28 fun facts for July, 20

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< July, 19
July, 21 >>
Summary
July 20th is a day of great milestones, from Neil Armstrong's first steps on the Moon to the creation of chess and the Chinese ban on Falun Gong. It's a day to celebrate national holidays in Colombia and a host of fun unofficial days like National Lollipop Day, Get Out of the Doghouse Day, and Fortune Cookie Day.
28 Fun facts
  1. On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the Moon, uttering his famous words "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." This iconic moment in history marked a significant achievement for both science and human exploration.
  2. July 20th is International Chess Day, which celebrates the ancient game of strategy and intellect. The day was chosen by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1966, commemorating its founding in 1924. Today, chess is played by millions of people worldwide.
  3. In 1976, Viking 1, the first spacecraft to successfully land on Mars, touched down on the planet's surface on July 20th. Viking 1 was part of a mission designed to conduct experiments and collect data about Mars, and it remained in contact with Earth until 1982.
  4. On July 20th, 1944, German soldier Claus von Stauffenberg tried to assassinate Adolf Hitler at Wolf's Lair, but sadly, the plot failed. Today, the people of Germany remember those who tried to bring an end to Hitler's regime with a German national holiday, the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of National Socialism.
  5. Colombian Independence Day falls on July 20th. Also known as "Grito de Independencia," it marks the anniversary of when Colombia declared independence from Spanish rule in 1810. Celebrations include parades, music, dancing, and traditional food.
  6. July 20th is "Space Exploration Day," honoring one of humankind's greatest achievements - the exploration of space. This day encourages people to celebrate the progress and marvels of space exploration and to educate themselves about its importance.
  7. July 20th is National Lollipop Day in the United States, a fun day to celebrate the existence of these sweet and colorful treats. When the term "lollipop" was first used in the late 1700s, it referred to a sweet treat that was made of boiled sugar, water, corn syrup, and flavoring.
  8. On July 20th, 1931, the railroad track known as the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" was officially opened, making its way from Cincinnati to Chattanooga through the Hiwassee Loop. This iconic train route inspired the famous song by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.
  9. American fast-food chain, McDonald's, celebrates its founding anniversary on July 20th every year. The first McDonald's restaurant was opened in San Bernardino, California, in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald.
  10. On July 20th, 1935, inventor, physicist, and chemist Gerty Cori became the first American woman to win a Nobel Prize in science. The recognition was for her groundbreaking work in discovering the enzyme, glucose-1-phosphate, and understanding how our bodies convert glycogen into energy.
  11. July 20th is National Moon Day, which marks the historic day when humans first set foot on the moon. Educational institutions and museums across the United States use this day to engage the public with the legacy of the Apollo 11 mission and the future of space exploration.
  12. In 1917, on July 20th, Mata Hari, an exotic dancer and accused spy, was sentenced to death in a French military court. Though her true role in espionage remains uncertain, her story has captivated people for over a century.
  13. On July 20th, 1807, French scientist Nicephore Niepce created the first-ever photographic image using a technique he called "heliography." This pioneering achievement laid the groundwork for the invention of photography.
  14. On July 20th, 1999, the Chinese government officially banned the spiritual practice known as Falun Gong, leading to widespread persecution and human rights abuses. The ban remains today, with millions of Falun Gong practitioners still facing discrimination and mistreatment.
  15. On July 20th, 1937, Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor and electrical engineer known as the "father of radio," passed away. Marconi's pioneering developments in radio telegraphy and broadcasting laid the foundations for modern-day radio and wireless communications.
  16. In Australia, July 20th is National Tree Day – a day dedicated to inspiring people to plant and care for trees, encouraging a greater connection to nature and preserving the environment for future generations.
  17. July 20th, 2005, saw the launch of Canada's NRU (National Research Universal Reactor) satellite. This satellite, designed for cutting-edge research and environmental monitoring, represents a significant scientific accomplishment for Canadian space technology.
  18. On July 20th, 1963, the world's first geosynchronous satellite, "Syncom 2," was successfully launched into orbit, revolutionizing global communications. The satellite remained in a stationary position over the Earth, making it easier for ground-based stations to maintain contact.
  19. In the United Kingdom, July 20th is National Daiquiri Day – a celebration of the rum-based cocktail, typically featuring lime juice and sugar. The history of the daiquiri dates back to the late 19th century in Cuba and remains a popular choice amongst cocktail enthusiasts.
  20. On July 20th, 1848, the first-ever Women's Rights Convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, paving the way for women's suffrage and equal rights movements in the United States and around the world.
  21. July 20th is National Ugly Truck Day, where people can celebrate and embrace their beat-up or disheveled vehicles. While not an internationally recognized holiday, this quirky day encourages truck owners to proudly show off their well-worn workhorses.
  22. On July 20th, 1965, Bob Dylan's hit single "Like a Rolling Stone" was released, and it went on to become one of the most iconic songs of all time. The widely celebrated track marked Dylan's shift from folk to rock music.
  23. July 20th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day, an unofficial holiday that offers a chance to make amends and seek forgiveness from someone we may have hurt or wronged.
  24. On July 20th, 1940, Billboard Magazine published its first-ever music chart, showcasing the success of various songs based on popularity and sales. Over the years, this practice evolved into the Hot 100 chart, which is now considered the standard measurement of a song's success.
  25. In the world of sports, July 20th holds significance for the Tour de France. The prestigious cycling race traditionally kicks off in July and has featured several landmark finishes on this date, contributing to the event's storied history.
  26. July 20th is World Jump Day, which started as an art project by Torsten Lauschmann in 2006. The event encourages people to jump simultaneously, creating the temporary illusion that Earth's trajectory is being altered. Though based on scientific inaccuracies, the day is a fun reminder of our connection to the planet.
  27. On July 20th, 1871, British Columbia joined the Canadian Confederation as the country's sixth province. Today, British Columbia is one of Canada's most populous and economically prosperous provinces, making its addition a vital part of Canada's history.
  28. July 20th is Fortune Cookie Day, a day to honor the iconic after-dinner treat popularized in Chinese-American cuisine. Though the fortune cookie's origins are debated, this bite-sized treat has become a staple in Chinese restaurants globally.

Browse all the fun facts per month