May 5 in History
May 5 is the anniversary of the death of Jeannie Epper (2024). It is also Holiday or observance: Cinco de Mayo. Commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States it is often a celebration of Mexican American culture; it is not Mexico's Independence Day.. Below are deaths, events for May 5, plus editor's picks and genealogy records.
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Afonso III of Portugal was born in 1210, while Gerontius, Archbishop of Milan died in 465.
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Famous people who died on May 5
2017
Ely Ould Mohamed Vall (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
Head of State of Mauritania from 2005 to 2007
2014
Michael Otedola (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
Nigerian politician (1926–2014) My Grandfather factual
What happened on May 5
- 2023
The World Health Organization declares the end of the COVID-19 pandemic as a global health emergency.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2010
Mass protests in Greece erupt in response to austerity measures imposed by the government as a result of the Greek government-debt crisis.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2007
Kenya Airways Flight 507 crashes after takeoff from Douala International Airport in Douala, Cameroon, killing all 114 aboard, making it the deadliest aircraft disaster in Cameroon.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2006
The government of Sudan signs an accord with the Sudan Liberation Army.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1994
The signing of the Bishkek Protocol between Armenia and Azerbaijan effectively freezes the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1994
American teenager Michael P. Fay is caned in Singapore for theft and vandalism.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1991
A riot breaks out in the Mt. Pleasant section of Washington, D.C. after police shoot a Salvadoran man.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1987
Iran–Contra affair: Start of Congressional televised hearings in the United States.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1985
Ronald Reagan visits the military cemetery at Bitburg and the site of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where he makes a speech.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1981
Bobby Sands dies in the Long Kesh prison hospital (Northern Ireland) after 66 days of hunger-striking, aged 27.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1980
Operation Nimrod: The British Special Air Service storms the Iranian embassy in London after a six-day siege.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1973
Secretariat wins the 1973 Kentucky Derby in 1:59.4, an as-yet-unbeaten record.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1972
Alitalia Flight 112 crashes into Mount Longa near Palermo, Sicily, killing all 115 aboard, making it the deadliest single-aircraft disaster in Italy.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1964
The Council of Europe declares May 5 as Europe Day.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1961
Project Mercury: Alan Shepard becomes the first American to travel into outer space, on a sub-orbital flight.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab)
Births, deaths and events from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab).
Editor's picks
Born on May 5
- 1210 — Afonso III of Portugal (died 1279)
- 1282 — Juan Manuel, Prince of Villena (died 1348)
- 1310 — Preczlaw of Pogarell, Cardinal and Bishop of Wrocław (died 1376)
Died on May 5
- 465 — Gerontius, Archbishop of Milan
- 1194 — Casimir II the Just, Polish son of Bolesław III Wrymouth (born 1138)
- 1243 — Hubert de Burgh, 1st Earl of Kent, English justiciar (born c. (circa) 1160)
Source: Wikipedia historical listings for May 5
Quick answers
Who died on May 5? Jeannie Epper (2024), Bernard Hill (2024), César Luis Menotti (2024).
What holiday is on May 5? Holiday or observance: Cinco de Mayo. Commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States it is often a celebration of Mexican American culture; it is not Mexico's Independence Day..
Explore genealogy records
Researching someone born in May? Search birth records
Live genealogy events
This calendar is live and has its own date controls; it is separate from the May 5 historical article above.
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Holiday Sale: 65% off AncestryDNA. Offer ends 11/19. Terms apply.
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