Fact 1: The Day of the Straw Bear
Every year, on February 3, the small town of Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire, UK, celebrates an ancient tradition known as the Straw Bear Festival. This ceremonial event has Stamford Morris Men dancing around the town led by a 'Straw Bear', a man covered from head to toe in straw.
Fact 2: Teru Teru Bozu Day
In Japan, February 3 is celebrated as "Teru Teru Bozu Day". Children create cute little dolls called "Teru Teru Bozu" from white paper or cloth and hang them at their window to ward off rainy weather and invite a sunny day.
Fact 3: Setsubun in Japan
Another celebration that takes place in Japan on February 3rd is Setsubun. This is a traditional event marking the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan according to the old lunar calendar. Revelers throw roasted soybeans to cleanse away evil and bring good luck.
Fact 4: Vietnam's Perfume Pagoda Festival
One of the most significant Buddhist festivals in Vietnam, The Perfume Pagoda Festival, kicks off on February 3. This festival lasts for two months and attracts a large number of devotees from around the world.
Fact 5: The Root of Carrot Day
February 3rd is also known as 'The Root of Carrot Day'. Started by carrot fans in 2003, the orange vegetable is celebrated with cooking competitions, art installations, and carrot-themed parties.
Fact 6: The Creation of the 15th Amendment
February 3rd is a historic day for America. On this day in 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified to the U.S Constitution granting African American men the right to vote.
Fact 7: Birthday of Pretty Woman
American actress Julia Roberts, known for her role in the romantic comedy movie ‘Pretty Woman’, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress on February 3, 1990.
Fact 8: The Day of the Sapporo Snow Festival
On February 3, the annual Sapporo Snow Festival begins in Hokkaido, Japan. The festival is known for its grand ice and snow sculptures that attract millions of tourists from around the globe.
Fact 9: The Beatles First American Television Appearance
On February 3, 1964, the Beatles made their first American television appearance. They had a record-breaking 73 million viewers.
Fact 10: National Golden Retriever Day
If you're a dog lover, then this will make your day. February 3 is National Golden Retriever Day in the United States, which encourages golden retriever owners to share adorable pictures of their furry friends on social media.
Fact 11: The Day the Music Died
Sadly, February 3, 1959, marks "The Day The Music Died". On this day, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson were killed in a plane crash.
Fact 12: The Launch of Apollo 14
Apollo 14 was launched on February 3, 1971. Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell walked on the moon while Stuart Roosa orbited above in the command module.
Fact 13: The Newsletter's Birthday
The first newsletter was published on February 3, 1933. It’s a day to celebrate the communication tool used by businesses, schools, and communities to provide updates and spread news.
Fact 14: The 'Free Money Day'
February 3 is the 'Free Money Day' in the United Kingdom. On this day, all unclaimed lottery prizes that have expired (usually 180 days after the draw) are allocated to 'Good Causes'.
Fact 15: National Carrot Cake Day
Besides just being the day for carrots, February 3 is also National Carrot Cake Day in the United States. Carrot Cake lovers nationwide come together to celebrate their favourite dessert.
Fact 16: The Release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The second book of the Harry Potter series, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" was released on February 3rd, 1999.
Fact 17: National Women Physicians Day
In a bid to celebrate the strength and contributions of female physicians, February 3 is observed as National Women Physicians Day in the United States.
Fact 18: Safety Patrol Day
To honour the hard work of safety patrollers who protect students and pedestrians at crossings, February 3 is also celebrated as Safety Patrol Day in the United States.
Fact 19: The Start of National Children's Dental Health Month
The American Dental Association (ADA) marks February as National Children’s Dental Health Month, beginning February 3. It’s a month-long national health observance that brings together thousands of dedicated professionals to promote the benefits of good oral health to children.
Fact 20: The Conception of First Climate Forecast
On February 3, 1961, the first scientifically-based climate forecast was made as research meteorologist Harry Wexler proposed an earth-scanning satellite to map global cloud cover and storm systems.