Annual observance

Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day

November 26 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day, observed annually on November 26th, commemorates the momentous occasion in 1922 when British archaeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon first peered into the antechamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This pivotal event revealed an untouched royal burial site, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization and captivating the world.

Observed each year on November 26, Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day on November 26 celebrates the groundbreaking discovery in 1922 that unveiled the treasures of an untouched royal burial site, profoundly enriching our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history.

Origin and story

On November 26, 1922, Howard Carter made the famous 'Do you see anything?' inquiry, to which Lord Carnarvon replied, 'Yes, wonderful things!'

The tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered almost entirely intact, a rarity for pharaonic burials which had typically been looted over millennia.

Quick facts

  • DateNovember 26
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Write a note or journal entry on why Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Add Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day to your Obscure Holiday Calendar app widget so you get a reminder next year.
  • Share one fast fact about Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day: On November 26, 1922, Howard Carter made the famous 'Do you see anything?' inquiry, to which Lord Carnarvon replied, 'Yes, wonderful things!'
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.

Fun facts

  • On November 26, 1922, Howard Carter made the famous 'Do you see anything?' inquiry, to which Lord Carnarvon replied, 'Yes, wonderful things!'
  • The tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered almost entirely intact, a rarity for pharaonic burials which had typically been looted over millennia.
  • Tutankhamun was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who reigned during the Eighteenth Dynasty (c. 1332–1323 BC), often referred to as the 'boy king' due to his young age at accession and death.
  • The discovery of the tomb and its incredible treasures sparked a global fascination with ancient Egypt and contributed significantly to Egyptology.
  • Despite popular legends of a 'curse of the pharaohs,' most deaths associated with the tomb's opening have been attributed to natural causes or coincidence.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


Continue to

FAQ

When is Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day?
It is observed on November 26 each year.
What is Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day?
Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day, observed annually on November 26th, commemorates the momentous occasion in 1922 when British archaeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon first peered into the antechamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This pivotal event revealed an untouched royal burial site, offering an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization and captivating the world.
How do people celebrate Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day?
Write a note or journal entry on why Tutankhamun's Tomb Discovery Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.

Recently viewed holidays