Historical Events on August 17: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on August 17, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on August 17 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Allied Troops Enter the Forbidden City During Boxer Rebellion: On August 17, 1900, during the Boxer Rebellion, Allied troops entered the Forbidden City in Beijing. This marked a significant moment in the suppression of the Boxer Rebellion. source: nam.ac.uk
1903 Pulitzer Prize Foundation established: On August 17, 1903, the Pulitzer Prize Foundation was established, creating a prestigious set of awards to recognize excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition. source: en.wikipedia.org
1913 Birth of W. Mark Felt, Key Watergate Informant: William Mark Felt Sr., known as "Deep Throat," was born on August 17, 1913, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He became the associate director of the FBI and played a pivotal role in providing information to journalists during the Watergate scandal. source: history.com
1914 Battle of Stallupönen in World War I: On August 17, 1914, German forces achieved a significant tactical victory against Russian troops near Stallupönen (modern-day Nesterov, Russia), marking one of the early battles on the Eastern Front. source: en.wikipedia.org
1915 German forces advance into Lithuania: On August 17, 1915, German forces captured the city of Kaunas (Kovno) in Lithuania after a prolonged siege. The German Army of the Niemen maintained positions along the Lielupe and Iecava Rivers, while the Russian 5th Army struggled to coordinate an effective response, leading to a retreat across the Vadva and Jara-Šetekšna rivers. source: en.wikipedia.org
1916 Romania joins World War I via secret treaty with Entente powers: On August 17, 1916, Romania joined World War I by signing a secret treaty with the Entente powers. This decision was influenced by the successes of Russia against Austria-Hungary on the Eastern Front during the summer of 1916. source: history.com
1918 British Troops Attack Baku: On August 17, 1918, British forces, known as 'Dunsterforce' and led by General Lionel Dunsterville, arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, to support local forces against advancing Ottoman troops. This intervention aimed to secure the region's oil resources and prevent Ottoman control. source: en.wikipedia.org
1919 Bulgarian Agrarian National Union Wins Parliamentary Majority: On August 17, 1919, the Bulgarian Agrarian National Union secured a majority in the Bulgarian parliament, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. source: en.wikipedia.org
1920 Labor unrest in the United States: On August 17, 1920, labor unrest was widespread in the United States, with strikes and protests occurring in various industries. This unrest was part of a larger wave of labor movements seeking better working conditions and wages post-World War I. source: britannica.com
1925 Death of Romanian writer Ioan Slavici: Ioan Slavici, a prominent Romanian writer and journalist, passed away on August 17, 1925. He was known for his contributions to Romanian literature and his role in the national cultural movement. source: en.wikipedia.org
1926 Birth of Jiang Zemin: Jiang Zemin, a Chinese politician who served as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 1989 to 2002 and as President of China from 1993 to 2003, was born on August 17, 1926, in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province, China. source: britannica.com
1928 Kellogg–Briand Pact Signed in Paris: The Kellogg–Briand Pact, an international agreement to renounce war as a means of resolving disputes, was signed in Paris on August 17, 1928, by representatives of 15 nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
1929 Fatal Coal Mine Explosion in Silesian Coal Region: A catastrophic coal mine explosion occurred in the Silesian coal region, resulting in the deaths of numerous miners. The disaster underscored the hazardous working conditions in the mining industry during that era. source: en.wikipedia.org
1933 Earl Averill hits for the cycle in Cleveland Indians game: On August 17, 1933, Earl Averill of the Cleveland Indians achieved a rare baseball feat by hitting for the cycle, becoming the second player in the team's history to do so. source: sabr.org
1935 AEG demonstrates Magnetophon tape recorder: On August 17, 1935, AEG unveiled the Magnetophon K1, the world's first practical tape recorder, at the Berlin Radio Show, marking a significant advancement in audio recording technology. source: computerhistory.org
1936 Battle of the Sierra Guadalupe: The Battle of the Sierra Guadalupe was fought during the Spanish Civil War, involving Nationalist forces attempting to gain control of strategic positions. The battle was part of the broader conflict that engulfed Spain during this period. source: britannica.com
