756day.year
Chinese New Year; An Lushan proclaims himself Emperor of China and founds the short-lived state of Yan.
During the Chinese New Year festival, rebel leader An Lushan proclaims himself Emperor of the new state of Yan.
On February 5, 756, amid Chinese New Year celebrations, the general An Lushan declared himself Emperor of Yan.
This declaration split the realm and intensified the An Lushan Rebellion against the Tang dynasty.
The short-lived state of Yan challenged the imperial court's authority over northern China.
Widespread military campaigns and political upheaval followed the proclamation.
The rebellion devastated local economies and reshaped the era's power dynamics.
Despite its brief existence, the state of Yan left a lasting mark on Chinese history.
756
Chinese New Year
An Lushan
Emperor of China
Yan
1905day.year
In Mexico, the General Hospital of Mexico is inaugurated, started with four basic specialties.
The General Hospital of Mexico opened on February 5, 1905, debuting four core medical specialties in Mexico City.
On February 5, 1905, the General Hospital of Mexico was inaugurated with departments in surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, and pediatrics.
Established to improve public healthcare access, it became a central institution for Mexico’s medical services.
The hospital played a key role in responding to epidemics and training healthcare professionals.
Over the years, it expanded its research and teaching missions, making significant contributions to Mexican medicine.
Today, it remains one of the country’s premier medical centers with a century-long legacy of service.
1905
General Hospital of Mexico
1975day.year
Riots break out in Lima, Peru after the police forces go on strike the day before. The uprising (locally known as the Limazo) is bloodily suppressed by the military dictatorship.
On February 5, 1975, the Limazo riots erupted in Lima when police went on strike, leading to widespread unrest and a brutal military crackdown.
On February 5, 1975, Lima was engulfed by the Limazo riots after the city's police force walked off the job, creating a security vacuum that sparked looting and clashes. Civilians, facing economic hardship and political repression under General Juan Velasco Alvarado's military regime, took to the streets in anger and desperation. The government responded with troops, tanks, and tear gas, violently restoring order and causing numerous casualties. The uprising exposed deep societal frustrations and highlighted the authoritarian nature of the Peruvian dictatorship. Although suppressed, the Limazo underscored growing discontent that would later contribute to political changes in Peru.
1975
Lima, Peru
the day before
Limazo
1981day.year
Operation Soap: The Metropolitan Toronto Police Force raids four gay bathhouses in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, arresting just under 300, triggering mass protest and rallies.
Operation Soap on February 5, 1981 saw Toronto police raid gay bathhouses, arresting nearly 300 and igniting the country's first large-scale LGBTQ+ protests.
On February 5, 1981, the Metropolitan Toronto Police carried out Operation Soap, raiding four gay bathhouses and arresting nearly 300 men in one of the largest mass arrests in Canadian history. The raids targeted venues associated with the LGBTQ+ community at a time when homosexuality was still widely stigmatized and partially criminalized. In response, thousands of activists and supporters organized rallies and demonstrations, marking Canada's first major gay rights protests. The public outcry challenged prevailing prejudices and helped catalyze legal reforms, including decriminalization and anti-discrimination measures. Operation Soap is remembered as a turning point in Canada's LGBTQ+ rights movement, showcasing the power of grassroots activism.
1981
Operation Soap
Metropolitan Toronto Police Force
Toronto
2016day.year
New Zealand politician Steven Joyce is hit by a flung rubber dildo in a Waitangi Day protest.
During a Waitangi Day protest on February 5, 2016, New Zealand politician Steven Joyce was struck by a thrown rubber dildo.
On Waitangi Day 2016 in Wellington, New Zealand, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Steven Joyce attended a commemoration event.
Protesters opposing government policies targeted Joyce, hurling objects at him during a speech.
A protester’s thrown rubber dildo struck Joyce, earning international media attention and widespread amusement.
The incident highlighted tensions over historical grievances and contemporary Māori rights discussions.
Joyce downplayed the assault and continued his duties, while police made several arrests at the protest.
The event became a viral symbol of theatrical protest in New Zealand’s political discourse.
2016
Steven Joyce
hit by a flung rubber dildo
Waitangi Day
2021day.year
Police riot in Mexico City as they try to break up a demonstration by cyclists who were protesting after a bus ran over a bicyclist. Eleven police officers are arrested.
In Mexico City on February 5, 2021, police clashed with cyclists protesting a fatal bus collision, leading to a riot and arrests.
Cyclists in Mexico City staged a demonstration after a bus struck and killed a fellow rider on a popular city cycle route.
Police attempted to disperse the crowd on February 5, 2021, resulting in clashes and a chaotic riot.
Eyewitnesses accused officers of using excessive force, and protesters reported injuries from batons and tear gas.
Eleven police officers were later arrested on charges of brutality and misconduct.
The incident reignited public debate over road safety, police accountability, and the rights of urban cyclists.
2021
Mexico City