By October 20th, many of us are counting down the days to Halloween, and with good reason! But, before you let this very important date go by, here are some of the things you should know about October 20th – there are a few more reasons in this guide to celebrate if it’s already a big day for you, too. Let’s get stuck in!
On this day
1Maria Theresa came to power.
On 20 October 1740, Maria Theresa became ruler of the Habsburg lands, including Austria, Hungary and Bohemia, after the death of her father. She ruled for 40 years until her death in 1780 and was the only woman to rule the Habsburg dominions in her own right.
2The Battle of Navarino was fought.
On 20 October 1827, a combined British, French and Russian fleet destroyed an Ottoman and Egyptian fleet in the Bay of Navarino, off the Peloponnese. It was the last major battle between sailing ships, and it paved the way for Greek independence.
3The Sydney Opera House was opened.
On 20 October 1973, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Sydney Opera House. Designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon, it took 14 years to build and cost more than ten times its original budget.
4Alice Paul was arrested.
On 20 October 1917, the American suffragist Alice Paul was arrested for picketing outside the White House for women’s right to vote. She was sentenced to seven months in prison, where she went on hunger strike and was force-fed. Women won the vote across the US in 1920.
5Britain and the US agreed the 49th parallel border.
On 20 October 1818, Britain and the United States signed the Treaty of 1818, which set much of the border between Canada and the US along the 49th parallel of latitude, from Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains.
Special Days Falling on October 20th
If you were looking to celebrate something today, why not consider some of these festivities taking place around the world today?
International Chefs Day
Every October 20th is International Chefs Day! Chefs truly are the artists of the culinary world, always coming up with new and unique ways to delight our eyes, noses, and, most importantly, our taste buds! So, show your appreciation by heading to your favorite restaurant tonight, and remember to compliment the chef!
Mashujaa Day
For the people of Kenya, October 20th is Mashujaa Day! The word “Mashujaa” is Swahili for “heroes.” The day is dedicated to honoring all of the heroes who have fought for Kenya’s freedom and continue to do so! That is why today is a public holiday!
Revolution Day in Guatemala
On 20 October 1944, students, workers and young army officers in Guatemala overthrew General Federico Ponce Vaides, who had taken power after the dictator Jorge Ubico was forced out in July. It began ten years of democratic government known as the Ten Years of Spring.
This month in history
The Shah of Iran arrived in the United States. On 22 October 1979, the exiled Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was allowed into the US for cancer treatment. Days later, on 4 November, Iranian students seized the US Embassy in Tehran and took dozens of Americans hostage. The last 52 hostages were freed in January 1981.
Famous Birthdays on October 20th
- Giovanni Rucellai, Italian humanist and poet, born 1475
- Christopher Wren, English astronomer and architect, born 1632
- Mickey Mantle, American baseball legend, born 1931
- Kamala Harris, American politician and first-ever female US Vice President, born 1964
- Snoop Dogg, American rapper, born 1971
If you were born on October 20th…
…you’re a Libra! Who doesn’t love a Libra? That, according to your star sign and the inner workings of the Western Zodiac, makes you a kind and fair friend to have around. In fact, nothing means more to you than being fair! You love to help others where you can, but people had better steer clear of you if you’re feeling stubborn!
Head on over to our Libra facts page for even more insight.
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