October 31 in History
October 31 is the birthday of Leonor, Princess of Asturias (2005) and the anniversary of the death of Ken Mattingly (2023). It is also Holiday or observance: Halloween. A cultural holiday shaped by older seasonal and Christian observances. In the United States, costumes, neighborhood trick-or-treating, and pumpkin decorations are common traditions.. Below are famous birthdays, deaths, events for October 31, plus editor's picks and genealogy records.
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Ferdinand I, king of Portugal was born in 1345, while Al-Muqtadir, Abbasid caliph died in 932.
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Famous people born on October 31
Famous people who died on October 31
2014
David Manker Abshire (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
American diplomat and politician (1926-2014)
2013
Andres Narvasa (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
Chief Justice of the Philippines from 1991 to 1998
2013
Bobby Parker (guitarist) (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
American musician and songwriter (1937–2013)
2010
Ted Sorensen (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
American lawyer and presidential adviser (1928–2010)
2008
Studs Terkel (Wikipedia, opens in a new tab)
American author, historian and broadcaster (1912–2008)
What happened on October 31
- 2020
Berlin Brandenburg Airport opens its doors after nearly 10 years of delays due to construction issues and project corruption.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2017
A truck drives into a crowd in Lower Manhattan, New York City, killing eight people.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2015
Metrojet Flight 9268 is bombed over the northern Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2014
During a test flight, the VSS Enterprise, a Virgin Galactic experimental spaceflight test vehicle, suffers a catastrophic in-flight breakup and crashes in the Mojave Desert, California.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2011
The global population of humans reaches seven billion. This day is now recognized by the United Nations as the Day of Seven Billion.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2003
Mahathir Mohamad resigns as Prime Minister of Malaysia and is replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, marking an end to Mahathir's 22 years in power.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2002
A federal grand jury in Houston, Texas indicts former Enron chief financial officer Andrew Fastow on 78 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the collapse of his ex-employer.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2000
Soyuz TM-31 launches, carrying the first resident crew to the International Space Station. The ISS has been crewed continuously since then.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 2000
Singapore Airlines Flight 006 crashes on takeoff from Taipei, killing 83.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1999
Yachtsman Jesse Martin returns to Melbourne after 11 months of circumnavigating the world, solo, non-stop and unassisted.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1999
EgyptAir Flight 990 crashes into the Atlantic Ocean near Nantucket, killing all 217 people on board.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1998
Iraq disarmament crisis begins: Iraq announces it would no longer cooperate with United Nations weapons inspectors.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1996
TAM Transportes Aéreos Regionais Flight 402 crashes in São Paulo, Brazil, killing 99 people.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1994
American Eagle Flight 4184 crashes near Roselawn, Indiana killing all 68 people on board.
Wikipedia source (opens in a new tab) - 1984
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by two Sikh security guards. Riots break out in New Delhi and other cities and around 3,000 Sikhs are killed.
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 October 31
- 1345 — Ferdinand I, king of Portugal (died 1383)
- 1391 — Edward, King of Portugal (died 1438)
- 1424 — Władysław III, king of Poland (died 1444)
Died on October 31
- 932 — Al-Muqtadir, Abbasid caliph (born 895)
- 994 — Wolfgang of Regensburg, German bishop and saint (born 934)
- 1005 — Abe no Seimei, Japanese astrologer (born 921)
Source: Wikipedia historical listings for October 31
Quick answers
Who was born on October 31? Leonor, Princess of Asturias (2005), Ansu Fati (2002), Willow Smith (2000).
Who died on October 31? Ken Mattingly (2023), Sean Connery (2020), MF Doom (2020).
What holiday is on October 31? Holiday or observance: Halloween. A cultural holiday shaped by older seasonal and Christian observances. In the United States, costumes, neighborhood trick-or-treating, and pumpkin decorations are common traditions..
Explore genealogy records
Researching someone born in October? Search birth records
Live genealogy events
This calendar is live and has its own date controls; it is separate from the October 31 historical article above.
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