Historical events for
Wednesday, 16 September 2026

D. Pedro V (born September 16, 1837, and died November 11, 1861) was the thirty-first King of Portugal. With a progressive spirit, his brief reign was marked by the infrastructural modernization of the country and his deep proximity to the people during epidemics.

D. Pedro V (1837-1861), the "Hopeful," was a deeply cultured Portuguese king dedicated to his people's well-being. His short reign was marked by advances in infrastructure modernization and his personal commitment to aiding the population during epidemics, making him one of the most beloved monarchs of the Braganza dynasty.

Finnish writer, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1939

Robert Bradshaw, politician from Saint Kitts and Nevis, one of the leaders of the country's independence.

Lee Kuan Yew (born September 16, 1923, and died March 23, 2015) was the visionary founder of Singapore. In three decades, he transformed a vulnerable island into one of the most prosperous and secure economies in the world through rigorous meritocratic pragmatism.

Lauren Bacall, American actress, one of Hollywood's legends, known for her roles in "The Big Sleep".

B. B. King, American singer and guitarist, a blues legend.

American actor, known primarily for his role as detective "Columbo" in the television series of the same name

Mickey Rourke, American actor, known for his roles in "The Wrestler" and "Sin City".

David Copperfield, American magician, famous for his great illusions and magic shows.

Tiago Bettencourt (b. 1979) is a sophisticated Portuguese singer and songwriter. Having gained notoriety with Toranja, he cemented an exemplary solo career, guided by elegant acoustic arrangements and highly sensitive poetry.

Katie Melua (b. 1984) is a refined Georgian-British singer and songwriter. Her extremely pure voice and blues and folk-influenced ballads conquered European charts in the early 2000s, making her one of the most successful female artists of the decade.

Niv Sultan (b. 1992) is a talented Israeli actress. She gained global prominence with the intense espionage series "Tehran", where she plays Tamar Rabinyan, a special Mossad agent infiltrating the Iranian capital, in a performance full of tension and technical skill.

Celebration of Mexican Independence Day, commemorating the beginning of the war of independence against Spain on September 16, 1810. The day is marked by parties, parades and cultural events.

On September 16, 1855, the first telegraph offices were opened in Lisbon, in Terreiro do Paço, Cortes and Necessidades. These posts modernized communications in Portugal, marking an important technological advance.

General Motors was founded on September 16, 1908, by William Durant in Flint, Michigan. The company became one of the largest automakers in the world, marking the history of the automobile industry.

Papua New Guinea National Day celebration, commemorating independence from Australia on 16 September 1975.

Saint Eufemia, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, is venerated on September 16th.

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16, to raise awareness among the population about the importance of protecting the ozone layer, essential for life on Earth.

Saint Cornelius was pope between 251 and 253, in a period of internal divisions and external persecution of the Church.

World Female Condom Day aims to promote the use of this method of contraception and protection against sexually transmitted diseases, offering a safe alternative for family planning.

Saint Cyprian of Carthage, bishop and martyr, is celebrated on September 16th.