April 16
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Benedict Joseph Labre, Bernadette Soubirous, Drogo, Engratia, Fructuosus of Braga, Isabella Gilmore(Church of England), Martyrs of Zaragoza, Molly Brant (Konwatsijayenni)(Anglican Church of Canada,Episcopal Church), Turibius of Astorga, April 16 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A Christian feast day observed in various denominations to honor a group of saints, including Benedict Joseph Labre, Bernadette Soubirous, and Drogo. Observed on April 16 in both the Western and Eastern Orthodox calendars.
Birthday of José de Diego(Puerto Rico, United States)
An annual observance in Puerto Rico honoring the birth of José de Diego, a prominent statesman, poet, and advocate for Puerto Rican autonomy. Celebrated on April 16 each year.
Birthday of Queen Margrethe II(Denmark)
Official celebration of Queen Margrethe II’s birthday in Denmark, featuring flag hoisting, royal addresses, and public festivities. Observed annually on April 16.
Emancipation Day(Washington, D.C., United States)
A public holiday in Washington, D.C., celebrating the abolition of slavery and honoring the Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862.
Memorial Day for the Victims of the Holocaust(Hungary)
Hungary’s national memorial day to remember the victims of the Holocaust, honoring those who suffered and perished.
National Healthcare Decisions Day(United States)
A U.S. awareness day encouraging individuals to make plans for healthcare decision-making and advance directives.
Remembrance of Chemical Attack on Balisan and Sheikh Wasan(Iraqi Kurdistan)
A day of remembrance in Iraqi Kurdistan commemorating the victims of the 1987 chemical attack on Balisan and Sheikh Wasan.
World Voice Day
An international observance celebrating the importance and diversity of the human voice in communication, art, and health.
Benedict Joseph Labre
Feast day honoring Saint Benedict Joseph Labre, a French mendicant known for his humility and devotion.
Events
Battle of Megido – the first battle to have been recorded in what is accepted as relatively reliable detail.
The Battle of Megido in 1457 BC is considered the earliest battle recorded in reliable detail.
Defeated by Vitellius' troops at Bedriacum, Roman emperor Otho commits suicide.
After his defeat by Vitellius’ forces in 69 AD, Roman emperor Otho took his own life.
Masada, a Jewish fortress, falls to the Romans after several months of siege, ending the First Jewish–Roman War.
In 73 AD, the Jewish fortress of Masada fell to the Romans, concluding the First Jewish–Roman War.
Stefan Dušan, "the Mighty", is crowned Emperor of the Serbs at Skopje, his empire occupying much of the Balkans.
Stefan Dušan was crowned 'Emperor of the Serbs' in Skopje in 1346, creating a powerful Balkan state.
The Revolt of the Comuneros begins in Spain against the rule of Charles V.
The Revolt of the Comuneros against Charles V began in Spain in 1520, challenging royal authority.
Spanish conquistador Hernando de Lerma founds the settlement of Salta, Argentina.
Spanish conquistador Hernando de Lerma founded the settlement of Salta in present-day Argentina in 1582.
The Battle of Culloden is fought between the French-supported Jacobites and the British Hanoverian forces commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, in Scotland.
The Battle of Culloden saw Jacobite forces clash with British government troops in Scotland in 1746.
Franz Friedrich Wilhelm von Fürstenberg founds the University of Münster.
Franz Friedrich Wilhelm von Fürstenberg founded the University of Münster in 1780.
French Revolutionary Wars: The Battle of Mount Tabor: Napoleon drives Ottoman Turks across the River Jordan near Acre.
During the French Revolutionary Wars in 1799, Napoleon defeated Ottoman forces at Mount Tabor near Acre.
Births
Third monarch of Korea's Joseon dynasty, reigning from 1506 to 1544.
Petrus Apianus
German Renaissance mathematician and astronomer known for his work in cartography and astronomical tables.
Tabinshwehti
Founder of Myanmar's Second Toungoo Dynasty who unified much of Burma under his rule from 1531 to 1550.
John Davies
English poet and lawyer of the late Elizabethan and early Stuart periods, known for his epigrams and poetry collections.
Frans van Mieris the Elder
Dutch Golden Age painter celebrated for his detailed genre scenes and portraits.
Jules Hardouin-Mansart
French Baroque architect best known for his work on the Palace of Versailles and other royal residences.
Hans Sloane
Irish-English physician and collector whose vast collections became the foundation of the British Museum.
Charles Montagu
English statesman, poet, and founding figure of the Bank of England who served as First Lord of the Treasury.
John Hadley
English mathematician and inventor of the octant, an important navigational instrument.
Deaths
Otho
Roman emperor for three tumultuous months in AD 69, known for his role in the Year of the Four Emperors.
Fructuosus of Braga
Archbishop of Braga in the 7th century and revered Christian saint known for his piety and leadership.
Sikelgaita
Norman duchess of Apulia and regent renowned for her diplomatic skill and martial involvement.
Grand Prince of Kiev who guided his realm through dynastic strife and religious patronage.
Adelaide del Vasto
Sicilian regent and queen consort whose alliances shaped politics in the Mediterranean.
Frederick I
Babenberg duke of Austria in the late 12th century known for consolidating his family's power.
Richard Marshal
3rd Earl of Pembroke and Marshal of England known for his rebellion against King Henry III.
John Hastings
14th-century English nobleman and soldier active in royal service under Edward III.
Charles II
Young Duke of Savoy whose brief rule in the late 15th century ended with his untimely death.