Fact 1: It’s International Day of UN Peacekeepers
On May 29th, the world commemorates the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, this day pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of peacekeeping personnel from all over the globe who strive to maintain peace and security in conflict-ridden areas.
Fact 2: It's The End of The Indian Mutiny
May 29th, 1857, marked the end of the Indian Mutiny, one of the most pivotal moments in the history of British Colonial India. The final victory of the British at Gwalior led to a significant shift in how India was governed - from being ruled by the British East India Company, India was put directly under the British Crown.
Fact 3: The First Women’s Right to Vote
In South Australia on May 29, 1894, women were granted the right to vote — the second place in the world to do so. It also allowed women to participate in parliamentary elections, making it a milestone for gender equality.
Fact 4: The Birth of an Emperor
May 29th, 1259, witnessed the birth of Dante Alighieri, the eminent Italian poet often regarded as the "Supreme Poet" of Italy. His "Divine Comedy" is widely considered the most critical poem of the Middle Ages and the greatest literary work in the Italian language.
Fact 5: Mount Everest Was First Successfully Climbed
On this day in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest, the highest peak on earth.
Fact 6: The Flour Mill Reinvention
The concept of flour milling was revolutionized on May 29, 1831, by inventor James Bell. It was on this day Bell patented his revolutionary milling machine, making it easier to grind wheat into flour.
Fact 7: Start of the Chelsea Flower Show
The widely adored Chelsea Flower Show was first held on May 29, 1913. From its inception, it quickly earned its place as a highlight of the London social calendar and remains a pleasant tradition to this day.
Fact 8: The Sakurajima Volcano Cataclysm
On May 29, 1914, Sakurajima, a volcano in Japan, erupted and continued to do so for the majority of the year, devastating the surrounding area. It remains one of Japan's most active volcanoes today.
Fact 9: The Birth of a Presidential First Lady
Former first lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, was born on May 29, 1929. Known for her iconic fashion sense and refined taste, she is often considered one of the most stylish women in history.
Fact 10: A Quantum Leap in Physics
Albert Einstein’s renowned paper proposing the quantum theory of light was presented on May 29, 1901. With this contribution, Einstein revolutionized the understanding of both light and basic physics.
Fact 11: The Birth of Bob Hope
British-American actor Bob Hope, one of the best-known comedians of the 20th century, was born on May 29, 1903. With a career spanning nearly 80 years, Hope hosted the Academy Awards a record 19 times.
Fact 12: The Hepatitis C Virus Is Identified
On May 29, 1989, the discovery of the Hepatitis C virus was announced, opening a new chapter in medical science. This breakthrough allowed the development of diagnostic tests and treatments for the disease.
Fact 13: A Leap Towards Racial Equality
May 29, 1942, marks the day when Bing Crosby recorded Irving Berlin's "White Christmas," and Dorothy Dandridge became the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of Life magazine.
Fact 14: The First Indy 500 Race
Auto racing history was made on May 29, 1911, with the inaugural Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious motorcar racing events in the world.
Fact 15: The Premiere of "The Manhunt"
May 29, 1941, marks the day the crime-thriller movie “The Maltese Falcon” premiered in New York City, setting a new standard for film noir with its gritty crime-based plot.
Fact 16: The Beatles’ Final Album Release
On May 29, 1970, The Beatles released their 12th and final album, "Let It Be," marking an end of an era for the legendary British band.
Fact 17: I Can't Believe I Ate the Whole Thing!
May 29th is also famously known as National Coq Au Vin Day in the United States. This French dish meaning 'rooster in wine', is a braised chicken dish typically cooked with red wine, lardons, mushrooms, and optionally garlic.
Fact 18: The Maiden Flight of the Airbus A310
May 29, 1982, marks the maiden flight of the wide-bodied twin-engine Airbus A310. It was the second aircraft launched by Airbus Industries, after the success of the A300.
Fact 19: The Popularity of May 29th As a Birthday
Did you know May 29th is the 138th most popular birthday? It's shared by an estimated 218,000 people in the United States alone.
Fact 20: The 2002 World Cup Kickoff
The 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan kicked off on May 29, 2002, marking the first World Cup held in Asia and the first to be co-hosted by two countries. The tournament ended with Brazil clinching its fifth World Cup title.