November 28: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1520, Ferdinand Magellan’s crew completed the first passage through the Strait of Magellan, finally entering the vast Pacific Ocean.
Quick Facts for November 28
- Zodiac sign: Sagittarius
- Day of year: 332
About November 28
November 28 is a day defined by the pursuit of sovereignty and the breaking of barriers. For Albania, it marks a profound historical arc, celebrating the 1443 moment when Skanderbeg raised the national flag in Kruja, the 1912 declaration of independence from the Ottoman Empire, and the modern constitutional milestones of 1998. This spirit of self-determination is echoed globally, from Panama's separation from Spain in 1821 to Mauritania’s liberation from French rule in 1960.
Beyond politics, the day has shaped the intellectual and cultural landscape. It marks the birth of thinkers like Friedrich Engels, who helped redefine modern economic theory, and the premieres of musical masterpieces like Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto. Whether through the discovery of celestial pulsars in 1967 or the revolutionary birth of the Royal Society in 1660, November 28 serves as a recurring milestone for human progress and discovery.
Holidays & Observances on November 28
- Independence Day, celebrating the independence of Albania from Turkey in 1912, the first Albanian flag raise by Skanderbeg in 1443, and for the new parliamentary constitution in 1998.
- Bedfordshire day is celebrated in the county of Bedfordshire to celebrate the birth of John Bunyan
- Bukovina Day (Romania)
- Heroes' Day (Sri Lanka)
- Hōonkō (Japan)
- Independence Day (Mauritania), celebrate the independence of Mauritania from France in 1960.
- Independence Day (Panama), celebrate the independence of Panama from Spain in 1821.
- Navy Day (Iran)
Fun & National Days on November 28
- National French Toast Day — Treat yourself to a delicious, syrupy breakfast to start your morning right!
- It's Letter Writing Day — Pick up a pen and send a heartfelt, handwritten note to a friend.
- Red Planet Day — Look up at the stars and celebrate our fascination with the planet Mars.
- Small Business Saturday — Support your local community by shopping at independent neighborhood stores.
- Turkey Leftover Day — Get creative in the kitchen and turn your holiday turkey into something new.
- Ascension of ‘Abdu'l-Bahá
- International Aura Awareness Day
- Make Your Own Head Day
On This Day in History
- 1443 — Skanderbeg and his troops successfully liberated the central Albanian city of Kruja, raising the national flag.
- 1520 — After a grueling 38-day journey, Ferdinand Magellan's expedition successfully navigated the strait and reached the Pacific.
- 1582 — William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway paid a significant bond to bypass wedding banns and marry immediately.
- 1660 — A group of intellectuals, including Robert Boyle and Christopher Wren, met to found the prestigious Royal Society.
- 1811 — Ludwig van Beethoven's iconic Piano Concerto No. 5 made its world premiere in Leipzig, Germany.
- 1814 — The London Times became the first newspaper to utilize a steam-powered printing press for production.
- 1821 — Panama officially declared its independence from Spanish rule, later joining the nation of Gran Colombia.
- 1893 — New Zealand reached a historic milestone as women's suffrage was finalized during the general election.
- 1912 — Albania formally declared its independence, ending centuries of rule under the Ottoman Empire.
- 1919 — Lady Astor made history by being elected as the first female Member of Parliament in the UK.
- 1943 — World leaders Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin gathered at the Tehran Conference to strategize for World War II.
- 1960 — Mauritania achieved its independence from French colonial administration.
Famous Birthdays on November 28
- 1757 — William Blake, An influential English artist and poet known for his visionary works.
- 1820 — Friedrich Engels, A foundational German philosopher and economist who co-authored seminal political texts.
- 1929 — Berry Gordy, The legendary American music producer who established the iconic Motown Records.
- 1943 — Randy Newman, A celebrated American composer and singer-songwriter famous for his unique style.
- 1950 — Ed Harris, A highly respected American actor known for his intense and versatile performances.
- 1962 — Jon Stewart, A famous American comedian and television host known for his political satire.