Events on October 29 - Key Moments Throughout History

Historical Events on October 29: 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 October 29, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

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Events on October 29 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1901 Execution of presidential assassin Leon Czolgosz: On October 29, 1901, Leon Czolgosz, who assassinated President William McKinley on September 6, 1901, was executed by electrocution at Auburn Prison in New York. source: history.com
  • 1908 Founding of Olivetti: A Pioneer in Business Technology: On October 29, 1908, Camillo Olivetti founded Ing. C. Olivetti & C., S.p.A., the first Italian typewriter factory, in Ivrea, Italy. The company began with 20 employees and a weekly output of 20 machines. It later expanded into producing calculators, computers, and other office equipment. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1912 Greek Army Occupies Veria: On October 29, 1912, during the First Balkan War, Greek forces advanced into Veria, a town in Macedonia, as part of their campaign against the Ottoman Empire. This occupation was a significant step in the Greek military's operations in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1917 Australian Troops Crossing Flooded Battlefield at Passchendaele: On October 29, 1917, Australian troops participated in the Second Battle of Passchendaele, crossing a flooded battlefield to advance against German positions. The battle was part of the larger Third Battle of Ypres. source: britannica.com
  • 1918 German naval mutiny sparks revolution: On October 29, 1918, a mutiny erupted among German sailors in the port of Kiel, leading to widespread unrest and the eventual German Revolution. This event contributed to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the end of the German Empire. source: history.com
  • 1919 New Zealand Women's Political Rights Milestone: On October 29, 1919, New Zealand marked a significant milestone in women's political rights, as women gained the right to stand for election. This was a pivotal moment in the global suffrage movement. source: nzhistory.govt.nz
  • 1920 Birth of Baruj Benacerraf: Baruj Benacerraf, a Venezuelan-American immunologist and Nobel laureate, was born in Caracas, Venezuela, on October 29, 1920. He shared the 1980 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the major histocompatibility complex genes, which are crucial for the immune system's ability to distinguish between self and non-self. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1921 Sacco and Vanzetti second trial: On October 29, 1921, the second trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti began. The Italian immigrants were charged with robbery and murder, and their trials became a focal point for debates on justice and immigration in the United States. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 1922 Mussolini appointed Prime Minister of Italy: On October 29, 1922, Benito Mussolini was appointed Prime Minister of Italy by King Victor Emmanuel III, following the March on Rome and the resignation of the previous government. source: britannica.com
  • 1923 Broadway premiere of 'Runnin' Wild': On October 29, 1923, the musical revue 'Runnin' Wild' premiered on Broadway. The show was notable for introducing the Charleston dance craze to a wider audience. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1925 Birth of Robert Hardy: Timothy Sydney Robert Hardy, known as Robert Hardy, was born on October 29, 1925, in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. He was an English actor renowned for his work in theatre, film, and television. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1926 Hohenzollern Estate Settlement with Prussia: On October 26, 1926, the "Law on the Settlement of Property between the Prussian State and the Members of the Formerly Ruling Prussian Royal House" was passed, resolving disputes over expropriated Hohenzollern properties. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1927 New York Yankees win World Series in historic sweep: On October 29, 1927, the New York Yankees secured their second consecutive World Series title by sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates in four games, a remarkable achievement in baseball history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1929 The New York Stock Exchange crashes in what will be called Black Tuesday: On October 29, 1929, the New York Stock Exchange experienced a catastrophic crash, now referred to as Black Tuesday. This event marked the end of the prosperous 1920s and initiated the Great Depression, leading to widespread economic turmoil. source: history.com
  • 1931 Al Capone convicted of tax evasion: On October 17, 1931, gangster Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion, signaling the downfall of one of the most notorious criminals of the 1920s and 1930s. He was later sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and fined $50,000. source: history.com
