Historical events for
Sunday, 20 September 2026

Charles Williams, British writer and member of the literary group "Inklings", which included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

John Dankworth, British orchestra leader and musician, an important figure in jazz in the United Kingdom.

Sophia Loren, Italian actress, one of the greatest icons of world cinema.

Nuno Bettencourt, guitarist for the band Extreme, was born.

Masashi Hamauzu (b. 1971) is a refined Japanese composer. His impressionistic style, punctuated by complex piano arrangements and fluid electronics, brought a breath of fresh air to modern RPGs like "Final Fantasy XIII" and "Octopath Traveler".

On September 20, 1276, Pedro Hispano, the only Portuguese Pope, was enthroned as Pope John XXI. This important event marked the rise of one of the great intellectuals of the time to the highest position in the Catholic Church.

On September 20, 1519, Fernão de Magalhães left Sanlúcar de Barrameda, in Spain, leading the expedition that would carry out the first complete trip around the world, one of the greatest feats in the history of maritime exploration.

On September 20, 1530, Martin Luther appealed to Protestant princes to reject any compromise with the Church of Rome, strengthening the Protestant movement in Europe.

Established in Portugal to remember and honor all those persecuted by the Inquisition, promoting reflection on religious intolerance and the defense of fundamental human rights.

On September 20, 1946, the first edition of the Cannes Film Festival took place in France.

On September 20, 1967, the famous ocean liner Queen Elizabeth II was launched in Clydebank, Scotland. This ship would be one of the most iconic and luxurious transatlantic liners of the time.

On September 20, 1979, José Eduardo dos Santos was elected President of the MPLA and, the following day, he took office as President of the People's Republic of Angola, succeeding Agostinho Neto.

On September 20, 1979, the legal guarantee of equal opportunities and treatment for women at work and employment was legislated in Portugal.

On September 20, 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was approved in a referendum by the French population, with 50.82% of the votes, paving the way for the creation of the European Union.

Saint Paul Chong and his companions, Korean martyrs who gave their lives for their faith, are celebrated on September 20th.

Saint Andrew Kim, the first Korean Catholic priest, and his companions are honored on September 20, for their sacrifice during religious persecution in Korea.

Nepal National Day celebration, commemorating the unification of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah on 4 October.

Blessed José Maria de Yermo Parres, Mexican priest and founder of the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Poor, is celebrated on September 20th.

Blessed Francisco Maria de Camporosso, a Capuchin who dedicated his life to caring for the poor and sick, is celebrated on September 20th by the Catholic Church.

International University Sports Day, celebrated on September 20, promotes sports among university students around the world, highlighting the benefits of physical activity.

On September 20, 2020, Portuguese driver Filipe Albuquerque won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 category, becoming world endurance champion.

Tactical and pure power battle on the straights and heavy braking of the natural amphitheater of the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.