dayhist.com logoDayhist

24

December


December 24

Christmas Eve (Christianity) and its related observances:

Christmas Eve: A Spiritual Prelude to the Celebration of Christ's Birth

Christmas Eve, celebrated on December 24th, is a significant day in Christianity that marks the anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ. This special evening is observed with various traditions and rituals, providing a spiritual foundation for the jubilant celebration of Christmas...

Aðfangadagskvöld, the day when the 13th and the last Yule Lad arrives to towns. (Iceland)

Aðfangadagskvöld: The Magical Arrival of the Last Yule Lad in Iceland

Aðfangadagskvöld, or Christmas Eve, is a magical time in Iceland, filled with traditions, customs, and the excitement of the Yule Lads. On this special night, the 13th and final Yule Lad makes his grand arrival, marking the end of the festive season and the climax of Icelandic Christmas celebrations...

Feast of the Seven Fishes (Italian Americans)

Feast of the Seven Fishes: Understanding the Italian American Tradition

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a cherished Italian American Christmas Eve tradition that has been passed down through generations. This celebration, known as La Vigilia, brings families together to honor their Italian heritage while enjoying a delectable array of seafood dishes...

Juleaften (Denmark)/Julaften (Norway)/Julafton (Sweden)

Celebrating Juleaften in Scandinavia: Traditions and Joy

The festive season in Scandinavia reaches its zenith on Juleaften (Denmark), Julaften (Norway), and Julafton (Sweden), a magical evening filled with rich traditions, delicious food, and cherished moments with loved ones. While the name may differ slightly across these nations, the essence of celebrating Christmas Eve is universal, binding these cultures through shared festivities and customs...

Nittel Nacht (certain Orthodox Jewish denominations)

Nittel Nacht: Significance and Customs in Orthodox Jewish Tradition

Nittel Nacht, a term derived from the Yiddish language, refers to the night of Christmas Eve, which is observed by certain Orthodox Jewish communities. This night holds a unique place in the hearts of many Jewish families, representing a time of rest, reflection, and traditional observances...

Nochebuena (Spain and Spanish-speaking countries)

Nochebuena: Christmas Eve Traditions in Spain and Latin America

Nochebuena, or 'Good Night,' is a cherished tradition celebrated on Christmas Eve in Spain and throughout many Spanish-speaking countries. This festive occasion is marked by family gatherings, elaborate meals, and various cultural rituals that reflect the rich heritage of the regions...


Events

  • In 2021, Burmese military forces perpetrated the Mo So massacre, resulting in the deaths of at least 44 innocent civilians. This tragic event highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and the urgent need for international attention and intervention.

  • In 2018, a tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of Martha Érika Alonso, the first female Governor of Puebla, Mexico, and her husband, Rafael Moreno Valle Rosas, a former governor. This incident marked a significant moment in Mexican political history.

  • In 2008, the Lord's Resistance Army, a notorious Ugandan rebel group, launched brutal attacks on civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in the massacre of over 400 innocent people. This violent campaign drew international attention to the ongoing crisis in the region.

  • In 2005, Chad-Sudan relations took a dramatic turn as Chad declared a state of belligerence against Sudan. This escalation followed a deadly attack on December 18 in Adré, resulting in the loss of approximately 100 lives. Explore the implications of this conflict in the broader context of regional stability.

  • In 2003, Spanish police successfully thwarted a significant terrorist plot by ETA, preventing the detonation of 50 kg of explosives at 3:55 p.m. in the bustling Chamartín Station in Madrid. This critical intervention showcased law enforcement's commitment to public safety and counter-terrorism efforts in Spain.

  • In 1999, Indian Airlines Flight 814 was hijacked while flying between Kathmandu, Nepal, and Delhi, India. The aircraft was diverted and landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. After a tense standoff, the incident concluded on December 31 with the release of 190 survivors, although tragically, one passenger lost their life during the ordeal.

  • The Sid El-Antri massacre in Algeria, which occurred in 1997, tragically claimed the lives of 50 to 100 individuals. This devastating event remains a significant moment in Algeria's history, highlighting the ongoing impact of violence in the region.

  • In 1996, a tragic Learjet 35 crash occurred on Smarts Mountain, located near Dorchester, New Hampshire, resulting in the deaths of both pilots on board.

  • In 1994, Air France Flight 8969 was tragically hijacked while on the ground at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers, Algeria. The three-day ordeal resulted in the deaths of three passengers and all four hijackers, marking a significant event in aviation security history.

  • In 1983, Aeroflot Flight 601 tragically crashes during takeoff from Leshukonskoye Airport, resulting in the deaths of 44 out of 49 passengers and crew on board. This devastating incident remains a significant event in aviation history.


Births

  • Alexis Mac Allister

    1998 – Alexis Mac Allister, Argentine footballer

  • William Contreras

    1997 – William Contreras, Venezuelan baseball player

  • Anett Kontaveit

    1995 – Anett Kontaveit, Estonian tennis player

  • Matt Frawley

    1994 – Matt Frawley, Australian rugby league player

  • Miguel Castro

    1994 – Miguel Castro, Dominican baseball player

  • Fa'amanu Brown

    1994 – Fa'amanu Brown, New Zealand rugby league player

  • Davante Adams

    1992 – Davante Adams, American football player

  • Taylor Zakhar Perez

    1991 – Taylor Zakhar Perez, American actor

  • Louis Tomlinson

    1991 – Louis Tomlinson, English singer

  • Eric Moreland

    1991 – Eric Moreland, American basketball player

Deaths

  • Troy Dargan

    2023 – Troy Dargan, Cook Islands rugby league footballer (b. 1997)

  • Richard Bowes

    2023 – Richard Bowes, American science fiction author (b. 1944)

  • Cheri Barry

    2023 – Cheri Barry, American politician and mayor of Meridian, Mississippi (b. 1955)

  • Rafael Moreno Valle Rosas

    2018 – Rafael Moreno Valle Rosas, former governor of Puebla (b. 1968)

  • Martha Érika Alonso

    2018 – Martha Érika Alonso, Governor of Puebla (b. 1973)

  • Jerry Kindall

    2017 – Jerry Kindall, American baseball player and coach (b. 1935)

  • Richard Adams

    2016 – Richard Adams, English author (b. 1920)

  • Rick Parfitt

    2016 – Rick Parfitt, British musician (b. 1948)

  • Adriana Olguín

    2015 – Adriana Olguín, Chilean lawyer and politician, Chilean Minister of Justice (b. 1911)

  • Letty Jimenez Magsanoc

    2015 – Letty Jimenez Magsanoc, Filipino journalist (b. 1941)