July 14: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On July 14, 1789, the storming of the Bastille ignited the French Revolution, a seismic event that forever reshaped the landscape of modern democracy.
Quick Facts for July 14
- Zodiac sign: Cancer
- Day of year: 195
About July 14
July 14 serves as a profound intersection of political upheaval and scientific breakthrough. While most recognize the date as Bastille Day, marking the explosive start of the French Revolution, the day also carries weight in the pursuit of knowledge. In 1965, humanity's view of the cosmos shifted as the Mariner 4 spacecraft successfully sent back the first close-up images of another planet, Mars, and more recently, in 2015, NASA's New Horizons mission completed a historic survey of our solar system by flying past Pluto.
Beyond these global milestones, the day is a tapestry of diverse identities and cultural celebrations. From International Non-Binary People's Day to the celebration of Swedish Crown Princess Victoria, July 14 honors both the struggle for civil rights and the endurance of established traditions. Whether through the lens of historical revolutions or the quiet awe of space exploration, the date remains a cornerstone of the human story.
Holidays & Observances on July 14
- Bastille Day (France and dependencies)
- International Non-Binary People's Day
- Republic Day (Iraq)
- Victoria Day (Sweden). The birthday of Crown Princess Victoria is an official flag flying day in Sweden.
- North Korean Defectors' Day (in South Korea)
Fun & National Days on July 14
- Cow Appreciation Day — Take a moment to celebrate these gentle giants and their importance to our world.
- National Mac and Cheese Day — Indulge in a warm, cheesy bowl of your favorite comfort food today.
- Shark Awareness Day — Learn something new about these fascinating apex predators to help protect our oceans.
- National Grand Marnier Day — Mix up a sophisticated cocktail using this classic orange-flavored liqueur.
- National Tape Measure Day
- Pandemonium Day
On This Day in History
- 1223 — Following the passing of his father, Philip II, Louis VIII ascended to the French throne.
- 1420 — Jan Žižka led Czech Hussite forces to a monumental victory against the Holy Roman Emperor's crusade.
- 1789 — The fall of the Bastille prison in Paris acted as a catalyst for the French Revolution.
- 1865 — Edward Whymper successfully reached the summit of the Matterhorn, though the descent proved fatal for four.
- 1881 — The legendary American outlaw Billy the Kid was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in New Mexico.
- 1902 — Agustín Lizárraga stumbled upon the ancient Incan site of Machu Picchu while exploring the Peruvian landscape.
- 1942 — Mahatma Gandhi received authorization to lead the 'Quit India' movement during the Congress's Wardha session.
- 1951 — Ferrari secured their inaugural Formula One victory at the British Grand Prix held in Silverstone.
- 1960 — Primatologist Jane Goodall arrived at Gombe Stream Reserve to begin her landmark chimpanzee research.
- 1965 — The Mariner 4 probe provided the first close-up photographic views of the planet Mars.
- 1983 — The iconic Super Mario Bros. franchise made its debut when Mario Bros. launched in Japan.
- 2015 — NASA's New Horizons probe reached Pluto, finishing the initial exploration of our solar system.
Famous Birthdays on July 14
- 1862 — Gustav Klimt, A celebrated Austrian painter known for his unique and decorative art style.
- 1868 — Gertrude Bell, An influential English archaeologist and political officer who shaped Middle Eastern history.
- 1912 — Woody Guthrie, An iconic American singer and songwriter who captured the spirit of the people.
- 1913 — Gerald Ford, The 38th President of the United States who served during a pivotal era.
- 1918 — Ingmar Bergman, A legendary Swedish filmmaker known for his profound and influential cinematic works.
- 1985 — Phoebe Waller-Bridge, A highly acclaimed English actress and screenwriter recognized for her modern storytelling.