Fact 1: Australia Day
January 26th is also known as Australia Day. It is a public holiday in Australia and commemorates the arrival of the British First Fleet at Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1788. The day is marked with festivals, concerts, citizenship ceremonies, and various community events.
Fact 2: Duke Ellington Visited USSR
Did you know that on January 26, 1971, famous American jazz musician Duke Ellington and his band performed in the USSR? The concert at the Moscow Conservatory was an important cultural exchange during the Cold War and is fondly remembered by music enthusiasts.
Fact 3: India's Republic Day
January 26 is a very significant day for India because it is celebrated as Republic Day. The day marks the day when India's constitution came into effect in 1950. A grand parade showcasing India's diversity and military might is held in New Delhi on this day every year.
Fact 4: Bears Hibernate
In many parts of the world, January 26th is in the middle of winter. During this time, many species of bears are hibernating and do not eat, drink, exercise or pass waste. Bears' heart rate slows down, and their body temperatures decrease, but unlike many other animals, bears can wake up from their hibernation state when disturbed.
Fact 5: Zimbabwe National Unity Day
Zimbabwe also celebrates January 26, but in a different way, it's their National Unity Day. The day celebrates the Unity Accord signed in 1987 between the country's two political parties, ZANU and ZAPU, ending the Gukurahundi which had claimed thousands of civilian lives.
Fact 6: The Dawn of Television
The humble television holds a meaningful history with January 26. In 1926, John Logie Baird, a Scottish inventor, gave the first public demonstration of a true television system in London. His system could display live moving images which he called "televisor".
Fact 7: Mozart's Birthday
Celebrated classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 26, 1756. His profound influence on Western music is celebrated around the world, and his birthday concerts are annual events in many cities.
Fact 8: The launch of Apollo 1
On January 26, 1967, Apollo 1 was set for launch, with astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger B. Chaffee on board. Unfortunately, a cabin fire during a launch rehearsal test killed all three astronauts and delayed further manned missions for the US space program.
Fact 9: Popcorn Day
In many places, this day is also celebrated as Popcorn Day. While different countries might celebrate it on varied dates, a lot of popcorn lovers mark January 26 on their calendars to enjoy this crunchy snack.
Fact 10: Literature Appreciation
On January 26, 1802, renowned poet and author Walter Scott met the future King George IV, a momentous occasion which marked a significant recognition for literature in society.
Fact 11: Significant Day for Medicine
January 26, 1911, brought a big advancement in the world of medicine with the establishment of the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research in New York, the first biomedical research center in America.
Fact 12: Record-Breaking Flight
On January 26, 1949, the American B-50 Superfortress "Lucky Lady II" embarked on the first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe by airplane.
Fact 13: Ellington Gets Honored
Over two decades later after his visit to the USSR, Duke Ellington was honored by the US President with a special event at the White House on January 26, 1969.
Fact 14: A Day of Unusual Weather
In 1978, the Midwest blizzard called the "Great Blizzard of 1978" struck on January 26th, leading to snow-covered roads, school closures, and traffic chaos.
Fact 15: McDonald's Big Release
In 1979, the Happy Meal was introduced nationwide in the United States by McDonald's. It was a significant development in the fast-food industry, and January 26 marked its national unveiling.
Fact 16: Beatles Hit Rooftop
On January 26, 1969, the world-renowned band, The Beatles, performed their last live gig on the rooftop of the Apple Corps building in London.
Fact 17: Invention of Insulin
January 26 was a landmark day in medical history. Insulin, the hormone that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, was first used to treat diabetes on this day in 1922.
Fact 18: Antarctic's Record High Temperature
On this day in 1979, Antarctica experienced its highest-ever recorded temperature of 14.6 degrees Celsius (58.1 degrees Fahrenheit) in an area named Signy Island.
Fact 19: The Birth of Michigan
On January 26, 1837, Michigan became the 26th state to join the USA. This day is celebrated annually as Michigan's birthday.
Fact 20: A Milestone in Aviation History
On January 26, 1939, the first flight of the XB-24 bomber took place, marking a crucial milestone in aviation. Over seven decades later, this aircraft's derivatives remain in service with several nations.