Fact 1: UNESCO’s International Day for Tolerance
November 16 is globally recognized as International Day for Tolerance, a celebration declared by UNESCO in 1995. It's dedicated to promoting and cultivating tolerance and peace among all cultures and societies in the world. On this day, events and discussions are held worldwide to raise awareness about the need for mutual understanding among people.
Fact 2: American Fast Food Day
In the heartland of burgers and fries, November 16 is celebrated as National Fast Food Day. US citizens seize this moment to indulge in their favorite fast food treats with unbridled enthusiasm. This day also commonly involves special offers and discounts by fast food chains.
Fact 3: Historic Peace Agreement Anniversary
On November 16, 1989, the El Salvadoran government and the guerilla faction, FMLN, signed a peace agreement, ending more than a decade of civil war. This historic day marked a turning point towards peace and reconciliation in El Salvador, remembered every year.
Fact 4: Mozart’s Symphony's Premiere
November 16, 1773, marked the premiere of Mozart's Symphony No. 25 in G minor, K. 183/173dB. This symphony is believed to be composed while he was just a teenager, demonstrating his early genius.
Fact 5: National Button Day
Who knew there was a whole day devoted to buttons? In the US, November 16 is recognized as National Button Day. It was founded by the National Button Society in 1938 to celebrate and appreciate the functional and decorative roles of buttons.
Fact 6: Maritime Tragedy
Arguably one of the most famous maritime disasters, the White Ship, sank on November 16, 1120. The ship was carrying William Adelin, the only legitimate son of King Henry I of England. His death led to a succession crisis in England, sparking a period of civil war known as The Anarchy.
Fact 7: Anniversary of Shuttle Launch
NASA successfully launched the space shuttle Columbia from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on November 16, 1982. It was Columbia's fifth mission, designated STS-5, and the first shuttle mission to deploy commercial satellites into orbit.
Fact 8: Oklahoma Becomes a Dry State
On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became a "dry" state, prohibiting the selling of alcoholic beverages, as part of its admission into the Union. However, this prohibition was lifted in 1959 by a majority vote.
Fact 9: Birthdate of Famous Figures
Several known personalities share November 16 as their birthday, including actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, former UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and Tiberius, Roman Emperor.
Fact 10: Death of Clark Gable
The iconic Hollywood actor beloved for his role as Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind," Clark Gable, died on November 16, 1960, due to a heart attack, leaving an indelible mark in the world of cinema.
Fact 11: Brahms' 'Tragic Overture' Premiere
Johannes Brahms's renown orchestral work, the 'Tragic Overture,' premiered on November 16, 1880. True to its name, the Overture is a dramatic, turbulent work that ideally stands in contrast to his 'Academic Festival Overture,' a lighthearted performance.
Fact 12: Battle of Guadalcanal
WWII's decisive battle of Guadalcanal began on November 16, 1942, in the Solomon Islands, marking a significant turning point in the Pacific theater, as the Allies began their major offensive against the Japanese forces.
Fact 13: The Buttonwood Agreement
On November 16, 1792, the Buttonwood Agreement was signed, creating what is now known as the New York Stock Exchange. Initially, stock trading was conducted under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street, from which the agreement got its name.
Fact 14: Turkey's Independence
In Turkey, November 16 marks Teachers' Day, celebrated since 1928. It commemorates the date when modern Turkey's schools were opened, and the country's founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was declared its Eternal Chief Teacher.
Fact 15: India's first woman Prime Minister
On November 16, 1980, Indira Gandhi became the first woman Prime Minister of India, setting an important milestone in the global political landscape.
Fact 16: The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse
The notorious Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, off the southwest coast of Ireland, was first lit on November 16, 1854. The lighthouse is known as "Ireland's Teardrop" because it was the last sight of Ireland for emigrants going to America.
Fact 17: The Great Storm of 1981
On November 16, 1981, a massive storm, later known as The Great Storm, hit Washington State, causing widespread damage and leading to the state's largest power outage in history.
Fact 18: Moby-Dick’s Publication Anniversary
Famed American author Herman Melville’s masterpiece, "Moby-Dick," was first published in the U.S. on November 14, 1851. The story has since become a standard of American literature.
Fact 19: The First Woman Recipient of the DSC
On November 16, 2005, Leigh Ann Hester became the first female soldier to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action. The Kentucky National Guard sergeant received the honor for her heroics during an insurgent ambush on a convoy in Iraq.
Fact 20: Ice Cream Cone Rolling Day
The Dutch celebrate November 16 as "Ice Cream Cone Rolling Day", a tradition believed to bring good luck. The day involves rolling an ice cream cone down the street, with anyone who finds the cone keeping the good luck it brings.