Fact 1: Independent Nation Day
February 9 is known as Independence Day for the tiny island nation of Grenada. Located in the Caribbean, Grenada gained its freedom from the United Kingdom in 1974, making it a special day for the citizens who celebrate with numerous cultural festivities.
Fact 2: Saint Maron's Day
For the Maronite Christians, February 9 is Saint Maron's Day. Saint Maron was a prominent 5th-century monk whose followers eventually formed the Maronite church. Celebrations include religious rituals, banquets, and parades.
Fact 3: A Leap Day for Other Calendars
In some lunar-solar calendars like the Chinese and Korean calendar, February 9 can sometimes act as a leap day. This happens when a leap month is added, typically once every 3 years, equalizing the lunar and solar year.
Fact 4: Sharing Birthdays with Famous People
Several famous people were born on February 9. These include individuals like Alice Walker (1944), the American author of "The Color Purple,” and Tom Hiddleston (1981), the talented British actor best known for playing Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Fact 5: A Day for Toothache
Odd as it may sound, February 9 is National Toothache Day in the United States. It’s a day to raise awareness about dental health and remind people about the importance of regular check-ups to prevent toothaches.
Fact 6: Pizza Pie Day
In the United States and several other countries, February 9 is also observed as National Pizza Pie Day. It's a great excuse to order your favorite slice and celebrate the popularity of this delightfully tasty dish.
Fact 7: Historical Events
Several significant historical events took place on February 9. For example, in 1825 the United States House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams as President after no candidate received a majority of electoral votes.
Fact 8: A Day for Celebrating Chocolates
Just before Valentine's Day, February 9 is also celebrated as National Chocolate day in some countries. People celebrate with anything from a simple chocolate bar to more elaborate chocolate-infused desserts.
Fact 9: The Beatles on Ed Sullivan
On February 9, 1964, the Beatles made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, marking the start of Beatlemania in America and forever changing the music landscape.
Fact 10: Ronald Reagan's Day
In the state of California, Ronald Reagan Day is observed on February 9 to honor the birth of the former governor, and later President of the United States, who was born on this day in 1911.
Fact 11: A Day for Bagels
In addition to pizzas and chocolates, February 9 is also recognized as National Bagel and Lox Day in the United States, celebrating this popular combination of bagel, cream cheese, and smoked salmon.
Fact 12: First Woman Grammy Winner
On February 9, 1961, Roberta Peters became the first woman to win a Grammy. She was awarded the Best Classical Performance-Vocal Soloist for her rendition of Verdi's "Rigoletto".
Fact 13: First Organized Auto Race
On February 9, 1898, France held the first-ever organized auto race, from Paris to Nice. Despite harsh weather and challenging roads, the event marked the beginning of motor racing as a competitive sport.
Fact 14: The Day Prohibition Ended in the United States
On February 9, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, effectively ending the Prohibition era and making the consumption of alcohol legal once again.
Fact 15: Formation of the Communist Party of Vietnam
A significant event in Vietnam's history, the Communist Party of Vietnam was officially established on February 9, 1930. This organization went on to lead Vietnam towards independence from French colonial rule.
Fact 16: Harvard-Founded Facebook
On February 9, 2004, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook, initially available only for Harvard students. It was later expanded to other universities and eventually to the general public, revolutionizing social media and communication.
Fact 17: World's First Brewery
On February 9, 1935, the world's first large-scale brewery, the Anchor Brewing Company, opened in San Francisco, setting the stage for the growing craft beer industry.
Fact 18: European Union's Second Largest Expansion
On this day in 2005, the European Union signed the Treaty of Brussels, agreeing to the second-largest expansion in its history, welcoming Bulgaria and Romania as member countries.
Fact 19: Opening of Egyptian Museum in Cairo
On February 9, 1902, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo opened to the public. This museum houses the world's most extensive collection of pharaonic antiquities, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Fact 20: Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
February 9 holds significance for sports enthusiasts, notably as the Opening Ceremony date for the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. These games were noted for their use of extensive technology, including VR and robotics.