On This Day - November 2nd
November 2nd takes us deeper into fall in the upper hemisphere, and it’s also a date in history that many people remember for a variety of reasons. As always, we’re here to clue you in on some of the most interesting events to have taken place today, and to show you who you might be sharing a birthday with if you’re celebrating. Here’s everything you’ll probably need to know about November 2nd!
On this day
Peace came to China.
In 1208, the peace treaty between the Chinese Jin and Song dynasties finally came into place. The Song dynasty continued paying tribute after two years of fighting. Sadly, as we all know, battles have raged on since – but any moment of peace is worth remembering.
The Second Battle of Breitenfeld took place.
In 1642, the Second Battle of Breitenfeld, or the First Battle of Leipzig, took place. The Swedish army under Field Marshal Lennart Torstenson defeated the Holy Roman Empire army under Leopold Wilhelm, Austria's Archduke.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation first started.
November 2nd, 1938, is the official birthday of the CBC, or Radio-Canada, which to this day remains Canada's premier public broadcaster. Of course, there are plenty more channels and streaming services to pick from these days!
The Cuban Adjustment Act came into effect.
In 1966, the Cuban Adjustment Act finally came into place. The act allowed 123,000 Cubans the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in the United States of America, after considerable tension between the two nations.
Reagan recognized Martin Luther King Jr.
In 1982, then-US President Ronald Reagan signed into law a motion to create a new holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which commemorated the life and work of one of America’s most influential and inspiring civil rights activists.
Special Days Falling on November 2nd
November 2nd is a very important day of celebration and commemoration all over the world! Here are some of the biggest events taking place across the miles today.
All Souls Day
Every November 2nd, Christians around the world celebrate All Souls Day. People celebrate by going to mass, praying, and lighting a variety of candles to help ease the suffering of the souls who died without being saved. Those souls, according to people who observe this holiday, are believed to be in purgatory.
Day of the Dead
November 2nd is quite possibly most famous for being the Day of the Dead – or in Spanish, Día de los Muertos! This special event takes place every November 2nd in Mexico, where people believe that on this day, the souls of the dead return to the land of the living to visit their loved ones. Therefore, you will find plenty of people visiting graves and setting up altars with gifts for their lost family members, including food, photos, and the photos of the deceased.
Arrival of Indentured Labourers
In Mauritius, every November 2nd is the Arrival of Indentured Labourers. This federal holiday is honored nationwide to honor the indentured laborers brought to the area to work as replacements for slaves. The day, therefore, honors their work and sacrifices and remembers the difficulties they had to endure, including living without basic rights.
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This page was last modified on October 31, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
US President John F. Kennedy was shockingly assassinated in Dallas, Texas, in November, 1963. The news rippled across the world toward the end of the month as the hunt began to bring his assailant to justice – Lee Harvey Oswald.
Famous Birthdays on November 2nd
If you were born on November 2nd…
…you’re a Scorpio! While you’re occasionally known for being headstrong and wear your feelings on your sleeves, there’s still a lot of mystery about you – Scorpios will only trust others when they feel they are close enough to do so! You’re very protective and loyal; nothing means more to you than those you love. You’re represented by the scorpion in the Western Zodiac, and you can learn more about your sign on our Scorpio facts page.