1938 Nazi decree on Jewish names: On August 17, 1938, Germany passed laws requiring Jews to add either "Israel" or "Sara" to their names, effective January 1, 1939. source: ww2db.com
1940 US-Canada Joint Defense Commission established: On August 17, 1940, the US-Canada Joint Defense Commission was established to enhance military cooperation between the two nations during World War II. This initiative aimed to coordinate defense strategies and resources in response to the growing threat from Axis powers. source: archives.gov
1943 Secret atomic bomb agreement at Québec Conference: During the Québec Conference on August 17, 1943, Allied leaders reached a secret agreement regarding the development of the atomic bomb. This agreement laid the groundwork for the Manhattan Project and the eventual use of atomic weapons in World War II. source: britannica.com
1944 Multiple Allied advances and German retreats: On August 17, 1944, Allied forces made significant advances in France, leading to further German retreats. This momentum was part of the ongoing efforts to liberate occupied territories following the D-Day landings. The situation for German troops became increasingly precarious as they faced coordinated attacks. source: bbc.com
1945 Publication of Animal Farm: George Orwell's novella 'Animal Farm' was published on August 17, 1945. The book is an allegorical tale that critiques totalitarianism and reflects on the events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917. source: britannica.com
1948 Alger Hiss denies communist espionage allegations: Alger Hiss, a former U.S. State Department official, publicly denied allegations of espionage and being a communist. This event was part of a larger controversy that would lead to his trial and conviction for perjury in 1950. source: britannica.com
1949 Theodor Herzl reinterment: Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, was reinterred in Jerusalem on August 17, 1949. This event marked a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Israel. source: britannica.com
1950 Indonesia becomes a unitary state: On August 17, 1950, Indonesia dissolved the United States of Indonesia and re-established itself as a unitary state, the Republic of Indonesia, under a new provisional constitution. source: en.wikipedia.org
1951 Hurricane Charlie strikes Kingston, Jamaica, causing widespread devastation: On August 17, 1951, Hurricane Charlie made landfall near Kingston, Jamaica, with winds up to 125 mph. The hurricane caused extensive damage, resulting in 152 fatalities, injuring 2,000 people, and leaving 25,000 homeless. It also destroyed 70–80% of the island's banana crops. source: en.wikipedia.org
1952 Nelson Piquet birth: Nelson Piquet, the Brazilian racing driver and three-time Formula One World Champion, was born on August 17, 1952. He is known for his significant contributions to motorsport and his successful career in Formula One. source: britannica.com
1955 Hurricane Diane devastates North Carolina: On August 17, 1955, Hurricane Diane struck North Carolina, causing significant flooding and destruction. The storm resulted in widespread damage, particularly in the eastern part of the state, and led to numerous fatalities and evacuations. source: weather.gov
1956 West German Constitutional Court Bans Communist Party: On August 17, 1956, the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany banned the Communist Party of Germany (KPD), declaring it unconstitutional. source: en.wikipedia.org
1957 Elvis Presley tops US charts: On the same day, August 17, 1957, Elvis Presley also topped the US music charts with his hit 'All Shook Up'. This marked a significant moment in his career, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the music industry. source: billboard.com
1958 Lolita published in the United States: Vladimir Nabokov's controversial novel 'Lolita' was published in the United States on August 17, 1958. The book sparked significant debate and discussion regarding its themes and content, becoming a classic of modern literature. source: nytimes.com
1959 1959 Hebgen Lake earthquake: The Hebgen Lake earthquake struck near West Yellowstone, Montana, on August 17, 1959. It registered a magnitude of 7.5 and caused significant damage, including landslides and the formation of a new lake. The disaster resulted in 28 fatalities and is one of the most powerful earthquakes in U.S. history. source: usgs.gov
1960 Francis Gary Powers U-2 spy trial begins in Moscow: The trial of Francis Gary Powers, a U.S. pilot shot down while flying a U-2 spy plane over the Soviet Union, began on August 17, 1960. Powers was charged with espionage, and his capture heightened Cold War tensions. The trial was a significant event in the context of U.S.-Soviet relations during the Cold War. source: britannica.com
1961 Kennedy administration launches Alliance for Progress: On August 17, 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced the Alliance for Progress, aimed at establishing economic cooperation between the United States and Latin America. This initiative sought to counteract the influence of communism in the region. source: britannica.com
