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
January 6 Tuesday, January 6, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on January 6 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
5
Holidays
1536
US history 490 years ago
The first European school of higher learning in the Americas, Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco, is founded by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza and Bishop Juan de Zumárraga in Mexico City.
Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza and Bishop Juan de Zumárraga establish the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco in Mexico City, the first European school of higher learning in the Americas.
History
What happened on January 6
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 1066UK history
Following the death of Edward the Confessor on the previous day, the Witan meets to confirm Harold Godwinson as the new King of England; Harold is crowned the same day, sparking a succession crisis that will eventually lead to the Norman conquest of England.
The Witan confirms Harold Godwinson as king, crowning him on the same day, setting off a succession crisis.
- 1205European history
Philip of Swabia undergoes a second coronation as King of the Romans.
Philip of Swabia is crowned King of the Romans for a second time.
- 1322European history
Stephen Uroš III is crowned King of Serbia, having defeated his half-brother Stefan Konstantin in battle. His son is crowned "young king" in the same ceremony.
Stephen Uroš III is crowned King of Serbia, and his son is simultaneously declared "young king," following a victory over half-brother Stefan Konstantin.
- 1355Royalty
Charles IV of Bohemia is crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy as King of Italy in Milan.
Charles IV of Bohemia is crowned King of Italy in Milan, receiving the Iron Crown of Lombardy.
- 1449European history
Constantine XI is crowned Byzantine Emperor at Mystras.
Constantine XI is crowned Byzantine Emperor at Mystras, beginning his reign as the final ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire before its fall to the Ottomans in 1453.
- 1492Royalty
The Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella enter Granada at the conclusion of the Granada War.
Ferdinand and Isabella enter Granada, marking the end of the Granada War and the completion of the Christian reconquest of Spain.
- 1536US history
The first European school of higher learning in the Americas, Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco, is founded by Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza and Bishop Juan de Zumárraga in Mexico City.
Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza and Bishop Juan de Zumárraga establish the Colegio de Santa Cruz de Tlatelolco in Mexico City, the first European school of higher learning in the Americas.
- 1579European history
The Union of Arras unites the southern Netherlands under the Duke of Parma (Ottavio Farnese), governor in the name of King Philip II of Spain.
The southern Netherlands unite under the governance of Ottavio Farnese, the Duke of Parma and governor for King Philip II of Spain.
- 1641War
Arauco War: The first Parliament of Quillín is celebrated, putting a temporary hold on hostilities between Mapuches and Spanish in Chile.
The Parliament of Quillín is held, temporarily halting conflicts between the Mapuche people and Spanish forces in Chile.
- 1661UK history
English Restoration: The Fifth Monarchists unsuccessfully attempt to seize control of London, England. The revolt is suppressed after a few days.
The Fifth Monarchists' attempt to seize control of London fails after several days of suppression by government forces.
- 1721UK history
The Committee of Inquiry on the South Sea Bubble publishes its findings, revealing details of fraud among company directors and corrupt politicians.
The Committee of Inquiry reveals widespread fraud by company directors and corrupt politicians in the South Sea Bubble scandal.
- 1839Disaster
The Night of the Big Wind, the most damaging storm in 300 years, sweeps across Ireland, damaging or destroying more than 20% of the houses in Dublin.
A devastating storm sweeps across Ireland, damaging or destroying over 20% of Dublin's homes.
Born today
Famous birthdays on January 6
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 26
Tyler Oliveira
American YouTuber
Tyler Oliveira, an American YouTuber known for man-on-the-street interviews covering topics like drug decriminalization and the Springfield pet-eating hoax, turns 26 today.
Born
2000
Turns 26
today
Gaspar de Guzmán
Count-Duke of Olivares
1587 – 1645
Eleonor Magdalene of Neuburg
1655 – 1720
Charles Sumner
American lawyer and politician
1811 – 1874
Carl Sandburg
American poet and historian
1878 – 1967
Henry Corden
Canadian-born American actor
1920 – 2005
Ian Meckiff
Australian cricketer
b. 1935 · 91
Music
The number one songs on January 6
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on January 6, 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 January 6, 1994
U.S. figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is attacked and injured by an assailant hired by her rival Tonya Harding's ex-husband during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Nancy Kerrigan is attacked and injured at a competition, sparking a scandal involving her rival Tonya Harding.
Read the story
🔬 Science January 6, 1912
German geophysicist Alfred Wegener first presents his theory of continental drift.
Alfred Wegener proposes the theory of continental drift, suggesting continents have moved across Earth's surface over time.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
5 celebrated today
Christmas: Christmas (Armenian Apostolic Church)
International
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world
Christmas: Christmas Eve (Russia)
International
Christmas in Russia, called Е́же по пло́ти Рождество Господа Бога и Спа́са нашего Иисуса Христа in the Russian Orthodox Church, is a holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ
Christmas: Christmas Eve (Ukraine)
International
In Ukraine, Christmas celebrations traditionally start on Christmas Eve, and last until 6 January, the date of the celebration of the baptism of Jesus, known in Ukraine as Vodokhreshche or Yordan, acc
Epiphany or Three Kings' Day (Western Christianity) or Theophany (Eastern Christianity), and its related observances: Little Christmas (Ireland)
International
Little Christmas, also known as Old Christmas, is one of the traditional names among Irish Christians and the Amish for 6 January, which is also known more widely as the Feast of the Epiphany, celebra
Epiphany or Three Kings' Day (Western Christianity) or Theophany (Eastern Christianity), and its related observances: Þrettándinn (Iceland)
International
Christmas in Iceland (Jól) starts four weeks before proper Christmas, which begins on 24 December (Aðfangadagur) and ends thirteen days later on 6 January