July 31: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
On this day in 1964, the Ranger 7 spacecraft revolutionized our view of the cosmos by capturing the first high-resolution, close-up images of the lunar surface.
Quick Facts for July 31
- Zodiac sign: Leo
- Day of year: 212
About July 31
July 31 is a day of profound transitions and remarkable human achievement. For those born under the sign of Leo, the day's energy often mirrors the brilliance of Michael Phelps, who on this date in 2012 cemented his legendary status by surpassing the all-time record for Olympic medals. Whether through the physical dominance of an athlete or the intellectual rigor of a scientist, the day celebrates those who push the boundaries of what is possible.
The calendar also holds space for deep reflection and cultural remembrance. It is a day to observe Lā Hae Hawaiʻi, honoring the sovereignty and heritage of the Hawaiian people, and to recognize the Feast of Kamál within the Baháʼí Faith. From the tragic expulsion of Jewish communities in 1492 Spain to the courageous resilience of those honoring Shahid Udham Singh, July 31 serves as a complex tapestry of human history, blending moments of immense loss with the enduring spirit of triumph.
Holidays & Observances on July 31
- Earliest day on which the Feast of Kamál (Perfection) can fall, while August 1 is the latest; observed on the first day of the eighth month of the Baháʼí calendar. (Baháʼí Faith)
- End of the Trinity term (sitting of the High Court of Justice of England)
- Lā Hae Hawaiʻi Day (Hawaii, United States), and its related observance: Sovereignty Restoration Day (Hawaiian sovereignty movement)
- Martyrdom Day of Shahid Udham Singh (Haryana and Punjab, India)
- Treasury Day (Poland)
- Warriors' Day (Malaysia)
Fun & National Days on July 31
- National Avocado Day — Celebrate by mashing up some fresh guacamole for your favorite snacks!
- National Cotton Candy Day — Indulge in some fluffy, pink spun sugar for a sweet treat.
- National Get Gnarly Day — Embrace a daring spirit and try something bold and exciting today!
- National Raspberry Cake Day — Treat yourself to a delicious slice of berry-flavored dessert.
- National SPAM Day — Enjoy the classic canned meat in a creative new recipe.
- National Jump for Jelly Beans Day
- National Mutt Day
- National Talk in an Elevator Day
- Shredded Wheat Day
- System Administrator Appreciation Day
On This Day in History
- -30 — Following a minor victory against Octavian, Mark Antony's forces deserted him, eventually leading to his own death.
- 1492 — The Alhambra Decree went into effect, resulting in the forced expulsion of all Jewish residents from Spain.
- 1498 — During his third trip to the Western Hemisphere, Christopher Columbus became the first European to reach Trinidad.
- 1715 — A massive storm off the Florida coast caused eleven ships from a Spanish treasure fleet to sink.
- 1777 — The Second Continental Congress officially granted the Marquis de Lafayette the rank of major-general in the United States.
- 1790 — Samuel Hopkins was granted the very first United States patent for his specific method of producing potash.
- 1917 — The brutal and historic Battle of Passchendaele commenced in the West Flanders region of Belgium during World War I.
- 1941 — Under Hitler's direction, Hermann Göring ordered the development of a formal administrative plan for the Holocaust.
- 1964 — NASA's Ranger 7 mission beamed back incredibly clear, close-up photographs of the moon for the first time.
- 1971 — Astronauts participating in the Apollo 15 mission became the first humans to operate a rover on the moon.
- 1991 — The United States and the Soviet Union both signed the START I treaty to begin reducing nuclear stockpiles.
- 2012 — Swimmer Michael Phelps broke the long-standing Olympic medal record previously held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina.
Famous Birthdays on July 31
- 1912 — Milton Friedman, A Nobel Prize-winning economist who profoundly shaped modern economic thought and theory.
- 1923 — Stephanie Kwolek, A pioneering American chemist credited with the invention of the durable material Kevlar.
- 1923 — Ahmet Ertegun, The influential Turkish-American music producer who founded the legendary Atlantic Records.
- 1962 — Wesley Snipes, An acclaimed American actor known for his diverse roles in film and television.
- 1965 — J. K. Rowling, The highly influential English author who created the global phenomenon of Harry Potter.