09 February - Carmen Miranda birth anniversary

 

Carmen Miranda (1909–1955) was a Portuguese-Brazilian singer, dancer, and actress who became an international sensation and an iconic figure in the entertainment industry during the 1940s. Born on 09 February 1909, in Marco de Canaveses, Portugal, her family moved to Brazil when she was a child.

Carmen Miranda is best known for her colorful and extravagant costumes, fruit-laden turbans, and energetic performances. She rose to fame as a samba singer in Brazil and gained widespread recognition after signing a contract with a Hollywood studio. She appeared in a series of musical films in the United States, where her unique style and vibrant personality made her a star.

Some of her notable films include "The Gang's All Here" (1943), in which she famously performed the song "The Lady in the Tutti-Frutti Hat." Carmen Miranda's on-screen persona often featured a mix of Brazilian and Latin American elements, contributing to the popularization of Latin music and dance in the United States.

Despite her success, Carmen Miranda faced challenges related to stereotyping and cultural appropriation. She returned to Brazil periodically throughout her career, and she is remembered as an enduring symbol of Brazilian culture and entertainment.

Carmen Miranda passed away on 05 August 1955, at the age of 46, following a heart attack. She left a lasting legacy as a cultural icon and remains an influential figure in the history of entertainment.

09 February - Osamu Tezuka death anniversary

 

Osamu Tezuka (1928–1989) was a highly influential Japanese manga artist, animator, and film producer, often referred to as the "God of Manga" and the "Father of Anime." Born on 03 November 1928, in Toyonaka, Osaka, Japan, Tezuka played a crucial role in shaping the manga and anime industries in Japan.

Tezuka's impact on manga and anime is immense, and he is credited with pioneering many of the storytelling and artistic techniques used in these mediums today. Some of his most notable works include:

1. Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atomu): Originally serialized in the early 1960s, Astro Boy is one of Tezuka's most iconic creations. It became the first popular anime television series and contributed significantly to the establishment of the anime industry.

2. Black Jack: A medical drama manga that follows the adventures of an unlicensed but highly skilled surgeon named Black Jack.

3. Phoenix (Hi no Tori): A multi-volume manga series that explores themes of life, death, and reincarnation across different time periods.

4. Buddha: An epic manga series that retells the life story of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism.

Tezuka's storytelling versatility ranged from whimsical and child-friendly tales to more mature and thought-provoking narratives. Apart from his contributions to manga and anime, he also worked as a medical doctor, and his diverse interests and talents have left an enduring impact on Japanese popular culture.

Osamu Tezuka passed away on 09 February 1989, but his legacy continues to influence generations of manga artists, animators, and storytellers worldwide.

09 February - Day of the Finnish Language (Finland)

 

Finnish Language Day, known as "Suomen kielen päivä" in Finnish, is celebrated on February 9th each year. This date was chosen to honor the birthday of Mikael Agricola, a 16th-century Finnish bishop and scholar who is often referred to as the "father of the Finnish written language."

Mikael Agricola played a significant role in standardizing and codifying the Finnish language. He authored the first Finnish-language literature and translated religious texts, including the New Testament, into Finnish. His efforts were instrumental in the development and promotion of written Finnish as a language of literature, education, and religious instruction.

Finnish Language Day is an opportunity for Finns to celebrate their language, its history, and its cultural significance. Various events and activities are organized across Finland to promote the use and appreciation of the Finnish language. These may include language-themed workshops, seminars, poetry readings, literary events, and educational programs for both children and adults.

The celebration of Finnish Language Day underscores the importance of language in preserving national identity, fostering cultural pride, and promoting communication and understanding among speakers of Finnish, both within Finland and around the world.

 

09 February - International Winter Bike To Work Day

 

International Winter Bike to Work Day is an annual event that encourages people around the world to commute to work by bicycle during the winter months. This day typically takes place on the second Friday of February each year. The goal is to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy transportation option, even in colder climates.

Cyclists, whether regular commuters or occasional riders, are encouraged to participate in Winter Bike to Work Day by biking to their workplaces, regardless of the weather conditions. Participants often share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #WinterBiketoWorkDay, helping to create a sense of community and inspire others to embrace winter cycling.

The event aims to highlight the benefits of winter biking, such as reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, promoting physical activity, and fostering a connection with the outdoors, even in colder temperatures. Winter Bike to Work Day is part of a broader movement to make cycling a year-round activity and to encourage the development of cycling-friendly infrastructure in various cities worldwide.

 

09 February - The Brazil Carnival Feb 09 -17, 2024

 

The Brazil Carnival is one of the most famous and vibrant festivals in the world, known for its energetic atmosphere, colorful parades, samba music, and lively street parties. It is an annual celebration that takes place before Lent, with the dates varying each year. Traditionally, the Carnival happens 40 days before Easter, which means it usually occurs in February or March.

Key features of the Brazil Carnival include:

1. Samba Parades: The highlight of the Carnival is the elaborate samba school parades held in the Sambadrome, a purpose-built parade area in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The parades feature extravagant costumes, elaborate floats, and synchronized dance performances.

2. Street Parties (Blocos): Throughout the Carnival season, various neighborhoods host street parties known as "blocos." These are open-air celebrations where people come together to dance, sing, and celebrate. Each bloco often has its own theme and music.

