February 28: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
From the founding of a Chinese dynasty to the unexpected resignation of a Pope, February 28 marks moments that have fundamentally reshaped global history.
Quick Facts for February 28
- Zodiac sign: Pisces
- Day of year: 59
About February 28
Today serves as a profound moment for cultural identity, particularly in Finland, where Kalevala Day celebrates the nation's epic literary heritage. This connection to storytelling and tradition mirrors the day's weight in global politics, such as the historic 2013 announcement when Pope Benedict XVI stepped down, ending a long era of Catholic leadership.
The date also carries echoes of technological ambition and struggle. While the 1959 launch of the Discoverer 1 satellite failed to reach its intended polar orbit, the day has seen massive leaps in human achievement, including the modern inauguration of India's second spaceport. Whether through the lens of scientific progress or the shifting tides of political power, February 28 remains a cornerstone of the human timeline.
Holidays & Observances on February 28
- Kalevala Day, also known as the Finnish Culture Day (Finland)
- National Science Day (India)
- Peace Memorial Day (Taiwan)
- Andalusia Day (Spain)
Fun & National Days on February 28
- National Chocolate Soufflé Day — Indulge in a warm, airy chocolate dessert to celebrate today.
- International Tongue Twister Contest Day — Test your speech skills with a challenging and silly word competition.
- National Tooth Fairy Day — Celebrate the magical legend of lost teeth and tiny fairy visits.
- Floral Design Day — Create something beautiful by arranging a stunning bouquet of fresh flowers.
- Car Keys and Small Change Day
- Global Scouse Day
- International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day
- International Sword Swallowers Day
- National Public Sleeping Day
On This Day in History
- -202 — Liu Bang ascended to the throne, establishing the Han dynasty which would govern China for four hundred years.
- 1525 — Following orders from the conquistador Hernán Cortés, the Aztec ruler Cuauhtémoc was executed.
- 1922 — The United Kingdom officially ended its protectorate status over Egypt via a unilateral declaration.
- 1959 — The Discoverer 1 satellite, designed to be the first object in polar orbit, failed during its American launch.
- 1974 — The British elections resulted in a hung parliament after the Liberal Party saw its highest vote share since 1929.
- 1983 — An estimated 110 million people tuned in to watch the final broadcast episode of the beloved series M*A*S*H.
- 1986 — Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was assassinated while in Stockholm.
- 1990 — The Space Shuttle Atlantis successfully launched on the STS-36 mission.
- 2013 — Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, becoming the first pope to leave office voluntarily since 1415.
- 2024 — Prime Minister Modi of India opened the Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport, the nation's second space facility.
Famous Birthdays on February 28
- 1533 — Michel de Montaigne, An influential French author and philosopher who shaped modern thought.
- 1901 — Linus Pauling, A celebrated American chemist and activist who earned a Nobel Prize.
- 1929 — Frank Gehry, A world-renowned Canadian-American architect famous for his unique designs.
- 1940 — Mario Andretti, An iconic Italian-American professional racing driver.
- 1948 — Bernadette Peters, A highly respected American actress and talented singer.
- 1953 — Paul Krugman, An acclaimed American economist and Nobel Prize-winning academic.
- 1999 — Luka Dončić, A superstar Slovenian professional basketball player.