1963 Tragic ferry sinking in Okinawa: On August 17, 1963, a ferry sank off the coast of Okinawa, resulting in significant loss of life. The incident raised concerns about maritime safety and led to changes in regulations for passenger vessels in the region. source: bbc.com
1964 Capital Beltway construction completed: On August 17, 1964, the final segment of the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) was officially opened near the New Hampshire Avenue interchange in Maryland. Maryland Governor J. Millard Tawes and Federal Highway Administrator Rex Whitton participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of the 64.7-mile loop around Washington, D.C. source: transportationhistory.org
1965 Watts Riots conclude in Los Angeles: The Watts Riots, a series of violent protests in Los Angeles, concluded on August 17, 1965. The riots were sparked by racial tensions and police brutality, resulting in significant property damage and loss of life. The events highlighted the deep-seated issues of race relations in America during the 1960s. source: britannica.com
1966 Diplomatic negotiations to end Yemen war: On August 17, 1966, diplomatic efforts were underway to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict in Yemen. These discussions involved various international stakeholders aiming to stabilize the region and address humanitarian concerns. source: bbc.com
1969 Woodstock Music Festival continues: The Woodstock Music Festival continued on August 17, 1969, featuring performances from numerous artists, including The Who and Joan Baez. The event was marked by a spirit of peace and music, despite challenging weather conditions and logistical issues. It solidified its place in history as a landmark cultural event. source: history.com
1970 Venera 7 transmits data from Venus surface: On August 17, 1970, the Soviet Union's Venera 7 spacecraft became the first to transmit data from the surface of Venus. This achievement marked a significant milestone in space exploration, providing valuable information about the planet's atmosphere and surface conditions. source: nasa.gov
1971 First solo nonstop westward sea voyage around the world: On August 17, 1971, American sailor Robin Lee Graham completed the first solo nonstop westward sea voyage around the world. His journey, which began in 1965, was a remarkable feat of navigation and endurance, capturing the imagination of many. source: nytimes.com
1972 Indonesian Language Spelling Reform: On August 17, 1972, Indonesia introduced the Enhanced Spelling System (Ejaan yang Disempurnakan, EYD), aiming to harmonize the Indonesian and Malaysian languages. This reform replaced the previous Republican Spelling System, standardizing the orthography to facilitate mutual understanding between the two nations. The EYD was officially announced by President Suharto on Indonesia's Independence Day. source: en.wikipedia.org
1974 Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed elected as President of India: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed was elected as the fifth President of India on August 17, 1974, succeeding V. V. Giri. source: en.wikipedia.org
1975 Eight firefighters killed in Philadelphia refinery fire: On August 17, 1975, a fire erupted at the Gulf Oil Refinery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leading to explosions that resulted in the deaths of eight firefighters. The incident began when hydrocarbon vapors ignited during the off-loading of crude oil, causing a fire that threatened 600 storage tanks at the refinery's tank farm. The fire was brought under control after 24 hours, but not before eight firefighters lost their lives. source: firehouse.com
1976 1976 Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami: On August 17, 1976, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck near the islands of Mindanao and Sulu in the Philippines, followed by a destructive tsunami. The disaster resulted in at least 5,000 fatalities, with some reports estimating up to 8,000 deaths, and left approximately 90,000 people homeless. source: en.wikipedia.org
1977 Soviet icebreaker reaches North Pole: On August 17, 1977, the Soviet nuclear-powered icebreaker Arktika became the first surface ship to reach the North Pole, marking a significant achievement in Arctic navigation. source: guinnessworldrecords.com
1979 First Quds Day Observance in Tehran on August 17, 1979: On August 17, 1979, the first Quds Day was observed in Tehran, Iran, following a declaration by Ayatollah Khomeini on August 7, 1979, designating the last Friday of Ramadan as International Quds Day to express solidarity with Palestinians and oppose Israeli occupation. source: commons.wikimedia.org
