September 13: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1985, the world of gaming was changed forever with the Japanese release of Super Mario Bros. for the NES.
Quick Facts for September 13
- Zodiac sign: Virgo
- Day of year: 256
About September 13
September 13 is a day of profound historical shifts and cultural celebrations. For tech enthusiasts, it marks the Day of the Programmer in non-leap years, a nod to the digital architects of our modern world. It is also a day for storytelling, as many parts of the globe observe Roald Dahl Day, celebrating the whimsy of the beloved British author.
The date has witnessed significant geopolitical transformations, from the monumental signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993 to the emergence of the first female parliamentarian in New Zealand. Whether celebrating the resilience of Mexico's Niños Héroes or enjoying the sweetness of International Chocolate Day, the date offers a diverse tapestry of human achievement and remembrance.
Holidays & Observances on September 13
- Day of the Programmer, during a non-leap year. (Russia)
- Día de los Niños Héroes (Mexico)
- Engineer's Day (Mauritius)
- Roald Dahl Day (Africa, United Kingdom, Latin America)
Fun & National Days on September 13
- International Chocolate Day — Indulge in your favorite cocoa-based treats to celebrate this delicious global observance.
- Fortune Cookie Day — Enjoy a crunchy snack and see what sweet predictions the future holds for you.
- Kids Take Over The Kitchen Day — Let the little chefs experiment with some safe and fun culinary creations today.
- 9 × 13 Day
- Bald is Beautiful Day
- Day of the Homeland (Germany)
- National Cachaça Day (Brazil)
- National Celiac Awareness Day
- National Defy Superstition Day
- National Grandparents Day
On This Day in History
- -509 — The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus was officially dedicated on Rome's Capitoline Hill during the ides of September.
- 533 — In North Africa, the Byzantine commander Belisarius secured a victory over Gelimer and the Vandal forces at Ad Decimum.
- 1229 — The Mongol Empire saw a new leader when Ögedei Khan was proclaimed Khagan at Kodoe Aral.
- 1609 — Explorer Henry Hudson navigated the waters of the river that eventually carried his name.
- 1759 — During the Seven Years' War, British forces defeated the French in a decisive battle near Quebec City.
- 1814 — Francis Scott Key wrote his famous poem during the defense of Fort McHenry, later becoming the American anthem.
- 1847 — Six teenage cadets, the Niños Héroes, perished while defending Chapultepec Castle during the Mexican–American War.
- 1906 — The Santos-Dumont 14-bis achieved the first fixed-wing aircraft flight on European soil.
- 1956 — IBM revolutionized data storage by introducing the 305 RAMAC, the first commercial computer utilizing a disk.
- 1985 — The iconic Super Mario Bros. debuted in Japan, launching one of the most successful platforming franchises ever.
- 1993 — Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat shook hands at the White House following the signing of the Oslo Accords.
Famous Birthdays on September 13
- 1819 — Clara Schumann, A legendary German pianist and influential composer who shaped 19th-century music.
- 1857 — Milton S. Hershey, The American entrepreneur who founded the world-famous Hershey chocolate company.
- 1874 — Arnold Schoenberg, An influential Austrian composer and painter who revolutionized modern musical theory.
- 1916 — Roald Dahl, The celebrated British author known for his imaginative and whimsical children's stories.
- 1918 — Ray Charles, The iconic American singer and songwriter who blended soul, jazz, and gospel.
- 1977 — Fiona Apple, An acclaimed American singer-songwriter known for her deeply emotional and artistic music.