Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

April 30

April 30 is the 120th day of the year (121st in ) in the , leaving 245 days until year's end. The date has hosted transformative events across eras, such as issuing the in 311, formally ceasing state-sponsored throughout the empire; Spain's monarchs commissioning in 1492 to seek a western route to , catalyzing ; the 1803 signing of the treaty, whereby the acquired approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from for $15 million, effectively doubling its land area; Adolf Hitler's suicide by gunshot in his Berlin in 1945 as Soviet forces overran the city, hastening Nazi Germany's days later; and North Vietnamese forces capturing Saigon on April 30, 1975, precipitating the collapse of and the war's conclusion under communist control.
In Northern and Central European traditions, April 30 eve constitutes , a pre-Christian-derived festival adapted in Christian contexts to honor , wherein communities ignite bonfires, sing choral spring hymns, and convene publicly to symbolically dispel winter's chill and malevolent influences through noise and light. Since 2011, the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has designated April 30 as International Jazz Day, promoting the genre's improvisational ethos and global cultural exchange via concerts and educational initiatives.

Events

Pre-1600

311 – issued the from , effectively ending the that had targeted since 303. The acknowledged the failure of prior suppression efforts, permitted to practice their faith openly, and allowed restoration of seized church properties, marking a pivotal shift toward religious accommodation in the empire. This edict, preserved in accounts by and , reflected Galerius's pragmatic recognition that had not eradicated but instead disrupted imperial administration. 1315 – , influential chamberlain and financial advisor to , was executed by hanging at Montfaucon gallows in . Accused posthumously after Philip's death in November 1314 of , , and favoritism toward his kin, Marigny's downfall was driven by court rivals including the , who exploited the king's final testament to condemn him. Despite his role in stabilizing French finances through taxation reforms and foreign policy successes, such as the with , Marigny's rapid trial and —leaving his body displayed as a warning—highlighted the precarious power of royal ministers amid feudal intrigue and superstition. His properties were confiscated, though later rehabilitated under Charles IV in 1317.

1601–1900

On April 30, 1789, took the oath of office as the first President of the on the balcony of in , marking the commencement of the federal government under the . The treaty was signed on April 30, 1803, in , whereby ceded to the approximately 828,000 square miles of territory west of the for 60 million francs (about $15 million), effectively doubling the size of the young republic and facilitating westward expansion. Louisiana was admitted to the Union as the 18th state on April 30, 1812, following congressional approval of its statehood constitution earlier that year, after the Territory of Orleans met population requirements derived from the enabling act of 1804. The Hawaiian Organic Act was enacted by the U.S. Congress on April 30, 1900, providing a framework for civil government in the Territory of Hawaii, including a governor, legislature, and judiciary, while extending the U.S. Constitution's protections to residents and formalizing administration after annexation in 1898.

1901–present

Births

Pre-1600

311 – issued the from , effectively ending the that had targeted since 303. The decree acknowledged the failure of prior suppression efforts, permitted to practice their faith openly, and allowed restoration of seized church properties, marking a pivotal shift toward religious accommodation in the empire. This edict, preserved in accounts by and , reflected 's pragmatic recognition that persecution had not eradicated but instead disrupted imperial administration. 1315 – , influential chamberlain and financial advisor to , was executed by hanging at Montfaucon gallows in . Accused posthumously after Philip's death in November 1314 of sorcery, embezzlement, and favoritism toward his Norman kin, Marigny's downfall was driven by court rivals including the , who exploited the king's final testament to condemn him. Despite his role in stabilizing French finances through taxation reforms and foreign policy successes, such as the with , Marigny's rapid trial and —leaving his body displayed as a warning—highlighted the precarious power of royal ministers amid feudal intrigue and superstition. His properties were confiscated, though later rehabilitated under Charles IV in 1317.

1601–1900

On April 30, 1789, took the as the first on the balcony of in , marking the commencement of the federal government under the . The treaty was signed on April 30, 1803, in , whereby ceded to the approximately 828,000 square miles of territory west of the for 60 million francs (about $15 million), effectively doubling the size of the young republic and facilitating westward expansion. Louisiana was admitted to the Union as the 18th state on April 30, 1812, following congressional approval of its statehood constitution earlier that year, after the Territory of Orleans met population requirements derived from the enabling act of 1804. The Hawaiian Organic Act was enacted by the U.S. Congress on April 30, 1900, providing a framework for civil government in the Territory of Hawaii, including a governor, legislature, and judiciary, while extending the U.S. Constitution's protections to residents and formalizing administration after annexation in 1898.

