Historical events for
Wednesday, 2 September 2026

Wilhelm Ostwald, German chemist and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 1909, known for his work on catalysis and chemical equilibrium.

Floyd Council, American blues musician, known for his influences on blues music and his collaboration with other great musicians of the time.

Eduardo José Nery, Portuguese painter, known for his work in painting, tapestry and public art, with a significant influence on contemporary art in Portugal.

Jimmy Connors, American tennis player, one of the greatest legends in world tennis, known for his victories and his longevity in the sport.

A human rights lawyer knighted for his distinguished legal career as Director of Public Prosecutions, Keir Starmer (b. 1962) rebuilt the British Labour Party. With a pragmatic, methodical, and institutional style, he took over as head of Government with a commitment to restoring economic stability and the integrity of the UK’s public services.

Keanu Reeves (b. 1964) is an acclaimed Canadian actor and musician. In addition to redefining modern action cinema as Neo in "The Matrix" saga, his legendary career spans massive hits like "Speed", "Point Break", and the titanic "John Wick" franchise, cementing his status as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars.

Salma Hayek, Mexican actress and producer, known for her roles in films such as "Frida" and "Desperado".

A writer and philosopher by training, Robert Habeck (b. 1969) is the Vice-Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. One of the Greens’ most charismatic figures, he took on the titanic challenge of accelerating Germany’s energy transition and reducing external dependence, balancing climate goals with German industrial resilience.

Today we celebrate the start of the Great Fire of London in 1666, which devastated a large part of the city, including the old St. Paul's Cathedral.

Today we celebrate the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, replacing the Julian calendar in 1752, a significant change in the time counting system.

Today we celebrate the inauguration of the Lisbon Penitentiary in 1885, one of the oldest penitentiary institutions in Portugal.

Today we celebrate Portugal's declaration of neutrality in the Second World War, one day after the invasion of Poland by Nazi forces.

Today we celebrate the official surrender of Japan in 1945, marking the end of the Second World War.

Today we celebrate the proclamation of the Republic of Vietnam by Ho Chi Minh in 1945, marking the beginning of the country's struggle for independence.

Today we celebrate the installation of the first ATM machines in Lisbon and Porto in 1985, revolutionizing banking services in Portugal.

Today we celebrate the conquest of the 3rd European Marathon title by Rosa Mota in Spllt, with a time of 2:31:27 in 1990, consolidating her position as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.

Today we celebrate the acquisition of Chelsea Football Club by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic in 2003, marking a new era for the club, which would become one of the most successful in Europe under his management.

Today we celebrate the day of Saint Agricola of Avignon, a bishop known for his charity and defense of the poor and sick.

Today we celebrate the day of Saint Viator, known for his life as a hermit and dedication to prayer and contemplation.

Today we celebrate the day of Saint Just of Lyons, known for his life as a hermit and devotion to Christianity.

Celebration of Vietnam National Day, commemorating independence from France on September 2, 1945.