Fact 1: The Roman Connection
November 17 holds a unique position in the Roman calendar as the festival day dedicated to Neptune, the god of freshwater and the sea. The Romans celebrated the Neptune festival with feast, music, and dance, honouring the might and strength of their water deity.
Fact 2: Take a Hike Day
On November 17, dust off your hiking boots for 'Take a Hike Day.' It's the day to appreciate the beauty of nature, and exploring different hiking trails. Evidence also suggests that hiking contributes to mental health, making it a great way to celebrate this day.
Fact 3: Celebrating Aviation History
This date is also important in aviation history, recognized as World Aviation Day. The day was established as a United Nations observance in 1996, and it's an annual opportunity to celebrate the societal benefits of aviation.
Fact 4: Serbian Blitz Remembered
In World War II, on November 17, 1944, the Allies launched a deadly bombing on Belgrade, known as the Serbian Blitz. The attacks caused massive destruction and took countless lives.
Fact 5: Homemade Bread Day
For foodies and bakers alike, it’s important to note that November 17th is also Homemade Bread Day. Devote the day to mastering the art of baking your favorite loaf or trying out new, exotic varieties.
Fact 6: Silent Movie Premieres
The first-ever feature-length silent film, 'The Story of the Kelly Gang,' was premiered on November 17, 1906. It was an Australian production and ran for over an hour, marking a significant change in the duration of films back then.
Fact 7: November 17 is Lit!
It is not just a date on the calendar, 'November 17' is also the title of an exciting crime novel by author Andrei Gusev, published in 2019. The story unravels sensational criminal activities connected to this date, perfect for thriller lovers.
Fact 8: Navigating the Stars
November 17 is also the peak night for spotting the Leonids meteor shower. So, if stargazing is your thing, make sure to not miss out on this celestial beauty.
Fact 9: Musicians and November 17
Two famous musicians, Jeff Buckley and Gordon Lightfoot, were born on November 17. They are celebrated as legends in the music world, leaving their mark with their distinctive musical styles and accomplishment.
Fact 10: The Iconic Suez Canal
On November 17, 1869, the Suez Canal was officially opened in Egypt. This vital international waterway created a direct shipping route between the North Atlantic and the northern Indian Ocean.
Fact 11: Making Shopping Lists Matter
November 17 holds significance in the retail industry in the USA. It's known as National Unfriend Day, when people are encouraged to de-clutter their social media accounts before the holiday shopping season begins.
Fact 12: An Earthquake that Shook the Globe
On November 17, 1973, a significant earthquake struck Japan's Kuril Islands, triggering tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean.
Fact 13: Celebrating the Cinema
On this day in 1967, the movie Cool Hand Luke, starring Paul Newman, was released. The film quickly became a classic and Newman’s iconic role is still lauded to this day.
Fact 14: A Day for Prematurity Awareness
World Prematurity Day is observed on November 17. This is an opportunity to raise awareness about the issues related to premature birth and to appreciate the struggles of these tiny fighters and their families.
Fact 15: The Accidental Discovery of X-ray
The public demonstration of X-ray by Wilhelm Röntgen happened on November 17, 1895. This accidental discovery marked a revolutionary breakthrough in medical science.
Fact 16: Richard Nixon’s Historical Visit
This day marked as a monumental occasion in history when President Richard Nixon arrived in China on November 17, 1973.
Fact 17: A Tragic End for Public Enemy Number One
On November 17, 1934, infamous criminal Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd was declared as public enemy number one by the FBI and later met a tragic end.
Fact 18: A Day for Students
November 17 is celebrated as International Students' Day. The day honors the students who stood up against Nazis during the Second World War and commemorates student activism globally.
Fact 19: Miraculous Event at the Oak Island
On this day in 1799, a vital discovery was made at the Oak Island. The infamous “Money Pit” was investigated, marking a miraculous event.
Fact 20: A Remarkable Day for Equality
On November 17, 2017, Australia passed the same-sex marriage bill in the House of Representatives. This marked a significant step towards achieving equality for all.