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November 17, 2025 Holiday:

The Little Mermaid Day

Learn more about The Little Mermaid Day
Holidays on November 17, 2025:

National Reuben Day

National Reuben Day, November 17, 2025: Indulge in the perfect combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing on toasted rye bread. more >>

National Take a Hike Day

National Take a Hike Day on 11/17/2025: Explore trails, reduce stress, and boost mood with a day of outdoor adventure. more >>

World Peace Day

Join the global movement for unity, understanding, and harmony on World Peace Day, November 17, 2025, as people come together to promote peace, non-violence, and conflict resolution. more >>

National Butter Day

National Butter Day, 11/17/2025, indulge in butter-rich treats, butter-making demos, and creative recipes. more >>

Homemade Bread Day

Join us on November 17, 2025, for Homemade Bread Day, where families and friends come together to bake fresh loaves from scratch, sharing recipes and techniques, and savoring the joy of homemade bread. more >>

International Students' Day

International Students' Day, November 17, 2025: Unite with students worldwide, promoting unity, understanding, and cooperation through cultural exchange and academic collaboration. more >>

National Unfriend Day

National Unfriend Day on 11/17/2025: Declutter your social media feed by reviewing and removing toxic or negative connections, promoting a healthier online environment. more >>

World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day (11/17/2025) - Learn about the importance of premature birth awareness and support, honoring tiny heroes and their families. more >>

National Baklava Day

National Baklava Day on 11/17/2025: Indulge in crispy, flaky goodness, share recipes, and savor sweet treats with friends and family. more >>
Birthdays on November 17:

Martin Scorsese

83 Years Old

Acclaimed filmmaker behind gritty, intense, and visually stunning movies that often explore themes of redemption, faith, and the human condition, with a distinctive directing style...

Danny DeVito

81 Years Old

A talented triple threat in the entertainment industry, known for his iconic roles in TV shows like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and films like "Twins" and "Batman Returns".

Rachel McAdams

47 Years Old

A talented actress starring in romantic comedies, dramas, and blockbusters, earning numerous award nominations for her versatility and range.

RuPaul

65 Years Old

A legendary drag queen performer, actor, and singer who has been a beacon of self-expression and LGBTQ+ advocacy, hosting the iconic reality TV show "RuPaul's Drag Race".

Lorne Michaels

81 Years Old

Creator of Saturday Night Live, a legendary sketch comedy show that has launched countless careers and become a cultural institution. Known for discovering and nurturing comedic ta...

Rem Koolhaas

81 Years Old

A renowned architect and academic who designed iconic buildings like the Seattle Central Library, blending functionality with innovative design.

Jeff Buckley

Died in 1997, aged 30

Hauntingly beautiful voice and poetic lyrics that continue to mesmerize audiences with emotional depth and intimacy. Known for his iconic rendition of "Hallelujah" .

Tom Seaver

Died in 2020, aged 75

Legendary baseball pitcher known for his exceptional skill and dominance on the mound, earning him the nickname "The Franchise."

Gordon Lightfoot

Died in 2023, aged 84

A folk music icon, known for poetic storytelling and soaring vocals in hits like "If You Could Read My Mind" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald".

Susan Rice

61 Years Old

The 24th United States National Security Advisor, serving under President Barack Obama, is a highly influential figure in American foreign policy and international relations, known...

Rock Hudson

Died in 1985, aged 59

Leading man of 1950s and 60s romantic comedies and dramas, known for his charming on-screen presence and iconic roles in "Giant" and "Pillow Talk".

Jim Boeheim

81 Years Old

Legendary college basketball coach with over 900 wins, leading Syracuse University to five Final Fours and a national championship. Known for his 2-3 zone defense and iconic flat-t...

