February 11: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for February 11

• Zodiac sign: Aquarius
• Day of year: 42

About February 11

February 11 serves as a profound celebration of human intellect and perseverance. It is recognized globally as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, highlighting the vital contributions of female researchers to our understanding of the universe. In the United States, Inventors' Day honors the creative minds that drive progress, a spirit shared by the legendary Thomas Edison, who was born on this date in 1847.

The day also carries deep spiritual and historical weight. For many, it is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, marking the 1858 apparition to Bernadette Soubirous. From the political shifts of the Iranian Revolution to the groundbreaking musical recordings of The Beatles, February 11 acts as a crossroads where social change, scientific discovery, and cultural milestones converge.

Holidays & Observances on February 11

• European 112 Day (European Union)
• Armed Forces Day (Liberia)
• Evelio Javier Day (Panay Island, the Philippines)
• Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes (Catholic Church), and its related observance World Day of the Sick (Roman Catholic Church)
• Inventors' Day (United States)
• National Foundation Day (Japan)
• Youth Day (Cameroon)
• International Day of Women and Girls in Science (UN Women)

Fun & National Days on February 11

• National Make a Friend Day — Reach out to someone new today and start a meaningful connection.
• National Latte Day — Treat yourself to a creamy, delicious latte at your favorite local cafe.
• Get Out Your Guitar Day — Dust off your instrument and play your favorite chords all day long.
• National Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk Day — Embrace a positive attitude and let go of small, messy accidents.
• Be Electrific Day
• Grandmother Achievement Day
• National Inventors' Day
• National Peppermint Patty Day
• National Shut-in Visitation Day

On This Day in History

• -660 — The traditional founding of Japan is commemorated, marking the legendary reign of Emperor Jimmu.
• 1586 — Sir Francis Drake successfully seized the Spanish port of Cartagena de Indias, holding it for two months.
• 1812 — The term 'gerrymandering' was first used to describe political district manipulation by Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry.
• 1823 — A tragic accident in Valletta, Malta, resulted in the deaths of roughly 110 young boys during a carnival crush.
• 1858 — Bernadette Soubirous experienced her first vision of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France.
• 1938 — The BBC aired the first science fiction television broadcast, featuring a play that popularized the word 'robot'.
• 1963 — The Beatles entered the studio to record their debut long-playing album, Please Please Me.
• 1970 — Japan joined the elite spacefaring nations by successfully launching the Ohsumi rocket into orbit.
• 1979 — The Iranian Revolution transformed the nation into an Islamic theocracy led by Ayatollah Khomeini.
• 1990 — Nelson Mandela was liberated from prison after spending twenty-seven years as a political prisoner.
• 1999 — Pluto moved past Neptune in its orbit, ending a twenty-year period of being closer to the Sun.
• 2011 — The Egyptian revolution reached a turning point as President Hosni Mubarak resigned following massive protests.

Famous Birthdays on February 11

• 1800 — Henry Fox Talbot, An English pioneer who developed the calotype process, a major step in early photography.
• 1802 — Lydia Maria Child, A prominent American author and activist known for her influential journalism.
• 1847 — Thomas Edison, The prolific American inventor who revolutionized the world with the light bulb and phonograph.
• 1926 — Leslie Nielsen, The beloved Canadian-American actor famous for his iconic comedic timing.
• 1962 — Sheryl Crow, The highly successful American singer-songwriter and talented guitarist.
• 1969 — Jennifer Aniston, The internationally acclaimed American actress and television producer.