December 11: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1913, one of history's most famous thefts ended when Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was finally recovered in Florence.
Quick Facts for December 11
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Day of year: 345
About December 11
December 11 is a day of profound discovery and global observation. While we celebrate International Mountain Day by honoring the world's majestic peaks, history remembers the dramatic moment the Mona Lisa was reclaimed by Italy after being missing from the Louvre for over two years. The recovery in Florence brought an end to a worldwide sensation and returned a masterpiece to the public eye.
Beyond art, the date holds significant political weight. It marks the day Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) transitioned toward independence in 1958, and it is a time of celebration in Argentina for National Tango Day. Whether looking toward the heights of the mountains or the rhythmic soul of tango, December 11 offers a diverse tapestry of human achievement and culture.
Holidays & Observances on December 11
- Establishment of Kurdish Women's Union (Iraqi Kurdistan)
- Indiana Day (United States)
- International Mountain Day
- National Tango Day (Argentina)
- Pampanga Day (Pampanga province, Philippines)
- Republic Day, the day when Upper Volta became an autonomous republic in the French Community in 1958. (Burkina Faso)
Fun & National Days on December 11
- National Have a Bagel Day — Celebrate with your favorite schmear and a toasted bagel for a delicious morning treat.
- National Noodle Ring Day — Try making a circular pasta masterpiece to celebrate this uniquely shaped noodle holiday.
- National Stretching Day — Take a moment to reach for your toes and improve your flexibility today.
- National Salesperson's Day — Show appreciation to the retail professionals who help us find exactly what we need.
- Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day — Donate some extra cans of pet food to help animals in local shelters.
- National App Day
- Official Lost and Found Day
On This Day in History
- 220 — The Han dynasty concluded when Cao Pi forced Emperor Xian of Han to step down from his imperial throne.
- 1282 — Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the final native Prince of Wales, was killed during the Battle of Orewin Bridge.
- 1688 — During the Glorious Revolution, King James II cast the Great Seal of the Realm into the River Thames while fleeing.
- 1792 — The French National Convention began putting King Louis XVI on trial for the crime of treason.
- 1816 — Indiana officially joined the United States as the nation's nineteenth state.
- 1862 — The American Civil War saw the start of the Battle of Fredericksburg as Union forces crossed the Rappahannock River.
- 1901 — Guglielmo Marconi successfully sent the very first transatlantic radio signal from England to Newfoundland.
- 1913 — After a two-year disappearance from the Louvre, the Mona Lisa was recovered in Italy and its thief arrested.
- 1917 — British General Edmund Allenby entered Jerusalem on foot, officially declaring martial law in the city.
- 1936 — The United Kingdom faced an abdication crisis when King Edward VIII officially stepped down from his throne.
- 1941 — Germany and Italy declared war against the United States, leading the U.S. to declare war on them in return.
- 1972 — The Apollo 17 mission concluded, serving as the sixth and final lunar landing for the Apollo program.
Famous Birthdays on December 11
- 1843 — Robert Koch, A Nobel Prize-winning German physician and microbiologist who revolutionized the study of infectious diseases.
- 1863 — Annie Jump Cannon, An influential American astronomer who made massive contributions to the classification of stars.
- 1882 — Max Born, A Nobel Prize-winning German physicist who helped shape the foundations of quantum mechanics.
- 1882 — Fiorello H. La Guardia, A prominent American lawyer who served as the influential 99th Mayor of New York City.
- 1890 — Carlos Gardel, A world-renowned singer and actor who became a legendary icon of French-Argentine music.
- 1911 — Naguib Mahfouz, An acclaimed Egyptian author and playwright who was honored with the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- 1969 — Viswanathan Anand, A legendary Indian chess grandmaster who has reached the very top of the professional game.
- 1996 — Hailee Steinfeld, A talented American actress and singer known for her diverse roles in film and music.