  • 1932 Launch of French Liner Normandie: On October 29, 1932, the French ocean liner SS Normandie was launched. The ship was renowned for its size and luxury, becoming a symbol of French engineering and design. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1936 BBC launches first high-definition television service: On October 29, 1936, the BBC launched the world's first high-definition television service, broadcasting from Alexandra Palace in London. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1937 Mussolini inaugurates new cities in Pontine Marshes: On October 29, 1937, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini inaugurated new cities in the Pontine Marshes, part of a fascist regime project to reclaim land and promote settlement in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1938 Czechoslovak presidential resignation amid political turmoil: On October 29, 1938, Czechoslovak President Edvard Beneš resigned due to increasing political pressure and the loss of territory following the Munich Agreement. His resignation marked a significant turning point in Czechoslovak history as the country faced growing instability. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition Concludes: The Golden Gate International Exposition, held in San Francisco to celebrate the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, concluded on October 29, 1939. The exposition showcased technological innovations and cultural exhibits, attracting millions of visitors. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1940 Mussolini Invades Greece: On October 29, 1940, Italian forces under Benito Mussolini launched an invasion of Greece, marking the beginning of the Greco-Italian War. This military action aimed to expand Italian territory in the Balkans and was a significant escalation in World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 1941 Holocaust: Kaunas Ghetto mass murder: On October 29, 1941, a mass murder of Jews took place in the Kaunas Ghetto, Lithuania, where hundreds were executed by Nazi forces. This event is part of the broader atrocities committed during the Holocaust, which led to the deaths of millions. The Kaunas Ghetto was one of the many sites of systematic extermination during World War II. source: yadvashem.org
  • 1942 UK public outcry against Nazi persecution of Jews: On October 29, 1942, there was a notable public outcry in the UK regarding the Nazi persecution of Jews. This response highlighted the growing awareness and condemnation of the atrocities being committed during the Holocaust. source: bbc.com
  • 1944 Battle of Budapest commences: The Battle of Budapest began on October 29, 1944, as Soviet forces launched an offensive to capture the city from German and Hungarian troops. This battle was part of the larger Eastern Front operations during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 1947 Formation of Benelux Economic Union: On October 29, 1947, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg signed the Treaty of Brussels, establishing the Benelux Economic Union to promote economic cooperation and integration among the three countries. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1948 Safsaf massacre during Israeli-Palestinian conflict: On October 29, 1948, Israeli forces captured the Palestinian village of Safsaf in the Galilee region. Following the capture, between 50 and 70 villagers were killed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1950 UN Forces advance in Korean War: On October 29, 1950, United Nations forces advanced in the Korean War, making significant progress against North Korean troops. This marked a pivotal moment in the conflict. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1953 BCPA Flight 304 crashes near San Francisco: On October 29, 1953, British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines Flight 304, a Douglas DC-6 named 'Resolution,' crashed near Woodside, California, during its approach to San Francisco International Airport. All 19 people on board, including renowned pianist William Kapell, were killed. The Civil Aeronautics Board concluded that the probable cause was the crew's failure to follow prescribed procedures for an instrument approach. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1955 Devastating Soviet Naval Disaster in Sevastopol: On October 29, 1955, the Soviet battleship Novorossiysk sank in Sevastopol harbor after a massive explosion, resulting in the loss of 608 sailors. The cause remains uncertain, with theories including sabotage by Italian commandos or detonation of a German mine from World War II. source: eurasiantimes.com
  • 1956 Suez Crisis Begins: Israeli Invasion of Sinai Peninsula: On October 29, 1956, Israeli forces launched Operation Kadesh, invading the Sinai Peninsula and advancing toward the Suez Canal. This military action aimed to open the Straits of Tiran and halt fedayeen incursions into Israel, marking the beginning of the Suez Crisis. source: history.com
  • 1957 Death of Hollywood mogul Louis B. Mayer: Louis B. Mayer, co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios, died of leukemia on October 29, 1957, at the age of 72. source: britannica.com
  • 1958 Pasternak refuses Nobel Prize: On October 29, 1958, Russian author Boris Pasternak declined the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he had been awarded for his novel 'Doctor Zhivago.' His refusal was influenced by political pressure from the Soviet government, which opposed the recognition of his work. source: britannica.com
  • 1960 Muhammad Ali's first professional fight: Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, had his first professional boxing match on October 29, 1960, against Tunney Hunsaker. Ali won the fight by unanimous decision, marking the beginning of his illustrious boxing career. This event was pivotal in establishing Ali as a prominent figure in sports and culture. source: boxingnews24.com
  • 1961 Syria exits the United Arab Republic: On October 29, 1961, Syria officially declared its exit from the United Arab Republic, a political union with Egypt that had been established in 1958. This separation marked a significant shift in the political dynamics of the region. source: britannica.com
  • 1964 Formation of Tanzania: On October 29, 1964, the United Republic of Tanzania was officially formed through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. This event marked a significant moment in African history, promoting unity and independence. source: britannica.com
