1504⚡ Event
Columbus uses lunar eclipse to influence Jamaican villagers
Christopher Columbus predicts a lunar eclipse while stranded in Jamaica, using it to persuade local inhabitants to continue supplying his crew.
explorationscience
What Happened on February 29?
Discover 20 historical moments on February 29 — 8 events, 6 birthdays, and 6 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
sportsartsentertainmentpoliticssciencedisasterlawexploration
Hero image inspired by: Fourth voyage of Columbus
Historical Events on February 29(8)
1940⚡ Event
Hattie McDaniel wins Academy Award
Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American to win an Academy Award, for her role in Gone with the Wind.
entertainmentarts
1960⚡ Event
Agadir earthquake devastates Morocco
A powerful earthquake strikes Agadir, Morocco, killing thousands and destroying much of the city.
disaster
1996⚡ Event
Faucett Flight 251 Crash
In the deadliest aviation accident in Peruvian history, Faucett Flight 251 crashed on approach to Rodríguez Ballón International Airport. All 123 people aboard were killed.
disasterlaw
2004⚡ Event
Angelina Jolie's Oscar dress
Angelina Jolie wore a White Marc Bouwer dress to the 76th Academy Awards, which has since been placed on numerous lists for best red carpet fashion.
entertainmentarts
2004⚡ Event
Haitian president overthrown
Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was overthrown following popular rebel uprising.
politicswar
2008⚡ Event
Misha Defonseca admits Holocaust memoir forgery
Belgian author Misha Defonseca admitted that her bestselling memoir about surviving the Holocaust was in fact a literary forgery.
literaturelaw
2012⚡ Event
Tokyo Skytree completed
Construction of Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest tower and third-tallest structure, was completed.
technology
Famous Birthdays on February 29(6)
1792🎂 Birth
Gioachino Rossini born
Italian composer Gioachino Rossini is born in Pesaro. He is best known for operas including The Barber of Seville.
musicarts
Notable Deaths on February 29(6)
2016🕊️ Death
Wenn V. Deramas
Filipino director and screenwriter Wenn V. Deramas died. He was born in 1966.
2020🕊️ Death
Freeman Dyson dies
British-American theoretical physicist Freeman Dyson dies at age 96 in Princeton, New Jersey.
science
2020🕊️ Death
Éva Székely
Éva Székely was a Hungarian Hall of Fame swimmer and 1952 Olympic champion.
sports
2024🕊️ Death
Ali Hassan Mwinyi
Ali Hassan Mwinyi was the 2nd President of Tanzania and 3rd President of Zanzibar.
politics
February 29 in History
February 29 is home to 20 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 8 notable events, 6 famous birthdays, and 6 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1504 to the present day.
Major Events on February 29
Among the most notable events on February 29: Columbus uses lunar eclipse to influence Jamaican villagers (1504), Hattie McDaniel wins Academy Award (1940), Agadir earthquake devastates Morocco (1960). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on February 29
Notable figures born on February 29 include Gioachino Rossini, Tyrese Haliburton, Ferran Torres. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on February 29
Remembered figures who died on February 29 include Wenn V. Deramas, Freeman Dyson, Dieter Laser. View all →
Browse what happened on February 28 or March 1, explore the full month of February, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on February 29?
- February 29 is home to 20 recorded historical entries, including 8 notable events, 6 famous birthdays, and 6 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on February 29?
- One of the most notable events on February 29 is: Columbus uses lunar eclipse to influence Jamaican villagers.
- Who was born on February 29?
- Famous figures born on February 29 include Gioachino Rossini, Tyrese Haliburton, Ferran Torres.
- How many historical events happened on February 29?
- Our collection records 8 historical events on February 29, spanning centuries of world history.
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