Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated annually on May 5. It commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under General Ignacio Zaragoza. It is not Mexico’s Independence Day (that’s celebrated on September 16). The holiday is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. In the U.S., it’s often observed with festivals, music, Mexican food, parades, and cultural events that highlight Mexican heritage and pride.
Play Your Ukulele Day
National Play Your Ukulele Day is celebrated annually on May 2, and in 2025, it falls on a Friday. This day encourages music enthusiasts to pick up their ukuleles and share the joy of music. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, it’s an opportunity to strum your favorite tunes and connect with others through music. This celebration was founded by Mike Lynch, affectionately known as “Ukulele Mike,” in 2011. As a school teacher and online ukulele instructor, he aimed to promote the instrument’s accessibility and the joy it brings.
Historical Events
1863 – Stonewall Jackson Wounded
Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was accidentally shot by his own troops during the Battle of Chancellorsville.
1946 – Battle of Alcatraz
A violent two-day escape attempt at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary led to the deaths of two guards and three inmates.
1994 – Nelson Mandela Declares Victory
Nelson Mandela declared victory in South Africa’s first democratic elections, signaling the end of apartheid.
1997 – Tony Blair Becomes UK Prime Minister
Tony Blair took office, ending 18 years of Conservative rule and becoming the youngest British Prime Minister in over a century.
2011 – Osama bin Laden Killed
U.S. Navy SEALs killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, ending a nearly 10-year manhunt.
Notable Birthdays
Catherine the Great (1729–1796) – Empress of Russia, known for expanding the empire and her enlightened rule.
Elijah McCoy (1844–1929) – Canadian-American inventor and engineer; known for automatic lubrication systems.
Theodor Herzl (1860–1904) – Austrian journalist and founder of modern political Zionism.
Benjamin Spock (1903–1998) – American pediatrician and author of Baby and Child Care.
Engelbert Humperdinck (1936) – British pop singer, famous for “Release Me.”
Lesley Gore (1946–2015) – American pop singer, best known for “It’s My Party.”
Christine Baranski (1952) – American actress, known for The Good Wife and Broadway roles.
David Beckham (1975) – English footballer, former Manchester United and England star.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (1972) – American actor and former professional wrestler.
Matt Berry (1974) – British actor and comedian, known for The IT Crowd and What We Do in the Shadows.
Lily Allen (1985) – English singer-songwriter, known for “Smile” and “The Fear.”
Kyle Busch (1985) – American NASCAR driver and two-time Cup Series champion.
Ellie Kemper (1980) – American actress, known for The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.
Paul George (1990) – American professional basketball player, currently with the LA Clippers.
Farruko (1991) – Puerto Rican reggaeton artist.
Lucy Dacus (1995) – American indie rock singer-songwriter, member of Boygenius.
Princess Charlotte of Wales (2015) – Daughter of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Notable Deaths
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) – Italian Renaissance polymath renowned for masterpieces like The Last Supper and Mona Lisa.
Martin Bormann (1900–1945) – German Nazi official and close aide to Adolf Hitler.
Nancy Astor (1879–1964) – American-born British politician, first woman to take a seat in the British Parliament.
Joseph McCarthy (1908–1957) – U.S. Senator known for leading anti-communist investigations during the Red Scare.
J. Edgar Hoover (1895–1972) – First Director of the FBI, serving from 1935 until his death.
Wikipedia
Oliver Reed (1938–1999) – English actor known for roles in Oliver! and Gladiator.
Lynn Redgrave (1943–2010) – British-American actress recognized for her work in film and theater.
Osama bin Laden (1957–2011) – Founder of al-Qaeda, responsible for the September 11 attacks; killed in Pakistan by U.S. Navy SEALs.
Junior Seau (1969–2012) – American NFL linebacker, 12-time Pro Bowl selection; his death raised awareness about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football.
Legacy.com
Jeff Hanneman (1964–2013) – American guitarist and founding member of the thrash metal band Slayer.
Afeni Shakur (1947–2016) – American civil rights activist and mother of rapper Tupac Shakur.
Susan Buckner (1952–2024) – American actress best known for playing Patty Simcox in Grease.
