31 October marks the International Day of the Black Sea, World Cities Day, World Savings Day and Halloween.
International Black Sea Day
This holiday reminds us of the importance of preserving the ecosystem of this unique body of water. It was on this day in 1996 that the governments of the six countries bordering the Black Sea – Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Russia, Bulgaria and Romania – united to protect it by signing the Strategic Action Plan for the Restoration and Protection of the Black Sea. This document was an important step in the efforts to restore the ecological balance of the Black Sea, which was threatened by pollution and overuse of its resources.
Interesting facts
The Black Sea is unique because of its deep water layers, where almost no life can live due to the high concentration of hydrogen sulphide. Only 13% of its volume is suitable for marine organisms, while the rest is hydrogen sulphide-saturated depths where life is impossible.
The Black Sea is home to more than 2,000 species of fish, seabirds and plants, but many of them are threatened with extinction due to pollution, poaching and climate change. The Strategic Action Plan is designed to protect this biodiversity.
Most of the Black Sea’s pollution is caused by untreated river runoff from rivers such as the Danube, which brings with it toxins, fertilisers and other harmful substances. Hundreds of tonnes of household and industrial waste are dumped into the sea every year, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen and create low-oxygen zones.
The Black Sea is home to three species of dolphins: white-sided, common and bottlenose dolphins. Changes in dolphin populations and their condition often indicate the overall state of the Black Sea ecosystem, as dolphins are very sensitive to pollution.
The Strategic Action Plan involves cooperation between scientists, governments, environmentalists and NGOs. It is important to monitor the ecological state of the sea, combat illegal fishing, limit pollution, and implement programmes to restore natural marine resources.
World Cities Day
This day is an important date that draws attention to urbanisation and its impact on modern society. The initiative was launched by the United Nations in 2013 to promote inclusive urban development and ensure the rights to housing, infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
Interesting facts
Each year, World Urban Day has a different theme that highlights the current challenges of urbanisation. For example, in 2023, the theme was ‘Environmentally Sustainable Cities’, which focused on preventing the impact of climate change on the urban environment.
According to the UN, about 55% of the world’s population already lives in cities, and by 2050 this figure could reach 68%. This poses serious challenges for urban infrastructure, including the need for more jobs, social services and environmental sustainability.
The UN has established its office in New York, which has become one of the most prominent examples of urbanisation in the world, and where many urban development initiatives are born. New York is often a platform for discussions related to the empowerment of urban populations and the integration of different social groups.
Some cities, such as Tokyo, London and Paris, are developing ambitious plans to reduce carbon emissions. For example, Paris plans to convert the majority of its transport to electric vehicles and expand green spaces, which helps cities fight air pollution and improve the quality of life for residents.
Governments are actively investing in so-called smart cities, which integrate technologies to ensure safety, improve traffic and save resources. For example, Barcelona uses smart technologies to optimise the use of water and electricity.
World Savings Day
This day is dedicated to the importance of financial literacy, savings and the rational use of resources. The day was initiated in 1924 at the International Congress of Savings Banks in Milan, Italy, where more than 350 delegates decided to draw attention to the importance of saving. Today, this day is celebrated in many countries and is supported by various banking and financial institutions.
Interesting facts
The idea of this day was proposed in Italy, as after the First World War, the issue of saving became important for the recovery of the country’s economy. The goal was to encourage people to save part of their income for the future.
This day is a reminder of the importance of financial literacy, as many people do not know the basic principles of saving, investing or debt management. Seminars and lectures are held in educational institutions and banks to help develop financial management skills in different age groups.
Global experience shows that even small regular savings can provide financial security in times of crisis. For example, many families that had savings were better able to weather the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Savings traditions exist in different cultures and religions. In Japan, for example, saving money is considered a virtue, and in countries where Islamic culture dominates, saving is seen as a way to maintain family and community well-being.
Saving can be not only a way to accumulate funds, but also a source of investment. On this day, many banks and financial companies are reminding people about investment opportunities that can help them increase their savings through smart investments.
In addition to financial literacy, this day also promotes economic education, which helps to understand the principles of the market, inflation and the value of money, which is important for making smart financial decisions.
Halloween
Celebrated on the night of 31 October to 1 November, Halloween has long been one of the favourite days of the year for many people around the world. This holiday is considered mystical and even a little mysterious, when the line between the world of the living and the world of otherworldly forces becomes thin. It is at this time, according to legend, that everything secret comes out, opening the door to spooky stories, masquerades, and playing with fears.
