May 10: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1994, Nelson Mandela made history by being inaugurated as South Africa's first Black president.
Quick Facts for May 10
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Day of year: 130
About May 10
May 10 serves as a monumental date for global leadership and engineering marvels. While the world watched Nelson Mandela ascend to the presidency in South Africa, marking a new era of democracy, the United States was celebrating a different kind of connection. In 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah, the driving of the 'golden spike' signaled the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, a feat that fundamentally altered the landscape of North America.
Beyond politics and infrastructure, the day is also tied to cultural and religious rhythms. For some, it marks the earliest possible date for Pentecost, while others in the Maldives celebrate Children's Day. Even in the realm of pop culture, May 10 holds weight, as it was the day Marvel Comics introduced the world to the Incredible Hulk in 1962.
Holidays & Observances on May 10
- Children's Day (Maldives)
- Confederate Memorial Day (North Carolina and South Carolina)
- Constitution Day (Micronesia)
- Earliest possible day on which Pentecost can fall, while June 13 is the latest; celebrated 50 days after Easter Day. (Christianity)
- Golden Spike Day (Promontory, Utah)
- Mother's Day (Guatemala, and Mexico)
Fun & National Days on May 10
- Clean Up Your Room Day — Grab a trash bag and turn that messy bedroom into a peaceful sanctuary.
- National Shrimp Day — Celebrate by enjoying a delicious shrimp cocktail or a spicy shrimp taco.
- National Small Business Day — Show your support by shopping at a local shop in your community today.
- Trust Your Intuition Day — Stop overthinking and let your inner voice guide your next big decision.
- Mothers at the Wall Day
- National Lipid Day
- National Liver and Onions Day
- National Veal Ban Action Day
- World Lupus Day
On This Day in History
- -28 — Astronomers during the Han dynasty recorded an observation of a sunspot under the rule of Emperor Cheng.
- 1497 — Amerigo Vespucci reportedly set sail from Cádiz to begin his initial expedition to the Americas.
- 1503 — While exploring, Christopher Columbus reached the Cayman Islands and named them for the many turtles found there.
- 1773 — The British Parliament enacted the Tea Act, a move intended to aid the East India Company that later sparked revolt.
- 1775 — During the American Revolution, a local militia led by Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen seized Fort Ticonderoga.
- 1824 — The public was welcomed into the halls of London's National Gallery for the very first time.
- 1869 — The first transcontinental railroad was finished at Promontory Summit, Utah, using a ceremonial golden spike.
- 1872 — Victoria Woodhull achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to run for the U.S. presidency.
- 1940 — Winston Churchill took office as Prime Minister of the UK just as Germany launched invasions into several European nations.
- 1994 — Nelson Mandela was officially sworn in as the first Black president of South Africa.
- 2013 — One World Trade Center officially became the most prominent skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.
Famous Birthdays on May 10
- 1899 — Fred Astaire, The legendary American dancer and actor who defined elegance on the silver screen.
- 1900 — Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, A pioneering English-American astrophysicist who revolutionized our understanding of stars.
- 1949 — Miuccia Prada, The influential Italian designer who transformed the world of high fashion.
- 1960 — Bono, The iconic Irish musician and activist known for his work with U2.
- 1965 — Linda Evangelista, The world-renowned Canadian supermodel who dominated the fashion industry.
- 1978 — Kenan Thompson, The beloved American comedian and long-time standout on Saturday Night Live.