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.
Quick Facts for May 4
- Zodiac sign: Taurus
- Day of year: 124
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.