  • 1965 The Who release iconic single 'My Generation': On October 29, 1965, British rock band The Who released their iconic single "My Generation," which became a defining anthem of the 1960s counterculture. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1966 National Organization for Women (NOW) founded: The National Organization for Women (NOW) was founded on October 29, 1966, in Washington, D.C. It aimed to advocate for women's rights and equality, addressing issues such as workplace discrimination and reproductive rights. source: britannica.com
  • 1967 Murder of Jack McVitie by Kray Twins: On October 29, 1967, Jack McVitie was murdered by the Kray twins, notorious gangsters in London. This event highlighted the violent underworld of organized crime in the UK during the 1960s. source: bbc.com
  • 1969 ARPANET: First computer-to-computer network link established: On October 29, 1969, ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, established its first computer-to-computer network link, marking a significant milestone in the development of computer networking. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1971 Vietnam War: Troop Levels Reach Record Low: On October 29, 1971, U.S. troop levels in Vietnam reached their lowest point since the war began, reflecting a significant shift in military strategy and public sentiment. This reduction was part of the broader process of Vietnamization, aimed at transferring combat responsibilities to South Vietnamese forces. source: archives.gov
  • 1972 Recombinant DNA breakthrough: On October 29, 1972, scientists Paul Berg and his team successfully created the first recombinant DNA molecules. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for genetic engineering, allowing for the manipulation of DNA from different organisms. This innovation has had profound implications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • 1974 Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination: On October 28, 1974, President Gerald Ford signed the Equal Credit Opportunity Act into law, making it unlawful for creditors to discriminate against applicants based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or receipt of public assistance. This legislation aimed to ensure equal access to credit for all individuals. source: congress.gov
  • 1975 New York Daily News headline "Ford to City: Drop Dead": On October 29, 1975, the New York Daily News published a front-page headline reading "FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD," following President Gerald Ford's refusal to provide federal assistance to New York City during its fiscal crisis. This headline is considered one of the most controversial in the newspaper's history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1977 Brazilian military minister fired: On October 29, 1977, Brazil's military government dismissed a key minister, reflecting ongoing political tensions within the regime. This event was part of a broader context of military rule and governance in Brazil during that era. source: reuters.com
  • 1979 Billy Martin fired as Yankees manager for second time: On October 29, 1979, Billy Martin was dismissed as manager of the New York Yankees for the second time. The decision followed an incident in which Martin allegedly punched a man in a Bloomington, Minnesota hotel, leading to concerns about his conduct. Martin had returned to manage the Yankees in June 1979 after resigning in July 1978, but the team finished fourth in the American League East that season. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1980 Operation Credible Sport demonstration flight crash: On October 29, 1980, during a demonstration flight for Operation Credible Sport, a modified C-130 Hercules aircraft crashed at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. The operation aimed to rescue American hostages in Iran, but the crash resulted in the loss of the aircraft and crew, highlighting the challenges of the mission. This incident underscored the complexities involved in military operations and the risks associated with experimental aircraft modifications. source: nytimes.com
  • 1981 Death of Georges Brassens, legendary French poet-songwriter: Georges Brassens, a prominent French poet and songwriter, passed away on October 29, 1981. Known for his profound lyrics and unique musical style, Brassens left a lasting impact on French music and culture. His works continue to be celebrated for their poetic depth and social commentary. source: britannica.com
  • 1982 John DeLorean indicted on drug trafficking charges: On October 29, 1982, a federal grand jury indicted automaker John DeLorean on charges of financing a $24 million cocaine deal. DeLorean, former General Motors vice president, was arrested earlier that month in Los Angeles after agreeing to fund the operation in an attempt to salvage his financially troubled DeLorean Motor Company. He was released on $10 million bail and pleaded not guilty to the charges. source: upi.com
  • 1983 Mass anti-nuclear missile protest in The Hague: On October 29, 1983, approximately 550,000 people participated in a demonstration in The Hague, Netherlands, opposing the deployment of U.S. cruise missiles in Europe. Organized by the Committee Cruise Missiles No, this event marked the largest demonstration in Dutch history at that time. source: upi.com
  • 1984 Doonesbury comic strip returns to syndication after hiatus: After a 22-month hiatus, Garry Trudeau's 'Doonesbury' comic strip resumed syndication on October 1, 1984. The strip's return was marked by its publication in various newspapers, including the St. Petersburg Times, which had suspended it for a week due to content deemed offensive. The October 29, 1984 edition of the St. Petersburg Times featured the strip, signaling its return to regular publication. source: gocomics.com