3. Costumes and Masks: Carnival-goers often wear vibrant and elaborate costumes, and it's common to see people in colorful outfits, masks, and accessories. Costumes are an integral part of the festive atmosphere.

4. Music: Samba music is the heartbeat of the Brazil Carnival. Samba schools compete with each other, showcasing their musical and dance talents during the parades. The streets are also filled with the sounds of samba music during blocos and other festivities.

5. Cultural Events: Beyond the parades and street parties, the Brazil Carnival includes cultural events, art exhibitions, and other activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Brazil.

The cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are particularly renowned for their grand Carnival celebrations, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. While the Rio Carnival is the most famous, many other cities and regions across Brazil also host their own unique Carnival events. It's a time when people come together to celebrate, enjoy life, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Brazil.

09 February - Dionisios Solomos death anniversary

 

Dionysios Solomos (1798–1857) was a Greek poet from Zakynthos, an island in the Ionian Sea. He is best known for writing the Hymn to Liberty (also known as the Hymn to Freedom or "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" in Greek), which later became the Greek national anthem.

Solomos was born on April 8, 1798, in Zakynthos, which was then part of the Venetian Republic. He received a classical education and studied literature and philosophy. His early works were influenced by the Romantic movement, and he wrote both in Greek and Italian.

The Hymn to Liberty was written in 1823 during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The poem reflects the poet's deep feelings for the struggle for freedom and independence. The Hymn to Liberty was later set to music by Nikolaos Mantzaros, and it was officially adopted as the Greek national anthem in 1865.

Dionysios Solomos is considered a national poet in Greece, and his contributions to Greek literature and the national anthem have left a lasting legacy. The anniversary of his death, February 9th, is observed as Dionysios Solomos Day in Greece.

 

09 February - Wilhelm Maybach birth anniversary

 

Wilhelm Maybach was born on 09 February 1846, in Heilbronn, Kingdom of Württemberg, German Confederation. He passed away on 29 December 1929, in Stuttgart, Germany. 

Wilhelm Maybach (1846–1929) was a German engineer and industrialist who played a crucial role in the development of early internal combustion engines and automobiles. He is best known for his collaboration with Gottlieb Daimler in the founding of the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), a company that became a pioneer in the automotive industry.

Some key points about Wilhelm Maybach include:

1. Early Career: Maybach began his career as a technical draftsman and later worked for various engineering firms. In the 1870s, he became involved with Nikolaus Otto, the inventor of the four-stroke internal combustion engine.

2. Collaboration with Gottlieb Daimler: Maybach joined forces with Gottlieb Daimler in the late 19th century. Together, they developed high-speed internal combustion engines that were more efficient than existing designs.

3. Creation of Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG): In 1890, Maybach and Daimler founded DMG, a company dedicated to the production of engines and, later, automobiles. The company produced some of the first successful motor vehicles, including the Mercedes 35hp, which is considered one of the earliest modern automobiles.

4. Legacy: Maybach's contributions to automotive engineering include innovations such as the honeycomb radiator and the float-feed carburetor. The brand "Maybach" later became associated with luxury automobiles, with high-end models produced under the Maybach name.

5. Later Years: After some disagreements with the Daimler board, Maybach left DMG in 1907. He continued to work independently and remained involved in engineering until his retirement.

Wilhelm Maybach's impact on the automotive industry and his collaborations with Gottlieb Daimler were instrumental in the early development of internal combustion engines and automobiles. His legacy is recognized in the continued use of the Maybach name in luxury vehicles, as well as in the broader history of automotive engineerin

 

09 February - William Henry Harrison birth anniversary

 

William Henry Harrison, born on 09 February 1773, in Charles City County, Virginia, was an American military officer and politician who became the ninth President of the United States. He served as President for only a short time in 1841, making his tenure the shortest in U.S. history. Harrison's presidency was cut short when he succumbed to pneumonia, dying on 04 April 1841, just 32 days into his term. Before his presidency, Harrison gained fame as a military leader during the Battle of Tippecanoe in the War of 1812 and the Battle of the Thames during the Tecumseh's War. His brief presidency and untimely death are significant aspects of his historical legacy.

 

08 February - Jawaharlal Nehru elected president of Indian National Congress.

 

Jawaharlal Nehru was elected as the President of the Indian National Congress on 08 February 1929. This event took place during the Lahore session of the Congress, and Nehru's presidency marked a significant phase in the Indian independence movement. It was under his leadership that the demand for complete independence or "Purna Swaraj" gained prominence. The Lahore session also witnessed the adoption of the famous resolution declaring January 26 as Independence Day, which later became the Republic Day of India. Nehru played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of India and eventually became the first Prime Minister of the country after its independence in 1947.

08 February - Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop established on 8 February 1862

 

Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop was established on 8 February 1862 as the first fully-fledged railway workshop facility in India. It was started by the East Indian Railway Company (EIR) as a result of the so-called "Railway Age" in India, which began in 1854.

A locomotive, carriage and wagon workshop had been set up in Howrah to put into commission imported rolling stock for the EIR and also to carry out repairs. Unfortunately this workshop was unsuccessful, partly because of problems with procuring supplies and sourcing enough skilled labour. Within eight years of its establishment in Howrah, the workshop was closed and the Jamalpur Workshop was established at Jamalpur.