1901–present

Deaths

Pre-1600

311 – issued the from , effectively ending the that had targeted since 303. The decree acknowledged the failure of prior suppression efforts, permitted to practice their faith openly, and allowed restoration of seized church properties, marking a pivotal shift toward religious accommodation in the empire. This edict, preserved in accounts by and , reflected 's pragmatic recognition that persecution had not eradicated but instead disrupted imperial administration. 1315 – , influential chamberlain and financial advisor to , was executed by hanging at Montfaucon gallows in . Accused posthumously after Philip's death in November 1314 of sorcery, embezzlement, and favoritism toward his Norman kin, Marigny's downfall was driven by court rivals including the , who exploited the king's final testament to condemn him. Despite his role in stabilizing French finances through taxation reforms and foreign policy successes, such as the with , Marigny's rapid trial and —leaving his body displayed as a warning—highlighted the precarious power of royal ministers amid feudal intrigue and superstition. His properties were confiscated, though later rehabilitated under Charles IV in 1317.

1601–1900

On April 30, 1789, took the as the first on the balcony of in , marking the commencement of the federal government under the . The treaty was signed on April 30, 1803, in , whereby ceded to the approximately 828,000 square miles of territory west of the for 60 million francs (about $15 million), effectively doubling the size of the young republic and facilitating westward expansion. Louisiana was admitted to the Union as the 18th state on April 30, 1812, following congressional approval of its statehood constitution earlier that year, after the Territory of Orleans met population requirements derived from the enabling act of 1804. The Hawaiian Organic Act was enacted by the U.S. Congress on April 30, 1900, providing a framework for civil government in the , including a , , and , while extending the U.S. Constitution's protections to residents and formalizing administration after in 1898.

1901–present

Holidays and Observances

Religious and Traditional

In the Roman Catholic Church, April 30 is the feast day of Pope Saint Pius V, who served from 1566 to 1572 and is remembered for implementing the and leading the Catholic response to the , including the victory at the in 1571. Born Antonio Ghislieri in 1504, Pius V was canonized in 1712 for his rigorous enforcement of doctrinal orthodoxy and moral reforms, such as the establishment of the Index of Forbidden Books. The day also commemorates Saint James the Less and Saint the Apostle in some traditional Catholic calendars, though their joint feast was moved to in the revised 1969 Roman calendar; these apostles are venerated for their roles in early Christian evangelism, with Philip credited in the Gospel of John for facilitating the feeding of the five thousand. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity, April 30 (Gregorian) marks the commemoration of several martyrs and hierarchs, including the 30 Martyrs of who suffered under Emperor Maximinus in the 4th century, and Saint Donatus of Euroea, a bishop in known for his pastoral leadership amid persecutions. These observances emphasize themes of steadfast faith and martyrdom, with liturgical readings focusing on and divine protection. Walpurgis Night, observed on April 30 in Germanic and Scandinavian countries, blends pre-Christian pagan spring rituals with Christian elements tied to the eve of Saint Walpurga's feast on May 1; the saint, an 8th-century English missionary in , was invoked against and due to the healing oils from her relics coinciding with the bloom. Traditionally, communities in , and light bonfires, sing folk songs, and engage in dances to symbolically ward off evil spirits, a practice rooted in ancient Germanic efforts to mark the seasonal transition and deter malevolent forces active at spring's onset. In , it remains a secularized national tradition with public gatherings at sites like the , attracting thousands for choral performances and fireworks, while retaining folklore of witches convening on mountaintops like the in 's Mountains. Historical accounts trace these customs to medieval efforts to Christianize pagan Beltane-like rites, though of widespread gatherings is absent, with the tradition persisting as a cultural festival rather than active sorcery.

