April 29: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On April 29, 1429, a teenage Joan of Arc rode into Orléans and changed the course of the Hundred Years' War—just one of this date's extraordinary turning points.
About April 29
April 29 wears many hats. UNESCO chose this date for International Dance Day because it commemorates the 1727 birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, the French dancer widely regarded as the creator of modern ballet. Meanwhile in Japan, this same day kicks off Shōwa Day—the opening act of Golden Week, one of the country's most beloved holiday stretches, when families gather to reflect on the Shōwa era.
The date has a habit of producing dramatic historical firsts. In 1770, Captain James Cook sailed into Botany Bay and became the first European to chart Australia's eastern coastline. In 1911, Tsinghua University opened its doors in Beijing, destined to become one of China's most prestigious institutions. And in 2011, two billion television viewers watched Prince William and Catherine Middleton exchange vows at Westminster Abbey.
April 29 has also witnessed sobering milestones. In 1945 alone, U.S. troops liberated Dachau concentration camp, Allied forces began food airdrops over a starving Netherlands, and the German commander in Italy signed surrender papers at Caserta. The day reminds us that history is rarely simple—and sometimes a single calendar square holds more weight than entire months.
Holidays & Observances on April 29
- International Dance Day (UNESCO)
- Shōwa Day, traditionally the start of the Golden Week holiday period, which is April 29 and May 3–5. (Japan)
Fun & National Days on April 29
- Denim Day — Wear your jeans with purpose—this day raises awareness about sexual violence and stands in solidarity with survivors.
- National Shrimp Scampi Day — Toss some pasta, grab the garlic, and celebrate the Italian-American classic that makes weeknight dinners luxurious.
- National Peace Rose Day — Stop and smell the Peace Rose, the iconic hybrid tea bloom introduced after World War II as a symbol of hope.
- Stop Food Waste Day — Raid your fridge for leftovers and get creative—today is about saving perfectly good food from the trash.
- National Rugelach Day — Bake or buy the spiral-shaped pastries filled with nuts, jam, and chocolate for a sweet afternoon treat.
- Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
- International Guide Dog Day
- International Noise Awareness Day
- Viral Video Day
On This Day in History
- 1429 — Joan of Arc reaches Orléans to break the English siege, a turning point in the Hundred Years' War that cemented her legend.
- 1483 — The Kingdom of Castile completes its conquest of Gran Canaria, bringing the largest Canary Island under Spanish control.
- 1492 — The Crown's order to expel Jews is formally announced in Zaragoza, Aragon, devastating a centuries-old Sephardic community.
- 1770 — Captain James Cook arrives at Botany Bay, naming the site and becoming the first European to chart Australia's eastern shore.
- 1862 — Union Admiral David Farragut captures New Orleans, securing a vital Confederate port and a major strategic triumph.
- 1910 — The British Parliament passes the People's Budget, the first budget explicitly designed to redistribute wealth among the public.
- 1911 — Tsinghua University is founded in Beijing, growing into one of mainland China's most prestigious and influential schools.
- 1916 — Irish rebel leaders surrender in Dublin after six days of fighting, ending the Easter Rising that reshaped Irish independence.
- 1945 — American troops liberate the Dachau concentration camp, exposing the full horror of the Nazi camp system to the world.
- 1967 — Muhammad Ali is stripped of his heavyweight boxing title after refusing induction into the United States Army on principle.
- 1997 — The Chemical Weapons Convention enters into force, binding signatory nations to ban the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical arms.
- 2011 — Prince William and Catherine Middleton marry at Westminster Abbey in a ceremony watched by an estimated two billion viewers worldwide.
Famous Birthdays on April 29
- 1899 — Duke Ellington, American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader whose orchestrations redefined the genre in the 20th century.
- 1901 — Hirohito, Emperor of Japan from 1926 to 1989, overseeing the nation through war, occupation, and postwar economic miracle.
- 1954 — Jerry Seinfeld, American comedian and creator of the legendary sitcom Seinfeld, a defining voice of 1990s television comedy.
- 1957 — Daniel Day-Lewis, British actor and three-time Academy Award winner widely regarded as one of the finest performers in cinema history.
- 1958 — Michelle Pfeiffer, American actress whose performances in films like Scarface and Batman Returns made her a Hollywood icon.
- 1970 — Andre Agassi, American tennis legend who won eight Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal across a remarkable career.
- 1970 — Uma Thurman, American actress known for iconic roles in Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, collaborating with Quentin Tarantino.
- 1996 — Katherine Langford, Australian actress who rose to international fame starring in the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.