Historical events for
Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Jacinto Benavente, Spanish playwright, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1922

Miguel Torga, Portuguese writer, pseudonym of the doctor Adolfo Rocha, known for works such as “Tales of the Mountain” and “The Creation of the World”.

Cantinflas, famous Mexican comedian and actor.

Mstislav Rostropovich, renowned Russian cellist and conductor.

George Soros, Hungarian investor and philanthropist.

Lídia Franco, Portuguese actress, known for her career in theater, cinema and television.

Mark Knopfler, British guitarist and composer, leader of the band Dire Straits.

Pat Metheny, renowned American jazz guitarist and composer.

Pete Sampras, famous American tennis player.

Cara Delevingne (b. 1992) is a subversive and multifaceted British model and actress. Her distinct look and unfiltered personality led fashion's transition into the social media era, successfully blending haute couture campaigns with Hollywood media attention.

The Portuguese "GOAT". Born in Madeira, he became the greatest scorer in the history of football and Real Madrid (451 goals). Captained Portugal in the historic victory of Euro 2016. Winner of 5 Ballon d'Ors and 5 Champions Leagues. His iron discipline and longevity defy the laws of sport.

Annual celebration that aims to promote the participation of young people in society and create opportunities for them.

A day to celebrate and recognize the importance of middle children in family dynamics.

Day to raise awareness about the protection and conservation of elephants.

Thomas Edison introduces the phonograph, an important milestone in the invention of sound recording devices.

Germany begins mobilization for World War II.

Frank D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill hold the Quadrant Conference to plan the invasion of France.

The group of young musicians finds a new drummer, Pete Best, and begins to perform as The Beatles.

IBM launches the first personal computer, marking an important advance in computing technology.

American actor Henry Fonda, known for films such as “My Darling Clementine” and “Twelve Just Men,” has died.

Carlos Lopes wins the Gold Medal at the Los Angeles Olympic Marathon.

Anniversary of the sinking of the Kursk submarine in the Barents Sea.

Anniversary of the murder of six Portuguese people in Fortaleza, including Luís Miguel Militão Guerreiro.

The Moon enters the New Moon phase at 18:36 (Legal Time).

A total solar eclipse occurs, with the maximum of the phenomenon registering at 5:46 PM (Legal Time). A high-impact astronomical event, visible from Europe, Northern Asia, North America, and North/West Africa.