Historical events for
Saturday, 17 February 2024
- Birth
Luís Caetano Júnior
Portuguese writer (1845-1912). He contributed significantly to 19th century Portuguese literature.
† 15/9/1912 - Birth
Gago Coutinho
Geographer, Navy officer, and pioneer of Portuguese aviation. Forever remembered for the first aerial crossing of the South Atlantic in 1922, his genius as a cartographer and navigator revolutionized global air navigation.
† 18/2/1959 - Birth
André Maginot
French politician and soldier, immortalized for his defense of the Maginot Line. His commitment to fortifying French borders became one of the most debated strategic and defensive concepts in military history.
† 7/1/1932 - Birth
George Mendonsa
American sailor immortalized in the iconic "The Kiss" photograph in Times Square (1923-2019). The image, captured at the end of WWII, became one of the most recognizable symbols of the 20th century.
† 17/2/2019 - Birth
Rene Russo
American actress recognized for her charisma and talent (1954- ). She stood out in major Hollywood productions such as "Lethal Weapon 3," "Ransom," and "The Thomas Crown Affair."
- Birth
Francisco Louçã
Francisco Louçã (b. 1956) is a prominent Portuguese economist and politician. Founder of the Left Bloc and former MP, his career is marked by civic intervention, critical thinking in political economy, and defense of the Welfare State.
- Birth
Michael Jordan
Global icon and one of the greatest basketball players of all time (1963- ). A six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls, his competitive mindset redefined the limits of modern sports.
- Birth
Taylor Hawkins
EUA
Taylor Hawkins (born February 17, 1972, and died March 25, 2022) was a charismatic American musician, world-renowned as the drummer for the Foo Fighters. His inexhaustible energy and exceptional talent made him one of the most beloved figures in contemporary rock.
† 25/3/2022 - History
Day of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order
Florença, Itália
Celebration of the seven founding saints of the Order of the Servants of Mary (Servites): Alessio Falconieri, Amadeo degli Amidei, Manetto dell'Antella, Buonfiglio Monaldi, Gherardino Sostegni, Giovanni Buonagiunta and Ricovero dei Ugoccioni.
- History
Start of the Public Debuxo and Drawing Class in Porto
Porto, Portugal
Opening of the Porto Public Debuxo and Drawing Class at the Escola Superior de Belas-Artes, marking an important moment in artistic education in Portugal.
- History
Foundation of the University of Minho
Braga, Portugal
Establishment of the University of Minho, one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Portugal.
- History
European Cat Day
Itália
Established through an initiative by the Italian magazine "Tuttogatto" and its journalist Claudia Angeletti. The date was chosen through a reader vote in February 1990. The choice of February 17th has symbolic links: February is associated with the sign of Aquarius (independence and freedom, feline characteristics) and the number 17, considered unlucky in Italy, is related to the superstition surrounding black cats.
- History
World Orofacial Motricity Day
Lima, Peru
Created during the "II Encuentro Americano y I Iberoamericano de Motricidad Orofacial" in Lima.
- —History
Kosovo National Day
Kosovo Independence Day celebration, marking independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008.