Events from History on November 17:
6 years ago
First COVID-19 case emerges in Wuhan, China (Wuhan, Hubei Province, China) 2019
In a bustling market in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, a 55-year-old man unknowingly became the first reported case of COVID-19. This ordinary individual had visited the market, exposing himself to the virus that would soon spread like wildfire, changing the course of global history. His diagnosis would mark the beginning of a global pandemic, sparking a chain reaction of lockdowns, travel restrictions, and unprecedented health measures.
467 years ago
Queen Mary I dies, Elizabeth I succeeds her (London, England) 1558
Queen Mary I's tumultuous reign came to an end, and her half-sister Elizabeth stepped into the spotlight, marking the dawn of a glorious era in English history. Mary's attempts to restore Catholicism had sparked widespread rebellion, earning her the nickname "Bloody Mary." In contrast, Elizabeth's accession brought a wave of optimism, and her wise governance would eventually earn her the title "Good Queen Bess." As Elizabeth I took the throne, she vowed to restore peace and stability to her troubled kingdom, and her remarkable 45-year reign would leave an indelible mark on the nation.
156 years ago
Suez Canal inaugurated, connecting Mediterranean and Red Sea (Suez Canal, Port Said, Egypt) 1869
In a groundbreaking feat of engineering, the Suez Canal, a majestic waterway spanning 120 miles, finally opens its gates to international trade, bridging the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. After a decade of grueling construction, the brainchild of French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps is now a reality, drastically shortening the journey between Europe and Asia. This monumental achievement is expected to revolutionize global commerce, as ships can now bypass the treacherous Cape of Good Hope, saving time, fuel, and lives. As the world watches, Egypt's Khedive Ismail Pasha proudly declares the canal open, marking a new era of maritime trade and cooperation.
56 years ago
Soviet and US negotiators begin SALT I arms control talks (Helsinki, Finland) 1969
In a groundbreaking moment, Soviet and American negotiators converged in Helsinki, Finland, marking the inception of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I). This historic gathering aimed to curb the proliferation of strategic weapons, seeking to alleviate the nuclear arms race that had been escalating since the Cold War's onset. As the world watched with bated breath, these pioneers of diplomacy embarked on a perilous journey, navigating the complexities of superpower politics to forge a path towards mutual understanding and, hopefully, peace.
36 years ago
Student demo sparks Velvet Revolution (Prague, Czechoslovakia) 1989
Riot police clad in helmets and shields swooped in to quell a student demonstration in Prague, but little did they know they were about to ignite a powder keg of dissent. The brutal suppression of the peaceful protest sparked a wave of outrage, galvanizing Czechs and Slovaks to rise up against their communist overlords. As the people's discontent simmered to a boil, the very foundations of the regime began to crumble. By December 29, the communist government would topple, marking the beginning of a new era for Czechoslovakia.
248 years ago
First National Constitution Submitted for Ratification (York, Pennsylvania, USA) 1777
The Continental Congress, a.k.a. the founding fathers, finally wrapped up the Articles of Confederation, the first national constitution, after a year of drafting and debating. This document, submitted to the 13 states for ratification, outlined the structure and powers of the federal government, ensuring the newly independent colonies could operate as a unified nation. It was a critical step towards solidifying the young nation's identity and setting a precedent for future governance.
Notable Deaths on November 17:
2021Young Dolph Rousing American rapper who left a lasting musical impression
1796Catherine the Great Ivan VI, the enigmatic and often-maligned ruler of Russia
1917Auguste Rodin French sculptor and illustrator who revolutionized the art world
1990Robert Hofstadter American academic who unraveled the mysteries of subatomic particles
2006Ruth Brown A legendary singer-songwriter who captivated audiences with her soulful voice.
1998Esther Rolle Pioneering actress with a career spanning decades, captivating audiences with her talents.
1558Mary I of England English queen, wife of King Philip II of Spain, and sole monarch of England
2013Doris Lessing Famed author who crafted timeless tales of the human condition
2006Bo Schembechler A football coach who inspired a generation of athletes with his passion and dedication.
2002Abba Eban A devoted statesman who played a key role in shaping the future of his country.
2008Pete Newell Trailblazing basketball coach and player who shaped the sport
2003Arthur Conley A talented singer-songwriter who left an indelible mark on the music world.
2014Ray Sadecki Solidifying American baseball player with a memorable tenure
1968Mervyn Peake An English author and illustrator who penned dark and imaginative stories
1958Mort Cooper A talented American baseball player who won awards and accolades
2012Billy Scott Inspirational singer-songwriter who touched hearts
1979John Glascock Talented English singer and bassist who rocked the music scene
2012Freddy Schmidt Innovative songwriter with a unique voice
2008George Stephen Morrison Pioneering naval leader who served during World War II
1812John Walter English entrepreneur and journalist who co-founded The Times of London and left an indelible mark on the newspaper industry