Sunday, 11th February 1940 in Paris
Welcome to your daily snapshot of Paris! It's International Day of Women and Girls in Science and World Day of the Sick. Explore 56 historical events, birthdays, deaths, and milestones that shaped this day in Paris. From remarkable moments in local and world history to the people who left their mark — find out what makes today special. Today's weather in Paris brings snowy with temperatures between -4°C and 3°C. Tonight's moon is in its waning gibbous phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Aquarius. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Sunday, 11th February in Paris, FR.
On 11 February 1940, Paris experienced snowy conditions as the city continued to navigate the early months of the Second World War. Paris, the capital of France, sits on the Seine in north-central France and has served as a major European centre for culture, politics and commerce for centuries. The weather that Sunday was waning gibbous moon conditions, whilst those born on this date fell under the Aquarius zodiac sign.
Several significant events in European history share this date across different years. In 1990, anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was released from Victor Verster Prison near Paarl, South Africa, after spending 27 years as a political prisoner. His release marked a turning point in the struggle against apartheid and set the stage for democratic transitions in South Africa. Earlier, in 1938, the BBC broadcast an adaptation of Czech writer Karel Čapek's play R.U.R., which represented the first televised science fiction production in broadcasting history.
The digital age also saw notable events on this date. In 2001, a 20-year-old Dutch student released the Anna Kournikova computer worm, which would eventually affect millions of users worldwide, demonstrating the emerging cybersecurity challenges of the internet era. These varied historical moments underscore how significant developments have unfolded across political, cultural and technological domains throughout modern history.
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What the Weather Had in Store for Paris on 11th February 1940
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Fortune of the Day
11th February in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces
Personality Profile
Personality People born on February 11th embody Aquarius innovation with added intellectual sharpness from Mercury's influence. They think originally, communicate precisely, and question social norms with thoughtful detachment. Their minds are future-oriented and brimming with unconventional ideas.
Strengths & Weaknesses Their strengths lie in analytical intelligence, creative problem-solving, and genuine independence. However, they can seem emotionally distant and struggle with commitment. Over-intellectualizing often overshadows spontaneous feelings.
Love In relationships, these individuals seek partners who respect their independence and value intellectual debate. They need space for personal freedom and deep, honest communication. Emotional expression doesn't come naturally, yet their loyalty runs profound.
Caree & Finance People born on this day thrive in technology, science, education, or social innovation fields. Their ability to recognize patterns and think creatively makes them valuable problem-solvers. They build financial stability through continuous self-development and strategic thinking.
Health Mental stimulation and intellectual activities support their psychological well-being. Regular movement and social engagement prevent emotional stagnation. Adequate rest and mindfulness help calm their bustling minds.
That night, the moon was in its waning gibbous phase.
Chinese year of the Dragon (Metal).
Fun Facts About 11th February
Name Days in Your Language: Adolfo, Adolph, Adolpha, Alva, Alvarita, Alvaro, Lourdes
Someone born on this day in 1940 would be 86 years old today — just 31,466 days into life, which is roughly 755,186 hours, 45,311,198 minutes, or 2,718,671,921 seconds spent on Earth so far.
It's the 42. day of the year.
As this is a leap year, there are 324 days still to come.
We’re currently in Week 6 — the year marches on.
Famous Birthdays on 11th February
- Joselito, Spanish singer and actor (1943)
- Alan Rubin, American trumpet player (died 2011) (1943)
- Otis Clay, American singer-songwriter (died 2016) (1942)
- Sérgio Mendes, Brazilian pianist and composer (died 2024) (1941)
- Calvin Fowler, American basketball player (died 2013) (1940)
- Gerry Goffin, American songwriter (died 2014) (1939)
- Bevan Congdon, New Zealand cricketer (died 2018) (1938)
- Ian Gow, British politician (died 1990) (1937)
- Bill Lawry, Australian cricketer and sportscaster (1937)
- Eddie Shack, Canadian ice hockey player (died 2020) (1937)
Lives Remembered on 11th February
- James Van Der Beek, American actor (born 1977) (2026)
- Betsy Arakawa, American classical pianist (born 1959) (2025)
- Moses Lim, Singaporean actor (born 1949) (2025)
- Allen J. Bard, American chemist (born 1933) (2024)
- Donald Spoto, American biographer (born 1941) (2023)
- Vic Damone, American singer, songwriter and actor (born 1928) (2018)
- Asma Jahangir, Pakistani human-rights lawyer and social activist (born 1952) (2018)
- Jan Maxwell, American stage and television actress (born 1956) (2018)
- Qazi Wajid, Pakistani drama actor, writer and artist (born 1930) (2018)
- Fab Melo, Brazilian basketball player (born 1990) (2017)
Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 11th February
- Christian feast day: Blaise Eastern Orthodox liturgics
- Christian feast day: Cædmon, first recorded Christian poet in England, c. 680 CE (Anglicanism)
- Christian feast day: Gobnait
- Christian feast day: Gregory II
- Christian feast day: Lazarus of Milan
- Christian feast day: Peter of Jesus Maldonado
- Christian feast day: Soteris
- Christian feast day: February 11 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
- European 112 Day (European Union)
- Armed Forces Day (Liberia)
- Evelio Javier Day (Panay Island, the Philippines)
- Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes (Catholic Church), and its related observance World Day of the Sick (Roman Catholic Church)
- Inventors' Day (United States)
- National Foundation Day (Japan)
- Youth Day (Cameroon)
- International Day of Women and Girls in Science (UN Women)
What Happened on 11th February?
- 2024 Finnish presidential election: Alexander Stubb is elected as the 13th president of Finland. (2024)
- COVID-19 pandemic: The World Health Organization officially names the coronavirus outbreak as COVID-19, with the virus being designated SARS-CoV-2. (2020)
- Saratov Airlines Flight 703 crashes near Moscow, Russia with 71 deaths and no survivors. (2018)
- North Korea test fires a ballistic missile across the Sea of Japan. (2017)
- A man shoots seven people dead at an education center in Jizan Province, Saudi Arabia. (2016)
- A university student is murdered as she resists an attempted rape in Turkey, sparking nationwide protests and public outcry against harassment and violence against women. (2015)
- The European Space Agency's Intermediate eXperimental Vehicle is launched on a Vega rocket. (2015)
- A military transport plane crashes in a mountainous area of Oum El Bouaghi Province in eastern Algeria, killing 77 people. (2014)
- The Vatican confirms that Pope Benedict XVI will resign the papacy as a result of his advanced age. (2013)
- Militants claiming to be from the Sultanate of Sulu invade Lahad Datu District, Sabah, Malaysia, beginning the Lahad Datu standoff. (2013)