Triple Threat: Why 2026 is the Year of Friday the 13th
If you woke up today feeling a bit more cautious than usual, you aren’t alone. Today is Friday, February 13, 2026, the first of a rare “trilogy” of superstitious dates hitting the calendar this year. While most years feature only one or two such days, 2026 is a statistical outlier, pushing the limits of the Gregorian calendar with a full trio of unlucky Fridays.
Whether you’re the type to hide under the covers or the first in line at a tattoo shop, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 “triple threat” and the strange history behind the world’s most famous superstition.
The 2026 Calendar: Three Chances for Bad Luck
In 2026, we are facing a “perfect storm” of scheduling. Because the year began on a Thursday, the months of February, March, and November all begin on a Sunday. By the laws of the calendar, any month that starts on a Sunday will inevitably have a Friday the 13th.+1
The dates for your 2026 “Triggatriskaidekaphobia” (the fear of Friday the 13th) are:
- Friday, February 13 (Right before Valentine’s Day)
- Friday, March 13 (Exactly four weeks after the first)
- Friday, November 13 (The final act)
This “back-to-back” February and March occurrence happens only once every 28 years in a common year cycle, making this a particularly notable year for those who track the calendar’s quirks.
Why 13? The Origins of the Curse
The fear of the number 13—known as triskaidekaphobia—is deeply embedded in Western culture, and its origins are a cocktail of mythology and religious history.
The Last Supper
The most common theory stems from the Bible. At the Last Supper, there were 13 guests at the table (Jesus and his 12 apostles). The 13th guest was Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Because the crucifixion occurred on the following day, a Friday, the combination of the number 13 and the day Friday became a “double whammy” of ill omens.+2
Norse Mischief
Long before the 19th-century popularization of the date, Norse mythology told a similar tale. According to legend, 12 gods were having a dinner party in Valhalla when Loki, the god of mischief, crashed as the 13th guest. The ensuing chaos led to the death of the beloved god Balder, plunging the world into darkness and mourning.+2
The Knights Templar
Another popular (though debated) historical origin points to Friday, October 13, 1307. On this day, King Philip IV of France ordered the mass arrest of the Knights Templar. Hundreds of monks were tortured and executed, leading many to believe the day itself was cursed by the fallen order.
Paraskevidekatriaphobia: More Than Just a Superstition
For some, this isn’t just a fun piece of folklore. Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the clinical term for a disabling fear of Friday the 13th. It’s estimated that millions of people suffer from some form of anxiety on this day.
In fact, the superstition has a real-world economic impact:
- Airlines & Travel: Some travelers avoid flying on the 13th, leading to slight dips in ticket sales.
- Real Estate: You’ll notice that roughly 90% of skyscrapers in the U.S. lack a labeled “13th Floor,” jumping straight from 12 to 14 to appease superstitious tenants.
- Business Losses: Estimates suggest that hundreds of millions of dollars are lost in business revenue globally as people avoid making major purchases, getting married, or traveling.
From Fear to Flash: Modern Traditions
While some stay home, others have turned the “unlucky” day into a subculture holiday.
The $13 Tattoo Tradition
Perhaps the most famous modern tradition is the Friday the 13th Flash Sale. Popularized in the 1990s by artist Oliver Peck, tattoo parlors across the country offer small, pre-drawn “flash” designs (often featuring the number 13, black cats, or skulls) for a flat rate of $13 (plus a lucky $7 tip). It has become the “Black Friday” of the tattoo world, with lines often stretching around the block.+1
Horror Marathons
You can’t talk about the 13th without mentioning Jason Voorhees. The 1980 slasher film Friday the 13th cemented the date in pop culture history. Today, the day is often celebrated with movie marathons, spooky-themed parties, and visits to haunted attractions.+1
How to Stay “Lucky” in 2026
If you’re feeling the pressure of three unlucky Fridays this year, remember that luck is often what you make of it. Whether you’re warding off the “evil eye” by knocking on wood or testing your fate by buying a lottery ticket, 2026 is giving us three unique opportunities to lean into the mystery.
Would you like me to find a list of local events or movie marathons happening near you for the next Friday the 13th in March?