April 18th is Piñata Day and Animal Crackers Day.
This day marks the 109th day of 2024, and there’s another 257 days remaining until the end of the year.
This day in history was a great day for space exploration, but there is so much more to touch on including, newly appointed prime ministers, scientific breakthroughs, and music releases.
Did you know that on this day in 2013, two Earth-like planets were discovered? Both were found in the same solar system in the star Kepler 62’s habitable zone.
Keep reading for more fun & interesting facts about April 18th in history!
Events
What memorable events happened on April 18 in history? Keep reading to find out!
2020
A gunman named Gabriel Wortman rampaged through Nova Scotia, Canada.
He carried out multiple shootings and killed 22 people. He was finally shot and killed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
2013
Two Earth-like planets in one solar system were discovered.
Astronomers found a system with a sun-like star and five orbiting planets.
2011
After hyping the game up for years, Valve finally released Portal 2 for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.
The final part of Portal 2’s hype campaign allowed would-be players to unlock the game early by playing a specific set of thirteen indie games sold in a bundle on Steam on April Fool’s Day. Players worldwide came together for the cause, with their efforts leading to Portal 2 releasing ten hours ahead of schedule.
1939
Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, was elected.
Menzies was elected shortly after the death of his Prime Ministerial predecessor, Joseph Lyons, as a member of the United Australia Party. Just over two years later, he lost his party’s support and subsequently resigned. However, in 1949 Menzies was re-elected as Prime Minister, heading up the Liberal-Country Coalition, and was re-elected seven more times in a row. When he finally retired in 1966, he was and most likely will be the longest-serving Prime Minister in Australia’s history.
Famous Births
Is today your birthday? If so, you share this special day with David Tennant! Check out more famous people born on this day below.
1979
Kourtney Kardashian
American
Media Personality
Age:
45 years old
Born In:
California, USA
1971
David Tennant
Scottish
Actor
Age:
53 years old
Born In:
Scotland, UK
1963
Conan O’Brien
American
TV Host
Age:
61 years old
Born In:
Massachusetts, USA
Famous Deaths
Unfortunately, April 18th has also been a day where we’ve had to say some goodbyes over the years…
1879
1955
Albert Einstein
German
Physicist
1879
1955
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German physicist born on March 14, 1879. He died on this day in 1955, at age 76 in Princeton, New Jersey, USA.
Died On:
Apr 18, 1955 (Age 76)
Died In:
New Jersey, USA
Quotes
Every day brings a new quote – here are the most renowned quotes spoken or written on April 18th in history.
2012
When you write an article about anything, trolls use the comments to attack. They feel frustrated – but haters are losers. It’s not good to feed this aspect. It’s more intelligent to be constructive.
Paulo Coelho
Brazilian Lyricist
Special Holidays
If you’ve got a few minutes spare today, why not celebrate these special holidays.
National Piñata Day
There’s nothing more therapeutic than beating the living daylights out of a piñata and showering the room with candy and fun prizes. There’s really not much more to say about celebrating today, so head to the store, pick up a piñata, and get smashing already!
National Animal Crackers Day
Despite initially being manufactured in Britain, animal crackers only became popular when they were imported into the US in the 19th century. So celebrate the long history of animal crackers by picking up a packet from your local grocery store today!
THe Fact Site’s
Fun Fact Of The Day
Though most think it’s Italian, pepperoni is an American invention. The first use of the word dates back to 1919.
Birthday & Zodiac
Everyone who was born on April 18 shares the star sign of Aries.
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac, and its mascot is the Ram. As a fire sign ruled by the planet Mars, Aries energy is often individualistic, bold, and brave.
People born during April have the Diamond birthstone. The diamond is a prized gemstone that has been a symbol of love for centuries. The Ancient Romans believed Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds.
If you were lucky enough to be born on April 18, you were likely conceived around July 26, the year before.
A baby conceived on April 18, 2024, will likely be due around January 9, 2025.