Features of Halloween celebrations
Halloween is a time when everyone can transform into any creature, be it a witch, zombie, vampire, or mythical hero. Costume parties are a must-have element of the celebration, where people compete for the most creative or scary look. It’s the perfect way to let out your creative energy.
The streets of cities are filled with people in a wide variety of images – from mystical creatures to fantastic characters. They create a unique holiday atmosphere, as if to demonstrate that this evening all fears become visible and alive.
A characteristic feature of Halloween is the decorations that create a special ominous atmosphere. Carved pumpkins with candles inside, illuminated skulls, cobwebs, ghosts and spooky mannequins decorate not only houses but also entire city streets, turning them into a playground for mystical adventures.
Door-to-door trick-or-treating is particularly popular among children and teenagers. In exchange for sweets, children promise not to play tricks on the owners of the house. On this day, candy becomes a kind of currency, and the celebration is filled with fun.
For many people, Halloween is associated with special soundtracks and music that heightens the atmosphere, adding a sense of mystery. It is on this night that horror film marathons are often organised, which tickle the nerves and allow you to feel real adrenaline.
Historical events on this day
1902 – Laying of the first telegraph cable across the Pacific Ocean
In 1902, a historic event took place that radically changed communication between continents. The first telegraph cable connecting Canada and Australia was successfully laid across the Pacific Ocean, allowing countries to exchange messages much faster than before and becoming a symbol of technological progress at the time.
1903 – Opening of the first Autumn Salon in Paris
In 1903, the first Salon d’Autumn opened in Paris, a new artistic event aimed at giving young artists the opportunity to present their work. The Autumn Salon was created as an alternative to the conservative Paris Salon, which dominated the French art scene. It contributed to the birth of new artistic movements, including Fauvism and Cubism.
1941 – Completion of the monument on Mount Rushmore
In 1941, the largest monument in the world was completed on Mount Rushmore in the United States. It was the 18-metre-high heads of four US presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt – carved into the rock. This monument has become a symbol of American history and spirit.
1952 – The first US hydrogen bomb is tested
In the Pacific Ocean, the United States tested the first hydrogen bomb, which was an important milestone in the development of new types of weapons of mass destruction. This test opened a new era in the nuclear race and demonstrated the massive power of hydrogen explosions.
1956 – The first landing at the South Pole
In 1956, American Admiral George Dufek became the first person to successfully land an aircraft at the South Pole. This flight symbolised the opening of a new stage in Antarctic exploration and scientific research in one of the most remote places on Earth.
1961 – Launch of the Prydniprovska power plant
In 1961, the largest thermal power plant in the USSR, the Prydniprovska TPP, started operating. It became a powerful energy centre that supplied electricity to large industrial and domestic consumers, contributing to the development of infrastructure and the economy.
1968 – Cessation of bombing in Vietnam
US President Lyndon Johnson announced the cessation of bombing of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, which was an important diplomatic step towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. This decision was a turning point in the war and facilitated negotiations between the parties.
1973 – Resolution on the unity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
The Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Church adopted a resolution on the unity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which was an important step in the development of religious life in Ukraine. This document was intended to unite the Orthodox community in Ukraine and emphasise its independence.
1984 – Assassination of Indira Gandhi
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. This event caused massive unrest in the country and profound political consequences for India, leaving a significant mark on its modern history.
1992 – Rehabilitation of Galileo Galilei
Pope John Paul II announced the decision to grant church rehabilitation to Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer who argued that the Earth was not the centre of the universe. More than 300 years after his conviction, Galileo was officially exonerated and the Church recognised his contribution to science.
1995 – Ukraine fulfils the terms of the Conventional Arms Treaty
Ukraine completed the fulfilment of the terms of the Conventional Arms Treaty by eliminating the last T-62 tank. This decision was an important step towards reducing military equipment and strengthening international security.
1995 – Ukraine accedes to the Charter of the Council of Europe
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law on Accession to the Charter of the Council of Europe. This step was important for Ukraine’s integration into European structures and the expansion of cooperation in the areas of human rights, democracy and legislation.
1999 – The second round of the presidential election in Ukraine
Leonid Kuchma and Petro Symonenko made it to the second round of the presidential election in Ukraine. This competition became one of the key stages in the country’s political history, reflecting different political orientations in Ukrainian society.
2015 – A321 crash over the Sinai Peninsula
In 2015, the tragic A321 plane crash over the Sinai Peninsula caused a wide international outcry. This tragedy claimed the lives of all passengers and became one of the biggest disasters in the history of modern aviation.
