Historical events for
Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Norwegian writer who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1928

José Alberto "Pepe" Mujica Cordano, Uruguayan politician.

Portuguese writer, poet, journalist and feminist activist (1937-2025). One of the "Three Marias", co-author of the revolutionary work "Novas Cartas Portuguesas" (1972), together with Maria Isabel Barreno and Maria Velho da Costa. Central figure of feminism in Portugal, distinguished with the Oceanos Prize. His poetic work and social intervention had a profound impact on contemporary Portuguese literature. He passed away in Lisbon at the age of 87.

Joe Cocker (born May 20, 1944, and died December 22, 2014) was an intense and passionate British singer. His raspy timbre and spasmodic vocal deliveries made his blues and rock reinterpretations truly immortal.

Cherilyn Sarkisian (b. 1946), known worldwide as Cher, is an unparalleled American singer and actress. The "Goddess of Pop" boasts a six-decade career characterized by constant reinvention, from folk-rock to dance anthems.

Celebration of the birthday of Pedro Passos Coelho, former leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and former Prime Minister of Portugal.

Celebration of Cameroon's National Day, commemorating independence from France on January 1, 1960.

Celebration of the National Day of Timor-Leste, commemorating independence from Indonesia on May 20, 2002.

Leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party and former Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda (b. 1957) is a centrist veteran and judo black belt. Known for his sober and pragmatic rhetoric, he leads the opposition with the aim of offering a stable and fiscally responsible alternative to the long conservative hegemony in Japan.