April 27: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1994, South Africa underwent a historic transformation as its first democratic general election allowed citizens of all races to vote, effectively signaling the end of the Apartheid era.
Quick Facts for April 27
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Day of year: 117
About April 27
April 27 serves as a profound milestone for human rights and political evolution. While the world celebrates the dawn of democracy in South Africa, the day also carries the weight of historical shifts, such as the 1945 arrest of Benito Mussolini as he attempted to flee in disguise. From the battlefields of the 16th century to the shifting borders of the modern era, this date has consistently acted as a fulcrum for change.
Beyond the heavy weight of politics, there is a sense of creative legacy found in the lives of those born today. We honor the intellect of Mary Wollstonecraft, a pioneer of feminist philosophy, and the musical brilliance of Sergei Prokofiev. Whether through the lens of intense historical conflict or the celebration of artistic genius, April 27 remains a day of profound impact and lasting influence.
Holidays & Observances on April 27
- Christian feast days: Assicus
- Christian feast days: Floribert of Liège
- Christian feast days: John of Constantinople
- Christian feast days: Liberalis of Treviso
- Christian feast days: Blessed María Antonia Bandrés Elósegui
- Christian feast days: Blessed Osanna of Cattaro
- Christian feast days: Pedro Armengol
- Christian feast days: Pollio
Fun & National Days on April 27
- Babe Ruth Day — Channel your inner legend by hitting some home runs at the local park today!
- International Crow and Raven Appreciation Day — Observe these clever birds and admire their remarkable intelligence and social behaviors.
- International Design Day — Celebrate the beauty of form and function by appreciating great architecture or graphic art.
- Marine Mammal Rescue Day — Learn about ocean conservation and how to support the protection of marine life.
- Morse Code Day — Try tapping out your name using dots and dashes to honor a communication pioneer.
- National Gummi Bear Day — Treat yourself to a colorful bag of chewy, fruity gelatin sweets!
- National Tell a Story Day — Gather some friends and share a captivating tale to spark your imagination.
- Matanzas Mule Day
- National Devil Dog Day
- National Prime Rib Day
On This Day in History
- 247 — The Roman leader Philip the Arab commemorated the thousand-year anniversary of Rome with the grand ludi saeculares celebrations.
- 395 — Aelia Eudoxia, daughter of a Frankish general, married Emperor Arcadius, eventually becoming a highly influential Roman empress.
- 711 — The Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula commenced as Tariq ibn Ziyad's forces landed at the shores of Gibraltar.
- 1521 — During the Battle of Mactan, local forces led by Chief Lapulapu defeated and killed the explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
- 1539 — The modern city of Bogotá was officially established in New Granada by explorers Sebastián de Belalcázar and Nikolaus Federmann.
- 1667 — In a moment of literary triumph, a struggling John Milton sold the rights to Paradise Lost for ten pounds.
- 1805 — U.S. Marines and Berber forces launched an attack on the city of Derna during the first Barbary War.
- 1861 — President Abraham Lincoln took the significant step of suspending the writ of habeas corpus during the American Civil War.
- 1945 — The war in Finland concluded as the final German military units retreated from the country toward Norway.
- 1986 — Following the catastrophic Chernobyl disaster, authorities initiated the mandatory evacuation of the city of Pripyat and nearby regions.
- 1994 — South Africa successfully held its first democratic elections, allowing citizens of all races to participate in the voting process.
- 2018 — North and South Korean leaders signed the Panmunjom Declaration, expressing a mutual desire to end the Korean conflict.
Famous Birthdays on April 27
- 1593 — Mumtaz Mahal, The beloved Mughal empress whose memory inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.
- 1759 — Mary Wollstonecraft, An influential English philosopher and novelist who championed women's rights and education.
- 1791 — Samuel Morse, The inventive American painter who famously co-created the Morse code communication system.
- 1820 — Herbert Spencer, An influential English thinker who contributed deeply to sociology and biology.
- 1822 — Ulysses S. Grant, The celebrated American general who later served as the 18th President of the United States.
- 1891 — Sergei Prokofiev, A world-renowned Russian composer, pianist, and conductor of the classical era.