30 fun facts for January, 27

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< January, 26
January, 28 >>
Summary
January 27th is a date filled with historical and cultural significance. From the birth of famous individuals like Mozart and Lewis Carroll, to groundbreaking inventions like Edison's lightbulb and Baird's television system, this day has been impacted by creativity, innovation, and resilience. Additionally, it marks several important observances such as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Family Literacy Day in Canada, and National Chocolate Cake Day in the United States.
30 Fun facts
  1. In 1302, Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy, was exiled from Florence, Italy. This major event inspired much of his work and shaped the course of Italian literature.
  2. Thomas Edison was granted a patent for his incandescent light on January 27, 1880. This invention revolutionized the world by providing safe and accessible electric lighting for homes.
  3. On January 27, 1785, the University of Georgia was founded, making it the oldest state-chartered university in the United States. It paved the way for higher education in the country.
  4. Sergei Prokofiev's famous ballet "Romeo and Juliet" made its premiere in Brno, Czechoslovakia on January 27, 1938. Its music and choreography continue to captivate audiences all around the world.
  5. On January 27, 1888, the National Geographic Society was founded in Washington, D.C. Its purpose was to promote geographical knowledge and inspire exploration and conservation.
  6. In 1926, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird demonstrated the first-ever working television system in London, England. This invention fundamentally changed how we access information and entertainment.
  7. International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed every year on January 27. It commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp in 1945 and honors the millions of victims of the Holocaust.
  8. On January 27, 1967, the Apollo 1 space mission experienced a tragic accident. During training, a cabin fire killed astronauts Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward White, and Roger Chaffee, leading to significant improvements in astronaut safety.
  9. Lewis Carroll, the renowned author of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," was born on January 27, 1832. His works have been translated into more than 125 languages and continue to inspire the imagination.
  10. In 1984, Michael Jackson's hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial. This incident caused second-degree burns to his scalp which led to an addiction to painkillers and a change in his appearance.
  11. On January 27, 1880, the famous "O Canada" anthem premiered. It played in Quebec City and later became the national anthem of Canada in 1980.
  12. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a prodigious composer of the classical era, was born on January 27, 1756. His significant influence on Western music continues to inspire composers and musicians today.
  13. In 661, Ali Ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, died. He was the last of the four "Rightly Guided Caliphs" and is considered one of the central figures in Shia Islam.
  14. On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, ending the United States' direct involvement in the Vietnam War. This marked the end of nearly two decades of conflict in the region.
  15. In 1825, Congress approved the Indian Territory, which later became the state of Oklahoma. This decision led to the controversial forced relocation of various Native American tribes known as the Trail of Tears.
  16. January 27 is Family Literacy Day in Canada. Established in 1999, it promotes the importance of reading and engaging in literacy-related activities as a family.
  17. On January 27, 1965, NASA launched SA-5, the first Saturn I rocket to successfully achieve a suborbital flight. This marked the United States' first step towards the eventual Apollo 11 moon landing.
  18. In 1996, Germany observed its first International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event is now recognized globally to promote remembrance and education about the Holocaust.
  19. Australia Day in the Australian state of New South Wales is observed annually on January 27. The day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788, the beginning of British colonization in Australia.
  20. In 1927, the Harlem Globetrotters, an exhibition basketball team known for their athleticism and comedy, played their first game. They have since become a beloved sports entertainment act, performing in over 120 countries.
  21. January 27, 1962, marked the opening of the first World Hockey Championships. Hosted in Moscow, the event saw a close competition between the Soviet Union and Sweden.
  22. On January 27, 1998, the very first episode of "MythBusters" was aired on the Discovery Channel in the US. The infotainment TV show became immensely popular, aiming to uncover the truth behind myths and urban legends.
  23. In 1908, Cardiff City Hall in Wales was officially opened. The grand architecture and rich history of the building make it a popular tourist destination.
  24. In 1918, Finnish Civil War commenced. This conflict marked a pivotal moment in Finnish history, dividing the country and eventually leading to its independence.
  25. January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day in the United States. This day celebrates a beloved dessert and encourages people to indulge in a slice or two.
  26. On January 27, 1951, the Nevada Test Site conducted its first atomic bomb test. This marked the beginning of a series of nuclear tests that would last until 1992.
  27. In 1841, Hong Kong was declared a sovereign British territory. This historic event marked the beginning of a 156-year colonial period that ended in 1997 when Hong Kong was handed back to China.
  28. Thomas Crapper, an English plumber known for significantly improving the modern toilet, died on January 27, 1910. While the myth that he invented the flush toilet is false, his innovations contributed to its development.
  29. On January 27, 1967, thirteen nations, including the United States and the Soviet Union, signed the Outer Space Treaty. This treaty outlines principles of peaceful space exploration and prohibits the use of space for military purposes.
  30. In 1821, Cayetano Ordonez, the famous Spanish bullfighter known as "Niño de la Palma," was born. A central figure of Spanish bullfighting during his time, Ordonez is remembered for his artful style and incredible skill.

Browse all the fun facts per month