  • 1985 Hurricane Juan causes severe damage along the U.S. Gulf Coast: Hurricane Juan, a Category 1 storm, struck the U.S. Gulf Coast on October 29, 1985, causing widespread flooding and significant damage. The storm's erratic path led to torrential rainfall, with Galliano, Louisiana recording 17.78 inches. The combination of heavy rain and a 5 to 8.2-foot storm surge inundated approximately 50,000 homes, leading to an estimated $1 billion in damages in Louisiana alone. Offshore, nine fatalities occurred due to overturned oil rigs and boats. The storm's impact was felt from Texas to Florida, with flooding in Texas and Mississippi, and tornadoes in the Florida Panhandle causing over $1 million in damage. source: weather.gov
  • 1986 Margaret Thatcher opens M25 motorway: On October 29, 1986, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher officially opened the final section of the M25 London Orbital Motorway, completing the 117-mile ring road around Greater London. The motorway, which had been under construction since 1975, was built at a cost of nearly £1 billion and utilized over two million tonnes of concrete. Despite its initial design to accommodate 100,000 vehicles daily, the M25 quickly became notorious for heavy congestion, earning nicknames like "Britain's biggest car park." source: bbc.co.uk
  • 1987 Thomas Hearns becomes first four-division world champion: On October 29, 1987, Thomas Hearns defeated Juan Roldán by fourth-round knockout at the Las Vegas Hilton, capturing the vacant WBC middleweight title. This victory made Hearns the first boxer to win world titles in four different weight divisions: welterweight, light middleweight, middleweight, and light heavyweight. source: britannica.com
  • 1988 Ultramarathon Endurance Record Attempt: Jim Elliott from the United States begins a 24-hour paced outdoor race, attempting to cover an extraordinary distance of 548.9 miles, showcasing extreme human endurance and athletic performance.
  • 1991 Galileo spacecraft makes historic asteroid approach: On October 29, 1991, NASA's Galileo spacecraft made a close approach to the asteroid Gaspra, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This encounter provided valuable data about the asteroid's surface and composition, enhancing our understanding of these celestial bodies. source: nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov
  • 1992 FDA approves Depo-Provera as injectable contraceptive: The FDA approved Depo-Provera, an injectable contraceptive, for use in the United States. This approval followed nearly 20 years of controversy and studies indicating the drug's safety and efficacy. Depo-Provera provides three months of pregnancy protection with a single injection. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1993 The Nightmare Before Christmas Theatrical Release: On October 29, 1993, the animated film "The Nightmare Before Christmas," directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, was released in theaters. The film has since become a holiday classic, known for its unique stop-motion animation and original music.
  • 1994 Assassination of Johan Heyns: Johan Heyns, a prominent South African theologian and leader of the Dutch Reformed Church, was assassinated on October 29, 1994, at his home in Pretoria. He was shot through a window while playing cards with his family. source: sahistory.org.za
  • 1995 US wins Nichirei International LPGA Golf Tournament: On October 29, 1995, American golfer Karrie Webb won the Nichirei International LPGA Golf Tournament held in Japan. This victory marked a significant achievement in her career, contributing to her status as one of the top female golfers of her time. source: nytimes.com
  • 1997 Iraq threatens UN surveillance planes: On October 29, 1997, Iraq announced it would no longer allow American inspectors working with the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) to conduct inspections in Iraq. Iraq also threatened to shoot down U.S. U-2 surveillance flights supporting UNSCOM, leading to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1137 on November 12, 1997, which imposed a travel ban on Iraqi officials and threatened unspecified "further measures." source: un.org
  • 1998 John Glenn Returns to Space: On October 29, 1998, John Glenn, at age 77, became the oldest person to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. This mission, designated STS-95, was part of NASA's Space Shuttle program and aimed to study the effects of space travel on the elderly. source: nasa.gov
  • 1999 Super cyclone of Odisha: The Super Cyclone of Odisha struck the eastern coast of India on October 29, 1999, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. With wind speeds exceeding 250 km/h, it resulted in over 10,000 fatalities and left millions homeless. The disaster prompted a major humanitarian response and changes in disaster management policies in India. source: bbc.com
  • 2003 Death of Franco Corelli: Renowned Italian tenor Franco Corelli passed away on October 29, 2003. source: nytimes.com
  • 2004 Osama bin Laden admits 9/11 responsibility: On October 29, 2004, Al Jazeera broadcast a videotape in which Osama bin Laden accepted responsibility for the September 11 attacks, condemning the U.S. government's response and presenting the attacks as part of a campaign of revenge and deterrence. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2005 Hurricane Sandy impacts US East Coast: On October 29, 2005, Hurricane Sandy began to affect the US East Coast, causing significant damage and prompting evacuations. The storm was notable for its size and impact on the region. source: nhc.noaa.gov
