May 4: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1959, the music world changed forever when the very first annual Grammy Awards were held, celebrating excellence in the recording arts.
About May 4
May 4 serves as a crossroads of cultural and political transformation. In the realm of arts, the date marks the 1738 founding of Russia's first Imperial Theatrical School, laying the groundwork for the nation's world-class ballet tradition. Decades later, the 1959 inaugural Grammy Awards cemented the importance of musical achievement on a global scale. For those born under the sign of Taurus, this day reflects a blend of artistic elegance and enduring legacy.
The political landscape has been equally shaped by this date. In 1979, the United Kingdom witnessed a historic milestone as Margaret Thatcher ascended to become its first female Prime Minister. Meanwhile, in 1990, Latvia took a monumental step toward sovereignty by declaring its independence from the Soviet Union, proving that May 4 is a day when the course of history is often redirected.
Holidays & Observances on May 4
- Anti-Bullying Day (United Nations)
- Bird Day (United States)
- Cassinga Day (Namibia)
- Coal Miners Day (India)
- Dave Brubeck Day (United States)
- Death of Milan Rastislav Štefánik Day (Slovakia)
- Greenery Day (Japan)
- International Firefighters' Day
Fun & National Days on May 4
- International Respect for Chickens Day — Give some extra love and tasty treats to your feathered friends today!
- National Candied Orange Peel Day — Indulge in a sweet, citrusy treat to brighten your afternoon.
- National Kids Fitness Day — Get the younger generation moving with some fun outdoor games!
- Great Lakes Awareness Day
- K.I.N.D. Day
- Melanoma Monday
- National Meeting Planners Appreciation Day
On This Day in History
- 1493 — Pope Alexander VI issued a decree dividing the New World between the powers of Spain and Portugal.
- 1626 — Dutch explorer Peter Minuit reached Manhattan Island to take charge as the director-general of New Netherland.
- 1738 — The first ballet academy in Russia was established through the founding of the Imperial Theatrical School.
- 1776 — Rhode Island became the leading American colony to formally break its ties with King George III.
- 1814 — Napoleon Bonaparte arrived on the island of Elba to begin his period of forced exile.
- 1904 — The United States officially commenced the massive engineering undertaking of constructing the Panama Canal.
- 1910 — The Royal Canadian Navy was formally established, marking a new era for the nation's maritime defense.
- 1919 — Students in Beijing launched the May Fourth Movement at Tiananmen Square to protest territorial treaties.
- 1927 — The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was officially incorporated in the United States.
- 1959 — The inaugural Grammy Awards ceremony was held to honor the best in musical recording.
- 1973 — The Sears Tower in Chicago reached its full height, becoming the tallest building in the world.
- 1979 — Margaret Thatcher made history by becoming the first woman to serve as UK Prime Minister.
Famous Birthdays on May 4
- 1655 — Bartolomeo Cristofori, The Italian creator who revolutionized music by inventing the piano.
- 1825 — Thomas Henry Huxley, An influential English biologist and academic known for his scientific contributions.
- 1898 — Umm Kulthum, The legendary Egyptian singer and actress celebrated as the Star of the East.
- 1916 — Jane Jacobs, The influential journalist and activist who transformed urban planning perspectives.
- 1929 — Audrey Hepburn, The iconic Belgian-British actress and dedicated humanitarian who became a global symbol.