1980 Azaria Chamberlain's disappearance at Uluru: On August 17, 1980, nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain vanished from her family's tent at Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) in Australia's Northern Territory. Her parents, Lindy and Michael Chamberlain, reported that a dingo took their daughter. Despite extensive searches, Azaria's body was never found. The case led to multiple inquests and legal proceedings, with the final inquest in 2012 confirming that a dingo was responsible for her death. source: theguardian.com
1982 First compact discs released in Germany: The first compact discs (CDs) were released in Germany on August 17, 1982. This marked a significant advancement in music technology, allowing for digital audio storage and playback. The initial release included albums by artists such as ABBA and Billy Joel, paving the way for the widespread adoption of CDs in the music industry. source: bbc.com
1983 1983 Luzon earthquake caused significant damage and casualties: On August 17, 1983, a powerful earthquake struck Luzon, Philippines, measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale. The quake resulted in extensive damage, particularly in the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Pampanga, and led to numerous casualties. It highlighted the region's vulnerability to seismic activity and prompted discussions on disaster preparedness. source: usgs.gov
1984 Peru recognizes Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic: On August 17, 1984, Peru officially recognized the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, a move that was significant in the context of the Western Sahara conflict. This recognition was part of Peru's broader foreign policy stance during the 1980s, supporting self-determination movements. source: un.org
1985 Rajiv Gandhi announces Punjab state elections: On August 17, 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi announced that elections would be held in Punjab state on September 25, 1985. This decision followed the signing of the Rajiv-Longowal Accord on July 24, 1985, which aimed to address Sikh demands and end the agitation in the region. Despite concerns over security due to ongoing violence, the government proceeded with the election plan. source: upi.com
1986 Hurricane Charley makes landfall in North Carolina: On August 17, 1986, Hurricane Charley made landfall near Cape Lookout, North Carolina, as a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph. The storm caused tidal flooding, downed trees, and left about 8,000 people without power. A woman drowned near Cape Hatteras while attempting to drive through a flooded roadway. The estimated damage was $400,000 in 1986 dollars. source: weather.gov
1987 Muhammad Ali elected to 'The Ring' magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame: On August 17, 1987, Muhammad Ali was elected to 'The Ring' magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame. At 45, Ali was the only man to win three heavyweight titles, retiring with a 56-5 record and 37 knockouts. He was inducted by the modern writers and broadcasters committee. source: andscape.com
1988 George H. W. Bush nominated for president: On August 17, 1988, during the Republican National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, Vice President George H. W. Bush was officially nominated as the Republican candidate for the 1988 United States presidential election. Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana was selected as his running mate. source: en.wikipedia.org
1990 Log Revolution begins in Croatia: On August 17, 1990, ethnic Serbs in Croatia initiated the 'Log Revolution' by erecting roadblocks made of logs and rocks in areas with significant Serbian populations, including the Dalmatian hinterland around Knin. This insurrection aimed to challenge the newly elected Croatian government, leading to heightened ethnic tensions and setting the stage for the Croatian War of Independence. The blockades disrupted transportation and tourism, causing economic damage to Croatia. source: en.wikipedia.org
1992 Hurricane Andrew forms in Caribbean: Hurricane Andrew formed in the Caribbean Sea on August 17, 1992. It would later become one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, impacting Florida and Louisiana significantly. source: nhc.noaa.gov
1994 Political upheaval in Lesotho: King dismisses premier: On August 17, 1994, King Letsie III of Lesotho dismissed Prime Minister Ntsu Mokhehle, leading to significant political upheaval in the country. This event marked a critical moment in Lesotho's political history. source: bbc.com
1995 China Conducts Nuclear Test at Lop Nor: On August 17, 1995, China conducted a nuclear test at its Lop Nor test site. This test was part of China's ongoing nuclear weapons program and drew international concern regarding nuclear proliferation and regional security. source: en.wikipedia.org
1996 Soyuz TM-24 space mission launch: On August 17, 1996, the Soyuz TM-24 spacecraft was launched, carrying a crew to the Russian space station Mir. The mission was part of ongoing efforts to maintain and operate the Mir space station.
