November 5: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for November 5

• Zodiac sign: Scorpio
• Day of year: 309

About November 5

In the United Kingdom, November 5 is synonymous with Guy Fawkes Night, a commemoration of the failed 1605 attempt to blow up the English Parliament. It is a night of bonfires and fireworks that traces its roots back to the arrest of the conspirator in the cellars beneath the Houses of Parliament. This spirit of defiance is echoed throughout history, such as in 1872 when suffragist Susan B. Anthony broke the law by casting a vote, a bold act of rebellion that paved the way for future generations of women.

While some parts of the world look back at historic uprisings and political shifts, others look toward the future of innovation. This date marks the moment in 2007 when Google unveiled the Android mobile operating system, forever changing how the world interacts with technology. Whether it is celebrating a change in leadership or the dawn of a new digital era, November 5 serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly the world can transform.

Holidays & Observances on November 5

• Bank Transfer Day (United States)
• Colón Day (Panama)
• Guy Fawkes Night (United Kingdom, New Zealand and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada), and its related observances: West Country Carnival (English West Country)
• Cinco de noviembre (Negros, Philippines)
• Kanakadasa Jayanthi (Karnataka, India)

Fun & National Days on November 5

• National Doughnut Appreciation Day — Treat yourself to a dozen glazed doughnuts to celebrate this sweet occasion!
• National Love Your Red Hair Day — Celebrate those vibrant crimson locks with pride and extra styling!
• National Men Make Dinner Day — Let the men in your life take charge of the kitchen tonight.
• American Football Day
• Commercial TV Broadcast Day
• International Project Management Day
• International Stout Day
• National Chinese Take-Out Day
• National Gunpowder Day

On This Day in History

• 1499 — The Catholicon was released, serving as a foundational dictionary for both the French and Breton languages.
• 1605 — Authorities apprehended Guy Fawkes in the Parliament cellars before he could detonate gunpowder intended to kill King James I.
• 1757 — During the Seven Years' War, Frederick the Great secured a major victory against French and Holy Roman Empire forces at Rossbach.
• 1811 — The Salvadoran independence movement began when a priest rang church bells in San Salvador to signal an uprising.
• 1872 — American activist Susan B. Anthony defied legal restrictions by voting, later facing a fine for her historic defiance.
• 1895 — George B. Selden was granted the initial United States patent for the development of an automobile.
• 1912 — Woodrow Wilson secured victory in the presidential election, defeating the current incumbent, William Howard Taft.
• 1940 — Franklin D. Roosevelt made history by becoming the only U.S. President to win election to a third term.
• 1968 — Richard Nixon won the election to become the 37th President of the United States.
• 2007 — The digital landscape changed forever when Google introduced the Android mobile operating system to the world.
• 2013 — India achieved a major space milestone by launching its first interplanetary probe, the Mars Orbiter Mission.
• 2024 — Donald Trump became the first American president in over a century to win a non-consecutive second term.

Famous Birthdays on November 5

• 1911 — Roy Rogers, A famous American singer and actor known for his work in Western films.
• 1913 — Vivien Leigh, An iconic Indian-British actress known for her legendary film performances.
• 1941 — Art Garfunkel, A highly successful American singer-songwriter and vocalist.
• 1959 — Bryan Adams, A celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter and musician with global hits.
• 1960 — Tilda Swinton, An acclaimed English actress known for her diverse and striking roles.
• 1984 — Eliud Kipchoge, A world-renowned Kenyan long-distance runner and marathon legend.