January 1: What Happened on This Day in History
January 1st marks the 1st day of the Gregorian calendar year. There are 364 days (365 in case of leap years) remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on January 1st in history, famous birthdays on January 1st, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to January 1.
What happened on January 1?
Here's what happened on January 1st in history:
- 2020: Global celebration marking the start of the year 2020, with people around the world welcoming the new year with fireworks, parties, and traditional festivities.
- 2014: Six Indonesian police officers engaged in a confrontation with suspected militants in Jakarta, resulting in six fatalities during a counter-terrorism operation.
- 2011: Estonia officially transitioned to the euro currency, becoming the 17th member of the Eurozone and replacing its national currency, the kroon. This significant economic milestone marked Estonia's deeper integration into the European financial system.
- 2010: During New Year's celebrations, the Colombian Air Force conducted an air strike against FARC rebels in southern Colombia, killing at least 18 rebel fighters. This operation was part of the ongoing conflict between Colombian government forces and guerrilla groups.
- 2004: The single largest expansion of the European Union occurred, increasing member states from 15 to 25 by including Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia, and several former Eastern Bloc countries, significantly reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Europe.
- 2002: The Open Skies mutual surveillance treaty, initially signed in 1992, officially enters into force, establishing a framework for unarmed aerial observation flights between participating nations to enhance transparency and build trust in military activities.
- 1999: On January 1st, 1999, the Euro was officially introduced as the common currency for 11 European Union member states, marking a significant milestone in European economic integration. The participating countries included Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Finland. This introduction initially applied to non-cash transactions, laying the groundwork for a unified monetary system across these nations.
- 1998: California implements a comprehensive smoking ban in bars, clubs, and card rooms, advancing public health regulations and reducing secondhand smoke exposure.
- 1995: The United Nations designates 1995 as the International Year of Tolerance, promoting understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence among different cultures, religions, and ethnic groups.
- 1988: A national initiative is launched to promote reading and literacy, encouraging greater engagement with books and written media.
What famous birthdays are on January 1?
On January 1st there are the following famous birthdays:
![Grandmaster Flash]()
Grandmaster Flash (1958)Pioneering hip-hop DJ and musician who revolutionized turntablism and was a founding member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five,...
![Vidya Balan]()
Vidya Balan (1978)Vidya Balan is a critically acclaimed Bollywood actress known for breaking stereotypes and delivering powerful performances in female-led...
![Nana Patekar]()
Nana Patekar (1951)Nana Patekar is a renowned Indian actor known for his powerful and intense performances in both Bollywood mainstream cinema and art house...
![Hiep Thi Le]()
Hiep Thi Le (1971)Vietnamese-American actress known for her powerful role in Oliver Stone's film 'Heaven & Earth', which depicted the Vietnam War experience.
![Maurice Béjart]()
Maurice Béjart (1927)Renowned French choreographer who revolutionized contemporary dance by blending diverse styles and using movement as a powerful medium for...
![Anju Mahendru]()
Anju Mahendru (1952)Anju Mahendru is a notable Indian actress who has made significant contributions to Bollywood cinema and television during her career.
![Michèle Mercier]()
Michèle Mercier (1939)Michèle Mercier is a renowned French actress famous for her iconic role as Angélique in the popular 'Angélique' film series during the...
![Frank Langella]()
Frank Langella (1938)Acclaimed American actor with a distinguished theater and film career, known for memorable roles in 'Dracula' and numerous Broadway...
![Fatima Sana Shaikh]()
Fatima Sana Shaikh (1992)Fatima Sana Shaikh is a prominent Bollywood actress known for her breakthrough role as Geeta Phogat in the critically acclaimed film...
![Danny Lloyd]()
Danny Lloyd (1973)American actor best known for his role as Danny Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's horror classic 'The Shining'.
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on January 1?
On January 1st the following celebrities died:
![Hank Williams]()
Hank Williams (1953)Legendary country music pioneer who revolutionized the genre with his raw, emotional songwriting and distinctive vocal style.
![Donna Douglas]()
Donna Douglas (2015)Donna Douglas was an American actress best known for her role as Elly May Clampett in the popular sitcom 'The Beverly Hillbillies'.
![Cesar Romero]()
Cesar Romero (1994)Cuban-American actor famous for playing the Joker in the 1960s Batman TV series and appearing in numerous films like Falcon Crest.
![Margaret Sullavan]()
Margaret Sullavan (1960)Renowned Hollywood actress of the 1930s and 1940s, known for her distinctive voice and compelling stage performances.
![Ray Walston]()
Ray Walston (2001)Ray Walston was a versatile American actor best known for his role in the TV sitcom 'My Favorite Martian' and his Tony Award-winning stage...
![Gertrude Michael]()
![June Clayworth]()
- Eugene Wigner (1995)
Hungarian-American theoretical physicist and mathematician who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963 for his groundbreaking contributions...
- Grace Hopper (1992)
A pioneering computer scientist and US Navy rear admiral who developed the first compiler and popularized the term 'debugging' in computer...
- Shirley Chisholm (2005)
Pioneering African American congresswoman who broke significant racial and gender barriers in U.S.
What day of the year is January 1?
January 1st marks the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
There are 364 days remaining until the end of the year (or 365 days in case of leap years).
January 1st is the 1st day of the month of January.
What zodiac sign is associated with the day January 1?
The zodiac sign associated with January 1st is Capricorn according to the Western Zodiac.
