honeymooners" and his charismatic stage presence.

Max Martin

55 Years Old

A renowned record producer and songwriter behind numerous chart-topping hits, crafting catchy pop anthems for iconic artists like Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys.

Fats Domino

Died in 2017, aged 89

A legendary singer-songwriter and pianist who blended boogie-woogie piano with rhythm and blues to create a unique sound, known for hits like "Blueberry Hill" and "Ain't That a Sha...

Buffalo Bill

Died in 1917, aged 70

A legendary figure of the American West, known for his bravery, hunting skills, and showmanship, entertaining audiences with his Wild West Show. He's an iconic symbol of the Americ...

Tony Randall

Died in 2004, aged 84

A legendary comedic actor, director, and producer, best known for his iconic roles in TV sitcoms, particularly as Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple".

Marshall Faulk

53 Years Old

A legendary running back who dominated the NFL with his versatile skills, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Christopher Marlowe

Died in 1593, aged 29

A Renaissance master of words, crafting plays and poems that explored the human condition, and translating ancient texts into English, leaving a lasting impact on literature.

Levi Strauss

Died in 1902, aged 73

Founded the iconic denim jeans company that revolutionized the fashion industry with durable, comfortable, and stylish clothing. Today, their brand is synonymous with quality and A...

Events from History on February 26:
211 years ago
Napoleon Escapes from Elba Island Exile (Island of Elba, Italy) 1815
With his military hat tucked away and a mysterious smile, Napoleon Bonaparte, the former Emperor of France, pulled off the great escape of the century! On the evening of February 26, 1815, he fled the island of Elba, where he had been exiled for nearly a year, and set sail for the French mainland. A small fleet of ships, awaiting his signal, carried him and his loyal followers back to their homeland, marking the beginning of Napoleon's final and most daring campaign. The news of his return sent shockwaves throughout Europe, and the fate of the continent hung in the balance once more.
91 years ago
Adolf Hitler revives Luftwaffe, defies Treaty of Versailles. (Berlin, Germany) 1935
With the Treaty of Versailles still looming over Germany, Adolf Hitler takes a bold step, ordering the re-formation of the Luftwaffe, Germany's air force, in blatant disregard of the treaty's provisions. This daring move sends a clear message: Germany will not be held back by the restrictions imposed after World War I. The Luftwaffe's re-emergence marks a significant shift in Germany's military revival, signaling a new era of rearmament and aggression.
81 years ago
US Forces Liberate Corregidor from Japanese Occupation (Corregidor Island, Philippines) 1945
As American forces stormed the beaches of Corregidor Island, the last remnants of Japanese resistance crumbled, marking a major victory for Allied forces in the Pacific. Dubbed "The Rock," Corregidor was a strategic stronghold, controlling access to Manila Bay and the Philippine capital. For two years, Japanese forces had occupied the island, but on February 26, 1945, the US 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, supported by naval gunfire and aerial bombing, launched a daring assault to reclaim the island. After a fierce battle, the Japanese garrison surrendered, and Corregidor was back in American hands, paving the way for the liberation of the Philippines.
410 years ago
Galileo banned by Church for Sun-centered theory (Rome, Lazio, Italy) 1616
In the heart of the Catholic Church's stronghold, Rome, a trailblazer's revolutionary ideas clashed with dogma. Galileo Galilei, a pioneering astronomer, had the audacity to propose that the earth orbited the sun, contradicting the geocentric model. The Church, unwilling to relinquish its grip on ancient wisdom, declared Galileo's teachings heretical, effectively silencing his provocative voice. This 17th-century showdown between science and faith would have far-reaching consequences, shaping the course of human understanding.
46 years ago
Egypt and Israel establish full diplomatic relations (Tel Aviv, Israel) 1980
Israel's Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar El-Sadat took a historic step towards peace in the Middle East, solidifying their 1979 peace treaty by exchanging ambassadors and establishing full diplomatic relations. This monumental move marked a significant shift in the region, as the two nations transitioned from sworn enemies to cautious friends. With this new chapter, the Israeli flag was raised in Cairo, and the Egyptian flag was raised in Tel Aviv, symbolizing a newfound era of cooperation and a beacon of hope for the troubled region.
33 years ago
Truck Bomb Explodes at World Trade Center (World Trade Center, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048, USA) 1993
A dark day in American history unfolded as a massive truck bomb ripped through the underground garage of the World Trade Center's North Tower, leaving a trail of carnage and debris in its wake. The blast, which occurred at 12:17 pm, sent shockwaves throughout the iconic complex, killing six innocent people and injuring over 1,000 others. The explosion, carried out by a group of Islamic extremists, caused widespread destruction and panic, leaving many to wonder how such a heinous act could occur on American soil.
Notable Deaths on February 26:
1994Bill Hicks Fiercely honest comedian who used humor to challenge societal norms
1997David Doyle Versatile actor who starred in numerous TV shows and films
2009Johnny Kerr Talented basketball player, coach, and sportscaster, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
1961Mohammed V of Morocco Morocco's visionary leader, whose commitment to independence earned him worldwide acclaim
2017Joseph Wapner Justice on and off TV, a unique career path
2012Richard Carpenter Talented English actor and screenwriter, with a career spanning generations.
2010Jun Seba Japanese music producer, DJ, and composer, weaving together eclectic sounds and styles.
1993Constance Ford Glamorous model and actress who mesmerized audiences with her charm
1903Richard Jordan Gatling Innovative American engineer who revolutionized warfare with the Gatling gun
2005Jef Raskin Innovative computer scientist credited with pioneering the creation of the Macintosh computer.
2016Andy Bathgate Hockey's finest players, coaches, and leaders
2015Tom Schweich A life of public service and Missouri governance
2015Theodore Hesburgh Men of faith, academia, and unwavering dedication
2014Phyllis Krasilovsky Innovative storyteller with a flair for education
2004Boris Trajkovski Macedonia's second president, instrumental in shaping the country's political landscape.
1989Roy Eldridge Legendary trumpeter who revolutionized the genre with his unique style
1969Levi Eshkol Israel's third Prime Minister, who navigated the country through times of turmoil
1950Harry Lauder Popular Scottish comedian and singer who entertained audiences worldwide
2009Wendy Richard Celebrated English actress, best known for her iconic roles on television and film.
1995Jack Clayton British film director who brought classics like "Titanic" and "The Shining" to life