September 16: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for September 16

• Zodiac sign: Virgo
• Day of year: 259

About September 16

For many, September 16 is defined by the spirited 'Grito de Dolores,' the historic moment in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo ignited the movement for Mexican sovereignty against Spanish rule. This revolutionary spark transformed a nation and remains a cornerstone of Mexican identity celebrated through Fiestas Patrias. On a global scale, the day also serves a more modern, vital purpose: the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the atmosphere.

The date has also been a stage for monumental technological and social transitions. In 1959, the world witnessed the debut of the Xerox 914, a breakthrough that fundamentally altered how we handle information through photocopying. More recently, the spirit of exploration reached new heights in 2021 with the Inspiration4 mission, representing the first time a fully private crew embarked on an orbital journey around the Earth.

Holidays & Observances on September 16

• Cry of Dolores, celebrates the declaration of independence of Mexico from Spain in 1810. See Fiestas Patrias
• Independence Day (Papua New Guinea), celebrates the independence of Papua New Guinea from Australia in 1975.
• International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
• Malaysian Armed Forces Day (Malaysia)
• Malaysia Day (Malaysia)
• Martyrs' Day (Libya)
• National Heroes Day (Saint Kitts and Nevis)

Fun & National Days on September 16

• National Guacamole Day — Celebrate by smashing some ripe avocados into a delicious, creamy dip!
• Collect Rocks Day — Take a stroll outside and find some unique geological treasures to keep.
• National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day — Toast a thick slice and enjoy the sweet, spicy aroma of this classic bread.
• Anne Bradstreet Day
• Mayflower Day
• Mexican Independence Day
• National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
• National School Backpack Awareness Day
• National Stay Away from Seattle Day

On This Day in History

• 1400 — The followers of Owain Glyndŵr officially proclaimed him as the Prince of Wales.
• 1620 — The Pilgrims began their historic voyage toward Virginia aboard the Mayflower from England.
• 1810 — Father Miguel Hidalgo initiated the struggle for Mexican independence with the Cry of Dolores.
• 1863 — In Istanbul, the American philanthropist Christopher Robert established the prestigious Robert College.
• 1908 — The General Motors Corporation was officially founded, changing the landscape of the automotive industry.
• 1959 — The Xerox 914 photocopier made its debut during a live television broadcast in New York.
• 1963 — The nation of Malaysia was officially established through the unification of several territories.
• 1975 — Papua New Guinea achieved its sovereign independence from Australian administration.
• 1987 — International leaders signed the Montreal Protocol to safeguard the Earth's ozone layer.
• 1996 — The Space Shuttle Atlantis launched on its mission to rendezvous with the Mir station.
• 2021 — The Inspiration4 mission launched, marking the first private crewed flight to reach orbit.

Famous Birthdays on September 16

• 1386 — Henry V of England, The influential English monarch who led his nation during the early 15th century.
• 1923 — Lee Kuan Yew, The influential statesman who served as the founding Prime Minister of Singapore.
• 1924 — Lauren Bacall, A legendary American actress who became a prominent star of the silver screen.
• 1925 — B.B. King, An iconic American blues musician celebrated for his masterful guitar playing and vocals.
• 1971 — Amy Poehler, An acclaimed American comedian, actress, and producer known for her sharp wit.
• 1992 — Nick Jonas, A popular American singer and musician recognized for his contemporary pop hits.