1997 "I'll Be Missing You" tops US charts: Puff Daddy and Faith Evans' tribute song "I'll Be Missing You" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart on August 17, 1997, reflecting its significant cultural impact. source: en.wikipedia.org
1998 Clinton-Lewinsky scandal: Presidential admission: On August 17, 1998, President Bill Clinton publicly admitted to having an inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. This admission was a pivotal moment in the scandal that would lead to his impeachment proceedings. source: nytimes.com
1999 1999 İzmit earthquake: Devastating natural disaster in northwestern Turkey: On August 17, 1999, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near İzmit, Turkey, causing extensive damage and loss of life. source: britannica.com
2000 US Billboard Chart Topper: On August 17, 2000, the Billboard Hot 100 chart was topped by 'Doesn't Really Matter' by Janet Jackson, which held the number one position for three consecutive weeks. source: en.wikipedia.org
2002 Severe flooding in Dresden, Germany: On August 17, 2002, the Elbe River in Dresden, Germany, experienced severe flooding, leading to significant damage in the city. The flood was part of a series of severe European floods that affected several countries during that period. source: en.wikipedia.org
2003 Northeast blackout of 2003: On August 17, 2003, the Northeast blackout continued to affect parts of the United States and Canada. Efforts to restore power were ongoing, and investigations into the causes of the outage were underway. source: nytimes.com
2004 Yana Klochkova wins Olympic gold: On August 17, 2004, Ukrainian swimmer Yana Klochkova won the gold medal in the women's 400m individual medley at the Athens Olympics. This victory marked her second consecutive Olympic gold in this event, solidifying her status as one of the top swimmers in the world. Klochkova's performance was celebrated in Ukraine and among swimming enthusiasts globally. source: bbc.com
2005 Israeli disengagement from Gaza: On August 17, 2005, Israel completed its disengagement from the Gaza Strip, evacuating settlements and military presence. This marked a significant moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations and was met with mixed reactions. source: bbc.com
2006 Tungurahua volcano eruption in Ecuador: The Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador erupted on August 17, 2006, leading to evacuations and ashfall in nearby areas. The eruption raised concerns about the safety of local communities and the impact on air travel. source: usgs.gov
2007 South African Apartheid-Era Minister Pleads Guilty: On August 17, 2007, a former South African apartheid-era minister pleaded guilty to charges related to human rights violations during the apartheid period. The plea marked a significant moment in South Africa's ongoing efforts to address past injustices and promote reconciliation. source: sahistory.org.za
2008 Michael Phelps wins 8 Olympic gold medals: On August 17, 2008, American swimmer Michael Phelps achieved a historic feat by winning his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, surpassing the previous record for the most gold medals won in a single Olympic Games. source: en.wikipedia.org
2009 Catastrophic Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam accident: On August 17, 2009, a catastrophic accident occurred at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Dam in Russia, resulting in a massive flood and the loss of numerous lives. The incident prompted widespread concern over dam safety and led to extensive investigations. source: bbc.com
2010 Suicide bombing at Baghdad army recruitment center: On August 17, 2010, a suicide bomber attacked an army recruitment center in Baghdad, resulting in numerous casualties. The attack underscored the ongoing security challenges faced by Iraqi forces in the post-war environment. source: reuters.com
2011 Lebanon tribunal indicts Hezbollah officials: On August 17, 2011, the Special Tribunal for Lebanon indicted four members of Hezbollah in connection with the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. The indictment accused the individuals of being involved in the planning and execution of the bombing that killed Hariri and 21 others. source: en.wikipedia.org
