September 16: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On September 16, 1810, a parish priest in a tiny Mexican town rang his church bell and launched a revolution—making this date forever synonymous with a nation's birth.
About September 16
September 16 is anchored by Mexico's Cry of Dolores, the moment in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo urged his congregation to rise against Spanish rule. The passionate call to arms, commemorated each year by the president reenacting the famous grito, ignited an eleven-year struggle that culminated in Mexican sovereignty. Joining the global independence celebrations on this day is Papua New Guinea, which severed its ties to Australia in 1975, and Malaysia, whose federation was formally established in 1963 by uniting Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak.
Beyond declarations of nationhood, the date is marked by bold firsts. In 1620, the Mayflower set out from Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims toward what would become a foundational chapter of American history. Fast-forwarding four centuries, 2021 brought the launch of Inspiration4, marking the first time an entirely civilian crew orbited the Earth. Scientific milestones also resonate here: in 1987, global leaders signed the Montreal Protocol, a landmark agreement to heal the planet's ozone layer—a mission still honored today on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
The date holds a dramatic footprint in business and culture as well. General Motors was incorporated in 1908, reshaping the American industrial landscape. In 1966, the Metropolitan Opera House opened its doors at Lincoln Center with the world premiere of Samuel Barber's Antony and Cleopatra. Meanwhile, Virgos born on this day share the date with B.B. King, whose guitar shaped the sound of the blues, and magician David Copperfield, who has made a career of bending reality—a fitting ambition for a sign known for meticulous precision.
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
- Collect Rocks Day — Channel your inner geologist and grab a few interesting stones to admire nature's tiny, ancient sculptures.
- National Guacamole Day — Mash up some ripe avocados and celebrate the perfect green dip just in time for Mexican Independence Day festivities.
- Mayflower Day — Honor the brave 1620 transatlantic voyage by reading up on early American history or baking a traditional maritime hardtack.
- National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day — Toast a thick, fragrant slice, slather it with butter, and savor the ultimate cozy autumn comfort snack.
- Anne Bradstreet 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 — Welsh rebel leader Owain Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales by his devoted followers, challenging English dominance.
- 1620 — The Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, carrying Pilgrims seeking religious freedom toward the shores of North America.
- 1776 — General George Washington ordered a successful counterattack at the Battle of Harlem Heights, boosting American morale during the Revolution.
- 1810 — Father Miguel Hidalgo issued the Grito de Dolores, a passionate call to arms that ignited Mexico's eleven-year war for independence.
- 1863 — Robert College opened in Istanbul as the very first American educational institution established outside the borders of the United States.
- 1908 — General Motors Corporation was officially founded in Flint, Michigan, quickly growing into a dominant force in the global automotive industry.
- 1959 — The Xerox 914, the world's first truly successful photocopier, was publicly demonstrated via live television broadcast from New York.
- 1963 — The Federation of Malaya united with Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak to officially form the new nation of Malaysia.
- 1966 — The Metropolitan Opera House debuted at Lincoln Center in New York, premiering Samuel Barber's opera Antony and Cleopatra.
- 1975 — Papua New Guinea officially gained its independence from Australia, ending decades of colonial administration in the South Pacific.
- 1987 — The Montreal Protocol was signed by multiple nations, establishing a critical global framework to protect Earth's rapidly depleting ozone layer.
- 2021 — Inspiration4 launched from Kennedy Space Center, completing the first crewed orbital spaceflight comprised entirely of private citizens.
Famous Birthdays on September 16
- 1386 — Henry V of England, The warrior-king of England whose legendary victory at Agincourt during the Hundred Years' War reshaped medieval Europe.
- 1745 — Mikhail Kutuzov, Brilliant Russian field marshal whose strategic retreats and resilience ultimately helped vanquish Napoleon's 1812 invasion.
- 1777 — Nathan Mayer Rothschild, German-English financier who founded the London branch of the legendary Rothschild banking dynasty, shaping modern international finance.
- 1924 — Lauren Bacall, Iconic American actress whose smoldering gaze and distinctive voice defined film noir opposite Humphrey Bogart in classic Hollywood cinema.
- 1925 — B.B. King, Legendary blues guitarist and singer whose soulful bends and vibrato on his beloved guitar 'Lucille' influenced generations of rock musicians.
- 1956 — David Copperfield, World-renowned American illusionist and magician famous for spectacular feats, including making the Statue of Liberty seemingly disappear.
- 1971 — Amy Poehler, Beloved American comedian and actress who starred on Parks and Recreation and co-founded the influential Upright Citizens Brigade improv troupe.
- 1981 — Alexis Bledel, American actress best known for her starring role as Rory Gilmore in the beloved, fast-talking television series Gilmore Girls.
- 1992 — Nick Jonas, American singer-songwriter who rose to teen idol fame with the Jonas Brothers before launching a successful solo music and acting career.