Fact 1: The Origin of August’s Name
August 30 falls within the month that was initially named Sextilis in the Roman calendar. Later, the name August was given in honour of Augustus Caesar who was the first Roman emperor. It's fascinating to know that a day in our calendar shares a connection with the Roman emperor himself!
Fact 2: Inception of the Paralympic Games
Did you know that the Paralympic Games, a major international sports event for athletes with disabilities, was officially opened for the first time on August 30, 1960 in Rome, Italy? This makes the day historically significant for the promotion of disabled rights and inclusivity, proving that disability does not impede excellence.
Fact 3: Release of The Beatles’ Last Album
August 30 is special in the world of music history too. The internationally acclaimed band, The Beatles, released their last album, ‘Let It Be’, in the USA on this day in 1970. This album took the world by a storm and marked an incredible, albeit sad, end of the band's era.
Fact 4: Birth of Mary Shelley
The world-renowned author Mary Shelley, who penned the famous gothic novel ‘Frankenstein,’ was born on August 30, 1797. This day celebrates her incredible contribution to English Literature, making it an essential date for literature enthusiasts worldwide.
Fact 5: Independence Day of Turkey
August 30 is celebrated as Victory Day in Turkey to commemorate the Turkish victory in the Battle of Dumlupinar, the last major engagement in the Turkish War of Independence in 1922. It's an exclusive public holiday in Turkey.
Fact 6: Anniversary of the East India Company
One of the most powerful companies in history, the East India Company, that laid the foundation of the British Empire in India, was granted its royal charter on August 30, 1600.
Fact 7: The Skipper’s Tragic End
This was the day, August 30, 1902, when the famous racing yacht 'The Skipper' met its tragic end by sinking near the coast of Margate, England. This incident remains etched in the annals of maritime history.
Fact 8: The Day of ‘The Happy Wanderer’
On August 30, 1954, the popular song 'The Happy Wanderer', sung by the Obernkirchen Children's Choir, was released. The song remains immensely popular and has been a part of the BBC Radio playlist for years.
Fact 9: Appreciating Industrial Workers
Argentinian people celebrate the ‘Dia del Trabajador Industrial y del Obrero de la Construcción’ or the Day of the Industrial Worker and Construction Worker on August 30. It's a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions of industrial and construction workers.
Fact 10: A Leap Towards Space Exploration
The first-ever American satellite, Explorer 6, took a picture of Earth on August 30, 1959. Historically, it was the first-ever image of our planet taken from space.
Fact 11: The Longest Game in Tennis History
On August 30, 2010, the longest professional tennis match in history was played at the US Open. Francesca Schiavone faced Svetlana Kuznetsova in a 4-hour-and-44-minute-long match.
Fact 12: Earliest Game in NFL History
On August 30, 1980, the earliest game in NFL history was played between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons. The game started at 12:32 pm, marking one of the memorable moments in American sports history.
Fact 13: Birth Anniversary of legendary Basketball Player
Basketball history fondly remembers August 30, 1972, as the birthday of legendary basketball player Latrell Sprewell - famous for his time in NBA teams Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks.
Fact 14: Marvel’s Hero’s Birthday
On August 30, 1972, the actor and singer, Cameron Diaz, best known for her role in movies including There's Something about Mary and as the voice of Princess Fiona in the Shrek series, was born.
Fact 15: The Day of Saint Fiacre
In the Christian liturgical calendar, August 30th is the feast day of Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardeners. He is often invoked for healing of hemorrhoids.
Fact 16: A Significant Day in Ballet World
On August 30, 1913, choreographer George Balanchine, a significant figure in 20th-century dance, was born. He co-founded the New York City Ballet and is known for developing a unique, neoclassical style.
Fact 17: The Day of International Day of the Disappeared
Since 2011, August 30 has been observed as the International Day of the Disappeared to draw attention to the individuals imprisoned in unknown locations due to enforced disappearances.
Fact 18: Announcing the Formation of NATO’s Prototype
August 30, 1947, marked the announcement of the formation of the Treaty of Dunkirk, a Treaty of Alliance and Mutual Assistance. This was ground-laying work for the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Fact 19: The Day of Celebrating Victory Over Japan
China celebrates August 30 as Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1945.
Fact 20: Burmese Martyrs' Day
In Burma (Myanmar), August 30 is observed as Martyrs' Day to honor nine martyrs, including the country's national hero Aung San who was assassinated on this day in 1947.