  • 2006 Lula da Silva re-elected as Brazilian President: On October 29, 2006, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was re-elected as President of Brazil, securing approximately 60% of the vote in a runoff election against former São Paulo state governor Geraldo Alckmin. This victory marked a significant political comeback for Lula, who had previously served as president from 2003 to 2010. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 2007 Suicide bomber attacks police in Baquba: On October 29, 2007, a suicide bomber targeted police officers in Baquba, Iraq, resulting in multiple casualties. This attack underscored the ongoing violence and instability in the region during this period. source: reuters.com
  • 2008 British Foreign Secretary changes position on Tibet: On October 29, 2008, the British Foreign Secretary announced a shift in the UK's stance on Tibet, emphasizing the need for dialogue between China and Tibetan representatives. This marked a notable change in foreign policy regarding human rights issues. source: theguardian.com
  • 2009 US economy emerges from recession: On October 29, 2009, reports indicated that the US economy was beginning to emerge from the recession that had begun in 2007. Economic indicators showed signs of recovery, leading to discussions about fiscal policy and future growth. This marked a pivotal moment in the economic landscape of the United States. source: nytimes.com
  • 2010 Explosive packages intercepted in terrorism scare: On October 29, 2010, authorities intercepted explosive packages linked to a terrorism scare, raising security concerns globally. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in international shipping and security protocols. source: bbc.com
  • 2011 Qantas Airline fleet grounded due to safety concerns: On October 29, 2011, Qantas Airlines grounded its entire fleet in response to a dispute with labor unions over safety and operational issues. This unprecedented move affected thousands of passengers worldwide and led to significant disruptions in air travel. source: bbc.com
  • 2012 Hurricane Sandy devastates US East Coast: Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the US East Coast, causing widespread destruction and power outages. The storm impacted millions, leading to emergency declarations in several states and significant damage to infrastructure. source: nytimes.com
  • 2013 Polio outbreak in Syria: A polio outbreak was confirmed in Syria, marking the first cases in the country since 1999. The outbreak raised significant health concerns, prompting international health organizations to initiate vaccination campaigns to control the spread of the virus. source: who.int
  • 2015 China ends one-child policy: The Chinese government announced the end of its one-child policy, allowing all couples to have two children. This policy shift aimed to address demographic challenges, including an aging population and declining birth rates. source: bbc.com
  • 2016 FBI reopens Clinton email investigation: The FBI announced it was reopening the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails, a move that stirred controversy and had significant implications for the upcoming presidential election. source: nytimes.com
  • 2017 Massive anti-Catalan independence demonstration in Barcelona: On October 29, 2017, a large demonstration took place in Barcelona against Catalan independence. Thousands of people gathered to express their opposition to the Catalan government's push for independence from Spain, highlighting the deep divisions within the region. source: bbc.com
  • 2018 Devastating Storms in Italy: In late October 2018, Italy experienced severe storms that led to significant flooding and damage, particularly in the central and southern regions. The storms resulted in casualties and widespread destruction, prompting emergency responses and recovery efforts. source: reuters.com
  • 2019 S&P 500 Reaches Record High: The S&P 500 stock market index closed at an unprecedented record high, signaling strong investor confidence and robust economic performance in the United States.
  • 2020 India Surpasses 8 Million COVID-19 Cases: India reached a significant milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the second country after the United States to record over 8 million confirmed cases. The country reported a total death toll of 120,527, highlighting the severe impact of the global pandemic on the nation.
  • 2021 Biden Announces Comprehensive Social Infrastructure and Climate Investment Framework: President Joe Biden unveiled a landmark $1.75 trillion spending plan designed to significantly expand the United States' social safety net and make unprecedented investments in climate change mitigation. The comprehensive framework proposed $555 billion specifically targeted at environmental initiatives, representing the largest federal commitment to addressing climate challenges in U.S. history. The plan aimed to simultaneously address social infrastructure needs and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable economy, signaling a transformative approach to national policy.
  • 2022 Deadly Halloween Crowd Crush in Seoul: A tragic crowd crush occurred during Halloween celebrations in the Itaewon district of Seoul, South Korea, resulting in the deaths of at least 156 people. The incident highlighted significant crowd management and safety concerns during large public gatherings. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 2023 Israel–Hamas War Escalates with Significant Casualties: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in devastating human losses, with over 8,005 Palestinians killed in Gaza and more than 1,400 people killed in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the war will be 'long and difficult', signaling intensified military operations. The UN General Assembly's non-binding resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire has been met with strong opposition from Israel's UN ambassador.

What Is special about October 29?

October 29 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about October 29.