Discover the Top 13 Amazing Fun Facts About July You Never Knew!
1. Santa in Flip-Flops
When Santa Claus trades his boots for flip-flops and heads Down Under: In countries like Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, and New Zealand, Christmas in July or Midwinter Christmas events are held to emulate the wintry northern hemisphere festivities, giving inhabitants a taste of icy cheer in contrast to their scorching December 25th celebrations.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
2. Bastille Day Bonanza
In the land of baguettes and berets, when July rolls around, they don't just say "oui, oui" – they storm the prison: Bastille Day, celebrated every July 14th, marks the historic day in 1789 when citizens stormed the Bastille, igniting the French Revolution and eventually replacing monarchy with a more democratic system in France.
Source => census.gov
Did you know August birthdays boast a gemstone trifecta? Discover the enchanting stories behind sardonyx, peridot, and spinel, and learn about their unique origins and mesmerizing colors.
=> Fun Facts about August
3. Poetic Birthday Trifecta
In a literary coincidence that truly takes the cake – or rather, the birthday cake: Sylvia Plath, Dylan Thomas, and Ezra Pound all share the same birthdate, October 27th, making one wonder if the stars themselves conspired to create a marvelous mashup of poetic prowess.
Source => literatipulp.com
4. Galactic Party in July
Feeling starstruck? The Milky Way's got you covered this July with a galactic party featuring special guests, shooting star showers, and a peek-a-boo with Pluto: The month dazzles stargazers with the peak of three meteor showers, Moon-planet conjunctions, and Pluto's shining moment at opposition, all while the Earth tips its hat towards the Galactic Core for a stunning view of the Milky Way in the northern hemisphere.
Source => spacetourismguide.com
5. Napoleon's July Coup-tastrophes
Like a stubborn cat trying to open a door, Louis Napoleon just couldn't resist attempting multiple coups in July: The future Napoleon III experienced not one, but two failed coup attempts during the month of July – one in Strasbourg in 1836 and another in Boulogne in 1840 – before eventually becoming the first French president to be elected by popular vote in December 1848 and later ascending as Emperor of the French.
Source => en.wikipedia.org
6. Meteor Shower Karaoke
Prepare for some celestial karaoke as the stars sing "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" this July: The Delta Aquariid meteor shower is set to peak on July 28th, showcasing up to 20 meteors per hour while 5-10% may leave ionized glowing gas trails, all thanks to the 96P/Machholz comet's 20,000-year-old performance near the Aquarius constellation.
Source => weatherbug.com
7. Lollypop Day Origins
Got a sweet tooth that's all a'stick? Tired of your appetite always running a'drift? Well, here's a holiday that won't gum up the works: National Lollipop Day rolls around every year on July 20th, dedicated to George Smith, who invented the delectable treat in 1908 and named it after his favorite racehorse, "Lolly Pop."
Source => holidayinsights.com
8. Teddy's Rough Rider Showdown
Before "Teddy" was synonymous with cuddly stuffed bears, it was the name of a man who preferred to ride rough: Theodore Roosevelt led his volunteer cavalry, the Rough Riders, into the heat of battle during the Spanish-American War. Turn up the heat, 1898 style: On July 1st, Roosevelt and his gang stormed Kettle Hill and then captured San Juan Hill, ultimately securing a U.S. victory in the Battle of Santiago. This daring escapade bolstered Theodore's national hero status and marked a pivotal moment in America's emergence as a world power.
Source => loc.gov
9. Sirius-ly Hot Dog Days
Don't blame the dogs: it's Sirius-ly hot out there! The "dog days of summer" running from July 3rd to August 11th actually stem from the ancient Romans observing the Sun and Sirius, the brightest star in the "Greater Dog" constellation, rising and setting together, thinking it added to the Sun's warmth: In reality, it's just the Northern Hemisphere getting up close and personal with the Sun, causing its rays to hit us at a more direct angle for longer, hotter days.
Source => wjhg.com
10. Towering Town Criers
When a town crier stands head and shoulders above the rest, it's not just his booming voice that gets people's attention: In Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, you'll find Martin Woods, the world's tallest town crier at a towering 7 feet 2 inches, who has held this role for over 35 years, while the record for the loudest town crier belongs to Alan Myatt, ringing in at a remarkable 112.8 decibels. Both unconventional vocal heroes are celebrated on International Town Criers Day!
Source => daysoftheyear.com
11. Perry the Platypus's Hot Record
If you thought a feverish Perry the Platypus was hot to handle, wait till you hear about July 2021: Turns out, it was the hottest month ever recorded in history, with a combined land and ocean-surface temperature sitting 1.67 degrees F (0.93 of a degree C) above the 20th-century average. Phew, definitely puts the hot in hot-topic, doesn't it? So while we enjoy the sun, let's remember to stay hydrated and take action against global warming – our planet's no laughing matter!
Source => noaa.gov
12. Global July 1st Jamboree
Wait till you hear this international jamboree: July 1st is a downright party for Hong Kong's Special Administrative Region Establishment Day, Burundi Independence Day, Ghana Republic Day, the founding of China's Communist Party, and – oh, Canada Day too!
Source => nationaltoday.com
13. Parks and Rec Month Fiesta
Roll out the (astro)turf and bring out the lawn flamingos: July is the Park and Recreation Month in the United States! Since 1985, the month has been dedicated to celebrating the beautiful green spaces in our communities and the unsung heroes who keep them in peak frolicking condition. This year's theme, "Where Community Grows", underscores the importance of these outdoor sanctuaries in nurturing neighborly bonds and bolstering local pride. So, put your best foot(flip-flop) forward and explore your local park to thank the dedicated professionals responsible for its splendor.
Source => nrpa.org