International Moon Day is celebrated on July 20 every year to mark the anniversary of the day when humans first landed on the Moon as part of NASA's Apollo 11 mission. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon in a location that they then named Tranquility Base, on July 20, 1969.
The General Assembly declared International Moon Day, a United Nations-designated international day to be observed annually on July 20, in its resolution 76/76 on International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, in 2021.
International Moon Day marks the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 lunar mission.
The celebrations will also consider the achievements of all States in the exploration of the Moon and raise public awareness of sustainable Moon exploration and utilisation.
International Chess Day
Every year July 20 is observed as International Chess Day to commemorate the establishment of Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) or International Chess Federation in 1924.
The idea to celebrate this day as the International Chess Day was proposed by UNESCO, and it has been celebrated as such since 1966, after it was established by FIDE. FIDE, which has 181 chess federations as its members, organizes chess events and competitions around the world on this day. On December 12, 2019, the UN General Assembly unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the day.
Jul 18, 2023
Nelson Mandela International Day
Nelson Mandela International Day or Nelson Mandela Day is observed on July 18 every year. The United Nations (UN) had in 2009 declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela Day to honour Nelson Mandela, a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as the first President from 1994 to 1999. Mandela was the first black head of state and was the first elected President in a fully democratic election in South Africa. The Day also enlightens his transitional steps to defeat multiracial democracy in South Africa.
The day was first celebrated on July 18, 2010, the 92nd birthday of Mandela, to honour the achievements of the anti-apartheid leader.
The significance of International Nelson Mandela Day lies in its celebration of the life of an inspirational leader who dedicated his life to fighting for peace and justice. It is also an opportunity for everyone to take action towards creating a more equal and just world.
The theme of Nelson Mandela International Day 2023 is 'The Legacy Lives on Through You: Climate, Food and Solidarity'.
Jul 17, 2023
World Emoji Day
Emojis have become an essential part of our day-to-day communication. Whether we're using platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, or others, emojis have gained widespread popularity for conveying emotions, enhancing expressions, and adding a touch of playfulness to our messages.
To highlight their importance and celebrate their usage, World Emoji Day is celebrated globally on July 17. This unique observance was established in 2014 by Jeremy Burge, the founder of Emojipedia, a widely-used online resource for emoji-related information.
Burge, who is an emoji enthusiast, recognised the growing influence and significance of emojis in modern communication. As such, he decided to create a dedicated day to honour these digital icons. July 17 was chosen as the date for World Emoji Day because it is the date that appears on the 'calendar' emoji.
World Emoji Day has gained significant traction and recognition over the years. Its popularity reflects the universal appeal and cultural impact of emojis, as well as its ability to bridge gaps and bring people together in the digital age.
World Day for International Justice
World Day for International Justice or International Justice Day or Day of International Criminal Justice is celebrated every year on July 17. The day is observed to commemorate the significant role played by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other organisations in providing justice to victims of injustice, including people affected by war crimes, genocide, terrorism and more.
World Day for International Justice is recognised to highlight the severe cases of human rights abuses and the role of ICC in eradicating them. It is an opportunity to promote the rule of law, observance of human rights, and opposition to impunity. The day also recognises the issues faced by the victims of these atrocities, and the need to preserve their rights and make sure that their voices are heard.
According to the International Criminal Court (ICC), July 17 is the Day of International Criminal Justice. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on July 17, 1998, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to protect people from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. 17 July unites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims' rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.
The theme for World Day for International Justice 2023 was 'Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice'.
Jul 15, 2023
Social Media Giving Day
Social Media Giving Day is observed annually on July 15 across the world. It was started by a non-profit organisation called Givver.com, which has been raising funds via Twitter since 2013. The owner of Giver.com, Chris Sommers, is also the founder of popular American food chain Pi Pizzeria.
Social Media Giving Day was established by Givver.com, and was first celebrated in 2013.
The purpose of Social Media Giving Day is to encourage people to use social media as a platform to donate to their preferred charities and causes they support.
Jul 14, 2023
Bastille Day
In France, Bastille Day is commonly known as 'Fête Nationale,' or the National Celebration. However, the English-speaking world has taken to calling it Bastille Day to honour the moment in 1789 when a mob of French revolutionaries charged into Paris' Bastille, a major point in the French Revolution. The first celebration can be traced back to July 14, 1790, exactly one year after the Bastille fell. Since then, it has continued to grow, and large parties are held all over the world.
Bastille Day marks the anniversary of the fall of the Bastille in Paris and, later, the monarchy on July 14, 1789. Originally constructed as a medieval fortress, the Bastille was eventually used as a state prison. Prisoners who were directly sent there under orders of the king would get no trial or right of appeal, at times including political prisoners who spoke against the rules and laws set by the ruling king. Detained citizens awaiting trial were also held at the Bastille. Despite plans to demolish the building in the late 18th century, the Bastille had come to represent the Bourbon monarchy and the harsh acts carried out by them.
During the unrest of 1789, on July 14, a mob approached the Bastille to demand the arms and ammunition stored there, and, when the forces guarding the structure resisted, the attackers captured the prison and released the seven prisoners held there. The taking of the Bastille signaled the beginning of the French Revolution, and it thus became a symbol of the end of the ancient monarchical régime.
The holiday is known as 'Fête Nationale' in France, and officially became a holiday in 1880.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined French President Emmanuel Macron as the guest of honour for the French National Day in Paris, in 2023.