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 5 Sunday, April 5, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on April 5 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
7
Holidays
919
World history 1107 years ago
The second Fatimid invasion of Egypt begins, when the Fatimid heir-apparent, al-Qa'im bi-Amr Allah, sets out from Raqqada at the head of his army.
Al-Qa'im bi-Amr Allah, the Fatimid heir-apparent, leads an army from Raqqada to launch the second Fatimid invasion of Egypt.
History
What happened on April 5
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 823European history
Lothair I is crowned King of Italy by Pope Paschal I.
Lothair I is crowned King of Italy by Pope Paschal I in a ceremony that solidifies the alliance between church and state.
- 919World history
The second Fatimid invasion of Egypt begins, when the Fatimid heir-apparent, al-Qa'im bi-Amr Allah, sets out from Raqqada at the head of his army.
Al-Qa'im bi-Amr Allah, the Fatimid heir-apparent, leads an army from Raqqada to launch the second Fatimid invasion of Egypt.
- 1242War
During the Battle on the Ice of Lake Peipus, Russian forces, led by Alexander Nevsky, rebuff an invasion attempt by the Teutonic Knights.
Alexander Nevsky leads Russian forces to victory against the Teutonic Knights on frozen Lake Peipus.
- 1536Royalty
Charles V makes a Royal Entry into Rome, demolishing a swath of the city to re-enact a Roman triumph.
Charles V enters Rome in a staged Roman triumph, demolishing a swath of medieval buildings to clear a processional route through the ancient city.
- 1566European history
Two hundred Dutch noblemen, led by Hendrick van Brederode, force themselves into the presence of Margaret of Parma and present the Petition of Compromise, denouncing the Spanish Inquisition in the Seventeen Provinces.
Two hundred Dutch noblemen led by Hendrick van Brederode force their way before Margaret of Parma to present the Petition of Compromise, denouncing the Spanish Inquisition.
- 1614US history
In Virginia, Native American Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe.
Pocahontas marries English colonist John Rolfe, marking a significant union between Native Americans and European settlers.
- 1614UK history
The second English Parliament of king James I, the so-called Addled Parliament, opens.
The second English Parliament of King James I convenes but accomplishes little, earning it the nickname "Addled Parliament."
- 1792Politics
United States President George Washington exercises his authority to veto a bill, the first time this power is used in the United States.
George Washington exercises his presidential authority by vetoing a bill, marking the first use of this power in the United States.
- 1795European history
Peace of Basel between France and Prussia is made.
France and Prussia sign the Peace of Basel, ending their war and marking a shift in European alliances.
- 1862War
American Civil War: The Battle of Yorktown begins.
The Battle of Yorktown begins, marking the start of the final major engagement of the American Revolutionary War.
- 1879War
Bolivia declares war on Chile, and Chile declares war on Peru, starting the War of the Pacific.
Bolivia and Chile declare war on each other and Peru, respectively, marking the start of the War of the Pacific.
- 1938War
Spanish Civil War: Two days after the Nationalist army occupied the Catalan city of Lleida, dictator Francisco Franco decrees the abolition of the Generalitat (the autonomous government of Catalonia), the self-government granted by the Republic, and the official status of the Catalan language.
Francisco Franco abolishes the Catalan autonomous government and outlaws the use of the Catalan language two days after occupying Lleida.
Born today
Famous birthdays on April 5
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 58
Paula Cole
American singer-songwriter and pianist
Paula Cole, American singer-songwriter who gained attention touring with Peter Gabriel before releasing her breakthrough album This Fire, turns 57 today.
Born
1968
Turns 58
today
Alfred Blalock
American surgeon and academic
1899 – 1964
Robert Bloch
American author
1917 – 1994
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Filipino academic and politician, 14th President of the Philippines
b. 1947 · 79
Henrik Stenson
Swedish golfer
b. 1976 · 50
Haruma Miura
Japanese actor and singer
1990 – 2020
Maya DiRado
American swimmer
b. 1993 · 33
Music
The number one songs on April 5
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on April 5, 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 5, 1982
Aston Villa shock Bayern Munich for the European Cup
In Rotterdam, late substitute Peter Withe scores the winner as Villa lift the trophy on their first attempt.
Read the story
🔬 Science April 5, 2010
Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on STS-131 to resupply the International Space Station.
Space Shuttle Discovery launches on mission STS-131 to deliver supplies and equipment to the International Space Station.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
7 celebrated today
Cold Food Festival, held on April 4 if it is a leap year (China); and its related observances:
International
The Cold Food or Hanshi Festival (寒食节) is a traditional Chinese holiday which developed from the local commemoration of the death of the Jin nobleman Jie Zitui in the 7th century BC under the Zhou dyn
Earliest day on which Sham el-Nessim can fall, while May 9 is the latest; celebrated on Monday after the Orthodox Easter (Egypt)
International
Sham Ennessim is a festival marking the beginning of spring, celebrated by Egyptians of all religions
Children's Day (Palestinian territories)
International
Children's Day is a commemorative date celebrated annually in honour of children, whose date of observance varies by country
First Contact Day (International observance)
International
First Contact Day is an informal commemorative day observed annually on April 5 to celebrate the Star Trek media franchise
Sikmogil (South Korea)
International
Singmogil or Sikmogil is the Korean Arbor Day holiday celebrated annually on April 5 in South Korea
National Maritime Day is observed in India, in commemoration of the first voyage of SS Loyalty of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd. in 1919.
International
Indian maritime history begins during the 3rd millennium BCE when inhabitants of the Indus-Saraswati Valley civilisation initiated maritime trading contact with Mesopotamia
❝
I think it's important to find the little things in everyday life that make you happy.
— Paula Cole · born April 5, 1968