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November 16, 2026 Holiday:

National Fast Food Day

National Fast Food Day is a celebration of the convenience, variety, and indulgence that fast food has to offer. On this special day, people come together to appreciate the quick, affordable, and often guilty-pleasure meals that have become an integral part of modern life. Traditionally, fast food enthusiasts mark the occasion by treating themselves to their favorite menu items, whether it's a juicy burger, crispy fries, or a bucket of fried chicken. Many fast food chains also join in on the fun, offering special deals, discounts, and limited-time offers to make the day even more exciting. Overall, National Fast Food Day is a lighthearted celebration of the joy and convenience that fast food brings to our lives.

Learn more about National Fast Food Day
Holidays on November 16, 2026:

International Day for Tolerance

International Day for Tolerance, November 16, 2026: Promote mutual understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence among diverse cultures and backgrounds. more >>

Clarinet Day

Discover the truth about Clarinet Day on November 16th, 2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? more >>

National Button Day

National Button Day, November 16, 2026: Discover the fascinating history and diversity of buttons, and learn how they bring people together through craftsmanship and creativity. more >>

Have a Party With Your Bear Day

Discover the joy of Have a Party With Your Bear Day on 11/16/2026. Learn how to create your own traditions and activities with your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal. more >>

International Check Your Wipers Day (North America)

Rise to the occasion and ensure a safe drive by inspecting your windshield wipers on this special day! Properly functioning wipers are crucial for clear visibility during rainy or snowy conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities. Take ... more >>

The Night of Hekate

The Night of Hekate, 11/16/2026: Honor the ancient Greek goddess of magic with rituals, incense, and offerings, seeking guidance and transformation. more >>
Birthdays on November 16:

Shigeru Miyamoto

73 Years Old

Creator of iconic characters and worlds, revolutionizing the gaming industry with beloved franchises like Mario and Zelda.

Pete Davidson

32 Years Old

Stand-up comedian and actor known for his raw, honest humor and high-profile relationships, as well as being a cast member on Saturday Night Live.

Marg Helgenberger

67 Years Old

Emmy-winning actress known for her iconic roles in TV series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "China Beach", playing strong, intelligent, and complex characters.

Diana Krall

61 Years Old

A jazz sensation known for her sultry, smooth vocals and skilled piano playing, blending traditional and contemporary styles to create a unique sound.

Burgess Meredith

Died in 1997, aged 89

A talented artist who excelled in various fields, including acting, singing, directing, producing, and screenwriting, with iconic roles in films like "The Day of the Locust" and "R...

W. C. Handy

Died in 1958, aged 84

The "Father of the Blues" revolutionized American music by codifying and popularizing blues music, creating a unique sound that influenced generations of musicians.

Lisa Bonet

58 Years Old

American actress and director known for her iconic role as Denise Huxtable on the popular 80s sitcom "The Cosby Show" and her eclectic film career.

Paul Scholes

51 Years Old

A highly skilled and decorated midfielder, renowned for exceptional vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability, with a successful career at Manchester United and the English n...

Harvey Martin

75 Years Old

A dominant defensive end who played for the Dallas Cowboys, earning him the nickname "Too Mean" and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He's a four-time Pro Bowl selection an...

Maggie Gyllenhaal

48 Years Old

Academy Award-nominated actress and singer known for her versatile film roles, including indie dramas and blockbuster franchises. She's also recognized for her advocacy on social a...

Harry Lennix

61 Years Old

A talented actor with a diverse filmography, starring in notable roles such as Boyd Langton in the Matrix series and Harold Cooper in the TV show The Blacklist.

Martha Plimpton

55 Years Old

Award-winning actress known for her versatility in film, television, and theater, starring in popular TV shows like "Raising Hope" and "The Good Wife".

