Fact 1: December 28 is the Day of the Innocents
In most Spanish-speaking countries, December 28 is celebrated as the “Day of the Innocents” or “Dia de Los Santos Inocentes.” The celebration is quite similar to April Fools' Day celebrated in many other parts of the world where people play light-hearted or hoax pranks on each other.
Fact 2: It's the 362nd Day of the Year
December 28 is the 362nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. There are only three more days left before the year ends, leaving just a few days to complete New Year's resolutions!
Fact 3: A Host of Historical Events
Numerous noteworthy historical events have happened on December 28. This includes the U.S. debut of the silent film “The Clansman” (later renamed “The Birth of a Nation”) in 1915 and the founding of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1945.
Fact 4: A Day of Birth for Many Celebrities
December 28 is the birthday of many celebrities and notable figures, including actor Denzel Washington, comic book legend Stan Lee, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and pop singer John Legend.
Fact 5: Iowa Became a State on December 28
On December 28, 1846, Iowa officially became the 29th state in the United States. Iowa is known for its agriculture, particularly corn and soybeans, and is often referred to as the "American Heartland."
Fact 6: National Card Playing Day
In the United States, December 28 is recognized as National Card Playing Day. It's a day where people are encouraged to relax and play a few rounds of cards with friends or family.
Fact 7: An Important Day in Sports History
On December 28, 1958, the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants battled in the first-ever NFL sudden death overtime game. It is frequently referred to as "the greatest game ever played."
Fact 8: The Fourth Day of Christmas
In Christian tradition, December 28 marks the fourth day of Christmas, where the famous Christmas song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" refers to "four calling birds."
Fact 9: Boxing Day in Certain Countries
In some countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, December 28 is considered a public holiday if the usual Boxing Day (December 26) falls on a weekend.
Fact 10: Anniversary of the Apollo 8 Splashdown
On December 28, 1968, Apollo 8, the second human spaceflight mission in the United States' Apollo space program, splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean after orbiting the moon.
Fact 11: Constitution Day in Nepal
In Nepal, December 28 is celebrated as Constitution Day, the anniversary of the enactment of its 1962 constitution.
Fact 12: Stanford University's Founding
Well-renowned Stanford University in California was established on this day in 1885, taking its name from California governor Leland Stanford.
Fact 13: W.C. Handy's Recording Career Began
W.C. Handy, often referred to as "Father of the Blues," began his recording career on December 28, 1909, with his song "Memphis Blues."
Fact 14: It's National Chocolate Candy Day
Sweet lovers have another reason to enjoy December 28th as it is also celebrated as National Chocolate Candy Day in the United States.
Fact 15: Bill of Rights Day in Iowa
Interestingly, December 28 is Bill of Rights Day in Iowa State, to celebrate the ratification of the first ten amendments to the United States constitution.
Fact 16: Partially Premiered Day for 'The Great Dictator'
Charlie Chaplin's iconic film 'The Great Dictator', although officially released on October 15, 1940, had its partial premiere in United Kingdom on December 28.
Fact 17: World's First Commercial Movie Screening
On December 28, 1895, the Lumière brothers conducted the first commercial movie screening in the basement lounge of the Grand Café in Paris.
Fact 18: Famous Deaths on December 28
It is also a day of remembrance as it marks the date of demise for several famous personalities including English philosopher Thomas Hobbes in 1679 and U.S. Army general and Secretary of State Alexander Haig in 2010.
Fact 19: Egypt Opens First Nuclear Reactor
December 28, 1961, was a landmark day for Egypt as the country's first nuclear reactor, Soviet-built, was opened on this day.
Fact 20: Beethoven's Fifth Symphony Premiered
One of Beethoven's most well-known and influential works, Symphony No.5, had its world premiere in Vienna on December 28, 1808. The "'short-short-short-long" four-note motif is known worldwide today.