May 13: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for May 13

• Zodiac sign: Taurus
• Day of year: 133

About May 13

May 13 has long been a day of high-stakes maneuvers and dramatic shifts in the global landscape. In the world of sports, it marked the dawn of a new era in 1950 when the very first Formula One World Championship race was held at the Silverstone Circuit. That inaugural race saw Giuseppe Farina take the victory, setting the stage for the legendary racing careers that followed.

Beyond the racetrack, the date carries profound historical weight. It serves as a reminder of the intense shifts in political power, from the abolition of slavery in Brazil via the Golden Law in 1888 to the intense religious apparitions reported in Fátima, Portugal, in 1917. Whether through the lens of sudden technological leaps or the slow grind of social change, May 13 remains a cornerstone of modern history.

Holidays & Observances on May 13

• Abbotsbury Garland Day (Dorset, England)
• Rotuma Day (Rotuma)

Fun & National Days on May 13

• International Hummus Day — Celebrate this delicious Middle Eastern dip with extra pita bread and olive oil.
• National Apple Pie Day — Treat yourself to a warm, flaky slice of classic apple pie today.
• Frog Jumping Day — Have some leaping fun and celebrate our small, jumping amphibian friends.
• International Receptionists' Day — Take a moment to thank the professionals who keep offices running smoothly.
• Cough Drop Day
• Donate a Day's Wages to Charity Day
• Leprechaun Day
• National Fruit Cocktail Day
• National Numeracy Day (UK)
• National Third Shift Workers Day

On This Day in History

• 1110 — With the assistance of a Genoese fleet, Baldwin I successfully seized the city of Beirut from the Fatimid Caliphate.
• 1501 — While sailing under the Portuguese flag, the explorer Amerigo Vespucci embarked on a voyage toward western lands.
• 1612 — A legendary duel occurred on Ganryū Island between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, resulting in Kojiro's death.
• 1830 — Ecuador officially achieved its independence, separating from the larger nation of Gran Colombia.
• 1846 — Following a territorial dispute regarding Texas, the United States formally declared war against the Republic of Mexico.
• 1861 — The Great Comet of 1861 was first spotted by John Tebbutt in the skies above New South Wales, Australia.
• 1861 — The first railway line in what is now Pakistan opened, connecting the cities of Karachi and Kotri.
• 1888 — The Brazilian Empire officially abolished the institution of slavery through the passage of the Golden Law.
• 1912 — The United Kingdom established the Royal Flying Corps, which eventually evolved into the modern Royal Air Force.
• 1940 — As German forces crossed the Meuse to invade France, Winston Churchill delivered his famous 'blood, toil, tears, and sweat' speech.
• 1950 — The inaugural race of the Formula One World Championship took place at the Silverstone Circuit.
• 1981 — Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt after being attacked by Mehmet Ali Ağca in St. Peter's Square.

Famous Birthdays on May 13

• 1717 — Maria Theresa, The influential Archduchess and Empress who ruled as the Queen of Austria.
• 1842 — Arthur Sullivan, A celebrated English composer known for his contributions to musical theater.
• 1882 — Georges Braque, A pioneering French artist who helped found the Cubist movement.
• 1907 — Daphne du Maurier, The acclaimed English novelist famous for her psychological suspense and storytelling.
• 1914 — Joe Louis, The legendary American heavyweight boxing champion and cultural icon.
• 1922 — Bea Arthur, A beloved American actress and singer known for her iconic television roles.
• 1950 — Stevie Wonder, The incomparable American musical genius and soulful singer-songwriter.
• 1964 — Stephen Colbert, The famous American comedian and influential late-night talk show host.