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January 26, 2025 Holiday:

Australia Day

Australia Day is a joyous celebration that commemorates the country's rich history and cultural heritage! On this special day, Australians come together to reflect on their nation's past, present, and future. Traditionally, people gather with family and friends to enjoy outdoor barbecues, picnics, and sporting events, often accompanied by lively music and festive decorations. Many communities also host cultural events, such as Aboriginal performances, parades, and citizenship ceremonies, which highlight the country's diverse heritage. Overall, Australia Day is a time for Aussies to express their national pride, gratitude, and unity.

Learn more about Australia Day
Holidays on January 26, 2025:

National Peanut Brittle Day

National Peanut Brittle Day, January 26, 2025: Indulge in crunchy, nutty goodness with homemade recipes, local candy shops, and demonstrations. more >>

International Customs Day

International Customs Day, January 26, 2025: Honoring the vital role of customs officials in facilitating global trade, protecting societies, and securing borders. more >>

International Day of Clean Energy

International Day of Clean Energy, 1/26/2025: Learn about this lesser-known holiday and discover how you can promote sustainable energy and the environment. more >>

National Green Juice Day

National Green Juice Day, 1/26/2025, discover the benefits of green juices and get creative with recipes and promotions! more >>

Child Labor Day

Discover the truth about Child Labor Day, a holiday that doesn't exist, and learn about Labor Day and World Day Against Child Labour instead. more >>

Dundee Day

Get ready to increase the tempo and celebrate the best of Scotland's fourth-largest city, Dundee! This holiday is all about embracing the city's rich cultural heritage, from its stunning waterfront to its fascinating history. Expect a fusion of tradi... more >>

Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement

Boosting morale and spreading positivity, this special day is all about uplifting spirits and giving a helping hand, fostering a supportive community that celebrates kindness and warmth. more >>

World Leprosy Day

World Leprosy Day, 1/26/2025: Raise awareness about leprosy, combat stigma, and promote education, advocacy, and support for those affected. more >>

Lotus 1-2-3 Day

Spreadsheets just got a whole lot cooler! This day celebrates the iconic software that revolutionized the way we work with numbers, making it easier to crunch and manage data. more >>

Birthdays on January 26:

Ellen DeGeneres

67 Years Old

A beloved comedian, actress, and talk show host, known for her relatable humor, kindness, and LGBTQ+ advocacy, making her a household name and a beacon of positivity.

Paul Newman

Died in 2008, aged 83

A legendary actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who founded a food company that donates all profits to charity, starring in iconic films like "Butch Cassidy" and "The Sting".

Wayne Gretzky

64 Years Old

The greatest hockey player of all time, holding numerous records, including most career goals and assists, and leading his team to four Stanley Cup championships. A legendary athle...

Eddie Van Halen

Died in 2020, aged 65

A virtuosic guitarist and songwriter who revolutionized rock music with lightning-fast solos and innovative techniques, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Vince Carter

48 Years Old

A legendary shooting guard who played 22 seasons in the NBA, known for his incredible athleticism, dunking ability, and scoring prowess. He's a beloved figure in basketball history...

Akio Morita

Died in 1999, aged 78

Co-founder of Sony, a pioneer in revolutionizing the electronics industry with innovative products like the Walkman and CD player, transforming the way people consume music and ent...

Gene Siskel

Died in 1999, aged 53

Renowned film critic and journalist, known for his iconic "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" reviews on TV's "Siskel & Ebert & the Movies"

Douglas MacArthur

Died in 1964, aged 84

A highly decorated war hero and master strategist who led troops to victory in World War I and II, and later became a prominent figure in the occupation of Japan.

Anita Baker

67 Years Old

A legendary R&B vocalist and songwriter, known for her smooth, soulful voice and iconic hits like "Sweet Love" and "Giving You the Best That I Got".

Road Warrior Hawk

Died in 2003, aged 46

A fierce and charismatic wrestler, known for his intense matches and iconic tag-team partnership, leaving a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling.

José Mourinho

62 Years Old

A highly successful and controversial football manager, known for his tactical genius and ability to motivate players, with a storied career at top clubs like Chelsea, Inter Milan,...

Peter Sagan

35 Years Old

A dominant force in professional cycling, winning numerous stages and titles, including three consecutive World Championships. Known for his versatility, endurance, and charismatic...

