February 2 is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 332 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about February 2nd, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about February 2nd in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- National Hedgehog Day
- Marmot Day
- National Crepe Day
- World Wetlands Day
- National Tater Tot Day
- World Play Your Ukulele Day
- Lung Leavin Day
- Groundhog Day
- Candlemas Day
- National Sled Dog Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – February 2
1990: The South African Apartheid system of racial segregation begins to disintegrate
President de Klerk announced the unbanning of the African Nation Congress (ANC) and his intentions to release Nelson Mandela.
1943: The Battle of Stalingrad comes to an end as the Axis Powers surrender
Germany’s defeat marked a turning point in World War II.
1925: 20 mushers embark on a journey to transport medicine to Nome, Alaska, inspiring the Iditarod Race
The Iditarod is the world’s longest and most challenging dog sled race.
1922: “Ulysses” by James Joyce is published
The novel is considered one of the most important works of modernist literature.
1852: The first public flushing toilet is opened in London
Using the “Public Waiting Room” at 95 Fleet Street cost 2 pence.
1986: A man rides a bus in Durban, meant for white passengers only, in resistance to South Africa’s apartheid policies 1986
1947: The Chrysler Saratoga was custom built in 1947 at a cost of $25k
1948-49: Sporting two larger-than-life Zippo lighters with neon flames, the car was in parades and special events across the U.S. during 1948-49
Sporting two larger-than-life Zippo lighters with neon flames, the car was in parades and special events across the U.S. during 1948-49
1933: A driver polishes his new streamlined lorry upon its arrival at Wembley, London -1933.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, February 2
1977: Shakira, Colombian singer-songwriter, producer, actress
1963: Eva Cassidy, American singer, guitarist
1926: Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, French politician, 20th President of France
1905: Ayn Rand, Russian/American author, philosopher
1882: James Joyce, Irish author
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, February 2
1996: Gene Kelly, American dancer, actor
1979: Sid Vicious, English singer, bass player
1972: Natalie Clifford Barney, American poet, playwright
1970: Bertrand Russell, 3rd Earl Russell, English mathematician, historian, philosopher, Nobel Prize laureate
1945: Carl Friedrich Goerdeler, German politician
