April 17
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Donnán of Eigg, Henry Heath, Kateri Tekakwitha(Canada), Robert of Molesme, Shemon bar Sabbae, April 17 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A celebration of several saints' feast days observed on April 17 in the Christian liturgical calendar. It honors figures such as Donnán of Eigg and Kateri Tekakwitha.
Evacuation Day (Syria), celebrates the recognition of the independence of Syria from France in 1946.
A national holiday in Syria marking the final withdrawal of French mandate forces on April 17, 1946.
FAO Day(Iraq)
An observance in Iraq recognizing the role of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization in promoting food security and agricultural development.
Flag Day (American Samoa)
A public holiday in American Samoa celebrating the adoption of the territory’s official flag.
Malbec World Day
An annual celebration dedicated to the Malbec grape variety and the wines it produces worldwide.
Women's Day(Gabon)
A national holiday in Gabon celebrating and honoring the contributions of women to society.
World Hemophilia Day
An international day dedicated to raising awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.
Donnán of Eigg
Feast day celebrating Saint Donnán of Eigg, an early Christian missionary and martyr.
Henry Heath
Feast day honoring Saint Henry Heath, an English Catholic priest and martyr.
Events
Harald III of Denmark dies and is succeeded by Canute IV, who would later be the first Dane to be canonized.
On April 17, 1080, Denmark's King Harald III died and was succeeded by his brother Canute IV. Canute would go on to become the first Danish monarch to be canonized as a saint.
The rule of the Bavand dynasty in Mazandaran is brought to an end by the murder of Hasan II.
On April 17, 1349, the Bavand dynasty's long rule over Mazandaran in northern Iran ended abruptly when its last ruler, Hasan II, was assassinated. This event brought an end to a dynasty that had governed the region for over four centuries.
Kaunas Castle falls to the Teutonic Order after a month-long siege.
On April 17, 1362, the Teutonic Order captured Kaunas Castle in Lithuania after a month-long siege. The fall of this stronghold marked a significant advance in the Order's campaigns against the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Spain and Christopher Columbus sign the Capitulations of Santa Fe for his voyage to Asia to acquire spices.
On April 17, 1492, the Catholic Monarchs of Spain and explorer Christopher Columbus signed the Capitulations of Santa Fe. This historic agreement granted Columbus titles and privileges for his planned voyage to find a westward route to Asia.
Trial of Martin Luther over his teachings begins during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. Initially intimidated, he asks for time to reflect before answering and is given a stay of one day.
On April 17, 1521, Martin Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms to defend his criticisms of the Catholic Church. Facing charges of heresy, he requested a day to consider his response and was granted a temporary reprieve.
Giovanni da Verrazzano reaches New York harbor.
On April 17, 1524, Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano became the first recorded European to enter the harbor of what is now New York City. His voyage provided vital information about North America's Atlantic coast.
American Revolutionary War: Colbert's Raid: A Spanish garrison under Captain Jacobo du Breuil defeat British irregulars at Arkansas Post.
On April 17, 1783, during the American Revolutionary War, a Spanish garrison led by Captain Jacobo du Breuil defeated British irregular forces at Arkansas Post. Known as Colbert's Raid, this engagement showcased Spain's military involvement in the conflict.
Sir Ralph Abercromby attacks San Juan, Puerto Rico, in what would be one of the largest invasions of the Spanish territories in the Americas.
On April 17, 1797, British General Sir Ralph Abercromby launched a major assault on San Juan, Puerto Rico, in one of the largest invasions of Spanish territories in the Americas. Despite heavy fighting, the British failed to capture the city.
Citizens of Verona begin an unsuccessful eight-day rebellion against the French occupying forces.
On April 17, 1797, the citizens of Verona rose in an eight-day rebellion against occupying French forces. The uprising reflected local resistance to the changes imposed by revolutionary France in northern Italy.
Births
Michael IX Palaiologos
Byzantine co-emperor from 1294 until his death, known for his campaigns against the Ottoman Turks.
Andrea Gritti
Doge of Venice from 1523 to 1538, known for restoring the republic’s finances after the War of the League of Cognac.
Pedro de Valdivia
Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of Chile and founded the city of Santiago in 1541.
Maximilian I
Elector of Bavaria from 1623 to 1651 who led his state during the Thirty Years’ War.
John Ford
English poet and playwright of the early 17th century, noted for his tragic dramas and complex characters.
Giovanni Battista Riccioli
Italian Jesuit priest and astronomer who introduced the modern system of lunar nomenclature.
Marguerite Bourgeoys
French-Canadian nun and saint who founded the Congregation of Notre Dame of Montreal to educate girls.
Edward Stillingfleet
17th-century English theologian and Bishop of Worcester known for his controversial religious writings.
Johann David Heinichen
German Baroque composer and music theorist, best known for his treatise on thoroughbass.
Deaths
Proclus
Prominent Greek Neoplatonist philosopher and mathematician of late antiquity.
Donnán of Eigg
Early Irish priest and martyr, venerated as a Christian saint.
Xiao
Empress of China's Sui dynasty, known for her influence at court.
Al-Walid II
Eighth Umayyad caliph, known for his brief and controversial reign.
Bernard of Italy
Frankish king of Italy, grandson of Charlemagne.
Benedict III
Pope of the Catholic Church from 855 to 858.
Manuel Komnenos
Byzantine military commander during the 11th century.
King of Denmark from 1074 to 1080, known as Harald Hen.
Robert of Molesme
Founder and first abbot of the Cistercian Order.