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July 31, 2024 Holiday:

National Avocado Day

National Avocado Day is a celebration of all things creamy, green, and delicious! This beloved holiday is dedicated to the revered fruit that has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. On this special day, avocado enthusiasts come together to indulge in their favorite guacamole recipes, try out new and innovative avocado-based dishes, and even share their own avocado-inspired creations on social media. Many restaurants and cafes also join in on the fun, offering special avocado-themed menu items and promotions. Whether you're a long-time avocado aficionado or just a casual fan, National Avocado Day is the perfect excuse to get creative and enjoy the nutritious and tasty benefits of this amazing fruit!

Learn more about National Avocado Day
Holidays on July 31, 2024:
Birthdays on July 31:

J. K. Rowling

59 Years Old

Creator of the beloved Harry Potter fantasy series, which has captivated readers and audiences worldwide with its magical world and memorable characters.

Mark Cuban

66 Years Old

Owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks and "Shark Tank" investor, known for his outspoken personality and savvy business deals.

Wesley Snipes

62 Years Old

Star of iconic 90s films like "White Men Can't Jump" and the "Blade" trilogy, known for his charismatic on-screen presence and versatility in playing diverse roles.

B. J. Novak

45 Years Old

Actor, director, producer, and screenwriter behind the hit TV show "The Office", creating memorable characters and witty storylines. Known for his humor and versatility in both com...

Sherry Lansing

80 Years Old

A pioneering female film executive who broke glass ceilings in Hollywood, producing iconic films like "Titanic" and "Forrest Gump".

Richard Griffiths

Died in 2013, aged 65

A renowned English actor celebrated for his iconic roles in the Harry Potter franchise and Oscar-nominated performances in film and theatre.

Peter Benenson

Died in 2005, aged 83

Founded Amnesty International, a global organization dedicated to protecting human rights and fighting injustice, particularly in cases of political imprisonment and torture.

Dean Cain

58 Years Old

An American actor, producer, and screenwriter, best known for playing the iconic superhero Superman in the 1990s TV show "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman".

A. J. Green

36 Years Old

Star wide receiver known for his exceptional speed, agility, and sure hands, making him a dominant force in the NFL.

Lil Uzi Vert

29 Years Old

Rapper and songwriter blending hip-hop with rock and punk elements, known for energetic live performances and chart-topping hits like "XO Tour Llama" and "Money Longer".

DeMarcus Ware

42 Years Old

Legendary linebacker who dominated the NFL with 138.5 sacks, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Antonio Conte

55 Years Old

A former Italian footballer turned manager, known for his tactical genius and success in leading teams to championships, including the Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea.

Events from History on July 31:
84 years ago
Reinhard Heydrich, the notorious SS General, received a chilling directive from Hermann Göring, a high-ranking Nazi official, to devise a comprehensive plan for the "total solution to the Jewish question." This ominous command marked the genesis of the Holocaust, one of humanity's darkest chapters. As Hitler's right-hand man, Göring's instruction catalyzed the systematic persecution and extermination of six million Jews and millions of other minorities during World War II.
34 years ago
The United States and Soviet Union took a monumental leap towards a safer, more peaceful world on July 31, 1991, as they put their signatures on the START I Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. This groundbreaking agreement marked the first time both superpowers committed to reducing their stockpiles of nuclear weapons, with a system of verification in place to ensure compliance. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Mikhail Gorbachev sealed the deal, paving the way for a new era of cooperation and reducing the threat of nuclear war.
84 years ago
German forces capture 300,000 Soviet prisoners in Smolensk (Smolensk, Russia, 54.7833° N, 32.05° E) 1941
German panzers ripped through the Russian countryside like a hot knife through butter, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in their wake. The Soviet Red Army, caught off guard by the lightning-fast German advance, struggled to stem the tide of the Nazi onslaught. As the battle raged on, the Germans encircled the city of Smolensk, trapping hundreds of thousands of Soviet soldiers in a deadly vise. In the end, a staggering 300,000 Red Army prisoners fell into German hands, a crushing blow to Soviet morale and a devastating setback for the Russian war effort.
As Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party campaigned across Germany, their radical ideology resonated with a struggling nation, and on July 31, 1932, they secured an astonishing 37.3% of the vote, making them the largest party in the Reichstag. This unprecedented victory propelled the Nazis into the spotlight, foreboding a dark era in German history.
The sun had barely risen over the Iberian Peninsula, but for the Jewish community, the day had already turned dark. The Alhambra Decree, issued by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, came into effect, forcing all remaining Jews to leave Spain. This marked the end of a centuries-old Jewish presence in the country, as thousands were forced to abandon their homes, belongings, and livelihoods. The edict, a culmination of years of rising anti-Semitism, would change the course of Jewish history forever.
108 years ago
British forces launch disastrous offensive in Flanders mud (Passchendaele, Ypres, West Flanders, Belgium) 1917
British General Douglas Haig's campaign to capture Passchendaele Ridge, a strategic location near Ypres in West Flanders, Belgium, turned into a bloody quagmire. Deluged by torrential rains, the already soggy terrain transformed into a sea of mud, bogging down troops and impeding any progress. Despite the dire circumstances, British commanders persisted, sending wave after wave of soldiers into the fray, only to watch them get cut down by withering German firepower. As casualties mounted, the futility of the operation became starkly apparent, yet the assault dragged on, earning its place as one of the war's most notorious debacles.
Notable Deaths on July 31:
2022Bill Russell Legendary NBA Hall of Fame Player and Coach
2015Roddy Piper Showstopping entertainer who electrified audiences as a wrestler and actor.
2015Billy Pierce Fearless baseball player with a storied career as a sportscaster.
1886Franz Liszt Hungarian musician and composer
2013Michael Ansara Syrian-American actor celebrated for his versatility and range
2012Gore Vidal Visionary American author, screenwriter, and critic who challenged societal norms
2020Alan Parker Renowned English filmmaker and storyteller
1875Andrew Johnson American president who faced the tumultuous Reconstruction era
2004Virginia Grey 20072
2019Harold Prince Visionary Broadway producer and director
1993Baudouin Belgian monarch who reigned during a time of great social change
1556Ignatius of Loyola Spanish priest who founded a powerful and enduring religious order
2023Angus Cloud Rising American actor
1986Chiune Sugihara Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish refugees during World War II via his diplomatic efforts
1992Leonard Cheshire British pilot who survived a world War II bombing and went on to lead a remarkable life
2009Bobby Robson Legendary English football manager known for his exceptional tactical acumen
1987Joseph E. Levine American film producer who left a lasting impact on the motion picture industry and world cinema
2016Chiyonofuji Mitsugu Dominant rival in the sumo world, achieving Yokozuna status.
2014Warren Bennis Prolific American scholar, author, and academic who shaped modern organizational theory
1981Omar Torrijos Panamanian general and politician who played a crucial role in the country's modernization and democracy