August 10: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
In 1519, Ferdinand Magellan's fleet departed Seville, marking the beginning of the first voyage to successfully circle the entire globe.
Quick Facts for August 10
- Zodiac sign: Leo
- Day of year: 222
About August 10
August 10 serves as a momentous date for liberty, particularly in South America. In 1809, the citizens of Quito officially proclaimed their independence from Spanish rule. While this initial spark of revolution was a critical milestone, full sovereignty was not realized until the decisive Battle of Pichincha in 1822.
The day also invites us to celebrate the wilder side of our planet through World Lion Day. This global observance highlights the importance of protecting these iconic big cats. Whether you are reflecting on historical shifts in power or honoring the natural world, August 10 offers a profound look at the struggle for freedom and the beauty of life.
Holidays & Observances on August 10
- Argentine Air Force Day (Argentina)
- Declaration of Independence of Quito, proclaimed independence from Spain on August 10, 1809. Independence was finally attained on May 24, 1822, at the Battle of Pichincha. (Ecuador)
- International Biodiesel Day
- National Veterans Day (Indonesia)
- World Lion Day
Fun & National Days on August 10
- International Vlogging Day — Grab your camera and share your unique daily perspective with the world!
- National S'mores Day — Roast some marshmallows and enjoy a gooey, chocolatey treat by the fire.
- National Spoil Your Dog Day — Treat your furry best friend to an extra long walk or special snacks.
- National Lazy Day — Ditch your to-do list and embrace the joy of doing absolutely nothing.
- National Duran Duran Appreciation Day
- National Shapewear Day
- Smithsonian Day
- Victory Day
On This Day in History
- 955 — The Battle of Lechfeld saw Holy Roman Emperor Otto I triumph over the Magyars, halting decades of their westward invasions.
- 1270 — Yekuno Amlak ascended the Ethiopian throne, ending a century of Zagwe rule and reinstating the Solomonic dynasty.
- 1519 — Ferdinand Magellan launched a five-ship expedition from Spain, an odyssey that would eventually achieve the first global circumnavigation.
- 1628 — A maritime tragedy occurred when the Swedish warship Vasa sank during its very first voyage near Stockholm.
- 1680 — The Pueblo Revolt ignited in New Mexico, marking a significant uprising against colonial presence.
- 1741 — King Marthanda Varma secured a victory against the Dutch East India Company at the Battle of Colachel, altering Indian colonial history.
- 1792 — During the French Revolution, a Parisian mob stormed the Tuileries Palace, leading to the arrest of King Louis XVI.
- 1835 — Showman P. T. Barnum launched his career by presenting a woman he claimed had served as George Washington's nurse.
- 1920 — The Treaty of Sèvres was signed, officially partitioning the Ottoman Empire among the Allied powers following World War I.
- 1988 — President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, granting reparations to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II.
- 1990 — Science reached new frontiers as the Magellan space probe successfully arrived at the planet Venus.
- 2001 — The Space Shuttle Discovery launched on the STS-105 mission to deliver a new crew to the International Space Station.
Famous Birthdays on August 10
- 1814 — Henri Nestlé, The influential German businessman who established the famous Nestlé company.
- 1874 — Herbert Hoover, The 31st President of the United States and an accomplished engineer.
- 1909 — Leo Fender, The visionary American entrepreneur who founded the legendary Fender musical instrument corporation.
- 1960 — Antonio Banderas, The celebrated Spanish actor and producer known for his international film success.
- 1962 — Suzanne Collins, The acclaimed American author and screenwriter behind major literary franchises.
- 1997 — Kylie Jenner, The prominent American television personality and successful global businesswoman.