BBeiraLife
DIGITAL ALMANAC · EUROPE/LISBON

Historical events for
Thursday, 29 January 2026

5 Week29 day of year8% of year🌔 Moon
  • Birth

    Anton Chekhov

    Rússia

    Anton Chekhov, Russian playwright and short story writer, author of classics such as "The Cherry Orchard" and "The Seagull".

    † 15/7/1904
  • Birth

    Romain Rolland

    French writer, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1915

    † 30/12/1944
  • Birth

    Alfredo Alçada Baptista

    Portuguese writer and editor (1927-2008), founder of Edições Moraes. Among his most important works are "Peregrinação Interior" (1971) and "Os Nós e os Laços" (1985). He was a central figure in the renewal of Portuguese literature in the 20th century. He passed away on December 7, 2008, aged 81.

    † 7/12/2008
  • Birth

    João Abel Manta

    Portuguese painter, illustrator, and cartoonist known for his political posters and cartoons, especially during the PREC. His work "Cartoons de João Abel Manta" (1975) is considered one of the most important visual chronicles of the Carnation Revolution.

  • Birth

    Camilo Mortágua

    Portugal

    Camilo Mortágua, prominent opponent of the Portuguese Estado Novo. Born in Oliveira de Azeméis, he became known for revolutionary actions such as the diversion of the "Santa Maria" packet (1961) and the hijacking of a TAP plane, operations that drew international attention to the dictatorship in Portugal. After the Carnation Revolution, he dedicated himself to rural development in the municipality of Alvito, Agreste. He passed away on November 1, 2024, he was 90 years old.

    † 1/11/2024
  • Birth

    A Bola newspaper

    Foundation of the newspaper "A Bola", one of the most important Portuguese sports periodicals. It started as a fortnightly and became a daily in 1995. It was fundamental for the development of sports journalism in Portugal.

  • Birth

    North Victor

    Portuguese actor with a career spanning more than 40 years in theater, cinema and television. Winner of several awards, he stood out in films such as "Kilas, the Bad Guy" (1981) and series such as "Conta-me como Foi".

  • Birth

    Oprah Winfrey

    American presenter, actress and businesswoman.

  • Birth

    Gia Carangi

    Gia Carangi (born January 29, 1960, and died November 18, 1986) was a revolutionary American model. Her volcanic intensity and wild sensuality transformed fashion photography before her tragic and early decline made her an immortal legend.

    † 18/11/1986
  • Birth

    Olga Tokarczuk

    Olga Tokarczuk (b. 1962) is a prestigious Polish writer and activist, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her visionary and multifaceted narrative explores the crossing of boundaries, mythologies, and the human condition, establishing her as one of the most original voices in contemporary literature.

  • Birth

    Romário

    Romário de Souza Faria, former Brazilian footballer, considered one of the greatest forwards in the history of football.

  • Birth

    Miguel Góis

    Portugal

    Miguel Góis, comedian and writer, member of the group "Gato Fedorento".

  • History

    Franco-Spanish ultimatum

    France and Spain presented an ultimatum to Portugal demanding the abandonment of the alliance with England and the closure of ports to British ships, under penalty of invasion. This ultimatum would result in the War of the Oranges in May of the same year.

  • History

    Foundation of the Faculty of Medicine of Porto

    The Royal School of Surgery of Porto, which would later become the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, was founded by charter of D. João VI. This institution was crucial for the development of medical education in Portugal.

  • History

    Karl Benz's first gasoline car

    Karl Benz registered the patent for the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, considered the first gasoline-powered automobile in history.

  • History

    D. Carlos gives up part of his endowment

    During the serious Portuguese financial crisis, King Carlos I gave 20% of his annual allocation to help control the deficit in public accounts, in a gesture of solidarity with the country's difficulties.

  • History

    French veto on UK entry into the EEC

    French President Charles de Gaulle vetoed the United Kingdom's first attempt to join the European Economic Community, arguing that the British economy was incompatible with Europe. The United Kingdom would only join in 1973.

  • History

    World Puzzle Day

    The day was created in 1995 in the United States of America by game companies with the aim of promoting this type of game in the country. Meanwhile, the date spread around the world. Puzzles of all sizes and shapes are in the spotlight this day.

  • History

    End of French nuclear tests

    President Jacques Chirac announced the definitive end to French nuclear tests in the South Pacific, after a series of controversial tests that provoked international protests.

  • History

    Day of Saint Julian and Saint Basilissa

    Holy martyrs of the 3rd or 4th century, married men who dedicated their lives to chastity and the service of the sick. They founded a hospital monastery and died during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.

  • History

    Saint Paul's Day

    Celebration of the conversion of Saint Paul, one of the most significant events in early Christianity.

  • History

    Saint Valerius's Day

    Bishop of Zaragoza in the 4th century, he was persecuted during Diocletian's government.