Friday the 13th in 2026? Three Chances to Be “Unlucky” in Texas

In Texas, we don’t let a date on the calendar push us around. Whether it’s Friday the 13th in Abilene or a regular Tuesday in West Texas, Texans face the day with faith, grit, and a “let’s get it done” attitude. If you’re the superstitious type, you might want to mark your calendar, or maybe circle it in red ink and say a little prayer like I do.

In 2026, Friday the 13th happens three times, in February, March, and November.

Now I’ll be honest with you. I don’t like Friday the 13th. Never have. But I also don’t believe it has any real power. For me, it’s just another day to lean into faith, say a few extra prayers, and keep moving forward. Still, the history behind this so-called “unlucky” day is pretty wild.

So where did it come from, and why are we still talking about it?

Where Did Friday the 13th Come From?

There’s no single moment in history that created Friday the 13th, it’s more like a mash-up of old fears, religious stories, and folklore.

The Number 13 Was Already “Bad”

For centuries, the number 12 was seen as “complete.”
12 months. 12 zodiac signs. 12 hours on a clock. Even the 12 disciples.

Then along comes 13, one more than “perfect.” In old cultures, that made it feel uneven, unpredictable… even dangerous.

A Very Unlucky Friday in History

One popular theory points to Friday, October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV of France ordered the arrest of members of the Knights Templar. Many were tortured or executed. That event helped cement Friday the 13th as a date linked with betrayal and misfortune.

Mythology Didn’t Help Either

In Norse legend, the trickster god Loki crashed a banquet as the 13th guest… and chaos followed. That story spread the idea that 13 people at a table meant bad luck.

So by the time modern superstition rolled around, Friday (already considered unlucky in some traditions) plus the number 13 became a double dose of doom.

Pop Culture Made It Even Scarier

Then Hollywood really leaned into it.

The horror franchise Friday the 13th turned the date into a full-blown fear fest. After that, Friday the 13th wasn’t just folklore, it was hockey masks, creepy music, and people double-checking their door locks.

Suddenly, the superstition had a soundtrack.

Do People Still Believe It?

You better believe they do.

There’s even a real word for fear of this day:
Paraskevidekatriaphobia, the fear of Friday the 13th.

Some people won’t fly.
Some avoid big decisions.
Some won’t even leave the house.

Businesses have reported drops in travel and spending on these dates. Hotels skip room 13. Buildings skip the 13th floor. Elevators jump from 12 to 14.

All because of a number… and a day of the week.

Turning Friday the 13th Into a Good Luck Day

Here’s my take.

Instead of ducking black cats and worrying about ladders, what if we flipped the script?

What if Friday the 13th became:

• A day to check on someone you love
• A day to do a good deed
• A day to pray a little harder
• A day to be extra grateful you woke up

That sounds a lot more powerful than hiding from a calendar square.

For me, Friday the 13th isn’t a day of fear. It’s a reminder that luck doesn’t run my life, faith does.

Final Thought From Fearless Fernandez

Yes, 2026 gives us three Friday the 13ths.

But I’m not canceling plans.
I’m not walking around nervous.
And I’m definitely not giving a date more power than it deserves.

It’s just another day, and another chance to choose faith over fear. Now, excuse me while I go say a prayer, just in case.

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