Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
April 29 Wednesday, April 29, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on April 29 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
2
Holidays
1492
European history 534 years ago
The Crown's decision to expel the Jews is announced in Zaragoza, Aragon, to the kingdom's procurators.
The Crown announces the expulsion of Jews from Aragon to the kingdom's procurators assembled in Zaragoza.
History
What happened on April 29
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 801Disaster
An earthquake in the Central Apennines hits Rome and Spoleto, damaging the basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura.
An earthquake strikes the Central Apennines, damaging Rome and Spoleto including the basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura.
- 1091War
Battle of Levounion: The Pechenegs are defeated by Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos.
Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos defeats the Pechenegs in the Battle of Levounion.
- 1483European history
Gran Canaria, the main island of the Canary Islands, is conquered by the Kingdom of Castile.
The Kingdom of Castile conquers Gran Canaria, the largest island in the Canary archipelago.
- 1492European history
The Crown's decision to expel the Jews is announced in Zaragoza, Aragon, to the kingdom's procurators.
The Crown announces the expulsion of Jews from Aragon to the kingdom's procurators assembled in Zaragoza.
- 1521War
Swedish War of Liberation: Swedish troops defeat a Danish force in the Battle of Västerås.
Swedish troops defeat a Danish force in the Battle of Västerås, securing a crucial victory for the Swedish independence movement.
- 1670Religion
Emilio Altieri is elected pope after a four-month conclave and takes the name Clement X.
Emilio Altieri is elected pope following a four-month conclave and takes the name Clement X.
- 1760Canadian history
French forces commence the siege of Quebec which is held by the British.
French forces begin the siege of Quebec, a city held by the British.
- 1781War
American Revolutionary War: British and French ships clash in the Battle of Fort Royal off the coast of Martinique.
British and French naval forces clash in the Battle of Fort Royal off Martinique during the American Revolutionary War.
- 1826Science
The galaxy Centaurus A or NGC 5128 is discovered by James Dunlop.
James Dunlop discovers the galaxy Centaurus A, also known as NGC 5128.
- 1864US history
Theta Xi fraternity is founded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the only fraternity to be founded during the American Civil War.
Theta Xi fraternity is founded at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, making it the only fraternity established during the American Civil War.
- 1945WWII
Dachau concentration camp is liberated by United States troops.
United States troops liberate Dachau concentration camp, freeing approximately 32,000 prisoners.
- 2015Sports
A baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox sets the all-time low attendance mark for Major League Baseball. Zero fans were in attendance for the game, as the stadium was officially closed to the public due to the 2015 Baltimore protests.
The Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox played a game with zero attendees due to the closure of the stadium during the 2015 Baltimore protests.
Born today
Famous birthdays on April 29
7 this date All birthdays
Peter Sculthorpe
Australian composer and conductor
Peter Sculthorpe, the Australian composer who integrated Aboriginal musical elements with Western classical traditions and drew inspiration from Australia's neighbouring cultures, was born today in 1929.
Born
1929
Died
2014
Malcolm Sargent
English organist, composer and conductor
1895 – 1967
Rod McKuen
American singer-songwriter and poet
1933 – 2015
Jerry Seinfeld
American comedian, actor and producer
b. 1954 · 72
God Shammgod
American basketball player and coach
b. 1976 · 50
Mike Bryan
American tennis player
b. 1978 · 48
Jonathan Toews
Canadian ice hockey player
b. 1988 · 38
Music
The number one songs on April 29
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on April 29, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport April 29, 2015
A baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox sets the all-time low attendance mark for Major League Baseball. Zero fans were in attendance for the game, as the stadium was officially closed to the public due to the 2015 Baltimore protests.
The Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox played a game with zero attendees due to the closure of the stadium during the 2015 Baltimore protests.
Read the story
🔬 Science April 29, 1826
The galaxy Centaurus A or NGC 5128 is discovered by James Dunlop.
James Dunlop discovers the galaxy Centaurus A, also known as NGC 5128.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
2 celebrated today
International Dance Day (UNESCO)
International
International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance promoted by the International Dance Council (CID) and the International Theatre Institute
Shōwa Day, traditionally the start of the Golden Week holiday period, which is April 29 and May 3-5. (Japan)
International
Showa Day is a public holiday in Japan held on April 29
❝
I write music to express the Australian landscape and the sounds of the bush, the birds, the Aboriginal culture.
— Peter Sculthorpe · born April 29, 1929