Is Friday the 13th scary? What to know about the ‘unlucky’ date

Keep an eye out for black cats and bad omens—the first Friday the 13th of the year is almost here.

Friday, Feb. 13, marks the first appearance of the famously “unlucky” date in 2026, a day long linked to eerie folklore and superstition. The belief traces back hundreds of years to early European traditions and Christian symbolism, as noted by History.com.

This year is unusual because the calendar includes three Friday the 13ths. After February, the next one arrives quickly on March 13, with the final occurrence not until November.

Here’s a closer look at the lore behind the date.

When does Friday the 13th fall in 2026?

The first Friday the 13th lands on Feb. 13, 2026.

Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky?

For many people, the combination of the number 13 and the day Friday carries a long-standing reputation for misfortune rooted in superstition rather than fact.

How do people try to avoid bad luck?

Those who take the superstition seriously often follow quirky rituals meant to ward off trouble, including:

• Turning clothing inside out

• Knocking on wood

• Breaking clear glass intentionally

• Stepping carefully to avoid sidewalk cracks

• Keeping an acorn in a pocket for protection

Where did the fear originate?

According to History.com, Western unease with Friday the 13th blends religious stories with old European customs. Over time, the number 13 became associated with imbalance and foreboding.

One commonly cited reference comes from the Christian story of the Last Supper, where Judas Iscariot—who later betrayed Jesus—was the 13th guest at the table.

A similar theme appears in Norse mythology, where Loki, a mischievous god, crashes a feast as the 13th attendee, bringing chaos in his wake.

Other Friday the 13ths in 2026

After February, the remaining dates are:

• March 13, 2026

• Nov. 13, 2026

Has anything truly unfortunate happened on Friday the 13th?

Skeptics dismiss the day as coincidence and myth. Still, some historical events that happened on the 13th of a month are often cited as eerie examples. Reporting from Business Insider and other outlets highlights several notable moments:

• During World War II, German bombs struck Buckingham Palace and its chapel on Sept. 13, 1940.

• Uruguayan Flight 571 crash-landed in the Andes on Oct. 13, 1972. Survivors endured extreme conditions for weeks, a story later retold in books and film.

• A failed airline buyout on Oct. 13, 1989, sent shockwaves through financial markets. Coverage from CNBC noted a steep sell-off in the Dow Jones and losses in the S&P 500.

• The cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground and sank on Jan. 13, 2012. It became the largest passenger vessel ever wrecked, carrying nearly twice as many people as the Titanic, though 32 lives were lost.

• March 13, 2020, is widely remembered as an early turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, when President Donald Trump declared a national emergency.

Whether you see it as harmless folklore or a date to approach cautiously, Friday the 13th continues to capture imaginations centuries after the superstition began.

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