Secular and National

International Jazz Day is an annual global observance proclaimed by in November 2011 and celebrated on April 30 to recognize jazz's diplomatic role in fostering intercultural dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding among diverse populations. The initiative, co-chaired by , features worldwide , educational workshops, and broadcasts, with participation from over 190 countries in recent years, emphasizing jazz's origins in African American communities and its evolution as a universal art form promoting freedom and creativity. Events culminate in a global , often streamed live, highlighting collaborations among musicians from varied cultural backgrounds to underscore the genre's capacity for bridging social divides. In , April 30 marks (Ngày Thống nhất), a national public holiday commemorating the capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975, which ended the and led to the country's unification under communist rule the following year. Celebrations include military parades in , fireworks displays, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural programs attended by millions, with the 50th anniversary in 2025 drawing official commemorations emphasizing national unity and victory over foreign intervention. Among diaspora communities abroad, the date is often observed as a day of mourning for the fall of , reflecting divergent historical interpretations of the event's consequences, including mass and re-education camps. Mexico observes (Día del Niño) on April 30, a nationwide celebration established in 1925 to honor , health, and education, though not designated as a statutory . Schools and communities host events such as games, piñata parties, distributions, and promotional discounts on children's products, aiming to promote reading and family bonding; it coincides with Book Day (Día de los Libros) to encourage literacy among youth. Thailand designates April 30 as Consumer Protection Day, observed annually since 1980 to educate citizens on rights under the Consumer Protection Act of 1979 (B.E. 2522), which safeguards against unfair trade practices and defective goods. agencies, including the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, organize campaigns, seminars, and media drives to raise awareness of complaint mechanisms and regulatory enforcement, with nationwide activities focusing on safe consumption amid growing and import reliance.

