Fact 1: A Special Day for Hungary
October 23 is a very significant and historic day for Hungary. It is the National holiday of Hungary, marking the start of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution which was a nationwide revolt against the government of the Hungarian People's Republic and its Soviet-imposed policies.
Fact 2: iPod's Anniversary
The first iPod was announced to the world by Apple Co-founder, Steve Jobs, on October 23rd, 2001. The iPod revolutionized the music industry and changed how we listen to music.
Fact 3: USB's Debut
Adding to the tech historical relevance of October 23, it's also the day when Universal Serial Bus (USB) was introduced in 1995. This technology greatly simplified connecting devices to computers.
Fact 4: Swallows Depart from San Juan Capistrano
Every year on October 23, swallows are traditionally believed to depart from San Juan Capistrano in California, heading south for their winter habitat.
Fact 5: Remembering the Tragedy in Lebanon
October 23 holds a gloomy memory for the people associated with the U.S military. In 1983, on this day, 241 U.S. servicemen, mostly Marines, were killed in a terrorist car bombing in Beirut, Lebanon.
Fact 6: Broadway’s 'Cats' Loses Its Life
The curtain finally fell on the longest-running musical on Broadway, 'Cats', after 18 years and 7,485 performances, on October 23, 2000.
Fact 7: World’s Main Area Code Day
The 23rd day of October is celebrated as World’s Main Area Code Day. This unofficial holiday pays homage to the North American Numbering Plan, which assigned area codes 201, 202, and 203 to the Manhattan/Bronx, Washington D.C., and Connecticut areas, respectively.
Fact 8: Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle
In Macedonia, October 23 is the day to commemorate the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle against the Ottoman rule in 1893.
Fact 9: Japanese Emperor's Enthronement
October 23, 2019, is significant in Japanese history as Emperor Naruhito officially proclaimed his ascension to the throne to the world on this day.
Fact 10: Mt. Tambora Erupts
One of the most significant volcanic eruptions in history took place on October 23 in 1815 when Mt. Tambora in Indonesia erupted and triggered a "volcanic winter".
Fact 11: International Day of Snow Leopard
October 23 is celebrated as the International Day of the Snow Leopard. This day was created to raise awareness about the conservation status of the snow leopard, which is currently a vulnerable species.
Fact 12: Excellent Adventure Day
In the movie realm, October 23 is considered Excellent Adventure Day as it marks the day when the characters in the cult movie 'Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure' started their time-travel journey.
Fact 13: TV Talk Show Host Day
Funnily enough, October 23 is also TV Talk Show Host Day, coinciding with the birthday of legendary talkshow host Johnny Carson.
Fact 14: Creation of the European Union
The European Union, marking a historic step for the continent, was formally established with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty on October 23, 1992.
Fact 15: Opening of the Sydney Opera House
One of the world's most famous landmarks, the Sydney Opera House officially opened on October 23, 1973.
Fact 16: Swaziland's Independence Day
The Kingdom of eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland, celebrates its Independence Day on October 23, having gained independence from Great Britain in 1968.
Fact 17: Ashura Day
For Shia Muslims, October 23 (if it falls on the 10th of Muharram) is a sacred day known as Ashura; it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Husayn Ibne Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad.
Fact 18: Day of the Doctor
In the fantasy realm of Doctor Who, October 23, 2071, is widely recognized as "The Day of the Doctor," as stated in the iconic British television series.
Fact 19: National Mole Day
In the United States and Canada, October 23 is celebrated as National Mole Day. This day aims to foster interest in Chemistry. It is indirectly named after Avogadro's number (6.02 x 10^23), which defines the amount of particles in one mole of a substance.
Fact 20: Birthday of a Giant Panda
The oldest Giant Panda in captivity named Jia Jia was born on October 23, 1978. She lived for 38 years and 259 days.