You may be celebrating a birthday or anniversary today – but regardless, there are stacks of great reasons why February 16th remains a highly important date to remember. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the biggest events in history that took place today, as well as a few famous people you may share birthdays with. Let’s dive into February 16th!
On this day
1A comic first!
February 16th 1896 marked the release of what was thought to be the US’ first-ever comic strip. Long before the likes of Garfield and Peanuts, there was “The Yellow Kid” – a New York Journal cartoon created and published by Richard Felton Outcault. It’s an art form that still continues to this day – who doesn’t enjoy the Funny Pages?
2Howard Carter unearthed Tutankhamun.
February 16th 1923 is believed to be the official date when Howard Carter first unearthed the tomb of Egyptian pharaoh King Tutankhamun. The king’s golden vessel was discovered in a burial chamber that Carter had been seeking for several years – an incredible find for the explorer and archaeologist that changed historical finds for good.
3Castro takes Cuba.
On February 16th 1959, revolutionary leader Fidel Castro took power as the leader of Cuba, overthrowing Fulgencio Batista, the incumbent dictator. Cuba would then become the very first state in the western hemisphere to commit to communism – which, for decades, was perceived as a huge threat.
4NHL fans held their breaths.
The 2004-2005 NHL season was the very first sports league in North American history – at least professionally – to face cancellation. The lockdown on this particular season occurred on February 16th 2005, as a result of disagreements between NHL and player union representatives. Thankfully, the shutdown didn’t occur again the following year!
5The Kyoto Protocol took effect.
On February 16th 2005, the Kyoto Protocol came into effect worldwide – this is a treaty that’s aimed at global territories to try and reduce emissions from burning carbon – all to help reduce the damage we’re doing to the planet in general. Since then, many strides have been made to reduce carbon emissions – but we still have a long way to go yet!
Special Days Falling on February 16th
Not sure how to spend February 16th? You’re in luck – here are a few “official” ideas you’re going to want to check out!
National Almond Day
This sweet, nutty treat is the basis for marzipan, and millions of people love snacking on almonds raw – and why not? Almonds are thought to be some of the first raw foods we started cultivating as a human race – and we’ve come so far as to start producing milk with them, too! Will wonders never cease?
Innovation Day
Speaking of innovations, February 16th is also a fantastic day to celebrate all the weird and wonderful creations we’ve all come together to create over the years. Innovation Day was created by the Science History Institute and the Society of Chemical Industry. It’s an opportunity for us to tap into those creative juices and look at how far we’ve come.
National Do a Grouch a Favor Day
Yup! This odd national holiday focuses on getting someone down in the dumps up and smiling. Why not do something kind for someone who seems a little lackluster today?
This month in history
Frederick Engels and Karl Marx first published their revolutionary work, “The Communist Manifesto”, in February 1848. This would set out terms and beliefs that many communist leaders and states would refer to in decades to come. The ideals set out by Engels and Marx suggested that all private property should be taken away – and that workers should own everything they use.
The manifesto led to revolutions all over the world – and to this day, it’s still a surprising read!
Famous Birthdays on February 16th
- Sonny Bono, American musician, born 1935
- Mahershala Ali, American actor, born 1974
- Valentino Rossi, Italian motorcycle champion, born 1979
- Elizabeth Olsen, American actress, born 1989
- The Weeknd, Canadian musician, born 1990
If you were born on February 16th…
You are certainly an Aquarius! This star sign is noted by the water carrier, which is – oddly enough – an air sign. Want to know more? Head on over to our fact page on Aquarius for the complete lowdown.
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