Events from History on November 16:
93 years ago
U.S. and Soviet Union establish formal diplomatic relations (Washington, D.C., USA) 1933
In the midst of the Great Depression, the United States, led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, decided to take a bold step towards recognizing the world's first socialist state, the Soviet Union. After 16 years of no official relations, the two nations finally shook hands, marking a significant shift in their foreign policies. On November 16, 1933, Roosevelt's administration formally recognized the Soviet Union, acknowledging the communist government and paving the way for increased diplomatic and economic cooperation.
494 years ago
Francisco Pizarro captures Inca Emperor Atahualpa at Cajamarca (Cajamarca, Peru) 1532
In the midst of a power struggle between two Inca brothers, Francisco Pizarro and his small band of Spaniards seized the opportunity to capture the powerful Inca Emperor Atahualpa, who had just defeated his brother in a brutal civil war. Pizarro, disguised as a priest, duped Atahualpa into meeting him in the town square of Cajamarca, promising peace and friendship. But as soon as Atahualpa arrived, Pizarro's men ambushed the Inca soldiers, slaughtering thousands and taking the emperor prisoner. This daring move marked the beginning of the end of the Inca Empire and the rise of Spanish dominance in South America.
86 years ago
Nazis Isolate Warsaw Ghetto from Outside World (Warsaw Ghetto, Warsaw, Poland) 1940
The Warsaw Ghetto, a cramped and impoverished area, was home to over 400,000 Jews, roughly 30% of the city's population. On this fateful day, the Nazis sealed off the ghetto, trapping its inhabitants inside. The ghetto's walls, topped with barbed wire and guarded by Nazi soldiers, created a prison-like environment. This brutal act marked the beginning of a systematic effort to erase the Jewish population from Warsaw. The isolated community was forced to rely on smuggled goods, leading to widespread poverty, disease, and eventually, mass deportations to concentration camps.
81 years ago
UNESCO Founded to Promote Global Peace and Cooperation (London, UK) 1945
As the world reeled from the devastating effects of two global conflicts, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Conceived in the midst of World War II, this pioneering institution was founded to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. With 37 countries signing its constitution, UNESCO embarked on a mission to foster unity, understanding, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
38 years ago
Benazir Bhutto Elected Prime Minister of Pakistan (Islamabad, Pakistan) 1988
In a historic turning point for Pakistani democracy, Benazir Bhutto, a charismatic and populist candidate, swept to power in the country's first open election in over a decade. Bhutto, daughter of the executed Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, campaigned on a platform of social justice, human rights, and economic reform. Her landslide victory marked a significant shift away from military rule and towards democratic governance. The people of Pakistan had spoken, and their voices echoed loudly in favor of Bhutto's vision for a more egalitarian society.
119 years ago
Oklahoma's Statehood: Indian and Oklahoma Territories Unite (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA) 1907
Oklahoma's statehood was the culmination of decades-long efforts by native tribes, settlers, and politicians. Indian Territory, inhabited by the Five Civilized Tribes (Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole), joined Oklahoma Territory, home to settlers and pioneers, to form the 46th U.S. state. With Congress's approval, Oklahoma's constitution was ratified, and Charles Haskell was inaugurated as the state's first governor. This union signified a new chapter in American history, blending Native American and American cultures.
Notable Deaths on November 16:
1960Clark Gable Hollywood legend known for his iconic roles
2006Milton Friedman Russian sociologist and political scientist, analyzing societal trends and behavior
2018William Goldman Renowned American author and screenwriter
2017Ann Wedgeworth Award-winning American actress and performer
2017Hiromi Tsuru Beloved Japanese actress and entertainer
1973Alan Watts Philosopher who bridged Eastern and Western thought
2019Terry O'Neill Celebrated British photographer and artist
2015Michael C. Gross Visionary graphic designer and producer
2016Melvin Laird Influential politician and writer
2005Ralph Edwards Canadian-American chemist and Nobel laureate, advancing scientific knowledge
2022Robert Clary French-American entertainer
2008Reg Varney Renowned English stage and screen performer
2015David Canary Iconic American TV and film actor
2000Ahmet Kaya Innovative American pianist and composer, interpreting classical music with flair
1999Daniel Nathans Renowned American microbiologist and Nobel laureate, making groundbreaking discoveries
2009Edward Woodward Versatile English actor
2005Henry Taube British activist, championing veganism and animal rights with the Vegan Society
1272Henry III of England King who suffered and persevered during his tumultuous reign
2014Carl Sanders Pivotal figure in Georgia politics and war efforts
2014Charles Champlin Renowned American historian and scholar