References

  1. [1]
    On This Day – What Happened on April 30 - Time and Date
    1993 – CERN announces that World Wide Web protocols will remain free · 1993 – Tennis ace Monica Seles is stabbed by an obsessed fan · 1975 – The fall of Saigon ...
  2. [2]
    Historical Events on April 30 - On This Day
    Henry IV Gives Away West Friesland · Columbus Granted Royal Commission · Treaty of Westminster · Treaty of Vienna · John Wilkes Confined in Tower · George Washington ...
  3. [3]
    Today in History: April 30, Vietnam War ends - AP News
    On April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War ended as the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon fell to Communist forces.Missing: major | Show results with:major
  4. [4]
    Walpurgis Night – 30 April | sweden.se
    Jun 16, 2025 · Walpurgis Night – Valborg in Swedish – is a kick-off for spring. On the last day of April, people sing songs of spring and bonfires are lit across the country.Missing: significance | Show results with:significance
  5. [5]
    April 30 | Holidays, Birthdays, Events - National Today
    What is April 30th? Holidays. Apr30. 739 Shares. Arts & Entertainment. International Jazz Day. Apr30. 182 Shares. Cultural. Day of the Child. Apr30. Fun ...
  6. [6]
    The Edict of Toleration, April 30, 311. - This Week in History
    May 15, 2025 · The Edict of Toleration of Galerius, also known as the Edict of Serdica, was proclaimed on April 30, 311. It officially ended the repressive measures enacted ...
  7. [7]
    The Edict of Galerius (311 A. D.) re-considered - Persée
    Galerius, as it is generally known, proclaimed his famous edict of toleration in April, 311. Perhaps the best explanation of its origin is still that of Gibbon.<|separator|>
  8. [8]
    1315: Enguerrand de Marigny, on Montfaucon - Executed Today
    Apr 30, 2008 · On this date in 1315, an obscure petty noble who had become the king's right-hand man was hanged by his rivals a few months after his royal ...
  9. [9]
    What Happened on April 30 | HISTORY
    On April 30th, Hitler committed suicide, Washington gave his first address, the Louisiana Purchase was completed, the World Wide Web launched, and the Fall of ...Missing: occurrences | Show results with:occurrences
  10. [10]
    On This Day - What Happened on April 30 | Britannica
    George Washington, the first president of the United States, was inaugurated this day in 1789 in Federal Hall in New York City.
  11. [11]
    Louisiana Purchase Treaty (1803) - National Archives
    May 10, 2022 · In this transaction with France, signed on April 30, 1803, the United States purchased 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi ...
  12. [12]
    Louisiana Statehood, 1812 | National Archives
    Jul 24, 2019 · Louisiana became a state in 1812, less than 10 years after the Louisiana Purchase. The House passed an act for admission on March 20, 1812.
  13. [13]
    Admission of States to the Union: A Historical Reference Guide
    Dec 17, 2024 · April 8, 1812: President Madison signs the act admitting Louisiana into the Union, which will take effect on April 30. April 30, 1812: Louisiana ...
  14. [14]
    [PDF] United States Code: Hawaii, 48 U.S.C. §§ 508-714 (Suppl. 3 1946).
    The Hawaiian Organic Act referred to in text is act Apr. 30, 1900, ch. 339, 31 Stat.
  15. [15]
    President Nixon's Speech on Cambodia, April 30, 1970
    This is not an invasion of Cambodia. The areas in which these attacks will ... The action that I have announced tonight puts the leaders of North ...
  16. [16]
    https://home.cern/science/computing/birth-web
  17. [17]
    Factbox - Key dates in life of Japanese Emperor Akihito - Reuters
    Apr 25, 2019 · Emperor Akihito, 85, will step down on April 30, the first Japanese monarch to abdicate in nearly two centuries.
  18. [18]
    Emperor Akihito: Japanese monarch declares historic abdication
    Apr 30, 2019 · The 85-year-old was given permission to abdicate after saying he felt unable to fulfil his role because of his age and declining health. He is ...
  19. [19]
    https://www.catholic.org/saints/sofd.php
  20. [20]
    Calendar of Saints - 30 April - CatholicSaints.Mobi
    Saint Marie of the Incarnation Guyart · Saint Joseph Benedict Cottolengo · Pope Saint Pius V · Blessed Benedict of Urbino · Saint Erconwald of London · Blessed ...
  21. [21]
    April 30 - OrthodoxWiki
    30 martyrs, at Alexandria; Saint Donatus of Euroea, Bishop of Euroea in Epirus (387); Saint Clement the Hymnographer, Abbot of the Studion Monastery (9th c.)
  22. [22]
    Lives of all saints commemorated on April 30
    Apr 30, 2016 · Great and Holy Saturday is the day on which Christ reposed in the tomb. The Church calls this day the Blessed Sabbath.
  23. [23]
    Walpurgis Night | Pagan Rituals, Witchcraft & Bonfires | Britannica
    Initially, Walpurgis Night was celebrated by the Finnish upper class. Then, in the late 19th century, students (most notably engineering students) took up its ...
  24. [24]
    Walpurgisnacht: The German Night of the Witches explained
    Apr 26, 2024 · Locals would therefore come together on April 30 to protect themselves from the witches. To keep away “evil spirits”, they would make loud ...
  25. [25]
    https://www.vam.ac.uk/blog/museum-life/walpurgis-night-the-witches-sabbath-and-the-first-of-may
  26. [26]
    The History and Significance of Walpurgis Night - Battle-Merchant
    May 1, 2025 · Walpurgis Night takes its name from Saint Walburga, an 8th-century Anglo-Saxon abbess whose feast day is celebrated on May 1st. However, the ...
  27. [27]
    International Jazz Day | UNESCO
    Apr 30, 2025 · UNESCO proclaimed 30 April as International Jazz Day in November 2011. This Day is an opportunity to foster greater appreciation – not only for music.30 April 2025The global celebration of ...International Jazz DayNewsInternational Jazz Day – 30 ...
  28. [28]
    International Jazz Day | United Nations
    Apr 30, 2025 · The 2025 edition of International Jazz Day, organized by UNESCO and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, is being celebrated on 30 April in more than 190 ...
  29. [29]
    Reunification Day - Vietnam Tourism
    A national-level celebration celebrating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification in Ho Chi Minh City on 30th April.
  30. [30]
    'Victory of faith', Vietnamese celebrate 50 years since end ... - Reuters
    Apr 30, 2025 · The historic anniversary commemorates the first act of the country's reunification on April 30, 1975 when Communist-run North Vietnam seized ...
  31. [31]
    Children's Day 2026 in Mexico - Time and Date
    Children's Day in Mexico is on April 30, 2026, a tribute to children, not a public holiday, and has been celebrated since 1925.
  32. [32]
    Children's Day in Mexico El Dia de los Niños
    El Dia de los Niños, celebrated on April 30 in Mexico, recognizes children's importance and well-being. It is linked to Dia de los Libros, encouraging reading.
  33. [33]
    Consumer Protection Day in Thailand / April 30, 2025 - AnydayGuide
    Consumer Protection Day is celebrated in Thailand on April 30. It was created in 1980 to encourage Thai citizens to learn more about consumer rights.
  34. [34]
    Thailand marked Consumer Protection Day on April 30th ... - Facebook
    Apr 30, 2025 · Thailand marked Consumer Protection Day on April 30th with a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of consumer rights and promote ...