Events from History on January 26:
Rajendra Prasad, a champion of Indian independence, stood tall as the curtains drew open on a new era for India. On this historic day, the Constitution of India came into force, marking the country's transition from a British Dominion to a sovereign republic. As the first President of India, Prasad took the oath of office, paving the way for a democratic India. The nation was abuzz with excitement as Indians celebrated their hard-won freedom and the birth of a new nation.
83 years ago
First U.S. Troops Land in Northern Ireland in WWII (Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK) 1942
American boots finally hit European soil as a convoy of ships, led by Major General Russell P. Hartle, sailed into the Northern Irish port of Belfast, marking a significant turning point in the war effort. The initial group of 4,000 brave men, part of the 34th Infantry Division, disembarked on January 26, 1942, with the primary mission of bolstering Britain's defenses against a potential German invasion. This strategic move signaled the first tangible presence of American forces on European soil, paving the way for future Allied victories and ultimately, the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
326 years ago
Ottoman Empire cedes territory to Christian powers (Karlowitz, Srem, Habsburg Empire (now Serbia)) 1699
The Grand Vizier, Rami Mehmed Pasha, sat nervously across from the envoys of the Holy Roman Empire, Poland, and Venice, as the ink dried on the Treaty of Karlowitz. For the first time in history, the mighty Ottoman Empire had been forced to relinquish territory to the Christian powers. The treaty marked a seismic shift in the balance of power, as the Ottomans struggled to recover from years of war and internal strife. The empire's 'sick man of Europe' reputation was cemented, and the seeds of its eventual decline were sown.
237 years ago
British Fleet Establishes Sydney, Australia's First Settlement (Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) 1788
Captain Arthur Phillip's British First Fleet sailed into Port Jackson, a majestic harbour surrounded by lush green forests, to establish the first permanent European settlement in Australia – modern-day Sydney. The excitement was palpable as 1,500 people, including convicts, officials, and free settlers, disembarked to start anew. This remarkable journey marked a significant milestone, shaping the country's future and laying the foundation for the vibrant city that Sydney is today.
The Catholic Church was in crisis mode! Corruption, abuse, and indulgences had sparked the Reformation, and Protestantism was spreading like wildfire. In response, the Council of Trent gathered 25 top Catholic bishops and theologians to reform the Church from within. After 18 years of debates, they finally hammered out a definitive distinction between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. This monumental gathering not only clarified Catholic doctrine but also laid the groundwork for the Counter-Reformation. The Council's decrees would shape Catholic teachings for centuries, sending ripples throughout European history!
In the scorching deserts of Sudan, a legendary British general, Charles George Gordon, stood tall, defending the city of Khartoum against the wrath of the Mahdi's fanatical troops. But on that fateful day, the city's crumbling defenses were no match for the Mahdi's relentless onslaught. As Gordon's last-ditch barricades were breached, the Mahdi's warriors poured in, their swords and spears raised high. In the ensuing chaos, Gordon, the heroic but doomed leader, fell to the enemy's blade, his valiant stand against the Mahdi's uprising finally broken.
Notable Deaths on January 26:
2020Kobe Bryant legendary American professional basketball player
2016Abe Vigoda renowned American screen actor and comedian
1973Edward G. Robinson Romanian-American actor who brought characters to life on screen
1962Lucky Luciano Italian-American mob boss who built a criminal empire
1979Nelson Rockefeller American businessman and politician who served as Vice President of the United States
2017Mike Connors decorated American television and film actor
1983Bear Bryant Legendary American football coach who led his teams to victory
2001Al McGuire All-American basketball legend and coach
1996Frank Howard Legendary American football player and coach
1997Jeane Dixon Famous American astrologer and psychic
2007Gump Worsley Canadian ice hockey player revered for his remarkable skills on the ice.
1932William Wrigley, Jr. American entrepreneur who built a chewing gum empire
2000Don Budge American tennis ace and coach
2017Barbara Hale beloved American film and television actress
2017Tam Dalyell respected Scottish politician and economist
1885Charles George Gordon Famous general who fought for his country
1992José Ferrer Pioneering Puerto Rican-American actor
2000A. E. van Vogt Iconic Canadian-American science fiction author
2011Charlie Louvin Legendary American singer-songwriter and guitarist, celebrated for his heartfelt music.
2003Hugh Trevor-Roper Fearless English historian and academic