It’s the day after Christmas, so chances are that you woke up still full from the day before, maybe a bit hungover, and probably ready to go back to sleep! But, before you do, maybe take the time to consider why today is not a day to be skipped! Here are some of the most interesting things to know about December 26th.
On this day
1Columbus founded La Navidad.
After his flagship, the Santa María, was wrecked off Hispaniola on Christmas Day 1492, Christopher Columbus founded La Navidad, the first Spanish settlement in the Americas, using timbers from the ship. When he returned a year later, it had been destroyed.
2The younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh were killed.
In December 1705, Zorawar Singh, aged 9, and Fateh Singh, aged 6, the younger sons of the Sikh leader Guru Gobind Singh, were executed at Sirhind for refusing to convert to Islam. India marks the date as Veer Bal Diwas.
3Louis XVI's lawyer made his defence.
On 26 December 1792, the lawyer Raymond de Sèze delivered the defence of Louis XVI at his trial. It did not save him: Louis was found guilty and guillotined in January 1793.
4Washington was eulogized
In 1799, George Washington was famously eulogized by Colonel Henry Lee. He was portrayed as the “1st in war, 1st in peace and 1st in hearts of his countrymen”. To this day, he’s still known as one of the best-loved US Presidents.
5The Boxing Day earthquake hit
In 2004, a 9.3 magnitude earthquake created a tsunami that hit India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, the Maldives, Malaysia, and the edges of the Indian Ocean. The natural disaster killed around 230,000 people.
Special Days Falling on December 26th
So, being the day after the holidays, you might be ready to take a break from celebrations. But, we encourage you to take a look at these incredible events taking place around the world today to maybe change your mind.
The Day of Goodwill
In South Africa, December 26th is the Day of Goodwill. It is a public holiday, and South Africans tend to celebrate in the sunshine, outdoors with friends and family. The holiday also encourages citizens to give back to society through any kind of volunteer work and charitable events.
Junkanoo
Junkanoo is celebrated on December 26th and January 1st every year in the Bahamas. The people celebrate with parades, music, dance, and costumes. Junkanoo is also celebrated among the Black-Caribbean parts of the cities of Miami and Key West in the United States.
Kwanzaa
Every December 26th through January 1st, African-American and pan-African families celebrate Kwanzaa, a seven-day event that brings communities and families together. It’s a fantastic excuse to watch performances, enjoy music, dance, and come together to reflect – with families committing to seven principles for life at the end of the period.
This month in history
Voyager flew around the world without refuelling. On 23 December 1986, Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager landed in California after flying the Voyager aircraft around the world non-stop in nine days, without refuelling.
Famous Birthdays on December 26th
- Charles Babbage, English mathematician and computer pioneer, born 1791
- Henry Miller, American author, born 1891
- Temuera Morrison, New Zealand actor and TV’s Boba Fett, born 1960
- Kit Harington, English actor, born 1986
- Hugo Lloris, French football star, born 1986
If you were born on December 26th
…you’re a Capricorn! You’re a sensitive soul, although you don’t always like to let it show. You tend to be practical, well-reasoned, and people love you for your work ethic and insights. Is it any wonder you’re in such high demand? However, on December 26th, you can be forgiven for wanting to lie low and relax!
Head over to our Capricorn facts page to learn more about your sign before you start reading those horoscopes.
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