Fact 1: The Month-Ending Date
Did you know that February 28 is the only late winter date found in every single Gregorian year? Unlike February 29, which only shows up every four years in a leap year, you can count on February 28 to be listed on your calendar every single year.
Fact 2: Revolutionary Leap Day
In 1288, Scotland recognized February 28 as the day when women could propose to men, especially during leap years. If men refused the proposal, they would have to pay fines or gift dresses or gloves. This quirky tradition is known as "The Ladies' Privilege."
Fact 3: Celebrating Moose
In 2013, Estonia celebrated its first ever National Moose Day on February 28. The day educates citizens about the importance of moose in Estonia's ecosystem and promotes wildlife conservation.
Fact 4: The 300 Club
Feb 28 is notable for an exclusive event - the celebration of the 300 Club in the town of Utqiagvik, Alaska. On this day, when the temperature can dip to -100 degrees Fahrenheit, individuals run from a 200 degrees Fahrenheit sauna into the cold, experiencing a 300-degree temperature change.
Fact 5: The Green Land's New Era
February 28 marks a significant day for Greenland. On this day in 1979, Greenland gained home rule after being controlled by Denmark for nearly three centuries.
Fact 6: Pokémon Day
Since 2016, February 28 has been celebrated as "Pokémon Day" worldwide, commemorating the day when the first Pokemon video games were released in Japan, exactly 21 years prior.
Fact 7: The Last Day of Carnival
The Carnival season typically ends on Feb 28, right before the start of the Lenten season. This gives people the last chance to indulge before the somber period leading up to Easter.
Fact 8: A Special Day for Magicians
On February 28, 1992, "The Magic Day" was established in Japan. The number '228' is associated with the term 'tsukai', meaning 'to use' in Japanese. Thus, the date is seen as an invitation for magicians to 'use' their magical skills more.
Fact 9: Dissolution of Sweyne's Territory
On February 28, 1014, Sweyn Forkbeard, the King of Denmark, England, and Norway, died. His territories were divided among his sons, leading to significant upheaval in the European political landscape.
Fact 10: First Hockey Victory
February 28, 1928, marked an important day for hockey when the New York Rangers achieved their first Stanley Cup victory.
Fact 11: Hollywood's Earliest Award Ceremony
In 1929, the first Academy Awards took place on February 28, and the silent film "Wings" won the award for Best Picture.
Fact 12: The Discovery of Neptune's Rings
On February 28, 1989, the Voyager 2 spacecraft made a significant discovery – it released photos confirming the existence of the rings around Neptune.
Fact 13: Launch of Matrix Proteins
NASA’s Spacelab 3 Mission, launched on February 28, 1984, carried the first animals into space to study how weightlessness affected the production of protein crystals and bone degradation.
Fact 14: Advent of a New South African Era
On February 28, 1991, Nelson Mandela was elected the Deputy President of the African National Congress, which marked a significant milestone in South Africa's journey to end apartheid.
Fact 15: Beginning of the French and Indian War
On February 28, 1754, the first engagement of the French and Indian War took place at Fort Prince George, marking a major conflict in colonial history.
Fact 16: Lamington Day in New Zealand
In New Zealand, February 28 is the day when Kiwis celebrate Lamington Day - a day dedicated to a popular sponge cake covered in chocolate and desiccated coconut.
Fact 17: The Suez Canal's Inception
On February 28, 1866, Excavation work began on the Suez Canal, an artificial sea-level waterway in Egypt that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea.
Fact 18: The "Malta" of Gaming
February 28 marked an important day in Gaming history in 2004 when Malta became the first EU member to regulate online gaming.
Fact 19: National Chocolate Soufflé Day
Satisfying the sweet tooth of every dessert lover, February 28 is National Chocolate Soufflé Day in the United States, celebrating the creamy and delicious chocolate soufflé.
Fact 20: First Woman to Sail around the World
On this day in 1895, American sailor and author Joshua Slocum began his journey as the first person to sail single-handedly around the world.