Historical events for
Thursday, 17 December 2026

D. Maria I (born December 17, 1734, and died March 20, 1816) was the first reigning Queen of Portugal. Her rule was marked by economic and cultural promotion before her removal due to mental illness and the court's flight to Brazil.

Dona Maria I, queen of Portugal, known as "the Pious" or "the Crazy". The first woman to reign as monarch in Portugal, she ascended the throne in 1777 after the death of her father, D. José I. Her reign was marked by the end of the Pombaline era and a period of relative stability until 1792, when mental health problems prevented her from governing, with her son D. João taking over as Prince Regent. In 1807, with the French Invasions, the royal family left for Brazil, where they established their court in Rio de Janeiro. He died in Rio de Janeiro on March 20, 1816, he was 81 years old.

Fernando Lopes-Graça (born December 17, 1906, and died November 27, 1994) was one of the greatest Portuguese composers and musicologists of the 20th century. His work combined classical music with deep research into national folklore and political resistance.

Carlos Gomes, notable Portuguese goalkeeper, was born on December 17, 1932. He stood out for Sporting Clube de Portugal and the national team. He passed away on October 18, 2005.

Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Cortes in Pedro Sánchez's government (1975- ). One of the Executive's main political strategists, he is the fundamental link in the State's legislative and legal articulation.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, first Jesuit pontiff and first on the American continent.

The Moon enters the First Quarter phase at 03:31 (Legal Time).

Celebration of Bhutan's National Day, commemorating the coronation of the first Bhutanese king, Ugyen Wangchuck, on December 17, 1907.