2012 South African police kill striking miners at Marikana: On August 17, 2012, South African police opened fire on a crowd of striking miners at the Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana, North West Province, resulting in 34 deaths and 78 injuries. The miners were demanding higher wages and better working conditions. source: aljazeera.com
2013 Egyptian Security Forces Clear Mosque, Propose Muslim Brotherhood Dissolution: On August 17, 2013, Egyptian security forces cleared a mosque in Cairo that had been a stronghold for Muslim Brotherhood supporters. The government also proposed dissolving the Muslim Brotherhood, labeling it a terrorist organization. source: aljazeera.com
2014 Michael Brown autopsy reveals multiple gunshot wounds: An autopsy report revealed that Michael Brown sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the incident in Ferguson. This finding contributed to the ongoing discussions about police use of force and civil rights. source: nytimes.com
2015 Bangkok Erawan Shrine bombing in Thailand: On August 17, 2015, a bombing occurred at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in at least 20 deaths and over 120 injuries. The attack targeted a popular tourist destination, causing significant damage and raising concerns about security in the region. source: bbc.com
2016 North Korean diplomat defects: On August 17, 2016, a senior North Korean diplomat, Thae Yong-ho, defected to South Korea. Thae, who was serving as the deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, cited disillusionment with the North Korean regime as his reason for defecting. source: bbc.com
2017 Barcelona van attack: On August 17, 2017, a van was driven into pedestrians on La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain, resulting in 14 fatalities and over 100 injuries. The attack was claimed by ISIS. The driver fled on foot and hijacked a car, killing the driver before being shot by police on August 21. source: dw.com
2018 Imran Khan Elected Prime Minister of Pakistan: Imran Khan, chairman of the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, was elected as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, marking a significant political transition in the country's governance.
2019 ISIS wedding massacre in Kabul: On August 17, 2019, a suicide bombing occurred in a wedding hall in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in at least 92 deaths and 142 injuries. The attack targeted a Shia Muslim wedding, and the Islamic State claimed responsibility. source: en.wikipedia.org
2020 Belarus Experiences Massive Anti-Lukashenko Protests: Approximately 220,000 Belarusians participated in the country's largest-ever protest, challenging President Alexander Lukashenko's disputed re-election. The demonstrations, sparked by allegations of electoral fraud and police violence, represented a significant challenge to Lukashenko's 26-year authoritarian rule. Protesters gathered in Minsk, directly confronting a smaller pro-government rally where Lukashenko defiantly declared he would not relinquish power.
2021 Biden Defends Afghanistan Withdrawal: On August 17, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden defended the controversial withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan following the Taliban's rapid takeover of the country. The Biden administration faced significant international and domestic criticism for its handling of the withdrawal, which resulted in a chaotic and dangerous evacuation process at Kabul's international airport, with thousands of Afghan civilians and international personnel desperately seeking to leave.
2022 Deadly Mosque Suicide Bombing in Kabul: A tragic suicide explosion occurred in a mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 21 worshippers and injuring an additional 33 people. The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges and religious tensions in the region.
2023 US Mortgage Rates Reach Two-Decade High: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the United States surpassed 7% for the first time since 2002, signaling significant challenges in the housing market and reflecting broader economic pressures such as inflation and Federal Reserve monetary policies. This milestone represents a substantial increase in borrowing costs for potential homebuyers and could impact real estate market dynamics.

What Is special about August 17?

August 17 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about August 17.