28 fun facts for February, 2

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
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Summary
February 2nd is a day filled with a variety of events and celebrations, such as Groundhog Day, World Wetlands Day, and Candlemas in Mexico. Additionally, it marks historical events like the founding of Buenos Aires, major birthdays including Avicii and Shakira, and even the introduction of the lie detector test in the United States.
28 Fun facts
  1. February 2nd is Groundhog Day in the United States and Canada. This tradition involves a groundhog predicting the weather by its reaction to sunlight. If the groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
  2. In the Catholic Church, Candlemas is observed on February 2nd. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple and the purification of the Virgin Mary. It is also the day when candles are blessed for use throughout the year.
  3. February 2nd is World Wetlands Day. Its purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands to the planet's ecological health, biodiversity, and their role in flood control and climate mitigation.
  4. On February 2, 1653, New Amsterdam (now known as New York City) was incorporated as a city.
  5. In Mexico, February 2nd is Día de la Candelaria or Candlemas, which parallels the Catholic celebration. It also marks the end of the Christmas season, and families often come together for tamales and other traditional foods.
  6. On February 2, 1876, the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was established in the United States, becoming the oldest professional baseball league still in existence today.
  7. February 2nd is National Crepe Day in France. This day, known as La Chandeleur, is a day to celebrate and eat crepes, a traditional French pancake.
  8. Romania celebrates Day of Youth at Work on February 2nd. It is a day to encourage and motivate young people to be productive members of society.
  9. On February 2, 1887, the first Groundhog Day was celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The inaugural groundhog, named Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow, forecasting six more weeks of winter.
  10. In 1935, on February 2, the first lie detector or "polygraph" test was introduced in the United States by Leonarde Keeler.
  11. On February 2, 1922, poet James Joyce's groundbreaking novel "Ulysses" was published in Paris.
  12. February 2, 1948, marked the declaration of Sri Lanka's independence from British rule as a dominion within the British Commonwealth.
  13. On February 2, 1913, New York City's Grand Central Terminal officially opened to the public.
  14. In 1901, on February 2, Queen Victoria's funeral took place in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Her reign was the longest in British history at that time, lasting 63 years.
  15. On February 2, 1990, South African President FW de Klerk announced the release of political prisoner Nelson Mandela, who went on to become the country's president in 1994.
  16. Swedish DJ and musician Avicii was born on February 2, 1989. He became a major figure in electronic dance music before his tragic death in 2018.
  17. On February 2, 1536, the Argentine city of Buenos Aires was founded by Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza.
  18. In the United States, February 2 is National Heavenly Hash Day. Heavenly Hash is a dessert made with marshmallows, fruit, and whipped cream.
  19. On February 2, 1870, the Cardiff Giant, a hoax artifact consisting of a 10-foot tall "petrified man," was revealed as a fake by its creator, George Hull.
  20. February 2, 1971, marked the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Iran, showing a global commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
  21. In 2012, on February 2, the Costa Concordia cruise ship ran aground off the coast of Italy, resulting in 32 deaths and numerous injuries.
  22. On February 2, 1959, American singers Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J.P. Richardson performed their last concert before their tragic deaths in a plane crash, now known as "The Day the Music Died."
  23. February 2nd is Play Your Ukulele Day worldwide, a day to celebrate this versatile and entertaining instrument.
  24. On February 2, 1905, writer and philosopher Ayn Rand was born in Russia.
  25. February 2 is National Tuck-In Day in Iceland, where children are warmly tucked into bed, creating a cozy atmosphere in cold winter months.
  26. In 1848, on February 2, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed between the United States and Mexico, ending the Mexican-American War and ceding a large portion of territory to the United States.
  27. On February 2, 1980, American television program "Good Morning America" made its debut on ABC.
  28. Argentinian singer and songwriter Shakira was born on February 2, 1977. She has become a global superstar, with hits such as "Hips Don't Lie" and "Waka Waka."

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