Historical events for
Tuesday, 4 August 2026

Birthday of Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and leader of Forza Italia.

A veteran journalist and Italian Air Force officer in his youth, Antonio Tajani is one of the founders of the Forza Italia party, side by side with Silvio Berlusconi. With a deeply pro-European career, he presided over the European Parliament before taking on top roles in Italian diplomacy, being widely respected for his moderate and appeasing stance.

Norwegian writer, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1920

Louis Armstrong, American jazz trumpeter, one of the most influential figures in jazz music.

Carlos Galvão de Melo (born August 4, 1921, and died March 20, 2008) was a Portuguese Air Force general and politician. An undeniable and conservative figure of the Carnation Revolution, he was a member of the National Salvation Junta, standing out for his directness during the complex period of democratic transition.

Gerard Damiano, born on August 4, 1928, was an American director who pioneered adult cinema.

Yasser Arafat, Palestinian leader and president of the Palestinian National Authority, Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Guillermo Mordillo, Argentine caricaturist and illustrator, famous for his humorous and colorful wordless illustrations.

Guillermo Mordillo, famous Argentine cartoonist known for his humorous and colorful drawings.

Barack Obama, 44th president of the United States, known for his work on healthcare reform and civil rights.

Leader of the House Democrats, Hakeem Jeffries succeeded Nancy Pelosi, representing a new generation of parliamentary leadership. A lawyer by training, he is noted for his eloquent oratory and his strategy of unifying the party's various wings in the face of legislative challenges in Washington.

Meghan Markle, American actress and Duchess of Sussex, married to Prince Harry.

Battle of Alcácer-Quibir, where King D. Sebastião of Portugal died, leading to the succession crisis of 1580.

One month after the Storming of the Bastille, the feudal system was abolished in France, marking a crucial step in the French Revolution.

The first Portuguese settlers arrived in Moçâmedes, Angola, on August 4, 1849, from Pernambuco, Brazil.

The National Radio Broadcasting Company was officially inaugurated on August 4, 1935, marking an important development in radio in Portugal.

World War II.

Nelson Mandela, leader of the African National Congress and opponent of apartheid, was arrested in South Africa on August 4, 1962.

Commemoration of Saint Aristarchus, one of Saint Paul's followers.

Celebration of Saint John Mary Vianney, known as the Curé d'Ars, patron saint of priests.