Chimichanga Day
Chimichanga Day is celebrated on September 26th to honor this popular deep-fried Mexican dish, believed to have originated in the southwestern United States. The day encourages fans of the crunchy, flavorful meal to enjoy and experiment with chimichangas in all their forms. Chimichanga Day celebrates the fusion of Mexican and American flavors, making it a fun and tasty occasion for all food lovers!
Johnny Appleseed Day
Johnny Appleseed Day is celebrated on two dates each year: March 11th and September 26th. The day honors the life and legacy of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, an American pioneer nurseryman who became a folk hero for his dedication to planting apple trees across the United States. Johnny Appleseed’s influence on American agriculture and folklore continues to be celebrated, making him an enduring symbol of environmentalism and kindness.
Here are some notable events that occurred on September 26th throughout history:
Historical Events:
1580: Sir Francis Drake completes his circumnavigation of the globe. Drake was the first Englishman to successfully sail around the world, beginning his journey in 1577 and returning to Plymouth, England, on this day in 1580.
1687: The Parthenon in Athens is severely damaged by an explosion. The Parthenon, originally built as a temple to the goddess Athena, was being used as a munitions depot during a conflict between the Venetians and the Ottoman Empire, leading to its destruction when it was hit by a mortar shell.
1789: Thomas Jefferson is appointed the first U.S. Secretary of State by President George Washington.
1960: The first televised U.S. presidential debate takes place between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This debate marked a turning point in how television influenced politics, as Kennedy’s calm demeanor contrasted with Nixon’s more uneasy appearance, swaying public perception.
1969: The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” album is released in the United Kingdom. This iconic album, featuring songs like “Come Together” and “Here Comes the Sun,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.
1983: Stanisław Petrov, a Soviet military officer, prevented a potential nuclear disaster by correctly identifying a false alarm of incoming U.S. missiles. His decision not to report the alert as a legitimate nuclear strike may have averted World War III.
2008: The largest-ever bank failure in the United States occurs when Washington Mutual Bank is seized by federal regulators. The failure of Washington Mutual was a significant event during the 2008 financial crisis.
Birthdays:
1888: T.S. Eliot, American-born British poet, playwright, and critic, known for works like The Waste Land and The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.
1898: George Gershwin, American composer and pianist, known for pieces such as Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris.
1948: Olivia Newton-John, British-Australian singer and actress, best known for her role in Grease and hits like “Physical.”
1981: Serena Williams, American tennis player, considered one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Deaths:
1902: Levi Strauss, German-American businessman and founder of Levi Strauss & Co., the first company to manufacture blue jeans.
1973: Anna Magnani, Italian actress known for her performances in films like Rome, Open City (1945) and The Rose Tattoo (1955), for which she won an Academy Award.
