January 27: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
January 27 serves as a solemn global moment for reflection, marking the day Soviet forces liberated the remaining prisoners at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.
Quick Facts for January 27
- Zodiac sign: Aquarius
- Day of year: 27
About January 27
While the day is heavy with the weight of Holocaust Memorial Day and international efforts to honor the victims of genocide, it also holds significant milestones in human discovery and technological progress. In 1820, a Russian maritime expedition led by Fabian von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev made history by approaching the Antarctic coast, fundamentally changing our understanding of the world's geography. Centuries later, the digital landscape shifted once again when Apple introduced the iPad to the public in 2010, ushering in a new era of mobile computing.
The date also weaves together threads of political and scientific evolution. From the signing of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967—a vital agreement ensuring celestial bodies remain peaceful—to the early achievements of Thomas Edison, who secured a patent for his incandescent light bulb in 1880, January 27 captures the duality of the human experience: our capacity for profound tragedy and our relentless drive toward innovation and peace.
Holidays & Observances on January 27
- Day of the lifting of the siege of Leningrad (Russia)
- Liberation of the remaining inmates of Auschwitz-related observances: Holocaust Memorial Day (UK)
Fun & National Days on January 27
- National Chocolate Cake Day — Indulge in a rich, cocoa-filled slice to satisfy your sweet tooth today.
- International Port Wine Day — Raise a glass of fine fortified wine to toast this special occasion.
- National Plan for Vacation Day — Start dreaming of your next getaway and schedule some much-needed relaxation.
- International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust
- National Geographic Day
- Punch the Clock Day
- Speak Up and Succeed Day
- Thomas Crapper Day
- Vietnam Peace Day
- World Breast Pumping Day
On This Day in History
- 98 — The Roman Empire saw a transition in leadership as Trajan officially succeeded his predecessor, Nerva, as emperor.
- 1302 — The celebrated poet Dante Alighieri faced exile from his home city of Florence after being condemned in absentia.
- 1776 — During the American Revolutionary War, Henry Knox successfully transported his vital artillery train to Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- 1785 — The University of Georgia was officially established, marking its place as the first state-chartered public institution of higher learning.
- 1820 — A Russian expeditionary force led by Bellingshausen and Lazarev reached the Antarctic continent, marking a monumental geographic discovery.
- 1880 — Thomas Edison achieved a major breakthrough in lighting technology by receiving a patent for his incandescent lamp.
- 1944 — The brutal and prolonged 872-day Siege of Leningrad was finally broken, marking a turning point in the conflict.
- 1945 — The Soviet 322nd Rifle Division arrived at Auschwitz-Birkenau, liberating the surviving inmates of the concentration camp.
- 1967 — Global powers signed the Outer Space Treaty, banning nuclear weapons from space to ensure peaceful celestial exploration.
- 1980 — In a high-stakes operation known as the Canadian Caper, six American diplomats successfully escaped from Iran.
- 2010 — Apple changed the personal technology market forever by officially announcing the debut of the iPad tablet.
Famous Birthdays on January 27
- 1756 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, The legendary Austrian composer and pianist who redefined classical music during the 18th century.
- 1832 — Lewis Carroll, The iconic English author and mathematician best known for his beloved literary fantasies.
- 1921 — Donna Reed, A highly respected American actress who became a prominent figure in Hollywood cinema.
- 1948 — Mikhail Baryshnikov, A world-renowned dancer and actor celebrated for his extraordinary skill in ballet.
- 1965 — Alan Cumming, A versatile Scottish-American actor known for his dynamic and expressive stage and screen performances.
- 1969 — Patton Oswalt, A popular American comedian and actor recognized for his sharp wit and storytelling.